Rajasthan

This report examines the suspicious death of noted religious leader Sadhvi Prem Baisa in Jodhpur, which has triggered widespread protests and political demands for a high-level investigation. According to her family, she was administered an injection at her ashram after being unwell, following which her condition deteriorated. A cryptic post appeared on her Instagram account four hours after she was declared dead, stating, 'Once I leave, I will get justice.' The post reaffirmed her devotion to Sanatan Dharma and mentioned her repeated requests for an 'Agni Pariksha'. RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal has demanded a CBI probe into the matter as questions arise regarding the delay in police complaints and the refusal of a hospital ambulance. Police are currently investigating a possible link to a six-month-old defamation dispute and are working to identify who accessed her social media account after her passing. The FSL team has secured the ashram as authorities await the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.

This special report examines the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation tracker findings. While the poll projects the NDA to secure 352 seats if elections were held today, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high leadership ratings and perceived political stability, analysts Yashwant Deshmukh, Raj Chengappa, and Tuhin Sinha discuss the state of the opposition, where Rahul Gandhi remains the primary challenger despite a significant rating gap.

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, Yashwant Deshmukh, Founder-Director of C Voter, joins Rajdeep Sardesai and Kirti Bhadana to discuss the latest 'Mood of the Nation' poll findings. Deshmukh reveals that if elections were held today, the NDA is projected to secure 352 seats, noting that 'the biggest changes are being witnessed in the states where BJP had faced the setback, unexpected setback, including Maharashtra, UP, Rajasthan.' The data shows a decline in opposition momentum since August 2025, with the Congress party's performance rating dropping by 6% in January 2026. The discussion highlights a significant advantage for the BJP in Telangana and a consolidating bipolar contest in West Bengal. Deshmukh clarifies that the survey, involving over 125,000 respondents, specifically reflects Lok Sabha trends where the 'Modi dividend' is most prominent, cautioning against direct extrapolation to upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the geopolitical significance of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. Executive Editor Sandeep Unnithan highlights the unique 'bonhomie' between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief guests, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Unnithan observes that the Prime Minister's decision to stand and personally explain the tableaus to the EU officials is a departure from tradition and a powerful symbol of 'personalised diplomacy'. He notes that this interaction signals to the world that 'India has made its choices in this turbulent world' and intends to be at the 'high table of the powers that matter'. The programme also details the cultural display, including 31 tableaus and the theme of 'Vande Mataram', reflecting India's diversity and freedom struggle. Anchor Preeti Choudhry joins the discussion, noting the political messaging behind the Prime Minister's engagement with high-level visitors during the parade.

On this Special Report, the focus is on India marking 77 years as a republic with a grand display of 'strength, strategy and spirit on display' during the celebrations. This year’s event marks the first Republic Day following 'Operation Sindoor', featuring a new battle array and the 'Sindhu flypast'. The European Union leadership attended as the chief guest, highlighting the 'mother of all trade deals' currently in focus as S. Jaishankar meets the EU top brass. The Padma Awards 2026 were also announced, with the late Dharmendra being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, while Rohit Sharma and R. Madhavan received the Padma Shri. In a historic moment, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra for a 'daring space mission'. The bulletin also covers security concerns, including the seizure of 10,000 kg of ammonium nitrate in Rajasthan and political clashes between TMC and BJP workers in Kolkata over the use of loudspeakers.

This news report focuses on a tragic road accident in Jaipur's Jalupura police station area, where a speeding Thar SUV caused a fatal chain of events. The incident, caught on CCTV, shows the vehicle plowing into a biker, hurling a pedestrian aside, and eventually smashing into a pole. The report confirms that 'The young motorcyclist Fahim dies on the spot as panic grips the stretch' following the high-impact collision. Additionally, a young girl was also reportedly rammed by the vehicle during the rampage. Local authorities have taken the driver of the Thar, identified as Manish, into custody and are currently interrogating him to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are meticulously analyzing the CCTV footage frame by frame to establish accountability and understand what triggered the sequence of events. The victim's body has been sent for a postmortem examination as the investigation continues into this 'death trap' incident on the streets of Rajasthan's capital.

On this episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights significant grassroots environmental and agricultural initiatives across India. He lauds Benoy Das of Cooch Behar for his extensive tree-planting efforts and Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar of Panna for recording medicinal plants to benefit future generations. The Prime Minister emphasizes the success of the 'Ek Ped Maa' campaign, stating, 'This campaign has today included crores of people' who are contributing to the nation's greenery. He also celebrates the growing global commitment to millets, noting the innovative work of female farmers in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan who are processing these 'superfoods' for the market. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister announces the India AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 2026, which will bring together experts to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The address concludes with New Year greetings and a call to continue celebrating India's collective achievements.

This report highlights the onset of the first major snowfall across Northern India, affecting hill towns like Shimla, Manali, Doda, and Uttarkashi. An Unidentified speaker notes, 'It's all snowfall and it's all snow over here and the entire mountains are snow-peaked, the ridge is full of snow and this is the situation out here, the temperatures are dipping, the temperatures run in the minus'. While the snow has attracted tourists from states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, it has significantly disrupted daily life. The iconic Kalka-Shimla toy train was seen navigating through thick ice, and the Atal Tunnel remains under heavy snow. Severe weather conditions have led to traffic jams and skidding vehicles, prompting police to remain on high alert. Despite the challenges of freezing cold and blocked roads, the winter spell has brought a sense of joy to visitors across the northern hill regions.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the Supreme Court's significant intervention regarding the Aravalli Hills. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Suryakant has directed state governments to ensure that no illegal mining occurs within the Aravalli region. The Chief Justice observed that 'illegal mining has irreversible destructive consequences causing permanent damage to the environment and habitat.' The court has extended a stay on a previous order regarding the definition of the Aravallis and directed the formation of a high-powered committee of experts to address the ongoing dispute. The Rajasthan government has specifically been asked to ensure a total halt to mining activities following concerns raised by legal counsel. The bench, which includes Justice Joy Malabanchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi, emphasized the need for central assistance in identifying areas of serious concern. This programme explores the legal implications of the court's move to protect the ecologically sensitive Aravalli range from further environmental degradation.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury joins India Today to discuss the appointment of Nitin Naveen as the new BJP President. Chowdhury questions the autonomy the 45-year-old leader will have, stating, "I congratulate Mr. Nitin Naveen," but notes he was "anointed by the RSS" rather than through a democratic process. She defends the Congress party's internal elections, citing the contest between Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor as evidence of a genuine democratic setup. Addressing the BJP's focus on a generational shift, Chowdhury argues that leadership should not be judged by age alone, pointing to global leaders like Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. She further critiques the BJP's organizational structure, alleging a lack of internal freedom and autonomy within institutions. The conversation also touches upon the Congress party's handling of young leaders in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with Chowdhury emphasizing the importance of dovetailing experience with youth in political leadership.

In this Special Report, India Today Legal Correspondent Aneesha Mathur details a significant development for environmental conservation as the Supreme Court stays its own November 20 judgment regarding the definition of the Aravali hills. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has put the '100-metre height' criterion on hold following public outrage and protests, largely from Rajasthan. The court initiated suo motu proceedings to review the impact of the new definition, which activists feared would open 90% of the ancient range to mining. Mathur notes, 'The Supreme Court has put its own order on hold, staying the centre's definition of the Aravalli hill range.' A new panel will now study the ecological implications.

In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi and Rajasthan police have arrested Pradeep alias Golu, a sharpshooter associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, during a joint operation. The arrest follows investigations into the gang's expanding crime syndicate, which reportedly recruits youth from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. According to the transcript, 'He supplied hand grenades to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang' and was allegedly involved in a March 2025 firing incident at a businessman's residence in Delhi, where an extortion demand of 4 crore rupees was made. The speaker noted that Pradeep, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was wanted by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. The authorities are currently interrogating the accused to uncover further details about the gang's logistics and weapon supply chains. This arrest is seen as a major blow to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's operations in the National Capital Region and Rajasthan.

The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day with a grand parade held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, showcasing a powerful display of military strength and self-reliance. During the event, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, emphasized the importance of indigenous capabilities, stating that the Indian Army is now a 'future-ready combat force built around indigenous research, design, and technology.' He further underscored that 'Atmanirbharta is a strategic necessity' for the nation's security. The parade featured a wide array of made-in-India weaponry, including the Pinaka rocket system, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and the Akash air defence system. Also on display were the Arjun and Bhishma main battle tanks, alongside advanced artillery systems and combat helicopters. The event highlighted the transition towards a force equipped with indigenous technology, sending a clear message that India's future conflicts will be fought with domestically produced weapons. The visuals captured the precision and pride of the soldiers during this historic celebration in Jaipur.

On this special report, India Today’s Shivani Sharma provides live coverage of the 78th Army Day Parade held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, marks the first time the parade is being hosted in the Pink City. Shivani Sharma highlights the display of indigenous military hardware, including the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer. She notes that the celebration carries immense significance as it features veterans and equipment from 'Operation Sindoor'. During the broadcast, Sharma quotes the Army Chief stating, 'Operation Sindoor is still ongoing', serving as a stern warning to adversaries. The parade showcases the transition towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' with a focus on quick reaction fighting vehicles and advanced drone jammers. The programme explores how moving the parade to different cities like Jaipur brings India’s military heritage and operational excellence directly to the citizens.

A horrific incident unfolded in Jaipur's Patrakar colony when a speeding Audi mowed down several pedestrians, claiming one life and leaving more than a dozen people injured. The vehicle, allegedly travelling at 120 km/h with a Daman and Diu registration plate, rammed into people and food stalls near Kharabagh Chaurah. According to police reports, there were four occupants in the car, which was allegedly racing another vehicle at the time of the crash. An official stated, 'One person has died. 12 people have been injured.' The driver, identified as businessman Dinesh Rinwa, is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway. CCTV footage captured the shocking moment of impact, and an investigation into the tragic case is ongoing.

A horrific road accident in Jaipur saw a speeding Audi mow down over a dozen people, killing one and injuring 14. India Today has accessed CCTV footage of the incident, which involved a car with a Daman and Juhu number plate allegedly racing another vehicle. According to an on-ground reporter, 'the driver was told not to drive at such high speed, but he did not listen to his fellow passengers and ran over several of the people'. The report notes that an accused has been arrested and that one of the four occupants of the car was allegedly a member of the Rajasthan police. Five of the injured are being treated at the EHCC hospital as police investigate the driver's condition at the time of the crash.

Panic gripped a busy Jaipur neighbourhood late Friday night when a speeding Audi car went out of control, ploughing into pedestrians and roadside vendors, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others in a scene witnesses described as “sheer chaos.”

A speeding Audi caused a horrific accident in Jaipur, Rajasthan, killing one person and injuring fourteen others. According to India Today's Dev Ankur, the accused, who has since been arrested, stated that 'two cars were racing because of which this horrific accident took place'. The car, which bore a Daman and Diu number plate, was reportedly being driven at a speed of 120 kilometres per hour when it mowed down people. Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa, visited the scene and noted that four people were in the car. Police are currently investigating the incident, including whether the occupants of the vehicle were intoxicated. The event highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving.

In a bizarre incident, a thief found himself in a 'very tight spot' after getting stuck head-first in a hole meant for an exhaust fan, dangling 10 feet above the ground.