"Sensational coverage": MIB directs BARC to withhold TRP ratings for news channels for four weeks
New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to withhold reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for four weeks or until further notice, news agency ANI reported.
Citing the official order of the Ministry, ANI reported that the decision was taken due to concerns over “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content” during coverage of the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.
The Ministry stated that such content could create panic among the public, especially among people who have friends and family in the affected regions.
The order referred to Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, which requires companies to follow directions issued by the Ministry. Based on this provision, BARC has been instructed to immediately stop reporting TRPs for news television channels.
“In the public interest, the Ministry directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPs) for News TV Channels for a period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier,” the order read.
TRP are measured every week by the agency BARC and news channels use it to to secure advertisement revenue
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suspends TV ratings for 4 weeks or until further notice.
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2026
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has observed that amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, certain News TV Channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and…
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Air India Express introduces late-night Bengaluru–Mangaluru service
International services at M’luru cancelled on March 7
Mangaluru: Air India Express will introduce a late-night daily flight service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Bengaluru sector starting March 10, 2026.
According to the sources, flight IX 5971 will depart from Bengaluru at 9.25 pm and arrive in Mangaluru at 10.40 pm. The return flight, IX 5972, will depart from Mangaluru at 11.10 pm and reach Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, at 12.20 am.
The additional service will operate daily and will remain in effect until March 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, Air India Express has cancelled all its scheduled international flights from Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) on March 7 due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru sector already has multiple daily services. Apart from Air India Express, IndiGo also operates flights on this route.
