PM Modi-Trump meet lays roadmap for trade, energy ties: Former US envoy

This report covers the tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in Noida’s Sector 150. The victim’s car plunged into a massive 30-foot deep water-filled pit, leading to his death by drowning. According to the transcript, 'Yuvraj was stuck on top of that car for hours, yelling for help, begging for help' before the vehicle submerged. A post-mortem report later confirmed that one to two litres of water were found in his lungs. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a grueling five-and-a-half-hour operation to locate and retrieve the vehicle from the slush-filled expanse. Authorities faced significant challenges due to the 30-foot depth and thick wild growth in the area. The incident has highlighted severe administrative negligence, as the dangerous pit remained unaddressed despite being in plain sight. It took nearly 72 hours for authorities to finally locate the car in the vast, waterlogged area.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on the improving air quality in the National Capital Region. India Today correspondent Sushant Mehra reports that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Sushant Mehra notes that 'the air quality index in Delhi right now is around 375, in the very poor category', leading to the decision to ease the strictest curbs. While Stage 4 measures, which were imposed when the AQI breached the 400 mark, have been removed, restrictions under Stages 1, 2, and 3 will remain in force to manage pollution levels. The report highlights that the slight improvement in air quality is attributed to better weather conditions, including sunlight and wind movement, providing much-needed relief to the residents of the national capital.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating tensions between Denmark and the United States over Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a stern warning to the Trump administration, stating, 'We cannot negotiate on sovereignty, identity, borders and democracy.' The bulletin highlights how Donald Trump's long-standing interest in Greenland has shifted from a perceived joke in his first term to a serious geopolitical threat in 2026. Reports indicate that the U.S. is considering acquiring or annexing the territory through negotiations or force, with military aircraft already landing in Greenland. Frederiksen emphasized that any trade war initiated against Europe would meet a firm response, framing the issue as a fundamental challenge to the global world order. The programme explores the implications of these developments for NATO unity and European security as the Trump administration maintains its policy decision on the Arctic territory.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the impending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stated, 'Indeed, some call it the mother of all deals' regarding the historic trade pact. The President is scheduled to visit India following her Davos trip, specifically for the Republic Day celebrations, where a formal announcement regarding the conclusion of the deal is expected. This diplomatic move comes as both India and the EU navigate a complex global trade environment marked by significant tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan notes that while legal nitty-gritty remains, the agreement will open vital markets and businesses. The deal is seen as a strategic counter to economic pressures and other geopolitical threats, signaling a major shift in India-EU bilateral relations and economic cooperation.