News Broadcasting
NDS and Discovery Channel involve interactive TV viewers in Mastermind
NDS has developed an interactive version of Mastermind, the popular television quiz that will debut on 12 November on Discovery Networks Europe (DNE) on Sky digital.
Discovery selected NDS, the leading provider of conditional access systems and interactive applications for digital TV, to provide the technology and to assist in the implementation of the Mastermind application, based on NDS's success with SkySportsActive, Channel 4's Banzai, QVC and other interactive customers.
NDS and Discovery developed the application to allow Sky digital viewers to select from multiple-choice answers in real-time on their remote control, as host Clive Anderson asks the general knowledge questions. Viewers will also be able to vote for the contestant they think looks the brainiest. At the end of the show, viewers will be able to register their scores – those who record the highest scores will be invited to compete in a Viewers' Final, which will take place after the contestants' final.
Discovery launched NDS-powered interactive programming in May 2001 with shows such as Tales From the Black Museum II, Elevision and the Ultimate Guide to Mummies. The interactive shows feature additional in-depth and easy-to-access information, with quirky facts and quizzes for viewers.
Mastermind was last aired in Britain in 1996. The new series – which still features the famous black chair, will transmit each weekday at 4 pm and 7:30 pm, with a weekend omnibus on Saturday and Sunday. The show will remain true to its original format, with four contestants receiving two minutes of questioning on their chosen specialized subject and a further two minutes on general knowledge.
News Broadcasting
Parikshit Luthra exits CNBC-TV18 after 20-year run
Former bureau chief to take brief pause before next role
NEW DELHI: Senior journalist Parikshit Luthra has signed off from CNBC-TV18, marking 28 February 2026 as his final day and closing nearly two decades with Network18 Media & Investments Limited, including eight years at the business news channel.
During his tenure, Luthra interviewed prominent business leaders and Union ministers, reporting on economic policy, corporate strategy, the automobile sector and financial markets. His coverage spanned key inflection points in India’s economic narrative.
He also led new programming formats such as Newscentre, Global Eye and Global Lens, shows that examined politics and foreign policy through an economic prism, reflecting the channel’s push towards globally linked business reporting.
In a LinkedIn post, Luthra said his final weeks were spent covering the Union Budget, the India AI Summit, India’s trade agreements with the US and EU, and the group’s flagship Rising Bharat Summit 2026. He added that he continued anchoring until his last day and briefly met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his closing assignments.
Luthra joined CNBC-TV18 in June 2018 as assistant editor, later rising to senior editor and chief of bureau, a position he held for over two years. Before that, he worked with Republic TV and CNN-News18.
He said he plans to take a short break before embarking on his next professional chapter.
