'Manohar kahaniyan': IAF Chief on Pak's claim of downing Indian jets in Op Sindoor

A political showdown unfolds over the Centre's proposed 'Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)' or VB-G.Ramji Bill, which aims to repeal and replace the UPA-era MGNREGA. This special report examines the new legislation that increases guaranteed employment to 125 days while altering the funding pattern to a 60:40 Centre-State ratio. BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla defends the bill as a 'Viksit Bharat law,' aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. However, opposition voices, including Congress's Dr. Ajoy Kumar and economist Jean Drèze, raise significant concerns. They argue the bill removes the demand-driven, rights-based nature of the scheme and its legal guarantee of work, introducing a 'switch-off clause' that centralizes power. The debate also explores the financial implications for states, the impact on federalism, and the controversy over removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the rural employment programme.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the tragic death of 34-year-old mechanic Venkataraman in Bengaluru. The India Today report by Sagai Raj highlights the apathy of the city as Venkataraman died of a heart attack while his wife, Roopa, begged for help on the road. The transcript details how the couple was turned away by Udbhav and Relife hospitals and denied an ambulance. The incident, which occurred in Banashankari, exposes the 'heart of stone' of Silicon City, where traffic moved on for five minutes before a Samaritan attempted CPR. The report questions the system and society that failed the victim.

Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai concludes the show with the 'Image of the Day', celebrating the India Today Group's stellar performance at the 25th Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards in Mumbai. Fresh off their record-breaking victory at the ENBA awards, the network secured nine prestigious trophies, reaffirming its leadership. Managing Editor Gaurav Sawant was honoured for his comprehensive coverage of 'Operation Sindoor', while Akshita Nandgopal received an award for her reporting on the Wayanad landslide. Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie accepted the Popular Channel of the Year awards for both India Today and Aaj Tak. The event at the Jio World Convention Centre saw television's finest gather for a night of glitz and glory.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the severe pollution crisis in Delhi and the escalating political war of words. Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has apologised to the people, stating the government is working hard to fix the issue, but blamed the AAP and Congress for the mess. He announced strict measures starting tomorrow, including a 50 per cent work-from-home mandate for private companies, a ban on construction, and restrictions on non-BS-VI vehicles. The programme also highlights that the Lok Sabha will hold a short-duration debate on the pollution crisis. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has dismissed the Minister's apology and actions as 'too little, too late', questioning the impact of these ad hoc measures.