Conclave Mumbai 2026

At the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2026, experts examined the recurring issue of student suicides across Indian Institutes of Technology, in the wake of the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhade. Panellists debated whether systemic caste-based discrimination or intense academic stress and mental health challenges represent the core factor behind these tragedies. Discussion centred on official data highlighting student distress, including findings from a Supreme Court task force. The dialogue also addressed structural challenges within premier engineering institutions, such as rising student diversity, shifting coaching patterns, inadequate higher education funding, and deteriorating faculty-to-student ratios across campuses nationwide.

Rajkummar Rao opened up about shooting the toughest scenes in Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam. He recalled the emotional courtroom sequences and scenes involving Nikam’s wife, Jyoti.

18-year-old model Maleesha Kharwa from Mumbai's Dharavi spoke at India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026.

At the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2026, Shobhinaw Satyaa said the rush at Kainchi Dham fulfils Neeb Karoli Baba’s prophecy. He said the crowds reflect Baba Ji and Siddhi Maa’s words, not a reason for alarm.

At India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026, 12-year-old Rishi Shiv Prasanna spoke about artificial intelligence, scientific curiosity and his dream of turning car exhaust smoke into clean air. With an IQ of 180 and eight books to his name, the young prodigy believes every child has a different kind of intelligence.

India’s premier engineering institutions need to look beyond academic rankings and placement packages to create a more humane and inclusive campus culture, experts said at the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2026.

At India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026, actor Divyenndu Sharma reflected on how playing Munna Tripathi in Mirzapur has had unexpected perks in real life, including helping him handle overenthusiastic fans.

At India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026, filmmaker Subhash Ghai and Whistling Woods International president Meghana Ghai Puri discussed how AI and OTT are changing the rules of filmmaking and storytelling

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there was nothing wrong with protesting against the NEET paper leak, but described the abuse directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “anarchy”. Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2026, he clarified that demanding someone’s resignation did not amount to anarchy. He said issues in a democracy must be resolved through dialogue and backed the BJP’s engagement with protesters, adding that discussions had been held even with the far Left. In Maharashtra, he said, the government tried to minimise the use of force and engage with protesters. However, strict action became necessary when law and order was seriously affected or people tried to take the law into their own hands. He said disrupting Parliament reflected poorly on India and projected it as a weak nation. Asked about protesters praising him for avoiding a lathicharge, he questioned their intent, saying he would have accepted the praise had it come with the right intention.

In a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded accountability over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026 has officially begun, bringing together leaders, athletes, and domain experts for two days of discussions spanning politics, commerce, national security, sports, and entertainment. Network moderators previewed the key sessions scheduled for the summit, highlighting diverse perspectives from ruling and opposition political figures, including the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Key discussion topics slated for the event include national security, counter-terrorism measures in the context of past attacks in Mumbai, space exploration, and India's economic growth. The conclave also features sessions dedicated to celebrating Indian athletes following their performances at the Asian Games, as well as dialogues on culture and cinema. The forum aims to reflect Mumbai's cosmopolitan fabric by hosting diverse viewpoints under one roof.

On this Special Report, the focus is on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has made history as the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Speaking about his historic journey, Shukla stated, 'Today in 2025, the Indian flag reached the International Space Station for the first time.' The Indian Air Force officer was recognised for his exemplary courage and leadership during the 18-day Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The programme also highlights the 70 other gallantry award recipients honoured by the President on the eve of Republic Day, including Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who received the Vishishta Seva Medal for her role in Operation Zindur. Shukla shared insights into the challenges of space travel and the powerful message of India's growing presence in space exploration, describing the experience as 'out of this world' while inspiring future generations of Indians.

On this special report, the focus is on Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, who has made history as the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Speaking about his experience on the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom 4 mission, Shukla stated, 'Today in 2025, the Indian flag reached the International Space Station for the first time.' He shared insights into the challenges of microgravity, describing the ISS as equivalent to a 6 BHK house where the mind must switch from a 2D to a 3D concept of space. The bulletin also notes that President Draupadi Murmu awarded 70 others on the eve of Republic Day, including Colonel Sophia Qureshi, who received the Vishisht Seva Medal for her role in Operation Sindoor. The programme highlights India's growing stature as a spacefaring economy and the significance of these honours for the armed forces and future space missions like Gaganyaan.