Actor Vijay, known as Thalapathy Vijay to fans, is a Tamil superstar with a a career spanning over three decades. He has acted in 69 films and is among the highest-paid actors of India. Vijay is also a politician, and the name of his political party is Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
In this edition of Super 6, the focus is on the intense political showdown in Parliament as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cites an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane.
On this news bulletin, host Maria Shakil discusses the upcoming Union Budget as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive budget, creating history in Indian governance. Reporting from Vijay Chowk, Ketan Bhutani notes that 'something on deregulation could probably be announced' alongside a significant push for MSMEs and a potential 8-10% increase in infrastructure allocation to nearly ₹12.5 lakh crore. The panel, including Shankar Aiyar and Rajiv Mantri, evaluates the 'reform, perform, and transform' mantra, highlighting the critical role of states in asset monetisation and labour-intensive manufacturing. The discussion underscores the performance of states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in attracting investments and driving industrial growth. The programme explores the transition from government-led CapEx to the need for private investment and state-level deregulation to improve the ease of living and economic liquidity.
In this Super 6 special edition, anchor Akshita Nandagopal reports on major political shifts in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. After the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the NCP has postponed its legislative party meeting to observe a mourning period. Sunetra Pawar is being seen as the frontrunner to carry forward his legacy and potentially assume the Deputy Chief Minister role.
On this Special Report, Akshita Nandagopal breaks down the shifting political landscape in poll-bound Tamil Nadu. The DMK and Congress have officially finalised their alliance following a high-level meeting between Rahul Gandhi and DMK MP Kanimozhi in Delhi. Akshita Nandagopal notes that while the partnership is confirmed, 'seat-sharing and power-sharing remain unresolved' as the Congress pushes for a significant increase in its seat count and potential cabinet berths. The programme also examines the NDA's strategy, where the BJP is attempting to consolidate various AIADMK factions and regional players like TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK. The report highlights the entry of actor Vijay’s TVK as a potential game-changer and the uncertainty surrounding O Panneerselvam’s role. Despite internal friction over specific constituencies like Madurai North, the DMK-Congress combine aims to replicate its previous electoral success against a fragmented opposition.
On this Special Report, Vijay Doshi provides an update on a major security scare involving an IndiGo flight. The aircraft, en route from Kuwait to Delhi, was forced to make an emergency landing at Ahmedabad airport after a threat was discovered. Vijay Doshi notes that the 'threat was conveyed via a tissue paper' and warned of both hijacking and bombing. Following the emergency landing, all 180 passengers and crew members were evacuated, and their luggage was thoroughly inspected by the police bomb squad and dog squad. Initial investigations have not revealed any suspicious items. The flight is expected to depart for its original destination, Delhi, shortly after receiving security clearance. The programme highlights the swift response of security agencies and the standard protocols activated during such mid-air emergencies.
On this India Today special report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the escalating war of words between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. The report highlights a significant claim made by TVK leader Nirmal Kumar, who stated, 'Chennai has transformed from a DMK stronghold into a TVK bastion over the past three years.' The TVK leadership suggests that the DMK's long-standing dominance in the state capital is fading due to a growing support base among the urban youth and suburban voters for TVK chief Vijay. The discussion further explores the possibility of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin or Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin being forced to seek safer constituencies in future elections. While Chennai has historically been a DMK fortress, the emergence of TVK as a political challenger marks a potential shift in the state's political dynamics ahead of the upcoming polls.
This segment of the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey analyses the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 in the poll-bound states if Lok Sabha elections are held today.
On this Special Report, consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyzes the 'Mood of the Nation' January 2026 projections for upcoming assembly polls. The data suggests a significant lead for the India bloc and regional parties in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, while the NDA maintains a comfortable lead in Assam. Sardesai observes, 'The big message is that the regional forces are holding their ground, which makes it very difficult for the BJP to penetrate these states.' The discussion highlights the divergence between national narratives and state-level factors, noting that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ratings remain high, voters distinguish between central and regional leadership. The panel, including Maria Shakeel and Sanju Verma, debates the BJP's 'course correction' in Uttar Pradesh following the 2024 Lok Sabha results and the opposition's ability to capitalize on regional strengths. The programme explores whether the India alliance can maintain its momentum as a diverse democratic force against the BJP's electoral machinery.
In this special edition of 5 Live, the focus is on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, which marked the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.
On this special edition of Five Live, Sonal and Gaurav Sawant provide live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant highlights the 'major change' in the musical repertoire, noting, 'There’s a lot of decolonization as the government puts it. More Hindi music, instrumental music, Saare Jahan Se Achha of course remains.' The programme captures the arrival of President Draupadi Murmu, escorted by the elite President's Bodyguard, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. The report details the shift from British-era hymns to Indian instruments like the Mridangam and Tabla, and the historic renaming of Darbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular lighting display of the North Block, South Block, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolising a modern, self-reliant India proud of its indigenous cultural heritage and military discipline.
Bands of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and paramilitary enthralled the audiences with an array of foot-tapping melodies, including 'Vande Mataram', 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja', 'Vijay Bharat', 'Sitare Hind' and 'Brave Warrior', at the Beating Retreat ceremony at Delhi's Vijay Chowk on Thursday.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides expert commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of Republic Day celebrations. Sawant highlights the significant shift towards 'decolonization' in the ceremony's music, noting that 'there's a lot of decolonization as the government puts it more Hindi music instrumental music started'. He explains the historical transition from the first ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II to the modern-day event presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. The report details the elite nature of the President's Bodyguard, describing them as paratroopers and tankmen who have served in major operations from the 1971 war to Siachen and Kargil. As Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi receive the President, Sawant captures the synergy of 'marching and melody' that defines this national tradition.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the formal end of Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'Post 2014 and especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi very keen on decolonization, now you have the Mridangam, you have the Dhol, you have the Tashe, you have the Nagade.' The report highlights the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, escorted by the President's Bodyguard from the Ganatantra Mandap, formerly known as Darbar Hall. Sawant explains the military significance of the tradition where troops withdraw at sunset and weapons are symbolically sheathed. The ceremony features Indian classical compositions and military bands, including a special performance of Vande Mataram to mark its 150th year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, and the three Service Chiefs were present to receive the President at the majestic Raisina Hill setting.
On this breaking news report, the focus is on the final farewell to Ajit Pawar following a tragic air crash. The unidentified speaker notes that 'it's an eight feet long stage that's been prepared for the last rites in Baramati' at the Vijay Pratishthan grounds. The report details the movement of the mortal remains from the hospital to Katewadi, where family members and political dignitaries, including Home Minister Amit Shah, are expected to pay their respects. Sunetra Pawar has reportedly left the Sayog Bungalow residence as preparations continue. Amidst the grief, Sharad Pawar has addressed the public, dismissing conspiracy theories and stating the crash was purely an accident, urging others not to politicize the tragedy. Exhaustive investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the jet crash. Large LED screens have been installed at the funeral site to allow the gathered crowds to witness the proceedings and bid a final goodbye to the leader.
On this special report, the focus is on the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati. The programme reflects on the legacy of the influential Pawar family, noting that 'for the Pawars, family came first' despite political divisions. The report details the family's history, from veteran leader Sharad Pawar to the third generation including Parth and Rohit Pawar. It further examines India's somber history of aviation disasters involving political figures, citing the deaths of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, CDS Bipin Rawat, and senior leaders like Madhavrao Scindia and Sanjay Gandhi. The bulletin highlights that 19 such crashes have been reported in the last 25 years, serving as a bleak reminder of the unpredictability of air travel for the nation's leadership. The report concludes with a tribute to the lives lost in these high-profile accidents.
In the special segment, India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai speaks with tennis legend Vijay Amritraj following the announcement of his Padma Bhushan award in the sports category. Amritraj emphasized that for young athletes to succeed in individual sports in India, dedication to their chosen sport from an early age is essential.
This edition of The News Today with Rajdeep Sardesai focuses on the landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Finalised after nearly two decades of negotiations, the pact seeks to open up a combined market of two billion people by cutting import duties on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and textiles.
AMMK chief and NDA ally TTV Dhinakaran on Sunday launched a sharp attack on actor-politician Vijay and his party TVK, questioning his claims of fighting corruption. Speaking in Theni, Dhinakaran said Vijay should first focus on strengthening his own party instead of targeting others. “He says he wants to wipe out corruption, but he is not even able to stop black marketing of tickets for his own films. A movie ticket priced at Rs 150 is being sold for Rs 2,000,” Dhinakaran said, adding that one cannot fight corruption by “sitting at home.” He also dismissed Vijay’s remarks about ideological and political enemies, warning that unnecessary attacks would only backfire.
In this news report, the AIADMK has launched a scathing counter-attack against actor-turned-politician Vijay, the chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), following his recent political rally. The party dismissed Vijay's 'slave to the Centre' jibe, alleging that the actor himself used to 'stand with folded hands in front of Jai Lalita' to lobby for his films. The AIADMK further held Vijay responsible for the deaths of 41 people during a previous rally stampede and mocked his decision to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls without alliances. While Vijay labeled the DMK an 'evil force' and the AIADMK a 'slave force' surrendered to the BJP, the AIADMK retorted by calling his statements 'mere theatrics' and describing his party as a 'political start-up' taking baby steps. The report highlights the intensifying war of words as Vijay positions his party as a solo challenger to the established political giants in the state.
On this Special Report, India Today's Apoorva Jayachandran discusses the intensifying political war of words in Tamil Nadu. The report focuses on Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's recent remarks where he reconfirmed his stance against the AIADMK. Apoorva Jayachandran notes that Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed the AIADMK leadership consists of 'leaders and puppets who have been coerced into joining into this alliance with the NDA' by central agencies like the CBI, ED, and IT. The discussion highlights how this 'slave' narrative mirrors recent comments made by TVK chief Vijay and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who previously referred to the opposition as 'Amit Shah Munnetra Kazhagam'. The programme explores how the DMK continues to target the AIADMK-BJP relationship, alleging that the opposition is operating under pressure rather than political conviction. Apoorva Jayachandran provides context on how these specific tags are being used to frame the political discourse ahead of upcoming electoral challenges in the state.
