Electric vehicles are no longer a novelty. Ten years ago you might spot one now and then, mostly as a curiosity. Today, it is not unusual to see them weaving through city traffic or parked quietly at charging points. The shift has been slow, but steady.
At the core, EVs replace the fuel tank with a battery and swap engines for motors. Simple on paper, but the change has meant rethinking how people drive, how cities plan, and even how countries manage energy. Governments push them to reduce emissions. Car makers chase them because no one wants to be left behind.
Still, doubts remain. The phrase “range anxiety” keeps coming up. Drivers worry: will the battery last, where’s the next charger, and what if it takes too long? Improvements are visible newer models travel much farther on a single charge, and fast chargers can top up in under an hour. Yet you still see people hesitating at the idea of a long trip.
Money is another sticking point. EVs often cost more at the start, though some governments soften the blow with tax breaks and subsidies. Running costs are lighter electricity is cheaper than petrol, and there are fewer parts that need fixing. Over time, owners say, it balances out.
But infrastructure is the make-or-break issue. Charging points need to multiply quickly, and power grids must carry the load. There’s also the debate about where electricity comes from. If it’s coal-heavy, the green promise weakens.
Even with all that, the direction feels set. From small hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, the electric wave keeps building. For many, EVs are not just cars anymore they’re a glimpse of how mobility will look in the near future.
Invoking the symbolism of Makar Sankranti, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed a “new opening chapter” in India–EU ties as both sides concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement amid global trade tensions.
On this Special Report, Geeta Mohan covers the landmark announcement of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa convened to signal the conclusion of the pact, which von der Leyen described as the 'mother of all deals'. The agreement aims to streamline trade across 27 member states, focusing on supply chain resilience and reducing tariffs. A significant highlight for Indian consumers is the expected price relief on luxury car imports from brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, though electric vehicles are currently excluded from these benefits. The report notes that while the political conclusion is reached, legal scrubbing and approval from the European Parliament will follow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were also present, highlighting the strategic depth of this partnership amidst global economic upheavals and the need for alternative supply chains.
On this Business Today market opening show, the anchor tracks the latest corporate and financial news. The government is scheduled to announce advanced GDP estimates, with polls predicting 7.5% growth. A new initiative aims to train one million youth in AI skills, with the IT Minister claiming a surge in hiring. Global cues include a US agency preparing to refund $134 billion in tariffs deemed illegal. In the stock market, Tata Capital and Misho face share lock-in expiries, while Reliance Industries attempts to stabilize. The broadcast also reviews Q3 earnings expectations and updates from companies like Titan and Senco Gold.
This news report covers the dual crises impacting Delhi: severe air pollution and significant legal decisions. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the health emergency, stating he falls ill from the pollution and acknowledging that vehicles contribute 40% of emissions. The environmental issue has direct economic consequences, as anti-pollution construction bans have left daily wage labourers in financial distress, with many alleging they have not received promised government relief. Further compounding the city's challenges, an investigation has exposed a fake PUC certificate scam. In a separate major development, the Delhi High Court suspended the life sentence of a convict in the Unnao gangrape case, a decision that has sparked a debate on the justice system and women's safety, drawing comments from activists and the mother of the Nirbhaya case victim.
In this special report, India Today’s Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor and correspondent Piyush Mishra discuss the central government's latest measures to combat the pollution crisis. Mishra reports that the Centre is establishing a central working committee to tackle air pollution, with a focus on introducing advanced Japanese technology aimed at reducing dust emissions by 90%. The report highlights that dust is a major component of pollution in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the government plans to introduce stricter policies to promote Electric Vehicles (EVs) to address vehicular pollution. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is cited regarding the impact of emissions.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has made a candid admission about the severity of air pollution in the national capital. Speaking at a book launch, Gadkari revealed that staying in Delhi for just two days causes him to develop a throat infection. He acknowledged that the transport sector, which he heads, contributes to '40 per cent' of the pollution. The Minister highlighted the economic burden of fossil fuels, stating that India spends Rs 22 lakh crore annually on imports. He advocated for a shift towards alternative fuels like electric and hydrogen vehicles to combat the crisis. The programme also discusses the political blame game as the capital continues to grapple with hazardous air quality.
Union Environment Minister Bhupinder Yadav said misinformation was being spread about the Supreme Court's decision on the Aravalli range.
In this Special Report, US-based pollution expert Devabhaktuni Srikrishna and CEEW Programme Lead Mohammad Rafiuddin discuss a startling Stanford study projecting it could take India 200 years to achieve clean air. Srikrishna argues that transitioning solely to electricity is like 'boiling the ocean' and advocates for the immediate installation of diesel particulate filters on legacy trucks to curb black carbon. Rafiuddin counters that air pollution is a 'multi-sectoral problem' requiring interventions across industries, citing China's success in reducing pollution by 40 percent. The discussion explores the balance between economic aspirations and public health.
In this Special Report, India Today’s Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor debates the escalating pollution crisis in Delhi with BJP spokesperson Neoma Gupta, Congress spokesperson Dr. Onika Mehrotra, and AAP spokesperson Siddharth Sharma. The discussion follows an incident where the Delhi Chief Minister was booed with ‘AQI, AQI’ chants at an international event. Neoma Gupta defends the BJP government’s ‘data-driven decisions’ and ‘tough measures’ like banning construction. However, AAP’s Siddharth Sharma criticizes the lack of electric buses in BJP-ruled areas, while Dr. Mehrotra questions the government’s preparedness, stating, ‘It couldn't have been more disgraceful of a sitting Chief Minister to be booed.’ The panel clashes over the lack of a centralized action plan and the ongoing blame game.
In this Special Report, Mohammad Rafiuddin, Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), discusses the critical role of vehicular emissions in Delhi's air pollution crisis. He states, 'The PUC regime itself will not be able to solve this because the way to solve this is to actually have restrictive measures on vehicles.' Rafiuddin highlights that while BS-6 standards are a 'landmark thing', the sheer volume of vehicles requires a shift to public transport and electrification. He notes that Delhi's own transport sector contributes 14% to pollution but emphasizes the need for coordinated action across the NCR to see significant gains.
In a press conference on Delhi's pollution crisis, BJP MLA from Trilokpuri, Ravi Kant, accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of 'lighting fires and making videos' to malign the government. Kant claimed AAP workers set garbage on fire in his constituency to create 'reels' and blame the administration. He stated, 'First they cheated Delhi, now they are playing with Delhi's health.' Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa discussed technical solutions, revealing a plan to test 'smoke-eating surfaces' on roads. Sirsa explained that this chemical coating would 'pull down' smoke from vehicles. The Minister also addressed exemptions for emergency vehicles under pollution control measures.
In a significant admission, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologised to the people of the national capital for the severe air pollution, stating it is 'impossible' to clean the air in just 9-10 months. Speaking to India Today, Sirsa announced strict measures, including a ban on fuel at petrol pumps for vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate starting from the day after tomorrow. He blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the 'disease of pollution' and claimed the BJP government is working hard to fix the issue. The programme also features reports from the ground on the smog situation and the political blame game between the BJP and AAP over the rising Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
In a special report on Delhi's worsening air crisis, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta faced a hostile reception at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during an event with football legend Lionel Messi. Spectators were heard chanting 'AQI, AQI' and booing the Chief Minister, highlighting public anger over the severe pollution. Addressing the crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa issued an apology, stating, 'I would like to apologise to the people of Delhi... it is not possible for any elected government to completely reduce pollution levels within 9-10 months.' Sirsa also announced strict measures, including a ban on fuel for vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUCC) certificate starting 'from tomorrow'. The programme features analysis from India Today's Sneha Mordani on the gaps in planning and the need for a long-term strategy across the National Capital Region.
The latest analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that vehicular emissions, not stubble burning, are the primary cause of Delhi's toxic air this winter. The report highlights that despite farm fires being at a multi-year low, pollution levels remain severe due to local sources. Director general of the Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain, explains that while stubble burning’s contribution has dropped to under 5 per cent, vehicular congestion and nitrogen dioxide levels have spiked. The discussion calls for an urgent, scaled-up plan to upgrade public transport and electrify fleets, while questioning the political will to implement such measures effectively.
A latest analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that vehicular emissions, not stubble burning, are the primary cause of Delhi's toxic air this winter. The report highlights that despite farm fires being at a multi-year low, pollution levels remain severe due to local sources. An environmental expert explains that while stubble burning's contribution has dropped to under 5 per cent, vehicular congestion and nitrogen dioxide levels have spiked. The discussion calls for an urgent, scaled-up plan to upgrade public transport and electrify fleets, questioning the political will to implement such measures effectively.
India's air pollution has escalated into a year-round national emergency, extending far beyond a winter-specific issue in the Delhi NCR. A recent analysis reveals that 60% of India's districts now breach national air quality standards, with cities like Mumbai and Varanasi experiencing severe smog. This public health crisis is a major mortality risk, comparable to high blood pressure, and is linked to a rise in asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Despite existing laws, a lack of political will and execution has hindered effective action. Experts and political figures are calling for government accountability and a coordinated five-year national action plan to move from short-term measures to sustainable solutions. The debate highlights the need to make clean air a political priority, address challenges like the transition to electric vehicles, and recognize the disproportionate impact of toxic air on the nation's most vulnerable populations, securing the fundamental right to breathe clean air.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Dia Mirza, actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, shared her thoughts on the rising air pollution crisis across the country, why it's rising and on how to tackle it.
India's air pollution has escalated into a year-round national emergency, extending far beyond a winter-specific issue in the Delhi NCR. A recent analysis reveals that 60% of India's districts now breach national air quality standards, with cities like Mumbai and Varanasi experiencing severe smog. This public health crisis is a major mortality risk, comparable to high blood pressure, and is linked to a rise in asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Despite existing laws, a lack of political will and execution has hindered effective action. Experts and political figures are calling for government accountability and a coordinated five-year national action plan to move from short-term measures to sustainable solutions. The debate highlights the need to make clean air a political priority, address challenges like the transition to electric vehicles, and recognize the disproportionate impact of toxic air on the nation's most vulnerable populations, securing the fundamental right to breathe clean air.
This special report dissects the severe air quality crisis gripping the nation, with a focus on Delhi NCR, where life expectancy has reportedly been reduced by nearly 12 years. Medical experts reveal alarming data, indicating that 40% of children in the region suffer from impaired lung functions, likening the act of breathing to smoking multiple cigarettes daily. The discussion highlights a failure of governance and a disconnect between policy and execution, with panelists arguing that short-term measures like cloud seeding are ineffective. Instead, they call for a comprehensive five-year action plan with sector-specific targets, a massive overhaul of public transport, and a shift to source-based governance. The program explores the challenges of transitioning to electric mobility and the urgent need for regulatory mandates to establish clean air as a fundamental right for all citizens.
In this special report, experts discuss the severe health and policy implications of India's air pollution crisis. A senior pulmonologist reveals a shocking statistic: 'In Delhi NCR alone, the life expectancy has been reduced by 11.9 years.' The panel debates the effectiveness of electric vehicles versus public transport. While one expert emphasizes the need for a 'strong regulatory mandate' for electrification, another argues that the government focuses on symptoms like cloud seeding rather than sources. The discussion highlights the urgent need for a coordinated five-year action plan.
