NEW DELHI: Government has ordered a probe into the case of an Air India Express pilot beating up a passenger at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 on Friday. The two had a verbal spat between the two before Captain Virender Sejwal assaulted the passenger, Ankit Dewan. Why no one, including CISF personnel posted at entrance, intervened in time and the matter escalated to such an extent is being examined.“The ministry of civil aviation has taken serious cognisance of the incident and directed the airline to ground the pilot with immediate effect. A formal enquiry has been ordered. Detailed reports have been sought from Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Central Industrial Security Force,” the ministry said on X Saturday. No police complaint has been lodged so far in this case.The Air India Express was “dead heading” to Bengaluru — travelling as a passenger to another place to operate a flight from there — on IndiGo. Dewan was travelling with his family on SpiceJet. After the fight, they went to their destinations. AI Express grounded Captain Sejwal and he didn’t operate the flight he was rostered to from Bengaluru.What allegedly happenedThey were at the staff entry gate of T1, where the pilot cut the queue to go ahead of other passengers since staff get priority at this entrance. Sources say this infuriated Dewan and he allegedly mouthed some profanities. On hearing the same — “especially foul language used for his ailing mother,” — Captain Sejwal allegedly hit him. Security personnel intervened and the pilot flew to Bengaluru. On learning of this issue, AI Express has grounded him pending an inquiry and he did not operate a flight that he was rostered to from Bengaluru.Dewan, “a credit card & miles enthusiast”, said on X Friday night: “…one of (AI Express) pilots, Captain Virender Sejwal, assaulted me physically at T1, Delhi Airport. Me & my family were guided to use the security check that the staff uses, because we had a 4 month old baby in a stroller. The staff was cutting the queue ahead of me. On calling them out, Captain Virender, who himself was doing the same thing, asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated), and couldn’t read the signs that said this entry was for staff. A verbal scuffle broke out. Not able to exercise restraint, the AI Express pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody.”Dewan added that he had to “see a doctor” and that his “7-year-old daughter, who saw her father get assaulted brutally, is still traumatised & scared.” “I have no clue how DGCA and Air India Express can allow such pilots to fly. If they can’t keep their cool in a scuffle, can they be trusted with the lives of hundreds of people in the sky? How can Delhi Airport get away with such mismanagement, combining staff entry with passengers carrying infants, creating chaos at a sensitive security area? I thought airports were safe places!”An AI Express spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at Delhi Airport involving one of our employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline, and had an altercation with another passenger. We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry. Air India Express upholds the highest standards of conduct and professionalism, and remains committed to ensuring that its employees act responsibly at all times.”Dewan added on X: “I was forced to write a letter stating that I will not pursue this matter further. It was either write that letter, or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakh holiday bookings down the drain. Delhi police, why can’t I file a complaint after coming back? Must I sacrifice my money too, to seek justice? Will the CCTV footage disappear in the two days till I make it back to Delhi?”

Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have once again found themselves at the centre of social media chatter. The couple, who got engaged in October at Vijay’s Hyderabad residence in the presence of close friends and family, sparked fresh speculation after images from their supposed wedding began circulating online, leading many to believe they had secretly tied the knot.The buzz, however, turned out to be misleading. The viral pictures, shared by Instagram user Gunti Srikala Nagaraju, were later revealed to be AI-generated. The images showed Rashmika and Vijay dressed in traditional wedding attire, adorned with garlands and posing alongside Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar. Elaborate floral décor and the words “Vijay & Rashmika” in the backdrop added to the illusion.

More recently, fans caught a glimpse of the couple’s chemistry at Rashmika’s ‘The Girlfriend’ success event in Hyderabad. During the celebration, Vijay held Rashmika’s hand and kissed it, a tender moment that quickly stole the spotlight. Rashmika was visibly blushing as he looked at her affectionately, making the moment even more endearing for those in attendance.Recently in an interview, Rashmika broke silence on the engagement and rumours of February wedding. With reports swirling about a possible destination wedding in Rajasthan, Rashmika addressed the speculation during a recent interaction with The Hollywood Reporter India. She neither denied nor confirmed the news but appealed for patience. “I wouldn’t like to confirm or deny the marriage. I will just say when it’s to be spoken about, we shall,” the actress said, choosing not to reveal details publicly just yet.At another promotional event for her film Thamma, Rashmika was asked about her engagement. Smiling coyly, she replied, “Everyone is aware about it,” a response that only heightened fans’ excitement. Meanwhile, Vijay’s team reportedly confirmed that the wedding is planned for next year, much to the delight of their followers.Earlier, Rashmika had also set tongues wagging when she shared a video featuring her pet dog, Aura. In the clip, the duo could be seen listening to Thamma’s song Rahein Na Rahein Hum. Sharp-eyed fans quickly zoomed in on a large, dazzling diamond ring on her finger, mounted on a gold band.The ring was enough to convince fans that Vijay spared no effort in expressing his love for Rashmika, further fuelling admiration for their romance. Rashmika, born on April 5, 1996, is 29 years old, while Vijay, born on May 9, 1989, is 36, a seven-year age gap that fans have also been discussing alongside the couple’s love story.

In a major boost for domestic cricket and a treat for fans, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has officially been included in the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. After initial uncertainty, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed on Friday that the veteran opener will participate in the opening stages of the prestigious 50-over tournament.

The move comes as part of the BCCI’s recent mandate requiring fit national players to participate in at least two domestic games to remain in rhythm for upcoming international assignments, specifically the ODI series against New Zealand scheduled for January 2026.

Limited appearances for Rohit Sharma in Vijay Hazare Trophy

While Rohit is a part of the squad, he is not expected to play the entire tournament. According to MCA sources, Rohit has confirmed his availability for the first two matches of the league stage. These games will serve as crucial match practice for the “Hitman” before he leads India’s charge in the upcoming white-ball season.

Rohit’s confirmed schedule:

• Dec 24, 2025: vs. Sikkim (Jaipur)
• Dec 26, 2025: vs. Uttarakhand (Jaipur)

Shardul Thakur to lead as seniors take a backseat

Interestingly, Rohit will not be captaining the side. The selectors have handed the leadership reins to all-rounder Shardul Thakur. This decision allows Rohit to focus purely on his batting and preparation.

Other senior figures are currently missing from the lineup for various reasons:

• Suryakumar Yadav & Shivam Dube: Currently on national duty.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener is currently recovering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis and was recently hospitalized in Pune.
• Ajinkya Rahane: The veteran batter has requested rest for the initial phase to recover from a minor hamstring issue.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Mumbai Indians (MI) players; check out how much Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav earn

The much-awaited return to domestic roots for Indian superstars

Rohit is not the only superstar returning to his roots. The 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile editions in years. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have both confirmed their availability for the Delhi squad, with Pant set to captain the team. This synchronized return of India’s “Big Three” to domestic cricket has sparked immense interest in the tournament, which will be held across Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bengaluru.

Mumbai squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy:

Rohit Sharma (Two matches), Shardul Thakur (C), Hardik Tamore (WK), Ishan Mulchandani, Shams Mulani, Musheer Khan, Tanush Kotian, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Tushar Deshpande, Sarfaraz Khan, Onkar Tarmale, Siddesh Lad, Sylvester Dsouza, Sairaj Patil, Akash Anand (WK), Suryansh Shedge

Also READ: Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi as Virat Kohli makes historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return; squad announced for first two games

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File photo: Elon Musk (Picture credit: ANI)

Elon Musk secured a major legal victory on Friday after the Delaware Supreme Court cleared the way for him to receive a long-disputed Tesla pay package worth about $55–56 billion, reversing an earlier ruling that had stripped him of the compensation. The decision likely marks the end of a years-long shareholder lawsuit over what was once described as the largest executive pay deal in corporate history.The top court overturned a January 2024 judgment by Delaware Chancery Court judge Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick, who had rescinded the 2018 pay package after finding that Tesla’s board was too close to Musk and failed to follow a fair approval process.

McCormick had called the process “deeply flawed” and ruled that Musk effectively controlled the company at the time, according to CNBC.In its 49-page ruling, the Delaware Supreme Court said the lower court went too far by cancelling the pay package outright.“It is undisputed that Musk fully performed under the 2018 grant, and Tesla and its stockholders were rewarded for his work,” the judges said, according to AFP. The court restored the package and awarded Tesla $1 in nominal damages.The ruling adds to Musk’s already vast wealth, estimated at around $679 billion, as per CNBC. It also supports Musk’s long-held criticism of Delaware’s legal system. Following the 2024 ruling, Musk publicly attacked the judge, encouraged other entrepreneurs to leave Delaware and led Tesla to reincorporate in Texas, AP reported.The original 2018 pay deal was tied entirely to performance milestones. At the time, Tesla was valued between $50 billion and $75 billion and was struggling with production challenges. The package set ambitious targets linked to market value and operations. Over the following years, Tesla’s manufacturing improved, sales surged and its market capitalisation crossed the thresholds needed for Musk to earn the payout, AP noted.Despite shareholder approval of the plan in 2018, Tesla investor Richard Tornetta challenged it in court, arguing it was excessive. While Tesla shareholders later voted again in 2024 to reaffirm the package, McCormick maintained her decision to cancel it. That stance has now been overturned.Tesla’s board has consistently backed Musk. In recent years, it approved an interim compensation award worth about $29 billion and later unveiled an even larger long-term pay plan, AFP reported. Shareholders approved that new package last month. The plan could be worth up to $1 trillion if Musk leads Tesla to raise its market value from about $1.6 trillion to $8.5 trillion over the next decade.Legal experts noted that while the Supreme Court restored the pay package, it did not overturn all of McCormick’s findings. “None of that was reversed in this decision,” Columbia Law School professor Dorothy Lund was quoted as saying by CNBC, referring to conclusions about Musk’s influence over Tesla.Lawyers representing the shareholder who brought the case said they were considering their next steps, reported AFP.

AMBERNATH: On the eve of the Ambernath Municipal Council elections, the Shiv Sena on Friday late evening raised serious allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering at a polling booth under Panel No. 5, creating a stir in the political atmosphere just hours before voting is scheduled to take place.Shiv Sena candidate Shailesh Bhoir alleged that at polling booths located at South Indian College in Ambernath, boxes of five EVM machines were found opened, raising suspicion of possible tampering. Bhoir claimed that a video of the incident is available, allegedly showing EVM boxes being opened. He further pointed out that Tushar Telange, brother of a BJP candidate, was present at the location at the time, which, according to Bhoir, has deepened doubts over the incident.Demanding immediate action, the Shiv Sena leader Gopal Landge has called for a thorough investigation and insisted that the allegedly opened EVM boxes be replaced with new ones before polling begins. The party has maintained that voting should only proceed on this particular booth after ensuring complete transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.However, election officials have categorically denied the allegations. Speaking to TOI, Vijay Sharma, Returning Officer clarified that there was no tampering with the EVMs. The official stated that the presiding officer had opened the EVM boxes only to check the battery status and ensure that the machines were functioning properly. The officer acknowledged that such checks are normally conducted during the mock poll, which is held about an hour before the start of voting, and not on the previous day.“We have checked all the machines thoroughly and found no signs of tampering whatsoever. The EVMs are safe and secure,” the election officer said.With polling scheduled for Saturday, the incident has heightened political tension in Ambernath. Election authorities have assured voters that all necessary safeguards are in place to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, urging citizens to participate in the democratic process without fear or doubt.

Suryakumar Yadav and Ajit Agarkar (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Indian team squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand in January will be announced by skipper Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday. India has been placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States, and will begin its campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.Star performersThe star opener Abhishek Sharma appears to be a guaranteed starter, following a dream run in T20 cricket this year across franchises and the national team. Sharma has scored 825 runs in 20 matches at an average of 43.42 and a strike rate above 195, including a century, five fifties, and a best of 135.

The leadership duo of captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill is expected to retain their spots despite a challenging year. Suryakumar has managed 213 runs in 18 innings at an average of 14.20 with no fifties, while Gill has scored 291 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.25 and remains without a fifty since his T20I return.Tilak Varma, who impressed in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and has excelled in run-chases and at number three, is also a likely pick. He has scored 494 runs in T20Is this year at an average of 44.90 with three fifties, and his ability to switch gears between anchoring and attacking makes him a key asset.Wicketkeeping optionsOpener Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma could be the wicketkeeping options, depending on team combination and form. Ishan Kishan, having just won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finishing as the leading run-scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings, could also be considered.All-rounders and bowlersAll-rounders Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar provide depth in both batting and bowling. Kuldeep Yadav could be the sole specialist spinner, supported by Sundar and Axar. The pace attack is expected to be led by Jasprit Bumrah, with youngsters Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as additional options.Fan favourites like Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal, currently outside the T20I setup, may also be considered.

India T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement: Time, date and live streaming details

WHENIndia’s squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be revealed at 1:30 pm IST on Saturday, December 20, with Ajit Agarkar and Suryakumar Yadav addressing the media.WHEREThe announcement will be made at the BCCI headquarters, located within the Wankhede Stadium complex in Mumbai.LIVE STREAMING DETAILSFans can watch the announcement live on the Star Sports Network, while online viewers can stream it on JioHotstar website and app.