News Broadcasting
India TV’s ‘Breaking News’ showcases German company marketing tissues bearing images of Lord Krishna and Rama
New Delhi, February 22, 2006: India TV has brought to light a German company marketing tissues with pictures of Lord Rama and Krishna on it. India TV took up this issue in its program ‘Breaking News’ on February 21, 2006 at 9:00 p.m. The story has evoked tremendous response from viewers and also within the Parliament.
The company, Sniff Tissues Paper Products Design (PPD), is based in Germany. Sniff Tissues Paper Products Design (PPD), is manufacturing novelty tissues bearing the images of Lord Shri Rama/Krishna and the Virgin Mary and distributing them worldwide. The manufacturers have refused to pull them from the shops because they believe they appeal to people for “fashion reasons.” The National Council of Hindu Temples complained to the company that the products were very unacceptable and offensive, and encouraged people to “blow their nose on holy images.”
The German company replied that in their opinion these tissues are used as accessories and for fashion reasons and furthermore many young people, Christians as well as people from other religions, are interested in the Hindu belief and the tissue might support this interest. “We have a great response for these products. Young people really like It because Virgin Mary and Lord Krishna have become cult characters, not because they make fun of them. On the contrary they start to think about religious things again. So we attract attention but in a positive way.”
Sniff tissues acknowledged that the products may have caused offense. “We’d like to express our apology if we hurt anybody’s feelings, but because of the reasons above-mentioned we won’t stop producing or selling these products.”
The travel-size tissues were pulled from sale in the Victoria and Albert Museum gift shop (London) recently after pressure from various Hindu organizations. The tissues were also found in South America, Wales and other parts of the world.
Viewers have entrusted India TV to responsibly take up issues pertaining to day-to-day lives. In response to that trust, India TV has consistently been examining issues that touch people’s live. Past undercover operations conducted by the channel include one on the casting couch in Bollywood; on blood banks; on the illicit trade in human eyes; on the cloning of mobile phones; and on police brutality.
The details of the company as we understand are as follows:
Paper Products Design (PPD)
PR Department
Michael Neunfinger
Am Hambuch 4
53340 Meckenheim
Tel: 02225-9935-45; Fax: 02225-9935-35
E-Mail: m.neunfinger@paperproductsdesign.de ; http://www.ppd.tv
For Further Information please contact:
Santanu Gogoi
Corporate Voice | Weber Shandwick
212, Second Floor,
Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III
New Delhi – 110020, INDIA
Tel: +91-11-26936834 (main)
Fax: +91-11-26936836
Mobile: +91-98-104-24271
santanu@corvoshandwick.co.in
www.webershandwick.com
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.
