Can PM Modi turn abuse into opportunity in Bihar? Experts debate

On this news bulletin, columnist Abhishek Asthana discusses the tragic death of an analytics professional in Noida and the systemic failures of urban infrastructure in India. Asthana highlights a 'democratisation of fault' where authorities, builders, and rescue teams shift blame to avoid accountability. He notes that the system survives on the 'short-term memory' of the public, waiting for the media cycle to move on to the next crisis. Comparing a swift rescue in Virginia, USA, to the 90-minute struggle of the victim in Noida, Asthana expresses disbelief at the lack of societal ownership and the failure of rapid response teams. He states, 'I think you have to be lucky to just survive, survive a turn of accidents, survive the traffic, survive the air pollution, survive bad water, survive high taxation, survive high cost of living and zero quality of life.' The discussion underscores the disparity between the dream of a 'Viksit Bharat' and the harsh reality of living in Indian metros.

On this India Today special report, Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor highlights the growing public outrage in Noida following the tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yubaraj. The victim remained trapped in a water-filled pit for four hours, pleading for help, while rescue teams allegedly failed to act due to a lack of coordination and equipment. Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor notes, 'Questions of negligence and administrative accountability have peaked,' specifically pointing towards Noida District Magistrate Medha Roopam and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The program reveals that a similar truck accident occurred at the exact same spot 15 days prior, yet no barricades were installed by the Noida Authority. While the Noida Authority CEO has been sacked and builder Abhay Kumar arrested, residents express deep dissatisfaction with the systemic apathy. The report features ground updates from colleagues Gupinder and Anmol Bali, who speak with local residents demanding accountability for the 'killer pit' that claimed a young life despite repeated warnings to the authorities.

The District Magistrate of Noida, Medha Roopam, is facing mounting criticism over the death of software engineer Yuvraj Mehta.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu as TTV Dinakaran, leader of the AMMK, officially rejoins the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Union Minister and BJP poll in charge Piyush Goyal expressed his delight at the move, stating, 'All of us in the NDA are all committed to removing this corrupt DMK government, this incompetent DMK government which is attacking the people of Tamil Nadu'. Goyal highlighted his long-standing family connection with Dinakaran and emphasised that the united front aims to protect 'Tamil pride' and defeat the 'anti-Bharat' DMK-led alliance. The transcript details the strategic negotiations involving the BJP, AMMK, and AIADMK, with Dinakaran reportedly seeking 11 seats. Despite past friction with AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Dinakaran stated he is 'burying the hatchet' for the state's welfare. The programme explores how this 'Greater NDA' intends to consolidate forces to end what they term the 'tyrannical rule' of Chief Minister MK Stalin.