News Broadcasting
Govt working to expand and deepen rural connectivity
NEW DELHI: The government is finalising a spectrum policy that would bring in an automated spectrum management system with 3G services being an integral part of it, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman Pradip Baijal said here today.
Addressing the conclave on 3G Services and Opportunities for India, organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), Baijal said the policy on 3G has to be evolved with caution. Both the operators and the regulator would have to ensure that prices come down, while at the same time building flexibility with respect to spectrum allocation and making it affordable for carriers to create a sustainable business.
Pointing out that policies will have to be dictated by standards laid down by the International telecommunications Union (IT) and the availability of equipment in those ranges, he expressed confidence that with private operators opening more mobile towers in the interior regions of the country, 3G services would grow at a rapid pace, thus, giving a push to entertainment too.
He said the government was working on expanding and in view of the tremendous demand for broadband in rural areas and cited lack of adequate infrastructure in realising this opportunity.
Nokia Networks (Global) executive vice-president & GM Sari Baldauf spoke of the rapidly growing subscriber base of 3G WCDMA, which today stands at 11 million. WCDMA, she pointed out, provided higher capacity at lower cost leading to faster and richer services at reduced prices, consumer multimedia and broadband wireless access for consumers and corporate use.
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.
