Kerala Vs Karnataka over demolition drive in Bengaluru, Vijay slams DMK over attack on migrant worker

This news report focuses on a fresh political controversy following the 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' from the Northeast, despite other dignitaries doing so. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the move as an 'act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The BJP claims that Rahul Gandhi did not oblige even after President Droupadi Murmu reminded him twice. In response, the Congress Party pointed out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also not wearing the same patka during the event. The discussion highlights that the theme of the reception was focused on Northeastern culture and food. Critics argue that as a constitutional office holder, Rahul Gandhi should have embraced the cultural symbol, while the opposition labels the BJP's reaction as a political diversion.

World-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta joins Rajdeep Sardesai on India Today's 'The Legends' to discuss his six-decade career and enduring connection to India. Approaching his 90th birthday, the Parsi maestro reflects on his upbringing in a musical household in Bombay under his father, Meli Mehta, and his education at Campion School and St. Xavier's College before moving to Vienna. Despite leading the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, Mehta explains why he maintains his Indian citizenship. The interview covers his collaborations with Pandit Ravi Shankar and his experiences during the 'Quit India' movement. Mehta addresses the intersection of music and politics, revealing he canceled his 2026 Israel engagements due to opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies regarding Palestinians. He shares anecdotes about Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi while discussing his work with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which includes both Israeli and Palestinian musicians. Mehta concludes by highlighting the Parsi community's philanthropic contributions to Mumbai’s heritage and his ongoing commitment to peace through music.

In this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant examines India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and the nation's evolving security paradigm. The program highlights European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement regarding India’s role in global stability and the progress of the India-EU security and defense partnership. A central focus is placed on 'Operation Sindoor' and a Swiss military think-tank report detailing India's air superiority over Pakistan. Experts Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon and Air Marshal M. Mateshwaran analyze precision strikes on strategic targets, including Sargodha and Jacobabad airbases, which reportedly called Pakistan's nuclear bluff. The discussion covers reported casualties of 400 Pakistani soldiers in the Lipa Valley and the impact of Indian political will on regional dynamics. Additional coverage includes AI-enabled surveillance displays at Kartavya Path, the historic participation of women in military contingents, an internal purge within China's PLA, and the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The report also addresses entry restriction controversies at Badrinath-Kedarnath temples.

On this India Today special report, Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan and Business Today's Chetan Bhutani discuss the landmark India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement. Geeta Mohan notes, 'It's 27 member states of European Union coming together with India on a free trade agreement. That's why it's being called the mother of all deals.' The transcript reveals that while negotiations have concluded, a formal deal will follow legal scrubbing of the text, a process expected to take five to six months. The agreement is projected to enter into force by 2027. Chetan Bhutani adds that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make a formal announcement tomorrow, followed by a joint press conference featuring Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU Trade Commissioner Marko Sekovic. The deal aims for deeper economic integration, covering sectors such as automobiles, technology, and security. The report also highlights how the United States is closely monitoring these developments amidst global trade tariff discussions.