Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification

May 6, 2026, 21:04
IndiaPolitics

Introduction

The Government of India has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati to lead the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a term of three years.

Main Body

This change in leadership was caused by the appointment of Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati. Mr. Joshi had led the CBFC since August 2017, but he left the position after Navneet Kumar Sehgal resigned from Prasar Bharati in December 2025. Consequently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) announced on May 6, 2026, that Mr. Vempati would take over the role. Mr. Vempati has a strong professional background in both technology and media management. After graduating from IIT Bombay, he served as the CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022, where he introduced digital projects for All India Radio and Doordarshan. Furthermore, he spent fifteen years working in technology roles at Infosys and recently served as a director at the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). He is also involved in AI initiatives, such as AI4India Org and BharatGen, which focus on making generative artificial intelligence more accessible. Regarding its operations, the CBFC is a legal body governed by the Cinematograph Act of 1952 and the Certification Rules of 1983. The organization is based in Mumbai and is supported by nine regional offices. To ensure films can be shown publicly in India, they must first be approved by advisory panels. These panels consist of various professionals who are appointed by the government every two years.

Conclusion

Mr. Vempati will now lead the CBFC for the next three years, taking over from Prasoon Joshi.

Learning

πŸš€ The 'Connective Jump': Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, we usually write short, choppy sentences: "Mr. Joshi left. Mr. Vempati took the role." To reach B2, you must learn to glue these ideas together using Logical Connectors.

Look at how the article weaves information together using these three power-tools:

1. The Result-Maker: Consequently

Instead of saying "So," the text uses Consequently.

  • A2 Style: He left the position, so the Ministry announced a new leader.
  • B2 Style: He left the position; consequently, the Ministry announced a new leader.
  • Pro Tip: Use this when one event is the direct mathematical result of another.

2. The Information-Adder: Furthermore

When you have a list of achievements, don't just use "and" or "also." Use Furthermore to signal that you are adding a stronger or additional point.

  • Example from text: He was the CEO... Furthermore, he spent fifteen years at Infosys.
  • Why it works: It tells the reader, "Wait, there's more important stuff to know!"

3. The Transition-Pivot: Regarding

B2 speakers don't just jump to a new topic; they announce the shift. Regarding allows you to change the subject smoothly.

  • Text Example: "Regarding its operations, the CBFC is a legal body..."
  • Usage: Use this at the start of a paragraph to tell the reader exactly what the next section is about (e.g., Regarding the budget... or Regarding the schedule...).

Quick Summary for your Growth:

A2 wordB2 UpgradeFunction
SoConsequentlyShowing Results
AlsoFurthermoreAdding Detail
AboutRegardingSwitching Topics

Vocabulary Learning

appointed (v.)
to give a job or position to someone
Example:The council appointed him as the new chairperson.
lead (v.)
to be in charge of or guide a group or organization
Example:She will lead the team in the upcoming project.
term (n.)
a fixed period of time during which a job or office is held
Example:Her term as mayor will last for four years.
change (n.)
an act or instance of making or becoming different
Example:The change in policy affected many employees.
caused (v.)
to bring about a particular result or effect
Example:The delay was caused by a technical malfunction.
chairman (n.)
the person who presides over a meeting or organization
Example:The chairman welcomed the new members.
position (n.)
a job or role that someone holds
Example:He was offered a senior position in the department.
resigned (v.)
to leave a job or office voluntarily
Example:After five years, she resigned from her post.
announced (v.)
to make a public declaration of something
Example:The company announced a new product line.
take over (v.)
to assume control or responsibility for something
Example:He will take over the role after the current director retires.
background (n.)
the circumstances or experience that form a person's history
Example:Her background in finance made her a valuable asset.
technology (n.)
the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
Example:Advances in technology have transformed communication.
media (n.)
means of communication such as radio, television, or the internet
Example:The media covered the event extensively.
graduated (v.)
to complete a course of study and receive a degree
Example:He graduated with honors from the university.
CEO (n.)
Chief Executive Officer, the highest-ranking executive in a company
Example:The CEO outlined the company's strategy.
digital (adj.)
relating to or based on computer technology
Example:Digital marketing has become essential for businesses.
projects (n.)
planned pieces of work that involve tasks and resources
Example:They completed several large projects last year.
director (n.)
a person who directs or manages an organization or department
Example:The director of the film received an award.
initiatives (n.)
new plans or actions that aim to improve or change something
Example:The school launched several educational initiatives.
generative (adj.)
capable of producing or creating new content or ideas, especially through artificial intelligence
Example:Generative AI can create realistic images from text prompts.