Bangladesh Hindu Lynchings: BJP Leader Sangeet Som Demands Ban on Bangladeshi Player in KKR| IPL Row

This news report discusses the emerging power dynamics within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) following the reported demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Senior party leaders, including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Sunil Tatkare, have reportedly reached a consensus to propose Sunetra Pawar for the vacant Deputy Chief Minister post. The transcript notes that Sunetra Pawar, currently a Rajya Sabha MP, is also expected to contest the by-poll for the Baramati Assembly constituency, a seat held by Ajit Pawar since 1993. 'In all likelihood, it is believed that Sunetra Pawar now will be contesting in the vacant seat of Ajit Pawar,' the report states. While the NCP leadership appears united on her elevation to the cabinet, the final decision rests with the BJP top leadership and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Additionally, the report highlights ongoing discussions regarding the party presidency and the potential impact on previously discussed merger plans between the two NCP factions.

In this Special Report, India Today Legal Editor Nalini Sharma provides details on the Supreme Court hearing regarding the stray dog menace. The Central government has informed the top court that it is working towards a 'complete elimination of rabies due to dog bites' by 2030 under a National Action Plan. During the proceedings before a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, the Additional Solicitor General highlighted that while health is a state subject, the Centre is providing fund allocations and coordinating state action plans. Nalini Sharma notes that the Supreme Court has reserved its order on the matter, giving parties one week to file written submissions. The report emphasises the need for negative population growth of stray dogs, which are currently increasing by 10 to 15% annually. The final judgement is expected to provide specific directions to national, state, and local municipal authorities to tackle the growing problem of stray dog bites across India.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's recent remarks ahead of the upcoming elections. Addressing the minority community, M.K. Stalin stated that 'Tamil Nadu is the only state which is safe for Muslims.' He further described the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as a 'fortress that protects the minority' residing in the state. During his address, the Chief Minister also launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing it of using central agencies like the CBI, ED, and IT to intimidate political opponents and the public. Stalin remarked that he did not need to explain the current situation of the country further, implying a climate of pressure from the Centre. The report highlights the DMK's strategy to consolidate minority votes by positioning itself as a primary defender against central interference and communal insecurity.

A six-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three minor boys, aged between 10 and 13, on January 18 in Delhi's Bhajanpura.