News Broadcasting
CNN takes programming concept ‘Quest’ to the next level
MUMBAI: In April 2005 in order to broaden its programme offerings CNN had aired a special Quest. In it its correspondent Richard Quest tracked down some of the biggest names in comedy to find out what it takes to entertain and tickle the bones of a live audience.
Encouraged by the response the show received the broadcaster has announced that the concept will become a regular feature on the channel. Quest will see the correspondent going in search of greatness as he travels the globe. The show kicks off on 9 July at 5 pm with a repeat on 10 July at 12 pm and 6 pm.
Quest examines questions like Does the grey matter, matter? And does everyone have the potential for greatness? Dwelling on the initiative CNN Intl MD Chris Cramer says, “CNN is constantly seeking ways to evolve its programming. The success of the pilot show showed that we had hit a nerve with our international audience who are responding well to the growing strand of feature and lifestyle programming on CNN. We are very pleased to have developed a format that plays to Richard’s strengths as both interviewer and presenter who really engages with viewers.”
Drawing inspiration from the ancient civilisation of Petra, talking to living icons such as the Dalai Lama and going head to head with the legendary brain of Einstein, Quest is on a search in this first edition of his new series for what drives, inspires and makes a person great. Are they born that way or do they achieve greatness through hard work, experience, or knowledge?
As part of his research Quest seeks out personalities such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and former US President Bill Clinton for the answer. He also follows the well worn paths of those who have gone in search of inspiration and greatness in places such as Petra in Jordan and Gandhi’s ashram in India.
For the Dalai Lama greatness is more of a mental state than a physical one: he tells Quest: “ With a smart brain and credit by warm-heartedness, a sense of responsibility, sense of compassion I think a person becomes something, something great or something useful.”
Clinton says, “I think near history tends to reward those who happen to govern in difficult periods, particularly if there is conflict. What really matters in any leaders’ moment in history is that you understand the time in which you live and you understand your mission that will take you from where you are.”
What is unique about Quest is that it dispenses with the usual sofa and Q&A format. Richard Quest uses his unconventional and unique interviewing style to gain insight into what makes his guests tick.
News Broadcasting
Rising Bharat Summit 2026 spotlights India’s global ascent
PM Modi keynotes two-day event with ministers, diplomats and icons in New Delhi.
MUMBAI: India didn’t just host a summit, it threw a coming-out party for a nation ready to own the global stage. The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, held on 27–28 February in New Delhi, emerged as a high-octane platform for ideas, vision and strategic dialogue, uniting national leadership, global policymakers, industry titans, defence strategists and cultural icons under the theme “Strength Within”.
Prime minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a keynote that framed India’s resurgence as a reclaiming of lost potential built over generations. “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers,” he said. “But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and shaping them.” He highlighted the country’s thriving AI startup ecosystem and the recent AI Impact Summit attended by over 100 nations.
Union minister Piyush Goyal (Commerce & Industry) stressed India’s readiness to scale exports and deepen manufacturing, while Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT) positioned technology and infrastructure as twin engines of growth, especially in AI and digital trust. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Communications & North East Development) revealed India’s ambition to lead in 6G through the Bharat 6G Alliance and partnerships with over 30 countries.
Global voices added depth: former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo called India’s development “self-sustaining” and strategically vital; ex-UK Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter asserted India deserves a seat at the great powers’ table; and former US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined ambassadors from Norway, Germany and Sweden in discussions on geopolitical realignment, sustainability and defence preparedness.
Other speakers included veteran investor Ramesh Damani, World Gold Council CEO David Tait, Vianai Systems founder Dr Vishal Sikka, DeepTech Bharat Foundation co-founder Shashi Shekhar Vempati, defence experts Rajesh Kumar Singh, Sunil Ambekar, Patrick McGee, Tom Cooper and Adrian Fontanellaz, plus cultural and sporting icons Kangana Ranaut, Saina Nehwal, PR Sreejesh, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mithali Raj, Anil Kapoor and Yami Gautam.
The summit was supported by Jio Financial Services (Presenting Partner), Phonepe and DS Group (Co-Presenting Partners), Pernod Ricard India and Kia Seltos (Powered By & Driven By), state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand (State Partners), and associate partners including NSE, M3M Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Broadcast live across News18 Network, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz, the event reinforced India’s image as a confident democracy and emerging global power proving that when strength comes from within, the world can’t help but watch.
