Stalin proposes Rahul Gandhi's name as PM candidate

On this Special Report, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma joins a panel to discuss the internal turmoil within the Indian National Congress following recent electoral setbacks. Verma asserts that 'Rahul Gandhi is self-destructive' and claims the party is imploding due to a leadership consumed by hubris and inaccessibility. The debate, moderated by Anjali, features insights from political commentator Rashid Kidwai and analyst Syed Asad Abbas. Kidwai notes that the Congress is becoming a party of 'people who are happy to be unhappy,' while Abbas defends the party by pointing out historical dissent within the BJP. The discussion highlights leadership vacuums in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, the impact of the Bihar election losses, and the perceived communication gap between the Congress high command and its ground workers. The programme explores whether the current dissent is a sign of democratic space or a terminal decline for the grand old party.

Why are global music stars suddenly choosing India?

From Kullu–Manali, where highways are choked with stranded vehicles, to Shimla, where daily life has slowed to a crawl, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with snowfall-triggered chaos.

On this special report, India Today’s Piyush Mishra provides a detailed breakdown of the Padma Awards announced on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 131 individuals have been honoured across various categories, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Mishra highlights that 'The biggest name which we can see and which is also the first number is Narendra Modi, who has also been awarded the Padma Vibhushan.' The list features prominent figures such as veteran politician Shibu Soren, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously for his work with tribals in Jharkhand, and former cricket captain Rohit Sharma in the sports category. Other notable awardees mentioned include singer Alka Yagnik, politician V.K. Malhotra, and actor Dharmendra Deol. The awards recognise lifelong contributions in fields ranging from medicine and art to public affairs and literature, including several individuals of Indian origin and foreign nationals from Russia and Germany.