There is certain dignity we need to give out to another human being: Leander Paes on racism

In this news update, the spotlight shifts to the logistics behind football legend Lionel Messi’s much-hyped three-day tour of India. While the Kolkata leg of the visit reportedly struggled with 'severe crowd mismanagement', the Mumbai leg is being hailed as a 'gold standard in public safety and planning'. An Unidentified speaker highlights how visuals of thousands of fans applauding the Mumbai Police have gone viral across social media. The report notes that the police received a standing ovation not just for the football star, but for their 'exceptional crowd control, seamless coordination, and calm handling' of the massive event. The segment concludes with these viral images showcasing the professionalism of the Mumbai Police.

During the Winter Session of Parliament, a Union Minister addressed queries regarding the timeline of the Nashik Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MLP). Responding to a Member's concern about a potential three-year delay for the first phase, the Minister stated that the 'timeline is not yet fixed' and depends on the final study contours and State Government consultation. He estimated the project would take 'two, two and a half years' to complete once approved. Additionally, the Minister rejected claims of agrarian distress in the region, asserting that the Logistics Park would help farmers 'store goods for a longer period' and secure better value.

In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has dismissed the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) prosecution complaint in the National Herald money laundering case against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Reporting for India Today, Srishti Oja explains that the court refused to take cognizance of the ED's charge sheet because it was based on a private complaint by Subramanian Swamy rather than a police FIR. Srishti Oja states, 'The investigation and consequent prosecution complaint for money laundering will not be maintainable in absence of an FIR.' Anchor Sneha Mordani notes that while the court granted relief on the ED complaint, it also ruled that the accused are not entitled to a copy of the separate FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The court clarified that the ED retains the option to probe based on the EOW FIR.

In this report, India Today correspondent Vidya details the shifting political alliances in Maharashtra ahead of the civic body elections. She reports that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite for the BMC, Thane, and Nashik polls. Consequently, the Congress party has decided to contest independently, distancing itself from the Shiv Sena (UBT) due to the MNS's anti-North Indian stance. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has confirmed the Thackeray brothers' collaboration.