News Broadcasting
News18 India unveils exclusive interview with health minister on Ayushman Bhava campaign
Mumbai: News18 India, India’s number one Hindi news channel, recently hosted an exclusive interview with Mansukh Mandaviya, India’s minister of health and family welfare. During this interview, News18 India managing editor Kishore Ajwani delved into the remarkable achievements of the Ayushman Bharat program and India’s steadfast commitment to public health and global solidarity.
To celebrate prime minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, a groundbreaking initiative known as Ayushman Bhava is set to launch on a national scale. The campaign is scheduled to run from September 17th to October 2nd, and minister Mansukh Mandaviya has passionately called upon the nation’s citizens to actively participate. He revealed that “Seva Pakhwada” will be celebrated during these 15 days, welcoming any Indian citizen, social organization, representative, or political party to partake in this noble endeavor.
The Ayushman Bharat program, a government-led healthcare initiative, has positively impacted an astonishing 600 million individuals, providing them with crucial healthcare benefits. In a significant step towards improving accessibility and user-friendliness, the government recently introduced an innovative mobile application, ensuring ease and convenience for beneficiaries.
One of the program’s standout features is its widespread reach, with an impressive 240 million individuals already possessing Ayushman cards. Minister Mandaviya disclosed that these cards could now serve as a means for organ donation, streamlining the process and granting donors a certificate of their altruistic contribution.
Minister Mandaviya emphasised, “Ayushman Bharat is more than just a program; it is evolving into a monumental campaign.” Prime Minister Modi’s vision of offering free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees has already transformed countless lives, and the upcoming Ayushman Villages initiative aims to further bolster healthcare accessibility.
Expressing his deep faith in the initiative, minister Mandaviya stated, “We are undertaking this campaign for the betterment of humanity,” expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from citizens and NGOs eager to collaborate for the greater good.
“In our nation, health is not a business but a selfless service,” underscored minister Mandaviya, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to serving its people.
When questioned about the healthcare sector, the minister stressed the importance of international medical cooperation, particularly in the ongoing pandemic era. He highlighted the pivotal role played by digital technology in managing citizens’ health, with digital vaccine records contributing significantly to the efficient vaccination drive.
Regarding India’s remarkable vaccine initiative during the COVID-19 crisis, minister Mandaviya pointed out that extensive vaccine research had been conducted, leading to India’s global vaccine distribution efforts under the “vaccine maitri” mission. The world has recognized India’s substantial contributions to global vaccination efforts, highlighting the nation’s dedication to international solidarity.
In closing, minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended an invitation to all individuals to join hands with the Ayushman Bharat initiative, saying, “Come, be a part of our journey, support us, and help us scale new heights to ensure the success of the ‘Ayushmaan Bhav’ initiative.”
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
