Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, stands as a significant and complex nation in Western Asia. With Tehran as its capital and largest city, Iran boasts a diverse tapestry of ethnicities, cultures, and languages, reflecting its rich historical legacy that dates back to ancient civilizations. As of April 2023, Iran's population is over 80 million, making it the world's 18th most populous country. It is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4000 BCE.
Iran's strategic location, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south, grants it significant geopolitical importance. This positioning has played a pivotal role in its economic, political, and cultural dynamics throughout history. The country's economy is characterized by its large public sector, with significant government involvement in industry and services. Iran possesses the world's fourth-largest proven crude oil reserves and the second-largest natural gas reserves, making the energy sector a critical component of its economy.
The nation is governed as an Islamic republic, which was established following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, leading to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty. Iran's political structure is a mix of democracy and theocracy, with the Supreme Leader holding significant authority over major state decisions. The country's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous architectural marvels, literature, music, and art, contributing to its status as a key player in the Middle East and the broader Islamic world.
On this India Today special, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai reflects on the evolution of the Union Budget in India, tracing his experience back to 1994. Recalling his early days at NDTV, Sardesai notes, 'In 1994, I was at NDTV when we were commissioned to do the post-budget reactions' outside the BSE. He highlights how the post-1991 era brought a unique excitement to budget announcements that persists today, despite the process becoming more 'mundane' following major tax reforms. The discussion covers the shift from high-stakes policy changes to the current market preference for stability and the absence of 'retrospective tax bombshells'. Sardesai also addresses the impact of global geopolitics on the Indian economy, questioning the influence of external leaders on India's sovereign energy decisions, specifically regarding oil imports from Venezuela and Iran. The panel further examines the feasibility of the government's disinvestment targets and the long-term roadmap for defense allocations in the upcoming budget by Nirmala Sitharaman.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the significant geopolitical shift in energy trade as US President Donald Trump announces that India will pivot its oil procurement strategy. According to the transcript, Trump stated, 'India will buy oil from Venezuela' and specifically noted that the nation will be 'buying from Venezuela, not Iran'. This development comes amidst changing dynamics in the global oil market and US-led initiatives regarding Venezuelan energy resources. The programme examines the implications of this shift for India's energy security and its diplomatic relations with both Caracas and Tehran. The report highlights Trump's assertion that India is actively 'coming in to buy oil' from the South American nation, marking a potential departure from previous reliance on other Middle Eastern suppliers.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran as US President Donald Trump issues a fresh warning to the Iranian leadership. Highlighting the military mobilization, Trump stated, 'We have a large armada, flotilla, call it whatever you want, heading toward Iran right now.' He further noted that this deployment is even larger than the one previously positioned near Venezuela. The transcript details how the US administration is closely monitoring the political turbulence within Iran, with Trump suggesting that the Iranian government should 'make a deal' to avoid further consequences. In response, Iran has maintained a firm stance, asserting that it will not take any potential attack on its territory lightly and will hold the United States accountable. The programme examines the implications of this 'larger than before' armada and the potential for significant political upheaval in the region as both nations refuse to back down amidst the ongoing diplomatic and military standoff.
On this special broadcast of India Today Global, the focus is on the India-Arab ministerial summit in New Delhi. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabikian discusses the 'Board of Peace' document, noting that while it lacks specific mentions of Gaza or a two-state solution, Palestine welcomes it as a path toward statehood under UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
On this special broadcast of India Today Global, the focus is on the India-Arab Ministerial Summit in New Delhi. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabikian discusses the 'Board of Peace' document, noting, 'We are not a menu. We have to be around the table on the decision-making level, because today for Palestinians it's enough that people are continuing to talk about us.' She addresses concerns regarding the 'Riviera' plan for Gaza, emphasizing that the land must remain Palestinian. The programme also features strategic expert Dr. Wael Awad, who analyzes the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Persian Gulf. Dr. Awad highlights the potential impact of a military conflict on global trade and India's energy security. The report further explores Turkey's role as a mediator and the implications of the European Union's recent listing of Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. Minister Aghabikian concludes by urging India to maintain its historic support for international law and the two-state solution.
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.
On this Special Report, strategic affairs expert Dr. Wael Awad discusses the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. Dr. Awad notes that with Donald Trump at the helm, 'he may be looking for a diplomatic outcome, but he's more keen on doing something, sabotaging any kind of tranquility in the region.' He highlights that the presence of Arab ministers in India for a summit after a decade signifies that these nations view India as a 'major stakeholder' capable of 'triangulizing the area without going into a war.' The discussion further explores the potential impact on Arab countries hosting American military bases, with Dr. Awad warning that Iran has identified such locations as legitimate targets if used for attacks. He also points to the movement of American warships toward Diego Garcia and the deployment of sophisticated weaponry as indicators of the intensifying military posturing in the Persian Gulf region.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran as military assets move into the Gulf region. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating, 'Number one, no nuclear. Number two, stop killing protesters.' The American President highlighted the deployment of a 'very powerful ship' while demanding an end to Iran's nuclear ambitions and the domestic crackdown on dissent. In response, Iranian officials have categorically rejected any negotiations regarding their defense and missile capabilities, asserting that the security of the Iranian people is a sovereign matter. While nations like Turkey attempt to mediate and avoid military intervention, the threat of conflict remains high. The programme, reported by Preksha Jain for India Today, examines the geopolitical friction as the European Union designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation, further isolating the regime and increasing regional pressure.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran as President Donald Trump issues a stern warning to the Iranian leadership. Trump highlighted the deployment of 'very big, very powerful ships' currently sailing near Iran, expressing his hope that the United States would not be forced to use military force. He explicitly demanded that Iran must have 'no nuclear' capabilities and must 'stop killing protesters,' claiming he personally intervened to stop 837 hangings recently. Supporting this stance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that the United States is prepared to act under the President's orders, stating the military will 'be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects of the War Department.' The transcript underscores a rigid US policy aimed at preventing Iranian nuclear armament and addressing human rights concerns regarding the treatment of protesters within the country. The programme examines the potential for a new deal versus military escalation in the Middle East.
On this India Today special report, the focus is on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating, 'We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn't have to use them.' Trump emphasized two primary demands: that Iran must not pursue nuclear weapons capability and must cease the killing of protesters. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon is prepared to deliver whatever the President expects to ensure Tehran does not achieve nuclear capabilities. Reporter Pranay Upadhyay highlights that the US is exercising 'maximum pressure' to force Iran to the negotiating table. The report also notes that the European Union has joined the US in imposing sanctions on the IRGC, further isolating the Iranian government as military options remain on the table.
On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Diana Bahadori, a 19-year-old Instagram influencer known as "Baby Rider" with 144K followers, was allegedly shot dead by security forces during anti-regime protests on January 9.
On this India Today special report, the focus is on the escalating tensions in the Middle East as the United States increases its military presence near Iran. Reporter Sumit Chowdhury details the movement of the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln toward Iranian sea borders, noting that '47 types of US military aircraft have been landing in the Middle East' across various air bases over the last ten days. The broadcast highlights reports that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has moved to a bunker amid the buildup. The discussion covers Donald Trump's claims regarding the naval armada and Iran's subsequent warning of an 'all-out war' in response to any military action. The situation remains highly unstable as internal protests in Iran continue to face a regime crackdown, with the US warning of intervention if protesters are executed. Sumit Chowdhury explains that this massive deployment serves as psychological pressure following previous conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
This report highlights the significant escalation in West Asia as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has reportedly moved into a fortified bunker in Tehran. The move follows assessments by senior officials of an increased risk of a potential military strike by the United States, with reports indicating that 'Massoud Khamenei, has taken over day-to-day operations in his father's office'. The transition occurs as the US moves significant military forces into the region, including an aircraft carrier near Iranian waters. The programme details how the Supreme Leader's bunker is equipped with interconnected tunnels to ensure safety during heightened tensions. While Khamenei remains in hiding, his third-born son, Massoud, is serving as the primary communication channel with government leaders. The report also references threats from Donald Trump and the deployment of US forces as key factors driving the Iranian leadership's decision to go underground amidst the anticipation of imminent conflict.
This report examines the escalating military tensions in West Asia as the United States intensifies its presence in the region. Following the deployment of a massive naval armada and the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, senior Iranian officials have issued a stern counter-warning to the Trump administration. An unidentified speaker emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, 'Iran will treat any attack on it as an all-out war and respond in the hardest possible way.' While the United States describes the surge of F-15 strike eagles and naval assets as a precautionary and defensive measure, Tehran maintains it is prepared for any infringement on its sovereignty. Despite both Washington and Tehran claiming they do not seek an outright conflict, the transcript highlights that neither side is willing to back down. The programme details the deployment of forces to bases in Jordan and the Persian Gulf, illustrating a significant brinkmanship that suggests the regional conflict is far from over.
On this Special Report, journalist Pranay Upadhyaya analyzes the escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran. Following reports of a massive U.S. naval armada, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, heading towards the Gulf, senior Iranian officials have issued a stern warning. Pranay Upadhyaya notes that while Iran is not looking for war, the leadership has stated, 'We are ready also for everything' and will respond to any attack with full force. The discussion highlights the domestic anti-regime protests within Iran and the potential for foreign intervention. Upadhyaya further explores the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the impact of economic sanctions, and the strategic importance of Iran's oil resources. The report also mentions unconfirmed sightings of Chinese military aircraft in Tehran, suggesting a complex regional force accretion as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on the Iranian regime's 'dark shadow fleet' through targeted oil sanctions.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Following reports of the US intensifying its military presence in the West Asian region, senior Iranian officials have issued a stern counter-warning to the Trump administration. An unidentified speaker noted that 'Iran will treat any attack on it as an all out war and respond in the hardest way possible.' The discussion highlights the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its battle group into the CENTCOM region as an indicator of potential military contemplation by Washington. The transcript details how the US has demanded an end to the crackdown on protesters, threatening military strikes if demands are not met. While diplomatic channels remain mentioned, the force augmentation by the US military suggests a significant build-up. The programme explores the history of recent strikes and the potential for a full-scale conflict if tempers do not cool in the region.
This edition of India First, anchored by Gaurav Sawant, examines Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s blistering attack on the Congress party in Kerala as he sounded the BJP's poll bugle for the upcoming assembly election.
This report examines the escalating military tensions between Washington DC and Tehran as a United States naval armada moves toward the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment follows reports that the Iranian regime considered the execution of over 800 protesters, a plan that was reportedly cancelled shortly before it was to be carried out. An unidentified speaker notes that while both nations claim to prioritize diplomacy, the US is building up a massive naval fleet in the region. The speaker quotes a warning regarding the consequences of harming protesters, stating, 'What we did to your Iran, cancelled it.' In response, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly claimed that his forces have their 'finger on the trigger' and are prepared to utilize supersonic and hypersonic missiles if conflict arises. The situation remains volatile as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and other military assets are diverted to the Gulf region.
The big focus of this episode of Super 6 is on two poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where Prime Minister Modi on Friday sounded NDA's poll bugle for the upcoming assembly elections.
