News Broadcasting
BBC World to premiere Indian Journeys 20 August
NEW DELHI: International news channel BBC World will telecast a new six-part series, Indian Journeys, from Tuesday, 20 August, 2002 at 10:00 pm, with additional appointments to view on Saturdays at 10:00 pm and Sundays at 12 Noon.
The series embarks on an exploratory journey across the spiritual heartland of India with renowned author William Dalrymple as he delves deep into the Indian spiritual psyche and explores what lies at its core – within the rich tapestry of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, according to a BBC press release.
The first two episodes, titled Shiva’s Matted Locks, follow William as he traces the source of the sacred river Ganges, a journey that takes him 15,000 ft into the high Himalayas near the Tibetan border. In the next two episodes titled City of Djinns, William visits Delhi to explore the strong interconnections between Islam and Hinduism that are manifest to this day in the form of age old rituals, monuments and customs. In the final two episodes, William goes to the South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which are traditionally said to have close linkages with the Apostle of Jesus commonly known as Doubting Thomas.
An inspiring kaleidoscope of Indian images, religions and regions, Indian Journeys won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary Series at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 2002. The programme captures the colour and the essence of Indian spiritualism through the eyes of a celebrated travel writer in search of its holy origins. The series showcases India’s connections with spirituality and offers the viewer a rich and enthralling experience with a unique perspective.
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.
