A 19-year-old girl was brutally stabbed in the neck and chest by her fiancé in Jabalpur town of Madhya Pradesh, after the girl called off the marriage due to an alleged demand of Rs five lakh dowry by the accused, who also abused the girl’s family sometime ago.

The girl succumbed to her injuries on Friday afternoon while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The police have arrested the accused and an accomplice in the matter.

According to the police, the incident occurred in the Richaai industrial area under the jurisdiction of the Aadhartal police station on Thursday evening.

The victim, Richa Rajak, worked at a plastic factory in the industrial area. Family members told the police that Richa had known the accused Sahil Rajak for the past two years. The two families had no objection to their marriage, as both belonged to the same community.

They were engaged about two months ago, and the wedding was fixed for February this year.

However, it is alleged that Sahil began demanding Rs five lakh in dowry. He is also accused of abusing the girl’s parents and other family members.

Consequently, Richa called off her marriage with Sahil some days ago. Enraged at that, the jilted Sahil allegedly began threatening her on the phone.

On late Thursday evening, when Richa was walking towards home from work, Sahil accosted her on the way and tried to talk to her. Sahil’s friend Ajay Singh Thakur was also with him and both were on a motorcycle.

However, when Richa refused to talk, Sahil took out a knife and stabbed her thrice in the neck and chest. She fell on the road bleeding profusely, while Sahil and Ajay fled on their bike, even as some eyewitnesses tried to stop them.

The girl was rushed in a critical condition to a hospital, but she died during treatment today afternoon.

According to ASP Jitendra Singh, the police launched a hunt for the accused and arrested Sahil and Ajay this morning. The ASP said that police also recovered the knife and the bike used in the incident by the accused.

The official said further investigations are on in the matter.

Russia has carried out another massive attack on Ukraine with 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, and 22 cruise missiles. Notably, one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile was also used by Russia in this latest strike on Ukraine. Russia’s Defence Ministry has confirmed the use of the new ballistic missile in the attack.

Russia says that the launch of the hypersonic missile was in retaliation for the alleged Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month. However, Ukraine has consistently dismissed the allegation as false.

In the overnight aerial assault, Russia targeted Ukraine’s drone production facilities and energy infrastructure.

The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing for the last four years.

LOUD BOOMS LIGHT UP night sky — unconfirmed reports of strikes near Lvov natural gas storage facility https://t.co/xSKfhnFQeh pic.twitter.com/hQRDEyKP7U

— RT (@RT_com) January 9, 2026

World must react, says Zelenskyy

Condemning the killings and the destruction of the Ukrainian infrastructure, Zelenskyy called out global powers for stern action against Russia for choosing war over diplomacy. He said, “A clear reaction from the world is needed. Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to.”

He reiterated that the United States must intervene, highlighting that Russia pays attention to what the US says. He said, “Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to. Russia must receive signals that it is its obligation to focus on diplomacy.”

He insisted that its partners must prioritise supporting the country’s air defence system. “Today’s strike also serves as a very loud reminder to all our partners that supporting Ukraine’s air defense is a permanent priority. Not a single day can be lost in deliveries, in production, or in agreements. Today, we will inform our partners at all levels about what has happened and what response measures we need. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!”

In Kyiv and the region, the aftermath of the massive Russian strike is still being dealt with. All necessary services are deployed. Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged. Recovery operations after the strikes also continue in the Lviv region and other regions of our… pic.twitter.com/AMkwfKHOkC

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 9, 2026

Four dead, several injured in the latest attack

Soon after the massive strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strikes heavily targeted Kyiv and several other regions in the country, killing four people and injuring dozens.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian President said the attack caused huge damage to civilian infrastructure, including twenty residential buildings and energy facilities in Kyiv and the surrounding region. He stressed that this was a second massive attack by Russia on a residential building while people were still coming to terms with the first attack recently.

“Unfortunately, as of now, it is known that four people have been killed in the capital alone. Among them is an ambulance crew member. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens of people were injured. There was also a second strike on one of the residential buildings – precisely at the moment when first responders were providing assistance after the first strike,” Zelenskyy stated in his post.

The Ukrainian President also confirmed that the building of the Embassy of Qatar in Ukraine was also damaged during the strike.

Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, lauded the significant infrastructure improvements in Uttar Pradesh, stating that the state has become a hub for the country’s largest expressway and railway network.

“The inauguration of Ashok Leyland’s electric bus manufacturing unit in Lucknow is a historic step not only for the company but also for the entire country towards sustainable and self-reliant mobility,” he said.

Kumaraswamy was addressing the inauguration ceremony of Ashok Leyland’s electric bus manufacturing unit in Lucknow on Friday.

The Steel Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has prepared a clear and ambitious roadmap towards realising the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. Simultaneously, the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaigns are being strengthened, especially in the advanced manufacturing sector, which will shape India’s industrial future in the coming years.

He informed that the Government of India, through the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has taken several important initiatives to promote electric vehicles. The FAME-II scheme, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. Under this scheme, more than 16.71 lakh electric vehicles have been put on the roads so far, and more than 9,000 public charging stations have been sanctioned. Similarly, continuous incentives are being provided for electric vehicles under the PM E-Drive scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore. Under this scheme, more than 20 lakh electric vehicles have been sold so far.

Kumaraswamy said that the PLI Auto scheme, with an outlay of ₹25,938 crore, has been implemented to strengthen the automobile sector, making domestic value addition mandatory. Additionally, the PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) scheme, with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore, aims to develop 50 gigawatt-hours of battery manufacturing capacity in the country, a significant step towards long-term energy security.

He also mentioned the recently approved REMP scheme, which the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has sanctioned with a budgetary allocation of ₹70,280 crore. This scheme will promote the indigenous manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets, which are essential for critical sectors such as electric vehicles, wind energy, defence equipment, and electronics. The Union Minister stated that special attention to the commercial vehicle segment is crucial, as it contributes more than 40 percent to the total pollution from transportation.

Keeping this in mind, a provision of ₹2,000 crore has been made under the PM e-Drive scheme for the establishment of over 70,000 charging stations across the country.

Commending Ashok Leyland, he said that the company has set an example by establishing this state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in a record time of just 18 months.

The stock market on Friday ended lower for the fourth consecutive session. At close, the Sensex was down 604.72 points or 0.72% at 83,576.24, and the Nifty was down 193.55 points or 0.75% at 25,683.30.

In the last week, the benchmark indices corrected sharply. The Nifty ended 2.37% lower, while the Sensex was down by 2185 points.

The BSE Midcap index dropped 0.90% while the Smallcap index plunged 1.74%.

The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms dropped to below Rs 468 lakh crore from over Rs 481 lakh crore.

Indian rupee ended lower by 14 paise at 90.16 per dollar against the previous close of 90.02.

Among the sectors, almost all the indices ended with losses except Nifty Oil and Gas, which was up by 0.40%, IT up by 0.28%, and PSU Bank up by 0.18%.

Nifty Realty fell 2.26%, which was followed by Auto, Consumer Durables, and FMCG falling over 1%. Nifty Financial Services also fell over 1%, while the Nifty Bank index dropped 0.73%.

On Nifty, the top gainers were Asian Paints up by 1.88%, ONGC up by 1.16%, and HCL Tech up by 0.94%. Those ended in the red were Adani Enterprises (2.59%), NTPC (2.29%), and Adani Ports (2.10%).

Out of 4,346 stocks traded on the BSE, 1,065 advanced, while 3,105 declined.

Some 176 stocks remained unchanged.

Nearly 73 stocks hit their 52-week highs, while as many as 326 stocks hit their 52-week lows on the BSE.

The key names on the highs included Eicher Motors, Indus Towers, and MTAR Technologies, while on the lows were ITC, UBL, Page Industries, and IRCTC.

Among some of the key performances, Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) hit a 10% lower circuit limit after reports of India’s plans to scrap curbs on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts.

Notably, the market sentiment remained weakened amid global headwinds. The Venezuela-US standoff, concerns over Russian oil imports, and continued FII outflows remained key focus areas.

Under the Timetable of Trains (TAG) 2026, Indian Railways has introduced new trains, extended existing services, increased frequency, converted trains to Superfast, and speeded up services across various railway zones.

In the Central Railway (CR) zone, 4 new trains have been introduced, 6 trains extended, and 30 trains speeded up. The East Coast Railway (ECOR) has seen the introduction of four new trains, extension of an equal number of trains while three trains were speeded up.

The East Central Railway (ECR) recorded a significant expansion with 20 new trains introduced, 20 trains extended, and 12 trains speeded up. In the Eastern Railway (ER), six new trains were introduced, four trains extended, and 32 trains speeded up.

The North Central Railway (NCR) introduced two new trains, extended four trains, increased frequency of two trains, and speeded up 1 train. The North Eastern Railway (NER) added 8 new trains, extended four, increased frequency of two, and speeded up 12 trains.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) introduced 10 new trains and speeded up 36 trains. The Northern Railway (NR) introduced 20 new trains, extended 10, and speeded up 24 trains, while the North Western Railway (NWR) added 12 new trains, extended six, increased frequency of 2, and speeded up 89 trains.

The Southern Railway (SR), introduced 6 new trains, four extended, two converted to superfast, and 75 trains speeded up. The South Western Railway (SWR) introduced eight new trains, extended 6, converted eight to superfast, and speeded up 117 trains, the highest among all zones.

The West Central Railway (WCR) introduced eight new trains and 27 trains speeded up. The Western Railway (WR) introduced 10 new trains, extended 10, increased frequency of two and speeded up 80 trains.

Overall, under TAG 2026, 122 new trains were introduced, 86 trains extended, eight frequency increases, 10 trains converted to superfast, and 549 trains speeded up across Indian Railways.

India on Friday demanded that Bangladesh should take firm action against the ‘disturbing pattern of recurring attacks’ on minorities in its country.

The Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) sharp reaction came in the wake of several attacks on minorities, especially Hindus in the neighbouring country, that came to light of late.

The MEA said India continues to keep an eye on the situation in the neighbouring nation. “We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities, as well as their homes and establishments, business establishments by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, addressing his weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

“We have also observed a troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, personal vendettas, political differences, and other extraneous reasons. Such disregard only emboldens the extremists and the perpetrators of such crimes and deepens the sense of fear and insecurity among the minorities,” Jaiswal said.

Responding to a question on flight connections between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the MEA spokesperson said, “We have seen reports about flight connections between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Such issues will be dealt with as per the Air Services Agreement that we have with Bangladesh.”

During the media briefing, the MEA slammed Pakistan over its charge that efforts were being made to erase Muslim heritage in India. Jaiswal said Pakistan should look at the situation of minorities in their own country before making remarks about others.

When asked about Pakistan Foreign Office (PFO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi’s recent remarks regarding a demolition drive in New Delhi, the MEA spokesperson said, “I need not elaborate or tell you what is the situation of minorities in that country and those people who make such comments should first look at their record before commenting on others.”

Andrabi’s remarks were made after a demolition drive was conducted near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area of Delhi to remove illegal encroachments.

According to officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the drive was conducted to clear unauthorised structures from the land adjoining the mosque and nearby areas, in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Friday came down heavily on the BJP-led state government for directing retail fuel outlets not to dispense petrol or diesel to vehicles without a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

In a post on X, Patnaik, who is also the President of Biju Janata Dal, raised questions over the manner in which the BJP government handled the PUC Certificate enforcement, saying, “it has been marked by gross mismanagement and repeated policy flip-flops that have caused immense hardship and inconvenience to the common people of Odisha.”

What began as the sudden announcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule from January 1, 2026, quickly descended into chaos, with massive queues at pollution testing centres across the state. “The BJP government failed to prepare adequately, with no expansion of testing infrastructure, no advance planning, and no awareness campaigns on the required scale,” he stated.

Faced with public outrage, the government was forced into multiple U-turns: first deferring enforcement to February 1, then to March 31, and most recently announcing a blanket relaxation with no fines until April 1, 2026, including the suspension of e-detection at toll gates.

These repeated reversals expose the utter incompetence and lack of foresight in the Transport Department. The people of Odisha deserve better governance and policies that are implemented without causing unnecessary suffering. While controlling vehicular pollution is important, it cannot come at the cost of harassing citizens, Patnaik, who ruled the state from 2000 to 2024, rued.

“The Biju Janata Dal stands firmly with the people and has been vocal in its protests against this mismanagement. We demand an immediate scale-up of PUC testing facilities, a simplified process, and assurance that no undue penalties are imposed on people during this transition period. I urge the BJP government to learn from these mistakes and prioritise the welfare of Odisha’s citizens over hasty decisions,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Orissa High Court recently issued a show-cause notice to the state government, asking for the submission of a compliance affidavit regarding the enforcement of PUCC and the directive to retail fuel outlets not to dispense petrol or diesel to vehicles without it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Power-packed performances. Electric vibes ⚡

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police said that Prakhar was driving the car.

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

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

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

The seriously injured Anushka was admitted to a hospital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mustafiqur’s incident unfortunate: Tamim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harmanpreet and Mandhana set the tone of WPL 2026

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

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

Two fearless captains
One iconic venue ️
A rivalry renewed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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