Lt Col Neeraj Chopra officially pipped, receives rank in special ceremony

In this special broadcast, India Today pays tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar following his tragic demise in an air crash in Baramati. The discussion features insights from Sahil Joshi, Managing Editor and Mumbai Bureau Chief, who reflects on Pawar's three-decade-long political journey. The speakers describe Pawar as a 'complex character' and a 'very efficient administrator' who was known for his directness and deep connection with the people of Baramati. The bulletin highlights his transition from being in the shadow of Sharad Pawar to seeking his own political identity, including his recent hints at a potential NCP merger. 'He did not pretend to be some political saint or sadhu,' noted the speaker, emphasizing Pawar's candid ambition to become Chief Minister. The programme explores the vacuum left in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the uncertain future of Maharashtra's political landscape following this sudden loss, while also recalling Pawar's personal interests in cricket and old Hindi film music.

On this special report, India Today covers the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a Learjet 45 crash near Mumbai. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan joins the programme to reflect on their complex political association, stating, 'We had a very eventful four and a half years, we took many, many momentous decisions'. The transcript details how the leader, known for his punctuality, was identified at the crash site by his signature wrist watch. Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil also shares insights into Pawar's strict administrative style and their final interaction during a cabinet meeting just a day prior. The bulletin explores the massive vacuum left in Maharashtra politics and the uncertain future of the NCP faction following this sudden loss. The report concludes with details regarding the upcoming cremation in Baramati and the state's collective mourning for the leader affectionately known as 'Dada'.

On this special broadcast, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan reflects on the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar, describing it as a shock to the nation. Chavan recounts their long political journey, noting that both were elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991. He highlights their professional relationship during his tenure as Chief Minister from 2010 to 2014, stating, 'We took many, many momentous decisions and many of them, I confess, I would not have been able to take without his active support.' Chavan addresses past political frictions, including the irrigation and cooperative bank matters, clarifying that his actions were never personal despite Pawar's perceptions at the time. Looking ahead, Chavan speculates on the leadership of the NCP Ajit Pawar faction and the potential merger of the two NCP groups, suggesting such a move is 'inevitable' given the current political landscape. The discussion also touches upon the immediate administrative challenge of presenting the state budget following the Finance Minister's passing.

On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.