Makar Sankranti

On this Special Report, the focus is on the historic signing of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a new security partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the collaboration as a 'landmark departure and a trust-based platform for cooperation on the strategic issues that matter most.' The transcript details how the deal, affecting nearly 2 billion people and a quarter of the global economy, will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods and 99% of Indian tariff lines. Key sectors such as automobiles, chemicals, and textiles are set to benefit from reduced duties. Beyond trade, the leaders launched a first-ever security and defence partnership covering maritime security, cyber threats, and space security. Ursula von der Leyen also announced India’s association with the 100-billion-euro Horizon Europe research programme to foster innovation in health and clean energy. The programme explains the five-step implementation process, noting that full effects may be realized by 2027.

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, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses the media following the 16th India-EU Summit, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations. Highlighting the economic significance of the meeting, she stated, 'We delivered the mother of all deals,' referring to a comprehensive trade agreement creating a market of two billion people. Von der Leyen emphasized that the partnership between the world's second and fourth largest economies will integrate supply chains and reduce strategic dependencies. Beyond trade, she announced the launch of the first-ever India-EU security and defence partnership, focusing on maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism. The President also detailed new initiatives in innovation, including India’s association with the 100-billion-euro Horizon Europe program and a mobility agreement to facilitate the movement of students and skilled workers. Reflecting on her experience as the Republic Day Chief Guest, she described the summit as a new chapter of growth and 'fresh momentum' for the India-EU friendship.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed grass and fodder to cows and calves, a ritual he performs annually to mark the harvest festival. The programme highlights the cultural significance of the act, noting that 'feeding cows on Makar Sankranti brings blessings and prosperity' according to Hindu traditions.

On this special report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen participating in Makar Sankranti celebrations at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence. The Prime Minister fed grass and fodder to cows and calves, a ritual he performs annually to mark the harvest festival. The programme highlights the cultural significance of the act, noting that 'feeding cows on Makar Sankranti brings blessings and prosperity' according to Hindu traditions. The bulletin also mentions the Prime Minister's recent outreach, including letters sent to citizens in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for Bihu and Pongal. The discussion explores how these festivals, though named differently across states, connect India through a shared heritage of gratitude toward nature and farmers. The visuals capture the Prime Minister personally tending to the cattle housed at his official residence, emphasizing the divine status of cows in Indian culture during the auspicious harvest season.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to his constituency, Gandhinagar, to celebrate the harvest festival of Uttarayan. Reporter Brijesh Doshi highlights that 'This is the style of Amit Shah that he always spends the time on these festival days with his family and the Karyakartas of his constituency.' The visuals show the Home Minister participating in kite flying on a terrace in Narayanpura, surrounded by Bharatiya Janata Party members. The programme explains that while the festival is known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal in other parts of India, in Gujarat it is celebrated as Uttarayan, marking the transition from winter to the harvest season. The report emphasizes how this festival binds the nation together, with leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah participating in celebrations across different states. The broadcast captures the festive spirit and the Home Minister's annual tradition of engaging with local supporters during significant cultural milestones in Gujarat.

On this special occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his heartfelt greetings to the Tamil community worldwide for the festival of Pongal. Highlighting the global reach of the festival, the Prime Minister remarked, 'Our Tamil culture is the heritage of the whole heritage of humanity.' He reflected on his personal connection to Tamil traditions, citing his visits to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram as moments of profound cultural unity. The Prime Minister emphasised the role of farmers as the foundation of life and the nation's strength, linking their efforts to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. He further discussed the government's commitment to sustainable agriculture through initiatives like natural farming and water management. The address underscored the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,' urging citizens to protect the environment through Mission LiFE and sustainable practices while taking pride in India's ancient civilizational roots.

On this India Today broadcast, DMK leader Dharani Dharan reacts to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pongal celebrations and outreach in Tamil Nadu. Dharan claims that 'Whenever there are impending elections in Tamil Nadu, the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Tamil Nadu has exponentially increased,' suggesting the moves are politically motivated. He defends the DMK government's distribution of Pongal gift hampers to 2.2 crore ration card holders, stating it is a long-standing tradition and not a new election-centric tactic. The discussion highlights the political friction between the DMK and BJP over cultural outreach and state welfare schemes ahead of the polls. Dharan emphasizes that while celebrating festivals is positive, the Prime Minister should consistently uphold the principle of unity in diversity rather than focusing on outreach primarily during election cycles. The segment also touches upon the 'Namma Ooru Modi Pongal' initiative and the financial management of the state under the current administration.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the historic relocation of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from the colonial-era South Block to the newly constructed 'Seva Teerth' complex. This transition, occurring on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, aligns with the government's vision of shedding colonial legacies. The speaker notes that 'this building will now house the Prime Minister's office' as part of the Executive Enclave under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. The new complex, spanning approximately 2,26,000 square feet and built at a cost of ₹1,200 crore, will co-locate the PMO, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the National Security Advisor’s office. The report details the layout of the three main blocks, Seva Teerth 1, 2, and 3, which are designed to feature modern workspaces and ceremonial rooms reflecting the theme of service. This move marks the end of an era for the South Block, which served as the PMO's address since Independence.

On this business report, anchor Abha Bakaya tracks the Indian markets as precious metals reach unprecedented levels. Abha Bakaya notes that 'both MCX Silver and Gold continue their bull run and in fact trending at new record highs', with silver jumping 7,000 rupees. The bulletin covers the World Bank's 7.2% GDP growth forecast for India in FY26 and the upcoming Q3 results for Infosys. Market experts Sharad Avasthi and Shailendra Bhatnagar join the discussion to analyze the sustainability of the metal rally and the outlook for the IT and PSU banking sectors. The programme also highlights the 1,907 crore IPO filing by logistics firm Shadowfax and high-level trade talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding critical minerals and defense cooperation.

This report covers the historic relocation of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from South Block to the newly constructed 'Seva Teerth' complex. The move, scheduled for the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, marks a significant step in the government's vision to shed colonial legacy. The speaker notes, 'It's a momentous occasion in independent India's history,' as the PMO leaves its post-independence home. Part of the Executive Enclave under the Central Vista Development Project, the 2,26,000 square foot complex was built at an approximate cost of ₹1,200 crore. The Seva Teerth premises comprise three main buildings: Seva Teerth 1 for the PMO, Seva Teerth 2 for the Cabinet Secretariat, and Seva Teerth 3 for the National Security Advisor’s office. The transition follows the 2025 renaming of Rajbhavans to Lokbhavans and the operationalisation of Kartarpur Bhawans for other ministries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, flew kites, a gesture symbolising the strong ties between India and Germany.

Reports indicate that BJP Working National President Nitin Nabin will officially shift to Delhi after Makar Sankranti. He has reportedly been allotted Bungalow Number 9 on Sunehri Bagh Road. The move comes ahead of his likely election as the full-time BJP National President, succeeding J.P. Nadda. A meeting of state presidents is also expected to be called shortly after the festival to accelerate the election process. Nabin, who was recently appointed as the Working President, has been travelling across states like Tamil Nadu and Assam. His permanent move to the national capital signals the party's focus on upcoming assembly elections in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, as well as the 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls. The transition marks a significant generational shift in the party's leadership.

This special report covers the major election announcements made by Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of the Bihar elections. Yadav announced that if his government is formed, 'on January 14th, 2026, on the occasion of Makar sankranti ₹30,000 will be directly transferred into the accounts of women'. The report details his other significant promises aimed at farmers, including a bonus of ₹300 per quintal on paddy and ₹400 per quintal on wheat, over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Furthermore, Yadav pledged to provide free electricity for agricultural irrigation, a move aimed at providing substantial relief to the state's farmers. The RJD leader also expressed confidence that the Mahagathbandhan would unseat the incumbent Nitish Kumar government, stating the people of Bihar are ready for change.

From Truck Driver to Millionaire: Harpinder Singh, a resident of Barwa village in Ropar, hit the Rs 10 crore jackpot in the Punjab State Lohri Makar Sankranti Bumper Lottery 2025.

The political war between Congress and AAP has escalated in Delhi with Rahul Gandhi releasing video of open sewers and unfinished construction in Delhi to mock Arvind Kejriwal. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel celebrated Makar Sankranti by flying kites on Tuesday.

Jallikattu is a bull-taming sport that has traditionally been part of the festival of Pongal. However, the practice has long been contested, with animal rights groups and the courts concerned over issues of cruelty to animals and the bloody and dangerous nature of the sport.

Several devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj to participate in the Amrit Snan, a significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh Mela. On this occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister wished devotees on Makar Sankranti and Amrit Snan.

Several devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj to participate in the Amrit Snan, a significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh Mela.