News Broadcasting
NDTV launches scholar hunt
MUMBAI: NDTV has tied up with broadband and telephone services company Airtel to present a reality contest named ‘Airtel Scholar Hunt Destination UK’.
The show scheduled to go on air from 14 July 2007, proposes to select the best from the Indian student community in the country and offer them five scholarships to British universities in subjects as diverse as Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Management, Computing Science, Biomedical Science and Engineering. ‘Airtel Scholar Hunt Destination UK’ specifically targets students who will complete their Senior Secondary (Class XII) education this April.
Hosted by Arun Thapar, the show is structured around a multi-stage contest that places a high premium on academic excellence. As it progresses, the contest becomes more subject specific and intellectually grueling to ensure that the winners have a sound knowledge base and aptitude for the chosen subjects.
On the launch of this innovative scholar hunt reality show to be produced by NDTV, NDTV Media CEO Raj Nayak said, “Reality shows have been a huge success in the past and we have been toying with the idea for over a year. But it was important for us to bring in a reality show that fits in with the profile and image of the channel and that’s how we narrowed down on education.
He further added that parents may have reservations on their children participating in a glamour related talent hunt but no parent will ever have an objection for their children getting an opportunity for good education. “We believe this program will give an opportunity for students across the country not only to be a part of a reality show but also to fulfill their dream of studying abroad.”
Adding to this, NDTV 24X7 Managing Editor Sonia Singh, said, “It is NDTV’s constant endeavour to present novel programmes that excite our viewers and we are targeting the next gen in this reality show. This scholar hunt offers students a chance to excel in a fair competition. Not only will this show thrill the younger generation, it will also challenge their minds and offer them a promising future.”
Based on their performance, the winners will bag scholarships to renowned universities like Cardiff University, Leeds University, Middlesex University, Sheffield University and Warwick University for either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. In addition to sponsoring the scholarships and stipend for living expenses, the participating British Universities will assist in developing the specifics of the quiz and task rounds, so that the contest questions reflect their exacting admission requirements.
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.
