Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) a Maharatna PSU under Ministry of Power has been declared the successful bidder for the 150 MW / 300 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the 400/220 kV substation in Kalikiri, Andhra
Pradesh, under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route.

The award reinforces POWERGRID’s expanding portfolio beyond conventional transmission into advanced grid solutions, including energy storage and smart grid technologies. The project, awarded under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support through the Power System Development Fund (PSDF), is part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader initiative to deploy a cumulative 1,000 MW / 2,000 MWh of BESS capacity to enhance grid stability and support ‘on-demand’ usage. The Kalikiri BESS project will significantly bolster grid flexibility, enabling efficient peak load management and improved utilization of renewable energy by
addressing intermittency challenges.

As of 31st December 2025, POWERGRID has commissioned and is operating 287 Sub-Stations and more than 1,81,894 ckm transmission lines and 5,93,016 MVA of transformation capacity. With the adoption of the latest technological tools and techniques, enhanced use of automation and digital solutions, POWERGRID has been able to maintain an average transmission system availability of more than 99.84%.

President Droupadi Murmu has announced the ‘’’Skill The Nation Challenge’, urging citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s AI learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, is enabling accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses for school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners.

Designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational, SOAR has already, over just the last six months, reached more than 1.59 lakh learners across the country who have enrolled in the AI course, with thousands successfully completing certifications and building confidence in AI awareness, understanding and application.

Demonstrating leadership by example, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module, symbolising a commitment to lifelong learning and AI readiness.

Commenting on the occasion, Jayant Chaudhary said, “India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but also AI confident. Through the ‘Skill the Nation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability, and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are—has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story.”

“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. I am glad to have personally completed the SOAR AI learning module, and it has further strengthened my belief that learning must begin from leadership itself. It gives me great satisfaction to nominate my fellow colleagues to join this movement, so together we can inspire every citizen to embrace AI learning and prepare for an empowered, future-ready India,” he further added.

A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh received the AI course certificates on the occasion from the President.

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The city of Kashi, renowned for its religion and culture, is ready to create a new history in the world of sports.

The grand 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship will be held at the newly constructed Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra from January 4 to January 11, 2026.

Kashi will be bustling with approximately 1,250 top players from across the country.

This is the first time in the history of Kashi that a national championship of this magnitude is being organised.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate this historic competition, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be present to encourage the players.

Uttar Pradesh Volleyball Association President and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak will be present as the special guest at the inaugural session.

Preparations are being finalised in high-level meetings of the organising committee. The chairman of the organising committee and Mayor, Ashok Kumar Tiwari, is personally overseeing and monitoring the arrangements. On Friday, he convened a meeting of councillors and BJP workers to review the preparations.

To make the event a grand success, councillors and BJP workers have been assigned different responsibilities. Ayush Minister (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, BJP Regional President Dilip Patel, MLC and BJP’s District President Hansraj Vishwakarma, Metropolitan President Pradeep Agrahari, Jagdish Tiwari, and others were present at the meeting.

On the other hand, District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal, along with several senior officers of the Municipal Corporation, district, and police administration, inspected the venue and reviewed the preparations. Under the supervision of the chairman of the organising committee and the Mayor, the stadium is being given an unprecedented makeover.

BJP MLA Dr Shyam Bihari Lal passed away here on Friday following a massive heart attack. He had celebrated his 60th birthday just a day earlier.

The two-time BJP MLA from the Faridpur (reserved) constituency in Bareilly was attending a meeting called by Animal Husbandry Minister Dharampal Singh when his health suddenly deteriorated. He was immediately rushed to Medicity Hospital, where he was put on ventilator support. However, his condition worsened, and he later succumbed.

Dr Lal is survived by his wife, Manju Lata, a son, and two daughters.

At the time of his demise, Dr. Shyam Bihari Lal was serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Ancient History and Culture at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly. He was also the Director of the Panchal Museum and a member of the Board of Governors of Gautam Buddha University, Noida.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep grief over the passing of the Faridpur MLA. He said, “I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed soul a place at His holy feet and give the bereaved family the strength to bear this immense loss.”

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana also condoled the demise of the legislator.

In a decisive action against terrorism and anti-national elements operating from across the border, Poonch Police on Friday attached an immovable property belonging to a Pakistan-based terror handler, Jamal Lone @ Jamala, in compliance with the directions of the Court.

According to the police, the attachment has been effected in connection with an FIR registered at Police Station Mandi under Sections 2/3 of the Egress and Internal Movement (Control) (E&IMCO) Act.

The attached property comprises 06 Kanal 13.5 Marlas of land valued at Rs.13.36 lakh near the Line of Control (LoC).

The attached property belongs to Jamal Lone @ Jamala, resident of Chamber Kanari, Tehsil Mandi, District Poonch, who is presently operating as a Pakistan-based terror handler.

The accused had earlier exfiltrated to Pakistan and has since been actively involved in activities inimical to the security and sovereignty of the nation.

Owing to his continued evasion of the legal process, the accused was declared a proclaimed offender by the court. Despite sustained efforts by Poonch Police to secure his arrest, he remained beyond the reach of law, compelling the court to order attachment of his immovable property.

Acting upon these directions, the attachment was executed by the Poonch Police in close coordination with the Revenue Department after following all due legal procedures, verification, and documentation.

This action forms part of a broader and sustained strategy to dismantle the financial and logistical support structures of terror networks and to ensure that individuals involved in terrorism and anti-national activities are deprived of their resources, Police said.

The Poonch Police has reiterated its unwavering commitment to act firmly and lawfully against Pakistan-based terror handlers and all elements involved in activities prejudicial to national security and assures the public that such measures will continue in the interest of peace, public safety, and sovereignty of the nation.

In another crackdown against the narco-terror ecosystem, the Competent Authority under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA) has confirmed the attachment of a residential property belonging to a notorious drug peddler in District Poonch.

The attached property worth Rs 60 lakhs belongs to Sajjad Hussain Shah, a resident of Tehsil Surankote, a habitual offender involved in multiple cases registered under the NDPS Act.

The residential house, valued at approximately Rs 60 lakh, was earlier seized by the Police Station Surankote and has now been formally confirmed for forfeiture under SAFEMA after completion of due legal procedures.

South Africa announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Friday, with Aiden Markram set to lead the Proteas in the tournament.

Young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and top-order batter Jason Smith are among the notable inclusions, while batters Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have missed out on selection.

Smith earned his place following a prolific domestic T20 season, highlighted by an unbeaten 68 off just 19 balls for the Dolphins in November, which helped steer the side into the playoffs. The 2024 T20I debutant boasts a strike rate of 128.30 and is currently playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20.

Rickelton was overlooked due to strong competition at the top of the order, with captain Markram and wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock already occupying key roles. Alongside Smith and Maphaka, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira and George Linde have received their maiden T20 World Cup call-ups.

Speaking on the squad selection, head coach Shukri Conrad highlighted the team’s recent experience in subcontinental conditions.

“We are returning to the subcontinent, where we recently competed against hosts India. The experience we gained playing in those conditions will undoubtedly benefit us as we head into this tournament. Many of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that trip and experienced first-hand the pitches that we will likely encounter, which will stand them in good stead once we get to India.”

Conrad also confirmed that South Africa will play one more T20I series against the West Indies before the tournament, with that squad to be announced later this month.

Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada returns to the T20I setup after missing the recent white-ball tour of India due to a rib injury, while fast bowler Anrich Nortje is another key inclusion. Nortje finished as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.

South Africa has been placed in Group D of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. They will open their campaign against Canada on February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Former South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel will join the setup as a specialist consultant. Convenor Selector Patrick Moroney expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and depth.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate the players who will be representing South Africa at their maiden T20 World Cup. This is an incredible opportunity for them in what was a difficult squad to select.

“We have had to make some big calls, but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka. We have assembled a world-class squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game, together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming through.”

South Africa squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup:

Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Jason Smith.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday announced a significant milestone in the Bullet Train Project with the breakthrough of the second tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra.

This is the first mountain tunnel of the project in the state. The breakthrough has been achieved in an approximately 1.5 km long mountain tunnel (MT-5), among the longest in Palghar district, located between Virar and Boisar bullet train stations.

Bharat Ka Garv: Bullet Train Project, achieves a major milestone with the breakthrough of Mountain Tunnel-5.
Saphale, Palghar pic.x.com/4wtQUUIAvX

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 2, 2026

The MT-5 tunnel was excavated from both ends and the excavation was completed within 18 months using a cutting-edge drill and blast method. This method allows real-time monitoring of ground behaviour during excavation and enables the deployment of support systems such as shotcrete, rock bolts, and lattice girders based on actual site conditions.

Throughout the tunnelling activities, all necessary safety precautions, including ventilation, fire prevention measures, and proper access and egress arrangements, have been meticulously followed.

Earlier, the first underground tunnel of approximately 5 km between Thane and BKC was completed in September 2025.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has a total length of 508 km, with an overall tunnel length of 27.4 km, of which 21 km comprises underground tunnels and 6.4 km surface tunnels. The project includes eight mountain tunnels, with seven tunnels in Maharashtra having a combined length of about 6.05 km, and one tunnel of 350 metres located in Gujarat.

The Union Minister said the Bullet Train Project is generating significant employment and will provide additional opportunities during operation.

He said once completed, the project will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just 1 hour and 58 minutes, connecting and integrating the economies of major commercial centers.

The project is expected to foster economic activity along the corridor, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support the development of new industrial and IT hubs.

The Union Minister noted that it would bring long-term economic gains and cater to the aspirations of the middle class by offering comfortable and affordable travel.

He said the project will lead to an estimated reduction of nearly 95 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions compared to road transport.

In Maharashtra, work is underway on seven mountain tunnels. MT-1, with a length of 820 metres, has achieved 15 percent physical progress, while MT-2, measuring 228 metres, is currently under preparatory works. MT-3, with a length of 1,403 metres, has recorded 35.5 percent completion, and MT-4, measuring 1,260 metres, has achieved 31 percent progress.MT-6, measuring 454 metres, has progressed to 35 per cent, while MT-7, with a length of 417 metres, has achieved 28 percent completion, taking the total length of mountain tunnels in Maharashtra to about 6 km.

The MAHSR spans approximately 508 kilometres, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra.

The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane, and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in India’s transportation infrastructure.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has asked his party workers and leaders to be involved in further strengthening the party at the booth level keeping a close watch on the SIR regarding the voter list.

“Include those whose names have not been included in the voter list. Everyone should be alert and careful. At the time, when the chief minister had said that four crore votes have been cut, he had given an indirect message to the officials to be dishonest,” he said.

Addressing the party workers here on Friday, he said this time, the Election Commission and the officials have to prove their credibility when several questions were raised on SIR.

Hoping that the Election Commission, the mapping app, and the companies that are helping the Election Commission technically will be fair, Yadav asked, “If there is a difference in the figures on voters, the figures of the State Election Commission and the figures of the Central Election Commission are different, what is the meaning of the SIR. Is it not true that at the behest of the chief minister, preparations are being made to indulge in dishonesty.”

He said, “Since the BJP indulges in dishonesty and corruption at every level, we need to keep a close watch on the SIR and voter list.”

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday ordered the transfer of Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Additional Commissioner and the in-charge Superintending Engineer (SE) of the waterworks section in connection with the Indore Narmada river drinking water tragedy.

In the Bhagirathpura area of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, due to the consumption of contaminated Narmada river water supplied in households through taps by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), as many as 15 people have died, officials said.

The CM held a high-level meeting at the CM House in Bhopal with Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary of Urban Administration, Sanjay Dubey and other officials.

The CM reviewed the report submitted by ACS Dubey in the matter. Subsequently, the CM ordered the removal of IMC Additional Commissioner Rohit Sisonia and water works SE Sanjeev Shrivastava.

The CM also directed officials to issue show cause notices to IMC Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav, and Rohit Sisonia.
In a post on X, the CM wrote, “…I issued directions to the Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Additional Commissioner to issue a show-cause notice in this regard, to immediately remove the Additional Commissioner from Indore, and to relieve the In-Charge Superintending Engineer of the charge of the Water Distribution Works Department. I also issued directions to immediately fill the necessary positions in the Indore Municipal Corporation with effect from now.”

Local Corporator of the Bhagirathpura locality, Kamal Waghela confirmed today that at least 15 deaths have occurred. “From last Friday till today, around 15 people have died due to the contaminated water”, Waghela told some media persons.

The unofficial figure, nonetheless, rose to 19 on Friday, with an elderly lady succumbing to symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration at a private hospital.

As per sources, Geeta Bai (68) died at the Aurobindo Hospital during treatment today. She had been admitted with symptoms of severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration.

The Human Rights Commission has also taken cognisance of the matter.

Following the CM’s directives, the state government this evening posted Rohit Sisonia as Deputy Secretary in the State Secretariat at Bhopal.

Three new Additional Commissioners were also posted in the IMC. They include Akash Singh, Prakhar Singh, and Ashish Kumar Pathak.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, slammed the BJP government over the deaths in the case.

Gandhi wrote on X, “Not water, but poison has been supplied in Indore.”

“Clean water is not a favour, but a basic right”, Gandhi averred. “The double-engine BJP government, its insensitive administration, and arrogant leaders are fully responsible”, Rahul Gandhi alleged.

“Madhya Pradesh has become the epicentre of misgovernance and corruption”, he charged.
“And Modi ji stays silent, as usual, whenever poor people die”, Rahul Gandhi stated.

Four persons were killed and as many seriously injured as low visibility caused a road accident involving three vehicles in the Bikaner district even as fog and winter rains in many parts in Rajasthan affected normal life and rail and air services.

A report from Bikaner said that four persons were killed and an equal number suffered grave injuries when a speeding truck trailer hit two stationary vehicles the fog covered Bharatmala Highway along Napasar in the Bikaner district late Thursday night.

The police team reached the accident site, escorted the injured to a nearby hospital and the bodies of the deceased to the mortuary for postmortem. The police said the low visibility caused by the fog was the reason behind the accident.

The dense fog and mild drizzling to moderate rains continued to keep the day temperatures low at most of the places as the overcast skies still prevented fall in the mercury last night. This makes chilly weather a bit comfortable at night, however, keeps people shivering during the day too. Desert towns of Jaisalmer (7.7 degree C) and Bikaner (7.8 degree C) remained the coldest last night. Phalodi, Barmer and Ajmer too remained the most cold infested cities during the past 24 hours.

The weather-caused low visibility also adversely affected rail traffic and flight schedules of airlines. Many long-route trains, mainly from places of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, were running hours behind the schedule.

The air services were also affected. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s special plane was made to hover around in the Udaipur skies for 20 minutes in the want of the ATC clearance for the landing at the Maharana Pratap Dabok airport this afternoon. ATC could not give clearance in view of the low visibility. Singh was flying from New Delhi to Udaipur to take part in a function organised by the Bhupal Nobles Institutions to mark their 104th foundation day.

Dissidence, which has been a perennial problem with the Congress in Tamil Nadu, is out in the open now, with two-time Lok Sabha member Jothimani Sennimalai squarely accusing vested interests of taking the grand old party on the path of self-destruction.

“The continuing untrammeled dissidence and groupism in the TNCC is causing frustration and fatigue. Bereft of ideological commitment and without taking up people’s issues, the permutation and combination of a few, who keep their vested interests above the party, is taking the Congress in the state down the steep slope, driving it gradually towards self-destruction,” the MP from Karur poured out her angst in a lengthy post on her ‘X’ handle.

Expressing grave concern over the state of affairs in the TNCC, she said it is working against the selfless and fearless political path of our leader Rahul Gandhi. “No political party would block and prevent its Member of Parliament at the time of election from submitting the list of Booth Agents to the Election Commission. Sadly, it is happening in the Congress in Tamil Nadu. Efforts at diluting the party’s ideological stand and political programmes are causing agony. We can’t betray his hard work and sacrifice,” she wrote in a post on X.

“At a time when the state is facing the unprecedented threat from communal, divisive and violent forces bent upon fomenting religious hatred to capture power, the Congress here is in the news every day for the wrong reasons. A group is waiting in the wings to destroy and bury deep down the people’s welfare and the politics of social justice and self-respect nurtured by our stalwart K Kamaraj and ‘Periyar’ EV Ramasamy. It is doubtful whether the TNCC is aware of this great task and responsibility on its shoulders. We cannot abandon the Congress worker, who keeps aloft the party’s tricolour with pride, despite the party being out of power for over 60 years, and the people of Tamil Nadu, who remain steadfast in the fight against communal and divisive forces,” she said.

On the identity and respect that the Congress enjoys in Tamil Nadu, she said, “It is derived from the legacy of our great leader Kamaraj (Congress stalwart and late Chief Minister) and the sacrifices of the Nehru-Gandhi family.”

Expressing surprise at her sharp criticism, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said that the party had been apprised of the matter. “It is highly regrettable. It is true that there are some issues in the submission of the requisite forms and list of agents. It is shocking that she has gone public when the national leadership is yet to respond,” he told the media in Chennai.

In a recognition of its cultural depth and artisanal diversity, Uttar Pradesh has been selected as the Theme State for the 39th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026.

A globally acclaimed celebration of India’s folk traditions and handicraft heritage, will be held from January 31 to February 14, 2026, in Haryana with full grandeur.

As the Theme State, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department will present a comprehensive showcase of the state’s ancient civilisation, vibrant folk arts, distinctive handicrafts and handloom traditions, folk music and dance forms, and regional cuisine. The initiative aims not only to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s cultural identity on an international platform but also to provide artisans with a powerful opportunity to display their creativity before a global audience.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Friday that Surajkund Mela 2026 would be special in many respects for Uttar Pradesh. To provide a strong platform to traditional crafts and weavers, 40 handicraft stalls based on the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative will be set up. These will feature, among others, Firozabad’s glass bangles, Kannauj’s perfumes, Azamgarh’s black pottery, and the renowned zardozi and chikankari crafts of Varanasi, Lucknow and Bhadohi, along with select products from other districts. He added that the scale of cultural programming, culinary offerings and visitor facilities at the fair has been expanded significantly this year.

Highlighting the cultural programme, the Minister said five to six performances will be staged daily from 10 am to 6 pm, featuring folk dances, folk music and traditional cultural presentations from Uttar Pradesh. Each day, around 50 to 100 artists will participate, offering visitors a vivid introduction to the state’s cultural heritage. In addition, three special fashion shows on weekends will present Uttar Pradesh’s traditional and contemporary attire, jewellery and fashion, creating a major attraction for visitors.

Beyond the stalls, a distinctive cultural ambience will be created across the fairgrounds. Pathways will be adorned with designs inspired by moonja weaving, paddy sheaves, Khurja pottery and black pottery. Dedicated signage and QR codes will be installed for each district and craft, enabling visitors to access information on craft processes, artisan profiles, district identities and sustainability-related initiatives. Through this approach, every district will serve as a cultural ambassador of Uttar Pradesh.

Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Amrit Abhijat, said that Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 offers Uttar Pradesh a golden opportunity to present its rich folk traditions, handicraft heritage and cultural diversity on a prestigious global platform. As the Theme State, ODOP-based stalls from various districts will bring to life the artistry and creative spirit of the state’s craftsmen. He added that eco-friendly decor, digital technologies and regional cuisine will together reinforce the government’s commitment to vocal for local and sustainable tourism.

The participation of Uttar Pradesh as the Theme State at Surajkund Mela 2026 is expected to significantly enhance global awareness of the state’s cultural wealth, strengthen market access for artisans, and position Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination for heritage and cultural tourism.

The annual Magh Mela in Prayagraj, the land of the confluence of Ganga, the Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati, will begin on January 3, 2026.

Extensive security arrangements have been made in the city and at the Magh Mela site for the first bathing festival on Paush Purnima on Saturday.

The Magh Mela will begin on Paush Purnima on Saturday and conclude on February 15, coinciding with Shivratri.

The Railways have announced several special trains to Prayagraj for pilgrims, while the UP government has deployed over 500 special buses from different cities to the Sangam city during the Magh mela period.

In the city area, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Kumar Shandilya has formed several police teams. Security has been tightened at railway stations and bus stands, while hotels and restaurants are also being inspected. Police forces have been deployed at all entry points of the Magh Mela, and regular checking is being conducted.

Besides, more than 1,100 CCTV cameras in the city area and over 400 CCTV cameras and drone cameras in the Magh Mela area are being used for surveillance. AI-enabled cameras are also being used for crowd management and traffic management.

DCP City Manish Kumar Shandilya has claimed that the city’s security arrangements are robust in view of the Magh Mela.

Indian equity indices ended Friday’s session on a strong note, with the benchmark Nifty scaling a fresh all-time high of 26,328.55.

At the close, the Sensex surged 573.41 points, or 0.67 per cent, to settle at 85,762.01, while the Nifty gained 182 points, or 0.70 per cent, to end at 26,328.55.

During the session, the Nifty 50 touched an intraday record of 26,340 before paring some gains to close at a historic high. The broader market also remained firm, with the BSE Midcap index rising 0.97 per cent and the Smallcap index advancing 0.79 per cent. The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies climbed to over ₹481 lakh crore from nearly ₹477 lakh crore in the previous session.

Among sectoral indices, all ended in the green except FMCG, which declined 1.19 per cent. Realty stocks led the gains with a rise of 1.52 per cent, followed by PSU Bank (1.50 per cent), Metal (1.47 per cent), Consumer Durables (1.17 per cent) and Auto (1.13 per cent). The Nifty Bank index advanced 0.74 per cent, while the Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Private Bank indices gained 1.08 per cent and 0.56 per cent, respectively.

On the Nifty 50, around 40 stocks ended higher. The top gainers included Coal India (up 7.15 per cent), NTPC (4.56 per cent) and Hindalco Industries (3.53 per cent). The major laggards were ITC (down 3.78 per cent), Kotak Mahindra Bank (1.26 per cent) and Nestle India (1.13 per cent).

Out of 4,371 stocks traded on the BSE, 2,772 advanced, 1,449 declined, while 150 remained unchanged. As many as 185 stocks touched their 52-week highs, whereas 83 stocks hit 52-week lows during intraday trade.

Stocks hitting fresh highs included Reliance Industries, SBI, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Larsen & Toubro. On the other hand, ITC, Vedant Fashions, eMudhra, Concord Biotech, Cohance Lifesciences and AAVAS Financiers featured among the 52-week low list.

Metal stocks extended their rally for the fourth consecutive session, with National Aluminium Company, Hindustan Copper and others rising up to 5 per cent on strong buying interest.

Shares of Coal India surged over 6 per cent after the company announced that it has approved participation by foreign coal buyers in auction bidding.

Meanwhile, ITC shares fell more than 5 per cent, extending losses for the second straight session, after the government announced an increase in excise duty on cigarettes, effective next month.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday confirmed that India will tour Bangladesh in August–September for a three-match ODI series and three T20Is, with the fixtures rescheduled after being postponed earlier.

As per the revised itinerary, the Indian team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28. The ODI series will be played on September 1, 3 and 6, followed by the T20I matches on September 9, 12 and 13, before India return home.

The announcement came as part of BCB’s unveiling of Bangladesh’s home international calendar for the 2026 season, which features bilateral series against Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Australia and the West Indies across all three formats.

“The confirmed itinerary ensures a season full of international cricket in Bangladesh, providing supporters across the country the opportunity to watch top-level cricket at home while details of match venues will be announced in due course,” the BCB said in a statement.

The season will begin with Pakistan’s tour in March, with the visitors arriving on March 9 for a three-match ODI series, scheduled between March 12 and 16. This will be followed by New Zealand’s white-ball tour in April and May, starting with three ODIs from April 17, and three T20Is beginning on April 27 and concluding on May 2.

Pakistan will then return later in the season for a two-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be played from May 8 to 12, with the second scheduled for May 16 to 20.

Australia’s limited-overs tour of Bangladesh will get underway on June 5 with a three-match ODI series, followed by three T20Is between June 15 and 20.

After hosting India, Bangladesh will take on the West Indies in a two-Test series, also part of the World Test Championship. A three-day warm-up match from October 22 to 24 will precede the Tests. The first Test is slated for October 28 to November 1, while the second will be played from November 5 to 9.

In addition to the senior international fixtures, the Sri Lanka A team will tour Bangladesh in May 2026, with the itinerary comprising two four-day matches and three one-day games against the hosts.

After an underwhelming outing in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and a prolonged absence from the ODI format, Rishabh Pant’s spot in India’s 50-over set-up is set to generate intense discussion when the Ajit Agarkar-led senior selection committee meets online on Saturday to pick the squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.

The selectors are expected to maintain continuity by backing most of the players who delivered a 2-1 series win over South Africa, including experienced campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The ODI series against New Zealand will get underway in Vadodara on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18.

Pant, however, finds himself at a crossroads. His form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been patchy, yielding 121 runs from four outings, with just one half-century. The left-hander has not played an ODI since August 2024 against Sri Lanka, a return that came after a prolonged recovery from the serious injuries he suffered in a car accident in December 2022.

Since then, Pant’s position in the one-day side has weakened considerably. KL Rahul’s consistent performances as wicketkeeper-batter have seen him establish himself firmly in the ODI XI, leaving Pant on the sidelines through 2025, including as an unused squad member during the ICC Champions Trophy triumph and the recent South Africa series.

Adding further pressure is the strong competition from Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel. Kishan’s aggressive batting in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has earned him a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad, while Jurel’s heavy run-scoring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has strengthened his case in the longer white-ball format.

With Pant no longer part of the T20I plans and his ODI prospects uncertain, his immediate chances to make an impact appear limited to the IPL and a handful of Tests scheduled later in the year.

Another player likely to feature in the selection debate is Devdutt Padikkal, who has been in outstanding domestic form, scoring three centuries in four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. However, the return of Shubman Gill as captain, coupled with the presence of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, makes it difficult to identify where Padikkal would fit into the batting line-up.

In the bowling department, workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup is expected to influence selection decisions. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are likely to be rested, potentially opening opportunities for Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. If the selectors choose to manage the exposure of younger pacers, Mohammed Shami could come into consideration, though a recall is far from certain.

The spin attack appears largely settled, with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav continuing to be the preferred options.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, as he kicked off a statewide campaign ahead of the upcoming elections in West Bengal.

Addressing a public gathering, Banerjee issued a strong warning to the Chief Election Commissioner and the Union Home Minister. Referring to the CEC as “Vanish Kumar,” he said the TMC was prepared to take its protest to the national capital. “Be ready, ‘Vanish Kumar’ (CEC Gyanesh Kumar). TMC is ready, we are coming to Delhi. If one-third of the TMC workers and supporters go to Delhi. Gyanesh Kumar and Amit Shah will flow in water,” he said.

Hitting out at the BJP’s repeated allegations of infiltration, Banerjee accused the party of defaming West Bengal by branding it as a hub of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis.

“These people (BJP) defame Bengal by claiming that it is full of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. When I asked Gyanesh Kumar how many Bangladeshis and Rohingyas were removed from the electoral rolls, he started pointing fingers at me. I told him, ‘Put your finger down – you are nominated and I am elected,” Banerjee said.

He added that while people were dying, the Election Commission expected political leaders to meet it “with flowers.” “This is TMC. This time I went to Delhi, next time Mamata Banerjee will go. Then what will you do? This election is not just to defeat them but to teach these ‘Bangla-Birodhi’ a lesson…” he said.

Hits out at BJP over ‘Golden Bengal’ claim, cites Indore deaths

Banerjee questioned Amit Shah’s recent remark about turning West Bengal into “Golden Bengal”, asking why BJP-ruled states had not achieved similar outcomes.
“A few days back, the Union Home Minister said that he will turn the state into Golden Bengal. Then why are Bihar, Tripura, and Assam not being turned into golden states?” he asked.

He also referred to reports of deaths linked to contaminated water in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, saying, “11 people died after drinking toxic water in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh. The BJP, which cannot provide a fundamental need to people like drinking water, does not have any right to speak about people’s rights…”
Abhishek claims BJP trying to ‘curb rights’ through SIR

Targeting the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Banerjee alleged that the exercise was aimed at curbing the rights of voters in West Bengal.

“BJP wants to curb the rights of the people of Bengal through SIR. The people will show their power to them with a good ‘vidai’…,” he said.

Announcing the launch of a mega campaign from Baruipur, Banerjee said he would tour multiple districts, starting with Alipurduar. “Today I am starting this mega campaign for the upcoming election, from Baruipur… Tomorrow I will go to Alipurduar and will visit many districts continuously… I will fight with you on the ground as
Mamata Banerjee’s soldier,” he added.

Remarks on Bangladesh and BJP’s ‘Hindutva’

Banerjee also criticised BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari for praising the governance of Bangladesh’s Yunus government over West Bengal’s administration.

“Suvendu Adhikari said Yunus Govt running better government than Bengal government. You all know Dipu Das was murdered in Bangladesh, and this BJP leader is saying Yunus is running good governance over there. Is this BJP’s Hindutva? Those who insult Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, will they save Bengal?” Banerjee said.