Time for India to look beyond MS Dhoni: Sunil Gavaskar to India Today

In this report, the focus is on the tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in Noida's Sector 150, which has sparked a major administrative crackdown. The victim died after his car plunged into a 30-foot water-filled pit dug for a mall project, where he remained trapped for nearly four hours. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the case, ordering a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and the immediate removal of Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M. The speaker notes that 'The SIT will now fix responsibility in a case that has once again raised questions over civic apathy and also accountability.' Investigations have revealed multiple lapses, including the absence of warning signs and reflectors at the site. The post-mortem report confirmed death due to suffocation and heart failure. Following the incident, the state government has also sacked a junior engineer and directed FIRs against two mall builders for negligence.

On this Special Report, Preksha Jain covers the high-profile visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India. During the 'power-packed' three-hour trip, the President was received with a warm embrace by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a display of 'car diplomacy' as the two leaders traveled together. The visit resulted in over a dozen agreements spanning energy, trade, defense, and space, with a focus on a $200 billion trade target. Preksha Jain highlights that the leaders 'unequivocally condemned all forms of terrorism' and discussed critical issues including nuclear reactors and LNG. The engagement reinforces the deepening strategic ties between India and the UAE amidst global volatility. The report also notes the traditional Indian gifts presented to the UAE President, including a carved wooden swing and a Pashmina shawl, symbolizing India's rich handicraft heritage.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the controversy surrounding Karnataka DGP-rank officer K Ramachandra Rao. A video allegedly showing the officer in compromising acts inside his office with women in uniform has gone viral, leading to widespread criticism regarding conduct in a government workspace. K Ramachandra Rao, who is also the father of gold smuggling accused Ranya Rao, has strongly refuted the claims, stating, 'It's all fabricated. This is a lie.' The officer maintains that the footage is morphed and that he is being deliberately targeted. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed his anger over the incident, seeking a formal briefing and demanding an explanation from the concerned department. Meanwhile, Rao has met with the Home Minister to insist on a thorough inquiry into the circulation of what he terms false information. The programme examines the administrative pressure and the ongoing investigation into the authenticity of the viral visuals.

In a tragic incident in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, one person has died and 18 others have been injured following a helium gas cylinder explosion. The blast occurred at Manalurpettai after a river festival, where a pressurized cylinder used for balloons reportedly exploded. According to the report, 'one person has lost life and 18 people have been injured' in the accident. The incident took place as the festival was concluding, leading to chaos and multiple casualties. Local authorities and emergency services responded to the scene to assist the victims. The programme features details from reporter Pramod Madhav regarding the nature of the explosion and the current situation in the district. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment as investigations into the cause of the pressurized cylinder blast continue.