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On this Special Report, the focus is on the Odisha government's decisive crackdown on tobacco and nicotine products. Health Minister Mukesh Maling has stated that 'the district drugs inspector will conduct enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the ban order' across the state. The fresh notification prohibits the manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution of all tobacco-containing products, including gutkha and pan masala, whether sold together or separately. This move follows a Supreme Court order and aims to address the alarming health crisis in the state, where 42 percent of the adult population uses smokeless tobacco—nearly double the national average. The order supersedes the 2013 regulations and extends to all chewable, flavoured, or scented food products containing nicotine. Drug inspectors have been tasked with conducting state-wide enforcement drives to ensure a zero-tolerance policy. The programme explores the implications of this ban on public health and the challenges of implementing a tobacco-free mandate in Odisha.

On this India Today special report, Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyses the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) massive sweep across Maharashtra's municipal corporations. Sardesai highlights that the BJP is poised to secure its first mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), marking a 'tectonic shift' in the state's political landscape. He notes that the saffron flag is now dominant in regions like Pune, Nagpur, and Thane, traditionally held by the Congress or Shiv Sena. Sardesai observes, 'The shadow of the Thackerays, the brand of the Thackeray is not that strong, that potent anymore,' pointing to a dilution of regional tropes. The discussion further explores the decline of the 'Pawar brand' and the failure of the Congress to hold its core vote bank. Sardesai concludes that the BJP has evolved into a pan-Maharashtra party, mirroring the hegemony once held by the Congress, while regional satraps and family-led politics face significant challenges across the state's districts.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on the shifting political landscape in Maharashtra as municipal election results indicate a surge for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde addresses the party's position within the Mahayuti alliance, stating, 'We admit that Bharatiya Janata Party is the elder brother in the alliance as of now.' Hegde describes the leadership dynamic by noting that while Eknath Shinde was previously the 'pilot,' Devendra Fadnavis has now taken that role. The discussion, featuring insights from Rajdeep Sardesai and Amitabh Tiwari, explores how the BJP is becoming the dominant force in regions like Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai, potentially relegating regional partners to junior roles. The panel examines whether regional parties are shrinking due to the BJP's 'pan-India' expansion or their own failure to remain relevant amidst generational leadership changes. The programme highlights the 'tectonic shift' in Maharashtra politics as the BJP eyes a historic performance in the municipal corporations.

This news report details the upcoming implementation of new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on tobacco products, effective from February 1st. The government has mandated a 40% GST on cigarettes and pan masala, while bidis will be taxed at 18%. These changes follow GST reforms announced earlier in 2025 and aim to address public health concerns by increasing the cost of 'sin goods'. The broadcast highlights that the tax hike aligns with global standards to curb consumption. It also mentions that the new rates were part of a broader tax overhaul, with the specific 'sin tax' implementation delayed until this date. The programme further discusses the potential impact on consumers and the industry, noting that the Indian Tobacco Institute has expressed dissatisfaction with the move.

A magisterial committee investigating the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Goa has indicted Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar for gross negligence. The report reveals that Bagkar allowed the club to operate despite an expired trade license and illegal construction on salt-pan land. The inquiry, which follows an India Today exposé, highlights how owners Gaurav and Sourav Luthra obtained licenses in just four days, bypassing standard procedures. The fire on December 6, 2025, claimed 25 lives. Bagkar failed to seal the premises even after demolition notices were issued.

A new trend called 'bhajan clubbing' is taking India's youth by storm, blending devotion with electronic bass drops in a club-like setting, but without alcohol or substances. Leading this movement are siblings Raghav and Prachi Agarwal, known as the 'Backstage Siblings'. In this conversation, they discuss their journey from being investment bankers and traders to viral music sensations. Prachi Agarwal states, 'This has always brought this piece to people, but now people are more comfortable accepting it... this is a paradigm shift that we are trying to get, that it's okay to not be under influence of something.' They explain how their jamming sessions, which started in their living room, now attract thousands, with 85% of the audience aged between 18 and 30. The duo mixes traditional bhajans with Bollywood and Sufi music, creating a unique, sober, and spiritual high for Gen Z.

In this market bulletin, the anchor highlights the Competition Commission of India's probe into IndiGo for alleged abuse of market dominance following recent flight disruptions. The report details the Adani Group's major consolidation of its cement business, with Ambuja Cements approving the merger of ACC and Orient Cement to create a pan-India powerhouse. The broadcast also covers record-breaking highs in gold and silver prices, which a market expert attributes to fears of a monetary reset and global inflation. Additionally, Shriram Finance clarifies it is not seeking a banking license, refuting recent speculation. The segment concludes with a look at the flat market opening, with the Nifty and Bank Nifty showing marginal moves, and specific stock action in the real estate and insurance sectors.

The concerns over the Aravallis are only the latest wake-up call for India's growing insensitivity to environmental concerns, or at least the government of India's growing insensitivity.

On this Special Report, India Today's Senior Editor Divyesh Singh reveals exclusive details regarding the investigation into the Birch by Romeo Lane fire in Goa, which claimed 25 lives. Singh reports that the Goa Police have initiated a process for an Interpol Blue Corner Notice against Surinder Kumar Khosla, the alleged owner of the land where the club was illegally constructed. The transcript highlights that the site is a 'salt pan land' and a 'no development zone'. Singh also notes a civil dispute between Khosla and Sunil Devkar over the property's ownership. The programme explores the legal actions being taken against the accused, including the Luthra brothers, as authorities crack down on illegal establishments.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the major breakthrough in the Goa fire tragedy investigation. The owners of 'Burj by Romeo Lane', Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, have been deported from Thailand and arrested upon their arrival at Delhi airport. The Luthra brothers had fled the country hours after the massive blaze at their club claimed 25 lives. India Today's Himanshu Mishra reports that the Goa Police have secured a two-day transit remand from a Delhi court and are transporting the accused to Goa for further interrogation. The programme also highlights the ongoing probe into the negligence and rule violations that led to the inferno.

In this special report, India Today's Ashutosh Mishra and Shreya Chatterjee track the deportation of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra from Thailand. The brothers, owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa, fled India hours after a fire at their establishment killed 25 people on December 6. Ashutosh Mishra reports from the airport on the Goa Police's strategy to secure transit remand, while Shreya Chatterjee provides live updates on their arrival at Terminal 3. The transcript highlights the charges of culpable homicide and the brothers' failed attempt to escape justice.

In this Special Report, India Today tracks the deportation of the fugitive Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav, from Thailand to India. Wanted in connection with the tragic fire at their 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people, the brothers were arrested by the Goa Police upon their arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Anchor Aneesha Mathur and reporters Shreya Chatterjee and Ashutosh Mishra provide live updates on the legal proceedings, including the transit remand application at Patiala House Court. The segment highlights the allegations of safety violations and illegal construction on salt pan land.

In this news bulletin, India Today’s Ashutosh Mishra reports on the deportation of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra from Thailand to India. The Luthra brothers, owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, fled the country after a fire at their establishment killed 25 people on December 6. Ashutosh Mishra confirms that the ‘formality of arrest has already been done by the Goa police’ upon their arrival at the airport. The report, which also features inputs from Shreya Chatterjee, highlights that ‘environmental norms were flouted on a salt pan’ at the club site. The brothers face charges of culpable homicide and are set to be produced in court for transit remand.

This special report covers a raid conducted by police and a political representative in Lucknow's slum areas. The inspection focused on verifying the identity documents of residents, specifically looking for discrepancies in Aadhaar cards and NRC forms. The report highlights claims that some residents possess Aadhaar cards with 'Care of' fields instead of 'Son of' or 'Wife of', raising suspicions about their authenticity. The transcript details the discovery of rejected NRC forms and the alleged presence of illegal immigrants. The speaker discusses the need for strict verification, the potential for deportation, and the establishment of detention centers for those unable to prove their citizenship. The report also touches on the recovery of other documents like PAN cards and driving licenses from the location.

In this exclusive report, India Today's Divyesh Singh reveals that the land housing the 'Burj by Romeo Lane' club in Goa, where a fire killed 25 people, is allegedly involved in a land grab. Singh cites the 712 extract showing Balkrishna Deokar and Krishna Deokar as the original owners, with no mention of Surinder Khosla, who leased it to the accused Luthra brothers. The report also confirms that Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, and are being brought to Bangkok for emergency travel papers. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assures strict action and their swift return to India.

In a major development, the owners of the Goa nightclub 'Birch by Romeo Lane', Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have been detained in Thailand. Reacting to the news, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi demanded strict action, asking, 'Do we have an extradition treaty with Thailand?' She questioned why a lookout notice wasn't issued earlier. India Today's Devesh reported that the fire erupted at 11:45 PM and the fire brigade 'had to stop 44 meters just ahead of the club' due to a narrow lane.

In this Special Report, India Today's Deputy Editor Divyesh Singh tracks the major breakthrough in the Goa nightclub fire case. The prime accused, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, following a Blue Corner Notice. The brothers fled India hours after the blaze at 'Burj by Romeo Lane' in Arpora killed 25 people on December 6. Divyesh Singh reports, 'The Luthra brothers are the prime accused and the highest amount of culpability for the incident is on Sourav and Gaurav Luthra.' The segment also covers the arrest of the third partner, Ajay Gupta, who has been brought to the Anjuna Police Station.

In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on the horrific fire at 'Birch' by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa that claimed 25 lives on December 6.

In this Special Report, India Today's Arvind Ojha details the detention of Ajay Gupta, a partner in the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, from New Delhi following the Goa fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives. While Gupta is in custody, the primary owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, have fled to Thailand, prompting the issuance of an Interpol Blue Corner Notice. Correspondent Dipesh Tripathi reports on Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's directive to demolish all illegal structures on salt pan lands. Additionally, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma addresses allegations of police negligence, asserting that a lookout circular was issued immediately, but the accused fled within five hours of the incident.

In a significant crackdown following the devastating fire at 'Burj by Romeo Lane' in Goa that claimed 25 lives, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has issued strict instructions for the demolition of all illegal structures constructed on salt pan land. India Today’s Senior Special Correspondent Divyesh Singh reports that the club’s owners, the Luthra brothers, have fled to Thailand to evade arrest. Singh highlights that the tragic incident occurred at a venue illegally built on salt pan land surrounded by water, a violation common to several other clubs in the vicinity. The Chief Minister’s directive mandates immediate action against all such unauthorized constructions to prevent future tragedies. This development comes as authorities intensify their probe into the safety lapses that led to the high casualty count.