GURGAON: A lawyer was arrested in Nuh on Wednesday on charges of spying for Pakistan. Officials said Rizwan was practising law in Gurgaon and Nuh courts.Sources said the accused was in touch with a few people in Pakistan and also exchanged some messages, which are now under scrutiny. His trips to Pakistan and his digital transactions are under investigation. This is the third espionage-related arrest from the Mewat region this year.

Officials said that the accused was arrested by Nuh police following a tip-off by National Investigation Agency from Kharkhari village in the Tauru subdivision. Police are tight-lipped about the developments.The accused, according to the sources, was detained on Monday from his in-laws’ village Pipaka in Nuh. Delhi Police, along with the local police, then raided the house of the suspect on Wednesday and recovered some documents.A case was registered against him at the Tauru Sadar police station under sections related to anti-national activities.However, his family, talking to the media in Nuh, ridiculed all the allegations, claiming that Rizwan was only in touch with his relatives in Pakistan and “was not part of any anti-national activities”.Before Rizwan’s arrest, Haryana police had detained two other residents of Nuh on similar charges. In May, police arrested Mohammad Tarif, a quack in Kangarka in Tauru Sadar, for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with Pakistani handlers and supplying Indian SIM cards to operatives linked to the Pakistan High Commission (HC) in Delhi. He was allegedly sharing sensitive details of the Indian Air Force with people in Pakistan in exchange for money. Tarif, in his confession video, said he was in touch with Pakistan HC officials Asim Baloch and Zafar.He allegedly shared the location, videos and photos of the IAF station in Sirsa with Zafar, who sent those details to people in Pakistan. He went to Pakistan thrice.Two days before Tarif’s arrest, police had arrested Arman (26) from Rajaka village in Nuh for allegedly sharing information with Pakistani contacts. The police recovered a mobile phone from him.According to police, he was in touch with Pakistani operatives in India since 2023 and used more than 15 mobile phones and was in contact with around 70 Pakistan-based numbers saved under coded aliases such as “Ashan Don” and “G”. The repeated arrests have heightened concerns among intelligence agencies about the emergence of an alleged ISI-linked espionage network operating from parts of Nuh/Mewat. More arrests and digital forensic leads are expected as the probe continues.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Player Auction, held in New Delhi on Thursday, delivered one of the most competitive bidding days in the league’s young history. All five franchises aggressively pursued top-tier talent as they completed their squads, eventually signing 67 players by the end of the event.

The auction witnessed multiple seven-figure deals, reflecting the growing commercial value and popularity of women’s cricket in India. Teams entered the auction with clear strategies – some targeting experienced internationals, others focusing on emerging talent – and bidding wars quickly pushed prices well beyond base values.

Deepti Sharma tops the charts as franchises push prices higher

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the most expensive buy of the WPL 2026 Auction. The UP Warriorz secured her for a massive ₹3.2 crore, far above her base price of ₹50 lakh. Her ability to control the middle overs, contribute with the bat and bring leadership experience made her a must-have pick for the franchise.

Close behind was New Zealand star Amelia Kerr, snapped up by the Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore. One of the world’s best all-rounders, Kerr has consistently been a match-winner in both league and international cricket, making her one of the day’s most anticipated signings.

UP Warriorz dominate big signings with multiple high-value picks

The UP Warriorz were among the most active teams at the top end of the auction. Along with Deepti Sharma, they bolstered their lineup by signing seasoned pacer Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 crore, making her the third-costliest buy of the day. Her experience and reliability with the new ball made her a prized acquisition.

The team also secured Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore, adding a world-class leader and one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history. In addition, rising talent Phoebe Litchfield joined their squad for ₹1.2 crore, giving the Warriorz a strong blend of youth and experience.

Delhi Capitals strengthen middle order and bowling depth

The Delhi Capitals also made headline-worthy moves with two value-equivalent signings. They roped in Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani, each for ₹1.3 crore, strengthening both their middle-order batting and seam-bowling options.

South African opener and captain Laura Wolvaardt, known for her consistency in top-order roles across formats, was added for ₹1.1 crore. Her reliability in high-pressure chases and tournament experience makes her a key addition for Delhi.

Gujarat Giants add power with Sophie Devine’s purchase

The Gujarat Giants made one of the most strategic moves of the auction by securing explosive New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore. With her power-hitting ability and knack for producing breakthroughs, Devine’s signing was one of the day’s most celebrated buys.

Also READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction

Top 10 costliest player buys in WPL 2026 Auction

1. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹3.2 Cr
2. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹3 Cr
3. Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹40 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹2.4 Cr
4. Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹2 Cr
5. Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.9 Cr
6. Chinelle Henry (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.3 Cr
7. Shree Charani (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.3 Cr
8. Phoebe Litchfield (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹50 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.2 Cr
9. Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.1 Cr
10. Asha Sobhana (UP Warriorz) – Base Price: ₹30 Lac | Winning Bid: ₹1.1 Cr

Also READ: WPL 2026 Auction – Complete squads of all 5 teams

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-blast-news-red-fort-blast-news-shaheen-saeed-taken-to-al-falah-university-questioned-in-front-of-staff-9713967” on this server.

Reference #18.4cfdd417.1764313612.231b2759

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.4cfdd417.1764313612.231b2759

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday took a jibe at the ongoing internal tussle in Congress party in Karnataka. After Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah‘s “word power” post, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla quipped that the party’s “words & worlds revolving around the chair”, adding that a new “episode has been added to this ongoing OTT series of ‘Congress vs Congress'”.“First, DK Shivakumar has said that there is a secret deal about the chief ministership. Then DK Shivakumar tweeted that ‘word power’ is ‘world power’… Then, responding to that, Siddaramaiah says that the word has no meaning if it doesn’t change the world… Their words and their worlds are revolving around the chair, and INC has now come to mean ‘I Need Chair, I Need Confusion.’ For the last two and a half years, their only priorities have been power, the chair, and leadership,” Poonawalla said.

“The Congress party has now started fighting openly in public in Karnataka, and yet another episode has been added to this ongoing OTT series of ‘Congress vs Congress’ in Karnataka,” he added.He further slammed the grand old party for ignoring the people of Karnataka. “They don’t care about people, and therefore, people of Karnataka are facing a farmer crisis, an economic crisis, a law-and-order crisis, an infrastructure crisis, a traffic crisis, and a pothole crisis… For Congress, power is the priority, not people,” he said.A public exchange between Karnataka’s two most powerful Congress leaders — CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar — intensified this week, after what began as a seemingly innocuous social media post spiralled into a fresh round of political signalling over the leadership question.“WORD POWER IS WORLD POWER. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power,” DKS said in a post on X on Wednesday.Siddaramaiah later replied with a similarly worded post, “That is what I am telling. Whatever we speak in our world that is called Pratikna. That is the word our tongue. That is. I said word power is world power. Wherever in the world. Whatever you speak is very much important. Whatever you also tell in your media also tell. Your anchor also speak. Whether your reporter speak, that is important. That is the power.”Later, DKS clarified that his “word power” remark was regarding Constitution Day. “Yesterday I was speaking on the our Constitution day. Whatever judges speak, whatever politicians speak, whatever is speak is very much important. I said that all you, all the advocates for all the advocate. I said when you speak you should be. When you convey the message, it should be very important,” he said.Talks around a possible leadership change in Karnataka are heating up, following the Congress government’s completion of two and a half years in power — the stage at which Shivakumar’s supporters believe a 2023 rotational arrangement should begin. Although Siddaramaiah has repeatedly insisted he plans to serve the entire five-year term, Shivakumar’s recent comments and social media activity have been seen as fresh indications of his interest in the top post.

BADLAPUR: In a high-energy campaign rally in Badlapur ahead of the upcoming Badlapur and Ambernath municipal council elections, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sharply criticized the previous Uddhav Thackeray led state government, alleging that the crucial Metro Line 14 (Badlapur–Kanjurmarg) project was stalled by a former CM known for creating obstacles in projects. Fadnavis emphasized that work on the project resumed only after he returned to power.Fadnavis appealed to voters to give the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a clear majority, asserting that only an ideologically aligned administration can ensure smooth and corruption-free development.He highlighted that over the past decade, several issues in Badlapur were resolved under BJP rule—ranging from road funding to large-scale infrastructure projects like the metro.He warned that if other parties take control of the council, funds sent by the state government for development may face misuse or irregularities. “Development money must reach the ground. For that, governance has to be in responsible hands,” he said.Speaking about the metro project, Fadnavis stated that the Metro Line 14 initiative began in 2014 but was halted when a government “that created hurdles at every step” took charge.After returning to office, he said BJP MLA Kishan Kathore reminded him of the pending works including of water and Metro, after which the government revived the project. Fadnavis assured that tenders for Metro Line 14 will be floated soon, and the line will be completed within 3.5 years.In a major announcement for commuters, Fadnavis also assured that Metro Line 5, which is currently planned to reach upto Ambernath’s Chikhloli, will be extended further till Badlapur, giving thousands of daily travelers improved connectivity to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.The CM noted that several key projects have already been completed in Badlapur through MMRDA, and promised to resolve the city’s longstanding water shortage issues for which work on two dams going on.He also announced that Badlapur residents who commute daily to Mumbai will soon be able to travel in AC metro-style coaches in local trains, making long-distance travel safer and more comfortable.Fadnavis urged people to vote for the BJP–NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) alliance candidates, including Rachita Ghorpade – President candidate for Badlapur Municipal Council and Tejashree Karanjule, president candidate for Ambernath. He said their victory would accelerate the development roadmap of both cities.Once a BJP stronghold, the Badlapur Municipal Council has been under Shiv Sena’s control in recent years. Determined to reclaim the region, the BJP has deployed its full political strength, making these elections a critical contest in the MMR region.During rally alongwith CM Fadnavis, BJP MLA Kishan Kathore, Captain Ashish Damle, Chairman of Parshuram Economic Development Corporation and MLA Kumar Ailani were present.

Gautam Gambhir and AB de Villiers

NEW DELHI: India’s stunning 2-0 whitewash at the hands of South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday has once again brought Gautam Gambhir‘s role as head coach under intense scrutiny. This is the second time India have been blanked in a Test series under Gambhir, following last year’s humiliating defeat in New Zealand. The latest setback has triggered sharp criticism from several former cricketers and experts, but none more dramatic and thought-provoking than AB de Villiers‘ assessment of Gambhir’s leadership style.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin‘s YouTube channel, De Villiers offered a candid and layered view of Gambhir — one that balanced both concern and perspective. Drawing from his experience of playing against Gambhir for years, the South African great suggested that emotions may be at the heart of India’s current coaching debate.

“I don’t know what GG is like when it comes to leadership,” he began. “I’ve known him as an emotional player, and if that is the case in the change room, generally an emotional coach is not a good thing to have.”The remark instantly struck a chord in the cricketing world, fuelling questions about whether Gambhir’s intensity — once his greatest strength — is working against him in a dressing room that appears increasingly unsettled.However, De Villiers didn’t stop at criticism. He made it equally clear that there is no fixed formula for a successful coach. “It’s not to say he’s that kind of a coach behind the scenes. There’s no right and wrong. Some players feel comfortable with a former player, some with someone who’s never played but has years of coaching experience.”

He further admitted that he had never worked directly with Gambhir, Morne Morkel or Ryan ten Doeschate inside the Indian setup, making it difficult to fully judge the internal dynamics. But he contrasted the situation sharply with his admiration for South Africa’s current head coach, Shukri Conrad, crediting him for restoring calm and clarity.“I absolutely loved playing under Gary Kirsten; he’s a former player and similar to Gautam Gambhir,” ABD added. “Some players find confidence with a former great being there — someone who inspires you to put in extra yards.”As Team India reels from another home debacle, De Villiers’ comments have added a dramatic edge to a debate that is unlikely to fade soon.

Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Khadi & Village Industries, Silk, Handloom & Textiles, Rakesh Sachan, during the ceremony.

The Uttar Pradesh Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 concluded on Thursday, drawing lakhs of visitors and generating trade worth around Rs 5 crore, officials said. The pavilion was centred on the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and showcased products from across the state, including Chikankari from Lucknow, Firozabad glasswork, Varanasi silk, Saharanpur woodcraft, Bhadohi-Mirzapur carpets, Khurja ceramics and Aligarh metalware.State MSME, khadi & village industries, silk, handloom & textiles minister Rakesh Sachan visited the pavilion on the final day to review the exhibits. At the conclusion ceremony, he awarded certificates to participating units and acknowledged the efforts of entrepreneurs, artisans, women’s groups and start-ups. UP also secured a bronze medal in the pavilion performance category.Addressing visitors, Sachan said the government is working to expand opportunities for small and micro industries and promote “inclusive, sustainable growth.” He said the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Development Campaign (CM-YUVA) offers interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh, targeting the benefit of over 10 lakh enterprises in the next decade. He also outlined incentives under the MSME Act 2020 and MSME Policy 2022, including stamp duty exemptions and capital and interest subsidies.More than 150 stalls were set up this year, with the One District One Product (ODOP) gallery drawing significant footfall for its district-specific crafts. Departments including Information, Tourism, UPCIDA, Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority and Yamuna Expressway Authority showcased development projects and investment-linked initiatives.Additional commissioner of industries Rajkamal Yadav and other senior officials were also present during the closing event.