Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani questions Prime Minister Modi's silence on Bhima Koregaon violence

On this Special Report, the focus is on India's 77th Republic Day celebrations featuring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa as chief guests. Ursula von der Leyen described the invitation to the parade at Kartavya Path as the 'honour of a lifetime.' The event marked a historic milestone as a European Union contingent marched in the parade for the first time, with flag bearers on gypsy vehicles. The EU leaders arrived in a ceremonial buggy alongside President Droupadi Murmu and were received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is being viewed as a significant strategic move, potentially leading to major agreements. Following the parade, the leaders are scheduled for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Modi to discuss critical outcomes regarding trade, technology, climate action, and strategic cooperation. This engagement underscores the shifting global alliances and the strengthening of ties between India and the European Union in a period of geopolitical uncertainty.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has made history as the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Speaking about his historic journey, Shukla stated, 'Today in 2025, the Indian flag reached the International Space Station for the first time.' The Indian Air Force officer was recognised for his exemplary courage and leadership during the 18-day Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The programme also highlights the 70 other gallantry award recipients honoured by the President on the eve of Republic Day, including Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who received the Vishishta Seva Medal for her role in Operation Zindur. Shukla shared insights into the challenges of space travel and the powerful message of India's growing presence in space exploration, describing the experience as 'out of this world' while inspiring future generations of Indians.

On this report, India Today’s Shibi Mole KG discusses the controversy surrounding the Padma Bhushan conferred upon Malayalam superstar Mammootty in 2026. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed that while the state rejoices in the honour, 'there has been a delay as far as giving a Padma award to Mammootty is concerned.' The Chief Minister highlighted that the state cabinet had repeatedly recommended the actor's name over the years. The discussion points out that Mammootty received his Padma Shri in the late 1990s and waited over 20 years for the Padma Bhushan, unlike fellow superstar Mohanlal. Shibi Mole KG notes that critics have often suggested Mammootty’s political leanings as a Left supporter and his role as chairman of a CPI(M)-backed channel may have influenced the delay at the national level. The report underscores the cultural significance of the actor in Kerala and the perceived political friction between the state and the Centre regarding national recognitions.

On this Special Report, the focus is on former Ministry of Home Affairs official R.V.S. Mani, who has sparked a fresh controversy following his Padma Shri recognition. Mani, known for his explosive allegations regarding the coining of the 'Saffron Terror' term, has lauded the current government's national security push. He stated, 'There is a statement and a message from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister that we will stand with those who stand for the country.' The transcript highlights Mani's claims that he was pressured by the previous Congress-led UPA government in 2009 to sign a fabricated affidavit. He further alleged that past administrations targeted Hindu leaders in cases like the Samjhauta Express blast to secure vote banks. India Today’s Aman Bhardwaj reports on how Mani’s book and subsequent award have reignited the debate over political interference in national security narratives and the alleged anti-Hindu agenda in Karnataka.