Every year, just as summer winds down, New York hosts the US Open. For two weeks in late August and early September, the tennis world turns its eyes to Flushing Meadows in Queens. The tournament is played at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and it is the final Grand Slam of the season.
The Open is different from the others. Wimbledon has its strict traditions and grass courts, the French Open is about clay, and the Australian Open kicks off the year. In New York, the courts are hard, the atmosphere is noisy, and the matches can stretch late into the night under bright lights. Fans pack the stands, sometimes louder than players expect, but that is part of the Open’s identity.
The competition itself is wide-ranging. Men’s and women’s singles draw the headlines, but there are doubles, mixed doubles, juniors, and wheelchair events too. Past champions, Serena Williams, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, have all left lasting moments here. Some matches are remembered as much for the crowd’s energy as for the score line.
Away from the baseline battles, the Open feels like a New York spectacle. Celebrities are spotted courtside, broadcasters cover every angle, and sponsors make sure their presence is felt. But the heart of the event remains the tennis itself. A player steps onto court, faces an opponent across the net, and chases points that could change a career.
That mix, world-class sport, unpredictable drama, and the city’s restless energy, keeps the US Open more than just another tournament. It’s both an ending to the season and a stage for moments people talk about long after the trophies are handed out.
On this Special Report, India Today reporter Aishwarya Paliwal provides live updates from Hyderabad House on the landmark India-European Union (EU) summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to announce the successful conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), described by Paliwal as the 'mother of all deals'. The agreement, which has been in negotiation since 2007, aims to elevate the strategic alliance and security partnership between the two powers. Paliwal highlights that the deal addresses sectors like textiles, gems, jewelry, and leather, while resolving long-standing discussions on dairy and agriculture. The full implementation of the pact is expected by early 2027. The broadcast emphasizes that this deal, representing 25% of global GDP, serves as a strategic move to open new markets and establish powerful trading blocs amidst shifting global trade dynamics and rising US tariffs.
On this Special Report, India Today's Harshad Ahuja discusses the prestigious Padma Awards conferred upon Indian sporting icons. Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, while tennis legend Vijay Amritraj will be honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Harshad Ahuja notes that 'Harmanpreet Kaur becoming the first women Indian captain to go on and end that jinx, get India that first ever World Cup' was a historic milestone achieved in Navi Mumbai. The report highlights Rohit Sharma's leadership in securing the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Furthermore, Vijay Amritraj is recognised for his pioneering role in globalising Indian tennis and his long-standing association with Wimbledon broadcasts. The discussion underscores the immense contribution of these athletes to Indian sports and their status as household names across generations.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the impending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stated, 'Indeed, some call it the mother of all deals' regarding the historic trade pact. The President is scheduled to visit India following her Davos trip, specifically for the Republic Day celebrations, where a formal announcement regarding the conclusion of the deal is expected. This diplomatic move comes as both India and the EU navigate a complex global trade environment marked by significant tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan notes that while legal nitty-gritty remains, the agreement will open vital markets and businesses. The deal is seen as a strategic counter to economic pressures and other geopolitical threats, signaling a major shift in India-EU bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
This news bulletin covers the Health Ministry's decision to lower the NEET PG 2025 qualifying percentile for reserved categories to zero, a move intended to fill over 18,000 vacant postgraduate medical seats. The program examines the resulting debate over academic standards versus seat-filling in Indian medical education. The bulletin also highlights a public health development where the Delhi Jal Board has started replacing old pipelines in Kunwar Singh Colony after an India Today investigation into toxic water. This is part of a broader effort to replace aging water infrastructure in the city. Further national news includes the political row over a water tragedy in Indore, where contaminated water has reportedly caused multiple deaths. Additionally, the bulletin notes the withdrawal of Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen from the India Open, who cited Delhi's hazardous air quality. On the international front, the program reports on renewed claims by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, which he states is a matter of national security to preempt Russian or Chinese influence.
Unidentified speaker reports increased warplane activity at the Al Udaid Air Base in Qatar and says citizens have been urged to leave Iran. The bulletin cites: 'several Mrs.5 warplanes, including KC-135 aerial refueling tanker and B-52 strategic bomber, took off from Al Udaid Air Base on Sunday night.' The discussion notes the base’s location southwest of Doha and its role as a major military hub with a long runway capable of accommodating large aircraft. A colleague adds that the activity suggests possible force augmentation and references remarks attributed in the bulletin to US officials about keeping options open. The programme also mentions unrest in Iran and claims that more than 600 people have died there, alongside reports of arson, torched vehicles and an intensifying warning that the situation could worsen.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated dramatically amid widespread protests across 180 Iranian cities. The unrest, initially sparked by rising inflation, has led to a deadly crackdown by the Tehran regime. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, stating, 'We're looking at some very strong options'. While keeping the door open for potential negotiations, the US is considering its response to the violence. In Iran, an official has threatened American military bases in the region, declaring them 'legitimate targets' in case of an attack. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, is encouraging the protests, declaring, 'We will reclaim our beloved Iran back from the Islamic Republic'. The report from India Today captures a nation in revolt and a superpower threatening force, suggesting a countdown to conflict may be underway.
This special report covers the escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, with New Delhi holding a firm stance against pressure from Washington. The bulletin highlights contradictory signals from the US administration, including claims by the then-US President about the Indian Prime Minister which were later disputed. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially called the American characterization of the trade discussions 'inaccurate'. While India remains open to dialogue, the government has consistently stated that it will only agree to a 'fair and balanced deal' that serves the nation's interests, particularly those of its farmers. The report underscores that New Delhi will not be swayed by tariff pressure or political posturing in the ongoing negotiations.
In this special report, an Indian resident in Venezuela describes the immediate aftermath of the recent US action in the country. The resident notes that 'most of the supermarkets are not open' and describes long queues at smaller shops. An international affairs analyst discusses the geopolitical implications, stating that 'President Trump decided to go all in' after pressure on Maduro failed. The analyst argues that while the US has 'toppled regimes in the past', this bold move sets a concerning precedent for global powers.
In this special market opening report, Business Today anchor Sakshi Batra tracks the key developments impacting the Indian stock markets. The focus is on the upcoming visit of the US trade delegation led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer from December 10 to 12 to discuss tariff issues. The programme also highlights the severe disruption at Indigo airlines, which has seen over 650 cancellations, prompting a DGCA deadline for the CEO. Senior Market Veteran Ajay Bagga joins the show to analyse how these trade talks could trigger a market rally and discusses the outlook for foreign institutional investors. Consulting Editor Shail Bhatnagar provides insights on the opening trade, including the major block deal in Eternal (Zomato) shares.
This Special Report focuses on the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, aimed at de-escalating the US-China trade war. Key topics included tariff reductions, China's purchase of US soybeans, curbing the flow of fentanyl, and a dramatic announcement by Trump that he has ordered the resumption of US nuclear weapons testing. Describing the talks, Trump stated, 'I thought it was an amazing meeting'. The meeting, which lasted for one hour and forty minutes, was the leaders' first in six years and came amid intense global scrutiny. While no formal comprehensive deal was signed, the discussions resulted in China agreeing to immediately begin buying US farm products and Trump signaling a cut in tariffs related to fentanyl in exchange for China's cooperation.
This report covers former US President Donald Trump's remarks about a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his tour of Asia. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated he was fully prepared to meet with Kim, creating a significant diplomatic development. When asked about communicating the offer, Trump said, 'You know, they don't have a lot of telephone service. They have a lot of nuclear weapons but not a lot of telephone service, so I'm open to it'. The statement was made as Trump embarked on a five-day trip to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. While US officials noted a meeting was not officially on the schedule, they acknowledged that plans could change, leaving the door open for what would be the first meeting between the two leaders in several years.
This special report focuses on Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's sharp rebuke of Indian industry at a CII conference, the record-breaking rally in gold and silver prices, and the Indian IT sector's response to new H-1B visa rules in the US. Mr. Goyal stated, 'Your industry sometimes demonstrates so much weakness that even giving a minor quota of one or two, three percent of our consumption in India. You'll make a big fuss and you won't cry about it.' He accused the industry of showing weakness and resisting competition while demanding open markets abroad. The bulletin also covers the surge in precious metals, with gold hitting a new high on COMEX and MCX ahead of Diwali, driven by US-China trade fears. Additionally, top Indian IT firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have downplayed the impact of hiked H-1B visa fees, citing their strategy of hiring local talent in the US.
This special report focuses on the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, where India's diplomatic role is highlighted by the invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump. According to reports, the 'summit aims to end the war in the Gaza Strip, strengthen efforts to establish peace and stability in the Middle East, and open a new page of regional security and stability'. While Prime Minister Modi is set to skip the signing due to prior engagements, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, will represent India, affirming the nation's consistent push for peace and its position as a prominent voice of the Global South. The summit, to be attended by over 20 world leaders, seeks to finalise a truce deal and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages, marking a significant moment in the long-running conflict.
A shocking incident at the US Open went viral after a millionaire businessman was caught on camera snatching a signed hat from a young fan.
Amid rising trade tensions, India has pushed back against newly imposed US tariffs. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated India will protect its energy security and defended Russian oil imports. At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Jaishankar articulated India's firm position in trade talks, emphasizing that the nation has established clear boundaries to safeguard its agricultural sector and small-scale manufacturers. He said, "we have some red lines. Frankly, where we are concerned, the red lines are primarily the interests of our farmers and to some extent of our small producers." This declaration comes as Donald Trump appoints a trusted aide, Sergio Gore, as the new US ambassador to India. The appointment is viewed as a significant diplomatic outreach by Washington to ensure communication lines remain open, despite the ongoing disputes over tariffs and energy imports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a meeting with US President Donald Trump, stated that he is open to holding an election in Ukraine under safe circumstances. He specified that for a "democratic, open and legal election" to be possible, a truce would be needed on the battlefield, in the sky, and in the sea. Zelensky emphasised the challenge of holding a vote during the conflict, saying, "...during the war you can't have elections." The discussion also noted that Zelensky's presidential term was scheduled to end in October 2024, but he continues in office because of the war situation and the imposition of martial law in the country. Ukrainian law currently prohibits holding elections while martial law is in effect.
India-US trade talks face uncertainty as the US signals a pause amid ongoing tariff tensions. The US President has made it clear that negotiations won't resume until the dispute is resolved, citing concerns over India's Russian oil imports and trade imbalance. Meanwhile, India remains open to dialogue but stands firm on protecting its agriculture, dairy, and fisheries sectors. With high-level engagements currently stalled, the US appears to be tying trade progress to broader strategic issues.
Donald Trump has stated he's open to reviewing Elon Musk's government contracts, emphasizing fairness to both Musk and the United States. The feud between Trump and Musk has been escalating over a tax cut bill. Trump said, 'We will take a look at everything, everything.' He also mentioned considering selling his Tesla car. The rift stems from Musk's criticism of Trump's tax spending package.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed confidence in the India-US trade deal, saying that a favorable agreement for both countries will be reached in the "not-too-distant future." Meanwhile, the White House announced that President Donald Trump is open to an invitation from Turkey, which is hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The US Secretary of State has urged Pakistan to condemn and act against terrorism following the Pahalgam attack. The US has asked Pakistan to punish the terrorists responsible and open a direct line of communication with India to maintain peace in South Asia. A geopolitical expert discusses the US stance, suggesting that the US is concerned about stability in the entire region and may continue to press Pakistan for action.
