DHAKA: Bangladesh high commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah on Wednesday noted that external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Dhaka, conveyed the condolences of the people and government of India as Bangladesh mourns the passing of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.In a post on X, Hamidullah said, “HE @DrSJaishankar, Hon. External Affairs Minister, in Dhaka, conveys condolences of the people | Govt of #India as #Bangladesh mourns passing of former Prime Minister #BegumKhaledaZia, recognized her contribution to #democracy and expressed optimism to strengthen ties following democratic transition in Bangladesh thru the upcoming election (Feb 2026).”

As tributes continued to pour in from across the world, the body of former Bangladesh prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia reached her Gulshan residence, Firoza, on Wednesday. Family members and close relatives gathered at the residence to pay their last respects ahead of her Namaz-e-Janaza.Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a post on X, “The body of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia arrived at Firoza in Gulshan, where family members and relatives paid their last respects to her ahead of her Namaz-e-Janaza.”At the residence, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was present alongside family members.He was seen seated quietly with a prayer book in his hands, paying his final respects to his mother in a moment marked by solemn grief.The funeral prayer for the former prime minister will be held at 2 pm today on Manik Mia Avenue at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament Building. Large crowds have already gathered at the venue to participate in the Namaz-e-Janaza, with millions of mourners reported to be present.Chief adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus, along with other dignitaries, is expected to attend the funeral prayer.Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.The funeral has drawn regional attention, with India confirming official participation in the last rites.External affairs minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.“The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” the statement said.Senior representatives from several South Asian countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, are also expected to pay their last respects. These delegations include foreign ministers and other high-level officials.Bangladesh is observing a public holiday and has entered a three-day period of state mourning.Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A dominant figure in national politics for decades, she led Bangladesh for three terms and played a key role in restoring democracy following years of military rule.As preparations for the final rites continued, BNP leaders said the funeral prayer will be led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the proceedings.BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, as quoted by The Daily Star, urged attendees to maintain discipline, avoid rushing forward or taking photographs, and preserve the dignity and solemnity of the ceremony.He also appealed to the public to pray for strength for the Zia family, particularly Tarique Rahman, to bear the loss and continue his responsibilities towards the country.Earlier in the day, the BNP Standing Committee met at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office, with the meeting chaired by Tarique Rahman. Alongside party-level arrangements, the government announced that Khaleda Zia’s final journey would be conducted with full state honours.Chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said the process, from transporting her body from Evercare Hospital to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, followed by the funeral prayer and burial, would take place under heightened security.More than 10,000 police and Armed Police Battalion personnel have been deployed, with army members stationed at key points, The Daily Star reported. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police also outlined the convoy route. Vehicular movement along affected roads will remain restricted, and the public has been requested to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. In parallel, the government has declared a three-day state mourning starting today.In a televised address on Tuesday, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus announced a public holiday for December 31. A gazette notification was subsequently issued by the public administration ministry. According to the notification, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices will remain closed today.Emergency and essential services, including electricity, water, gas, fire services, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, postal services and healthcare, will continue to operate. Hospitals, emergency medical staff and vehicles carrying medical equipment and medicines have also been exempted. Following the decision, the Supreme Court and Bangladesh Bank issued separate notifications declaring a public holiday.In another gazette notification, the cabinet division formally announced a three-day national mourning, which will conclude on Friday, The Daily Star said. Alongside the state observances, the BNP announced a seven-day mourning period. Senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said black flags will be hoisted at all party offices nationwide. Party leaders and activists will wear black badges, and prayers will be held at every BNP office.Condolence books have been opened at BNP offices, including Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, the party’s Nayapaltan central office and district-level offices. Condolences also came from global leaders.Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s death, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. In a post on X, he said he was “deeply saddened” by her passing and recalled his “warm meeting” with her in Dhaka in 2015. He added that he hoped her vision and legacy would continue to guide bilateral ties.Tributes were also paid by leaders from Pakistan and Nepal. Major diplomatic missions and international organisations acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s political and democratic development.The United Nations expressed its deepest sympathies to her family and reaffirmed solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh. The European Union also conveyed its condolences. The US Embassy in Dhaka said she played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s modern history. Russia said it would remember her for maintaining cordial bilateral relations during her three tenures as prime minister. China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent condolence messages to chief adviser Muhammad Yunus. Chinese ambassador Yao Wen conveyed condolences to Tarique Rahman.Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif described Khaleda Zia as a committed friend of Pakistan, with President Asif Ali Zardari also extending condolences. Malaysia, Nepal, the Maldives and several other countries echoed similar sentiments.Diplomatic missions including the British high commission, as well as the German, French, Japanese and Iranian embassies, also issued statements mourning her passing. Australia said its thoughts were with the people of Bangladesh as they mourn the former prime minister.

NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, media reports said on Wednesday.The former batsman, who represented Australia in 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and featured in 208 one-day internationals, was admitted on Boxing Day last week after falling ill while lying down.

Australian media reported that Martyn is undergoing treatment for meningitis, a condition that can be life-threatening. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.Support has poured in from across the cricketing world. Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, a close friend of Martyn, said he was receiving the best possible care.“He is getting the best of treatment,” Gilchrist told The Australian newspaper.“Amanda (his partner) and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes.”Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, a long-time teammate of Martyn, also sent his support.“Lots of love and prayers… keep strong and fighting, legend. Love to the family,” Lehmann wrote on X.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg extended the organisation’s support, saying: “I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at CA and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time.”Several current and former players echoed those sentiments. VVS Laxman wrote: “Sending strength and prayers to my dear friend @damienmartyn and his family. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The entire cricket world stands with you Matto during this tough time.”Ravichandran Ashwin added: “Thoughts are with @damienmartyn. Prayers to see him bounce back.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was also among those to offer his support, posting on X: “All our thoughts are with you @damienmartyn x.”Widely regarded as one of the finest strokemakers of his generation, Martyn was a key member of Steve Waugh’s dominant Australian side. He scored 13 Test centuries and finished his career with an average of 46.37.Martyn was also part of Australia’s triumphant 2003 ODI World Cup squad, playing a decisive role in the final against India with an unbeaten 88 in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.He retired from international cricket in 2006 during the Ashes series and has largely kept a low profile since.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape enter this clash as form team and favourites, while Paarl Royals are desperate to hit reset after a tough start to the season. With contrasting momentum and a seamer-friendly St George’s Park on offer, this shapes as a high-intensity SA20 contest.​

Sunrisers Eastern Cape have begun SA20 2025-26 with two wins in two games and sit at the top of the table, reflecting a well-rounded, in-form unit.​ Paarl Royals have played just one game and were thrashed by Sunrisers earlier in the tournament, leaving them at the bottom and under early pressure.​ Eastern Cape also dominated the head-to-head earlier this season with a massive 137-run victory, a result that will strongly influence both confidence and tactics in this game.

SEC vs PR, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: December 31 (Wednesday); 04:30 pm IST / 11:00 pm GMT / 1:00 pm Local
• Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha

SEC vs PR, Head-to-Head Record in SA20:

Matches played: 7 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape won: 5 | Paarl Royals won: 2 | No result/Tied: 0

St George’s Park Pitch Report

St George’s Park in Gqeberha is expected to favour the bowlers, especially the fast men, much like what has been seen in recent SA20 matches. The pitch generally offers good pace and bounce with a bit of seam movement early on, allowing pacers to make an impact in the opening overs. Spinners have had a tougher time here, with quick bowlers picking up the bulk of the wickets.

Batters will need to spend some time at the crease and play with patience early, as the new ball can be tricky. While the short boundaries can help power-hitters cash in later in the innings, the surface tends to slow down in the middle overs, and the slightly low bounce can often lead to sudden batting collapses. With dew expected to set in during tomorrow evening, conditions could become even more challenging and play a decisive role in the match.

Squads

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs (c), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Senuran Muthusamy, Adam Milne, Anrich Nortje, Chris Wood, Allah Ghazanfar, JP King, Christopher King, Jordan Hermann, Mitchell Van Buuren, Tharindu Rathnayake, James Coles, Beyers Swanepoel, Lutho Sipamla

Paarl Royals: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Vishen Halambage, Rubin Hermann, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Asa Tribe, David Miller (c), Delano Potgieter, Bjorn Fortuin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman, Dan Lawrence, Sikandar Raza, Gudakesh Motie, Hardus Viljoen, Okuhle Cele, Nqabayomzi Peter, Eshan Malinga, Keagan Lion Cachet, Thomas Rew

Also READ: Sunrisers Eastern Cape skittle Paarl Royals for SA20’s lowest-ever total in one-sided win

SEC vs PR, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sunrisers Eastern Cape wins the toss and bowls first
• Paarl Royals’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Paarl Royals’ total score: 165-175

Case 2:

• Paarl Royals wins the toss and bowls first
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: SA20 2026:Full list of commentators and presenters at South Africa’s explosive T20 cricket league

By Sushi Shyamal VemuIndia’s infrastructure sector is experiencing a significant transformation, as major developers and Infrastructure Funds shift their focus from isolated project implementation to developing large-scale infrastructure platforms. This change is driven by increased government spending, a more robust regulatory environment, policies oriented toward growth, and reliable financing mechanisms. Following the union budget in 2021, which marked a pivotal move toward capital expenditure, the government has steadily increased its allocations for infrastructure with the aim of stimulating economic demand and delivering major projects. The FY26 union budget earmarked ₹11.21 lakh crore for infrastructure—a 10% year-over-year rise, accounting for 3.1% of GDP estimates. In the roads and highways segment, the government continues to prioritize the expansion and enhancement of the national highways network. For FY26, the Ministry of Roads Transport & Highways (MoRTH) received a budget of ₹2.7 lakh crore, targeting 6,376 km of new bids, major expansions, and brownfield expressway projects. Over the past five years, NHAI has constructed between 4,200 and 6,500 km of national highways annually.Until 2020, India had only a handful of expressways—such as Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Agra (Yamuna), and Bangalore–Mysore corridor connecting key cities. MoRTH is now building 27 expressways and access-controlled corridors, totaling 9,860 km at a cost of ₹4.2 lakh crore. State governments are also at the forefront, working on landmark expressway projects like Maharashtra’s Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway and Ganga, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand expressways in Uttar Pradesh, connecting Bangalore city to Chennai, Pune and Nagpur in the south thereby enhancing both intra- and inter-state connectivity. These ambitious plans will deliver modern economic corridors, improve logistics efficiency, connect pilgrimage sites, and depend heavily on hybrid financing to attract private investment and foreign capital.Through the Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLP) program, MoRTH is establishing 35 infra logistics parks—each over 100 acres—with multimodal transport access, modular warehouses, and container terminals near ports to optimize freight movement and reduce shipping costs and times. Additionally, the Port Connectivity Project seeks to upgrade last-mile connectivity to all active and under-construction ports, with 108 projects identified and 36 already completed. In line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 infrastructure vision, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model has evolved considerably. The government is proactively engaging private investors, refining concession agreements, and promoting stable, consultative policy approaches across sub-sectors such as roadways, renewables, and ports & infra-logistics. These efforts have enhanced investor confidence and reinforced policy continuity. Innovative funding models also play a critical role. Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), regulated by SEBI, have matured from niche products for institutional investors to mainstream vehicles providing transparent, efficient, and long-term yield-oriented returns for both domestic and institutional capital providers. The potential reclassification of InvIT units to equity status promises to stimulate even greater participation from long-term capital sources. While early InvITs focused primarily on roads and power transmission assets, the next phase includes diversification into sectors like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, ports, airports, warehousing, and infra-logistics. InvITs are managing assets exceeding ₹7 lakh crore, with several new listings planned for 2026, aiming to bridge India’s infrastructure funding gap and recycle primary capital for institutional investors. The approach to financing highways is undergoing a major overhaul, with MoRTH raising ₹1.06 lakh crore so far through TOTs (Toll-Operate-Transfer) and InvIT. While NHAI’s current InvIT is privately listed (NHIT), a new public InvIT is being set up to facilitate retail participation alongside institutional investors such as Infrastructure funds, mutual funds, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds. Private entities and developers are seizing opportunities in sectors like roads, renewables, and infra-logistics, benchmarking infrastructure quality against global standards for connectivity, safety, and operational excellence. There is a growing shift toward greener, low-carbon construction, with organizations investing in AI technologies to increase productivity, harness modular construction, manage resources efficiently, and ensure safer, more reliable journeys and services by analysing large datasets and optimizing project lifecycles.(Sushi Shyamal Vemu os Partner, Infrastructure Practice and Investment Banking Advisory at EY India. Views expressed are personal)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer limited to tech labs. OpenAI launched ChaGPT in 2022. Since then AI chatbots have become mainstream with big tech companies not only developing their own AI tools but also fostering partnerships to make them accessible to more users. As access expands and costs come down, AI tools are moving beyond early adopters and becoming part of routine digital life. In 2025, we saw Google, Perplexity and OpenAI announce free access to their premium AI services in India. Google partnered with Jio to offer Gemini Pro at no extra cost for 18 months. Similarly, Perplexity partnered with Airtel to offer 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription free of cost to all its 360 million customers. OpenAI also made ChatGPT Go available at no cost for 12 months for eligible users in India. In this story, we look at what these offers include and who benefits the most.

Google partners with Reliance to bring Google AI worth Rs 35,100 for free

In October 2025, Google announced a strategic partnership with Reliance Intelligence to offer Google’s AI Pro plan, and with it the latest version of Google Gemini, to Jio Unlimited 5G plan users at no extra cost for 18 months. Announcing the partnership, the US-based tech giant said “We are excited to expand access to our most powerful AI models to more people across India, and can’t wait to see how our world-class tools deliver powerful benefits in people’s everyday lives.”“Through a new strategic partnership with Reliance Intelligence, we’re bringing together our most capable AI models and powerful tools, giving millions of their users access to the Google AI Pro plan at no extra cost for 18 months,” it added.

What is Google AI Pro

With a Google AI Pro membership, one gets expanded access to certain AI features built by Google. It includes 2 TB of expanded storage and additional benefits to optimize Google usage. Users also get access to AI credits with the Google AI Pro membership that can be used across Whisk and Flow. Google AI Pro members get 1,000 monthly AI credits.

Who are eligible for free Google AI Pro

Google’s free AI offer was initially available to Jio users between 18 to 25 years of age. It was eventually expanded to every Jio user nationwide. The offer can be activated via MyJio app.

Benefits under Jio-Google free AI offer

As announced by the company, eligible Jio customers gain access to Google’s most capable Gemini 2.5 Pro model in the Gemini app. Jio users also get higher limits to generate stunning images and videos with the company’s state-of-the-art Nano Banana and Veo 3.1 models, expanded access to NotebookLM for study and research, 2 TB of cloud storage across Google Photos, Gmail, Drive and for backing up WhatsApp (on Android) and more. In a press release, the company stated that the offer has a combined value of approximately Rs 35,100.“Today’s announcement will put Google’s cutting-edge AI tools in the hands of consumers, businesses, and India’s vibrant developer community,” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, said in an official statement then.“Through our collaboration with strategic and long-term partners like Google, we aim to make India not just AI-enabled but AI-empowered — where every citizen and enterprise can harness intelligent tools to create, innovate, and grow,” Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani said.Notably, Google offered Indian students a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan earlier this year.

Airtel partners with Perplexity to offer benefits worth Rs 17,000 for free

Airtel announced its partnership with Perplexity in July 2025. “Bharti Airtel has partnered with Perplexity, to offer 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription free of cost to all its 360mn customers,” the telecom operator said in a press release then. Under the partnership, Airtel users get free access to Perplexity Pro worth Rs 17,000. Commenting on the partnership, Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Bharti Airtel said, “We’re thrilled to announce a game-changing partnership with Perplexity, bringing their cutting-edge AI capabilities exclusively for Airtel customers. This collaboration will bring the powerful and real-time knowledge tool for millions of users at their fingertips, at no extra cost. This first of its kind Gen-AI partnership in India is focused on helping our customers navigate the emerging trends in the digital world with confidence and ease.”Aravind Srinivas – Cofounder, CEO – Perplexity said “This partnership is an exciting way to make accurate, trustworthy, and professional-grade AI accessible to more people in India—whether a student, working professional, or managing a household. With Perplexity Pro, users get a smarter, easier way to find information, learn, and get more done.”

What is Perplexity Pro

Perplexity Pro is the advanced version of the Perplexity tool. It is claimed to be a smarter, faster way to search, research, and boost your productivity. Key capabilities include:

Exclusive features of Perplexity Pro are:

Ideal use cases of Perplexity Pro

For students: Working on a 100-page dissertation has never been easier. Students can upload their PDFs, summarise key points, compare credible sources, and even turn raw data into charts—all in minutes, not weeks.For Professionals: No more sifting through endless reports. With Perplexity Pro, professionals can boost productivity by pulling competitive insights, summarising industry papers, and turning spreadsheets into interactive dashboards in seconds.“Perplexity has a free offering, which offers powerful search functions, while the Pro version provides enhanced capabilities for professionals and heavy users. Perplexity Pro includes more daily Pro searches per user, access to advanced AI models (e.g., GPT 4.1, Claude) and the ability to select specific models, deep research, image generation, file uploads and analysis, as well as Perplexity Labs, a unique tool that brings ideas to life. Perplexity Pro is priced globally at *INR 17000 for a year,” Airtel said in a press statement.

How to avail Perplexity Pro at no cost with Airtel

Those interested can follow the steps below:

Who can access the offer

As announced by the telecom company, eligible users include:

OpenAI offers ChatGPT Go for free in India

Starting November 4, 2025, Sam Altman-led OpenAI is giving ChatGPT GO subscription for free to all users in India. The move is aimed to counter rival Google and Perplexity which as mentioned above has partnered with leading telecom operators Jio and Airtel to offer access to their respective AI models for free.

What is ChatGPT Go

ChatGPT Go is a low-cost subscription plan that provides expanded access to ChatGPT’s most popular features at an affordable price. The price costs Rs 399 per month in India. As listed on OpenAI help page, ChatGPT Go offers everything included in the Free plan, along with:

Who are eligible

As stated by OpenAI on its help page, eligibility and terms to get free access to ChatGPT Go for 12 months are as follows:

Note on UPI payments: OpenAI clarifies that if one uses UPI for redeeming the promotion, he/she may temporarily see a charge of INR (₹) 1 on their account every billing basis. The charge is required for purposes of using UPI as a payment method, and will be refunded.

How to get ChatGPT Go for free

OpenAI has listed steps to access ChatGPT Go for free. These includeStep 1: Sign up for ChatGPT, if you’re new, or login to your account if you already have one.Step 2: Click on Try ChatGPT Go or go to Settings → Account → Try ChatGPT GoStep 3: During checkout, add a payment method – you will not be charged (see special note on UPI).Step 4: Upon completion of checkout, your promotional subscription will be active, and renew automatically on a monthly basis for 12 months.Step 5: You can review terms from Settings → Account anytime.If you have already subscribed to ChatGPT Go from ChatGPT Web, or Google Play store, OpenAI will automatically move your next billing date back by 12 months. No action is required on your part. However, if you have subscribed to ChatGPT Go from the Apple app store, you must cancel your current subscription, wait for the end of your final billing period and then redeem from the Apple app store.

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