Chandigarh

A woman taking her six-month-old child for a walk outside her home in Eco City-1, New Chandigarh, was targeted by bike-borne chain snatchers in broad daylight.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the NEET paper leak, arresting five individuals and tracing distribution networks across several states.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG examination, which impacts over 2.2 million medical aspirants, following widespread allegations of a paper leak.

Dramatic scenes unfolded during Enforcement Directorate raids across Punjab and Chandigarh as officials searched multiple properties linked to an alleged land and licencing fraud case on Thursday. In Mohali’s Chajju Majra area near Kharar, panic erupted inside a residential society after two bags, allegedly packed with cash, were reportedly hurled from a ninth-floor flat while ED teams conducted searches upstairs.

Strong earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi NCR, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the evolving situation in West Asia and its potential implications on India’s energy security. 

The shortage impacts 10,000 scheduled weddings in Punjab and Chandigarh and has forced street vendors to cease operations. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has directed food plazas to utilise electric cooking methods.

Major cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, have reported restaurant closures and menu reductions. In response to the crisis, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, directing refineries to maximise LPG production.

On this Special Report, Kamaljeet Sandhu reports from Chandigarh where a bomb threat at the joint Punjab and Haryana Secretariat has triggered a massive security response. 'What you can see is a heavy deployment of the CISF and inside is what you can see is the fire brigade, the ambulances, the bomb squad all being put together,' Sandhu notes while observing the evacuation of thousands of employees. The report highlights that the building, a critical administrative hub, was cleared as a precautionary measure following the threat. This incident follows a similar pattern where two dozen schools in the region received threats just a day prior. While the Chandigarh Police are conducting floor-by-floor sanitisation and have urged the public not to panic, the reporter emphasizes the Herculean task of securing such a large complex. The programme provides live updates on the deployment of the bomb squad and the status of the ongoing investigation into the source of the call.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Aman Bahadur reports from the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation House where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully retained the mayoral post. Presiding officer Ramneet Singh Bedi declared Sourav Joshi as the new Mayor after he secured 18 votes from councillors. The election marks a significant procedural shift as the reporter notes, 'after 1996, it's for the first time that show of hands has taken place for the voting' for the 36 total votes polled. The results saw the Congress party receiving 7 votes, including that of Member of Parliament Manish Tiwari, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured 11 votes. The report highlights the absence of cross-voting during this session, contrasting with previous controversies that reached the Supreme Court. Following the declaration, celebrations erupted within the MC House as councillors congratulated Sourav Joshi on the BJP's victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Aman Bhardwaj reports on the intensifying cold wave across North India following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches. The plunge in temperatures has led to dense fog in the plains, significantly reducing visibility in Chandigarh and surrounding areas. Aman Bhardwaj notes that 'Himachal Pradesh road connectivity and electricity or the water supply have been affected in several areas' while Punjab and Haryana face a return of severe cold conditions. Minimum temperatures have dipped to 5 to 6 degrees Celsius in regions including Bathinda, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Sirsa. The Meteorology Department has advised citizens to wear warm clothes and remain cautious as a new western disturbance is expected on 27th January, which is likely to make weather conditions even more severe. The report highlights the impact of the chilly weather on daily life and infrastructure across the Shivalik hills and the northern plains.

Anchor Preeti Choudhry leads the coverage of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations from Kartavya Path, marking the first parade since the execution of Operation Sindoor. The event showcases India’s military strength and technological sovereignty, featuring a phased battle display, the S-400 air defence system, and the debut of indigenous hypersonic missiles. The aerial flypast includes the Operation Sindoor formation with Rafale and Sukhoi-30 jets. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attend as chief guests, highlighting geopolitical ties and ongoing India-EU trade negotiations. The broadcast includes analysis from Sandeep Unnithan and military veterans on defense self-reliance and the Gaganyaan mission, specifically recognizing astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla. Reports from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Chandigarh document nationwide celebrations, while Bill Gates acknowledges India's digital infrastructure and AI innovations. This bulletin captures the transition of India into a global geo-economic power, emphasizing the spirit of Vixit Bharat and the nation's commitment to its constitutional values.

On this Special Report, anchor Preeti Choudhry discusses the celebrations of India's 77th Republic Day. The programme highlights the central theme of 'Vande Mataram' and the significant military influence of 'Operation Sindoor' on this year's parade. Preeti Choudhry notes, 'It's just eight months after Operation Sindoor,' describing it as a defining 21st-century military action that marked a strategic shift in India's policy against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The bulletin details the upcoming aerial fly-past featuring Sukhoi-30s and Rafales in a special formation. Reporters Ashraf Wani from Lal Chowk, Srinagar, and Aman Bhardwaj from Chandigarh provide ground updates on local celebrations and security. The discussion covers the abrogation of Article 370's impact on Kashmir's celebrations and Chandigarh's first-ever tableau representation in the national parade, featuring its war memorial. The report captures the national sentiment of pride and the display of sophisticated weaponry used in recent operations.

This Special Report focusses on the significant political shift in Chandigarh as the alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress collapses ahead of the Mayoral Election.

On this Special Report, Raman Bahadur reports from the site of a police encounter in Chandigarh’s Sector 39. The Chandigarh Police Crime Branch successfully nabbed three accused individuals—Kulwinder, Rahul, and Vicky—following a chase related to a firing incident at a chemistry shop in Sector 32. During the confrontation, the suspects' vehicle hit a pole, leading to an exchange of 14 to 15 rounds of fire. Raman Bahadur notes, 'two of the accused got shot in their leg, Rahul and Vicky,' while an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) survived a bullet hit due to his bulletproof jacket. The shooters, who have a criminal history in Jalandhar, were attempting to flee in a taxi when intercepted at 6 am. Forensic teams have cordoned off the area for sampling as the police investigate the wider gang nexus involved in these crimes.

On this Special Report, Kamaljeet Sandhu reports on the severe cold wave and dense fog conditions persisting across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana. The visibility has significantly dropped to just 5 to 10 metres, particularly affecting state and national highways where commuters are forced to use vehicle blinkers. Kamaljeet Sandhu notes that 'the state government of Punjab, the timing has been changed from 9 to 10' for schools to ensure the safety of children during the peak winter season. An orange alert has been issued for Chandigarh, with yellow to orange alerts across various parts of Punjab. While some precipitation is expected by the 18th of January, no immediate respite is predicted for the next two days. The report highlights a change in trend this year, as the cold has remained persistent even after the Lohri festival, leading to a major drop in temperatures across the region.

On this Special Report, India Today correspondent Asim Bassi reports from the Chandigarh-Shimla highway on the severe weather conditions affecting the region. The area is facing a 'double blow' as residents contend with bone-chilling temperatures of approximately 5 degrees Celsius alongside a thick blanket of fog. Asim Bassi notes that the visibility is extremely poor, forcing commuters to use headlights and blinker lights to navigate the highway safely and avoid accidents. The report highlights the 'double kind of attack' for residents who are struggling with both the intense cold and the troubling fog. Accompanied by Kamal Prasad and Aman Gupta, Bassi provides a factual account of the current situation on the ground, emphasizing the challenges faced by those traveling through this specific region. The programme explores the immediate impact of these weather conditions on daily life and road safety for the local population and commuters.

On this Special Report, Aman Bhardwaj reports from Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, on the severe cold wave gripping Punjab and Haryana. The region is experiencing 'bone-chilling cold conditions' with temperatures plummeting to zero degrees Celsius in several cities. Aman Bhardwaj notes that the Meteorological department has issued a red alert for the region, with a yellow alert extending until 7th January. Despite the dense fog enveloping Sukhna Lake and obscuring the Shivalik range, residents are seen continuing their morning routines of jogging and exercising while trying to stay warm. The report highlights that cities like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hisar, and Narnaul have recorded temperatures between 0 to 1 degree. The weather department has advised citizens to safeguard themselves against the freezing conditions as the cold wave persists across the northern states.

A special report from Chandigarh highlights the severe weather conditions gripping parts of North India. Dense fog has enveloped the city, causing vehicles to move at a snail's pace with headlights on. The report notes that this is a 'bone chilling temperature that has taken to minimum at 1 degree in Punjab and Haryana both'. The Met Department has issued orange and yellow alerts for dense fog in areas including Bathinda in Punjab and Mahindragarh in Haryana, where temperatures have dropped to 1.3 degrees. The cold wave has significantly affected mobility and the morning routines of people heading to work, while also raising health concerns. Residents have been advised to keep themselves warm and take precautions over the next few days amidst the challenging weather conditions.

In this special report from Chandigarh, the focus is on the severe cold wave impacting the region. The bone-chilling weather has led to significant disruptions in transportation, with both railways and airways affected. The report highlights that a train to Gujarat from Chandigarh was delayed by one and a half hours, and several other trains and flights have been delayed or cancelled due to dense fog. The meteorological department has issued orange and yellow alerts for the coming days, advising citizens to avoid going outdoors unless necessary. The report captures the difficult conditions, noting that people 'will have to bear this weather bone chilling uh weather conditions' and are taking measures to keep warm.