IPL 2019 was personally satisfying: CSK star Harbhajan Singh to India Today

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of 'unconstitutional' and 'irresponsible' behaviour. Prasad alleged that the Chief Minister interfered in an ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at a private consultancy firm linked to a coal scam, reportedly snatching files from officials. He stated, 'The entire action of the Chief Minister is not only unethical, irresponsible, unconstitutional, but she has put the entire democratic process and governance to shame.' Prasad questioned Banerjee's alleged links to the consultancy firm, suggesting her actions were intended to protect sensitive information. He further contrasted her conduct with other political leaders during investigations and cited past instances like the Sharda scam and Sandeshkhali to highlight a pattern of obstructing central agencies. The BJP leader also referenced the recent framing of charges against Lalu Prasad in the land-for-job scam, asserting that democratic norms must be upheld during legal probes.

On this Special Report, India Today correspondent Sim Basi reports from the Chandigarh-Shimla highway as a severe winter chill grips the region. The temperature has plummeted to approximately 4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a blanket of mild fog that has significantly reduced visibility for commuters. Basi observes that 'the visibility is also a little sluggish, a little poor because of the mild fog around this region,' noting that vehicles are operating with headlights and blinkers on to prevent accidents. While Chandigarh remained clear yesterday, the current conditions have turned bone-chilling, affecting the surrounding areas. The report highlights the safety measures taken by drivers navigating the highway amidst these challenging weather conditions. Sim Basi, along with cameraman Basan Aman, provides a first-hand account of the situation as the winter season intensifies in North India, emphasizing the need for caution on the roads during the early morning hours.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Ashraf Wani reports on the intensifying cold wave across the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season as temperatures plummeted to minus 6 degrees Celsius. The reporter notes, ‘Friday night was the coldest night of the season in Srinagar when temperature touched minus 6 degree here in the Srinagar city.’ Other tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam saw temperatures drop to minus 10 degrees, while Dras recorded a freezing minus 25 degrees. The Meteorological Department has predicted that these conditions will persist until 20 January. Heavy snowfall in hilly regions, particularly the Gurez Valley, has left several villages near the Line of Control cut off, prompting the Indian Army to launch assistance operations for the local population. The report highlights the severe impact of the winter chill on daily life and the lack of immediate relief for residents in the coming days.

A rare winter phenomenon is sweeping through Kashmir as the Dal Lake begins to freeze under a thick sheet of ice, transforming the valley into a snow-laden wonderland. The transcript captures chilling scenes from the banks of Dal Lake, where locals and tourists struggle with freezing conditions. 'Just to show you the intensity of the cold we have come here, show you the ice, which is an unbelievable phenomenon,' states the on-scene reporter. As temperatures plummet and clear skies persist, the cold is expected to intensify further. The resulting freeze affects everyday life, including shikara rides. The Indian Meteorological Department warns that this cold wave will spread across North Indian plains, bringing dense fog and lower temperatures in coming days. Tourists continue to visit to experience and capture the once-in-a-lifetime wintry landscape despite extreme weather.