Popularly known as the 'Rice Bowl of India', Andhra Pradesh is the seventh-largest state in the country and is situated on the southeastern part of the subcontinent. Being the first state to be formed on a linguistic basis in 1953, Andhra Pradesh was once a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. Andhra Pradesh is dominated by two major rivers-Krishna and Godavari and is often called the 'Kohinoor of India'.
Amaravati is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam is the largest city. The state has a coastline of 974 km, second among the Indian states, with pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobile components, agro and food processing, and minerals as its key economic sectors.
Telugu is the official language of the state, and the state is best known for its archeological structures, temples, monuments, craftsmanship and enjoys a rich glorious past. Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati, Kakinada, Nellore, Guntur and Kurnool are some of the important cities of the state.
The majority of the state's population depends on agriculture and its allied sectors for their income and livelihoods and is a major producer of rice. In 2020, Andhra Pradesh became the first state to have proposed three capitals in the region- Visakhapatnam as the executive capital, Amaravati being the legislative capital and Kurnool as the judicial capital respectively.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most popular religious places in the world and a famous tourist spot. The state is also known for Srisailam Mallikarjuneswar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India, Kodanda Rama Temple, Pancharama Kshetras and boasts of temples and shrines. Borra Caves, Rishikonda beach, Tada Falls, Ahobilam Temple, Pulicat lake, Araku valley, Kondapalli fort are some of the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating row over the Tirupati Laddu ghee adulteration case following the filing of a CBI charge sheet. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu has categorically rejected claims that the charge sheet provides a 'clean chit' regarding the presence of animal fat. B.R. Naidu stated, 'The SIT has confirmed that ghee adulteration and the TTV chief has come out to say that certain groups are misleading the devotees.' He further alleged that YSRCP leaders are spreading misinformation and emphasized that the CBI has not negated the September 2024 NDDB report which indicated the presence of animal fat. The TTD Chairman has now called for micro DNA testing of the samples to identify all adulterants. The report highlights the political friction between the TDP and YSRCP as the investigation into the sanctity of the Tirupati Prasadam continues.
On this India Today special report, the panel discusses critical expectations for the upcoming Union Budget and the necessity of structural reforms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson of Rothschild & Co India, emphasizes the need for tax clarity, stating, 'the way our tax regimes are very complicated muddy the works and it's going to be very critical to have a principle by which we can actually set these frameworks in advance.' She highlights the challenges faced by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) regarding transfer pricing and ESOPs. Neelesh Surana, CIO of Mirae Asset Investment Managers, proposes an 'Ease of Doing Business Commission' to assist entrepreneurs with compliance. Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist at Axis Bank, addresses the fiscal indiscipline in states and the pivotal role of the 16th Finance Commission in creating incentives for capital expenditure. The discussion underscores the importance of urban governance, skilling, and the federal dynamics between central and state finances in driving India's long-term economic growth.
This news bulletin, anchored by Nagarjun Dwarkanath, covers significant political and criminal developments across Southern India. A primary focus is the finalized alliance between the DMK and Congress for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following high-level talks between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi. In Andhra Pradesh, the CBI has submitted a final charge sheet regarding the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ladoo ghee adulteration scam. Criminal reports include a triple murder in Chennai involving a migrant family from Bihar, resulting in five arrests. Environmental concerns in Kanyakumari are highlighted, specifically regarding rare earth element mining and coastal erosion affecting deep-sea fishermen. Additional coverage includes the Karnataka Contractors Association's strike threat over pending dues, a SIT probe involving actor Jayaram in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and food poisoning incidents in Telangana government schools. The report also notes political developments in Kerala involving Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, providing a comprehensive overview of current regional affairs and legal proceedings.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Apoorva Jayachandran provides an update on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ghee adulteration case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet naming 36 accused in a ₹250 crore scam involving the supply of synthetic ghee for the iconic Tirupati laddus. Apoorva Jayachandran notes that the probe revealed '68 lakh kgs of fake ghee, synthetic ghee that was being used to prepare laddus' between 2021 and 2024. The investigation highlights the role of Delhi-based trader Ajay Kumar Sugandh, who allegedly supplied chemicals to mimic the aroma of real cow ghee. The report further details the collusion of high-ranking TTD staff, including former procurement officials, who allegedly accepted bribes to issue favourable quality reports. The broadcast discusses the impact on the sanctity of the temple and the sentiments of millions of devotees worldwide.
On this Special Report, an unidentified speaker addresses the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus. The speaker criticises Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making allegations without confirmation, asking, 'How can Sindhubab Naidu, without confirmation, how can he talk that?' The speaker highlights that Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP) leaders approached the Supreme Court seeking an inquiry to uncover the facts. According to the speaker, the Supreme Court-constituted body and subsequent investigations by national laboratories have confirmed that no animal fat was present in the laddus. The transcript focuses on the legal recourse taken by the YCP and the findings of the SIT committee and laboratory tests that reportedly cleared the ghee of adulteration claims involving vegetable or animal fats.
On this Special Report, India Today reporter Apurva Jayachandran provides exclusive details from the recently filed charge sheet in the Tirupati Laddu adulteration case. The investigation reveals a massive scam where '250 crore worth fake ghee was supplied' between 2021 and 2024, totaling approximately 68 lakh kilograms. The charge sheet highlights that the ghee used in the sacred prasadam contained zero milk and was entirely synthetic, facilitated by the malpractice of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) staff. Apurva Jayachandran notes that the CBI has completed its investigation, leading to the arrest of 26 individuals, including former TTD employees and representatives from dairies such as Vaishnavi and Bodhi Baba. The report underscores the serious violations and the modus operandi used to bypass quality checks for the revered Tirumala Laddu, which is distributed to millions of devotees worldwide. The scam was initially flagged by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, leading to this comprehensive legal action.
On this special broadcast of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd), former Director General of the Indian Air Force, provides expert insight into the ceremonial protocols of gallantry awards. Explaining the significance of the presentation, he notes, 'The extraordinary achievement which any defence personnel gets... This is presented on the Republic Day by the President at the parade ground.' The discussion highlights the rare honour bestowed upon Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, who was conferred the Ashoka Chakra, and Group Captain Nair, who received the Kirti Chakra. Air Marshal Kapoor draws a historical parallel to the 1985 awards given to Rakesh Sharma and Ravish Malhotra, noting that such marquee achievements are uniquely honoured at Kartavya Path as a mark of national respect. The bulletin also captures the musical prelude 'Vividhata me ekta' led by Sri Lokesh Anand, featuring folk artists from across India, setting a harmonious tone for the national narrative and the theme of 150 years of Vande Mataram.
In the first Mann Ki Baat of 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, emphasizing India's transition into a global startup powerhouse and the critical need for manufacturing excellence. Highlighting the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative, the Prime Minister stated, 'The meaning of Indian product should be top quality,' urging citizens to move past the 'it works' attitude and adopt a 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect' approach. He lauded the youth for driving innovation in sectors like AI, Space, and Green Hydrogen. The Prime Minister also celebrated National Voters' Day, encouraging new voters to recognize their role in the democracy. The address covered diverse grassroots success stories, including river rejuvenation in Uttar Pradesh, water conservation in Andhra Pradesh, and the global popularity of Indian millets. Additionally, he praised the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for preserving cultural heritage and looked forward to the upcoming India AI Impact Summit.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai at Davos, Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama spoke in fluent Hindi and slammed Donald Trump for his remarks and recalled his student days in India.
On this India Today special report, correspondent Shibi Mole provides live updates from Thiruvananthapuram as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches a series of significant development projects in Kerala. The Prime Minister flagged off four new trains, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Kerala to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Shibi Mole noted that 'these Amrit Bharat Express trains will be running from Nagercoil to Bangalore, then Thiruvananthapuram to Tambaram and Thiruvananthapuram to Chennappalli,' marking a major boost for regional connectivity. The report highlights the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Arlekar, underscoring the state's demands for increased rail allocation. The broadcast further explores the political implications of these projects under the 'Vikasitha Keralam' initiative, as the BJP focuses on development, employment, and reversing youth migration in the poll-bound state. The Prime Minister's visit is seen as a strategic move to address social indicators and infrastructure needs in Kerala.
On this special broadcast, Salah Ahmed Jama, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, joins India Today to discuss the strengthening ties between the two nations. Responding to recent derogatory remarks by Donald Trump, Jama asserts, 'Somalia is a very viable state with great potential and prosperity despite enormous challenges.' Speaking fluently in Hindi, the Deputy Prime Minister recounts his formative years studying in Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi, describing them as the best days of his life. He emphasizes the deep educational and historical relationship between Somalia and India, noting that even the Somali President is an alumnus of Indian institutions. Jama highlights Somalia's resilience since the 1990s and its current efforts to forge strategic partnerships with global players like India. The conversation also takes a personal turn as he shares his love for Indian culture and cuisine, specifically mentioning dal makhani as a personal favourite, while inviting the world to see a more accurate and positive picture of his country.
In an exclusive interview with India Today at Davos, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu discusses India's rising global stature and his vision for the state's development.
On this special session at Davos, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu discusses India's rising global stature and his vision for the state's development. Naidu emphasizes that 'This is India's time' and credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country's transformation on the world stage. Reflecting on his 30-year association with the World Economic Forum, he highlights his shift from 'ease of doing business' to 'speed of doing business' to attract global investment. The Chief Minister details plans for inclusive growth through cluster models in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati, alongside the establishment of 175 MSME parks. He also shares insights on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for governance, health through the 'Sanjeevani' project with Bill Gates, and infrastructure projects including 20 new ports and airports. Naidu remains optimistic about India's potential to lead for centuries through strong leadership and technological adoption.
On this news bulletin, Akshita Nandagopal reports on the Election Commission allotting the 'Whistle' symbol to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay. The speaker notes, 'Whistle is the allotted symbol for the TVK that Amaragavettri Karagam has in fact welcomed this.' The programme also covers the high drama in the Karnataka Assembly where Governor Thavarchand Ghelot staged a walkout after refusing to read parts of the government-prepared speech, leading to a confrontation with Congress MLCs. Furthermore, the bulletin discusses the upcoming NDA rally in Tamil Nadu featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the potential ban on social media for those under 16 in Andhra Pradesh. Akshita Nandagopal also highlights a distressing incident at Bengaluru airport involving the molestation of a South Korean tourist by an airline staff member.
On this report, the focus is on Andhra Pradesh potentially becoming the first Indian state to ban social media for individuals under the age of 16. The state government has hinted at this regulation to protect pre-teens and teenagers from content they may not fully understand. The speaker notes, 'Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh has highlighted that many pre-teens and teenagers are exposed to content that they don't fully understand, and so the use of social media by a certain age group must be regulated.' The proposed move follows the Australian model, which restricts access to major platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. Data cited from a NIMHANS report indicates that 27% of Indian teenagers show signs of social media dependency, leading to poor concentration and mental health symptoms. The programme examines whether such a ban is a necessary intervention for child safety or an excessive measure, given that most Indian teens spend over three hours daily on these platforms.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh’s announcement regarding potential restrictions on social media access for minors. Speaking at Davos, Nara Lokesh stated that the 'Andhra Pradesh government is mulling a ban on access to media for children below 16 years in the state.' The Minister highlighted that the government is currently studying Australia's legislative framework, which prohibits children under 16 from accessing social platforms. The move aims to protect youngsters from harmful content they may not fully comprehend and to safeguard their mental health and safety. TDP spokesperson Deepak Reddy supported the initiative, noting that children are often not emotionally mature enough for the digital environment. The proposed law seeks to prevent cyberbullying and online targeting, ensuring a secure digital space for minors. The state government is examining global best practices to develop a robust legal framework for the well-being of children in Andhra Pradesh.
On this Special Report from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu discusses India's global transformation and his vision for the state. Highlighting the shift from 1996 to the present, Naidu stated, 'Today, everybody is acknowledging, everybody is recognizing, and also everybody is saying this is India's time.' He detailed his transition from 'Ease of Doing Business' to 'Speed of Doing Business,' aiming to make Andhra Pradesh a global hub through cluster models in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati. Naidu also shared his ambitious 'one family, one entrepreneur' goal and the upcoming AI Living Lab. The session, which included the unveiling of Business Today's 34th-anniversary edition, touched upon infrastructure projects like 20 new ports and airports. Naidu emphasized that strong leadership and technology, particularly AI, are the primary drivers for India's double-digit growth and its emergence as a global leader in the 21st century.
In this news report, the focus is on the political controversy in Karnataka as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cancels his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar has criticised the Congress leadership, claiming that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have 'put their party and their politics above the interests of the state.' The report highlights that Shivakumar's decision to stay in Delhi for meetings with the AICC high command, amidst speculation over a power-sharing pact with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has provided the opposition with ammunition. The BJP further alleged that the state government is in a 'coma stage' with no administration or law and order. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact on state investments, noting that previous opportunities had shifted to neighbouring states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The programme explores the implications of this political prioritisation over international economic engagements.
India celebrates the successful launch of PSLV-C62, marking ISRO’s first desi-videshi satellite collaboration of 2026. The vehicle carries 17 satellites, with Anvesha, the advanced Earth observation satellite, described as ‘India’s Hawkeye in space’ for its surveillance capabilities in tracking troop movements, terrain changes, and crop patterns with high accuracy. The transcript highlights that ‘the important aspect the first and primary satellite here is something called as an earth observation satellite which is called Anvesha,’ designed and manufactured by DRDO. The launch underscores ISRO’s rising space dominance, using the PSLV workhorse from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The bulletin also notes piggyback satellites such as the KID mission, broadening international cooperation in space research and technology.
In this special report, India Today covers ISRO's first major space mission of 2026, a 'desi-videshi' liftoff from Sriharikota. The PSLV rocket successfully launched 17 satellites, with the primary payload being Anvesha, an advanced Earth Observation Satellite developed by the DRDO. According to India Today's Pramod Madhav, this satellite is a 'very important Hawkeye that will help us in maintaining our borders, help us in need of any kind of assistance during any kind of calamity or disaster and such.' The mission also deployed 16 other satellites, including the KID mission, a re-entry vehicle demonstrator for a Spanish startup. The launch marks a significant step for India's space programme, enhancing its surveillance capabilities and fostering international space collaboration.
