Flexibility and options crucial for India at 2019 World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar

On this Special Report, correspondent Shreya Chatterjee provides details on a brazen shootout at a cafe in Northeast Delhi's Maujpur area. A 24-year-old man, identified as Faizan, was shot dead over an alleged old rivalry involving a financial dispute. The accused, identified as Moin, reportedly released a video claiming responsibility for the murder in an unapologetic manner. Shreya Chatterjee notes that the Delhi Police have registered a case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act. The incident, caught on CCTV, has raised significant concerns regarding the deteriorating law and order situation and the rise of gun culture in the national capital. While the police are investigating the case from all angles and scanning footage to nab the accused, the brazen nature of the crime highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in controlling gang-related violence and personal enmity shootouts in Delhi.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the internal dynamics of the Congress party following a high-level strategy meeting in Delhi. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala addressed the absence of Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor from the session, which was attended by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to discuss Kerala poll preparedness. Chennithala clarified the situation, stating, 'Mr. Shashi Tharoor had a program in Calicut. It's a Kerala Literary Forum program. He has fixed it much earlier.' He dismissed speculations of a rift or internal discord, asserting that Tharoor remains a committed member of the party and had recently attended events in Wayanad and Cochin. The discussion also highlighted the party's confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF) performance, with leaders aiming to cross the 100-seat mark in the upcoming elections. The programme explores the Congress's efforts to maintain a united front amidst seat-sharing talks and campaign planning for the Kerala assembly polls.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the political fallout in Maharashtra following the BMC poll results. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on his political rivals, reiterating allegations of 'vote chori' or vote theft. Addressing his party cadre in Mumbai, Thackeray stated, 'You can buy votes, but how can you buy spirit?' He expressed disappointment that 'traitors' from within, rather than outsiders, were being used in an attempt to finish the Thackeray name and legacy. While Thackeray did not explicitly name Eknath Shinde, his remarks were clearly directed at the Shinde faction and the BJP, whom he referred to as outsiders trying to divide the Shiv Sena. Thackeray appreciated his workers for resisting these pressures and vowed to continue the fight. The programme examines these comments as the mayoral race begins in Mumbai amidst a highly charged political atmosphere.

On this special report, India Today reporter Shivani Sharma provides details on the arrival of European Union Vice-President Kaja Kallas in India. The visit marks a significant milestone in the India-EU strategic partnership, focusing on what has been described as the 'mother of all deals' encompassing defence, finance, and technology. Shivani Sharma notes that 'There have been enough statements and hints that have been now given out that there is something big that's going to come up for India and EU in this upcoming visit.' The five-day visit includes meetings with the Prime Minister and participation in Republic Day celebrations as special guests. The discussions are expected to cover bilateral issues, economic cooperation, and security frameworks, paralleling India's strengthening ties with other global powers like the United States. The programme explores the geopolitical implications of this high-level engagement and the potential for a landmark trade and security agreement.