Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals around the world, marking the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolizing love, hope, and goodwill. Observed on December 25, the festival brings together people of different cultures, faiths and traditions in a shared spirit of joy and generosity. Homes, streets and churches are decorated with lights, stars, wreaths and Christmas trees, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.
For many families, Christmas is a time to pause from routine life and reconnect with loved ones. Special meals are prepared, gifts are exchanged and carols are sung, reflecting the joy of togetherness. Midnight masses and church services hold deep spiritual significance, reminding believers of the message of peace, compassion and humility associated with the birth of Christ. The figure of Santa Claus adds an element of excitement for children, symbolising generosity and the joy of giving.
Beyond decorations and festivities, Christmas carries a deeper meaning. It encourages kindness, forgiveness and empathy, urging people to look beyond themselves and support those in need. Acts of charity, donations and community meals become an important part of the season, reinforcing the idea that true celebration lies in sharing happiness with others.
In today’s fast-paced world, Christmas also represents a rare moment of calm and reflection. It is a time to express gratitude, strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Whether celebrated through religious rituals or simple family gatherings, the essence of Christmas remains universal spreading love, nurturing hope and fostering unity. As the year draws to a close, the festival offers a reminder that compassion and togetherness can light even the darkest times, making Christmas not just a date on the calendar, but a feeling that stays long after the celebrations end.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Principal Correspondent Sumi Rajappan reports from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where six Bajrang Dal workers received a ‘grand welcome’ after being released on bail. The accused, arrested for the Christmas Eve vandalism at Magneto Mall, were garlanded and carried on shoulders by supporters chanting slogans. Bajrang Dal leader Ravi Wadhwani defends the celebration, claiming the arrests were ‘illegal’ and that the men were not part of the vandalism, despite video evidence suggesting otherwise. The programme explores the controversy surrounding the glorification of the accused.
In a significant relief for Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked GRAP Stage 3 and 4 restrictions with immediate effect. India Today's Amit Bharadwaj reports that the decision followed a dip in the Air Quality Index (AQI) to 234, attributed to improved wind speeds rather than agency efforts. The revocation lifts bans on construction activities and BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles. However, the anchor and Bharadwaj question the urgency of removing curbs compared to their enforcement, warning that toxicity could return if wind speeds drop.
In a significant relief for Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked GRAP Stage 3 restrictions with immediate effect as AQI improves.
In this New Year special, India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai discusses expectations for 2026 with a panel of experts. Columnist Tavleen Singh emphasizes the need for education and healthcare reform, hoping the government rectifies past neglect. BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta anticipates a party victory in the upcoming West Bengal elections, aiming to restore the state's status. Author Sanjaya Baru calls for the operationalization of the 'Ease of Living' mission promised by PM Modi in August 2024, citing issues like KYC norms. India Today's Raj Chengappa urges a shift from 'reform express' to a 'bullet train' by reducing bureaucracy. Senior journalist Ashutosh raises concerns about social harmony and the government's record on deportation.
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'.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the rising incidents of moral policing and vandalism by vigilante groups. The programme explores whether banning such outfits is a legal or practical solution. A senior legal expert argues that bans are difficult to sustain and calls for stronger political will. A former police officer highlights the failure of law enforcement to act swiftly. An activist emphasizes the need for social awareness over bans. The anchor concludes by calling for strict implementation of the law.
In this news bulletin, the Congress party renews its demand to ban the Bajrang Dal following reports of vandalism during Christmas celebrations in several states, including Assam and Madhya Pradesh. Congress leader Shama Mohammed questions why the organization remains unbanned despite repeated allegations of involvement in hate-related incidents. Additionally, Senior Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss violence against migrant workers and broader law and order concerns. The Prime Minister reportedly assured him that the matter would be looked into.
In a strong political statement, Congress leader Shama Mohammed has demanded a ban on the Bajrang Dal following alleged vandalism during Christmas celebrations. The demand comes in the wake of reports and visuals from Assam, where Bajrang Dal activists allegedly disrupted Christmas events and vandalized decorations in schools and public spaces. The Congress leader questioned why the right-wing organization is not being banned despite repeated incidents of 'hate attacks'. The report highlights that Bajrang Dal members justified their actions by claiming December 25 should be celebrated as 'Tulsi Pujan' instead of Christmas.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the diverse weather patterns across India and the globe as the world counts down to 2026. The reporter highlights the sharp contrasts, stating, 'Delhi NCR... it's been zero visibility conditions for the past few days now.' The programme details the hazardous air quality in the national capital, snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, and humidity in Mumbai and Chennai. Globally, the report covers the harsh winter in New York, heavy rains in Europe, and summer warmth in Sydney. The broadcast also notes that while Tokyo expects clear skies, London and Madrid are facing wet spells. The reporter concludes with a look at Australia's summer Christmas, marking a warm end to the global weather snapshot.
In a shocking incident from Varanasi, Japanese tourists dressed as Santa Claus were stopped from taking a holy dip in the Ganga on Christmas Day. A viral video shows locals objecting to their attire, leading to a heated exchange. Police stated that the incident stemmed from confusion and both parties later apologized; no formal complaint was filed. India Today's Samarth Shrivastava reports on the moral policing and its impact on the city's global image, noting that such incidents diminish India's reputation. He emphasizes that the communication gap should have been handled better.
In this Special Report, Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj leads a protest at the Amar Colony police station in New Delhi. The demonstration follows an incident where women dressed in Santa Claus caps were allegedly subjected to verbal threats and harassment during Christmas festivities. Bhardwaj, accompanied by party workers also dressed as Santa Claus, demands the registration of an FIR against the accused. He states, 'For the first time in the country, on the 25th... India was defamed,' highlighting the gravity of the issue. The AAP leader warns that if the Delhi Police fails to act, the party will approach the court to ensure the FIR is registered. The report also touches upon the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, with the AQI approaching the 400 mark.
On this news bulletin, the focus is on the escalating political face-off in the national capital over a Santa Claus skit. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi State President Saurabh Bhardwaj has filed a counter-complaint with the police, alleging that women were stopped from celebrating Christmas in the Amar Colony area. This move comes a day after an FIR was registered against Bhardwaj and other AAP leaders for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a skit depicting Santa Claus fainting due to pollution. Speaking to the media, Bhardwaj stated, 'In this area, people were stopped from celebrating Christmas... there was hooliganism, push-pushing, abuse.' The programme tracks the details of the counter-complaint and the ongoing blame game between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A news report highlights a fresh political attack targeting the BJP, referencing a 'two kinds of India' divide. The comments follow alleged attacks during Christmas in the country. The speaker claims that BJP-ruled states suffer from communal hatred and poverty, while vowing that such issues will not occur in Tamil Nadu. The report contrasts these allegations with the governance in non-BJP states.
In a shocking incident from Rajasthan's Udaipur, a manager at a private IT company was allegedly gang-raped in a moving car by her firm's CEO and a couple. India Today's Dev Ankur Wadhawan reports that the victim has alleged the 'chief executive officer of the company along with another person allegedly sexually assaulted her' after a party. The police have booked three accused, including a female executive head and her husband, who are currently being grilled. The FIR states the victim was drugged and assaulted on the pretext of being dropped home.
In this news report, the Delhi Police have registered a case against AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj and two others in connection with a Christmas skit. The police action follows allegations that the performance, intended as a political message, hurt religious sentiments by misusing symbols. Responding to the FIR, Bhardwaj dismissed the charges as a 'political vendetta' by the BJP, linking the action to his party's recent AQI expose. He stated, 'So, I think it's not about religious feelings, it's about his political feelings.' The controversy has sparked a legal and political face-off in the capital, with the AAP insisting the skit was meant to highlight pollution issues while opponents claim it disrespected the Christian community.
On this edition of the Business Today show, Mayuresh Joshi, Head of Equity Research at William O'Neill India, joins anchor Sakshi Batra to discuss the market outlook for 2026. As the Nifty and Sensex open on a softer note following the Christmas break, Joshi shares his insights on the upcoming Union Budget, the potential return of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), and the resilience of the consumption theme. The bulletin also highlights key corporate developments, including Samsung ruling out its India IPO to focus on AI and consumer finance, and Ola Electric securing a Rs 367 crore PLI incentive. Additionally, Adani Group stocks are in focus as the Navi Mumbai International Airport commences operations. Joshi advises investors to maintain a diversified portfolio with a small allocation to gold and silver as a hedge.
In a sharp political jibe, BJP Leader K. Annamalai has compared the Congress party to a 'plum cake' that the DMK and TVK are fighting over. Speaking on the recent political developments in Tamil Nadu, Annamalai remarked, 'DMK versus TVK over who's going to eat cake. Congress is going to walk away with the cake.' The comment follows a Christmas event in Kanyakumari where Congress and TVK leaders shared the stage, leading the DMK to reportedly boycott the function. India Today's Anagha Kesav reports that Annamalai's metaphor hints at the intensifying battle between the ruling DMK and Vijay's TVK to secure the Congress as an ally.
In a developing political controversy in the national capital, the Delhi Police have booked Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj along with other party members. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered following allegations that an AAP street play, intended to highlight the city's air pollution crisis, hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community. The skit reportedly featured a character dressed as Santa Claus fainting due to poor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Responding to the police action, Bhardwaj dismissed the charges as a "political vendetta" orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He stated, 'Since the time we exposed the BJP, the central government of the BJP has been confused.' The Minister further argued that the skit was a creative method to reveal the truth about pollution data to the public, claiming the BJP is "rattled" by their exposure of alleged data manipulation.
In a Christmas message, former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has strongly condemned the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of failing to protect religious minorities. Hasina stated that the government is perpetrating 'unspeakable atrocities against non-Muslims. It has even set horrific precedents such as burning religious minorities to death.' The statement references recent violence, including the lynching of a Hindu man, and accuses the government of interfering with the religious freedoms of all communities. The 78-year-old leader, who was deposed in August 2024, asserted her belief that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this 'dark time' to continue, highlighting a period of fresh violence targeting Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists by radical Islamists.
