Aravalli Row: Centre Clarifies No 'Free For All' Mining As Activists Warn Of 'Erasure On Paper'

On this Special Report, the focus is on the intensifying 'resort politics' in Maharashtra as the Mahayuti alliance maneuvers to secure the Mumbai mayoral post. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has asserted that the 'mayor's chair is firmly in the Mahayuti's grip' and emphasized that the final decision will be made in consultation with the BJP. The transcript details the movement of 29 newly elected Shiv Sena corporators to a hotel to prevent poaching before formal group formation under the Mumbai Municipal Act. Reporter Vidya highlights that while Eknath Shinde is currently in Davos, backroom maneuvering continues in Kalyan-Dombivli and Mumbai. The programme analyzes various numerical scenarios, noting that while the Mahayuti holds a majority with 118 seats, any shift in alliance dynamics could alter the outcome. The report underscores the strategic importance of the upcoming gazette notification and the subsequent mayoral elections in the state's political landscape.

On this report, the focus is on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) stern ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India. Following internal government pressure and security concerns cited by Bangladesh, the ICC has clarified there are no legitimate security threats in India. The global cricket body has reportedly told Bangladesh to 'Play in India or get replaced' in the tournament. A deadline of Wednesday, 21st January, has been set for a final response. The programme discusses the tension between the two boards and the ICC's refusal to move matches, emphasizing that if Bangladesh refuses to travel, they will forfeit their points and be replaced by another team based on current ICC rankings. The report highlights the intersection of sports and politics as the deadline approaches.

On this India Today special report, correspondent Pramod Madhav provides live updates on the second day of CBI questioning of Tamil Nadu Vetchikaragam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay. The investigation pertains to the tragic stampede in Karur during an election campaign that resulted in the deaths of 41 people. Pramod Madhav notes that 'the actual responsibility falls on TVK because the people were made to stand over there' in a narrow location for an extended period. The CBI is scrutinizing the delay in Vijay's arrival at the venue and whether the organisers followed police safety protocols. While the TVK suggests political targeting ahead of the elections, the CBI is also examining the role of state authorities and police in crowd management. The report highlights that video evidence from the TVK office in Panayur has been collected as the agency prepares to file a charge sheet in the case.

In this report, Muneesh Pandey provides details on the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) second and likely final round of questioning of TVK chief Vijay. The investigation pertains to a tragic stampede in Karur that resulted in the deaths of 41 people. Muneesh Pandey notes that 'CBI is in a process to file a charge sheet in the case' and is currently confronting Vijay with documentary evidence and statements from Tamil Nadu police officials. The probe focuses on why Vijay continued his speech for several minutes despite allegedly witnessing members of the public fainting due to dehydration. The transcript highlights a seven-hour delay in Vijay's arrival as a primary factor for the crowd build-up. While the TVK party blames the police for lack of arrangements, the Tamil Nadu police have submitted video footage to the CBI to fix accountability on the organizers and the TVK chief.