PAN

In this India Today Special conversation, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discuss their film Daayra, addressing thematic complexities surrounding sexual assault cases, extrajudicial encounter killings, and growing public disillusionment with the criminal justice system. The discussion explores how systemic bottlenecks and an overburdened judiciary with millions of pending cases lead to public frustration, often driving societal support for immediate retribution and police encounters over constitutional due process. Reflecting on landmark events such as the 2012 Nirbhaya case and the 2019 Hyderabad police encounter, the creators dissect the moral conflicts faced by law enforcement and citizens alike. Prithviraj Sukumaran elaborates on his role as DCP Raman, explaining how the narrative juxtaposes violent crimes against women with retaliatory police actions to prompt societal dialogue without validating vigilantism or offering simplistic moral conclusions. Additionally, Meghna Gulzar highlights the civic function of cinema in confronting uncomfortable social realities rather than relying on standard commercial tropes. The panel also covers casting decisions, the shifting dynamics between theatrical exhibition and digital streaming platforms, and the increasing convergence between regional and mainstream Indian film industries.

The Congress party has launched nationwide protests across multiple cities, including Jammu, Dehradun, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Delhi, seeking the resignation, removal, and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party workers hit the streets, burnt effigies, and planned protest marches towards local Election Commission offices amid heavy security deployments and water cannons. The demonstrations follow reports of alleged internal rifts among election commissioners concerning the Special Summary Revision exercise across several states. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, have reiterated allegations of election rigging against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming the Election Commission is operating at the behest of political masters. In Jammu, National General Secretary Nasir Hussain joined demonstrators demanding immediate action and accountability from the poll body. Meanwhile, political reactions also emerged, with Union Minister Chirag Paswan stating that the Election Commission should leave no stone unturned to clarify voter doubts, even as the ruling party dismissed the opposition's claims as repeated electoral frustration.

The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet naming thirteen accused in connection with the 10 November 2025 Red Fort suicide blast that claimed eleven lives. The investigation exposes a white-collar terror network linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in India, predominantly involving educated medical professionals. Suicide bomber Dr Umar Nabi carried out surveillance of the Red Fort for nearly two years starting in December 2023, choosing the landmark as a symbol of the Indian state. The group planned coordinated pan-India attacks using drones, improvised rockets, and highly volatile explosives, including triacetone triperoxide, ammonium nitrate, and potassium chlorate. Raids linked to Faridabad-based Al-Falah University resulted in the recovery of bomb-making materials, handwritten notes rejecting democracy in favour of Sharia, and step-by-step jihadist suicide bombing guides. Mobile phone records seized from arrested operative Dr Shaheen showed members posing with automatic weapons.

FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani has backed Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s aggressive enforcement of food safety rules, saying his work proves that “if there’s a will, there’s a way”.

A major political controversy has erupted over the growing chorus projecting Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief and Chief Minister Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate for 2029. The AIADMK and the DMK have mocked the ambition, with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami taking a jibe that Vijay could even replace US President Donald Trump, advising him to focus on state governance instead. The DMK termed the projection the height of imagination. Meanwhile, key ally Congress has issued a stern warning to TVK, stating that its ministers will resign from the cabinet unless the party backs Rahul Gandhi for the prime ministerial post. A comparative assessment highlights Rahul Gandhi's extensive pan-India organizational backing, parliamentary record, and established opposition presence against challenges like factionalism and lack of unanimous alliance consensus. In contrast, Vijay commands strong youth appeal, anti-establishment momentum, and regional popularity, but faces limitations such as lack of a national electoral base, limited administrative track record, and ally resistance.

A political debate has emerged over the opposition's potential prime ministerial candidate for the 2029 elections, comparing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. While Rahul Gandhi holds pan-India political experience, recognition as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the backing of a national organizational network, he contends with state-level factionalism and a lack of consensus within the INDIA bloc. Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Vijay offers strong personal popularity, youth connect, and a fresh anti-establishment image, but faces hurdles such as an untested national profile, limited administrative experience, and lack of presence outside Tamil Nadu. The pitch to project Vijay as a prime ministerial contender has sparked opposition pushback and resistance from allies. Tamil Nadu Congress ministers have stated that the INDIA bloc's candidate must be Rahul Gandhi, warning they could resign if TVK does not support him. According to the India Today-C Voter Mood of the Nation poll, Vijay ranked third in national prime ministerial preferences behind Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi.

At the India Today Karnataka Roundtable, actors Aashika Ranganath and Saptami Gowda discussed the evolution, achievements, and untapped potential of the Kannada film industry, commonly known as Sandalwood. Reflecting on global hits like Kantara and upcoming projects like Toxic, both actors emphasized that rooted cultural authenticity defines Sandalwood. Saptami Gowda highlighted scriptwriting as the core of filmmaking success, remarking, 'ninety percent of the story or movies rest on the writing,' while advocating for better respect and due diligence for writers. Addressing industry challenges, they pointed out the issue of pay disparity between male and female actors, calling for higher remuneration for female leads while noting positive shifts toward progressive female-led roles. Both actors also shared recommendations of classic and modern Kannada movies, highlighting Sandalwood's rich history and audience support.

This edition of Health360 examines surrogate advertising in India, highlighting the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff regarding Vimal Elaichi promotions.

In this episode of Health360, the report examines the rising crackdown on surrogate advertising by tobacco and alcohol brands exploiting legal loopholes through proxy products like cardamom, soda, and music CDs. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued warnings to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff over endorsement deals promoting Vimal Elaichi, which links back to pan masala. The report highlights the health risks associated with restaurant food, including high sodium levels, hidden sugars, unhygienic kitchens, and reused cooking oil that undergoes dangerous chemical changes upon repeated heating. Additionally, experts address the monsoon health season, focusing on a six-fold rise in H1N1 seasonal influenza cases in Delhi and flu-like symptoms among students in Bengaluru. Medical specialists discuss distinguishing H1N1 from regular viral fevers, the importance of flu vaccination, and precautions against contagious eye flu or conjunctivitis. Gut health experts further recommend consuming freshly cooked food, probiotics, and citrus fruits to boost immunity during the rainy season.

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the party will launch a nationwide public consultation campaign to gather citizens' views on key issues, outlining it as the next phase of the party's outreach and engagement with people across the country.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Harish Salve said that a passport is not a document to prove citizenship within our country.

Politics has intensified over the MEA's clarification that a passport by itself isn't the conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, marked his 31st birthday by launching a series of large-scale charitable initiatives across India.

The government of India has decided to wage a war on cervical cancer. The government will be rolling out the HPV vaccination across the country very soon.

Despite health allocations crossing Rs 1 lakh crore, nearly half of Indians still avoid government healthcare facilities—a paradox highlighted by veteran health editor Sneha Mordani on Health360. She pointed to public distrust driven by staff shortages and uneven quality of care.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the Odisha government's decisive crackdown on tobacco and nicotine products. Health Minister Mukesh Maling has stated that 'the district drugs inspector will conduct enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the ban order' across the state. The fresh notification prohibits the manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution of all tobacco-containing products, including gutkha and pan masala, whether sold together or separately. This move follows a Supreme Court order and aims to address the alarming health crisis in the state, where 42 percent of the adult population uses smokeless tobacco—nearly double the national average. The order supersedes the 2013 regulations and extends to all chewable, flavoured, or scented food products containing nicotine. Drug inspectors have been tasked with conducting state-wide enforcement drives to ensure a zero-tolerance policy. The programme explores the implications of this ban on public health and the challenges of implementing a tobacco-free mandate in Odisha.

On this India Today special report, Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai analyses the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) massive sweep across Maharashtra's municipal corporations. Sardesai highlights that the BJP is poised to secure its first mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), marking a 'tectonic shift' in the state's political landscape. He notes that the saffron flag is now dominant in regions like Pune, Nagpur, and Thane, traditionally held by the Congress or Shiv Sena. Sardesai observes, 'The shadow of the Thackerays, the brand of the Thackeray is not that strong, that potent anymore,' pointing to a dilution of regional tropes. The discussion further explores the decline of the 'Pawar brand' and the failure of the Congress to hold its core vote bank. Sardesai concludes that the BJP has evolved into a pan-Maharashtra party, mirroring the hegemony once held by the Congress, while regional satraps and family-led politics face significant challenges across the state's districts.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on the shifting political landscape in Maharashtra as municipal election results indicate a surge for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde addresses the party's position within the Mahayuti alliance, stating, 'We admit that Bharatiya Janata Party is the elder brother in the alliance as of now.' Hegde describes the leadership dynamic by noting that while Eknath Shinde was previously the 'pilot,' Devendra Fadnavis has now taken that role. The discussion, featuring insights from Rajdeep Sardesai and Amitabh Tiwari, explores how the BJP is becoming the dominant force in regions like Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai, potentially relegating regional partners to junior roles. The panel examines whether regional parties are shrinking due to the BJP's 'pan-India' expansion or their own failure to remain relevant amidst generational leadership changes. The programme highlights the 'tectonic shift' in Maharashtra politics as the BJP eyes a historic performance in the municipal corporations.

This news report details the upcoming implementation of new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on tobacco products, effective from February 1st. The government has mandated a 40% GST on cigarettes and pan masala, while bidis will be taxed at 18%. These changes follow GST reforms announced earlier in 2025 and aim to address public health concerns by increasing the cost of 'sin goods'. The broadcast highlights that the tax hike aligns with global standards to curb consumption. It also mentions that the new rates were part of a broader tax overhaul, with the specific 'sin tax' implementation delayed until this date. The programme further discusses the potential impact on consumers and the industry, noting that the Indian Tobacco Institute has expressed dissatisfaction with the move.

A magisterial committee investigating the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Goa has indicted Panchayat Secretary Raghuvir Bagkar for gross negligence. The report reveals that Bagkar allowed the club to operate despite an expired trade license and illegal construction on salt-pan land. The inquiry, which follows an India Today exposé, highlights how owners Gaurav and Sourav Luthra obtained licenses in just four days, bypassing standard procedures. The fire on December 6, 2025, claimed 25 lives. Bagkar failed to seal the premises even after demolition notices were issued.