Kamal Haasan takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil

This special report from India Today's 'Postmortem' examines the frequent temporary releases of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is convicted of rape and murder. The report details his 15th parole, bringing his total time outside prison to 405 days in eight years, a situation that makes a 'mockery of the Indian judicial system'. It questions the repeated paroles and furloughs granted by the Haryana government, whose Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini offered a terse 'Thank you' when questioned. The son of murdered journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati, Anshul, is quoted asking, 'If the government is going to keep releasing him anyway, why pretend this is a punishment at all?' The programme delves into the 2022 amendment of Haryana's parole laws that reclassified Ram Rahim, allowing his releases, and recounts the history of his crimes, the anonymous letter that sparked the investigation, and the violent 2017 riots following his conviction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Somnath for a two-day visit, participating in the Somnath Swabhiman Parva that marks 1000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple and celebrates its enduring resilience. ‘PM Narendra Modi is going to take part in that entire program also. That program is supposed to take place at 8pm but before that already the light show has begun here.’ The event includes Omkar Mantra chanting, a mega drone show, and the ceremonial Shaurya Yatra featuring 108 horses symbolising the temple’s legacy of sacrifice and valor. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to offer special prayers, address the public, and highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and spirituality. The program emphasises the spirit, courage, and unity of the people of Somnath over the last millennium.

In the fifth and the final episode of India Today@50 detailing events from 2015 to 2025, Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director (Publishing), provides a comprehensive analysis of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership from 2014.

As uncertainty continues over his final film 'Jana Nayagan', fans of Thalapathy Vijay have a reason to celebrate this Pongal. India Today correspondent Anagha Keshav reports that Vijay's 2016 blockbuster 'Theri' will be re-released on January 15 to mark its 10th anniversary. This move is seen as a consolation for fans, ensuring the actor has a festival release. Keshav notes, 'there was a lot of pressure to release at least one Vijay film because every year, there has been a Pongal release for Vijay'. The delay of 'Jana Nayagan' has led its makers to approach the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the re-release of 'Theri', directed by Atlee, provides a festive treat for Vijay's massive fanbase in Tamil Nadu.