Samrat Choudhary: 'यह बदला हुआ बिहार है'

The sale of the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max has commenced across India, witnessing long queues of buyers outside the Apple store in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. Customers waited for hours to purchase the newly launched devices, particularly the Burgundy colour variant. Buyers interviewed outside the store shared their motivations for upgrading, ranging from newly introduced features to personal passion and routine upgrades. Several shoppers addressed the high pricing of the models, explaining how they manage expenses or compromise on travel plans to afford the latest smartphones.

The Election Commission has frozen the original Trinamool Congress party name and its twin flower symbol ahead of the upcoming West Bengal by-polls following a split. The commission allotted temporary identities to both factions: Mamata Banerjee's camp received the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with the football player symbol, while the rebel faction was named Democratic Trinamool Congress with the envelope symbol. The rebel camp claimed the support of 64 out of 80 MLAs. Both sides traded charges, with the rebel faction criticising party functioning and Mamata's camp calling the decision undemocratic. Opposition allies condemned the move, while the BJP dismissed any involvement in the internal feud. Muslim IPS officer Bushra Bano was abruptly transferred in West Bengal after a right-wing group objected to her Islamic greetings used in a YouTube video encouraging civil service preparation. The government termed the move routine, but opposition leaders accused it of religious bias and bigotry. The controversy sparked political backlash, highlighting tensions over religious expression by public servants. Critics contrasted this with other cases of communal favoritism, questioning the message such actions send to minorities in India.

President Donald Trump is set to sign the Russia sanctions bill after it cleared both chambers of Congress. The legislation allows him to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China. What could this mean for India-US ties and global energy markets? Could a prolonged court battle damage the Tata brand, irrespective of who wins? Is a compromise necessary? With Tata Sons reappointing N Chandrasekaran despite Noel Tata’s objections, will the decision stand? And after more than five decades across cinema, theatre and television, Anant Nag has been chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Was the honour long overdue? Does theatre remain his first love, or has cinema taken its place? The veteran actor speaks exclusively to India Today. Three major conversations, tonight on News Today with Rajdeep Sardesai.

A US drone maker linked to Trump's son has signed an MoU with the Pakistan Army covering UAVs, possible local manufacturing and technology cooperation. The move has sharpened concerns over technology transfers, reverse engineering and India's push for defence self-reliance.