News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN & Ericsson collaborate to foster innovation with ‘Networked India’
MUMBAI: CNN-IBN in partnership with Ericsson has announced the Top 5 finalists for its Networked India initiative after an extensive campaign over the past few months. The campaign aims to identify innovations that employ cloud, broadband and mobility to benefit society. A one-of-its-kind initiative, Networked India aims to give recognition to change makers and help realize the Networked Society in India.
The nominations were invited from innovators all across the country through the campaign portal www.networkedindia.com.Over 140 entries were received in the period 8 June to 12 July, 2015 and top five projects have been selected by an eminent jury comprising of industry experts. The shortlisted projects are on diverse subjects and sectors such as Healthcare, Environment, Transport and Human Rights.
A special episode of Networked India showcasing some of the interesting innovations from across the country will be aired on CNN-IBN on Friday, July 31 @ 6:30 PM & 11:30 PM. The Top 5 finalists will be revealed on CNN-IBN a week later in a special show to be telecast at the same timings.
The grand finale of ‘Networked India’ will see the finalists presenting their unique ideas. The top two winners will be announced at the Grand Finale to be held at New Delhi on 7 August. The Grand Finale of Networked India will include keynote address by Dr. M Annadurai, Director, ISRO Satellite Centre & Programme Director of Mars Orbiter Mission (ISRO) followed by brief presentations by the finalists showcasing their projects and a panel discussion on ‘Networked India: Are we there yet? ’.
Avinash Kaul, CEO, IBN News Network said, “The world has come closer because of innovations in the field of communication. We’re proud to be the flag-bearers in promoting and encouraging such remarkable innovations which, in the days to come, help build a better society and a better country.”
Chris Houghton, Head of Region India, Ericsson, said, “Ericsson has long envisioned the arrival of a Networked Society. As this transformation comes to life, we are seeing people use mobility and the internet to make a positive impact on their own situations and their communities. Networked India is a platform wherein the real change-makers can come to the fore and share their stories. At Ericsson, we see ourselves as enablers of change makers.”
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.
