TOI Correspondent from Washington: China’s leader Xi JinPing and US President Donald Trump solidified their “G-2” compact on Monday with mutual invitations of high-level visits even as Beijing, embroiled in a fresh spats with Japan and India, pressed its claims on Taiwan with little pushback from Washington.In a 45-minute phone call, China’s President Xi ratcheted up the Taiwan issue after Japan’s new leader Sanae Takaichi, in her first major foreign policy address since taking office in September, declared that a Chinese attempt to blockade or seize Taiwan would constitute a “direct threat” to Japan’s security and and invoked the country’s mutual defense treaty with the US.Xi-Trump telecon followed immediately, with Beijing asserting it underscored that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order and warning against external interference that could destabilize the Asia-Pacific. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian elaborated in a briefing that Xi emphasized the “one-China principle” as non-negotiable, framing it as essential for mutual trust.Trump’s post on the call completely omitted any reference to Taiwan that China said it raised, and instead focused on trade issues and improvement in ties. Some experts interpreted it as a US retreat in the face of China increasing pressure on the Taiwan front after seeing Washington throw Ukraine under the bus. “I just had a very good telephone call with President Xi. We discussed many topics including Ukraine/Russia, Fentanyl, Soybeans and other Farm Products, etc. …Our relationship with China is extremely strong!…President Xi invited me to visit Beijing in April, which I accepted, and I reciprocated where he will be my guest for a State Visit in the U.S. later in the year,” Trump said in a rah-rah post on social media, with no mention of the discussion on Taiwan. Hours after the Xi call, Trump spoke by phone with Takaichi, affirming “close cooperation” between Washington and Tokyo on Indo-Pacific security. The White House described the exchange as productive, touching on supply chain resilience and joint exercises, but offered no specifics on Taiwan.The sequencing suggests Trump adopting a strategy of balancing great-power engagement with China – which he has repeatedly characterized as G-2 – without alenating allies, though critics say it could embolden Beijing’s assertiveness. Several U.S analysts are warning that Xi is “playing” Trump and “stringing him along” after the latter’s threat to unleash an economic fusillade on China turned out to be bluster.“Xi has secured Trump’s commitment to several meetings in 2026, as well as concessions from the administration on incredibly contentious issues: Taiwan and U.S. export controls. By every measure, China is diplomatically, strategically, and technologically better off than it was a year ago,” Foreign Affairs commentator Jonathan Czin wrote. Commentators also cautioned that Trump’s transactional diplomacy prioritizing economic concessions over strategic commitments in the Indo-Pacific risks alienating allies and partners like Japan and India. Trump has repeatedly talked up U.S-China relations – and his personal equation with Xi – in recent days even as several U.S analysts say Washington has come out worst in the fight the U.S President picked with Beijing. “This call was a follow up to our highly successful meeting in South Korea, three weeks ago. Since then, there has been significant progress on both sides in keeping our agreements current and accurate. Now we can set our sights on the big picture,” Trump said in his post on Monday, even as Beijing was was re-litigating a dispute with New Delhi over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The latest spat between China and Japan began when Takaichi, who was elected last month, told lawmakers that a hypothetical Chinese attack on self-ruling Taiwan, which at its closest point is about 70 miles from Japanese territory, could threaten Japan’s survival and trigger a military response from Tokyo.Beijing’s response was swift and severe. Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused Takaichi of sending a “shocking wrong signal” by openly contemplating military intervention, labeling it a “red line” crossed. China’s embassy in Tokyo summoned Japan’s ambassador, and the PLA issued warnings of a “crushing defeat” for any Japanese involvement in a cross-strait conflict. The feud escalated to the United Nations on November 22, where China’s envoy condemned Japan’s stance as “provocative meddling.” State media amplified the rhetoric, with the Global Times editorializing that Tokyo’s “reckless words” echoed U.S. “hegemony” and risked war.

Rohit Sharma has been handed a special role as Team India prepare for their title defense of the T20 World Cup next year. (PTI Photo)

Rohit Sharma will return to the global stage in a new role, with the former India captain appointed as the ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will feature a familiar face at its forefront. Rohit has featured in every edition of the event since its inception. The announcement was made by ICC chairman Jay Shah.

Rohit’s journey in the format stretches from 2007, when he made an unbeaten 30* in the tense final against Pakistan, to 2024, where he led India to a long-awaited second title. The 2024 campaign included major contributions, including a decisive 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super Eights and a half-century in the semifinal against England. It was after lifting the trophy that he stepped away from T20Is. Speaking about his new assignment, Rohit said, “It is great to have the tournament back in India and for me to be associated once again with the tournament, this time in a new capacity as the Brand Ambassador,” adding, “I wish all the players the very best and hope they have a memorable time and enjoy India’s hospitality while taking back a lot of memories.” At the schedule launch event in Mumbai, Rohit also indicated he would remain connected with the current T20 group. He said he plans to meet members of the squad during the upcoming ODI series and offer guidance when needed. “There’s always a conversation that happens between the players, and I am somebody who likes to talk, discuss and get into their mindset a little bit and understand what they are thinking,” he said. The panel also featured Suryakumar Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur, where discussions briefly shifted to potential final-match opponents.

Asked whom he would like to face in a title clash, Suryakumar replied, “Australia, definitely,” reflecting on the defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Rohit, though, reiterated that the opponent mattered less than securing the trophy itself. With India preparing for another major home event, Rohit’s presence , although in a different capacity, keeps him firmly in the frame as the buildup intensifies.

NEW DELHI: With reporting irregularities in implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme, seven states have imposed penalties to the tune of around Rs 129 crore, including the maximum Rs 120 crore by Gujarat, against contractors and others, and registered cases against them and certain officials following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spare no one when it comes to irregularities in the flagship initiative.Modi is learnt to have also instructed the Jal Shakti ministry and the states concerned to initiate action against all such cases of irregularities and directed the strict monitoring of the scheme, with zero tolerance for any financial, procedural and quality-related violations.The govt has recovered around Rs 13 crore in these states so far, with more than Rs 6.6 crore being recovered from Gujarat. The six other states from where penalty recovery has been made are Rajasthan (Rs 5.3 crore), Maharashtra (Rs 2 crore), Tripura (Rs 1.2 crore), Karnataka (Rs 1 crore), Assam (Rs 5 lakh) and Tamil Nadu (Rs 3 lakh).According to the ministry, 20 states/UTs — Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and West Bengal — have reported cases of irregularities and taken action in 607 cases against 621 departmental officials, 969 contractors and 153 Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs).Nine FIRs have been registered against 20 officials, 10 contractors, and 1 TPIA. One former Congress minister in Rajasthan (Mahesh Joshi), 10 officials and eight contractors have been arrested so far.Launched in Aug 2019 to provide functional tap water connections to all (approx.) 19.3 crore rural households in the country, JJM has so far covered more than 15.7 crore households (81% of all). Though the govt planned to cover all households by 2024, JJM’s deadline has now been extended to 2028.

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With Vande Bharat sleeper trains, newer versions of Amrit Bharat Express, passengers can hope for better travel experience in the coming years.

Train travel in India is a vibe, with Indian Railways transporting millions of passengers. With the launch of the Vande Bharat Express trains a few years ago, Indian Railways has aimed to change the face of train travel, and several more new train projects are expected to deliver in 2026. While Vande Bharat – a chair car train set – has attempted to transform the day travel experience, there is growing demand for better and faster trains for overnight travel.In this regard, the Vande Bharat sleeper train project – launched a few years ago in the hope of rolling out an experience more premium than the Rajdhani Express trains – may prove to be a game changer. Simultaneously, Amrit Bharat Express and NaMo Bharat trains are expected to make travel more comfortable for the common man. India may also soon see its very own, indigenous bullet train. What trains can passengers look forward to in the coming years? What will be the features of these trains and rollout timelines? We explore:

Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

Over 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be rolled out in the coming years as Indian Railways looks to revamp long-distance train travel. Three major projects are currently in the works: BEML is manufacturing 10 Vande Bharat sleeper train sets with the help of ICF; Indo-Russian joint venture Kinet has been tasked with rolling out 10 train sets; and a Titagarh-BHEL consortium will make 80 Vande Bharat sleeper trains. Additionally, ICF is also looking to roll out its own version of the Vande Bharat sleeper train soon.The first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train project awarded to BEML was originally supposed to be ready in the first half of 2024. Several deadlines have since then been missed. Two prototype rakes have been manufactured by BEML. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the Vande Bharat sleeper train requires ‘minor’ retrofitting. He believes that they will be launched in December.

Vande Bharat Sleeper

Sharing details about the Vande Bharat sleeper train projects, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) GM U Subba Rao told TOI, “Initially, we have given orders for 10 trains to BEML. The first prototype came out a few months back. We wanted some upgradations and improvements in the train so the second rake has come to us with the changes.” “We have already given BEML the go ahead for the other eight trains. The Railway Board will take the call on whether the two rakes will be launched together. From here on, BEML may manufacture one train a month,” he said.What are the expected features of the Vande Bharat sleeper train?

ICF too is looking to manufacture its own variant of the Vande Bharat sleeper. “We are working on a 24 car rake, which will be one of the longest sleeper trains being produced in India. We are working on the designs. It is slightly different from what BEML has produced, because we are trying to increase the number of toilets since it’s a long-distance train,” U Subba Rao said.

Vande Bharat Sleeper AC 1st

“We also plan to have a pantry car for food to be heated up and served, which is not available in the other version of Vande Bharat sleeper. So, the configuration is slightly different. We are also trying to improve upon the interiors…we are on the drawing board right now,” he added.So when does ICF plan to roll out its own version of the Vande Bharat sleeper train?“Major assemblies have been ordered. For example, the propulsion system has already been ordered, and other major assemblies like doors and brake systems, the tender is going to be floated anytime soon. Specifications have been kind of finalized. By December 2026 we are targeting that the prototype Vande Bharat sleeper rake should be ready,” he said.Meanwhile, Kinet recently unveiled the design of the First AC coach of the Vande Bharat sleeper train. The production is expected to begin at Indian Railways’ Latur factory soon.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Kinet design

Amrit Bharat Trains For Common Man

Even as it launches a premium long-distance train, Indian Railways is also looking to introduce more modern trains for the common man. Amrit Bharat trains, first launched in 2023-end will continue to be introduced in the coming years as well. ICF is already rolling out Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains with better comforts compared to the first prototypes.Amrit Bharat Express is a push-pull train with non-AC coaches with a mix of general and second-class sleeper coaches. With a faster acceleration and deceleration, thanks to its push-pull technology, the Amrit Bharat train has a maximum speed of 130 kmph. In the coming months an Amrit Bharat 3.0 train is expected to be rolled out with AC coaches as well.

Amrit Bharat Express

ICF GM U Subba Rao told TOI that there is an order for 100 Amrit Bharat trains. “We have got an order for 50 Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains and 50 more trains will be manufactured by RCF,” he said. “We have already produced 10-12 trains. Two rakes a month, we are producing right now,” he added.Talking about AC coaches for Amrit Bharat Express, he said, “We are trying to introduce the Amrit Bharat 3.0 train as well. We have been asked to make five of those trains. We are working on the designs of the AC coaches. In this financial year, maybe by March 2026, we are trying to introduce the first prototype.”“The features will be similar to Rajdhani Express trains, but also much better because we also worked on non-AC coaches and made them better than the regular non-AC coaches. It’s an ongoing, continuous process,” he added.

NaMo Bharat trains, bullet trains & hydrogen

Several other projects that Indian Railways is working on include NaMo Bharat trains for short-distance inter-city travel, India’s own indigenous bullet train, and a hydrogen train which is a technology demonstrator project. NaMo Bharat trains, already launched on some routes, are a metro-style variant of the Vande Bharat Express trains, capable of 130 kmph speed.Some of the major features of NaMo Bharat trains are:

“We have produced one NaMo Bharat train, one was produced by RCF, Both are, right now, already in service. The board has decided that RCF will produce the balance 50 trains. We have already done the designing, and the design was shared with RCF, and they also produced the same design, they will continue with the production,” said ICF GM.

NaMo Bharat train

Indian Railways has also manufactured its first hydrogen-cell powered train, which is expected to be launched soon on the Jind and Sonipat route in Haryana under the Northern Railway. The new train will have speeds of up to 110 kmph.Talking about the hydrogen train Subba Rao told TOI, “Basically this was a technology demonstrator. We tried to demonstrate the Indian capability of producing a hydrogen train. We will run it for some time and then maybe the government of India will take a call (on whether more such trains should be manufactured).”

Hydrogen train

“You know, hydrogen technology is totally new. It’s at an initial stage all over the world. So we are working on it. I’m sure it’ll be successful,” he said.India is also looking to manufacture its own bullet train and a project has been awarded to BEML, in collaboration with ICF for manufacturing two high-speed train sets. The train will be indigenously designed and manufactured. “High speed rail is being manufactured by BEML. We have given the order to BEML – ICF, NHRCL, and BEML are collaborating on that project. The preliminary designs are all ready. They are also finalizing the vendors for all the sub-assembles and all important components. Orders are also being placed,” Subba Rao shared. “The final designs will be done and once some components arrive the manufacturing of the prototype car body will start. By early 2027, the first train should be running,” he added. Talking about the India-specific features of the bullet train, the ICF GM said, “It will be an air-conditioned chair car train suited for Indian conditions. Tropicalization has to be done. That’s why designing the train within India is very important, since we know the conditions much better. In Europe, it is very cold, so they had to concentrate more on heating systems, whereas in India it is quite hot. So we have to concentrate on the AC system. So that’s one of the basic differences.”“The second difference is our country is quite dusty, so that aspect also has to be taken into account. The filters have to be much better so that the air quality inside the coach is acceptable,” he added.With Vande Bharat sleeper trains, newer versions of Amrit Bharat Express, NaMo Bharat, bullet trains, and hydrogen trains in the pipeline, passengers can hope for better travel experience in the coming years.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra forest department has for the first time laid down a clear rule that monkeys captured for causing trouble in towns and villages must be released at least 10 kilometres away from human habitation so that they do not return to these places easily once again.A new Government Resolution (GR) to this effect was issued on Tuesday, in the wake of rising complaints that macaques and langurs were straying into homes, damaging property and in some cases, attacking and injuring people.The GR says that in any reported case of human-monkey conflict, the local municipal body or gram panchayat must record the complaint and call in the concerned forest range officer. After verification of the number of animals involved and the damage caused, a trained rescue team will be permitted to capture the monkeys.Each division has been asked to maintain its own rescue squads, and forest department officials may also appoint experienced licensed handlers when required, it said.Once captured, the monkeys will undergo basic medical checks. Their photographs and short videos must be recorded to maintain transparency. Only after this, can they be transported and released into a suitable forested area far from human settlements – a distance the GR has fixed at no less than 10 kilometres.The aim, officials say, is to break the pattern of monkeys returning to populated areas in search of food.The government has also worked out the financial side of the process.Rescue teams will receive Rs 600 per animal for up to 10 captures at a time, and Rs 300 per animal beyond that number, with an overall cap of Rs 10,000 per incident.Travel allowance has been fixed at Rs 1,000 for smaller operations involving up to five monkeys. Payments will be made through direct benefit transfer after verification by the forest officer.The forest department explains in the GR that repeated sightings of monkeys in urban markets, housing societies and farms had made the step necessary. Forest staff and local civic bodies will now be expected to coordinate closely, especially in busy urban belts where such conflicts have risen sharply in recent years.Interestingly, this GR comes just a week after the state issued another detailed order on managing stray dogs, which laid out strict responsibilities for urban local bodies regarding capture, sterilisation and relocation.

Legendary actor Dharmendra who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, is fondly remembered as the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood and often is also called ‘Garam Dharam’. The actor known for a long list of versatile roles and the most handsome looks had a career spanning over decades and a huge fan following to boast of. But his personal life has also always been a subject of scrutiny. Dharmendra married Hema Malini in 1980 when he was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeita and Vijeta. Meanwhile, he had two daughters with Hema Malini – Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. In an interview, the ‘Dream Girl’ actress was asked if her decision to marry an already married man was tough, here’s what she had said. When asked how they fell in love, Hema Malini said during an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai on India Today in 2022, “The very first time I saw him, I had never seen such a handsome man. He was exceptional and good looking. That really impressed me. It didn’t mean I wanted to marry him. It was only later that I started admiring him so much. But it was him who was wooing me. He was also attracted to me.”

Belonging from a conservative Tamil family, was it a tough choice for her to marry a married man with children? Responding to it, she said, “There was a time when I had to tell him, ‘you better marry me now’. You cannot go on like this. I knew there would be a little problem but I don’t expect anything else from him. Just love. He’s always there for me so what else do I need. I don’t need property or money or anything else from him. I just need some love. That’s it.” Despite being married to Dharmendra, Hema Malini lived separately. In a chat with Lehren Retro, she had said that nobody wishes for this sort of an unusual arrangement and she would have wished for more time with him. However, she said she has no complaints as Dharmendra was always there for her and their daughters whenever needed. She also said that she did not want to disturb anyone or his life so she always lived separately.Also Read: Dharmendra last rites: Esha Deol breaks into tears, Hema Malini folds hands; Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and other celebs leave crematorium after paying final respects

This highly-anticipated clash at the Junction Oval, Melbourne, pits two of the WBBL 2025’s form teams against each other. The Hobart Hurricanes Women, table-toppers with an outstanding 5 wins from 6 matches, will be looking to solidify their position against the in-form Melbourne Stars Women, who have put together a strong run with 3 wins and 1 abandoned game from 5 outings.

The Hurricanes enter the match having suffered their first defeat in their last outing, while the Stars are on a winning streak, including a recent commanding victory where Marizanne Kapp starred with a match-winning innings. The Stars’ batting line-up is anchored by the world-class Meg Lanning, who is in phenomenal touch this season and currently the leading run-scorer of the tournament. The Hurricanes boast a potent top order with Lizelle Lee and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, the latter of whom is a top run-scorer in the tournament.

MS-W vs HH-W, WBBL|11: Match details

• Date and Time: November 26; 09:40 am IST/ 04:10 am GMT/ 03:10 pm Local
• Venue: Junction Oval, Melbourne

MS-W vs HH-W, Head-to-Head Record in WBBL|11

Matches played: 21| Melbourne Stars won: 7 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 13 | No result: 01

Junction Oval Pitch Report

The pitch at Junction Oval is generally considered batting-friendly, offering good conditions for stroke-making. Historically, the average first innings score is around the 146-run mark, though higher scores are certainly possible with the current form of both batting units. Teams batting second have a slightly better win percentage (56%) at this venue, suggesting the team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first.

Also READ: WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

Squads:

Melbourne Stars: Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Amy Jones(w), Annabel Sutherland(c), Marizanne Kapp, Kim Garth, Sasha Moloney, Danielle Gibson, Georgia Prestwidge, Maisy Gibson, Sophie Day, Ella Hayward, Sophie Reid

Hobart Hurricanes: Lizelle Lee(w), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nicola Carey, Heather Graham, Elyse Villani(c), Rachel Trenaman, Hayley Silver-holmes, Molly Strano, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith, Ruth Johnston, Callie Wilson, Kathryn Bryce

MS-W vs HH-W, WBBL|11: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bowl first
• Hobart Hurricanes powerplay score: 40-50
• Hobart Hurricanes total score: 140-150

Case 2:

• Hobart Hurricanes wins the toss and bowl first
• Melbourne Stars powerplay score: 50-60
• Melbourne Stars total score: 150-160

Match result: Team bowling first to win the game

Also READ: Laura Wolvaardt sizzles in Adelaide Strikers’ thrilling win over Brisbane Heat in WBBL|11

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

Shukri Conrad, head coach of South Africa. (File photo/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Fifty years after England captain Tony Greig’s “grovel” comment before the 1976 series against Clive Lloyd’s team united and galvanised the West Indian players, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad used the same word on Tuesday.Conrad triggered controversy at the end of the fourth day’s play in Guwahati after using a phrase that carries a loaded history in cricket. Speaking at the press conference after the day’s play, Conrad said, “We wanted them (India) to really grovel.”The Proteas kept on batting on Day 4 despite the lead crossing 500 in the second session and coach Shukri Conrad said they wanted to make sure they ended India’s hopes of a series-levelling win.“We wanted them to really grovel… Bat them completely out the game and then say to them well come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening,” Conrad told reporters.“So far so good but we also know they’re not just going to roll over. We’re going to have to be at our very best tomorrow.”The remark immediately drew attention because of its link to one of cricket’s most remembered controversies. In 1976, when the West Indies toured England, then-England captain Tony Greig said his team would make the West Indies “grovel.” The word became a rallying point for the visiting side. The West Indies players responded with a dominant performance, winning the five-match Test series 3-0, that shaped the next era of Caribbean fast bowling. That a privileged child of apartheid could use such a word when about to commence a Test series against a team comprised of the descendants of slaves and indentured labourers was breathtaking in its lack of political or historical nous. Greig later apologised for the comment.Meanwhile, Conrad’s statement came on a day when South Africa moved close to a series sweep. India ended day four at 27 for 2, chasing 549 after South Africa declared their second innings at 260 for 5. India lost both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and KL Rahul (6), inside the first ten overs. Sai Sudharsan (2 not out) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4 not out) were at the crease at stumps. India still need 522 runs, a target out of reach.Earlier in the day, Tristan Stubbs (94 off 180 balls) and Tony de Zorzi (49 off 68 balls) held off India’s spinners before South Africa declared. Ravindra Jadeja (4/62) and Washington Sundar (1/67) took early wickets in the morning, but Stubbs and de Zorzi added 101 runs for the fourth wicket. Stubbs also shared an 82-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder (35) for the fifth wicket. The South African lead of 549 was the highest a visiting team has led by in India, the previous highest was 542 in Nagpur in 2004 by Australia. South Africa have three sessions to take the remaining 8 Indian wickets and complete a historic series sweep at the “final frontier”. It is an impossible task for India to chase down the target — a draw itself would be a miracle.