War of words between BJP and Shiv Sena at Aaj Tak Manthan Conclave

On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal examines the political storm ignited by the announcement of the Padma Awards. While the centre hails them as the 'People's Padma' based on merit, critics argue the selections are 'electionising' the honours, particularly in poll-bound states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Akshita Nandagopal notes, 'this recognition of merit is being read through a political lens, with critics accusing the centre of politicising' the awards. The programme breaks down the numbers, revealing Maharashtra has the highest count, yet highlights controversial inclusions like V.S. Achuthanandan and Shibu Soren for Padma Vibhushan. Reporters Shibi Mole and Anagha Keshav join to discuss the impact in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including the debate over Mammootty’s 'long overdue' Padma Bhushan and the recognition of IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti. The report concludes by celebrating the immense contributions of the awardees in culture, science, and public service despite the surrounding political showdown.

On this special report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, examines the newly released Indian Air Force video documenting Operation Sindoor. The report details the precision strikes carried out in May 2025, where the IAF and Indian Army dismantled nine terror headquarters and hit key Pakistani air bases including Noor Khan and Sargodha. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'this video shows you how terror bases were dismantled in Pakistan' using BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Rafale jets. The programme features insights from Air Marshal Vinod Bhatia and Major General Sanjay Meston, who discuss the strategic significance of hitting targets deep within Pakistan's Punjab province. The discussion also highlights a Swiss military think tank report confirming India's total air dominance during the 88-hour conflict. Additionally, the report covers the 77th Republic Day parade's focus on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and addresses reports of a massive military purge within China's People's Liberation Army.

On this special report, the focus is on the high-energy Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Republic Day. The ceremony, featuring the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistani Rangers, is marked by aggressive marching, high kicks, and patriotic slogans. The speaker notes that the event 'symbolizes India's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, all that is joined in the Constitution.' The transcript highlights the synchronized lowering of the flags without the opening of gates or handshakes, a practice maintained following specific security considerations. Thousands of visitors gathered to witness the spectacle, chanting 'Hindustan Zindabad' and 'Vande Mataram' as the tricolour was respectfully lowered at sunset. The report captures the intense motivation of the BSF personnel, both men and women, who lead the crowd in a display of national pride and strength at India's first line of defence.

On this special report, host Gaurav Sawant examines the Indian Air Force's release of a new video documenting the success of Operation Sindoor. Gaurav Sawant notes that the footage 'shows you how terror bases were dismantled in Pakistan' and how BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles demolished enemy radar stations and air defences. The programme features insights from Air Marshal Vinod Bhatia and Major General Sanjay Meston, who discuss the strategic significance of hitting key Pakistani bases like Noor Khan and Sargodha from standoff ranges. The report highlights a Swiss military think tank's analysis confirming India's total air dominance during the 88-hour conflict in May 2025. The discussion also covers the tri-services tableau at the 77th Republic Day parade, which celebrated India's self-reliance in defence and its zero-tolerance policy towards state-sponsored terrorism. The experts conclude that Operation Sindoor successfully called out Pakistan's nuclear bluff while establishing a new normal for punitive responses to cross-border terror.