Online Streaming Services: How to Watch Live News in India

Want to catch the latest headlines without turning on a TV? You can stream live news right from your phone, laptop, or tablet. India’s internet landscape offers a mix of free and subscription services that bring news channels straight to your screen. No need for a cable box – just an internet connection and a few clicks, and you’re set. Let’s break down the options and get you watching in minutes.

Top Platforms for Live News

First up, the big names. Doordarshan streams its national news on YouTube, so you can watch the flagship channel any time. Aaj Tak runs a dedicated live site and also streams on its own app, giving you fast updates and breaking alerts. If you prefer a single app for multiple channels, JioTV bundles Doordarshan, Aaj Tak, Zee News, and more under one roof. Hotstar and Zee5 also carry live news feeds, but you’ll need a basic subscription to unlock them.

How to Get Started

Getting started is simple. Pick the platform that matches your device – most work on Android, iOS, and web browsers. Download the app from the Play Store or App Store, open it, and look for the ‘Live’ or ‘News’ section. Sign in if the service asks; many free apps let you skip the login. For YouTube, just search the channel name and hit the live button. Remember to enable notifications if you want instant alerts for breaking stories.

If you hit buffering, check your internet speed. A stable 5‑Mbps connection handles most streams comfortably. For higher quality (HD), aim for 10 Mbps or more. Closing other apps that use bandwidth can also smooth out the picture. Some apps let you switch to a lower resolution manually, which helps on slower connections.

Want a no‑cost solution? Stick with the free YouTube channels and the basic JioTV app – both give you live news without a monthly fee. If you’re already paying for a streaming bundle like Hotstar, you’re already covered; just add the news tabs. For a premium experience with ad‑free viewing and extra features, consider a small subscription to Zee5 or the HD tier of Hotstar.

Finally, keep an eye on new entrants. The Indian market is always adding fresh services, especially around major events like elections or sports seasons. Signing up for a short trial can let you test a platform before committing. With these steps, you’ll have live news at your fingertips, wherever you are.