Smriti Mandhana (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India have made a couple of changes for the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram, with star opener Smriti Mandhana not featuring in the playing XI. The decision has raised questions among fans, but the reason is straightforward: Mandhana has been rested.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed at the toss that both Smriti Mandhana and fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur were given a break for the final match of the series. With India already leading the five-match series 4–0, the team management chose to rotate players and give opportunities to others.“Yeah, I mean, we were okay batting also, so yeah, it’s an important match, so let’s play well and win. Yeah, definitely. As I mentioned, it’s an important match for us. How we started this series, that’s how we wanted to finish. Hopefully, again, we’ll continue the same momentum and give our best. Yes, we have two changes today, Smriti and Renuka are resting. Kamalini is going to debut and Sneh Rana is back,” Harmanpreet said.Seventeen-year-old G Kamalini made her international debut and was handed her cap by Harmanpreet. Sneh Rana returned to the side, replacing Renuka Singh Thakur. India’s playing XI also included Shafali Verma at the top, with Richa Ghosh behind the stumps and Harmanpreet leading the middle order.Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. Captain Chamari Athapaththu said her team wanted to build on the positives from the previous game and give youngsters more exposure.“We decide bowl first. Because we played a little bit good cricket last game, so that’s why we decide bowl first. Actually, we learn a lot of things in this tournament, especially we are playing against India the World Champions, so we learn a lot of things in every game. So I think these opportunities are really good for the youngsters and we learn from those mistakes and we learn from good things in here, so we will go home with positive things in next year,” Chamari said.Sri Lanka Women (Playing XI): Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaushani Nuthyangana(w), Nimasha Madushani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki MadaraIndia Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, G Kamalini, Richa Ghosh(w), Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani

Inspection of drug manufacturing sites in India is confidential information that is exempt from public disclosure under the Right to Information according to the drug regulatory authorities. Though the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) is supposed to have started risk-based inspection of drug-making facilities since December 2022, when asked how many such inspections have been conducted each month since then the CDSCO claimed that the information was exempt under the RTI Act. However, retired and active drug controllers pointed out that there was no blanket exemption on this information.“The public has the right to seek information on how many inspections have been conducted each year along with the dates of the inspections, the name of company and the names of the drug inspectors who conducted the inspection. Drug inspectors are public functionaries paid with public money to ensure safety of drugs in public interest. Why shouldn’t this information be available in the public domain, on the website of every state drug controller?” asked Dr KV Babu, ophthalmologist and RTI activist, who sought the information.Section 8(1) (d) cited by most drug authorities to deny information “exempts information the disclosure of which would prejudice the commercial interests of a third party, unless the public interest in disclosure is served”. The law clearly states that public interest overrides commercial interests.Section 8(1) (h) exempts “information that would impede the investigation or prosecution of offenders”. “This would only apply to those inspections which resulted in cases being filed as the drug authorities can claim that revealing the inspection reports could affect the case in court. But barring those inspection reports, the details of all other inspections can be made public. However, since there is no rule mandating the disclosure, the default mode is to not reveal it,” said an assistant drug controller who did not want to be named.Section (g) protects “information that would endanger life or physical safety, or identify sources of information for law enforcement”. “How does revealing this apply to information regarding inspection of drug-making facilities? If anything, not revealing it is endangering the life of the public who consume the medicines,” said Dr Babu.CDSCO’s drug alert list released every month shows that there are companies whose products are repeatedly found to be substandard with serious failings such as the presence of bacterial endotoxins and sterility issues in Ringer Lactate intravenous fluids. The products of one such company, Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals, killed six new mothers in Karnataka, after which it was shut down. However, the Ringer Lactate fluid produced by this company was found contaminated with bacterial endotoxins in April 2020, again in August 2023, October 2024 and in November 2024 before it was connected to the deaths in Karnataka. Samples tested in December 2024 and those tested in January and February 2025 were also found similarly contaminated. However, with no data on inspections in the public domain, there is no way of knowing if drug control authorities ever inspected this unit before the deaths occurred or when they last inspected it or what they found if they did.Similarly, samples of yet another manufacturer of Ringer Lactate fluid, Swaroop Pharmaceuticals in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh being sold in Odisha were found to be contaminated with bacterial endotoxins in July, August, September, October and December 2022. In January 2023, samples of the product lifted in Mizoram, in February in Odisha and again in December 2023 were found to be similarly contaminated. Yet there is no information in the public domain on whether inspections were conducted of the manufacturing facility of this company and what was found to be the reason for the repeated contamination. There is no information regarding any risk-based inspection of manufacturers of Ringer lactate fluid following the deaths in Karnataka.“Earlier, every unit had to be inspected once a year by state drug inspectors and every two years the licence had to be renewed after the unit was inspected to see if they are fit for renewal. This was diluted in the name of ‘ease of business’ and now inspections need to be done only once every three years. Framing of regulations ought to be patient/consumer centric and not to suit the business,” said Ravi Uday Bhaskar Director-General of All India Drug Controller Officers Confederation.Incidentally, there is no prioritization of inspection of manufacturing sites, from where drugs originate. Most of the drug regulation is in the form of lifting samples from an estimated 1.7 lakh pharmacies, stockists, distributors etc scattered across the country and getting them tested. In contrast there are less than 8,000 manufacturing units according to the 2023 report of the government’s survey of pharma clusters. According to the survey, there are 118 pharma clusters in India and 7,673 pharma manufacturing units.Though the government announced risk-based inspections, the rules do not specify any criteria, parameters or methodology to determine what constitutes a “risk-based” inspection or how manufacturers are to be categorized by risk level, making it open ended and discretionary. “This results in inconsistent interpretation across states and in practice, a reduction in inspection frequency and oversight, thereby diluting regulatory control over manufacturing compliance,” said Uday Bhaskar. RTIs queries to 16 zonal offices and the CDSCO on inspections have been stonewalled repeatedly.

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Ranveer Singh is back with a bang in Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar,’ a spy action film. The film has not only smashed big office records but also garnered acclaim for its plot, cast and an anticipation for Part 2 next year. Over three hours long, the film kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Here’s a closer look at the potential date of its release on OTT platform, cast and plot.

OTT release buzz for ‘Dhurandhar’

Though ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to draw crowds in cinemas, countless fans have been eagerly awaiting for its debut on OTT. As per OTTplay, the movie is slated for Netflix post-theatrical window, potentially hitting screens January 30, 2026, pending official word from producers or the platform.

Plot and cast highlights of Dhurandhar’

‘Dhurandhar’ is a thrilling spy action movie with Ranveer Singh leadung with a strong, intense role as Hamza who infiltrates into the dark underbelly of Lyari. As the story progresses, he solidifies his position as a key player in the deep ISI-criminal connection. Apart from Ranveer Singh, ‘Dhurandhar’ features an ensemble cast of Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun in important roles.

Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone airport sighting

Meanwhile, a few days back, Ranveer Singh and his wife actress Deepika Padukone were seen late Monday night at Mumbai airport. The couple was going on vacation. Both wore black outfits, held hands, smiled, and waved to cameras before entering.

MUMBAI: The proliferation of high-rise buildings across Mumbai has brought an unintended consequence for some residents—persistent flashing lights from aviation obstruction systems on adjacent towers that penetrate through curtains and disrupt sleep patterns.Aviation Obstruction Lights (AOL) are legally mandated under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 14 regulations, which India follows. Any building exceeding 45 meters in height must install these lights to ensure aircraft safety, particularly given Mumbai’s proximity to multiple helipads and the city’s dense airspace.

The regulatory frameworkUnder current regulations, buildings between 45-150 meters tall require Medium Intensity Obstruction Lights. These lights must be installed not only at the top of the building but also along external edges at uniform intervals for structures whose width or length exceeds 45 meters. This ensures the building’s outline is visible to aircraft from all angles.However, what many building managements and developers may not realize is that ICAO regulations provide multiple lighting options, each designed for different contexts.Three compliant optionsFor medium-intensity systems, the regulations specify:

The most common installation in Indian cities is the “Dual Type A/C” system, which flashes white during daylight hours and switches to red at night. However, the regulations explicitly state that the nighttime component can be either flashing or steady-burning.The choice between flashing and steady lights at night is not about compliance—both are legal. The flashing option is being chosen by default, but steady-burning lights achieve the same safety objective while being far less disruptive to residential neighbours.Urban context mattersICAO guidelines acknowledge that flashing lights, while highly visible, can cause visual disruptions in densely populated residential areas. The regulations specifically allow for steady-burning alternatives in such contexts.In cities like Mumbai, where high-rises are often built in close proximity to existing residential towers, the impact of lighting choices extends beyond the building itself. Residents in buildings adjacent to newly constructed towers have reported that flashing aviation lights are visible through blackout curtains and create a strobing effect that disrupts sleep.A question of awarenessIndustry sources suggest that the prevalence of flashing lights may be more a matter of default practice than deliberate choice. Building management teams, particularly for older high-rises that have had aviation lighting systems installed for years, may not be aware that retrofitting to steady-burning lights is both possible and compliant with regulations.The path forwardAviation safety experts emphasize that steady-burning red lights provide adequate visibility for aircraft at night while minimizing impact on surrounding residential communities. The lights maintain the required 2,000 candela intensity—sufficient for aircraft detection—without the pulsing effect that causes disturbance.As Mumbai continues its vertical expansion, urban planners and building developers may need to give greater consideration to how aviation safety requirements can be implemented in ways that balance regulatory compliance with liveability for the city’s dense residential fabric.For existing buildings, switching from flashing to steady-burning nighttime lights requires coordination with the original lighting contractor and, in some cases, reprogramming of the lighting control system. The modification does not require fresh approvals from aviation authorities, as both configurations meet ICAO standards.Building management associations and resident welfare groups in affected areas are beginning to raise awareness about these alternatives, hoping that a more informed approach to aviation lighting can reduce unnecessary disturbances while maintaining the safety standards that protect Mumbai’s airspace.[For buildings seeking guidance on aviation obstruction lighting configurations, the Airports Authority of India and ICAO Annex 14 documentation provide detailed technical specifications.]

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India was being recognised globally for speeding up development through next-generation reforms that cut across sectors and strengthen long-term growth.In a post on social media platform LinkedIn, PM Modi said India had become a focus of global attention due to the innovation and energy of its people. “The world now looks at India with hope and confidence. They appreciate the manner in which the pace of progress has been accelerated with next-generation reforms,” he said.The prime minister credited the country’s young population and the spirit of the citizens for it, saying, “I have been telling many people that India has boarded the Reform Express. The primary engine of this Reform Express is India’s demography, our young generation and the indomitable spirit of our people.”Looking back at the year as it ends, the prime minister said that “2025 will be remembered as a year when India treated reforms as a continuous national mission, building on the work of the past 11 years. We modernised institutions, simplified governance, and strengthened the foundations for long-term, inclusive growth,” he said.PM Modi said the government pushed ahead with higher ambition, faster execution and deeper change. He added that the reforms were meant to help citizens live with dignity, give entrepreneurs confidence to innovate and allow institutions to function with clarity and trust.Citing examples, the prime minister pointed to reforms in GST, labour laws, foreign investment, taxation, rural employment, and more. He said the simplified two-slab GST structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent had eased the burden on households, MSMEs, farmers and labour-intensive sectors.PM Modi also said that the middle class has been given major relief, with no income tax for those earning up to Rs 12 lakh a year, while small businesses were supported by expanding the definition of small companies. He also highlighted 100 per cent FDI in insurance, new maritime and labour laws, key trade agreements, clean energy reforms under the SHANTI Act, and higher rural employment under the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act, 2025.Concluding his post, PM Modi said the reforms aimed to move India from a control-based system to one built on trust, with citizens at the centre. “Building a Viksit Bharat is the polestar of our development trajectory. I urge everyone in India and abroad to deepen their bond with the India growth story. Keep trusting India and investing in our people,” he said.

Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner delivered a match-winning 99 not out from 41 balls, smashing eight fours and eight sixes, to propel his side to 202 for eight against Sydney Thunder in the BBL|15 16th match at Sydney Showground Stadium on December 30, 2025. The explosive knock overshadowed early setbacks, setting a daunting target that Thunder crumbled chasing, folding for 131 in 17.3 overs to hand Scorchers a commanding 71-run victory. This clinical performance boosted Perth’s playoff push while deepening Sydney’s mid-table struggles.​

Ashton Turner’s blazing innings sets the tone for Perth Scorchers

Perth Scorchers stumbled early in their 20-over innings, slumping to 34 for four inside the powerplay after Mitchell Marsh (6 off 7), Finn Allen (11 off 9), Cooper Connolly (28 off 27), and Josh Inglis (13 off 9) departed to strikes from Nathan McAndrew, Reece Topley, and Daniel Sams.

Turner, entering at number five, flipped the script with a brutal assault, racing to a 22-ball fifty featuring five fours and four sixes, highlighted by a 76-run stand with Connolly off just 41 balls that ignited the innings past 100 by the 12th over. Laurie Evans (10) and Aaron Hardie (28 off 16, five fours) chipped in during a late surge, pushing the total beyond 200 in the 20th over despite Sams’ four for 51 and Topley’s two for 34; Turner stranded agonisingly short of his ton as Joel Paris (0) holed out off the final ball.​

Also WATCH: Tanveer Sangha takes a sensational diving catch to dismiss Josh Inglis in BBL|15

Perth Scorchers’ bowling seals dominant win against Sydney Thunder

Sydney Thunder started strongly in pursuit of 203, racing to 60 for one in the powerplay with David Warner (25 off 21, two sixes) and Matthew Gilkes (33 off 19, three fours, two sixes) adding 50 in 35 balls. But Mahli Beardman struck first, snaring Warner, triggering a collapse as Gilkes ran out next over, followed by Cameron Bancroft (2), Sam Billings (0), and Daniel Sams (16) to slide to 81 for four at drinks by 9.5 overs.​

Hardie (two for 7) and Connolly (two for 26) then choked the middle order, removing Sam Konstas (21), Chris Green (5), and Shadab (4), while Paris (two for 28) and Brody Couch (two for 28) cleaned up the tail with McAndrew (11) and Topley (5) falling to leave Thunder 131 all out in 17.3 overs.

That’s a huge win for the Perth Scorchers in Syndey 🔥#BBL2025 #perthscorchers pic.twitter.com/fjTAJnXosh

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2025

Also READ: Nathan Ellis’ bowling brilliance and Matthew Wade’s late fireworks seal thrilling Hobart Hurricanes’ win over Melbourne Renegades in BBL|15

Begum Khalida Zia, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and BNP’s chairperson, passed away early on Tuesday at the age of 80. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences over the death of the Bangladeshi leader. PM Modi also expressed shock and concern over the reported targeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence.In India, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Union minister Amit Shah came heads on to each other. Shah accused the Bengal CM of not allotting land for border fencing with Bangladesh, while Banerjee, steering away from his charges, claimed that people in Bengal will not allow the BJP to come to power in West Bengal.In a major feat in business, India has moved past Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, according to the government’s year-end economic review. While in sports, India faces a major setback as ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s return to competitive cricket has been delayed after the batter failed to receive the required clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).Here are the top 5 stories for the evening:Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia passes away at 80Begum Khalida Zia, the key rival of Bangladesh’s ousted PM Sheikh Hasina took her last breath on Tuesday. The BNP chairperson was born in India’s Jalpaiguri. Zia had been in critical condition for months and was undergoing treatment when her situation began worsening on Tuesday morning.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s leader of interim government Muhammed Yunus expressed their condolences.Read the full storyPM Modi reacts to reports of attack on Putin’s housePrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday voiced concern over reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence was targeted, urging restraint and a renewed emphasis on diplomacy. Russia claimed that Ukraine launched a drone attack on Putin’s state residence between Moscow and St Petersburg. According to Reuters, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said 91 long-range drones were fired in the Novgorod region on December 28–29, all of which were intercepted by Russian air defences.Read the full storyAmit Shah and Mamata Banerjee launch attacks at each otherUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday targeted West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of failing to allot land for border fencing along the Bangladesh border, which he said has enabled infiltration through the state’s eastern frontiers. Mamata Banerjee sidestepping Shah’s allegations and asserting that the people of West Bengal would not allow the BJP to come to power in the state.Read the full storyIndia overtakes Japan to become world’s fourth largest economyIndia has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, according to the government’s year-end economic review.With GDP estimated at $4.18 trillion, India now ranks behind only the US, China and Germany, and is projected to surpass Germany to become the third-largest economy in the next 2.5–3 years. Final confirmation will come after the IMF releases its 2025 data in the first half of 2026, the government said.Read the full storyRapid weight loss delays Shreyas Iyer’s return to competitive cricketODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer’s return to competitive cricket has been delayed after he failed to get clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). He was expected to leave the facility on December 30 but will now stay at least another week to complete his Return to Play (RTP) process.While Iyer is batting without discomfort, rapid weight loss following an abdominal injury has reduced his strength below optimum levels. He has lost around 6 kg due to the injury and, despite regaining some weight, the drop in muscle mass remains a concern that will be closely addressed in the coming week.Read the full story

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