Often referred to as the ‘Saya of Uttar Pradesh’, Ghaziabad is a famous city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and also a part of Delhi NCR. Being the largest city of western Uttar Pradesh, it is the administrative headquarters of Ghaziabad district. Historically, the city was founded by Ghazi-ud-Din in 1740 A.D and named after him as ‘Ghaziuddinnagar’. The name was later shortened to its present form after the opening of railways in 1864. The city is situated in the Upper Gangetic Plains and has two major divisions separated by the Hindon River namely Trans-Hindon on the west and Cis-Hindon on the east.
Interestingly, Ghaziabad is said to be associated with the Indian Independence Movement from the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Well connected by roads and railways, Ghaziabad is a major rail junction for North India. It was post-independence that steel-manufacturing units became one of the primary industries to set up in the city, making it the second-largest industrial city in UP after Kanpur.
Ghaziabad’s population is an amalgamation of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and to some extent Christians too and that is why it also has many religious sites such as the ISKCON Temple, Jama Masjid, Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara and Holy Trinity Church. Along with this, the city is also home to the multi-purpose, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Notably, several famous personalities such as actress Lara Dutta, cricketer Suresh Raina, politician Madan Bhaiya hail from this city.
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.
An India Today special investigation, 'Operation Ayushman,' exposed how numerous empanelled private hospitals deny cashless treatment to eligible patients and demanding cash payments across Delhi NCR, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.
In a major impact of the India Today expose 'Operation Ayushmann', top ministers and officials have promised strict action against hospitals denying treatment to Ayushman Bharat cardholders. UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured that 'erring hospitals' will face penalties and blacklisting. The investigation revealed how private hospitals, termed 'vultures', turn away poor patients despite valid cards. Dr. Pankaj Singh also addressed the issue, stating that complaints are being handled and payments are being processed. The report highlights the struggle of the poor in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Delhi.
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 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.
In this exclusive chat, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addresses the discrepancy between his Rajya Sabha statement regarding Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) and recent data showing severe pollution levels. While Yadav had stated that the AQI had not crossed 450 in 2025, CPCB data revealed it hit 461 on December 14. Clarifying his stance, Yadav says, 'Jis din maine yeh bayan diya tha us din tak AQI 450 ke upar nahi kiya tha' (Until the day I gave that statement, AQI hadn't crossed 450). He attributes the sudden spike to 'anthropocentric activity' and weather conditions like Western Disturbances causing zero wind velocity. The Minister also discusses the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordinating pollution control measures across Delhi-NCR.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addresses critical environmental issues, focusing on Delhi-NCR's air pollution and the Aravalli mining controversy.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, addresses critical environmental issues, focusing on Delhi-NCR's air pollution and the Aravalli mining controversy. Responding to concerns about severe AQI levels, Yadav states, 'If you look at the AQI average since 2016, we have improved. But we should have a collective response.' He details the government's strategy, including the role of the CAQM authority, transitioning to clean fuel, and managing vehicular and industrial pollution. Regarding the Aravallis, Yadav clarifies that mining is not permitted in protected areas like tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. He asserts that mining leases constitute only 0.19% of the total area and that the government is committed to a scientific management plan and making the Aravallis a 'green wall'.
In a detailed discussion on the persistent air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav emphasises the critical role of transitioning to clean fuel. Addressing concerns about rising pollution levels despite policy interventions, Yadav highlights that 'wherever pollution has reduced worldwide, a big reason for that is clean fuel.' He outlines the government's multi-pronged approach, including the deregistration of older vehicles and the implementation of smart traffic management to reduce congestion. The Minister also discusses the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) initiatives, noting that 'in December, the CAAQM has taken everyone's plan for next year' to ensure better preparedness for the winter season. He stresses the need for industrial units to switch to PNG and dismisses claims that pollution control efforts are invisible, asserting that systematic changes are underway.
In this horrifying report from Ghaziabad, India Today's Himanshu Mishra details the brutal murder of landlady Deepshikha Sharma. Tenants Ajay Gupta and Akriti Gupta allegedly strangled Sharma over a rent dispute and stuffed her body in a suitcase. The report highlights how the couple tried to flee but were caught after the maid grew suspicious. Anchor Anisha provides updates on the police investigation in Rajnagar Extension, noting that the 'rent dispute has led to a cold-blooded murder'.
In this news bulletin, an unidentified speaker reports on the dense fog engulfing the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), which has severely impacted visibility and flight operations. The Delhi airport has issued an advisory urging passengers to contact airlines for updated flight information. The report highlights that visibility has dropped to between 50 and 100 metres in several areas, including the expressway, where vehicles are seen driving with headlights on. The broadcast also notes that the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'very poor' category, recorded above 350. Furthermore, the segment mentions that the issue of pollution is set to be discussed in Parliament.
In this Special Report, India Today's Ashutosh Mishra reports from the ground as Delhi NCR grapples with severe air pollution, with AQI levels breaching the 400 mark. The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing a complete ban on construction and shifting schools to hybrid mode. Mishra highlights the 'gas chamber' conditions in Ghaziabad and the dense fog reducing visibility to near zero at Akshardham. He notes that 'the fog is literally falling like a raindrop' and points to the lack of strict enforcement by agencies as a key failure. The programme also features public grievances about the lack of effective government intervention despite the recurring annual crisis, with residents calling for urgent relief measures.
A special report from the National Capital Region details the invocation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Phase 4 following a significant spike in pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 441, prompting authorities to enforce a complete ban on construction activities to curb dust emissions. Schools for children up to class 5 are set to operate in hybrid mode to mitigate health risks associated with the severe air quality. The report highlights that the high concentration of PM 2.5 particulate matter necessitates strict measures across Delhi and neighboring cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurgaon. Additionally, the government may consider implementing the odd-even vehicle scheme and allowing 50 per cent work-from-home for offices to reduce vehicular emissions and decongest pollution hotspots.
In this Special Report, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa addresses the critical issue of air pollution linked to traffic congestion in the national capital. Speaking after a high-level meeting, Sirsa reveals, 'There are 62 traffic congestion hotspots in Delhi,' and emphasizes the need for immediate short-term measures by agencies including the Delhi Police and PWD. The report, filed by Milan Sharma, highlights that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed authorities to clear illegal parking and encroachments to mitigate emissions. The Minister notes that this was the '6th meeting on air quality' involving multiple stakeholders like the Ministry of Agriculture and civic bodies. The segment also features citizen reactions to the toxic air, with some calling for the return of the odd-even scheme.
The first suspected case of monkeypox in India was detected in a five-year-old child in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad. The girl's sample was collected for monkeypox testing, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Ghaziabad told news agency ANI. He said it was a precautionary measure, as she complained of itching and rashes on her body. "She has no other health issues & neither she nor any of her close contact travelled abroad in the past 1 month" he was quoted by ANI. The symptoms of monkeypox typically begin with a flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes, followed by a rash on the face and body.
This special report covers the marginal improvement in Delhi NCR's air quality, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to lift GRAP Stage 3 curbs. The report details that despite this, the AQI remains in the 'very poor' category, with restrictions under GRAP Stage 1 and 2 still in effect. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that '50% work from home is scrapped and that non-essential construction can now resume'. The segment, featuring reporting from India Today's Amit Bhardwaj, explores the ongoing pollution crisis, noting that the AQI in Delhi is over 300 and cities like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad also record 'very poor' air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) health advisory warns that prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illness.
