Is racism in Indian society a reality? Experts debate

The top focus of this episode of News Today is the death of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, in Dehradun following an attack on December 9. The victim's brother alleges the assault was preceded by racial slurs, a claim Dehradun's SSP contests, noting one of the five arrested individuals is from Manipur. The incident has prompted calls for justice and stronger anti-racism laws from figures like Tipra Motha founder Pradyut Manikya and Rights and Risk Analysis Group Director Suhas Chakma. The programme also reports on a major political development in Maharashtra, where the factions of Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar will jointly contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune civic polls. Additionally, the broadcast examines a Supreme Court decision to stay its own judgment on the controversial 100-metre elevation definition for the Aravalli Hills, prompting a re-evaluation by a high-powered committee.