News Broadcasting
CNN using new tech to cover Iraq conflict
MUMBAI: CNN is relying on new technology to put its viewers at the heart of the battlefront. The broadcaster says its footage of the 3-7th Cavalry making inroads into southern Iraq reveals how the network’s pioneering new technology is changing the way broadcasters can transmit dramatic footage live from new and challenging environments.
The broadcaster’s senior international correspondent Walter Rodgers debuted the new equipment while travelling at speeds of up to 40 mph throughout the advance of the troops across the Kuwait border and deep into Iraq.
Rodgers used a standard videophone system connected to a specially developed tracking satellite phone antenna, mounted on the vehicle roof. This antenna has the ability to lock onto a satellite beacon and remains stationary, even as the vehicle it’s mounted on turns, bounces, and speeds along at up to 60 mph.
According to Rodgers, ” Photographer Charlie Miller filmed from numerous positions from inside and outside the car, bracing himself as best he could on the car frame. I was able to concentrate on reporting live to CNN’s numerous broadcast services this historic event as Jeff Barwise, our engineer, concentrated on ensuring that our new equipment worked above and beyond our expectations.”
According to a release, in addition to broadcasting images, these antennae allow reporters to file video packages, check email, and make phone calls while moving at speed through rough terrain or heavy seas.
CNN will have similar land-based systems deployed elsewhere in the Middle East during this conflict, as well as sea-based versions aboard the USS Lincoln and Constellation.
CNN.com has also launched an online press kit. The broadcaster is looking to make the job of media writers reporting on the conflict easier. The kit details CNN’s coverage of the war. Found at www.cnn.com/services/iraq.opk Strike on Iraq provides an overview of how the network is covering the conflict. The kit includes exclusive CNN images, maps, network personnel in the region, press releases, latest programming schedules and links to CNN.com special reports.
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.
