News18 India has named senior broadcast journalist and anchor Rubika Liyaquat as the new host of its flagship debate show, ‘Aar Paar’, starting October 12. The hour-long programme will air daily at 6.50 pm.

The primetime debate show focuses on major national developments, bringing together different viewpoints and examining how the issues of the day affect ordinary people.

Commenting on her new role, Liyaquat said, “‘Aar Paar’ is one of News18 India’s flagship properties, and viewers have always connected with the show for the depth and different perspectives it brings to the issues of the day.”

Jyoti Kamal, Managing Editor of News18 India, said the programme has consistently focused on issues that matter to viewers by going beyond the immediate headlines and exploring different perspectives.

“‘Aar Paar’ has always been a destination for issues that matter to people. The idea is to go beyond the immediate headline, bring different layers and perspectives to an issue, and give viewers a deeper understanding of what is at stake,” Kamal said.

He added that the show has built a strong and loyal audience over the years and expressed confidence that Liyaquat’s distinctive debating style and connect with viewers would bring a new dimension to the programme.

“I believe Rubika, with her distinctive debating style and strong connect with viewers, will bring a new dimension to ‘Aar Paar’ and make for some compelling conversations in the 7 PM hour,” Kamal said.

News18 India is Network18’s Hindi general news channel. The group’s television portfolio also includes CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and its regional News18 channels.