Situated in the northeastern part of India and south of the eastern Himalayas along with Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys, Assam is one of the world’s most populous subdivisions. It gained its recognition as a constituent state of India in 1950 and is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Nagaland and Manipur to the east, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and Bangladesh to the south. Assamese is the official and widely spoken language of the state but several other dialects such as Bengali (Barak Valley) and Bodo (Bodoland territorial region) are also prominent in various regions of Assam.
One of the last wild habitats for the Asian Elephant, the state offers a variety of flora and fauna and is home to the one-horned Indian rhinoceros along with the wild water buffalo. Apart from this, Assam is considered one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and has two prominent UNESCO world heritage sites; Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. Assam is extremely famous for wildlife tourism and is home to numerous endangered and threatened species including red-headed vulture, white-winged wood duck, golden langur and more.
In addition to this, Assam is considered the meeting ground for diverse cultures and Bihu is the most popular folk dance form that comes from the state. The state of Assam is worldwide famous for Assam tea and Assam silk. Being a producer of more than half of India's tea and having unique features, Assam’s tea has a malty flavour and a rich savoury aroma.
Assam also boasts a fair number of tourist sites among which Hajo, an ancient pilgrim centre adoring the banks of Brahmaputra. Sivasagar is another prominent tourist attraction in the state that depicts the architecture from the days of the Ahom Dynasty.
In this India Today special report, Maria Shakil leads coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. For the first time in 75 years, the Finance Minister is expected to read 'Part B' of the budget speech in its entirety, focusing on custom reforms and deregulation. The government aims to balance CAPEX-led growth with consumption relief while emphasizing digital transformation through a tablet-based 'Bahi Khata' at the new Kartavya Bhawan. Key discussions include potential tweaks to the Security Transaction Tax (STT), recalibration of capital gains tax, and increased allocations for PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. Union Minister Piyush Goyal provides insights into India's trade deal with the European Union. Analysts examine the 'K-shaped' economy, global headwinds, and the role of cooperative federalism in driving labor-intensive manufacturing. The program also highlights the participation of women in the budget drafting team to address household economic concerns ahead of crucial elections in five states.
On this India Today special report, Maria Shakil provides live coverage as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth Union Budget. Maria Shakil notes that 'This budget is therefore not just about numbers, it is about direction,' highlighting the critical choice between CAPEX-led growth and consumption relief. The bulletin details a historic shift where the Finance Minister will present the budget on a Sunday and place unprecedented emphasis on 'Part B' of her speech, focusing on significant custom reforms and deregulation. With the Economic Survey projecting growth between 6.5 to 7 percent, the broadcast explores whether the government will maintain fiscal discipline amidst political pressure from five poll-bound states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Reporter Karishma Asudani joins from the new Finance Ministry venue at Kartavya Bhavan, suggesting that the 2025-2026 fiscal year will prioritize simplifying import tariffs and strengthening international trade deals to accelerate India's journey toward the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal despite global uncertainties and a record low rupee.
This special edition of India First explores political tensions in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the economic isolation of the Miya community, whom he labels illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
This edition of India First reports on a significant political transition in Maharashtra following the death of Ajit Pawar in a Baramati air crash. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, has been selected as the NCP Legislature Party leader and is scheduled to be sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. The program also examines the intensifying political conflict in Assam regarding illegal immigration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reports that 64 lakh illegal infiltrators occupy seven districts, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma faces criticism for remarks concerning the Miya community. Executive Editor Kaushik Dekha analyzes the demographic shifts in Assam, noting that Muslim population growth between 2001 and 2011 suggests an external influx. The report features a debate between BJP and Congress representatives on ethnic profiling, national security, and the National Register of Citizens. It explores whether economic isolation and land restrictions serve as a defense for indigenous rights or represent political polarization ahead of elections amidst claims of a demographic invasion.
On this Special Report, host Gaurav Sawant leads a debate regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks on the 'Miya' community and illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. The discussion features BJP spokesperson Radhika Khera, Congress spokesperson Dr. Pooja Tripathi, political analyst Suhas Chakma, and India Today Executive Editor Kaushik Dekha. The panel examines the constitutional validity of the Chief Minister’s call for the economic isolation of suspected illegal immigrants versus the risks of ethnic profiling of Indian Muslims. Key topics include the demographic shifts in Assam, the failure of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, and the implications of the Social Impact Resources (SIR) exercise. While the BJP defends these measures as necessary to protect indigenous communities, the opposition labels the narrative as communal dog-whistling and electoral polarization. The program explores whether these policies represent a battle for survival for the Assamese people or a political tool, analyzing the complex legal and social dynamics of migration and citizenship in Northeast India.
This report on India First examines the escalating political tension in Assam as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensifies its 'Ghuspetia' (infiltrator) narrative. The focus remains on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who continues to double down on his 'Mia' ouster mission despite significant pushback from opposition parties. The Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Jamaat have collectively slammed these moves, describing them as a deliberate bid to polarise the electorate ahead of the polls. The speaker notes that 'the Chief Minister doubles down on the "Mia" attack', highlighting the uncompromising stance of the state leadership. The programme explores the intersection of polls, polarisation, and politics in Assam, analyzing how these communal rhetorics are shaping the current political discourse. The report provides a factual summary of the criticisms faced by the state government and the BJP's strategic persistence with its controversial campaign themes in the region.
On this Special Report, Kaushik Dekha examines the intensifying political climate in Assam as the state enters election mode. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress, alleging that the party used illegal immigrants as a vote bank to gain power. Shah stated, 'Every infiltrator would be identified and every infiltrator will be sent back,' highlighting the BJP's focus on the infiltration issue. The report also covers the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s 'Miya' remarks and his personal allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. While the BJP frames the narrative as a struggle for indigenous rights against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, the opposition, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, has condemned the rhetoric as 'poisonous division' and 'hate language' aimed at communal polarisation. The programme explores how the infiltration debate has become the central war cry for the BJP in the upcoming polls.
This news bulletin reports on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's sharp criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Dibrugarh, Assam. Shah accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of disrespecting North-Eastern culture by allegedly refusing to wear a 'gamosa'—a traditional Assamese cloth of deep cultural significance—presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the Republic Day reception. Shah claimed that while every other dignitary accepted the 'gamosa' as a mark of respect, Rahul Gandhi did not. The Home Minister further 'vowed that as long as the BJP is in power, it will not allow any insult to the North-East culture.' The report highlights the escalating political tension over the incident, noting that it remains to be seen how the Congress leader will respond to these allegations regarding the cultural symbol of Assam.
On this Special Report, Union Home Minister Amit Shah issues a stern warning to illegal infiltrators while campaigning in poll-bound Assam. Addressing the issue of demographic change, Shah stated, 'A Congress party has infiltrated Assam and used it as a weapon to gain power through its vote-bank politics.' He congratulated the BJP-led state government and the Chief Minister for their efforts in halting infiltration and reclaiming 1,26,000 hectares of land that was allegedly encroached upon illegally. The Home Minister emphasised that the government will show no mercy to those entering the country illegally, framing the issue as a central pillar of the BJP's election campaign. The report also highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding the pushback of alleged infiltrators and the administrative surveys being conducted in the region. India Today correspondent Indrajit Kundu provides further insights into how the BJP is using the 'war cry' against infiltrators to consolidate its position ahead of the upcoming elections in the state.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of insulting the North-East. Amit Shah stated that Rahul Gandhi disrespected the region by 'refusing to wear the gamosa that was presented to him by President Draupadi Murmu' during the at-home reception hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day. The incident has become the latest flashpoint between the two parties, with the BJP alleging a pattern of disregard for North-Eastern culture. While the Congress has yet to issue an official response to these specific claims, the report explores the details of the event where an Assamese delegation presented the traditional scarves to all delegates. The programme examines the political implications of this confrontation and the significance of the gamosa as a cultural symbol of the North-East.
In a significant political escalation in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his wife are 'Pakistani agents' with direct links to the ISI. Speaking on the developing controversy, Sarma claimed that Gogoi’s wife visited Pakistan for training and challenged the opposition to take legal action if his claims were false. Sarma stated, 'Gogoi and wife have links to Pakistan ISI', adding that the Assam Cabinet is expected to decide on the next course of action regarding an SIT probe on 7th February. Gaurav Gogoi has categorically rubbished these allegations, describing them as 'absolutely wild' and 'baseless'. The exchange comes as the state prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, with both the BJP and Congress engaging in a high-voltage war of words. The Chief Minister remains firm on his claims, suggesting that the SIT will further investigate the alleged foreign links.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political controversy in Assam following remarks by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister triggered a major storm by stating he encourages action against 'Mia' Muslims to push them out of the state, a move the opposition labels as deliberate polarisation. Himanta Biswa Sarma later issued a clarification, stating, 'his remarks were directed only at illegal Bangladeshi migrants and not Indian citizens.' Citing court observations on demographic shifts, the Chief Minister warned of serious consequences if illegal migration remains unchecked. The opposition, including the AIUDF and Congress, has slammed the comments as detrimental to the Constitution of India. As the state approaches elections, the debate over illegal infiltration and communal identity has become a central flashpoint. The programme explores the legal and political implications of these statements and the resulting war of words between the BJP and opposition leaders in the tribal heartland.
This report focuses on the escalating political tension in Assam following controversial remarks by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the 'MIA' Muslim community. The Chief Minister stated that he 'encourages action against the so-called MIA Muslims to push them out of the state', a comment that has triggered sharp communal debates ahead of the upcoming elections. While Sarma later clarified that his remarks were directed specifically at illegal Bangladeshi migrants rather than Indian citizens, the opposition has dismissed this explanation. An unidentified speaker in the bulletin accused the Chief Minister of using 'venomous words' and engaging in 'hate politics and deliberate polarisation' to distract from legal challenges. The opposition further alleged that such rhetoric is a recurring tactic used by BJP-led governments to consolidate power. The programme highlights the deepening divide in the election-bound state as leaders clash over the basic ethos of the Indian Constitution and the treatment of minority communities.
This special report examines the India Today-CVoter 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 poll results, where panelists discuss findings suggesting a consolidation for the NDA, which is projected to win 352 seats if Lok Sabha elections were held today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintains a 57% approval rating, reflecting a perceived political stability despite global turbulence. In contrast, the INDIA alliance is projected to slip to 182 seats.
This segment of the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey analyses the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 in the poll-bound states if Lok Sabha elections are held today.
On this Special Report, consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyzes the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 projections for upcoming assembly polls. The data suggests a significant lead for the India bloc and regional parties in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, while the NDA maintains a comfortable lead in Assam. Sardesai observes, 'The big message is that the regional forces are holding their ground, which makes it very difficult for the BJP to penetrate these states.' The discussion highlights the divergence between national narratives and state-level factors, noting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ratings remain high, voters distinguish between central and regional leadership. The panel, including Maria Shakeel and Sanju Verma, debates the BJP's 'course correction' in Uttar Pradesh following the 2024 Lok Sabha results and the opposition's ability to capitalize on regional strengths. The programme explores whether the India alliance can maintain its momentum as a diverse democratic force against the BJP's electoral machinery.
In this news bulletin, the focus is on the clarification issued by the Assam Chief Minister regarding his controversial 'Mia Muslim' remarks. The speaker notes that the Chief Minister stated, 'I myself have told BJP workers to file as many objections against Mia Muslims' during the special intensive review of the voter list. The Chief Minister has now clarified that this terminology specifically refers to illegal Bangladeshi Muslims and not those belonging to Assam. The report highlights concerns over the altering demography in lower Assam, which is described as a strategic threat to India's internal security. The Congress Party has accused the Chief Minister of spreading communal hatred and targeting the community unconstitutionally. As the state enters poll season, the political atmosphere remains highly polarized over these remarks and the ongoing voter list verification process.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the Republic Day celebrations. The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of 'disrespecting the culture and people of the North-East' by allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' or scarf during the 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The party further claimed that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha declined to wear the headgear despite requests from President Droupadi Murmu. In response, the Congress party has rejected these allegations, pointing out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not wear the traditional scarf. The Congress further alleged that the BJP is 'staging a drama to divert attention from real issues' and urged the party to stop involving the President in political disputes. The programme examines the friction over protocol and cultural symbolism between the two major political parties.
On this edition of News Track, Maria Shakil examines two major political and social controversies. The programme first addresses the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' during an 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the act 'deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The second segment focuses on the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines aimed at curbing caste discrimination on campuses. Maria Shakil interviews Dr. Suraj Yengde, Professor Chandra Bhushan Sharma, and student Alokit Tripathi on whether these rules ensure equity or deepen divisions. Dr. Yengde notes, 'This new directive, I think we should welcome it simply because it really covers, it backs its policy with data.' The discussion highlights concerns over potential false complaints and the lack of general category representation in equity committees, following the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in protest against the regulations.
This news report focuses on a fresh political controversy following the 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' from the Northeast, despite other dignitaries doing so. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the move as an 'act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The BJP claims that Rahul Gandhi did not oblige even after President Droupadi Murmu reminded him twice. In response, the Congress Party pointed out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also not wearing the same patka during the event. The discussion highlights that the theme of the reception was focused on Northeastern culture and food. Critics argue that as a constitutional office holder, Rahul Gandhi should have embraced the cultural symbol, while the opposition labels the BJP's reaction as a political diversion.
