News Broadcasting
‘U’ certificate only for music videos: I&B ministry
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: What the I&B minister proposes, the I&B ministry is left with the onerous task of disposing. I&B minister RS Prasad’s recent comments to the media that all TV channels, barring news channels, would have to air programmes that can be certified or has been certified ‘U’ (fit for people under 18) by the Censor Board, looks likely to be given a not-so quiet burial.
Indiantelevision.com has learnt that the I&B ministry next week is all set back track on the ‘U’ certificate “controversy” raised by Prasad. The government will allay the fears of movie channels that they too, would have to obtain a ‘U’ certificate for the films they air, say government sources.
According to a government source, “We are not into being moral police. The ‘U’ certificate would have to be obtained only for (Indian) music videos as per the Cinematographic Act.”
Regarding Indian movies, the government source clarified that such films are anyway subjected to Indian Censor Board certification which are also valid when they are also valid when they are aired on television channels.
Queried about the rules that apply to English films, the source said foreign films are subject to the certification and rules of their respective countries.
Referring to English movie channels like Zee MGM, HBO, Star Movies and Hallmark, the government source said, “We hope that the English channels would keep Indian sensibilities and sensitivities in mind when airing movies.” Basically the line that Prasad has more than once gone on record as stating: That channels should exercise self-regulation.
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.
