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Tag: Jyotiraditya Scindia

  • India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    MUMBAI: The nation’s most powerful voices are pulling up a seat at the table or rather, the Chaupal. News18 India, the country’s No. 1 Hindi news channel, is gearing up to host its flagship summit Chaupal 2025 – Ab Bharat Ki Baari on October 16, 2025, in New Delhi.

    For years, News18 India Chaupal has been where India’s ideas meet India’s icons, a melting pot of politics, policy, and perspective. This year, the conversation turns to self-reliance and global ambition, as India continues to make waves across sectors, from infrastructure to innovation.

    The lineup reads like the guest list for democracy’s most high-profile brainstorming session. On the dais: Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jayant Chaudhary, and Smriti Irani. Adding to the mix are Tenjem Imna Along from Nagaland, K. Kavitha, Imran Masood, and Mukhtar Naqvi ensuring every corner of Bharat has a voice in the dialogue.

    But Chaupal isn’t just about politics. It’s a culture of conversation and the guest list proves it. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, actor Bobby Deol, South African High Commissioner Dr. Anil Sooklal, German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, French ambassador Thierry Mathou, and artistes like Suzanne Bernert, pianist Andreas König, Odissi dancer Sharon Lowen, and filmmaker Rafael Stemplewski will bring their unique global and cultural perspectives to the mix.

    “News18 India Chaupal serves as a premier platform for impactful dialogue and national discourse,” said Network18 Group chief strategy officer, Puneet Singhvi. “It brings together the country’s top voices to strengthen governance, democracy, and nation-building.”

    Adding to that Network18 (Broadcast) and MD, A+E Networks | TV18 CEO Avinash Kaul said, “Staying true to its legacy of fearless journalism, Chaupal unites voices that shape India’s narrative. It continues to evolve as one of India’s most distinguished thought leadership forums.”

    Since its inception, Chaupal has been more than a summit, it’s become a symbol of meaningful exchange. The 2025 edition promises high-decibel debates, insightful exchanges, and the kind of unscripted moments that remind viewers why democracy thrives on dialogue.

    So, whether you’re a policy wonk, a culture buff, or just someone who loves a good debate, mark your calendars. News18 India Chaupal 2025 goes live on 16 October, from 11 am onwards bringing India’s biggest names under one roof to ask, answer, and argue what’s next for Bharat.

  • BSNL rings in a revival with Rs 4,969 crore revenue

    BSNL rings in a revival with Rs 4,969 crore revenue

    MUMBAI: BSNL has dialled up a major financial comeback, posting a profit before tax of Rs 262 crore in Q3 FY25, a staggering reversal from a Rs 1,569 crore loss in the same quarter last year. With revenue growth, strategic cost reductions, and a push for 4G and fibre-optic expansion, the state-run telecom operator is charting a path to profitability while reinforcing its position in India’s evolving telecom landscape.

    BSNL’s revenue from operations climbed to Rs 4,969 crore in Q3 FY25, up from Rs 4,546 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting a steady rise in demand for its mobility, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), and leased line services. These key growth segments saw year-on-year increases of 15 per cent, 18 per cent, and 14 per cent, respectively.

    “This milestone reflects the company’s focus on innovation, aggressive network expansion, cost optimisation, and customer-centric service improvements,” the BSNL said in an official statement.

    With improved revenue and reduced costs, BSNL’s EBITDA surged to Rs 1,466 crore in Q3 FY25, up from just Rs 316 crore in the same quarter last year, marking a 364 per cent increase. For the nine-month period, EBITDA stood at Rs 2,369 crore, nearly tripling from Rs 893 crore in the previous year. 
    Total expenditure for Q3 FY25 (excluding depreciation and finance costs) was Rs 4,210 crore, significantly lower than Rs 4,741 crore in Q3 FY24, demonstrating effective cost control measures.

    For the nine-month period ending December 2024, revenue grew to Rs 14,197 crore, up from Rs 12,905 crore in the same period last year, demonstrating consistent business expansion. Other income for Q3 stood at Rs 706 crore, a significant 38 per cent increase from Rs 511 crore in the same quarter last year. However, for the nine-month period, other income was Rs 1,406 crore, slightly lower than Rs 1,528 crore in FY24. BSNL’s loss before tax for the nine-month period ending December 2024 was Rs 2,527 crore, a sharp improvement from the Rs 4,522 crore loss recorded last year. Significantly, 20 BSNL circles reported EBITDA-positive performance in Q3 FY25, compared to just 12 in Q3 FY24.

    Announcing the quarterly financial results, BSNL chairman & managing director Robert J. Ravi stated, “We are pleased with our financial performance this quarter, which reflects our focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and aggressive network expansion.”

    “With these efforts, we expect revenue growth to improve further, exceeding 20 per cent by the end of the financial year. BSNL has successfully reduced its finance cost and overall expenditure, leading to a decline in losses by over Rs 1,800 crore compared to last year. To enhance our customer experience, we have introduced new innovations such as national wifi roaming, BiTV – free entertainment for all mobile customers, and IFTV for all FTTH customers. Our continuous focus on quality of service and service assurance has further strengthened customer trust and reinforced BSNL’s position as a leading telecom service provider in India.” Ravi added.

    Today is a significant day in the history of the Indian telecom industry, according to minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. He added, “the prime minister intends for the telecom industry to lead India’s digital future, and all the nation’s telecom service providers are honestly working towards this goal.”

    With total quarterly income touching Rs 5,675 crore, up from Rs 5,057 crore in Q3 FY24, BSNL is firmly on a growth trajectory as it expands its digital footprint. One of the biggest reductions came in network operating expenses, which dropped to Rs 1,336 crore, down from Rs 1,397 crore in Q3 FY24. This streamlined network management approach is helping BSNL maximise efficiency while maintaining service quality.

    Employee benefits expenses also saw a notable decline, falling to Rs 1,735 crore from Rs 2,011 crore in the same quarter last year. The reduction in workforce-related costs has played a crucial role in improving BSNL’s financial health while ensuring operational effectiveness.

    A significant shift in BSNL’s financial strategy is reflected in its depreciation and amortisation costs (DAC), which nearly halved to Rs 814 crore from Rs 1,443 crore. This sharp reduction underscores the company’s commitment to next-gen infrastructure and digital transformation, as BSNL accelerates investments in modern telecom technology while efficiently managing legacy assets.

    Meanwhile, finance costs saw a 12 per cent decline, falling to Rs 389 crore from Rs 442 crore, further easing financial pressure and contributing to stronger bottom-line performance.

    Ever since it last posted a quarterly net profit in 2007, the state-owned telecom services company turned a profit for the first time in the last quarter. In a remarkable turnaround, BSNL’s subscriber base has risen to about nine crore in December from 8.4 crore in June. During the same quarter, leased line services revenue increased by 14 per cent, mobility services revenue by 15 per cent, and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) revenue by 18 per cent. A key priority is fast-tracking 4G and 5G rollouts, aimed at enhancing network coverage and service quality while keeping pace with industry advancements. 

  • AISATS wins ‘Best Innovation Champion Service Provider Award’ at Wings India 2024

    AISATS wins ‘Best Innovation Champion Service Provider Award’ at Wings India 2024

    Mumbai: Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd (AISATS), India’s leading airport services management company, has been honoured with the esteemed ‘Best Innovation Champion Service Provider Award’ at Wings India 2024. The award reinforces AISATS’s role as a trailblazer in advancing aviation solutions at its airports across India. Presented by the Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, this recognition underscores AISATS’s steadfast dedication to transforming industry standards through ground-breaking solutions, solidifying the company’s position as a leader in innovative aviation services.

    At the core of this triumph lies the revolutionary AeroWash – India’s first and only Robotic Dry Wash Aircraft Exterior Cleaning Service, symbolizing AISATS’s dedication to providing automated airport solutions. AISATS is the only ground handler in the world to provide such a game-changing aircraft cleaning innovation. Besides AeroWash, AISATS provides a comprehensive suite of advancements, including the Solar-Powered Boarding Ramp (for narrow-body aircrafts), versatile wide-body and ATR boarding ramps, electric passenger coaches for eco-friendly airport operations, solar-powered GPUs and lighting towers, an aircraft mock-up for hands-on ground service equipment (GSE) training, and Green GSEs contributing to global sustainability. Collectively, these innovations solidify AISATS’s position as a leading solutions provider to the aviation industry.

    AISATS CEO Sanjay Gupta said, “Securing the ‘Best Innovation Champion Service Provider Award’ at Wings India 2024 marks a significant milestone for AISATS. With technology at our core, we are continuously transforming our services to offer innovative solutions that cater to the demands of the modern aviation era. Our team’s relentless effort and unwavering commitment are propelling us beyond boundaries, redefining excellence and innovation in the aviation landscape. Embracing cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives, we unveiled unprecedented solutions last year, aligning seamlessly with the Digital India ethos. This recognition fuels our passion even further, and we pledge to uphold our dedication to delivering unparalleled service to clients, actively contributing to the advancement of the nation’s aviation industry.”

    With a proven track record of delivering seamless ground and cargo handling solutions to partner airlines, AISATS has its presence in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Ranchi and Trivandrum. AISATS is now setting its sights on the future, with the development of its Multi-Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) at the upcoming international airport in Noida and cargo logistics park at Bangalore Airport.

  • In cliff-hanger, BJP may just touch half-way mark in MP assembly polls, says India TV-CNX opinion poll survey

    In cliff-hanger, BJP may just touch half-way mark in MP assembly polls, says India TV-CNX opinion poll survey

    Mumbai:  The ruling BJP may emerge as the single largest party and may just touch the half-way mark of 115 seats in the Madhya Pradesh assembly election to be held next month on November 17, says India TV-CNX opinion poll survey. Results of the survey were telecast today on the news channel.

    The opinion poll projections show, BJP may win 115 seats, compared to 109 seats it had won five years ago in the 230-member assembly. The main opposition party Congress may win 110 seats, compared to 114 seats it had won five years ago, says the survey. ‘Others’ including independents hold the key, and they are likely to win five seats. In the last elections, seven seats were won by independents and local parties.

    Vote share projections show, BJP may get 44.38 per cent, Congress may get 42.51 per cent, and ‘Others’ may get 13.11 pc. In the 2018 elections, BJP had got 41.02 pc, Congress had got 40.89 pc, and ‘Others’ had got 18.09 pc votes.

    REGION-WISE SEAT PROJECTIONS

    Region-wise, India TV-CNX poll projections show:  

    In Baghelkhand having 51 seats, BJP may win 31, Congress may win 19 and Others may win one seat.

    In Bhopal having 24 seats, BJP may win 16 seats leaving the remaining eight seats to Congress.

    In Chambal having 34 seats, Congress may win 22 seats, leaving 12 seats to BJP.

    In Mahakaushal having 47 seats, Congress may win 26 seats, BJP may win 19 seats, and Others may win two seats.

    In Malwa having 46 seats, BJP may win 25 seats, Congress may win 20 seats, and the remaining one seat may go to Others.

    In Nimar having 28 seats, Congress may win 15 seats, BJP may win 12 seats, and the remaining one seat may go to Others.

    PREFERENCE FOR CHIEF MINISTER

    The survey findings show Shivraj Singh Chauhan leading with 44.32 per cent respondents wishing him to continue as chief minister. Chauhan is closely followed by State Congress chief Kamal Nath with 38.58 per cent respondents showing their preference for him as the next CM. BJP leader and union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stands in third position with only 9.00 per cent, Congress leader Digvijay Singh with 1.52 pc, and ‘Others’ being preferred by 6.58 pc respondents.

    KEY FINDINGS

    •  A whopping 65.32 per cent respondents said, there should be a caste-based census in MP, while 20.63 pc were not in favour. 14.05 pc said, Can’t say.
    •  27.4 per cent respondents said, unemployment was the biggest issue in MP, while 21.05 pc said, Development is the biggest issue. 19.11 per cent said, Inflation was the biggest issue. 14.42 pc said, Hindutva was the biggest issue, while 7.23 pc said, Corruption was the biggest issue. 
    •  46.83 pc respondents rated Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s performance on a scale between 8 and 10, while 40.67 per cent rated him on a scale between 0 and 4.  12.5 per cent rated his performance on a scale between 5 and 7. 
    •  37 per cent respondents said, they were fully satisfied with the work done by their MLA in the last five years, while 32.12 per cent said they were fully dissatisfied. 
    •  Asked which government performed better in MP, 42.43 pc said BJP government, while 37.02 per cent said Congress government.
    •  On a question asked from women voters only, 47.3 per cent women said, Chouhan’s Ladli Behna Yojana will have an impact on the election, while 36.5 per cent said ‘No’.
    •  Asked which party’s welfare scheme (guarantees) was good, 43.62 per cent opted for BJP while 42.15 pc opted for Congress. 
    •  44.75 per cent voters said they were dissatisfied with the state government’s handling of Covid pandemic crisis, while 35.61 per cent voters said, they were satisfied. 
    •  A whopping 53.25 per cent respondents said, BJP’s decision to field central ministers and MPs in election will give advantage to the party, while 37.18 per cent said, No.

    The opinion poll survey was carried out by CNX among 11,500 respondents (5,758 males and 5,742 females) across 115 randomly selected constituencies. The respondents were selected randomly for a sample population encompassing diverse professions, including cobblers, tailors, barbers, daily wage labourers, petty shopkeepers, migrant labourers, registered medical practitioners, auto and taxi drivers, real estate dealers, among others. The age group ranged from 18 to 60 years old.

  • Zee News ropes in Dileep Padgaonkar to host ‘Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke’

    Zee News ropes in Dileep Padgaonkar to host ‘Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke’

    MUMBAI: The Hindi news channel — Zee News is all set to launch Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke to be hosted by renowned journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. The first episode of the series will kick of on 18 June at 5:30 pm. The programme will showcase various personal and professional aspects of some of the young politicians of India.

    The duration of the programme would be 30 minutes having different segments like Sabse Mast Khushi Meri (Childhood), Kasauti (Turning Point), Chahta Hun (Aspirations), Kya Bhulun Kya Yaad Karun (Reminiscences), Chalte Chalte (Rapid fire round), Ek Baat Aur (Reflections of an elderly politician), informs an official release.

    Commenting on the launch of the programme Zee News Ltd director Laxmi Narain Goel said, “Zee News, in its endeavor to update its viewers with the current trend in politics, presents “Neta Tumhi Ho Kal Ke” which will feature the crème de la crème of young politicians who are marked by imagination, initiative, and readiness to undertake new projects”.

    Some of the prominent names to be part of this show include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Omar Abdullah, Navin Jindal and Milind Deora to name a few. The programme will also cover young politicians like Dharmendra Yadav, who got elected at the age of 25 years and 3 months, the youngest in the history of Indian Parliament. The programme would also feature leaders like Kiren Rijiju, young parliamentarian from the northeast, who is only 35 years old.