Ayodhya's New Epic: 25-Ft Ravan Statue in Grand Ramayana Park

Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora speaks to India Today about the Mahayuti alliance's performance in the Maharashtra local body elections. Deora highlights that the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which he describes as "one of the most corrupt civic bodies in Asia," has finally moved away from 30 years of single-family rule. While acknowledging the BJP as the senior partner in the alliance, he emphasizes the integral role of Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in securing victory. Deora critiques his former party, the Congress, stating it is moving toward irrelevance in Maharashtra due to its 2019 alliance with Uddhav Thackeray. He argues that the opposition has collapsed across the state, leaving the Mahayuti to fill the vacuum. The discussion also covers the infrastructure push in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and the shifting dynamics of the 'Marathi Manus' vote, which Deora claims is now largely restricted to Mumbai for the UBT faction.

This special report analyzes the 2026 Maharashtra election results, highlighting a significant 'saffron surge' that has established the BJP as the leading political force in the state. The speaker notes that the BJP now operates a 'triple engine' government, holding power at the Centre, the Mantralaya, and local bodies like the BMC. A key takeaway from the report is that 'Devendra Fadnavis, 55-year-old chief minister, is a big winner' and is now positioned in the front line of the party's next generation of leadership. The analysis further details the setback for the Thackeray family in the BMC after 30 years, the routing of the Pawar family in Western Maharashtra, and the continued decline of the Congress party. Additionally, the report highlights the performance of the AIMIM, which secured over 100 seats, contributing to a fragmented opposition that ultimately benefited the BJP's 'Hindutva plus Vikas' strategy.

On this special edition of Battle Cry, host Gaurav Sawant examines the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The discussion follows reports that Iran has agreed to halt the execution of 800 protesters under pressure from US President Donald Trump, though Gaurav Sawant notes that 'conflicting signals' remain as New Zealand withdraws embassy staff from Tehran. The panel, featuring Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha and Professor Salvatore Babones, debates whether a US military strike is imminent or if regional diplomacy from Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide an 'off-ramp.' Gaurav Sawant highlights the humanitarian crisis, citing reports that thousands have been killed in internal unrest. The programme further explores Iran's military capabilities, including its 'hypersonic and ballistic missile force,' and the potential global consequences of a direct conflict. The experts analyse the stability of the Iranian regime amidst economic collapse and internal dissent, questioning if the current pressure will lead to systemic change or a wider regional war.

Maharani Kamsundari Devi of the Darbhanga royal family was laid to rest on January 12, marking the end of a quiet yet significant chapter in Bihar’s history.