News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 unveils new primetime lineup
MUMBAI: CNN-News18, the national English news channel of News18 Network, has announced an all-new programming line-up for the evening primetime. With an aim to deliver insightful news and a platform for the common man to voice their views and concerns, the channel is all set to redefine its primetime with powerful line-ups. The Right Stand, a high octane debate show, believes in putting India first and focuses on major national issues. The show will telecast every weeknight at 7.57 pm, starting tonight.
Talking about the refreshed content, Network18 CEO English and business news cluster Basant Dhawan said, “During the last year, News18 Network strengthened its value proposition and has now firmly cemented itself as the leading news network in the country. The refreshed programming is a part of our continued efforts of pushing the envelope of journalism. Keeping viewers at the core of our content strategy, the new line-up reflects the dynamism and the constantly evolving nature of the television news and the consumers.”
Disrupting the primetime at 7.57 pm, The Right Stand will be hosted by executive editor, Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN). Narasimhan, in his distinctive style, will lead the discussions and capture various facets of the news story helping viewers make an informed opinion. The hour and a half long show will witness intense debates on top national stories of the day with the biggest newsmakers.
Anchored by India’s leading political journalist, Bhupendra Chaubey, executive editor (@bhupendrachaube), the channel will also introduce Viewpoint at 5.57 pm. Brass Tacks hosted by Zakka Jacob, executive editor – output (@Zakka_Jacob), the most influential media person in 40 under 40 and an award-winning journalist for two consecutive years, will telecast at 9.25 pm. The shows will further bolster the channel’s positioning of ‘On Your Side’.
Continuing the legacy of differentiated and engaging content, Viewpoint will disrupt the standard formats as seen on news television by bringing forth an unparalleled and in-depth ground-level view on the major issues of the day. With Jacob’s analytical demeanour and his innovative approach to news telling, Brass Tacks will bring unmatched insights for the viewers by providing a crisp news bulletin comprising key 50 news stories of the day.
Airing at 6.57 pm, Bottom Line anchored by Kishore Ajwani, managing editor (@KishoreAjwani), the show will feature stories that are of direct relevance and interest to viewers. At 10.26 pm, political editor, Marya Shakil (@maryashakil) will continue to host Epicentre offering a comprehensive round-up of all big stories including burning political stories of the day along with issues focusing on gender biasness, minorities etc.
A 360-degree marketing campaign is launched for an extensive outreach and engagement with the viewers for the refreshed primetime. Designed to elaborate the core philosophy and impactful proposition, the campaign integrates print, outdoor and digital medium. The channel will also leverage its owned network assets including CNBC TV18, History TV18, News18 Kerala, News18 Karnataka, News18.com and Firstpost.com.
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.
