NEW DELHI: West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir on Monday launched his new political party, the Janata Unnayan Party, days after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suspended him over his decision to lay the foundation stone for a Babri-style mosque in Murshidabad district.Speaking at a public meeting in Beldanga, Kabir said his party will contest the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. He named eight candidates who will be fielded in the polls, though he did not say how many seats the party will contest in total. “We can only tell you later how many seats we will be finally contesting,” he told the gathering during the inauguration.

Kabir, who is the MLA from Bharatpur, said he plans to contest from two assembly seats, Rejinagar and Beldanga, in Murshidabad. The ex-Trinamool leader further said he aimed to remove West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee from power in the upcoming assembly elections, which are due in less than six months. Kabir claimed that the chief minister has changed and is no longer accessible to ordinary people.“Mamata Banerjee is no longer the same person I knew. She is beyond the reach of the common man,” he alleged, challenging her to win even a single seat.“I challenge Mamata Banerjee directly; show me that you can win a single seat. We will reduce Mamata Banerjee’s party to zero in Murshidabad,” Kabir claimed. “I also want to warn the BJP. If they field candidates in 200 seats, I will show them by winning 100 seats,” the JUP chief added.Earlier, the suspended MLA had asserted that he would emerge as a “kingmaker” in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. He predicted that neither the ruling TMC nor the BJP would secure a simple majority, estimating that no party would cross the 148-seat mark in the 294-member Assembly.“I will be kingmaker after the elections. No one can form a government without my support,” Kabir said. He further claimed that his new party would contest 135 seats and win enough constituencies to play a decisive role in government formation. “Whoever goes to take oath as the chief minister will need the support of my party’s MLAs,” he added.Political sparring over new outfitWhile the TMC has not reacted directly, chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to drive a wedge among Muslims in Bengal while addressing a party meeting in Kolkata.Meanwhile, the BJP has dismissed Kabir’s move with state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya saying Kabir would not have any impact in the elections and accused him of working indirectly to help the TMC return to power.BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, “Humayun Kabir is an agent of the TMC. Mamata Banerjee deliberately got Humayun Kabir to form a party to create polarisation, so that Muslim voters who are unhappy with Mamata do not shift to the opposition but instead move separately. This entire script has been written by Mamata Banerjee.”Babri-style mosque move Kabir was suspended by the TMC on December 4 after his statement on building a Babri-style mosque sparked controversy. Two days later, on December 6, the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 — Kabir went ahead and laid the foundation stone for the mosque at Rejinagar.Over the past decade, Kabir has been associated with several major political parties in West Bengal. He was expelled by the TMC in 2015 after criticising Mamata Banerjee and alleging that she was promoting her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. He later contested the 2016 Assembly elections as an independent but lost. He then joined the Congress, before moving to the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.Kabir contested the Murshidabad Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket in 2019 but finished third. He later returned to the TMC and won the Bharatpur Assembly seat in 2021.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completely shifted their long-standing ‘experience-first’ philosophy at the IPL 2026 auction, opting for a youth-centric rebuild after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish at the bottom of the table. Armed with the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore, CSK stunned fans and experts alike by spending more than sixty percent of their budget on two uncapped Indian players. With the squad now taking shape, the biggest question is how CSK’s best XI should look. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in by picking his preferred CSK XI in response to the franchise’s fan poll on social media.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s CSK playing XI for IPL 2026

Solid opening pair to set the tone

Ashwin backed a fresh yet balanced opening combination, pairing young Ayush Mhatre with Sanju Samson. Notably, Samson was roped in by CSK through the trading window ahead of the auction, adding both experience and explosiveness at the top. Ayush’s inclusion reflects CSK’s renewed trust in fearless young batters, while Samson’s ability to dominate the Powerplay and keep wickets provides tactical flexibility.

The powerhouse middle order

The backbone of Ashwin’s XI lies in the middle order, led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ashwin sees Gaikwad as the perfect anchor who can shift gears when required. Shivam Dube‘s presence adds brute hitting power against spin, while Dewald Brevis offers dynamism and innovation, particularly in the middle overs. Together, the trio blends stability with aggression—something CSK lacked last season.

The MS Dhoni factor remains crucial

Even in a new-era CSK, MS Dhoni continues to be central to the team’s balance. Ashwin slotted uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer alongside Dhoni, highlighting a mentor-protégé dynamic. Veer’s inclusion rewards his auction hype, while Dhoni’s calm presence behind the stumps and in crunch moments remains invaluable, especially for a young squad navigating high-pressure situations.

Dynamic bowling combination offers variety

Ashwin’s bowling attack focuses on adaptability across conditions. He picked either Akeal Hosein or Matt Henry based on match-ups, supported by Khaleel Ahmed’s left-arm pace, Nathan Ellis’ death-over expertise, and Noor Ahmed’s wrist-spin threat. The combination provides pace, swing, variations, and spin—covering all phases of a T20 innings.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts IPL 2026 semifinalists after mini auction

Impact players in Ashwin’s setup

For the Impact Player role, Ashwin suggested flexible options such as Anshul, Karthik Sharma, Shreyas Gopal, or Sarfraz, depending on conditions and opposition. This reinforces CSK’s intent to stay tactically agile rather than lock into rigid combinations.

No place for ₹14.20 crore rookie

The most striking omission from Ashwin’s XI is Kartik. The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter was snapped up for a staggering ₹14.20 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history alongside Prashant. Despite the massive investment, Ashwin appears to prefer easing Kartik into the tournament rather than throwing him straight into the starting XI. The call underlines a clear message: price tags won’t dictate selection in CSK’s new-look setup, with balance and readiness taking precedence over hype.

Ashwin’s CSK playing XI for IPL 2026: Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Akeal Hosein/Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmed.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin faces accusations of revealing CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans; breaks his silence

Yavatmal: In an era where elections are often dominated by money power, luxury vehicles and backing of influential leaders, voters of Ner have delivered a powerful message. The recent Ner Municipal Council elections have highlighted a refreshing shift in public sentiment, proving that integrity, service and people’s trust can outweigh political might.Among these results, the most remarkable victory was that of Jambha alias Sachin Kailas Karale, an independent candidate with no political lineage and a life shaped by hardship.The elections also witnessed Prahar Janshakti Party, founded by Bacchu Kadu, opening its account in Ner with Gaurav Naikar defeating Shiv Sena (Shinde) nominee. Sachin Karale’s journey to victory is nothing short of inspiring. With no financial resources, no bank passbook and no organizational backing, he relied solely on public support. Residents of Ward No. 1 themselves encouraged him to contest the election and collectively raised small donations to help him file nomination. The same citizens later ensured his victory at the ballot box, offering a rare and powerful example of grassroots democracy in action.The contest was challenging. Sachin faced Subhash Bhoyar, a Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate and a seasoned politician who had served as a municipal councillor for nearly 15 years. Despite Bhoyar’s experience and political strength, he was defeated by Sachin with a margin of 311 votes. The result is being widely viewed as a significant setback for established political forces and a clear indication of changing political currents in the region.Who is Jambha?Known fondly as Jambha, Sachin Karale is regarded as a beacon of hope for the poor and underprivileged in Ner. He earns his livelihood by working at a local clinic, where he is available round the clock to assist patients and residents in need. Without a home of his own, he often spent nights at the clinic or a friend’s hotel, continuing his social service without complaint.His financial struggles were evident even during the campaign – friends stitched clothes for him, while citizens contributed whatever little they could. In times when elections are fought with crores of rupees, the victory of a simple, honest and selfless young man has opened many eyes, reaffirming the power of people-driven politics.quoteThis victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every hand in Ner that contributed funds and blessed me. My service at the clinic and at people’s doorsteps will continue just as before. I consider it my good fortune to serve the peopleSachin Karale, Social Worker

What happened after a rogue firework plunged onto the field during Ravens vs Patriots on Sunday Night Football? (Image via Getty)

Something scary happened before the big Sunday Night Football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots. A firework went the wrong way and shot straight down onto the field. It landed very close to a person walking near the end zone.Fans inside the stadium gasped when they saw it. The firework was supposed to fly high into the sky. Instead, it dropped fast and hit the grass. For a moment, everyone feared someone might be hurt. Luckily, no one was injured, and stadium staff quickly handled the situation. The game went on as planned.Videos of the moment spread fast online. Many fans said it was frightening to watch. Others praised the quick response from the crew. According to TMZ, the firework came very close to striking a person on the field, but there were no injuries reported.Once the game started, the focus shifted back to football. The matchup stayed close until the final minutes. The New England Patriots pulled off a big comeback and beat the Baltimore Ravens 28–24 on the road.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye played one of his best games of the season. He completed 31 passes for 380 yards and threw two touchdown passes. He stayed calm even when the Patriots were trailing late.The biggest play came in the fourth quarter. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run. That score gave New England the lead with just over two minutes left on the clock.The Ravens tried to respond, but their comeback ended after a late turnover. That mistake allowed the Patriots to run out the clock and seal the win.According to Reuters, the victory helped the Patriots secure a playoff spot. For Baltimore, the loss was a tough blow, especially after leading late in the game.While the firework scare grabbed early attention, the night will be remembered for New England’s strong finish. The Patriots showed grit, stayed patient, and made the key plays when it mattered most.Also Read: NFL fans turn against Matthew Stafford’s wife Kelly Stafford after her referee rant during Rams Seahawks Thursday Night loss

Savannah James and LeBron James. Image via: Getty Images

While the Los Angeles Lakers star is a basketball legend, it is quite obvious why Savannah James has always been in the spotlight. The Lakers’ wife, now, no longer needs her husband to shine bright and make her name in the news headlines. This is because Savannah James is emerging as a powerful businesswoman and an extraordinary entrepreneur, and her husband, LeBron James, couldn’t be prouder. The Lakers legend is extremely supportive of the fact that his wife is trying to grab the spotlight without James’ help. While Savannah James’ son and husband are both prominent NBA players, one might think that it’s obvious for the wife to steal the spotlight every time LeBron and Bronny James’ names come forward. However, things are quite the opposite, and tables are gradually turning around. Here is everything you need to know about Savannah James and her career milestone.

LeBron James reacts as Savannah James is emerging independently in the public spotlight

The 4-time NBA Champion is always making headlines in the basketball world, and why wouldn’t he? He has all it takes to become a prominent NBA player. Speaking about his wife, Savannah James, who was previously identified only because her husband is a star player, she is no longer reliant on LeBron James, as she is emerging as a successful businesswoman. James is a proud husband, and his cheers say it all. In a recent interview after the Lakers vs Clippers matchup earlier on Saturday, James praised his wife and said, “She’s tapped into herself and the things she wants to create. It’s amazing to watch; she does everything so organically”. James’ statement is true from the very core, and his support means a lot for Savannah James and her career milestone. Savannah James, a mother of three children, Bronny James, Bryce James, and their youngest daughter, Zhuri Nova James, is now creating the life that she has always wanted to become. Apart from building her own territory, she is also a terrific mother and a lovely wife and is surrounded by a supportive family.

Savannah James is emerging as a diverse entrepreneurial businesswoman

Savannah James is now shaping her future with her brilliant business ideas, and she is also the co-owner of the “Lebron James Family Foundation”. She created the “Reframed Beauty”, a growing cosmetic brand, and also co-hosts the “Everyday’s Crazy” podcast. She previously ran the Juice Spot and now leads the “Women of Our Future” mentorship program. All in all, she is earning the evergreen fame that she truly deserves. Also read: “I wasn’t always in love with myself”: LeBron James’ wife Savannah James admits struggling to love herself despite fame and wealth

NEW DELHI: The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to ease mobility for Indian students and skilled professionals, while opening up fresh opportunities for exporters, manufacturers and service providers in a deal that is expected to widen New Delhi’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. .The agreement removes numerical caps on Indian students in New Zealand and allows a minimum of 20 hours of work per week during study. Post-study work visas will be extended to up to 3 years for STEM graduates and 4 years for PhD holders.

A new temporary employment entry visa will permit up to 5,000 Indian professionals at any given time to work in New Zealand for up to three years across sectors, such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction. The arrangement also covers Indian chefs, yoga instructors, AYUSH practitioners, and music teachers. In addition, 1,000 multiple-entry working holiday visas will be issued every year, allowing young Indians to travel and take up short-term employment.Agricultural and processed food exports will benefit from tariff removal by New Zealand on fruits, vegetables, spices, cereals, coffee, and cocoa. Organic products, such as basmati rice, tea, psyllium husk and flax seeds will gain from mutual recognition arrangements based on Australian standards. New Zealand will also support productivity plans for apples, kiwifruit and honey in India through centres of excellence, improved planting material, joint research and post-harvest support.New Zealand will provide 100% duty-free market access to all of India’s current exports and has committed market access across about 118 services sectors, including IT, professional services, education, telecom, construction, finance, tourism, and distribution. “We have also been able to open up 118 sectors, which will also give us an opportunity to participate in tourism, IT, telecom, audio, visual, etc. We are very happy to report back to the nation that there will be a fast track mechanism for approval of Indian pharmaceutical products, which will open up doors to the New Zealand market and help us capture a larger share of their current imports of pharmaceuticals and medicines,” said commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal. Manufacturing and labour-intensive sectors are expected to see immediate gains. Textiles, apparel, and clothing will get duty-free access, supporting exports of garments, home textiles, and handlooms. Leather and footwear tariffs will be cut to zero from peaks of up to 10%. Engineering goods, chemicals, electronics, machinery, automotive products, plastics, and rubber items will see tariffs reduced or eliminated over time. In return, India has agreed to cut or eliminate duties covering 95% of current bilateral trade value. New Zealand will get immediate access for products such as wood, wool, sheep meat and raw hides, with phased access for petroleum products, malt extracts, vegetable oils, and selected electrical and mechanical machinery in 3 to 10 years, and access to India for apples, kiwifruit, Manuka honey, and milk albumins limited through quotas and price safeguards.

Pune: The fate of 57 local bodies in Maharashtra — 39 won by Mahayuti, 17 by MVA, and one by others/Independents — will now await the Supreme Court’s verdict on Jan 21, even after the results for president posts in the 40 municipal councils and 17 nagar panchayats were declared on Sunday.These 57 local bodies are among the 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats where the combined reservation for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes exceeds 50%.Acting on several petitions challenging the breach of quota limit, the apex court on Nov 29 said the election to these 57 seats would be subject to its final order. The verdict will also impact the results for the councillor posts in these civic bodies.“While the results were declared, those will depend on the final order,” an official from the State Election Commission (SEC) said on Monday.According to the data released by SEC on Sunday, Mahayuti won 207 president posts. BJP emerged as the single largest party with 117 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 53 and NCP with 37. MVA was restricted to 44, with Congress bagging 28, Shiv Sena (UBT) nine and NCP (SP) seven seats. Others secured 37 posts.Despite a decisive lead, Mahayuti will have to wait for clarity on 39 of its victories (BJP: 30, Shiv Sena: five, NCP: four). The situation is no different for MVA’s 17 wins (Congress: 11, Shiv Sena-UBT: two, NCP-SP: four).A senior BJP politician said, “The mandate clearly favours Mahayuti, but we will respect the Supreme Court’s decision.”“Nearly two-fifths of our victories are under scrutiny. These reflect people’s mandate at the grassroots, and we hope the court ensures stability and does not unsettle elected bodies,” a Congress member said.Of Mahayuti’s tally, the 39 local bodies that breached the 50% reservation mark make up nearly 18.8% of its total wins. For MVA, the 17 bodies constitute about 38.6% of its victories.Political observers said the Jan 21 verdict could reshape local power equations. “For Mahayuti, the impact may be limited but politically important. For MVA, the stakes are much higher, as a large share of its already modest gains is at risk,” an analyst said.Of the 40 municipal councils, eight are in Nagpur district followed by seven in Chandrapur and five in Nashik, data shows.