News Broadcasting
India Today Group launches Tak 360, India’s first FAST news channel
NOIDA: India Today Group has fired the starting gun on its connected TV ambitions with the launch of Tak 360, billed as India’s first FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) news channel, aimed squarely at an always-on, digital-first audience.
Built for large screens and fast consumption, Tak 360 blends hyperlocal reporting with national and global coverage under the banner “गली से ग्लोब तक”, positioning itself as a single destination for real-time news across genres. Politics, business, crime, culture, sports, fitness and wellness sit side by side in a continuous programming loop designed for frictionless viewing across connected devices.
The launch reflects a broader shift in how news is being consumed, as connected TV rapidly moves from the margins to the mainstream. With audiences increasingly favouring big-screen streaming for live and premium content, FAST channels are emerging as a low-friction, high-reach alternative to traditional television and subscription-led OTT.
Kalli Purie, vice chairperson and executive editor-in-chief of India Today Group, said the launch marked the group’s next phase of digital innovation. “With Tak 360, we are taking our legacy into the connected TV era. As audiences shift to connected platforms, Tak 360 strengthens our position as the country’s most future-ready digital news network,” she said.
Tak 360 will stream live across the group’s digital and connected ecosystem, including News Tak on YouTube and web, the Aaj Tak and India Today websites and apps, as well as the group’s connected TV apps — India Today, GNT and Aaj Tak — offering global, always-on access.
Backed by a strong editorial backbone, 24×7 programming and a focus on balanced, inclusive reporting, Tak 360 is being pitched as a national news destination that reflects India’s diversity while matching the speed and scale demanded by connected TV audiences.
As FAST gains momentum and the living room becomes the next newsroom battleground, India Today Group is moving early — and fast.
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.
