CNN-News18, India’s leading English general news channel, is wrapping up 2024 with an exclusive series of year-end specials that dive deep into the defining moments of the year. Covering pivotal developments across Bollywood, global affairs, and Indian politics, the series, which began on December 21, 2024, offers an insightful look at the events that shaped the year.

A major highlight is the Bollywood Roundtable: The Actresses, a two-part special featuring some of Indian cinema’s most celebrated women, including Konkona Sensharma, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rasika Dugal, and rising stars Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta. This candid discussion explores the evolution of Indian cinema with topics like the increasing role of intimacy coordinators, shifting portrayals of women, and the changing dynamics of screen time and industry standards, the news network said in a press release.

The actresses share their personal journeys and creative processes, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of their careers. Konkona Sensharma shares invaluable advice for younger actresses, while Aditi Rao Hydari reflects on her experiences in both Bollywood and Tollywood, adding depth to the conversation.

In another special episode, Bollywood Roundtable: Music Stars, industry stalwarts Tanishk Bagchi, Irshad Kamil, Ram Sampath, and Shilpa Rao come together to discuss the artistic processes behind their chart-topping creations. The discussion sheds light on the underrepresentation of women in film music, the scarcity of children’s songs in Hindi cinema, and the poetic essence of Hindi film lyrics.

The International Year-Ender: WORLD 360 episode examines global conflicts and their far-reaching impacts under the theme, “Can diplomacy save the world from falling apart?” It delves into ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine, emphasizing humanitarian challenges and the complexities of diplomacy.

The program also highlights the escalating competition between the U.S. and China, the strained ties between the West and Russia, and key global elections, including those in India, the U.S., Britain, Russia, Taiwan, and Pakistan. This comprehensive coverage offers viewers a global perspective on how these events have shaped international relations, economies, and human rights in 2024.

In the Political Year-Ender, titled “2024: The Year of Comebacks,” CNN-News18 examines key developments in India’s political arena. The program highlights Narendra Modi’s historic third term as Prime Minister following a decisive Lok Sabha victory, the resurgence of the INDIA Bloc, and Rahul Gandhi’s political comeback as a significant opposition leader.

The episode also explores the BJP’s electoral successes in Haryana and Maharashtra, alongside Hemant Soren securing a second consecutive term as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister. With exclusive interviews and expert analysis, the special provides a nuanced understanding of India’s political landscape.

CNN-News18’s top anchors and experts lead these year-end specials, blending Bollywood glamour with the gravitas of global and political affairs. Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor of CNN-News18, expressed pride in curating content that resonates deeply with audiences. He emphasized that the channel’s commitment to delivering both engaging and informative stories reflects the essence of 2024.

Smriti Mehra, CEO of English and Business News at Network18, highlighted the channel’s dedication to content that inspires and informs, cementing its position as India’s top destination for in-depth analysis and storytelling.

Viewers can tune in to CNN-News18 to relive the year’s defining moments through these compelling specials. From Bollywood’s evolution to the challenges of global diplomacy and India’s political milestones, the programming encapsulates the essence of a transformative year.