Bareilly

On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political and bureaucratic storm in Uttar Pradesh following a controversy at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh has resigned from his post, stating, 'In support of Mouni Yogi Adityanath, in support of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in support of Mouni Amit Shah, and in opposition to Swami Aumyukteshwaranand Shankaracharya.' Singh's resignation follows the departure of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who cited the alleged mistreatment of the Shankaracharya's disciples. The Uttar Pradesh government has since suspended Agnihotri and ordered a departmental inquiry. The row began on January 18 during Mouni Amavasya when authorities reportedly blocked the movement of Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, leading to a sit-in protest. The situation has triggered a sharp face-off between the BJP and opposition parties like the Congress and Samajwadi Party, who allege attempts to polarise the state.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have announced the conclusion of the 16th India-EU Summit, marking a transformative shift in bilateral relations. Minister Goyal described the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the 'mother of all deals,' noting it covers 25 percent of global trade. The agreement provides duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports, specifically benefiting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems. Foreign Secretary Misri detailed the first-ever India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and a memorandum of understanding on mobility. Key focus areas include maritime security, green hydrogen cooperation, and scientific research via the Horizon Europe program. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa to solidify this strategic partnership. Additionally, the briefing addresses the nationwide debate regarding new UGC equity regulations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided insights on these regulations, which aim to curb campus discrimination while preventing the potential misuse of the new laws.

On this Special Report, India Today examines the escalating controversy surrounding the new University Grants Commission (UGC) equity directives aimed at curbing campus caste discrimination. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the regulations, stating, 'In the name of discrimination, no one will have the right to misuse it.' While the government insists the law remains within constitutional bounds, widespread protests have broken out in Delhi, Bareilly, and Meerut. Critics and student groups argue the guidelines lack verification mechanisms for complaints and fail to provide protection against malicious allegations, potentially harming the mental health and careers of the accused. The report highlights the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in protest and the demands from various student outfits for either a total rollback or significant amendments to the policy. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court via a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the fairness of these new campus regulations.

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.

In this India Today special show from the World Economic Forum in Davos, top artificial intelligence innovators share their perspectives on the global AI race, AI's impact on the Indian economy and much more.

Deepak Pathak, CEO and co-founder of Skild AI, discusses the future of robotics and artificial intelligence at the World Economic Forum. Pathak explains that his company is focused on building the 'brain' for robots, a critical component that has been missing for decades, preventing machines from performing complex real-world tasks like opening doors. Addressing fears of job displacement, Pathak notes that while India currently has a labour surplus, many parts of the world like Japan and Korea face a shrinking workforce and desperately need automation. He highlights that Skild AI has already established an office in Bengaluru to tap into Indian talent. Pathak suggests that India has a unique opportunity to surpass other nations in robotics by leveraging its existing automotive and electronics manufacturing supply chains. He emphasizes that the goal is not to replace humans but to fill the growing gap of millions of unfilled jobs globally.

On this India Today special report, reporter Anmol Bali provides a ground update on the 'triple trouble' currently affecting the National Capital Region. Delhi and its adjoining areas of Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are grappling with a combination of extremely dense fog, a biting cold wave, and hazardous pollution levels. Anmol Bali notes that 'today in the morning, visibility over the Safdarjung was recorded around zero,' significantly impacting commuters. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has breached the 400 mark, slipping into the severe category and prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to reimpose Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These restrictions include a ban on non-essential diesel trucks and all construction activities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and red alerts for various parts of the capital as temperatures dip to a minimum of 6 degrees Celsius. The programme explores the logistical challenges and health risks posed by this deteriorating weather and environmental situation.

In this Special Report, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly rebuts the Chinese Foreign Minister's claim that Beijing mediated between India and Pakistan. Speaking on January 1, 2026, Owaisi questions the Modi government's silence, pointing out that China supplies '81% of weapons to Pakistan' and provided 'real-time intelligence' during Operation Sindoor. The Hyderabad MP also criticizes the government on domestic issues, including water contamination deaths in Indore and 'bulldozer' politics. He demands an official rebuttal from New Delhi, asserting that normalcy with China cannot come at the cost of India's sovereignty.

This report details the controversy surrounding Bollywood actor Nushrat Bharucha's visit to the Mahakal temple in Ujjain. A Bareilly-based cleric has termed her rituals 'haram' and a 'major sin', invoking Shariat to demand she repent and recite the Kalma. The transcript notes that the backlash began after the actor shared images of her visit on social media. Critics have condemned the cleric's statement as 'faith policing' and an attack on personal freedom. The report highlights that despite previous criticism for temple visits, the actor remains defiant.

In a controversial turn of events, Bollywood actor Nushrat Bharucha has faced severe backlash from a Bareilly-based cleric following her visit to the Mahakaal temple in Ujjain. India Today’s Principal Correspondent Samarth Srivastava reports that the cleric, identified as Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, termed her worship ‘haram’ and a ‘major sin’ under Islamic law. The cleric invoked Sharia, demanding that Bharucha repent and recite the Kalma to seek forgiveness from Allah. The incident has triggered a fierce debate on social media, with critics condemning the cleric's remarks as ‘faith policing’ and an infringement on personal freedom. The controversy erupted after the actor shared photos of her temple visit, leading to a polarized discourse on religious tolerance and individual rights in India.

The big talking point of this episode of News Today is Bajrang Dal activists' attack on a birthday party in Bareilly this Sunday.

A special report analyzes the increasing violence by right-wing groups like the Bajrang Dal, highlighted by an attack on a birthday party in Bareilly over 'love jihad' allegations and the lynching of Suleman Khan in Maharashtra. The program debates whether tougher action is needed, with legal experts suggesting a ban on such groups may not be sustained in court and instead point to failures in law enforcement and the judiciary. This news analysis also covers major political developments, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee trading barbs as they launch campaigns for the 2026 'Battle of Bengal'. Additionally, it reports on the political alliance between the Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions of the NCP for the Pune Municipal elections and a dispute between Karnataka and Kerala over 'bulldozer justice'.

Last week, Bajrang Dal activists attacked a birthday party in Bareilly and singled out the Muslim youths who were attending the party. The Bajrang Dal claimed this was love jihad.

This special report highlights a disturbing trend of moral policing and violence by right-wing groups in North India. The programme details a recent incident in Bareilly where Bajrang Dal workers targeted a nursing student’s birthday party, alleging 'Love Jihad' and assaulting guests. It also covers the Hindu Raksha Dal distributing swords in Ghaziabad. A panel of experts, including a senior advocate and a former IPS officer, debates whether a ban on such outfits is legally tenable or if stricter law enforcement is the solution. The discussion also addresses the silence of political leadership and the need for spiritual leaders to condemn hate.

In a disturbing trend reported by India Today, right-wing groups have been accused of spreading hate in North India. The programme highlights two recent incidents: the Hindu Raksha Dal distributing swords in Ghaziabad and a Bajrang Dal attack on a birthday party in Bareilly. In Bareilly, a group led by Rishabh Thakur allegedly assaulted students, claiming 'Love Jihad'. Police have registered FIR 532/25 against the accused. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has called for a ban on the Bajrang Dal following these incidents. Reporter Krishna Gopal Raj provides details from the ground.

On Christmas Day, the Prime Minister attended a church service in the national capital, continuing a tradition of reaching out to the community on major festivals. Prayers were led by a senior church leader who invoked blessings for the Prime Minister. However, this gesture was shadowed by reports of unrest and attacks on institutions in various states, including Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. Opposition parties have strongly criticized the government, demanding immediate action against right-wing groups allegedly responsible for disrupting celebrations and destroying the spirit of harmony. The report details specific incidents of vandalism and protests in cities like Raipur and Bareilly, highlighting the political tension surrounding the festivities.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the political debate surrounding the Prime Minister's engagement with the Christian community. A speaker highlights that while the PM's Christmas outreach is appreciated, there are unresolved concerns, stating, 'We have approached the Prime Minister... over this past year... for several concerns... We haven't really received any satisfactory answer.' Another panelist counters, arguing that 'It is the Hindus' liberalism that the Christian population is residing in India peacefully,' and dismisses the narrative of persecution. The discussion also touches on upcoming elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, allegations of 'harvesting' or conversion, and recent incidents in Raipur and Bareilly.

On this broadcast, India Today anchor Akshita Nandagopal and a team of reporters track a series of hate crimes during Christmas celebrations across India. In Assam's Dolbari, Associate News Editor Ashmita Saha reports that VHP and Bajrang Dal members set a school's Christmas tree on fire, noting, 'Young students and teachers in Dolbari area, they were actually gearing up for Christmas celebrations yesterday.' Principal Correspondent Sumi Rajappan details how a mob vandalized Raipur's Magneto Mall during a 'bandh' called by the Sarva Samaj. The programme also covers unrest in Kerala reported by Shibi Mol and a Bajrang Dal protest outside a Bareilly church reported by Principal Correspondent Samarth Srivastava.

In this news bulletin, an Unidentified speaker reports on the political tensions and targeted attacks that have marred Christmas celebrations across India. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a festive event earlier in the day, incidents of vandalism and disruption were reported in states including Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. The broadcast highlights that members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly barged into a school in Assam to set decorations on fire and vandalized a mall event in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, protests were witnessed outside a church in Vareli (Bareilly), Uttar Pradesh, on Christmas Eve. The anchor links these incidents to concerns raised by a Kerala Archbishop regarding attacks on the community.

This special report examines two major developing stories: the press conference by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, where women journalists were barred, and the political fallout from the suicide of Dalit IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar in Haryana. Journalist Pranay Upadhyay reported unprecedented gender-based segregation at the Taliban event, raising questions about potential diplomatic protests from the Ministry of External Affairs. The bulletin also delves into the escalating debate over alleged atrocities against Dalits, featuring panelists Tahseen Poonawalla, Raghav Avasthi, and Dr. Suraj Yengde. Discussions include the IPS officer's death, an attack on the Chief Justice of India, and a lynching in Rai Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The opposition has linked these incidents to a broader narrative of subjugation, while the BJP government maintains they are isolated events. Additionally, the report covers the imminent NDA seat-sharing announcement for the Bihar elections and an investigation into the killer cough syrup scandal in Madhya Pradesh, where critical drug testing equipment was found abandoned.