US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously expected second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, following his military action in Caracas which led to the capture of the South American country’s leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, citing improved cooperation from Caracas and the release of a large number of political prisoners as part of efforts to ‘seek peace’.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said that the decision to call off further strikes comes as relations between Washington and Caracas enter a phase of cooperation, particularly on rebuilding and modernising Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure, which Trump had previously stated following the first wave of attack on Saturday.

He described the Venezuelan prisoner releases as a “very important and smart gesture”.

However, Trump noted that the US military units in the region will remain on alert even though the new round of offensive operations is no longer expected.

“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of “Seeking Peace.” This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure. Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes,” his post read.

Trump, in his post, further highlighted plans for significant investment in Venezuela’s energy sector, saying that at least USD 100 billion will be invested by major oil companies, and noting his intention to meet with top executives at the White House to discuss these plans.

“At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House,” his post added.

The move comes almost a week after the US launched a “large-scale strike” in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Saturday and captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.

They were indicted on charges of alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies” in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial.

Earlier, Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, who was the Vice-President under Maduro, stated that relations with the US have suffered an unprecedented “stain,” even as she asserted that the country will continue pursuing a diversified economic strategy engaging major markets across all continents, El Cooperante reported.

Speaking during a live broadcast on state television VTV, Rodriguez said the US has adopted a policy of “exclusion” toward Venezuela, while emphasising that economic and trade ties between the two countries are neither unusual nor disproportionate.

Despite this, Rodriguez said both the public and private sectors would have access to global markets, underlining Venezuela’s openness to international cooperation.

Meanwhile, Trump has said that Venezuela would use revenue from a new oil agreement to purchase goods made exclusively in the US, noting that Caracas is “committed” to doing business with the US as its main partner, calling the move a “wise and very beneficial” decision for both countries.

The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to get off to a dazzling start, with a star-studded pre-match lineup planned ahead of the opening clash on Friday. The curtain raiser at the DY Patil Stadium promises a dose of entertainment of music, dance and inspiration before the first ball of WPL 2026 is bowled.

As per the official update shared by the Women’s Premier League, fan favourite rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez and former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu will headline the pre-match show, adding glamour and energy to the league’s much-anticipated opener.

Power-packed performances. Electric vibes ⚡

Pre-match entertainment at its best as Jacqueline Fernandez, Honey Singh & Harnaaz Sandhu are all set to light up the #TATAWPL

Watch it LIVE tonight at 6:45 PM on @JioHotstar and @StarSportsIndia #MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa pic.twitter.com/AQT4gcbsfU

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026

The first match of the WPL brings together two of the league’s most successful sides, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur (MI) and Smriti Mandhana (RCB). The matchup is widely regarded as the WPL’s own “El Clasico” given the history, star power and rivalry associated with their men’s IPL teams.

Honey Singh, known for his chart-topping hits and stage presence, is expected to deliver a musical performance, setting an electric tone for the new season. The rapper’s performance aims to amplify the excitement surrounding the start of the tournament.

Jacqueline Fernandez will take centre stage with a dance segment that celebrates confidence, resilience and the rise of women in sport.  Adding a motivational element to the evening, Harnaaz Sandhu will address the audience with an inspiring message focused on courage, self-belief and empowerment. 

The pre-match entertainment will be broadcast live from 6:45 PM on JioHotstar and Star Sports, allowing fans across the country to soak in the festivities. With music, movement and meaningful messages planned before the action begins, the WPL 2026 opener is shaping up to be a complete spectacle both on and off the field.

The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step to encourage the establishment of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in the state.

Under this initiative, eligible GCC units will be granted a front-end land subsidy for land purchases. This provision has been incorporated into the SOPs recently approved by the state cabinet, with region-wise subsidy rates to ensure balanced industrial growth across Uttar Pradesh.

Officials here on Friday said that as per the policy, eligible GCC units set up in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad will receive a 30 percent land subsidy. Units established in Paschimanchal (excluding Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad) and the Madhyanchal region will be entitled to a 40 percent subsidy.

To promote investment, the government has made a provision of up to 50 percent land subsidy for GCC units in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand. This targeted incentive is expected to boost fresh investments and generate employment opportunities in these areas.

The land subsidy will apply only to units that purchase land from the State Industrial Development Authority, Development Authorities, urban local bodies, or other government agencies. Projects operating from rented premises or co-working spaces will not be eligible, as the policy aims to strengthen industrial development through the use of government-owned land.

The government has also stipulated that beneficiary units must complete their projects within the prescribed timeframe. Until the stipulated period ends or commercial operations commence, the allotted land will remain mortgaged in favour of the concerned government authority.

In case of delay or non-completion of the project, the subsidy amount may be recovered along with 12 percent annual interest. The financial burden of the subsidy will be borne by the Department of Industrial Development.

The state government is confident that this incentive framework will accelerate the establishment of GCCs, expand IT and service-sector activities, and create substantial employment opportunities for the youth. With differentiated regional incentives and a special focus on Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, the policy seeks to ensure inclusive and balanced industrial development across Uttar Pradesh.

In a tragic accident, the daughter of a former Congress home minister and the son of the current state Congress spokesperson were killed, along with another youth, when their speeding car crashed into a truck in Indore on Friday.

According to the police, the fatal mishap occurred on the Tejaji Nagar bypass highway in the Ralamandal area.

The deceased were identified as Prerna Bachchan (26), Prakhar Kasliwal (25), and Maan Sandhu (26). The fourth occupant in the car, Anushka Rathi, was seriously injured.

Prerna was the daughter of Rajpur Congress MLA and former Madhya Pradesh home minister Bala Bachchan, while Prakhar was the son of Anand Kasliwal, the present state Congress spokesperson.

As per Tejaji Nagar police station in-charge Devendra Markam, the four friends had gone to a resort on the outskirts of Indore to celebrate Prakhar’s birthday on Thursday night.

They were returning home when their Tata Nexon car rammed head-on into a truck at around 5 am.

Police said that Prakhar was driving the car.

He either dozed off or was under the influence of alcohol and lost control of the wheel, resulting in the mishap.

The car was badly mangled, and police had to use a crane to remove it to the side of the road.

Prerna, Prakhar, and Maan were killed on the spot.

The seriously injured Anushka was admitted to a hospital.

Former Congress CM Kamal Nath, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Umang Singhar, and other leaders expressed grief over the incident.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director and finance committee chairman M. Nazmul Islam has come under severe criticism for labelling former national team captain Tamim Iqbal of being an “Indian agent”, after Iqbal had urged BCB to tread carefully amid the uncertainty over the national team’s participation in next month’s T20 World Cup in India.

In a post on social media, Nazmul wrote, “This time, the people of Bangladesh witnessed, with their own eyes, the emergence of yet another proven Indian agent.”

The screenshots of Nazmul’s comments have since gone viral across social media platforms, drawing widespread criticism from Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), demanding action against the BCB director.

“A comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal has come to the attention of the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB). We are stunned, shocked, and outraged by it.

“Such a remark by a board official about the most successful opener in Bangladesh’s history, who represented the country for 16 years, is utterly condemnable. Not only because it concerns a player like Tamim, but such comments about any cricketer of the country are unacceptable and insulting to the entire cricketing community,” CWAB said in a statement.

“We strongly protest against this comment. When a responsible board director makes such remarks on a public platform, it also raises serious questions about the code of conduct of board officials,” it said.

“We have already submitted a protest letter to the BCB president, demanding a public apology from the concerned board director and that he be brought under accountability. We hope the BCB president will take appropriate action as soon as possible,” it added.

Several Bangladesh cricketers, including Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam also slammed Nazmul for his comments and demanded an apology.

“I am shocked by the statement made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal. Such choice of words by a board director about a national team cricketer is not only tasteless, but completely unacceptable and contrary to our cricketing culture,” said Taijul.

“I strongly protest against this comment. Making such public remarks while holding a responsible position raises serious questions about the professionalism, ethics, and code of conduct of board officials,” he said.

“For this reason, I strongly demand that the concerned director issue a public apology and be brought under appropriate accountability,” he added.

Mominul said that the comment made was totally unacceptable and insulting to the cricketing fraternity in Bangladesh.

“The comment made by BCB director M Nazmul Islam regarding former national captain Tamim Iqbal is completely unacceptable and insulting to the country’s cricketing community. Such behaviour towards a cricketer is in direct conflict with the board’s responsibility and ethics,” said Mominul.

“A senior cricketer was not given even the minimum respect; instead, he was deliberately humiliated in public. Such remarks show a lack of even basic decorum regarding where and how to speak while holding such a high responsibility,” he said.

“I strongly condemn this comment and firmly demand a public apology from the concerned director and that he be brought under accountability. I call upon the BCB to take swift and strict action,” he added.

Taskin also came down heavily against Nazmul, saying, “Cricket is the life of Bangladesh. A recent comment surrounding a former national captain who has made a major contribution to the game has caused many to reflect. I believe that such remarks directed at a former cricketer of the country are not helpful in the interest of Bangladesh cricket. I hope the concerned authorities will consider the matter seriously and adopt a more responsible stance in the future.”

Mustafiqur’s incident unfortunate: Tamim

Iqbal’s comments was in response to left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and the subsequent reaction of the BCB urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift out Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup out of India.

“Mustafizur being removed from the IPL is certainly unfortunate. There’s no doubt about that. If I were on the board, my decision would be taken by keeping the country’s future and everything else in mind. Making a sudden comment is complicated,” Tamim told reporters.

“But one thing must be remembered: many issues can often be resolved through discussion. I would take my decision after considering Bangladesh’s position in world cricket and what the country’s future could be.

“Decisions should be taken after considering what impact today’s decision will have 10 years down the line, and choosing what is best for the country’s cricket and cricketers. Like everyone else, the interests of Bangladesh cricket come first for me.

“But when you think about the future and everything else, if you look at it, 90–95 percent of our revenue comes from the ICC. Considering everything, the decision that best supports Bangladesh cricket should be taken,” Tamim added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mourned the death of former Mizoram Ranji cricketer K. Lalremruata, who passed away after collapsing during a local cricket match on Thursday.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Mizoram cricketer K Lalremruata. He proudly represented Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The BCCI extends heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and the Mizoram cricket community,” BCCI Domestic said on social media.

The incident occurred during a Khaled Memorial 2nd Division Screening Tournament match between Venghnuai Raiders CC and Chawnpui ILMOV CC at Sihhmui near Aizawl. Lalremruata, who was representing Venghnuai Raiders CC, complained of chest pain while returning to the pavilion after batting.

Soon after, he collapsed and passed out. Despite efforts, he could not be revived.

The Cricket Association of Mizoram (CAM) confirmed that the 38-year-old suffered a stroke while playing in the second division tournament, describing his death as a major loss to Mizoram cricket.

“He represented Mizoram twice in the Ranji Trophy and seven times in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He had also played for several clubs at the local level. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family; may God comfort them as they navigate this great loss,” the CAM said in a statement.

Following his death, CAM cancelled all matches scheduled for the day, including fixtures in the 2nd Division Screening Tournament at SCG, Sihhmui, the 3rd Division Screening Tournament semi-finals at Lawipu Playground, and the Samagra Inter-School Cricket Tournament for boys and girls at the PUC Ground and MAP Ground in Mualpui. The association said the matches would be played later under a revised

Mizoram’s Sports and Youth Services Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar also mourned Lalremruata’s passing. “He experienced breathing difficulties during the match between his team, the Venghnuai Raiders Cricket Club and Chawnpui ILMOV Cricket Club. My heartfelt condolences go out to his bereaved family, friends, and members of the sporting fraternity during this difficult time,” he said.

A wicketkeeper by roll, Lalremruata made his first-class debut for Mizoram against Meghalaya in 2018 and last appeared in domestic cricket in 2022 against Nagaland. He had also served on the Senior Tournament Committee.

Vodafone Idea on Friday confirmed that the government has frozen its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, offering significant relief to the debt-laden telecom operator.

In an exchange filing, the company said it will begin paying a maximum of Rs 124 crore annually over the next six years, from March 2026 to March 2031.

The telco will subsequently pay Rs 100 crore every year from March 2032 to March 2035, it said.

The clarification comes more than a week after reports indicated that the Centre had frozen Vodafone Idea’s AGR liability at Rs 87,695 crore, covering principal, interest, and interest on penalty for the period from FY 2006-07 to FY 2018-19, and extended the repayment timeline.

According to the filing, the remaining AGR dues, after a reassessment, will be paid in equal annual instalments over six years, from March 2036 to March 2041.

“A committee is to be constituted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to reassess the AGR dues, whose decision shall be final. Thereafter, the reassessed amount is to be repaid between March 2036 and March 2041 in equal annual instalments,” Vodafone Idea said.

The development follows the government’s decision to offer a fresh relief package to the carrier by freezing the AGR dues at Rs 87,695 crore and allowing repayment over a 10-year period starting FY 2031-32.

The Centre currently holds a 49% stake in Vodafone Idea.

The relief also comes in the backdrop of a recent Supreme Court verdict that allowed the government to reassess and reconcile Vodafone Idea’s AGR dues up to the financial year 2016-17, opening the door for recalibration of the company’s long-standing liabilities.

India on Friday expressed its deep concern over reports that China is developing road and military infrastructure at the Shaksgam Valley, a territory ceded by Pakistan to Beijing.

‘’Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 which is illegal and invalid. We don’t recognise the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Indian territory in Jammu & Kashmir. The entire J & K is an integral and inalienable part of India,’’ Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing.

The spokesperson said India reserves the right to safeguard its interests.

The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set for a blockbuster start, with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday, January 9.

The clash brings together two of the league’s most successful sides, led by Indian stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur (MI) and Smriti Mandhana (RCB), and is widely regarded as the WPL’s own “El Clasico” given the history, star power and rivalry associated with their men’s IPL teams.

Ahead of the season opener, the captains of all five teams, Delhi Capitals’ Jemimah Rodrigues, Gujarat Giants’ Ashleigh Gardner, Mumbai Indians’ Harmanpreet Kaur, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Smriti Mandhana and UP Warriorz’s Meg Lanning, sat down for a special interaction, where they described each other’s leadership styles in a single word.

Mandhana termed Jemimah an “energetic” captain, while Jemimah highlighted Gardner’s “calmness”. Gardner, in turn, described Lanning as “composed”. The captains also spoke about their teams, fans and expectations heading into WPL 2026.

️

Insights from the 5️⃣ #TATAWPL captains, in their own words ahead of Season 4️⃣ #KhelEmotionKa pic.twitter.com/YQFwjbkLkn

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026

Harmanpreet and Mandhana set the tone of WPL 2026

The opening encounter between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is among the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, with both teams boasting settled cores and match-winners across departments.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Harmanpreet underlined the importance of enjoying the game and supporting teammates amid the pressures of elite cricket.

Two fearless captains
One iconic venue ️
A rivalry renewed

Fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling #TATAWPL 2026 season opener #MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa | @mipaltan | @RCBTweets | @ImHarmanpreet | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/P9X0qz8egL

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026

“You feel pressure in any format, whether it is the WPL, international cricket or domestic matches. You set high standards for yourself and expect a lot. But the most important thing is to enjoy yourself on the field. Other than taking pressure, I would love to enjoy my game,” Harmanpreet said.

The MI skipper added that her focus remains on ensuring players feel comfortable and confident, despite leading a side that has already won both the Women’s ODI World Cup and the WPL.

RCB captain Mandhana, meanwhile, emphasised consistency and work ethic as key themes for her side this season.

“I think the whole RCB squad is very balanced this season. We had a good mega auction. I always tell the team that we have to focus on our work ethic. What happens on the field is not in our hands,” Mandhana said. “I have been batting well in the last two years and I want to bring that success from international cricket to the WPL.”

As WPL 2026 gets underway, the opener promises a high-quality contest between a settled Mumbai Indians unit and a Royal Challengers Bengaluru side eager to adapt and thrive as they begin their title defence.

In a significant step forward in vehicle manufacturing and industrial development in Uttar Pradesh, Ashok Leyland’s new manufacturing plant was inaugurated in Lucknow on Friday. The plant is specifically focused on the production of electric vehicles, giving the state capital a new identity on the green industrial map.

Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja said that the plant was completed in record time, thanks to the support and administrative efficiency of the Yogi government.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja said this is the company’s first manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh. Praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, He said a strong and reliable system for industrial development and investment has been created in the state. Modern infrastructure, robust connectivity, effective law and order, and accountable administration are now the hallmarks of Uttar Pradesh, attracting industrialists and investors. This investment will also create a large number of jobs in the state.

Dheeraj Hinduja, said, “The inauguration of this new plant marks the beginning of an important new chapter for Ashok Leyland in the vibrant state of Uttar Pradesh. Our Group remains deeply committed to unlocking further opportunities that drive economic growth, create meaningful employment, and foster long-term prosperity in the region. This manufacturing plant reaffirms our resolve to help shape the future of India’s commercial vehicle industry, and we are confident that it will make a strong contribution towards employment generation while advancing sustainable mobility. With this new plant, we are preparing ourselves for the future and take one step further to achieve our Net Zero emission goals.”

He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his support in bringing this project to fruition, saying that with clear policies and strong leadership, no goal is unattainable. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is now known for ‘Fearless Business’, ‘Ease of Doing Business’, and ‘Trust in Doing Business’.

It is noteworthy here that Ashok Leyland was established in 1948, and today the company represents Indian manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess globally in 15 countries.

Dheeraj Hinduja also praised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the strength and stability of the defense system have created a trustworthy environment for investment in the country. He also praised the positive environment created for industries under the leadership of Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, stating that concrete and effective initiatives are being taken to promote clean energy-based transportation. The country is continuously setting new records in the electric vehicle sector.

According to Ashok Leyland, the Lucknow plant has been designed with the future in mind. Modern manufacturing techniques and digital processes will enable the rapid production of electric vehicles.

Dheeraj Hinduja said wherever Ashok Leyland establishes a plant, the local community directly benefits. A similar positive impact will be seen in Uttar Pradesh. He also mentioned the company’s “Road to School” initiative, stating that it is providing nutrition and education to over 25,000 students in government schools across the state.

Situated at the Sarojini Nagar Industrial near Lucknow Airport, and spanning over 70 acres, the new facility stands as Ashok Leyland’s most advanced and sustainable plant globally, delivering world-class quality and operational excellence. The primary focus of the plant will be on the production of electric vehicles. The plant is designed to produce up to 5000 vehicles annually.

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “As one of India’s largest and most progressive states, Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development, making it a natural partner in our green mobility journey.

This coupled with Ashok Leyland’s ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2048 has been a key catalyst for establishing this state-of-the-art facility in Uttar Pradesh. Equipped with most modern technology and high levels of automation, the plant reflects our focus on world-class quality and innovation. With a strong emphasis on electric buses, this facility marks a significant step towards building a cleaner, future-ready mobility ecosystem for India.”

Ashok Leyland’s new Lucknow facility is set to play a key role in skill development and employment generation for the local workforce Designed as a green facility, the new plant incorporates rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient LED lighting, battery-operated in-plant logistics, positive water balance initiatives, and a zero-discharge system, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Actor Randeep feels that language and culture are not barriers but powerful strengths that shape perspective and identity.

He says staying connected to one’s roots has always guided his personal and professional journey. “I’ve always believed in embracing your roots as we move forward with time. For me, language and culture are not limitations, they are strengths that shape who we are and how we see the world,” Randeep told IANS.

Supporting regional storytelling

The actor is associating himself with a platform that is focused on Haryanvi, Rajasthani and Bhojpuri storytelling.

He added: “The stories that stay with us the longest are the ones that sound familiar, feel lived-in, and come from a place of truth. Associating with storytelling that honours regional languages and cultural identity feels deeply personal to me, because it reflects the values I’ve always carried with me.”

Personal update

Randeep and his wife Lin Laishram are all set to welcome their first bundle of joy. They took to Instagram on November 29 when they made the announcement.

In a joint post, they wrote: “Two years of love, adventure, and now… a little wild one on the way (Tiger Face, red heart and infinity emojis).”

 

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A post shared by Randeep Hooda (@randeephooda)

Also Read: Randeep Hooda & Lin Laishram announce first pregnancy: ‘A little wild one on the way’

At veteran star Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group Motley, Randeep and Lin first met. Eventually, fallen for one another, during the lockdown the couple started living together.

They made their relationship Instagram official back in 2022. And on November 29, 2023, the couple finally tied the knot in a traditional Meitei ceremony in Manipur.

 

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A post shared by Randeep Hooda (@randeephooda)

Also Read: Randeep Hooda on his inter-caste marriage with Lin Laishram: “Everybody had a problem”

Upcoming projects

Randeep was last seen in the Sunny Deol-starrer action film“Jaat”.

 

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A post shared by Randeep Hooda (@randeephooda)

Randeep has secured the official movie rights to “Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad” by Major General Rajpal Punia, and Damini Punia.

He will next be seen in the epic war drama “Operation Khukri.”

 

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A post shared by Randeep Hooda (@randeephooda)

The film “Operation Khukri” will bring to screen the harrowing real-life events from 2000, when 233 Indian soldiers were held hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the subsequent high-risk rescue mission that followed.

Also Read: Operation Khukri: Randeep Hooda to bring untold Indian army heroics to big screen

The actor will portray Major General Raj Pal Punia (then a young Company Commander of the 14th Mechanised Infantry), who navigated both the tense standoff and the extraordinary rescue operation amid challenging jungle warfare conditions.

Jana Nayagan sensor row: Just when fans thought the censor trouble around Vijay’s much-talked-about film ‘Jana Nayagan’ was over, the story took a sharp legal twist. It began as a relief for the makers. But now it has turned into a tense courtroom drama with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) pushing back hard.

Morning order that sparked immediate appeal

On Friday morning, the Madras High Court’s single judge directed the CBFC to grant a UA certificate to ‘Jana Nayagan’. The order was seen as a big win for the producers, who were racing against time for the film’s release.

But within hours, the Union of India moved fast. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) mentioned an urgent appeal before a division bench headed by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan.

The censor board was not willing to let the order stand without a fight.

 

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A post shared by Vijay (@actorvijay)

“Relief granted was never asked for”

Arguing for the CBFC, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta flagged a serious concern. According to him, the producers had asked the court for specific reliefs. But the judge went beyond that.

“There is urgency, my lords,” Mehta said adding that the relief granted was not even part of the original prayer.

The ASG further argued that the court had set aside a letter issued by the CBFC Chairperson on January 6, even though that letter was never directly challenged by the producers in their plea.

In simple terms, the government’s stand was: ‘you cannot cancel something that was never questioned’.

CBFC says it was not given a fair chance

Another major point raised by the ASG was about lack of time. The CBFC argued that the writ petition was filed on January 5, heard almost immediately, and decided within just two days.

The board claimed it was not given enough time to file a proper counter and defend its stand.

The ASG explained that the film applied for certification only on December 18, and by December 22, the CBFC had already communicated its decision to send the film to the Revising Committee (RC) after reviewing certain issues.

This communication, the government said, happened ‘before’ the producers moved the High Court.

Court questions the “urgency” claimed by producers

While listening to both sides, the Chief Justice raised sharp questions not just for the CBFC, but also for the film’s producers.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for KVN Productions, told the court that the movie was scheduled for release on January 9, which is why the matter was urgent.

But the bench was not convinced.

The Chief Justice pointed out that the producers were creating pressure by announcing a release date without censor certificate in hand.

“You can’t fix a release date and put pressure on the system,” the court observed.

The bench even remarked that the producers could have waited for some more time instead of rushing to court.

Debate over complaints and committee members

An interesting moment came when Rohatgi said it was “shocking” that a member of the committee itself had filed a complaint against the film.

The Solicitor General responded saying that only committee members had actually watched the movie. So it was natural for concerns to come from within.

Court steps in, puts brakes on UA certificate

After hearing detailed arguments, the division bench made its position clear.

The court said that there was no sufficient time to respond. The letter dated January 6 was set aside without being formally challenged, and there was no real urgency, since the film did not yet have a valid certificate, reportedly.

Most importantly, the bench temporarily stayed the single judge’s order that had directed the CBFC to grant a UA certificate.

This means ‘Jana Nayagan’ will not get the UA clearance for now.

What next for ‘Jana Nayagan’?

The High Court has posted the matter for January 21, after the Pongal holidays. Until then, the earlier order in favour of the producers will remain suspended.

For now, ‘Jana Nayagan’ is caught in legal pause. The release plans are hanging in the balance and all eyes on what the court decides next.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will induct 10,000 newly recruited constables into the Rajasthan Police on Saturday.

The new recruits will be formally inducted into the state police force by the Home Minister at a grand ceremony to be held at the Rajasthan Police Academy ground here on Saturday.

The selection and recruitment process has already been completed, and recruits from various districts of the state will reach Jaipur by Friday evening to attend the induction ceremony the following morning and formally join the service.

Home Minister Shah is scheduled to arrive in Jodhpur tonight by a BSF aircraft and will stay overnight in the Sun City.

Before leaving for the state capital Jaipur on Saturday, he is also scheduled to participate in the Maheshwari Samaj International Convention and Expo in Jodhpur on Friday.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will also attend the function in Jodhpur.

At least eight people were killed and around five others were injured after a private bus en route to Shimla rolled down from the road in the Haripurdhar area in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district.

Police and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are trying to evacuate the injured.

Locals were seen providing immediate help in rescuing those injured in the bus accident.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Eight people died in a bus accident after a private bus enroute from Kupvi to Shimla rolled down the road near Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district. https://t.co/iQ3fz7vn70 pic.twitter.com/CcX6ZzR8ec

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2026

The Superintendent of Police for the Sirmaur district, Nishchint Singh Negi has hinted that the number of casualties in the accident is likely to increase. He said, “Death toll could rise. There were 30-35 people in the bus. Rescue operations are underway. I am also moving to the spot. ”

More details are awaited.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is progressing steadily with the development of a Buddha Theme Park at Kosam Inam village in Kaushambi district, modelled on the lines of Buddhavanam at Nagarjuna Sagar in Telangana.

The project, spread over nearly 11 hectares and being implemented at a cost of ₹22.93 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2026. It aims to transform Kaushambi into a prominent destination for spiritual tourism.

The theme park will feature several dedicated zones, including a Jataka Mural Gallery, Dhyana Vanam and a Stupa Gallery.

Notably, the Stupa Gallery will house 13 replicas of iconic stupas from countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, South Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet and Afghanistan, along with representations from Indian states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This will position the park as a comprehensive cultural and spiritual landmark of national and international significance.

The upcoming theme park will also include meditation and cultural facilities. A meditation centre will showcase various mudras, such as Dharmachakra Mudra, Abhaya Mudra, Bhumisparsha Mudra and others.

A major attraction, the Buddhacharita Vanam, will depict the life journey of Lord Buddha through sculptures, from his birth (Janan) to his final nirvana (Mahaparinirvana). The installation will portray key encounters (Nimitta), along with a Dhamma Bell and Buddhapadas (Footprints of the Buddha).

Speaking on the project, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Amrit Abhijat, said on Friday that the Buddha Theme Park at Kaushambi reflects a focused effort to combine heritage conservation with high-quality tourism infrastructure.

He noted that Kaushambi’s strong association with Buddhism gives it international importance, and the development is being planned to ensure authenticity, tranquillity and sustainability, while providing modern amenities for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Kaushambi’s history predates Buddhism. In ancient India, it served as the capital of the Vatsa janapada, one of the prominent early political entities of the Indo-Aryan world. References to Kaushambi appear in the Brahmanas and Upanishads, highlighting its importance during the Vedic age. Texts such as the Shatapatha Brahmana mention Proti Kaushambeya, a native of the city, while the Mahabharata and the Ramayana trace its foundation to Kusamba, linking the city’s origins to legendary royal lineages.

Buddhist scriptures record that Gautama Buddha spent his sixth and ninth varshavasas, or monsoon retreats, in Kaushambi. During these three-month periods, monks traditionally remained in one place to deepen meditation and spiritual practice. It was during these retreats that the Buddha delivered several important discourses, strengthening the spread of Buddhist philosophy in the region and establishing Kaushambi as a vibrant centre of spiritual learning.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that Kaushambi occupies a distinctive place in Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Circuit. Apart from followers of Buddhism, the district also attracts historians, researchers and tourists from other faiths. Between January and September 2025, more than 23.19 lakh tourists visited the district, including 2,884 foreign visitors. The department has been consistently improving tourist facilities at sites linked to the Buddhist Circuit, and the positive impact of these efforts is clearly visible.

Projects such as the Buddha Theme Park not only help preserve ancient civilisational heritage but also play a vital role in passing on the teachings and message of Lord Buddha to future generations. The project is expected to further enhance Kaushambi’s appeal to domestic and international visitors, particularly pilgrims from Buddhist-majority countries, while reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leading hub for spiritual and cultural tourism.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday responded to a proposed bill in the United States that seeks to increase the tariffs imposed on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil, by up to 500 per cent.

Addressing a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s approach towards energy resources is guided by the energy security needs of its people.

“You are aware of our approach towards energy sources. Our approach depends on the situation in the global markets and our imperative on making energy available to our people through diverse sources to meet their energy security needs,” the spokesperson said, noting that the government was seized of the matter and continues to follow the developments closely.

The remarks came after US Senator Lindsey Graham revealed that US President Donald Trump has okayed the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill, which aims at punishing countries “fuelling (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s war machine”.

US Commerce Secy Lutnick claims trade deal with India didn’t happen as ‘PM Modi did not call Trump’

Meanwhile, commenting on US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s remarks that the India-US trade deal did not materialise as Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call President Trump, Jaiswal said the characterisation of ongoing discussions on the trade agreement is inaccurate.

The spokesperson said India and the US have been discussing the bilateral trade agreement since February 13, 2025. Multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place since then to arrive at a balanced, mutually beneficial trade agreement, and the two sides have been close to a deal on several occasions, he noted.

#WATCH | Delhi | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We have seen the remarks. India and the United States were committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US as far back as 13th of February last year. That is, since then, the two sides have held multiple… pic.twitter.com/sEJBQB0Zpu

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2026

“We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between two complementary economies, and look forward to concluding it. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on eight occasions in 2025, covering various aspects of our wide-ranging work. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on eight occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership,” the MEA spokesperson stated further.

“Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have a friendly relationship and have always addressed each other with mutual respect as per diplomatic norms,” Jaiswal asserted, in view of the recent statements by the US President on his conversations with PM Modi.

#WATCH | Delhi | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have a friendly relationship and have always addressed each other with mutual respect as per diplomatic norms…” pic.twitter.com/6px94iyAE3

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice captain Smriti Mandhana believe the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will play a pivotal role in pushing the national side towards its next big goal, the T20 World Cup 2026, insisting that the team’s ambition extends far beyond a single global triumph.

Speaking ahead of the opening match of WPL 2026, where Harmanpreet will lead Mumbai Indians and Mandhana will captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the senior duo underlined how the league can help sustain the momentum generated by India’s recent ODI World Cup success and sharpen the squad for the challenges ahead.

“Winning the T20 World Cup would be great,” Mandhana said. “We won the (ODI) World Cup but there are a lot of things in the team we need to work on. We really want to sit back and say, ‘yeah we are the best team in the world and world’s No. 1 team’. I feel we still have a lot of things to improve on. I’m sure WPL is going to bridge that gap for us in the coming years.”

Mandhana stressed that India’s objective is sustained dominance rather than isolated success, pointing to the WPL as a crucial stepping stone in that journey.

“Whenever we play for India, we always discuss how we want to be the best team in the world not for one tournament or two tournaments, but the whole year – any cricket we play (we want to) dominate it. I think every WPL is just getting us closer to that.”

She added that the timing of the league, coming shortly after the World Cup win, makes it even more significant. “It’s just been one-and-a-half months (since India won the ODI World Cup) and WPL is going to carry it (the momentum)… I’m sure WPL is going to carry the momentum of what the World Cup did and hopefully it just keeps continuing for the next… forever,” Mandhana said.

Harmanpreet echoed those sentiments, saying India’s hunger has only grown since lifting the World Cup and credited the WPL for fostering a relentless winning mindset across generations.

“…we are not satisfied with just one World Cup,” Harmanpreet said. “We have so much cricket coming up this year and in the next two-three years, so every time we go to the field we want to go with the best mindset and that winning mindset we have been always talking about,” Kaur said.

The India skipper highlighted how younger players are increasingly aligned with the seniors’ outlook. “It’s good to see that not only us, but other players are also coming up and thinking and speaking that we want to be champions all the time. I think that shows how WPL has made a lot of impact on us.”

Harmanpreet also pointed to the league’s role in preparing players for high-pressure international cricket.

“Players are not in their comfort zone now. They are working really hard, they are playing against overseas players, they are playing with overseas players… Now that gap is not there which we used to feel when they [used to] come for international cricket.”

With less than six months to go before the T20 World Cup in England, Mandhana noted that the WPL also remains an open window for emerging talent.

“It’s always exciting to see talent coming up in WPL… if there’s an exciting talent and someone has got an extraordinary season, I’m sure there will be a chance for the T20 World Cup,” she said, adding that strong performances in the league can keep selection doors firmly open.