Jharkhand

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, host Gaurav Sawant leads a debate regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks on the 'Miya' community and illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. The discussion features BJP spokesperson Radhika Khera, Congress spokesperson Dr. Pooja Tripathi, political analyst Suhas Chakma, and India Today Executive Editor Kaushik Dekha. The panel examines the constitutional validity of the Chief Minister’s call for the economic isolation of suspected illegal immigrants versus the risks of ethnic profiling of Indian Muslims. Key topics include the demographic shifts in Assam, the failure of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, and the implications of the Social Impact Resources (SIR) exercise. While the BJP defends these measures as necessary to protect indigenous communities, the opposition labels the narrative as communal dog-whistling and electoral polarization. The program explores whether these policies represent a battle for survival for the Assamese people or a political tool, analyzing the complex legal and social dynamics of migration and citizenship in Northeast India.

This Special Report, led by Rajdeep Sardesai and Preeti Choudhry, analyzes the January 2026 'Mood of the Nation' poll featuring over 125,000 respondents. The survey projects a significant victory for the NDA with 352 seats, while the BJP alone is projected at 287 seats. Data indicates the NDA is returning with an increased vote share and seat share. The program evaluates Rahul Gandhi’s performance as Leader of the Opposition, noting a 44% positive rating despite a slight decline since August 2025. Panellists Yashwant Deshmukh and Raj Chengappa discuss election freebies, noting 50% of the public opposes doles while 44% believe the Election Commission should intervene. Analysis shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity remains stable despite concerns regarding unemployment and price rises. Political stability is now cited as the government's primary success over the Ram Temple or Article 370. While a majority believe Congress should lead the opposition, 62% of respondents identify the party as the weakest link within the India bloc.

On this Special Report, Rajdeep Sardesai leads a panel discussion on the latest 'Mood of the Nation' poll findings. Sardesai highlights a significant shift in public perception, noting, 'For the first time, we are seeing political stability as the number one achievement' of the NDA government, surpassing previous milestones like Article 370. The discussion explores the paradox of high concern for unemployment and inflation alongside rising trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Panelists Raj Chengappa and Yashwant Deshmukh contribute insights on how targeted welfare schemes and a fragmented opposition bolster the NDA's position. The program further examines the 'Goldilocks period' of the Indian economy, characterized by low inflation and high growth, and how this contributes to the Prime Minister's enduring popularity. The analysis concludes that despite economic challenges, the electorate views the current leadership as a symbol of resilience and stability in a period of global turmoil.

On this special report, India Today’s Piyush Mishra provides a detailed breakdown of the Padma Awards announced on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 131 individuals have been honoured across various categories, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Mishra highlights that 'The biggest name which we can see and which is also the first number is Narendra Modi, who has also been awarded the Padma Vibhushan.' The list features prominent figures such as veteran politician Shibu Soren, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously for his work with tribals in Jharkhand, and former cricket captain Rohit Sharma in the sports category. Other notable awardees mentioned include singer Alka Yagnik, politician V.K. Malhotra, and actor Dharmendra Deol. The awards recognise lifelong contributions in fields ranging from medicine and art to public affairs and literature, including several individuals of Indian origin and foreign nationals from Russia and Germany.

On this breaking news report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards, one of India's highest civilian honours. The unidentified speaker details the recipients of the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan across various fields including cinema, politics, and medicine. A significant highlight is the posthumous recognition of the legendary actor Dharmendra, with the speaker noting, 'He has got the Padma Vibhushan, recognizing his contribution as far as the film industry is concerned.' Other prominent awardees mentioned include former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan and megastar Mammootty for their contributions to public affairs and cinema respectively. The list further includes former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, JMM chief Shibu Soren, and industry leaders like Uday Kotak and Piyush Pandey. The report underscores the diverse contributions of these individuals to the nation in fields ranging from social work to literature and education, marking a moment of national recognition for their professional and public service.

This episode of India First features a debate regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticisms of the Congress party in Kerala. Congress representative Dr. Karuna Sagar accuses the Prime Minister of communal polarisation and cites 1,318 alleged hate speeches by BJP leaders in 2025. In response, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma defends the government’s economic record, noting India has overtaken Japan as the world's fourth-largest economy with a growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Verma highlights the success of the Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, claiming multidimensional poverty has dropped to 1.3%. Panelists Suman C. Raman and Abhijit Iyer-Mitra analyze Kerala's political dynamics, the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, and the 'Urban Naxal' narrative. The discussion contrasts the BJP's electoral strike rates in Maharashtra and Haryana against the ideological shifts between the Left and Congress. This news segment examines the intersection of economic data, welfare schemes, and communal rhetoric ahead of regional political contests.

On this Special Report, Satyajit Kumar reports from Ranchi where the Jharkhand Police have initiated an investigation against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers. The action follows an FIR lodged by an employee of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, who alleged he was 'assaulted by the ED officers' during a summons related to a financial embezzlement case. Police officials, including a DSP and the Airport SHO, entered the ED zonal office to examine CCTV footage and other evidence. The move has sparked a political row, with BJP Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi alleging that the police presence could allow for the tampering of documents related to high-profile stakeholders, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Additionally, Godda MP Nishikant Dubey termed the police action as 'vindictive.' Meanwhile, the ED has expressed strong displeasure over the early morning police intervention, escalating tensions between the central agency and state authorities in Jharkhand.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Satyajit Kumar examines the impact of the Maiya Samman Yojana in Jharkhand. Launched by the Hemant Soren government in August 2024, the scheme initially provided ₹1,000 per month to women aged 18 to 50, which was later increased to ₹2,500 from January 2025. Satyajit Kumar notes that the scheme proved to be a 'game-changer for Hemant Soren Government, as it made a solid comeback in polls.' While over 55 lakh women currently benefit from the enhanced amount, the report highlights significant challenges. Many eligible women remain excluded due to the closure of the application portal, while cases of misuse by affluent individuals are being scanned for removal. Furthermore, the opposition BJP has criticised the scheme, alleging that the financial burden has delayed other essential welfare programmes, including pensions for widows and the elderly. Despite these hurdles, for many women in villages like Chhatra, the monthly stipend remains a vital lifeline for purchasing school supplies and household necessities.

In this episode of To The Point, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra addresses the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the political consultancy firm I-PAC, accusing the BJP-led central government of weaponising agencies to sabotage the TMC's strategy for the 2026 Bengal polls.

This special report focuses on the Enforcement Directorate's raids on political consultancy IPAC ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The broadcast highlights the long-standing association between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and IPAC, crediting the firm for the party's landslide victories in 2021 and 2024. The speaker draws parallels with previous agency actions against other political strategists, such as Sunil Kanugolu and Naresh Arora, noting a pattern of raids targeting opposition consultants closer to polls. The report details the opposition's allegation that these investigations are a 'witch hunt' designed to intimidate political rivals. The segment also reviews the timeline of agency actions in states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

In a special report on the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Congress MP Manickam Tagore asserts that the party must seek a share in power, not just seats, within the DMK-led alliance. Referring to the recent Loyola IPDS survey, the Virudhunagar MP states, ‘Time for share of power, not only just share of seats.’ Tagore argues for a coalition government model similar to Jharkhand, emphasizing that Congress cannot remain a ‘12th man’ and must fulfill its guarantees through cabinet participation. He also discusses the potential role of actor Vijay’s TVK party and the enduring relationship between Rahul Gandhi and the DMK leadership.

In a special report on India's internal security, the focus is on the government's deadline to eliminate Left Wing Extremism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has vowed that Naxalism will be wiped out by March 2026. The programme traces the history of the movement from the 1967 Naxalbari Uprising to the formation of the CPI (Maoist) in 2004. It highlights the government's two-pronged strategy: a crackdown by security forces and a lucrative surrender policy. Under the scheme, surrendering Naxals receive an immediate grant of Rs 1.5 lakh, a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 for 36 months, and vocational training. The report notes that since January 2024, over 723 Naxals have surrendered in Chhattisgarh alone.

The top focus of this episode of News Today is the death of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, in Dehradun following an attack on December 9.

In an inspiring story from Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, Gulshan Lohar has defied all odds to become a mathematics teacher despite being born without arms.

In a historic event, President Droupadi Murmu is set to undertake a sea sortie in an Indian Navy submarine from Karwar Harbour in Karnataka today. This makes her only the second Head of State to do so, following former President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006. India Today's Deputy Editor Shivani Sharma reports from the key naval base on the western coast, highlighting the strategic significance of this undersea operation. The President, who also flew a Rafale fighter jet on October 29, continues her engagement with the armed forces. The sortie will take place from Karwar to INS Kadamba.

On this Special Report, Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai speaks with Rt. Rev. Paul Swarup, Bishop of Delhi, Church of North India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Cathedral Church of the Redemption on Christmas Day. Reverend Swarup characterizes the PM's visit as a 'spontaneous gesture' to offer prayers. While acknowledging the rising concerns regarding attacks on Christians by groups like the VHP and Bajrang Dal, Swarup maintains that Christmas is 'not the time to raise that issue' with the Prime Minister. The discussion also addresses the 'false narrative' of forced conversions and the need for relationship building between the community and the government.

In this report on the escalating hijab controversy in Bihar, the focus is on Ayush doctor Dr. Nusrat Parveen, who has not joined duty at the Sabalpur Primary Health Centre following an incident where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly lifted her veil. While 63 other doctors have reported for work, Dr. Parveen’s absence has sparked a political storm. Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has stepped in, offering the doctor a government job and stating, 'I have offered that girl, Daughter, you come to Jharkhand. I will give you a government job.' The Congress has criticized Kumar for insensitivity, while the BJP has defended his actions.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the recent Supreme Court order concerning the Aravali range, stating the government's commitment to balancing ecology and economy. Yadav clarified that the government accepts the court-mandated committee's report and its recommendations for sustainable mining, emphasising that 'no new mining lease except in case of critical strategic and atomic mineral' will be permitted. He highlighted that core areas, including four tiger reserves and twenty wildlife sanctuaries, are prohibited from mining activities. A 'Management Plan for Scientific Management' (MPSM) must be finalised before any new leases are granted. Yadav also noted the court's appreciation for the government's Aravali green initiatives and its approval of ICFRE's study standards.

In this Special Report, India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai discusses the 'VB-M RAM G Bill 2025' which seeks to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Development economist Jean Drèze argues the new scheme is 'not an employment guarantee' due to a 'switch-off clause' that gives the Centre discretionary power. Drèze warns, 'It is like providing a work guarantee without any guarantee that the guarantee applies.' Political economist Shankkar Aiyar questions the centralization, noting that 'history tells us largely that all major reforms in India have come from the states.' The programme explores the shift to a centrally directed scheme.