NEW DELHI: NDTV has named Aditya Raj Kaul senior executive editor for geopolitics, national security and strategic affairs at NDTV 24×7, bolstering its newsroom with one of India’s most seasoned voices on foreign policy and defence.
Kaul wasted no time settling in. On his very first day, he was filing dispatches from Tianjin, China, where Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin gathered for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. With more than 15 years in frontline journalism, Kaul has reported from some of the world’s most volatile flashpoints — the India-China standoff in Ladakh, the abrogation of Article 370, the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Jordan, major terror strikes in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and India’s first state visit to Israel and Palestine. He was the first journalist on the ground during the 2014 Kashmir floods and has tracked disasters from Uttarakhand to Chhattisgarh’s Maoist belt.
His international docket includes the G20 in Australia, Brics in China, Asean in Malaysia and Vietnam, and Saarc in Nepal, alongside high-level visits to the US, Germany and Israel. Along the way, he has secured exclusives with leaders such as S. Jaishankar, Amrullah Saleh, Tony Abbott and Benjamin Netanyahu.
An award-winning documentary maker, Kaul’s films include Airlift on India’s evacuation in Ukraine and Killed by the Taliban on the death of Danish Siddiqui. His work has earned the Golden DigiPub World Award, News Television Award, and the Ram Jethmalani Prize.
Rahul Kanwal, NDTV’s chief executive and editor-in-chief, hailed him as “among the finest in the field of strategic and international journalism,” adding that his presence in Tianjin on day one “shows his readiness and NDTV’s intent to be at the forefront of global stories.”
Kaul said he was “honoured to join NDTV at this important juncture,” pledging to bring “clarity and context to events that impact millions.”
MUMBAI: The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025 unfolded as a dynamic exchange of ideas, direction and determination in New Delhi, spotlighting India’s youthful energy and its ambitions to become a developed nation by 2047.
Centred on the theme ‘Youthful Aspirations, Dream Big, Achieve More, Rise Together,’ the summit brought together an influential line-up of ministers, policy shapers, global experts and cultural icons to present India’s vision across governance, trade, diplomacy, technology and social equity.
In a charged keynote, prime minister Narendra Modi spoke of urgent, performance-based governance. “The Waqf Amendment Bill ensures true social justice, ending appeasement and protecting Pasmanda Muslims from land mafias. In our first 100 days, we’ve delivered tax relief for youth, reforms in space, nuclear, and gig sectors, and launched WAVES to boost creativity. India cannot afford delays, our progress must be driven by performance,” he said.
Home minister Amit Shah, addressing electoral concerns and national unity, added, “I want to reassure our southern states that the delimitation process will be fair and proportionate. The opposition is creating fear to divert attention from its own failures… The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ is rooted in efficiency and unity, values our youth must uproot politics of appeasement.”
Commerce & industry minister Piyush Goyal responded to global trade shifts stating, “We remain committed to fair and balanced trade relationships… Our trade policies, guided by the ‘India First’ principle, reflect growing strategic maturity.”
On India’s evolving geopolitical stance, minister of external affairs S. Jaishankar said, “We see opportunities even amid global uncertainties… The global community increasingly acknowledges Pakistan’s role in terrorism, and India stands firm in defending its national interests.”
Technology and infrastructure also took centre stage. IT and I&B minister for railways Ashwini Vaishnaw remarked, “This year, we will see India’s first indigenous semiconductor chip. In AI, India has the talent and vision to lead… Our approach is not just timely, but responsible.”
On infrastructure and road safety, minister Nitin Gadkari shared, “The rules apply to everyone, including myself… Real progress comes from a sense of shared responsibility.”
International insights came from professor Jeffrey Sachs, who said, “India is in a unique position… With its scale, talent, and resolve, India is poised to become the world’s second-largest economy, not by imitation, but on its own terms.”
The summit also welcomed an eclectic mix of national figures including justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Scott Kelly, Abhinav Bindra, Aravind Srinivas, Børge Brende, Sunny Deol, and Kajol, reflecting the convergence of innovation, governance, space science, sports and culture.
The 2025 edition of the Rising Bharat Summit stood as a clarion call for collaboration and purpose. It celebrated a confident, inclusive India, placing youth at the centre of policy, progress and global ambition.
MUMBAI: India’s top executives and business pioneers gathered at BT Mindrush 2025 on 22 March in Mumbai, where Business Today unveiled its prestigious India’s Best CEOs Awards 2025. The event honoured remarkable figures shaping the corporate landscape while offering insights into strategies for navigating global economic shifts.
Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, was named Business Icon of the Year, while minister of external affairs S. Jaishankar, received the Impact Icon of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Marico Ltd. chairman Harsh Mariwala and Thermax former chairperson Anu Aga for their enduring contributions.
Among the other honourees, Narayana health chairman Devi Prasad Shetty was recognised as the Most Trusted Leader, while Eternal founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal received the Resilient CEO award. Tata Power CEO & MD Praveer Sinha was honoured as the Green Growth Visionary, and Physics Wallah founder & CEO Alakh Pandey earned the Startup of the Year title. Sun Pharma CMD Dilip Shanghvi was acknowledged for Services Vanguard, whereas TVS Motor MD Sudarshan Venu won for Manufacturing & Retail Excellence. MOFSL group MD & CEO Motilal Oswal was named among The Wealth Makers, while Mankind Pharma chairman Ramesh Juneja was recognised as The Deal Maker. Interglobe Aviation CEO Pieter Elbers was awarded the Glocal CEO title, and Jindal Stainless MD Abhyuday Jindal was honoured as an Urban Visionary. Solar Industries MD & CEO Manish Satyanarayan Nuwal was named among the Pillars of Progress, while KPIT Technologies’ Kishor Patil and Persistent Systems’ Sandeep Kalra received Tech Titans awards. Additionally, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders former CMD Sanjeev Singhal was recognised as the Bharat PSU Icon.
The theme, Vucanomics 2025: Thriving in Turmoil – Turning Global Disruptions into Growth, steered discussions on leveraging technology and capital to transform uncertainties into opportunities.
Birla, said, “Each overseas acquisition must be driven by clear strategic rationale securing raw materials, strengthening value chain resilience, or accessing higher-margin markets with lower volatility.” He added, “India is firmly on course to achieve developed-country status by 2047.”
Union minister Nitin Gadkari, the event’s chief guest, announced that a national tolling policy would be introduced before 1 April, ensuring “reasonable concessions to commuters” and unveiling 36 new green express highways. Jaishankar, awarded Impact Icon of the Year, highlighted India’s balanced approach in global diplomacy, remarking, “From Russia and Ukraine to Israel and Iran and from the BRICS to the QUAD India engages across divides with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’”
Financial markets and policy stability were also key discussion points. Motilal Oswal urged cautious optimism in equities, while SEBI chair Tuhin Kanta Pandey assured, “Taxation has been rationalised; let’s not unsettle that certainty.” NSE MD Ashish Chauhan noted a shift in market dynamics, saying, “Domestic investors are increasingly becoming a stabilising force even as foreign flows ebb and flow.”
The event culminated in the unveiling of Business Today’s special annual issue, honouring India’s finest executives. The issue was launched by Union ministers Gadkari and Jaishankar, Birla, and India Today group chairman Aroon Purie.
With 18 eminent speakers across 13 sessions, BT Mindrush 2025 hosted over 200 CXOs from corporate India. The event was supported by Pwc (Presenting Partner), Diageo (Celebration Partner), Polymatech (Semiconductor Partner), Becquer Solar Studio (New Energy Partner), Logitech (Collaboration Partner), GAIL (Energy Partner), Sofitel Mumbai BKC (Hospitality Partner), and Laqshya Media Group and Omark Media Around Life (Outdoor Partners).
MUMBAI: In a glitzy push to make India the hotbed of global media action, the government rolled out the red carpet for its ambitious World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (Waves) 2025 today at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of 100 ambassadors and high commissioners. MIB officials made a hard sales pitch to prod them and make them realise that the Indian government is extremely serious about Waves 2025 and they in turn should carry this message back to their national governments and ensure robust participation from their respective countries.
Waves 2025—set to make a splash in Mumbai from 1 to 4 May 2025—promises to be a star-studded affair that will see the worlds of tech, media and entertainment collide in spectacular fashion.
Union minister for external affairs S. Jaishankar didn’t mince words about the summit’s significance: “Economic and political rebalancing is moving towards cultural balancing. We are not truly global if we are not truly local. Waves 2025 captures the spirit of this endeavour.”
He urged the ambassadors and high commissioners to familiarise their governments regarding the opportunities of global collaborations courtesy the Waves 2025 initiative.
Meanwhile, information & broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw turned up the heat, declaring that “the intersection of creativity, media and technology is transforming the media landscape of the world and reaching a new level of convergence.” He teased that “some of the biggest names” in the industry would be gracing the Mumbai bash.
Not to be outdone, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis jumped into the fray, drumming up Mumbai’s credentials as the “financial and entertainment capital of India” that serves as the “perfect backdrop” for the summit.
“Waves 2025 is a movement,” Fadnavis proclaimed, while welcoming the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology which the government has committed to set up in Mumbai with Rs 391 crore being allocated for it. He expressed hope that “media will continue to be a force for good,” in a world where technology and creativity are increasingly getting into bed together.
Minister of state for information & broadcasting, L. Murugan effusively stepped up to say that Waves 2025 will open the door “to joint ventures, co-productions, and business expansion, enabling global media companies to engage with India’s creative sector. We remain steadfast in creating a conducive environment for the M&E industry, supporting ease of doing business, content localisation, and infrastructure development.”
Information & broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju revealed that the four-day extravaganza will feature multiple tracks designed to make waves across the industry: * A global media dialogue featuring ministers and policymakers * Thought leaders Track with knowledge-sharing sessions * Waves exhibition showcasing storytelling innovations * Bharat pavilion highlighting India’s media heritage * Waves Bazaar to facilitate business networking * WaveXcelerator to back media startups with mentorship and moolah * Waves Culturals featuring performances that blend Indian and international talent
Also present was Maharashtra government chief secretary Sujata Sauni who exchanged a memorandum of understanding relating to Waves 2025 with Jaju.
The organisers are also playing up Waves 2025’s integration with the orange economy, positioning the summit as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation through creative industries.
With Mumbai ready to throw open its doors to thought leaders grappling with issues from AI to streaming revolutions, intellectual property rights, misinformation, and media sustainability, Waves 2025 is gearing up to be the first summit of its kind to tackle these hot-button issues by promoting cultural diversity, innovation, and equitable access to media platforms.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are now on whether this media matrimony can truly deliver on its lofty promise of becoming “the biggest unifying factor between country to country, people to people and culture to culture in the digital age.”
MUMBAI: NDTV Indian of the Year returns with its much-anticipated 2024 edition, celebrating exceptional Indians whose remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on the nation and beyond. With its legacy as the pioneer of the Indian of the Year platform, NDTV continues to spotlight extraordinary achievers across diverse domains such as politics, business, sports, entertainment, and more. The theme for this year, ‘Celebrating India – Inspiring Excellence’, encapsulates the spirit of innovation and achievement propelling the country forward.
The prestigious event, set to take place on 6 December 2024 in New Delhi, will feature a stellar line-up of luminaries and leaders across various fields, highlighting the immense talent and achievements that define modern India. Attendees will include prominent personalities like External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal, business stalwarts such as Gautam Hari Singhania and Roshni Nadar Malhotra, actors Rajkummar Rao and Ananya Panday, and the multi-talented entertainer Kapil Sharma, among others.
Past editions of the NDTV Indian of the Year have celebrated icons who have shaped India’s narrative, including cultural legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan, cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Chandrayaan-3 visionaries, and tech luminary Satya Nadella. This year’s event promises to continue the tradition by recognising individuals who embody innovation, resilience, and excellence.
The 2024 edition boasts a distinguished jury featuring RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, chairman, Sanjiv Goenka, veteran actor Asha Parekh, advertising guru Piyush Pandey, former supreme court judge A.K. Sikri, former Sebi chairman U.K. Sinha, and former chief of the Naval Staff, Karambir Singh. Supporting the jury’s deliberations, Grant Thornton serves as the trusted Consulting Partner.
The event will be aired live across the NDTV network on 6 December, showcasing the achievements of India’s finest talents and honouring their contributions to shaping the nation’s future.
NDTV Indian of the Year 2024 stands as a grand celebration of excellence and the indomitable spirit of India, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and changemakers under one roof.
Mumbai: The much-anticipated CNN-News18 Town Hall is set to make a grand comeback on 27 September in Mumbai. Renowned for its dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, CNN-News18 Town Hall has previously hosted editions across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Over the years, the platform has seen key figures from politics, business, and entertainment converge to debate national issues and the country’s key policies.
The theme of this edition, ‘Road to Delhi via Mumbai?’, arrives at a pivotal moment as India navigates its political landscape in the lead-up to assembly elections in Maharashtra. Previously, CNN-News18 Town Hall has featured prominent figures such as Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Shashi Tharoor, MK Stalin, Aaditya Thackeray, along with entertainment actors like Kartik Aryan and Sameer Nigam.
This year’s event continues this legacy with a series of engaging sessions focused on critical political and cultural topics. Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde will lead a conversation on ‘Mahayuti’s Maharashtra Test’, discussing the coalition’s future in the state. Aaditya Thackeray, MLA, Maharashtra (Shiv Sena UBT), will delve into his party’s strategy in a session titled ‘Matoshree to Prove Its Might?’, while Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis answers the question ‘Can BJP Get Its Math Right?’, as he examines the party’s electoral calculations. Supriya Sule MP, NCP (SP) will outline her party’s vision for the upcoming Assembly elections in a session titled ‘Pawar-Play: Maha ‘Binding’ Factor?’. On the other hand, Aditi Tatkare, State Minister and MLA, NCP (AP) will also share her views on the same topic. The CNN-News18 Town Hall would also see Milind Deora, MP, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena) and Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP, Rajya Sabha (Shiv Sena UBT) weigh in on ‘Who is the Real Shiv Sena?’ in back-to-back sessions. From the entertainment sphere, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal will address “The New Reality of Theatrical vs OTT”.
Network18 CEO – English & Business News Smriti Mehra said, “CNN-News18 has been the number one English news channel for over two consecutive years. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering impactful, relevant content to our viewers. Given its stellar lineup of speakers, I have no doubt that CNN-News18 Town Hall will once again captivate our viewers and set the stage for essential conversations that will shape the nation’s future.”
CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob added, “The CNN-News18 Town Hall was born out of a need for candid, unfiltered exchange of dialogue that goes beyond the usual political discourse. Now in its seventh edition, it remains a crucial space where the country’s most pressing issues are addressed by a diverse mix of leaders and influencers. As we bring together voices that shape policy, culture, and society, we continue to lead the national debate on what truly matters to India.”
Mumbai: Foreign minister S Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of presenting the ten-year record of the Modi government to the public so to instil confidence among voters and likened this record to an insurance policy, stating that it serves as evidence of Modi’s commitments and achievements.
In an exclusive interview with News18, S Jaishankar addressed the significance of strong leadership in navigating global challenges, citing the need for experienced leadership in times of tension and conflict worldwide. He noted the growing interest among voters in foreign policy matters, reflecting on his extensive interactions across various states.
Responding to queries about managing news flow, Jaishankar explained the structured approach of the ministry, including the establishment of situation and control rooms during crises. He underscored the importance of swift decision-making and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP’s) in handling emergencies.
Speaking about his career choices, Jaishankar revealed his initial preference for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) due to his academic background and interest in international affairs. He acknowledged the accessibility and popularity he enjoys among the youth, attributing it to his relaxed demeanor and commitment to public service.
Addressing criticism of government functioning, Jaishankar emphasized the inclusive decision-making process under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He highlighted the collaborative approach in cabinet meetings and foreign tours, where every voice is heard and valued.
Regarding the issue of Muslim reservation raised by Congress, Jaishankar criticized the party’s approach, likening its manifesto to a blend of Muslim League and Maoist ideologies. He asserted the Prime Minister’s stance against reservation based on religion, highlighting the government’s commitment to equality.
Jaishankar’s remarks drew attention to the ongoing debate over the reservation policy, particularly in Karnataka, where the Congress government has proposed a four per cent quota for Muslims. He emphasized the need for clarity and consistency in addressing social and economic disparities without resorting to divisive measures.
On Rahul Gandhi’s comments about Indian democracy being in danger during his overseas visits, Jaishankar expressed disappointment, urging politicians to refrain from airing domestic grievances abroad. He cautioned against inviting external interference in India’s internal affairs, citing historical precedents and emphasizing the importance of maintaining national unity.
Addressing Rahul Gandhi’s assertions about Chinese encroachments, Jaishankar refuted claims of silence, highlighting historical context and infrastructure developments. He clarified misconceptions surrounding China’s activities in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, citing past instances of border disputes and emphasizing the government’s commitment to border negotiations.
Switching to election dynamics, Jaishankar commented on the possibility of achieving a substantial victory margin. He dismissed opposition skepticism, expressing confidence in voter turnout and the Modi government’s track record. Jaishankar projected optimism for reaching 400 mark electoral milestone, attributing it to public trust and the government’s proactive governance approach.
Reflecting on international election observation, Jaishankar welcomed foreign interest in India’s electoral processes, affirming positive intentions behind such engagements. He underscored the importance of transparent electoral practices and dismissed foreign media criticisms as uninformed perspectives.
In discussing language preferences, Jaishankar emphasized the natural evolution of language usage, particularly in political discourse. He highlighted the BJP government’s emphasis on Hindi, aligning with the linguistic preferences of many leaders and constituents.
Regarding election turnout and Microsoft’s warnings of potential interference, Jaishankar expressed confidence in India’s robust electoral system while acknowledging the challenges posed by advancements in technology.
Addressing allegations of EVM tampering and border tensions, Jaishankar debunked misconceptions and provided historical context, emphasizing the government’s efforts to strengthen border infrastructure and resolve disputes diplomatically.
In response to queries about India’s global standing, Jaishankar highlighted the country’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic growth trajectory. He emphasized India’s role as a civilization power and the need to assert its cultural identity on the world stage.
Regarding the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and other contentious issues raised by a newspaper based in England, Jaishankar emphasized the primacy of law and elections. He dismissed suggestions that legal proceedings should be halted during election periods, citing international norms and urging consistency in legal enforcement.
On the topic of intruder killings, Jaishankar offered a blunt assessment of Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. He suggested that individuals engaging in illicit activities should face consequences, regardless of their location, underscoring the need for accountability.
Shifting the conversation to lighter topics and when inquired about Jaishankar’s holiday plans. Jaishankar, downplayed the notion of vacations under Modi’s governance, emphasizing his dedication to duty.
Pointing to his previous visit to Kashmir, he expressed interest in exploring Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, citing its burgeoning tourism industry and historical significance.
Jaishankar expressed optimism about the upcoming elections, citing faith in the Modi government’s track record and commitment to fulfilling promises. He underscored the importance of presenting a strong and stable government to address the aspirations of the Indian populace.
Mumbai: Crosshairs Communication, a renowned public relations agency, proudly announces its acquisition of the PR mandate for the esteemed India Today Conclave’s 21st edition. This is the 11th edition that Crosshairs Communication has spearheaded. With the theme “Brand Bharat: An Assertive Nation in an Uncertain World,” the conclave is poised to redefine India’s narrative on the global stage. Scheduled for 15-16 March 2024, in New Delhi, the event promises to be a convergence of influential voices from various sectors, reflecting India’s dynamic evolution amidst global challenges.
Crosshairs Communication will undertake the responsibility of crafting and managing key messaging for the event, along with coordinating communication updates across the country. As a trusted partner, the agency is committed to ensuring that the essence and significance of the India Today Conclave resonate effectively with audiences nationwide.
“We are thrilled to be associated with the India Today Conclave, an event that epitomizes thought leadership and meaningful discourse,” said Crosshairs Communication founder & MD Stuti Jalan. “As communicators, we understand the importance of shaping narratives, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the 21st edition of the Conclave amplifies India’s voice on the global stage.”
The distinguished lineup of speakers includes esteemed personalities such as prime minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alongside thought leaders from various fields. From Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru to renowned entertainers like Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, the Conclave will offer diverse perspectives on India’s future trajectory.
The India Today Conclave 2024 promises to be a transformative event, catalyzing discussions and insights that will shape the narrative of “Brand Bharat.” With its stellar lineup and engaging sessions, the Conclave aims to illuminate India’s path on the global stage.
Mumbai: The much-anticipated News9 Global Summit commenced on 26 February 2024, hosting a gathering of eminent personalities, thought leaders, and industry experts from over 20 countries across the globe. The summit, part of the prestigious TV9 What India Thinks Today (WITT) summit, kicked off with a series of insightful discussions and keynote addresses, setting the stage for robust dialogues on critical issues facing India and the world.
The day began with a warm welcome address by TV9 Network MD and CEO Barun Das who extended his greetings to all attendees, emphasising the significance of the decadal momentum and geopolitical moment that seem to be in India’s favour.
The day’s first keynote address, titled ‘From Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific: Reframing Regional Relations’, delivered by former prime minister of Australia, Tony Abbott, captivated the audience’s attention, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of regional geopolitics and the need for strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Praising India as a leader of the global south, Tony Abbott said, “After several decades of ‘License Raj’, India is now roaring down the runway to economic take-off”.
The first-panel discussion, ‘Not an Era of War: India as a Global Peace Catalyst’, featured distinguished speakers including Velina Tchakarova, Mariya Ahmed Didi, and Syed Akbaruddin, exploring India’s role as a harbinger of peace and stability in the global arena.
Also conducted was a panel on ‘AI: The Promise and Pitfalls’, featuring experts like Samsung research director Alok Shukla, Stanford Prof. Anurag Mairal, Reliance Jio AI/ML chief data scientist Shailesh Kumar, Microsoft executive director Samik Roy and entrepreneur and film producer Jonathan Bronfman, discussing the promise and pitfalls of AI technology. The panel examined the transformative potential of AI in various sectors while addressing concerns related to ethics, privacy, and job displacement.
This was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Startup, India: Scale up and Sustain’, which saw 108 capital founding partner Sushma Kaushik, Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh, NoBroker co-founder Akhil Gupta and Amul MD Jayen Mehta discuss the startup boom in India, and the many challenges that lie ahead for these young firms in their bid to stand on their own two feet.
Subsequent sessions included keynote interviews with Union Ministers like Smt. Smriti Irani on ‘Naari Shakti’, Ashwini Vaishnaw on ‘Infra, Investment and IT’ in India, and Dr S. Jaishankar on ‘Rise of the Global South’.
Praising the ground India has managed to cover in terms of women’s emancipation across the last decade, union minister Smriti Irani said, “What India does today, the world does tomorrow. What India has done significantly for gender is make a case for women who are emancipated across all walks of life”.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was also confident about the trajectory the nation is taking, and talked about the need to make technology available to the masses, saying, “Technology has to be democratised. It should be available to every Indian citizen”.
Speaking about the leadership of the global south that India has displayed, external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said, “When we spoke to the G20, we were not only speaking on behalf of India … we also had 125 countries who said ‘speak for us’. ”
Interspersed among these interviews were fireside chats with eminent personalities, including youth icon Ayushmann Khurrana, BharatPe chairman Rajnish Kumar, Zydus Wellness CEO Tarun G. Arora, Maruti Suzuki chairman R. C. Bhargava, Mahindra and Mahindra MD Dr Anish Shah, actress Kangana Ranaut and with Dr Vivek Lall, chief executive of General Atomics Global Corporation.
Discussing the untapped potential of corporate India in a panel on ‘Creating an Equitable Boardroom’ were supreme court advocate Menaka Guruswamy, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas managing partner Pallavi Shroff, TeamLease co-founder Rituparna Chakraborty and policy researcher and corporate advisor Dr Srinath Sridharan.
Shortly after, American sociologist Salvatore Babones, author Vikram Sampath, former minister of external affairs Salman Khurshid and Penguin Random House Sr VP Milee Ashwarya engaged in a round table discussion on the narratives about the new India and India of the past, in ‘Setting the Record Straight’.
Delivering the summit keynote address on the theme of ‘India: Poised for the Next Big Leap’ was prime minister Narendra Modi, who graced the occasion and spoke about the strides India has taken in the decade gone by, and those he hopes India will take in the run-up to its centennial anniversary of independence.
Mumbai: News9 Global Summit, part of TV9 What India Thinks Today (WITT), is set to take place between 25 and 26 February 2024. An unequalled gathering of visionaries, policymakers, and influencers from around the globe, the summit takes on a grand theme ‘India: Poised for the Next Big Leap’. The Hon. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi will deliver the summit keynote address.
Among the dignitaries who will be speaking at the 2024 edition of News9 Global Summit are stalwarts such as former prime minister of Australia, Tony Abbott; Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Smriti Irani, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Anurag Thakur; American sociologist Salvatore Babones, Indian film actresses Kangana Ranaut and Raveena Tandon , Grammy-award winner Ricky Kej and author Vivek Sampath, among others. The two-day summit has distinct focus areas for each day.
On 25 February, the summit kicks off with The Inaugural, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions on India’s soft power in cinema and sports to burnish Brand India, and will witness interesting fireside chats and panel discussions with top Union ministers and celebrities, including the likes of Anurag Thakur, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Grammy Award winners V Selvaganesh and Rakesh Chaurasia, and Sinclair Broadcast Group CEO Christopher Ripley.
The Inaugural will also feature TV9 Network’s Nakshatra Samman Awards, bestowed upon the brightest stars of India’s sports and entertainment landscape.
On 26 February, the summit transitions into its flagship event: the Global Summit, which will serve as a melting pot of ideas and perspectives on pressing geopolitical and geo-economic issues. While the Inaugural sets the stage, the Global Summit will witness the arrival of distinguished guests from around the world, including political leaders, industry experts, and renowned intellectuals.
Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Smriti Irani, and Ashwini Vaishnaw; Vivek Lall (Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation), Jodi McKay (former Leader of Opposition, Australia), R. C. Bhargava (Chairman, Maruti Suzuki), Anish Shah (President-FICCI), American Sociologist Salvatore Babones and author-politician Salman Khurshid are among the dignitaries that will be speaking on a variety of topics. The highlight of the Global Summit will be the eagerly anticipated Summit Keynote Address, delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
“We are thrilled to launch the second edition of TV9 What India Thinks Today Global Summit 2024 and to have thought leaders from around the world join us for two days of inspiring discussions and collaborative initiatives,” said TV9 Network managing director and CEO Barun Das. “TV9 WITT is a manifestation of our belief in the power of ideas to drive positive change, and we are confident that this year’s event will serve as a catalyst for fuelling the narrative that the new India wishes to create in the decade to come. Hence, the bold theme: “India: Poised for the Next Big Leap”.
