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This special report details a shocking hostage crisis in Mumbai's Powai, where a YouTuber, identified as Rohit Arya, held approximately 17 children captive. The children were lured to RA Studio under the false pretext of an audition for a web series. A key question in the ongoing investigation, as one reporter noted, is 'why he was planning to commit this act. These are things which the police are looking for answers as of now'. The report covers the swift operation by the Mumbai Police and its Quick Response Team (QRT) who forcefully entered the studio to rescue the children and a few adults. The suspect was apprehended after being injured during the police action and was found in possession of an air gun and chemicals. While all hostages are now safe, the motive behind this dramatic kidnapping remains a mystery, pending the police interrogation of Arya.

This special report focuses on the battle of manifestos in the Bihar elections between the NDA and the Mahagatbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav. As the Mahagatbandhan releases its 'Tejashwi Pran Patra', the NDA prepares to launch its own joint manifesto from Hotel Maurya in Patna, with top leaders expected to attend. According to India Today's Aishwarya Palliwal, 'we will see a promise of industries coming into the state of Bihar and employment opportunities for the youth of Bihar. That will be the focus of this manifesto.' The report highlights that the NDA's document will outline their vision for Bihar's future, building on past actions and directly countering the promises made by the opposition alliance.

This special report focuses on India's response to US sanctions on Russian oil companies, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) studying the implications. The MEA's position is that 'we are guided by the imperative to secure affordable energy from diverse sources for meeting the energy security requirements and needs of 1.4 billion people.' However, the report, featuring analysis from India Today's Geeta Mohan, reveals that on the ground, Indian public and private oil companies are already reducing their dependency on Russian oil. This shift is attributed to the rising cost of Russian crude following the sanctions, making it less affordable. The report discusses the fine line India is walking between its national energy needs and mounting international pressure, particularly from the US.

This special report focuses on a major diplomatic victory for India, securing a sanctions waiver from the United States for its operations at the strategic Chabahar port in Iran. The MEA spokesperson confirmed the development, stating, 'US has granted India six months exemption from American sanctions on Chabahar port.' This exemption is critical for New Delhi's regional connectivity ambitions, allowing it to continue developing the port, which serves as a vital trade gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. The waiver enables India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) to press on with its long-term agreement with Iran, reinforcing India's commitment to the project despite complex geopolitical pressures and previous threats of sanctions.