RAIPUR/NEW DELHI: Vinod Kumar Shukla, who created a universe of quiet grace from the small histories and inner worlds of ordinary people in his novels and poems, and who became the first Jnanpith awardee from Chhattisgarh last year – passed away Tuesday. He was 88.The renowned Hindi writer was undergoing treatment for a lung ailment in the Chhattisgarh capital since Dec 2 and was on ventilator support since Dec 19. His body had weakened but his resolve to write remained unswerving.“He carried a writing pad, even inside the ICU. In the hospital, he wrote his last poem. Probably inspired by what he had observed around him,” his son Shashwat told TOI.His last poem, penned in an infirm hand from his hospital bed on Dec 6, went: “Batti maine pehle bujhayee / Phir tumne bujhayee / Phir dono ne mil kar bujhayee (I turned out the light first / then you did / then we turned it off together).”In a conversation with PM Modi some weeks back, he had said, “Writing is like breathing for me. I want to return home as soon as possible – I want to keep writing.”PM condoled the writer’s passing in a post on X, “He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the world of literature.”Shukla wrote sparingly, but deeply. He wrote in a tone that never needed to raise itself. His prose moved gently like the wind, his poetry like breath. His writing did not insist; it illuminated. And it traversed the vacant space between remembering and forgetting.“Forgetting is my nature. I forget, again and again. Since forgetting is my nature, so is remembering. If I forget, I also remember. Forgetting is a form of leaving behind. Remembering is trying to bring it back,” he told actor Manav Kaul in director Achal Mishra’s documentary on his life, ‘Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai’ (2024).Naukar Ki Kameez (The servant’s shirt, 1979) was his most celebrated work. The novel was adapted by renowned filmmaker Mani Kaul into a feature film in 1999. “Initial sales were slow. But after 2020, it became a best-seller,” says Satyanand Nirupam, editor, Rajkamal Prakashan. A Facebook Live presentation by him was watched by a high 18,000 viewers during the 2020 Covid lockdown.“In 2025, it sold 10,000 copies, a huge number for a book released five decades ago,” says Nirupam. Some months back, there was even an unpleasant online controversy over the royalty he had earned.Shukla was born in Rajnandgaon, now part of west Chhattisgarh. A post-graduate in krishi vigyan (agriculture science) from Jabalpur, his first poetry collection, Lagbhag Jai Hind (Almost Jai Hind) was published in 1971.As a writer, Shukla never carried the baggage of literary politics. Perhaps a reason why fame trickled to him, like water dripping from a tap in a desert town. He received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1999 for his novel, Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi (A window lived in the wall). Khilega To Dekhenge (Will see when it blooms) was another feted work.In 2023, he became the first Indian to receive the PEN/Nabokov Award. “Writing for decades without the recognition he deserves, Shukla has created literature that changes how we understand the modern,” the PEN/Nabokov judges panel said.Sahitya Akademi recipient writer Mridula Garg says that Shukla was truly one of a kind. “Articulate but not verbose, simple but not simplistic, real but not realistic, individualistic but not self-centered. Equally empathetic to individual and social desires and ills,” she says.Another Sahitya Akademi awardee Anamika poetically puts it that in Shukla’s poems and novels “we meet a lonely man full of empathy and grace, a man of the community, a man like the Christ on cross in Rembrandt’s painting, a man who belongs – his bones hanging, skin sagging, the pain of inner struggle writ large on his face.”Senior journalist Sunil Kumar, who was associated with Shukla for decades, said, “He was the most prominent Hindi writer of significance in the last half a century, but his feet remained solidly on the ground. Shukla ji was a man of unique simplicity, in language, life, and values, all. He had a strange ability to remain aloof from praise or criticism, success or failures.”When asked for his reaction on receiving the Jnanpith, India’s most prestigious literary award, Shukla had said, “Mujhe likhna bahut tha, lehin bahut kam likh paya,” (I had a lot to write, but could write very little.” Following his demise, every reader too enchanted by his world of writing has been left wanting for more.

A newly released trove of government files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation includes an unverified allegation that US President Donald Trump raped a woman decades ago. However, US Department of Justice (DOJ) has rejected the claim and called it as “untrue and sensationalist”.The documents were released by DOJ on Tuesday. The disclosure is a part of a larger release in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed this year requiring federal authorities to disclose records connected to the late pedophile’s criminal case. Trump signed the legislation last month despite previously resisting releasing the files.Among nearly 30,000 pages of material is now available on the official Justice Department website.An FBI intake report dated October 27, 2020, records a tip from a former limousine driver. According to that report, the driver described a disturbing phone conversation he claimed he overheard in 1995 involving Trump and Epstein. The document alleges that an unnamed woman present at the time told the driver “he raped me”, referring to Trump alongside Epstein, according to the People.The driver’s account says the woman later told him she had contacted police about what had occurred, and was then found dead in January 2000 by suicide. The details in the file are heavily redacted, and the authorities have made little to no determination about the allegations’ credibility.In an accompanying statement on X on Tuesday, DOJ addressed the claims. It said some documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.”The authotrity described the allegations as lacking any credible basis. “To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponised against President Trump already,” the department said.The DOJ reitarated its commitment to transparency and the legal requirement to release the records, but also said that the inclusion of such claims in the files does not make them factual.Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. In public statements this week, the MAGA chief called the focus on the Epstein case as a distraction by Democrats, asserting that he “cut ties” with Epstein long before the pedophile’s arrest in 2019.The release covers a range of material, not just the unverified rape allegation. Internal emails in the files show Trump was recorded as having travelled on Epstein’s private jet in the 1990s more times than previously known — at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996. Trump’s association with Epstein in the 1990s is well documented, but inclusion in flight logs or social records is not itself an accusation of illegal behaviour.DOJ is constantly being pressured by Democrats for not releasing the full bulk of files. Supporters of the Transparency Act say the public has a right to see government records, even if they contain unverified claims.The latest release follows criticism of an earlier batch of Epstein records, some of which were temporarily removed from the DOJ’s online portal amid concerns about protecting victims’ identities. Authorities later restored those files after determining no victims were shown in the disputed photos.

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GUWAHATI: Violent tribal protests against illegal non-tribal settlement in a constitutionally protected hill region of Assam left two people dead Tuesday – as Sixth Schedule protections and land rights ignited a volatile fault line. Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, IGP (law and order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh and 48 police personnel were wounded after crowds armed with bows, arrows, crude bombs and stones attacked security forces in West Karbi Anglong, a hill district bordering Meghalaya.Police said one tribal protester died in police action, while a non-tribal man died in a fire that gutted shops at Kheroni, a small trading town that has emerged as the epicentre of unrest. By evening, administration suspended mobile internet services indefinitely in West Karbi Anglong and adjoining Karbi Anglong district to prevent escalation. Voice calls and fixed-line broadband remained operational.The two districts are governed by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants tribal regions autonomy over land, forests and local governance to protect indigenous communities. Residents have for over a year protested encroachment by non-tribal settlers on professional grazing reserve (PGR) and village grazing reserve (VGR) lands, demanding evictions.Tensions sharpened after members of Karbi community began a hunger strike on Dec 6. On Tuesday, clashes intensified after police shifted some fasting protesters to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital following health deterioration – a move agitators allegedly misunderstood.State cabinet minister Ranoj Pegu, who met protesters earlier at Kheroni, said the group agreed to call off the hunger strike and join tripartite talks on Dec 26 involving state govt and KAAC. “We assured the Karbi community that the govt is serious about land rights and other tribal issues,” Pegu said, adding that discussions would address “broader issues related to existence of Karbi community”.Despite the talks, shops and markets in Kheroni were set ablaze during the day. Police said an SIT was formed, videos were being examined and efforts were under way to trace the attackers.DGP Harmeet Singh, who was present on the ground along with the IGP, described a coordinated assault. “It was a proper attack by protestors. I was attacked with bows and arrows, which had to be blocked with shields. I was also hit by stones,” he said.Singh said protesters used gas cylinders to torch markets, hurling one at security forces. “Govt is ready to talk. Violence does not achieve anything. We have all the videos and faces. Legal action will follow,” he said, appealing to communities to restrain youths he said were “misguided and being misused”.Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he was monitoring the situation and announced deployment of additional forces in Kheroni, located about 250km east of Guwahati. “It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives during today’s unrest,” he wrote, offering condolences and assuring support for affected families.

GIFT City allows non-resident visitors to consume liquor

AHMEDABAD: In what is seen as the perfect Christmas-New Year bonanza for employees and visitors to the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, the state govt has issued a notification further easing prohibition norms. The notification gives easier liquor access to non-resident visitors to GIFT, including people from other states and foreign countries.A key highlight of the notification issued on Saturday is the formal inclusion of ‘external persons’, defined as ‘a person who is not from the state of Gujarat, who holds a photo ID card of another state or who is a foreign national’.

Such visitors can consume liquor by simply producing a valid photo ID, without requiring a liquor access permit. This is a marked shift from the tightly controlled relaxation framework first announced in Dec 2023.The latest notification also eases norms for permit holders sponsoring visitors, allowing employees with liquor access permits to host up to 25 guests at a time, and clarifies that diners without permits can freely enter wine-and-dine areas for food. Sources in the know also said that employees of GIFT City can now get a liquor access permit based on their ID cards by submitting Form A1. “Earlier, employees were required to take authorisation/approval from company HR, which is no longer needed. An employee can get his permit and host up to 25 guests without extra approvals,” a source close to the development said. “Additionally, the company will no longer be held responsible for the employee who leaves GIFT City without submitting his permit,” the source said.The relaxed rules now allow liquor service across hotel and restaurant premises, including lawns, poolside areas, terraces, and even private hotel rooms, provided the outlet holds an FL-III licence. Earlier, it was permitted only within designated ‘wine and dine’ zones for employees holding special permits.Sanjay Kaul, managing director and group CEO, GIFT City, said the notification was a pragmatic step to support GIFT City’s role as an international financial and business district. “It addresses the operational needs of global institutions and professionals working within a clearly defined and regulated framework. The objective is to enhance GIFT City’s competitiveness as a global financial centre, while ensuring that all provisions are implemented in a controlled and responsible manner, in line with its mandate as a project of national importance,” he said.

Industry players said that the move is in sync with the state’s ambition to become a global financial nerve centre and host international sporting events, namely the Commonwealth Games (CWG 2030) and Olympics 2036. Stakeholders said that the fresh relaxations will encourage leading domestic and international food and beverage brands to set up shop in GIFT City. It will also help companies to attract talent to GIFT City and meet its goal of 100,000 employees by 2030.“This is a very positive move and a strong boost for both GIFT City and Gujarat. It sends the right signal for the hospitality and real estate sectors at a time when the state is positioning itself to host the Commonwealth Games,” said Narendra Somani, president, Hotels and Restaurants’ Association (HRA), Gujarat. Somani advocated controlled relaxation of liquor laws across the state. “A calibrated, regulated expansion of liquor access beyond GIFT City would not only align Gujarat with international expectations but also generate substantial revenue for the govt. Alcohol consumption is ultimately a lifestyle choice, and experience shows that outright bans are no longer effective.”Sources said that with the relaxation norms, a group permit structure is also available in GIFT City. “Any company can organise an event and avail group permit for all the guests. This permit will be issued by authorised GIFT City officials,” a source close to the development said.The minimum drinking age remains 21, and all consumption continues to fall under the regulatory ambit of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have long been the embodiment of consistency in the Women’s Premier League, yet the ultimate prize has remained tantalizingly out of reach. After securing three consecutive runner-up finishes, the franchise entered the 2026 cycle with a bold vision to reshape its identity and finally bridge the gap between excellence and championship glory. This strategic shift began with the tough decision to move on from a legendary leadership era of Meg Lanning , prioritizing a core that resonates more deeply with the local fan base.

Delhi Capitals officially named World Cup winner as their new captain for the 2026 WPL season

In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, DC officially named India star Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old takes over from Australian icon Lanning, who led the side to three finals but was released ahead of the mega auction as the franchise sought an Indian face for the top job.

Jemimah, who was DC’s first-ever signing in the inaugural WPL auction, has scored 507 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 139.66 and has been a cornerstone of the team’s locker room culture. Her appointment follows a “dream year” in international cricket, headlined by her historic unbeaten 127 in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia. The franchise on December 14, orchestrated an emotional reveal during a fake “fan meet,” where Jemimah was surprised with videos of her family and childhood coach before being presented with her customized captaincy jersey.

“It is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team. It has truly been a dream year for me and my family, winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPL. We are gonna win this year. That’s the change I want to bring. Credit to Meg, too, for the way she has led the team over the last three years and the culture she has set for the team. She has inspired me and I have to owe that credit to her. I have learned so much over the last three years and shared some of my best moments here, and I can’t wait to finally cross that line that has eluded us.” Jemimah was quoted as saying Delhi Capitals official website.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal on the leadership shift

Delhi co-owner Parth Jindal clarified that the decision to appoint Jemimah was driven by a clear organizational philosophy to empower Indian leadership. Despite the presence of high-profile overseas stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, Jindal emphasized that the franchise wanted a leader who could foster a deep connection with the domestic players and the Indian supporters.

During the mega auction, DC remained disciplined in their strategy, building a squad designed to support a young Indian captain while adding tactical depth through signings like Sneh Rana and Chinelle Henry. Jindal noted that Jemimah’s “magical” performances on the world stage, combined with her years of service as Lanning’s deputy, made her the undeniable choice to lead the next cycle. The management believes that her boundless energy and newfound maturity as a World Cup winner are the exact ingredients needed to turn their streak of finals into a trophy.

“Jemimah has been with us since Day one, and there was never any doubt that she would one day captain the team. Beyond her on-field heroics, her infectious smile and boundless energy have made her a much-loved presence in the dressing room, and I am confident she will lead the squad exceptionally well. We are very clear that we would like to have an Indian as the captain. Laura (Wolvaardt) will add a lot of leadership into the dressing room, but we are clear that we want to go with an Indian captain. Her magical innings against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final was truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud to have her represent Delhi Capitals and now lead the team. I wish her the very best as she starts this new chapter, and I am certain she will excel in this role and help us cross the line after three consecutive finals.” Jindal said.

Also READ: What if India legend Jhulan Goswami was part of WPL auction?

Delhi Capitals’ WPL 2026 blueprint

The new-look Delhi Capitals squad for 2026 has been meticulously crafted to complement Jemimah’s aggressive but calculated style of play. While Lanning has moved on to the UP Warriorz, DC successfully retained their ‘spine,’ consisting of Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, each at ₹2.2 crore. The WPL 2026 auction addition of Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore is viewed as one of the best value picks of the season, providing a stable opening partner for Shafali. By bringing in domestic veterans like Sneh Rana, DC have ensured that Jemimah has an experienced ‘leadership group’ to consult on the field. The squad now features more than six viable bowling options and a batting order that runs deep, addressing the explosiveness that the management felt was lacking in previous seasons. With a core that has already experienced the pressure of three finals and the confidence of a World Cup victory, the 2026 Capitals appear more balanced than ever before.

Also READ: What if India legend Mithali Raj was part of the WPL auction?

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

Indian cricket has witnessed its fair share of questionable umpiring decisions over the years, but one call continues to stand out as uniquely baffling. It came in 2007 during an India vs South Africa match at the Belfast Oval, when veteran umpire Aleem Dar made a decision that still sparks debate nearly two decades later. Aleem Dar, widely respected and long considered one of the finest umpires the game has produced, was at the centre of a moment that perfectly illustrated the saying that even the very best can err. South Africa’s young batting prodigy AB de Villiers, then just 23, was given a huge let-off despite clearly edging the ball when he was yet to open his account.

The match was a rain-affected encounter, reduced to 31 overs per side. South Africa were already in trouble at 8 for 2, having lost Jacques Kallis and opener Morne van Wyk for ducks. On the first delivery of the fifth over, Zaheer Khan delivered a ball that de Villiers nicked sharply. The edge flew to Sachin Tendulkar at second slip, who completed a clean catch. There was little ambiguity about the dismissal. The sound of the edge was loud enough to be picked up by the stump microphone, and the deviation off the bat was clearly visible. It was the sort of wicket that rarely requires deliberation. Yet, to the astonishment of the Indian players, Dar ruled de Villiers not out. The reaction on the field said it all. Tendulkar stood visibly stunned, while captain Sourav Ganguly and the rest of the fielding side looked on in disbelief as the umpire remained firm in his decision. De Villiers eventually went on to score 15 before being dismissed, and India went on to win the series 2-1. Still, the moment has endured as one of the most talked-about incidents of de Villiers’ career, even 18 years on.

Herschelle Gibbs post

Herschelle Gibbs, who was at the non-striker’s end at the time, later admitted that he too was shocked by the decision. Responding to a video of the incident on X, Gibbs recalled, “I was at the other end, couldn’t believe what I was seeing. AB said he hit his pads.” The Belfast series, played for the Future Cup, came in the immediate aftermath of India’s disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign. Following Greg Chappell’s dismissal, India travelled to Ireland without a head coach, with Rahul Dravid continuing as captain. Despite the turbulence, Sachin Tendulkar emerged as the standout performer, earning the Player of the Series award after scoring 200 runs, including knocks of 99 and 93 in the first two matches, and also chipping in with two wickets.

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