Harbhajan Singh interacts with the media. (Image source: ILT20)

TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: Legendary India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has lauded the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and ILT20 for giving opportunities to players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the fourth edition of the tournament, and has also picked Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as favourites to lift the trophy.“Obviously, this is the fourth year of the tournament. Every year, this tournament brings new expectations. This year is even better because some of the players are from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” Harbhajan Singh told reporters at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were playing Sharjah Warriors.

“Cricket is spreading everywhere. The UAE Cricket Board has done a great job. Not only UAE players but also players from other neighbouring countries come here to play. They get a chance to play with big players. It’s a great opportunity for them.“Well done to ILT20 for giving opportunities to a larger audience who want to play where cricket is not that big in other countries. But as cricket spreads, I hope good players from other countries will also come here.”The former India cricketer also praised his former teammates who are playing in the ILT20. Dinesh Karthik, the biggest name on this roster, is playing for Sharjah Warriors as their keeper-batter. Former India Under-19 captain and current USA player Unmukt Chand is turning out for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Piyush Chawla is also playing for the Knight Riders.“It’s lovely to see some of the Indian players here this year — Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla. Before that, Yusuf played and Robin Uthappa also played for a season. Players who have just retired are coming here to play,” he said.Harbhajan picked Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as his favourites, calling them the team to beat in this tournament.“After today’s match, I think Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have made a very solid team. They played very well. They scored 233 runs. In Sharjah we normally see 160-170 runs, but this is unbelievable. I feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are the team to beat in this tournament,” he said.“I am looking forward to this tournament as always. Dubai is a great place not just for people to come over but for cricketers also to play cricket, and for us to be part of ILT20. It’s my fourth year here. It’s lovely to be here again. All the teams are strong, but I feel Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are looking very strong.”

Awami Ittehad Party MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid (File photo)

SRINAGAR: North Kashmir’s Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid described himself on Wednesaday as an “MP from Tihar jail” while raising in his Parliament speech the issue of poor internet connectivity in border areas of his constituency.His party, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), issued a statement here saying Rashid highlighted the “non-existent internet connectivity” in remote areas of his constituency, including Karnah, Machil, Gurez and Uri.“Forget 5G or 4G, even basic mobile towers are missing and there is no network connectivity at all,” the AIP said, quoting Rashid. Rashid also cited the “distressing situation” in Gujjarpati village of Uri, saying he had seen on television in jail that villagers had been appealing to lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah for five days to restore phone access. “…But why should border areas in Kupwara and Baramulla suffer,” he said, seeking intervention from the communications minister.An AIP spokesperson said Rashid’s statement in Parliament, “I am an MP from Tihar Jail”, was not a complaint but “a painful truth”. “He was reminding the nation that even while confined, without resources, staff or basic communication facilities, he is still fighting for his people,” the spokesperson said.A Delhi court last week permitted Rashid to attend the entire winter session of Parliament from Dec 1 while remaining in jail. Rashid has been in Tihar jail since Aug 9, 2019 after the NIA arrested him in a terror-funding case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His detention came four days after the nullification of Article 370.However, while in jail his political career took a dramatic turn in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when he contested and won Baramulla by more than 204,000 votes, defeating his nearest rival, National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah. “In J&K, people look for someone who will hold the govt — whether in J&K or at the Centre — accountable. Rashid is doing the same in Parliament,” the AIP said.

Rice is a staple in India, and much like the diversity of Indian culture, there are several rice varieties, each with unique flavors, textures, aromas, and nutritional profiles shaped by regional climates, soils, and traditions. From aromatic long grains perfect for biryanis to short, sticky types ideal for desserts, these rices are staples in daily meals, festivals, and healing diets. Here are 10 types of rice varieties from different parts of the country.Basmati riceBasmati rice, grown primarily in the northern plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its long, slender grains that elongate upon cooking without becoming sticky. Its nutty aroma and delicate flavor make it ideal for biryanis, pulaos, and jeera rice. Rich in fiber and low glycemic index, it supports digestion and blood sugar control.

Sona MasooriSona Masoori, a popular South Indian variety from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, features medium-length grains that stay fluffy and separate when cooked. It’s lighter than Basmati, perfect for everyday meals like sambar rice or curd rice. This polished white rice provides quick energy with moderate protein and is easy to digest.Ponni ricePonni rice, originating from Tamil Nadu, is a short-grain variety known for its soft, moist texture after cooking. Parboiled versions retain more nutrients like B vitamins and minerals. It’s favored for idlis, dosas, and pongal, offering sustained energy and better mineral absorption compared to raw rice.Red RiceRed rice, such as Kerala Matta or Himalayan red rice, gets its hue from the intact bran layer rich in anthocyanins and iron. Grown in Kerala and Northeast India, it has a chewy texture and nutty taste, ideal for kanji or pulaos. High in fiber (3-4g per 100g cooked), it aids heart health and diabetes management.Black riceBlack rice, also called Chakhao from Manipur or Burma Black, is an heirloom variety with deep purple-black grains due to antioxidants. Nutritious with high iron, zinc, and anthocyanins similar to blueberries, it’s used in desserts or fermented drinks. Its chewy texture and mild sweetness support anti-aging and immunity.Ambemohar riceAmbemohar rice from Maharashtra’s Sahyadri hills is prized for its mango-like fragrance and soft, non-sticky grains. Aromatic and semi-long, it’s perfect for khichdi or poha-like dishes. Rich in antioxidants, it promotes digestion and is considered medicinal for respiratory health.JeerakasalaJeerakasala, a Kerala GI-tagged short-grain rice, resembles cumin seeds in aroma and is key in sadhya feasts. Tiny grains yield fluffy rice for fish curries. High in protein and fiber, it enhances gut health and is low-calorie for weight control.Kolam riceKolam rice from Maharashtra and Gujarat is a short-grain, polished variety that cooks quickly into soft, fragrant rice. Affordable and versatile for daily dal-chawal or khichdi, it offers balanced carbs with good digestibility.Samba riceSamba rice, a Tamil Nadu specialty like White Samba or Seeraga Samba, has bold grains that absorb flavors well for biryanis. Parboiled types retain thiamine and niacin. It provides sustained energy and is favored for its volume expansion.Navara riceNavara rice from Kerala is a medicinal red variety used in Ayurveda for Panchakarma therapies. Short-grained and nutrient-dense with high antioxidants and proteins, it’s cooked into porridge for recovery from illnesses, boosting vitality and immunity.

The Ashes 2025-26 series is set for a thrilling day-night contest, with the second Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, scheduled from December 4th to 8th, 2025. This match pits England’s ‘Bazball’ against Australia’s established dominance in pink-ball cricket. The home team’s record in day-night Tests is staggering—winning 12 of their 13 home matches before a recent rare loss to West Indies—a testament to their masterful understanding of the moving pink Kookaburra ball, particularly under the floodlights.

For England, who have never won a pink-ball Test against Australia and have struggled with the extra movement, this match presents a significant psychological hurdle. While the entire Australian squad carries this pink-ball pedigree, some specific players possess the perfect blend of skill and tactical importance to make life miserable for the English batters and bowlers alike.

3 Aussie players who can dominate England in the pink-ball Test

1. Mitchell Starc: The pink-ball wizard

If there is a player synonymous with day-night Test success, it is Mitchell Starc. His left-arm pace, coupled with the extra lacquer of the pink Kookaburra, transforms him into a near-unplayable force when the lights take full effect—a period former England captain Joe Root noted can see the game “turn around” instantly.

The deadly stat: Starc is the undisputed leading wicket-taker in day-night Test history, boasting an astounding 81 wickets in 14 matches at a sensational average of 17.08. No other bowler is close to his tally.

The threat: The pink ball’s seam and lacquer allow Starc to find prodigious swing, often late and fast, making the perfect outswinger to the right-hander—which targets the stumps—his stock delivery. His ability to produce a devastating late-evening spell, often coinciding with the fall of natural light, is a psychological weapon that can dismantle England’s top order. The memory of Starc bowling Rory Burns first ball in the 2021-22 Ashes day-nighter will be fresh in the minds of the English openers.

2. Steve Smith: The anchor against the glare

While Steve Smith‘s career average hovers near 56, his numbers in day-night Tests are surprisingly subdued, averaging around 37.04 from 13 matches with only one century. However, it is precisely this narrative, and his meticulous preparation for this specific challenge, that makes him a player to watch.

The deadly stat: Despite his overall pink-ball average being below his lofty standards, Smith remains Australia’s second-highest run-scorer in day-night Tests (815 runs). Crucially, at the Gabba, he has an excellent record against the pink ball, suggesting a localized comfort with the venue and conditions.

The threat: Smith has openly admitted the pink ball’s glare and movement at twilight is his biggest challenge, going so far as to experiment with anti-glare ‘eye-black’ strips in the nets before the Test. His determination to conquer this one weakness, combined with his technical genius, means a big score is always around the corner. If he can survive the initial onslaught and occupy the crease through the challenging twilight session, his presence alone will demoralize the English attack, allowing the rest of the order to play around the best crisis-manager in the game. His resilience and hunger to perform where he has previously struggled make him a massive threat.

Also READ: No Steve Smith! England legend James Anderson names his all-time combined Ashes XI

3. Scott Boland: The Gabba specialist

Scott Boland may not have the extensive pink-ball history of Starc, but his unique combination of pitch-whispering accuracy and phenomenal record at the Gabba makes him a lethal component of Australia’s attack under the lights.

The deadly stat: Boland’s overall Test average of 17.66 (before this series) is elite, but his average at the Gabba is an astonishing 10.20 from a significant sample size of first-class and Test cricket. He has taken 31 first-class wickets at this ground at an average of 15.90.

The threat: The pink ball, especially at a venue like the Gabba, demands laser-like accuracy to exploit the slightly greater seam movement under lights. Boland’s bowling is built on hitting the perfect spot repeatedly, applying relentless pressure, and extracting subtle seam movement off a good length. While the search results show he had a tough first innings in the previous Test, his bounce-back 4/33 in the second innings showcased his ability to learn and adjust quickly, a key trait in the rapidly changing conditions of a day-night Test. England’s batters, who like to score freely, will be severely tested by his unyielding line and length.

Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: England unveils their playing XI for the Gabba Test, no place for Mark Wood

US wireless carrier AT&T has vowed to scrap diversity policies. In a letter to the US telecoms regulator, AT&T said that it has committed to ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. The Dallas-based telecom giant told FCC Chairman Brendan Carr in that the “legal landscape governing diversity, equity and inclusion (‘DEI’) policies and programs has changed.” The letter comes as the company seeks approval from the Trump administration to buy wireless spectrum assets. AT&T said in its letter it “does not and will not have any roles focused on DEI.” In January, President Donald Trump had issued sweeping executive orders to dismantle US government DEI programs, and asked the private sector to join the initiative.In November 2024, AT&T agreed to buy some wireless spectrum licenses from US Cellular in a $1.02 billion deal that requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC under President Donald Trump has required telecom companies to end DEI programs as a condition of approving transactions.In July this year, AT&T rival T-Mobile US said that it was ending its DEI programs as it sought regulatory approval for two major deals including buying almost all of regional carrier United States Cellular’s wireless operations including customers, stores and 30% of its spectrum assets in a deal valued at $4.4 billion. In May, FCC approved Verizon Communications’ $20 billion deal to acquire fiber-optic internet provider Frontier Communications after Verizon agreed to end its DEI program. Here’s the letter sent by AT&T to FCC chairman Brendan Carr: Dear Chairman Carr,At AT&T, we are committed to serving customers across the country and ensuring that all Americans can connect to the Internet. For the last five years, we have sharpened our focus on a single, overarching objective: to be the best connectivity company in America. As a nation, we must close the digital divide so that all Americans can enjoy all that the Internet has to offer.To bring 5G and fiber to more customers than anyone else, we have realigned our priorities, our budgets, and our personnel, and we are positioning our workforce to meet the connectivity needs of all Americans. As part of this operational focus, we have reviewed our policies and relationships with external groups to ensure that they are aligned with our business priorities. The legal landscape governing diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) policies and programs has changed. We have closely followed the recent Executive Orders, Supreme Court rulings, and guidance issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission1 and have adjusted our employment and business practices to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and related requirements, including ending DEI-related policies as described below, not just in name but in substance. AT&T has always stood for merit-based opportunity, and we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination today. Consistent with applicable law, our multi-pronged approach allows employees to thrive in an environment free from invidious discrimination:* Culture: Our workplace fosters an environment where everyone is entrusted to contribute their best, reinforcing our commitment to a workplace where all employees perform their best, are challenged in their work, and feel a sense of community. Our culture team, part of our Human Resources department, focuses on helping our workforce achieve our business priorities and drives employee engagement, aligning with our key pillars: serve customers first, move faster, act boldly, and win as one. AT&T does not and will not have any roles focused on DEI.* Career development, hiring, and mentorship: It is AT&T’s longstanding practice to pay and advance individuals based on merit and qualification. We place individuals in roles where they are best positioned to succeed based on these factors, along with capability and experience. We support career growth through mentorship, training courses, tuition reimbursement, nanodegrees, and partner degree programs, as well as leadership development programs. These tools and programs are and will continue to be open to all, consistent with Title VII, and based on achievement and contribution to our purpose and business objectives. Our hiring, training, and career development opportunities are not and will not be based on or limited by race, gender, or other protected characteristics. We do not and will not use hiring quotas based on race, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Further, consistent with the current law, we removed training related to “diversity, equity and inclusion” as well as any references to it from our internal and external messaging and will ensure that future training is consistent with guidance released by the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission addressing training that could facilitate discrimination in the workplace. * Employee Groups: We recognize the rich history of our employee groups, dating back more than 50 years. Any AT&T employee can exercise their right to free association in joining any employee group and experience networking, leadership, professional development, and volunteerism opportunities. We ensure that these groups are driving business outcomes in support of the company’s purpose and strategy and that their work in the community supports our efforts to deliver broadband to all. We maintain corporate oversight of our employee groups. To the extent that an employee group is focused on a demographic or protected characteristic, we do not and will not draw distinctions based on any of those characteristics in granting permission to establish groups or conduct events. We will continue to ensure that their policies support equal employment opportunity, and that employee group membership is not a factor in employment or advancement decisions.* Suppliers: We award contracts to suppliers based on value, quality, function, and ability to serve our business objectives. Our supplier program has increased its focus on local and small businesses and drives economic empowerment across the country. Our procurement practices – including the awarding of contracts and supplier spending – are not based on any demographic-based goals, and we do not require our suppliers to meet any demographic-based goals. Any tracking and reporting of our supplier spending is done to comply with state laws, government contracting requirements, and similar reporting commitments.* External, sector-specific surveys: We have narrowed our participation in external surveys only to measure employee engagement and our progress achieving the culture tenets discussed above. We will no longer participate in recognition surveys focused on protected characteristics.* Sponsorships: We enter into sponsorships that help us reach multiple and varied audiences with messages about our superior products and services. We are always reviewing and optimizing how we budget in pursuit of our business priorities and have discontinued sponsorships that are not aligned to our current business strategy. Our sponsorship decisions will continue to be evaluated to align with increasing shareholder value and advancing our core business objectives of being the nation’s best connectivity provider through 5G and fiber. We appreciate the opportunity to share this information with you. Our workplace and culture are important factors in building our nation’s infrastructure and creating long-term shareholder value. With over 110,000 employees in the U.S. committed to millions of customers, we believe that all Americans benefit from our products, and we have focused our operations to connect all Americans to greaterpossibility with expertise, simplicity, and inspiration.Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.Respectfully submitted,David McAtee IISenior Executive Vice President and General CounselAT&T Inc

India and the European Union will hold detailed discussions this week on boosting the security and resilience of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, weeks before the annual India-EU summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi. Cooperation on protecting critical submarine infrastructure is likely to feature prominently at the summit, PTI reported.According to the EU, around 70 senior military personnel and officials from India, the EU and Indian Ocean countries will meet on Friday for extensive deliberations on securing critical submarine infrastructure, particularly sea-cables. The discussions aim to map risks, share best practices and pursue practical technology- and policy-led solutions.“Data cables connect continents and states, link islands to the mainland and connect both EU and India to the rest of the world, carrying 99 per cent of inter-continental internet traffic,” the EU said. It noted that undersea cables — indispensable to global commerce and digital growth — remain vulnerable as they lie unprotected on the ocean floor and are difficult to monitor.The seminar is being jointly organised by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) of India, the European Union and the EU security and defence project ESIWA+ (Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific). The EU said the track-1.5 meeting will assess current risks and consider possible responses with an emphasis on regional and global cooperation.EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin said the workshop marks an important step in ongoing EU-India maritime security dialogues.“Cooperation in the maritime domain is a key component of the strategic EU-India agenda. This workshop on the security and resilience of submarine cables reflects the shared interest we have in developing a comprehensive approach to maritime security,” he said.Delphin added that the EU Action Plan on Cable Security provides a framework to strengthen submarine cable security.He said it “can serve as a basis to develop further cooperation and joint strategies with key international partners like India in this domain”, adding that the EU’s focus on the Indian Ocean is growing amid new initiatives involving Europe, India and regional partners, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.NMF Director-General Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (retd) said the workshop would help “foster further regional maritime dialogue and action on securing undersea infrastructure, which is critical for economic security and sovereignty.”He said discussions would identify vulnerabilities, highlight best practices and promote solutions combining technology, policy and cooperation.PTI reported that the seminar builds on the fourth EU-India Dialogue on maritime security and the ministerial meeting on protecting critical maritime infrastructure held last month in Brussels.According to the EU, protecting undersea infrastructure requires enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems to detect threats in real time, along with strategic coordination between governments, private operators and international partners.The EU highlighted its broader maritime security role in the region through naval missions Atalanta and Aspides in the North-West Indian Ocean.