Chabahar Port Under Scrutiny Amid US Sanction Threats
In May 2024, the Prime Minister described the final agreement on Chabahar Port as a major achievement, underlining India’s long-term strategic interest in the project.
Swapna Barman, the first Indian heptathlete to win an Asian Games gold, said she was now nervous and scared after her success because of the expectations building up around her. Swapna was present at India Today's East Conclave 2018 and spoke of how her life changed overnight after her historic achievement.
Swapna said she was surprised to see so many people waiting for her when she reached home.
"When I reached home, I did not expect so many people would come to meet me. I did not even think someone would cry for me. My mumma cried a lot.. I had not gone home for a year," she said.
Swapna is flooded with offers for advertisements, interviews now. People line up to meet with her, take selfies and autographs. Her life has literally changed overnight and the simple girl from Bengal is trying to make sense of all the adulation and fanfare.
"Life has changed. I have not. People's approach has changed... I had never thought - this is all a dream? Am I sleeping?"
In May 2024, the Prime Minister described the final agreement on Chabahar Port as a major achievement, underlining India’s long-term strategic interest in the project.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singur in West Bengal, where he sounded the poll bugle for the upcoming elections. During his address, the Prime Minister asserted that 'Bengal needs to end TMC's 15-year-long jangal raj for asli parivartan' (real change). He launched various development projects worth over 830 crore rupees, emphasizing his push for 'vikas' in the state. Prime Minister Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of sheltering infiltrators to create a vote bank and endangering women's safety. He further alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is stalling central schemes and threatening the state's welfare. The Prime Minister called for a regime change, using the slogan 'Paltano dorkar, chaiye BJP sarkar.' In response, the TMC dismissed the visit, labeling the Prime Minister a 'political tourist' and accusing him of spinning fantasies regarding the state's demographic balance.
On this Special Report, India Today reporter Shreya Chatterjee provides updates as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay arrives in Delhi for his second round of questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The actor-turned-politician is scheduled to appear before the agency tomorrow at 11 AM regarding the Karur stampede incident. Shreya Chatterjee notes that 'He will continue facing the questions on the charges of a seven hours delay that allegedly has been blamed for the entire Karoos Trampede'. The questioning is expected to focus on the planning of the political program and the alleged lack of permissions. The report also highlights the anticipated presence of fans at the CBI headquarters, noting that the TVK chief has a significant following in the national capital. Vijay had previously requested a delay in the summons due to the Pongal festival break.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political battle in West Bengal between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). TMC spokesperson Tausifur Rehman challenged the Prime Minister's role, asking, 'Is he a prime minister of BJP or India?' during a heated debate on development and national security. The discussion features insights from BJP national spokesperson Rohan Gupta, political analyst Monajit Mandal, and senior journalist Aarti Jerath. Key issues raised include the implementation of the Special Information Report (SIR) for voter rolls, allegations of fund blockades by the Centre, and the impact of anti-incumbency against the Mamata Banerjee government after 15 years in power. The panel explores whether the BJP can successfully challenge the TMC's 'Bengali Asmita' narrative and the emerging leadership of Abhishek Banerjee ahead of the upcoming elections.