News Broadcasting
Crest promoter Dr Raja Ramanna passes away
MUMBAI: Eminent nuclear scientist and former Crest Communications chairman Dr Raja Ramanna passed away early this morning (3:15 am) following a cardiac arrest in a city hospital. He was 79.
Dr Ramanna was admitted to hospital on Monday after he complained of giddiness and sweating.
Also known as the father of India’s nuclear bomb programme Dr Ramanna was held in high regard by the country’s scientific and academic community. Dignitaries from across the globe, including India’s Prime Minister and President have condoled his death.
Dr Ramanna, who was also the chairman of Indian animation major Crest Communication (now renamed as Crest Animation Studios) is survived by by his wife, two daughters and his son Shyam Ramanna.
Coincidentally, it was only on Monday that Dr Ramanna handed over the chairmanship of the company to Shyam during the Crest AGM. It was also at this AGM that the change in name of the company became effective. It was on 30 July the Crest’s board had recommended that the company’s name be changed so as to properly reflect the fact that today it is focussed purely on the animation business.
Dr Ramanna’s last rites are expected to be performed sometime after 2 pm when Shyam, who is based out of Bangkok, arrives.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
