The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will field candidates for the posts of Mayor of Mumbai and Deputy Mayor, party sources said here on Thursday.

As per the lottery system, the post of the Mayor of Mumbai has been reserved for women of the general category. Accordingly, preparations have begun to field candidates for the posts of Mumbai Mayor and Deputy Mayor despite the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena not having the required number of corporators.

Party sources said that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is keen to ensure that the BJP faces a tough contest for both posts. He has summoned Kishori Pednekar, who is Uddhav-led Shiv Sena’s group leader in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), to his ‘Matoshree’ residence along with other Sena corporators. Detailed discussions are underway to decide the Sena strategy, sources said.

The Uddhav-led Shiv Sena will file applications for the posts of Mumbai Mayor and Deputy Mayor on February 7, sources said.

The Mumbai mayor will be named on February 11, and a special meeting has been organised on February 11 at 12 noon. The time to withdraw applications for the post of Mumbai mayor will be 15 minutes before corporators assemble at the BMC.

There is a strong possibility that the mayor of Mumbai will be from the BJP in the Mahayuti, since it has the largest number of corporators in the BMC, though it is still short of a majority of 114 wards. If the BMC gets a BJP mayor, it will most probably be Tejasvee Ghosalkar, whose name has been discussed.

After the reservation is announced, the names of some more women from the Mahayuti will also come to the fore for the post of mayor. In the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, Ward No. 2 was reserved for general women. Tejasvee Ghosalkar contested against Dhanashree Kolge of the Shiv Sena Thackeray group from Ward No. 2. Tejasvee Ghosalkar won this contest with a huge majority from the BJP. (Mumbai Municipal Corporation Reservation 2026)

However, sources said that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is keen to ensure that the BJP does not get another opportunity to elect any mayor “unopposed” to the BMC, as it happened in several municipal corporations.

The BJP-led Mahayuti has a majority in the BMC, but this time, Uddhav Thackeray is determined to put up strong candidates for the posts of Mumbai Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the BMC, sources said.

Incidentally, the ruling Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and RPI (Athawale) won the BMC elections, but the willing Mahayuti alliance still lacks four seats to touch the majority 114 mark.

The BJP won the maximum number of 89 corporators, while 29 wards were won by corporators of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has secured the second position by winning 65 wards in the BMC.

Yet, the Uddhav Thackray-led MNS and Uddhav-led Sena alliance do not have the required majority for the mayor’s post. Even if all opposition parties come together, they still cannot reach the majority of 114.

A Wardha-based lawyer has written a letter to Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat claiming that Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking ceremony is “illegal”, according to official sources.

Lawyer Harshvardhan Shobha Babarao Godghate has argued that the swearing-in ceremony itself was “illegal” since Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar was neither an elected Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) nor a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) nor a Maharashtra cabinet minister when the oath was administered to her.

In his letter to the Maharashtra Governor, the lawyer has also stated that the very post of a Deputy Chief Minister is “unconstitutional” since such a post has not been mentioned anywhere in the Constitution of India, due to which the swearing-in ceremony was “illegal”.

In a related development, anti-corruption activist and lawyer Anjali Damania has also raised objections to Sunetra Pawar being sworn in as Deputy CM, saying that she should take an oath as a minister first.

However, Sunil Tatkare, who is the president of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, defended the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar.

“We have the political sense to verify technical matters. We have that much knowledge because we have been in politics for many years. We know who can take the oath, and how long a person can remain in office even if he is not a member. We have the example of Ajit Pawar in 1991, and there is the example of Sharad Pawar himself,” Sunil Tatkare said.

Meanwhile, sources said that moves are on inside the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to elect Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar unopposed as the National President of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP before March 2026.

The party has issued a letter stating that Sunetra Pawar will be elected unopposed as the President of the Nationalist Congress Party with the consent of the party’s state office bearers and its national executive office bearers.

After the death of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife, Sunetra Pawar, took the oath of office as Deputy Chief Minister on January 31.

According to Ajit Pawar-led NCP sources, all future decisions will be taken by Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and other NCP leaders. It is also learnt that Sunetra Pawar will go to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a few days.

More than 30 top office bearers of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have demanded that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar be made the president of the party, and they have sent a letter to party president Sunil Tatkare and senior NCP leader Praful Patel.

The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a one-man committee to conduct a comprehensive examination of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) led SIT report into the adulterated laddu prasadam of Tirupati to identify lapses and fix responsibility.

At the end of a meeting between NDA allies, JSP and BJP at his camp office, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that none of the reports have given a clean chit to YSRCP in the matter and warned that intimidation and rowdyism would not succeed and strict punishment would be meted out to the guilty.

Ever since the CBI filed a charge sheet in the court, the state has been on the boil. YSRCP leaders claimed that the CBI had given a clean chit to the previous regime since there was no animal fat in the laddus, as alleged by Naidu. This had triggered political clashes between the TDP and the YSRCP, with the supporters of the former attacking the houses of two former ministers, alleging that they had spoken ill of Naidu and IT minister Nara Lokesh. The arrest of YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu also triggered an undercurrent of caste rivalry between Kapus and Kammas, particularly since the TDP is associated with the latter caste group. Deputy Chief Minister and JSP leader Pawan Kalyan, a Kapu, has been doing some tightrope walking. In the backdrop of these claims and counterclaims, the three NDA allies met at the camp office and put up a united front on the issue.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu referred to the SIT and laboratory reports and stated that the ghee used in the laddus was prepared using chemicals, palm oil and other adulterants. He alleged that lakhs of devotees were given the adulterated laddus in the five years of YSRCP rule. Rejecting the claims of a clean chit, the Chief Minister clarified that the CBI report does not certify anywhere that there was no adulteration and said the accused are spreading false narratives and launching counterattacks to divert attention. He said the committee was being formed after CBI submitted a report to the government and recommended action.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said the government speaks with responsibility and caution on sensitive issues of faith. “No report has given a clean chit so far. Allegations involving animal fat are extremely sensitive and cannot be spoken lightly,“ he said.

He added that the government had made statements only after examining the evidence found in the NDDB CALF test report. BJP state president PVN Madhav criticised the YSRCP and said, “Preparing laddus with chemically processed and adulterated ghee is dangerous. It hurts the sentiments of devotees and plays with public health.” He said the NDA government in the state was committed to restoring transparency and sanctity in temple administration.

At least eighteen people lost their lives and one got injured after an explosion occurred today at around 11 am at a rat-hole coal mine in the Thangsku area in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Also, several labourers are feared trapped inside the coal mine following the explosion.

The injured labourer has sustained critical injuries. He was initially admitted at the Sutnga Primary Health Centre, but later was shifted to Shillong for advanced medical treatment. However, his condition continues to remain critical, as per the hospital sources.

Rescue ops underway

Rescue teams, including that of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and local administration have reached the spot and carrying out search and rescue operations.

Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar has confirmed the explosion occured today morning and said immediate steps were taken, and assistance from the SDRF was sought to carry out rescue operations.

Also, three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rsuhed to the explosion site to pace up the rescue operations.

Was the mine illegal?

According to the preliminary investigations, the coal mine was operating illegally. It was violating the existing safety norms and the long-standing ban on rat-hole coal mining in the region.

However, the exact cause of the exploasion has not been confirmed by the authrities as of now. Investigation is underway to identify the reason as well as those responsible for the illegal operation of the mine.

Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the use of high-intensity dynamite for mining operations led to the explosion. Notably, the explosion triggered collapse of adjoining mine shafts and quarry structures, which further intensified the damage.

Govt orders comprehensive inquiry

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion. He tweeted: “Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.”

The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.

The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability…

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 5, 2026

CM Sangma affirmed that strict action will be taken against individuals who are involved in any kind of illegal activities. He said, “Whoever is responsible for this particular incident, very strict action will be taken. We will not let anybody who is involved in this, let go. But at the same time, with the start of scientific mining, it is expected that all miners will apply for the mining. Now, there is an option. These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore…We are waiting for further report that comes in, based on that I will be in regular touch with the press…”
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#WATCH | Coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya | CM Conrad Sangma says, “….A dynamite explosion had occurred at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills. This happened today at around 11 am. As per the current reports, about 18 people are dead because of this… pic.twitter.com/WQMRapGAEk

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.”

During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the voter list in Uttar Pradesh, Minister of State for Stamp and Court Registration Fees (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal leveled a serious allegation of ‘vote jihad’ on Thursday.

He claimed that when his party workers meticulously examined the voter list in his North Assembly constituency, they found the names of approximately 9,200 people registered more than once (two, three, four, or even more times). He alleged that most of these names belonged to a particular community.

He met with District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar to file a complaint and submitted the relevant list.

The minister said, “After the new voter list was released, our workers went door-to-door for verification. We have all the data as proof — both on pen drives and in hard copy. The names of several girls were found to be registered at both their parental and marital homes. This is all a game played by Rahul Gandhi’s party.”

He further added, “I have handed over the list of these 9,200 names to the District Magistrate. These should be verified. My constituency has one lakh ten thousand votes, and despite that, such a major irregularity has come to light. The Booth Level Officer (BLO) also found that the names of a father’s four daughters were registered at both their parental and marital homes. The workers have verified this by visiting both locations. We have been working on this issue for a month. A detailed report has been prepared showing how many names appeared two, three, four, or five times at various booths.”

Calling it ‘vote jihad’, Ravindra Jaiswal said, “The Opposition has deliberately orchestrated this. It is a conspiracy to prevent nationalism by casting votes two or three times. This is a jihad of voting.”

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar stated that BJP MLA and Minister Ravindra Jaiswal has raised some objections regarding the new voter list. The issue of duplicate names at different booths has come to light. He said, “An investigation is being conducted. Only after the investigation will it be possible to comment clearly on the entire matter. Appropriate action will be taken.”

Villages in Uttar Pradesh are now forging a new identity of cleanliness and innovation. New experiments such as road construction from plastic waste, door-to-door waste collection, and compost production for income generation, have transformed the rural landscape of the state, making it high-tech.

In the Lucknow, Rampur, Amethi, Lalitpur, and Etah districts, 75 km of roads have been constructed using plastic waste, presenting a new model of development along with environmental protection.

Amit Kumar Singh, Director of the Panchayati Raj Department, said that a master plan for waste management has been prepared in Uttar Pradesh on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Under this plan, door-to-door waste collection has been started in Gram Panchayats, and vermicompost is being produced. This initiative has generated an income of over Rs 3 crore so far. An additional Rs 29 lakh has been earned from plastic waste management units. Under this scheme, the Panchayati Raj Department is working on the ‘Waste to Wealth’ model in the state.

Under the Swachh Gaon Maha Abhiyan (Clean Village Mega Campaign) run by the Panchayati Raj Department, waste is being transformed into resources. These experiments of utilising plastic waste for road construction, producing compost from organic waste, and increasing the income of Panchayats are proving to be a milestone in making every village in the state clean, self-reliant, and empowered. Through this scheme, innovative experiments will be conducted in every village of the state.

According to Amit Kumar Singh, the department is committed to strengthening Gram Panchayats (village councils) through innovation. The village-level sanitation campaign, coupled with the utilisation of plastic waste, is not only protecting the environment but also generating crores of rupees in revenue.

Acting on the suggestions received during the Pharma Conclave 1.0 early this week, the Uttar Pradesh government, in order to utilise land in Lalitpur in addition to Noida for bulk drug manufacturing units of the red and orange categories, is accelerating the development of a future-ready pharma ecosystem through UPSIDA’s Lalitpur Pharma Park.

The conclave highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a business-friendly and investment-ready hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare innovation—driven by strong governance, improved law and order, and progressive policy support.

According to officials here on Thursday, Phase I spans 352.91 acres, dedicated to formulation units, bulk drugs, and common infrastructure, while Phase II, covering 1,465 acres, is under development, for which an Expression of Interest (EOI) has been floated. Backed by an overall land bank of nearly 8,000 acres, Uttar Pradesh is strategically positioning itself as a leading destination for pharma investments.

Strengthening this ecosystem further, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority is developing a 350-acre Medical Device Park in Sector-28, equipped with advanced testing laboratories and an ASCA certification facility to reduce dependence on overseas testing. Additionally, a 250-acre Pharma Formulation Park is planned in Sector 7 near the Noida International Airport, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s potential to emerge as North India’s key healthcare manufacturing hub with strong export connectivity.

Officials said a major highlight of Pharma Conclave 1.0 was the announcement of an investment intent of nearly Rs 10,000 crore, along with the exchange of 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. These proposals are expected to significantly enhance manufacturing capacity, generate employment, and strengthen healthcare supply chains—accelerating the overall growth of the State’s pharma sector.

Pharma Conclave 1.0 strongly underscored the importance of building a resilient research and innovation backbone. Leading scientists and institutional representatives—including Dr Radha Rangarajan (CDRI), Prof Shubhini A. Saraf (NIPER Raebareli), Dr Neelima Mishra (National Institute of Biologicals), and Dr Seema Pai (ISCR)—shared valuable insights on strengthening scientific capabilities in the State.

The conclave saw strong participation from leading pharma companies, highlighting interest in expanding operations in Uttar Pradesh. Stakeholders discussed growth, investments, and partnerships, reaffirming the State as a preferred destination. Infrastructure emerged as key, with leaders stressing plug-and-play facilities, ready land, and compliance-ready spaces to fast-track projects and boost competitiveness.

The conclave also highlighted the critical role of policy support and regulatory facilitation in shaping the State’s pharma growth trajectory.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru scripted a memorable triumph in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Final, successfully chasing down a daunting target to overcome Delhi Capitals in a high-stakes clash at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. In a rematch of the 2024 final, RCB once again rose to the occasion, delivering a composed performance to etch their name into WPL history.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals produced a commanding batting effort to post a formidable 203/4 in their 20 overs, the highest team total ever recorded in a WPL final. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with a well-compiled 57 off 37 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt (38 off 22) and Lizelle Lee (37 off 30) ensured sustained momentum through the middle overs. Chinelle Henry provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 27 off just 12 deliveries, including a decisive 24-run 19th over that pushed DC past the 200 mark.

Facing a stiff chase, Royal Challengers Bengaluru responded with maturity and intent. Led by captain Smriti Mandhana, RCB’s top order embraced the challenge, combining composure with controlled aggression, keeping the Delhi Capitals under pressure throughout the innings.

……..

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have Claimed the Crown once again in spectacular fashion to clinch the #TATAWPL 2026 title ❤️#ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/JDKUm3BDqk

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

RCB win their second WPL title, posting 204/4

Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana opened the innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with Marizanne Kapp taking the new ball for Delhi Capitals. Harris got RCB off the mark in style, cracking two boundaries early in the opening over. However, the early momentum was checked in the second over when Harris was bowled by Chinelle Henry, giving DC their first breakthrough.

Georgia Voll walked in at No. 3 and immediately injected stability into the chase, finding the fence at regular intervals. She punished Chinelle in the fourth over with two crisp fours and followed it up with a similar effort against Kapp in the fifth. Mandhana joined the party in the sixth over, launching a six and a four to keep the required rate in check.

The duo maintained a steady scoring rhythm, bringing up RCB’s 100 in the final ball of the 10th over, fittingly with Mandhana clearing the ropes. The skipper continued her charge in the 11th over with another six, while Voll rotated strike efficiently to complete her half-century off just 37 balls, her fourth fifty in the TATA WPL, also raising a crucial 100-run partnership.

Mandhana reached her own milestone in the 12th over, bringing up her seventh WPL fifty with a boundary off Sneh Rana. Voll followed with two consecutive fours in the same over, as RCB tightened their grip on the chase. Both batters added a boundary each in the 13th over, before Mandhana accelerated further with two fours in the 14th and repeated the feat in the 15th.

A fifty in the #Final for the #RCB captain ❤️

Will she lead her team to glory tonight?

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0XSZa#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | @RCBTweets | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/m3sDwG8RHj

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Minnu Mani provided DC with a much-needed breakthrough in the 17th over when Voll was caught by Shafali Verma, walking back to a standing ovation for her superb 79 off 54 balls. At that stage, RCB were 174/2, needing 30 runs from 21 deliveries.

Richa Ghosh joined Mandhana but had a brief stay, striking a boundary in the 18th over before being caught off Nandini Sharma. Nadine de Klerk then walked in as RCB edged closer to the target. In the penultimate over, de Klerk struck a four, but Mandhana fell soon after, dismissed by Chinelle Henry.

Radha Yadav finished the job in style, smashing back-to-back boundaries to take RCB past the finish line in 19.4 overs, ending on 204/4 and sealing a thrilling chase to hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru their second WPL title.

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An incredible finish to #TATAWPL 2026 as @RCBTweets clinch an absolute thriller to win their Title No. 2⃣

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0XSZa#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/sTZtNXQ3Ue

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Delhi Capitals post highest total in WPL final history

Delhi Capitals got off to a confident start in the WPL 2026 Final with openers Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma setting the tone against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Lauren Bell took the new ball for RCB, and Shafali immediately put the pressure on, cracking a four off the final delivery of the opening over. The duo looked assured in the powerplay, rotating the strike well and finding boundaries at regular intervals.

The momentum picked up in the fourth over when Lizelle Lee launched Sayali Satghare for two consecutive sixes, underlining DC’s attacking intent. Shafali continued to find the gaps and struck two boundaries in the sixth over, but her promising innings came to an end soon after. She was dismissed by Arundhati Reddy, caught behind by Richa Ghosh, giving RCB their first breakthrough.

Laura Wolvaardt walked in at No. 3 and got off the mark in style with a boundary. The pressure stayed firmly on RCB as Lee and Wolvaardt kept the scoreboard ticking. In the seventh over, Lee smashed two fours and a six, while Wolvaardt capped the over with a four off the final ball. However, Lee’s fluent knock ended in the eighth over when Nadine de Klerk bowled her, with Grace Harris completing the catch, bringing an end to a strong opening phase.

DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues then took charge. She announced herself with a boundary in the ninth over and steadily built the innings alongside Wolvaardt. Jemimah found her rhythm in the middle overs, striking three fours in the 12th over as DC maintained control. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership, keeping the run rate healthy.

In the 15th over, Jemimah completed a well-crafted fifty, taking a single off the second-last ball, before Wolvaardt followed it up with a towering six on the next delivery. The 76-run partnership finally ended in the 16th over when Sayali Satghare dismissed Jemimah, with Nadine de Klerk taking the catch, giving RCB a much-needed wicket.

With momentum still on DC’s side, Chinelle Henry walked in and made an instant impact. The 19th over proved decisive as Henry went berserk, smashing four boundaries and a six, swinging the game firmly in DC’s favour. In the final over, she added another six off the third-last ball before Wolvaardt struck a boundary off the penultimate delivery, pushing DC past the 200-run mark — the highest total ever in a WPL final.

Fiery final flourish!

Chinelle Henry at her very best to power @DelhiCapitals to 2⃣0⃣3⃣/4

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0XSZa#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/IBNEaimlGh

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Wolvaardt was run out on the final ball while attempting a second run, but by then, the damage was done as Delhi Capitals closed their innings at a record 203/4, putting RCB under massive pressure in the title clash.

RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final: Toss Update

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and elected to bowl first against Delhi Capitals.

Toss @RCBTweets have won the toss against @DelhiCapitals and elected to bowl in the #Final

Predict the target #DC will set

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0YqOI#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC pic.twitter.com/Gml8UX87a3

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Malaika Arora lights up the WPL 2026 Final Ceremony

As the WPL 2026 Final gets set to begin at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the atmosphere was lifted by a special opening performance from Bollywood star Malaika Arora. The popular actor and dancer took centre stage ahead of the high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, delivering a vibrant performance that added glamour to the summit clash.

Glitz, Glamour and Energy ✨

Malaika Arora enthralls the crowd in Vadodara ahead of the #TATAWPL 2026 Grand Finale! #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/Qe25yUxBpx

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

After Malaika Arora’s high-energy act, Punjabi singer Talwinder Singh took over the stage, lifting the atmosphere with his live performance.

High notes & Higher energy

Talwiinder Singh gives a musical start to the #TATAWPL 2026 Final #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/VSayPz2hXl

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Captains at the Toss

Smriti Mandhana (RCB):
“We’d like to field first today. Of course, it’s been a trend in the tournament, but having said that, on a good wicket, it’s always good to know what you’re going to chase. We’re playing with the same XI what we played in the last match.

(On the break and playing the final) It’s been brilliant, I feel. First 2–3 days, we all had a good time off. We didn’t think a lot about cricket. And of course, in the last two or three days, we came back together, practised hard. And again, there’s nice nerves, nice anxiousness, and nice excitement. And I feel you all have to embrace it.

(Different preparations for the final?) Well, I’m not sure that it’s different. What’s worked for us is keeping things as simple as we can. And I think nothing changes for us today as well. Everyone had that calm energy today. But of course, the excitement level is high. And for sure, we know that we have to turn up and play our best cricket.”

Jemimah Rodrigues (DC):
“It’s better to lose the toss in such big games. We are going with the same team. We’ve kept it very simple, kept our plans simple. We played the Eliminator here, so we know what it’s going to be like.”

RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final: Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell

Delhi Capitals:
Lizelle Lee (w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma

Here are the Playing XIs of @RCBTweets and @DelhiCapitals for the #Final

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/9sgUo0YqOI#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC pic.twitter.com/wSONndtya7

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final: Match Details

Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, WPL 2026 Final

Date: February 5, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara

RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final: Live Streaming Details

Where to watch on TV:
The RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.

Where to live stream:
The match will be available for live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website.

RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Final: Squads

Delhi Capitals Women’s Squad:
Lizelle Lee (w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Alana King, Taniya Bhatia, Lucy Hamilton, Pragati Singh, Eddla Srujana

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s Squad:
Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Dayalan Hemalatha, Prathyoosha Kumar, Gautami Naik, Prema Rawat

Uttar Oradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s dream project, the ‘International Film City,’ has now gained momentum on the ground. The first film to be shot at this first International Film City of Uttar Pradesh, being developed in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar, will be ‘Mom-2’. Preliminary preparations for the shooting have begun at the film city complex.

Bayview Bhutani Film City Private Limited, a joint venture of Boney Kapoor and the Bhutani Group, which is constructing the project, has started the land mapping work. According to officials, after the mapping is complete, the shooting set will be ready within about 20 days, after which filming is expected to begin.

It is noteworthy that the International Film City project has been jointly awarded to renowned Bollywood producer-director Boney Kapoor and the Bhutani Group. This company has signed an agreement with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). After YEIDA approved the layout plan, preparations for the first phase of the project have been accelerated.

Rajeev Arora, GM of the Bayview Bhutani Film City Project, said here on Thursday that along with the preparations for shooting, the construction work of the film city is also being started. After the land mapping is complete, the shooting set will be ready within about 20 days, allowing film production activities to begin.

Simultaneously, the construction of the film city will also begin, and its formal inauguration by CM Yogi and PM Modi is expected soon. He stated that Boney Kapoor’s company had produced the Bollywood film ‘Mom’, released in 2017, and has now made the significant decision to shoot its sequel in Uttar Pradesh.

The International Film City is being developed in Sector-21 of the Yamuna Expressway. This is an ambitious project of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aimed at making Uttar Pradesh a national and international hub for the entertainment industry, including films, OTT platforms, and web series. Located near the Jewar International Airport, this film city, with its modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and world-class facilities, will establish the state as an entertainment and aviation hub.

Industry experts believe that the shooting of a film like ‘Mom-2’ even before the formal inauguration of the film city indicates the rapidly growing confidence of the film industry in Uttar Pradesh’s film policy and infrastructure. This project has the potential to become a strong alternative to Mumbai and other film production centers in the country in the future.

East Coast Railway on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of India (BoI) for providing an enhanced salary package with a wide range of banking and welfare benefits for its employees and their families.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Sabhagriha, Rail Sadan, Bhubaneswar, in the presence of senior officers of East Coast Railway and representatives from Bank of India.

Under this MoU, Bank of India will extend several employee friendly benefits, including unlimited free ATM transactions, free demand drafts, concessional locker rentals, personal accident insurance, educational grants for wards, and health insurance coverage with premium options, aimed at ensuring greater financial security and convenience for railway employees.

Speaking on the occasion, senior officials of East Coast Railway highlighted that the agreement reflects the organisation’s continued commitment towards employee welfare and providing access to comprehensive financial services on attractive terms.

Officials from Bank of India expressed their appreciation for the association with East Coast Railway and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to delivering efficient, technology driven and employee centric banking solutions.

The MoU is expected to benefit a large number of serving railway employees by offering improved banking facilities and value added services under a single salary account framework.

India continued its dominant run at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship New Delhi 2026, extending their gold-medal surge on Day Two as reigning world champion Samrat Rana and World Cup Final winner Suruchi Singh secured silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. With multiple podium finishes across categories, the hosts took their gold tally to 10, underlining their supremacy at the continental meet.

India’s juniors and youth shooters were at the forefront of the medal rush. Rashmika Sahgal and Vanshika Chaudhary delivered a commanding 1–2 finish in the women’s junior 10m air pistol, while Priyanshi Purva and Chahek Kohla mirrored that feat in the women’s youth category. By the end of the day, India had amassed an impressive haul of 10 gold, five silvers and one bronze medal, opening a significant gap over second-placed Uzbekistan, who trail with three golds.

The only gold for Uzbekistan on the day came in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, where Nigina Saidkulova and Mukhammad Kamalov edged past the Indian duo of Samrat and Suruchi 481.3 to 479.6 in the 48-shot final. Earlier, the Indian pair had topped the 10-team qualification round with a score of 583 from 60 shots, ahead of Vietnam (582) and Chinese Taipei (575), all of whom progressed to the final.

In a tense medal round, the Uzbek pair produced remarkable consistency, becoming the only team in the final with both shooters averaging over 10 points per shot across their 24-shot efforts, eventually outlasting the home favourites. Chinese Taipei claimed the bronze medal.

In the women’s junior individual final, Rashmika Sahgal clinched gold with a score of 237.9, narrowly ahead of Vanshika Chaudhary, who finished with 236.7. Indonesia’s Asyifa Rihadatul completed the podium with bronze. The women’s youth final followed a similar script, with Priyanshi Purva taking gold with 234.8 and Chahek Kohla earning silver on 233.0, while Chinese Taipei’s Liao Ke Rong finished third.

India added two more gold medals in the team events. Rashmika, Vanshika and Agam Grewal combined for a total of 1714 to win the junior women’s air pistol team gold, finishing a commanding 43 points clear of silver medallists Kazakhstan. In the youth women’s team event, Priyanshi, Chahek and Shiksha Saran secured gold with a combined score of 1709, once again leaving Kazakhstan to settle for silver with 1627.

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the issue of political parties promising freebies in their election manifestos and during election campaigns is of “paramount importance” and raises serious questions of public interest, warranting consideration by a three-judge Bench.

The observation was made when the issue was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi by BJP leader and advocate petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, who has sought a ban on the announcement of freebies in election manifestos and during campaigning.

Indicating that the matter would be placed before a larger Bench, the Chief Justice said, “It is of paramount importance and is in public interest… this has to be heard by three-judges’ bench.” The CJI asked the petitioner to wait for the matter to be taken up later this month, adding, “Wait for March.”

Upadhyay urged the Court to hear the case urgently, pointing out that five State Assembly elections are scheduled in the coming months. He submitted that political parties were increasingly making promises to influence voters, which, according to him, amounted to corrupt practices.

“Five assembly elections are coming. Only the sun and moon are left to promise. These are corrupt practices,” the petitioner told the Court.

The public interest litigation filed by Upadhyay seeks directions to the central government and the Election Commission of India to issue directives regulating election manifestos and to ensure accountability for promises involving public expenditure. The plea also flags concerns about the long-term economic consequences of such promises and their impact on the fairness of the electoral process.

Political parties, by and large, have opposed the plea, some terming it as politically motivated, arguing that welfare schemes and subsidies are integral to governance and aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society.

The Supreme Court has, in earlier hearings, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that it raises difficult questions about the limits of judicial intervention in electoral and policy matters. The Court has also indicated that its 2013 ruling in Subramaniam Balaji v. Government of Tamil Nadu—which held that promises of freebies in election manifestos do not constitute corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act—may require reconsideration.

Backgrounder

On August 26, 2022, the Supreme Court had referred the issue of freebies promised by political parties to a three-judge Bench, observing that the subject required extensive debate, including a relook at the 2013 Subramaniam Balaji judgment. That (2013) ruling had held that such promises were not corrupt practices under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act and could fall within the ambit of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

The court had noted that the matter involved complex questions, including “what is the scope of judicial intervention” and whether constituting an expert body to examine the issue would serve any purpose.

During earlier hearings in August 2022, the Court had remarked that while promising freebies to lure voters is a concern, regulating the practice poses difficulties since all political parties, without exception, engage in it. The Court had also mooted the idea of involving an expert body with representatives from the Finance Commission, RBI and NITI Aayog to study the economic impact of such promises.

The plea to curb freebies has been opposed by parties including the Aam Aadmi Party, DMK and Congress, which have argued that the term “freebie” itself lacks a clear definition and that welfare measures cannot be equated with corrupt practices.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that Article 370 has not been removed from the Constitution of India and his government remains committed to restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir that was abrogated in August 2019.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s Address in the assembly, Omar said Article 370 was not specifically mentioned by him as the provision still exists in the Constitution despite being “hollowed out”.

“I want to reiterate that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and this government remain committed to the promises made during the elections, particularly the promise to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir”.

“Had the Article been removed from the statute book, I would have said it must be reinserted. It still exists. You hollowed it out and snatched away our constitutional status,” he said, pointing towards the BJP members.

Some opposition MLAs had criticised the Omar-led government on the issue that Article 370 was not explicitly mentioned in the address.

Referring to a resolution seeking restoration of the special status of J&K passed in the assembly in the first session after the formation of the National Conference government, Omar said Article 370 continues to remain on the statute books and the House has already expressed its view that it should be restored.

“There is nothing more that needs to be said. Most of its substance was removed, but that part embedded in law still remains,” he added.

Omar said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the BJP claimed that the action would end the cycle of terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. ”But little has changed, and terrorism is continuing and from where did the terrorists, who were killed yesterday, reach Udhampur.

Who was accountable for last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam, where tourists were killed at point-blank range? Such incidents never happened during the National Conference rule.”

Hitting out at the BJP, Omar said that, ”You question me on the issue of not implementing the poll promises, but has your party fulfilled its manifesto promise of restoring statehood of J&K? What is the fault of the people of J&K that you are keeping them waiting for restoration of statehood.”

Continuing to position itself as a leading innovation-driven institution in India, National Institute of Technology-Rourkela has achieved a milestone by recording 100 patents.

Of the 101 patents, 97 are national and four international. Considering the time typically required for patent examination and approval, the impact of the 2025 filing surge is expected to be reflected more prominently in the current and subsequent years. In 2025 alone, the Institute was granted 23 patents, marking growth over previous years, said NIT authorities on Thursday.

The key innovation areas for which NIT R got the patents are very diverse in nature. The fields are AI-based vehicular communication systems, autonomous drone technologies, industrial waste treatment prototypes, health-monitoring IoT devices, sustainable food packaging technologies and advanced materials derived from waste resources.

Commenting on the achievement, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, said, “we are proud of our contribution towards the country.”

“Surpassing 100 granted patents marks a significant milestone in NIT Rourkela’s journey toward building a strong culture of research, innovation, and intellectual property creation. With over 230 patents filed and 101 granted to date, our growing portfolio reflects impactful work across priority areas”, he added.

“With 91 patent applications filed in 2025 alone, we are accelerating our efforts to strengthen an innovation-driven ecosystem and aim to double the number of granted patents in the coming year”, he further said.

NIT Rourkela’s Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) serves as a comprehensive platform for intellectual property development and support system for the faculty in filing patents to protect and secure their innovations and technologies. It supports creating awareness and capacity in IP matters within and beyond the institute, reviewing and approving IP proposals from faculty and students, assisting in patent filing, prosecution, and grant processes, facilitating licensing, technology transfer, and collaborations and supporting MoUs and issuing NOCs related to IP matters.

JSW Steel, Odisha Mining Division, has been conferred with the Best Exhibition Display Award at the 35th Annual Flower and Vegetable Show held at Noamundi.

The award recognizes the company’s innovative concept and visually captivating floral presentation.

The two‑day exhibition showcased more than ten varieties of winter seasonal flowers, including Marigold, French Marigold, Pansy, Chrysanthemum, Petunia, Sylvia, and Dahlia. These flowers were artistically arranged to form a Swastik symbol, which drew widespread appreciation and attention from visitors.

Deeply rooted in Indian culture, the Swastik symbolizes prosperity, well‑being, positivity, and harmony. The thoughtfully curated display reflected a fine balance of cultural sensitivity and creative expression, seamlessly blending tradition with natural aesthetics.

In addition to the floral exhibit, JSW Steel Odisha also showcased a variety of medicinal plants suitable for home cultivation, which received appreciable interest and positive feedback from visitors.

The annual Flower and Vegetable Show serves as an important platform to promote horticulture, environmental awareness, and community participation. JSW Steel’s exhibit stood out for its originality, precision, and overall presentation, earning high appreciation from the judging panel.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s proposed boycott of their high-profile T20 World Cup clash against India, Pakistan captain Salman Agha has made it clear that the decision lies entirely beyond the team’s control and rests with the country’s government.

Speaking at the Captain’s Day press conference ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Agha said the players are respecting the government’s stance while remaining focused on their on-field responsibilities.

“Yeah, the India game, it’s not in our control. It’s a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we do that. We’re also playing three other games, and we are very excited about that. Yeah, we lost to the USA in the last World Cup, but that’s history now. It’s a new World Cup, a new team, and a new combination. And we are very excited for that,” Agha said.

While uncertainty continues to loom over the scheduled India–Pakistan group-stage fixture, the Pakistan skipper stressed that the team’s attention is firmly on the remaining matches in the tournament.

“There are three other games. They can come and watch that game, and I’m sure they will be excited as well. Don’t worry.”

Asked whether Pakistan’s stance would change if the two arch-rivals were to meet later in the knockout stages, Agha reiterated that such matters are beyond the team’s remit.

“I have mentioned that before. It is a government decision, and we respect that,” he said. “We will do what they are going to say, and we will do that.”

The captain also acknowledged that there is no clarity at this stage on whether the India fixture will go ahead at all.

“Regardless, I do not know if the game is going to happen or not, but the government has said one thing, and we are going to do that. I do not know about the game.”

Addressing concerns over possible weather interruptions in Colombo, Agha downplayed the issue, saying the team is focusing only on factors within its control.

“The weather is something you can’t control. We don’t really think about what we can’t control,” he said. “We are just here to play good cricket, and whatever challenges are thrown at us, we will deal with that.”

Pakistan’s decision to boycott the India match has been linked to its show of solidarity with Bangladesh, which was replaced by Scotland in the tournament after refusing to travel to India, citing security concerns. Bangladesh had requested that their matches be shifted to Sri Lanka, a proposal that was rejected by the ICC.

Following the Pakistan government’s announcement on social media that the national team “shall not take the field” against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a strong response, warning that selective participation undermines the principles of global competition.

In an official release, the ICC said it had taken note of the Government of Pakistan’s position, adding that such a stance is difficult to reconcile with the fundamentals of a global sporting event.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule,” the ICC stated.

The governing body further stressed that ICC tournaments are built on fairness, competitiveness and sporting integrity and warned that selective participation threatens the sanctity of the competition.

“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” the statement added. “The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country.”

The ICC reiterated that its priority remains the smooth conduct of the Men’s T20 World Cup and urged the PCB to seek a mutually acceptable solution that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.

Last month, PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to brief him on the situation following Bangladesh’s withdrawal. The ICC subsequently confirmed Scotland’s inclusion as Bangladesh’s replacement, citing the absence of any credible or verifiable security threat to the Bangladesh team in India.

Scotland, currently ranked 14th in T20Is, became the highest-ranked team outside the original qualification bracket to be drafted into the 20-team tournament, which runs from February 7 to March 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while replying to the debate on Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, on Thursday, spoke on the recently concluded trade deals with the US and the European Union.

The PM told the Upper House MPs that many big countries are keen to have good trade relations with India. Modi added that trade deals with India contribute to global stability, while also making the country future ready.

“India is signing future-ready trade deals with several countries. In the past few days, we signed trade deals with nine big and important countries of the world. Mother of all deals with 27 countries, with the European Union is one of them.

“Big countries are very eager to have trade relations with India. Be it the trade deal of the European Union or the recent deal with the US. The entire world is openly praising these trade deals. When we signed the trade deal with the EU, the world became more confident about the greater likelihood of global stability. After the trade deal with the US, the world became even more confident that with stability, they can sense a speed too. This is a positive sign for the world,” said the PM in his address.

#WATCH | In Rajya Sabha, PM Modi says, “…Big countries are very eager to have trade relations with India. Be it the trade deal of the European Union or the recent deal with the US…The entire world is openly praising these trade deals. When we signed the trade deal with the… pic.twitter.com/CIjwAms1kA

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026

The PM underscored that India today has emerged as a trusted partner of several countries as it is playing its role in a manner that contributes to global welfare.

India today has emerged as a strong voice of the Global South on global platforms, he stated.

The trade deals with the EU and the US have come at a crucial time amidst global economic and political upheaval. The agreement reached with the US is particularly crucial as it brings down the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian goods to 18 per cent.

The trade deal announcement marks a significant turnaround in India-US relations, which had plummeted after Donald Trump took charge of the US as president last year. His imposition of up to 50 per cent tariffs on India, half of those being a penalty for New Delhi buying Russian oil, brought about an unprecedented chill in bilateral relations, which had been on an upward trajectory for the past two decades.