News Broadcasting
CNN’s ‘destination india’ explores the country’s most adventurous and exotic locations
MUMBAI: India is a vibrant combination of landscapes, traditions and cultures that houses spectacular destinations still unexplored and uncharted. Often famous for its spirituality, India is now attracting thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This month, CNN’s ‘Destination India’ delves into the finest adventure expeditions and eco-tourism locations ranging from trekking the foothills of the Himalayas to surfing on the South-Western coast.
Highlights of the 30-minute special include:
Free Falling
What’s more adventurous than throwing caution to the wind and jumping off India’s highest (and only) fixed platform bungee jump? Located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the jump, designed by New Zealander David Allardice, a renowned jump master, drops those who dare down 83 meters (273 feet) towards a tributary of the River Ganga. If jumping is a bit too scary, visitors can opt to swing from the seat harness and become a human pendulum. It’s a leap of faith in an area known for its spiritualty.
Trekking with the Traveling Sisters of India
There may be no adventure greater than setting out on a trek in the Himalayas and no better guides than the traveling sisters of India: Prachi and Himadri Garg. Known as the ‘Ghoomophiro sisters’, Prachi and Himadri run trekking trips in Northern India including, female only weekend trips from Delhi. CNN joins the sisters on an exciting trip as they head out to Mussoorie in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Riding the Rails
Riding the rails on the vast network of Indian Railways is perhaps the best way to experience the true spirit of India. For decades it has sparked the imagination of writers and film makers, and it’s still a favorite mode of transport for locals and foreigners alike. But passengers don’t need to pack into a hot train to experience this throwback form of travel – in fact they can ride in style. Jump onboard the Maharajas’ Express and experience a luxurious journey to Rajasthan’s most popular destinations.
Surfs up in India
The waves of Hawaii have been tackled, the beaches of Bali are packed, and the coastline of California is too common… so where do surfers go when they are looking for an adventure? India. Call it the last frontier in surfing if you will. The country is rapidly becoming a must-visit spot for pro and amateur surfers looking to “hang-ten” on some of the most remote surfing spots in the world along the over 7,000 kilometers of coastline in India. India’s surf pioneers at the Mantra Surf Club have been teaching the sport to thousands since 2007 from a small beach located in a tiny fishing village in the state of Karnataka.
Eco-tourism in India
On the edge of Nagarhole National Park and surrounded by the Kabini River in Coorg, Karnataka, sits one of India’s best wildlife & jungle lodges – Evolve Back. The lodge was once named as one of the World’s 25 Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Traveler for a simple reason: incredible wildlife experiences while preserving nature and culture of the land. The lodge uses reverse osmosis water filtering in every room, has a state of the art sewage treatment plant and even produces its own electricity through windmills.
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.
