Vikram

In this Special Report, India Today Legal Editor Nalini Sharma provides details on the Supreme Court hearing regarding the stray dog menace. The Central government has informed the top court that it is working towards a 'complete elimination of rabies due to dog bites' by 2030 under a National Action Plan. During the proceedings before a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, the Additional Solicitor General highlighted that while health is a state subject, the Centre is providing fund allocations and coordinating state action plans. Nalini Sharma notes that the Supreme Court has reserved its order on the matter, giving parties one week to file written submissions. The report emphasises the need for negative population growth of stray dogs, which are currently increasing by 10 to 15% annually. The final judgement is expected to provide specific directions to national, state, and local municipal authorities to tackle the growing problem of stray dog bites across India.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for the historic India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Goyal and Misri described the pact as “game-changing and transformational” for the strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined the outcomes of the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi. Goyal described the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement as the “mother of all deals.”

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have announced the conclusion of the 16th India-EU Summit, marking a transformative shift in bilateral relations. Minister Goyal described the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the 'mother of all deals,' noting it covers 25 percent of global trade. The agreement provides duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports, specifically benefiting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems. Foreign Secretary Misri detailed the first-ever India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and a memorandum of understanding on mobility. Key focus areas include maritime security, green hydrogen cooperation, and scientific research via the Horizon Europe program. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa to solidify this strategic partnership. Additionally, the briefing addresses the nationwide debate regarding new UGC equity regulations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided insights on these regulations, which aim to curb campus discrimination while preventing the potential misuse of the new laws.

On this Special Report, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefs the media on the historic outcomes of the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi. Misri announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating, 'The FTA that was - whose negotiations were concluded and announced today will have a transformative role beyond boosting bilateral trade.' He highlighted that the EU is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $136 billion in 2024-25. Beyond trade, the summit marked the signing of a first-of-its-kind India-EU Security and Defense Partnership and a memorandum on mobility for professionals and students. The Foreign Secretary also noted the launch of a roadmap titled 'Towards 2030' to guide strategic ties across technology, innovation, and connectivity. The briefing emphasized that these agreements create a 'blueprint for shared prosperity' between the world's second and fourth largest markets.

During a high-level joint press statement, India and the European Union solidified their bilateral ties through the signing of several transformative agreements. The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marked the 'Political Declaration on Conclusion of Negotiations of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement'. Other significant pacts included the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and a Comprehensive Framework on Cooperation on Mobility. The speaker noted, 'These documents reflect the wide-ranging multifaceted bilateral cooperation as part of the India-EU Strategic Partnership.' The session also saw the exchange of documents regarding disaster risk management, a Green Hydrogen Task Force, and cooperation between the Reserve Bank of India and the European Securities and Market Authority. A new strategy document titled 'Towards 2030, a joint India-European Union comprehensive strategic agenda' was also announced to guide future cooperation.

On this Special Report, Geeta Mohan covers the landmark announcement of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa convened to signal the conclusion of the pact, which von der Leyen described as the 'mother of all deals'. The agreement aims to streamline trade across 27 member states, focusing on supply chain resilience and reducing tariffs. A significant highlight for Indian consumers is the expected price relief on luxury car imports from brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, though electric vehicles are currently excluded from these benefits. The report notes that while the political conclusion is reached, legal scrubbing and approval from the European Parliament will follow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were also present, highlighting the strategic depth of this partnership amidst global economic upheavals and the need for alternative supply chains.

Speaking on India Today podcast UnPolitics, Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams reflects on her 27-year career and recent retirement announcement during a broadcast from a literature festival in India. Williams addressed media speculation regarding her health during her extended stay on the International Space Station, clarifying that she returned in good health despite the physical challenges of zero gravity.

On this news bulletin, sports analyst Vikram Sathaye discusses the escalating tension between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Addressing the host Gaurav, Vikram confirms that the window for Bangladesh to play in Sri Lanka has effectively closed, stating, 'The ship has sailed, Gaurav. In fact, yesterday, when the ICC voted 14-2 in favour of retaining the original schedule, it meant that Bangladesh's demand wasn't met.' The discussion highlights the BCB Chairman Aminul Islam's reaction to a 24-hour ultimatum provided by the ICC and the internal conflict regarding government involvement in the decision-making process. Vikram points out the contradiction in Islam's statements, noting that while the Chairman initially requested time to consult the government, he later questioned the ICC's authority to issue an ultimatum. The segment also touches upon the safety concerns and national prestige associated with the team, particularly following Mustafizur's exclusion from the Kolkata Knight Riders.

The big talking point of this episode of India First is the high-profile visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant details the high-profile visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders signed landmark agreements involving a strategic defence partnership, a long-term LNG supply deal, and cooperation in civil nuclear energy, space infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri characterized the meeting as substantive, highlighting the geopolitical implications amidst West Asian tensions. The report also covers the Bangladesh Cricket Board's proposal to swap groups for the upcoming ICC tournament to avoid playing in India, citing security concerns. Experts including Sushant Sareen and Vikrant Gupta debate if this move is a political maneuver by the interim government, noting that Scotland could replace Bangladesh if they refuse to travel. Additionally, the program examines escalating transatlantic tensions as US President Donald Trump threatens 10% tariffs on eight European nations over the Greenland dispute, potentially straining the NATO alliance and triggering a global trade war.

On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant examines the significant diplomatic visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi. Despite the short duration, Gaurav Sawant notes that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the summit as 'short, but it was substantive,' reflecting the deep personal and strategic bond between the two nations. The discussions resulted in key agreements, including a strategic defense partnership, space infrastructure cooperation, and a long-term LNG supply deal making the UAE India's second-largest supplier. Gaurav Sawant highlights the timing of the visit amidst West Asian turmoil, including Iran-US tensions and the Yemen conflict. The report also details the cultural exchange, where PM Modi gifted a traditional Gujarati 'Jhula' and a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl to the UAE President, symbolizing family togetherness and India's rich heritage. Analysts Sushant Sareen and Pranay Upadhyay join the discussion to explore India's evolving role in the GCC region's complex geopolitics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the sensitive case of baby Ariha Shah, an Indian child in the custody of German authorities, with the visiting German Chancellor. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the development, stating that the 'Government of India is taking up this case, not as a legal matter, but also as a humanitarian issue'. The child, who was taken into German foster care at seven months old, remains there despite cases against her parents being closed. Mr. Misri detailed India's efforts to ensure the child remains connected to her Indian heritage, including exposure to Indian culture, food, and festivals while in Germany. The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with the family and providing all possible assistance in the ongoing legal battle to reunite Ariha with her parents.

The latest update covers the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft probe, with the special investigation team (SIT) detaining the chief priest in connection with the case. The transcript confirms: 'the SIT has taken the Sabarimala chief priest into custody.' This follows months of investigation involving several high-profile arrests, including former board members and politicians. Authorities are expanding their inquiry to the priest's family, as they manage the temple administration. The SIT has also sent samples to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for scientific analysis to determine the missing gold. More evidence and statements have led to this crucial step, described as the ‘most important step so far’ in the investigation’s progress.

The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested five people for stone pelting during Turkman Gate demolition drive in Old Delhi.

On this Special Report, India Today reporter Arvind Ojha provides a ground update on the violence that erupted at Delhi's Turkman Gate during an MCD demolition drive. The operation, aimed at removing illegal encroachments following a High Court order, turned violent when a mob of approximately 2,000 people engaged in stone pelting. Injured Constable Vikram, who sustained a head injury, recounted the harrowing experience, stating, 'Ek he Nara suna tha Maine toh Ki tumhaara khun aise thanda ho Gaya ye so Gaya hai' . Head Constable Jal Singh also detailed how masked individuals in the crowd targeted the police party despite efforts to maintain peace. The Delhi Police have confirmed that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the search for other miscreants continues. The situation remains under control with paramilitary forces deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

The big talking point of this episode of News Today is Unnao rape survivor's fight for justice after the Delhi High Court suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former MLA convicted in the 2017 rape case.

The Delhi High Court suspended the life sentence of former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, a decision explored in this news broadcast. The court's ruling, which found Sengar was not a 'public servant' under specific sections of the POCSO Act, is analyzed. Lawyer Mahmood Paracha alleges systemic collusion, stating the CBI and state machinery worked against the survivor, who has expressed fear for her life following the order. This bulletin also covers other significant national stories, including the Centre's decision to impose a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravali range to preserve the ecosystem. Additionally, it reports on a court rejecting the UP government's plea to withdraw charges in the 2015 Akhlaq lynching case and ordering an expedited trial. The program also notes the acquittal of accused in the 2009 Shaheen Malik acid attack case and the formal political alliance of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for the BMC polls.

A day after Delhi High Court suspended rape convict Kuldeep Sengar's jail term, the Unnao survivor and her mother met the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, at Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath in Delhi.

In this intense debate on India Today, Rajdeep Sardesai questions the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. The court ruled that Sengar, as an MLA, was not a 'public servant' under the POCSO Act, reducing his liability. The survivor, who met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, expresses deep fear for her safety, stating, 'I want to meet the Prime Minister... I want justice.' Her lawyer Mehmood Pracha alleges a 'miscarriage of justice' and a systemic conspiracy involving the CBI and state machinery. The show explores the legal technicalities and the human cost of this verdict.