News Broadcasting
Star-ANZ Grindlays-Mastercard introduce credit card
Star TV and ANZ Grindlays have got into bed together with Mastercard International. And the result of the menage a trois: a bonny alive and kicking credit card which was revealed to the world today. It has been christened the ANZ Grindlays Star TV World card.
The card claims to offer owners a host of powerful benefits and services which are being touted as a “first” for the Indian credit card industry. A powerful rewards programme, movie screenings, concerts, and a shot at fame with participation on Star TV shows. This apart there are rewards such as a free Satyam Infoway Net connection (70 hours of surfing), air tickets from Qantas, revolving credit facility, transfers from other plastic, 24 hour call centres, tele-travel, and personal accident insurance.
The card’s cost: a membership fee of Rs 1200 per annum. The target audience: urban, middle and upper-middle class families. Some 350,000 cards are to be issued this year. Those interested in opting for the card in India can call 9622 800 800.
Cardholders will be in a position to use the ANZ Grindlays Star TV World card worldwide at 17 million merchants and 460,000 ATMs and over 110,000 outlets in India/Nepal. Similar co-branded credit card are to be introduced in other countries in the Asia Pacific region as well.
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.
