News Broadcasting
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar speaks exclusively to Bloomberg TV India
MUMBAI: In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg TV India, the country’s leading English business news channel, Manohar Parrikar- Defence Minister, spoke for the first time after taking over as India’s defence minister. In his exclusive interview Parrikar discussed an extensive range of issues with Siddharth Zarabi – Executive Editor, Bloomberg TV India.
During the interview Parrikar emphasised on cleaning up the tainted defence procurement process and also pointed out that decision taken by UPA government of blacklisting of numerous foreign firms was the wrong approach and would be reviewed immediately by the current government. In conversation with the channel, Mr. Parrikar highlighted that corruption in India’s defence systems is nothing less an anti-national activity and he spoke about blacklisting defence contractors on immediate basis.
Commenting on blacklisting defence contractors Parrikar said, “I think there needs to be some decision on the issue of blacklisting. We need various platforms such as aerial- helicopters, planes, and there are probably few manufacturers to do that. So some sort of exercise has been carried out by my predecessor Jaitley and I intend to take it forward so that we can protect ourselves. The number of suppliers in some of the items probably is very few and we just cannot paint everyone in black. There have to be proper guidelines for blacklisting; otherwise we will run out of defence contractors/suppliers.”
Commenting on corruption in defence Parrikar said, “I consider corruption in defence as an anti-national activity. Therefore there will be transparency and every decision will be in the interest of the country. And I will tell you one thing, there may be corruption, in general, in defence procurement, but to stay with a clean image for 20 years in a small state like Goa itself is a stupendous task which I have managed to achieve. I think that is because I have the concept of transparency and how to ensure a transparent but quick decision.”
To watch the exclusive interview, log on to
http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/9631/to-take-forward-jaitley%27s-steps-on-blacklisted-firms:-manohar-parrikar
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
