Kolkata: Sahitya Akademi awardee and poet Joy Goswami is one of the 32 lakh unmapped voters in Bengal. Two days ago, the 72-year-old poet’s wife got a call from the EC, asking him to be present at a hearing. Goswami, who is recuperating from three surgeries will not attend the scheduled hearing on Jan 2. His daughter is peeved with the “pervasive politics of fear” that is at play to “harass Indian voters in the name of SIR”. Bukun, the poet’s daughter, described the situation as systemic harassment. “People are living in fear of what will happen next. Fear is the key now but my question is how long will we have to endure this? There should be an end of the pervasive politics of fear that is playing out in our country now to harass Indian voters in the name of SIR. I believe this is not only about Joy Goswami. It also about other Indians. I do not know if they are disrespecting and harassing people this way because it is Bengal. They know Bengal doesn’t want BJP in power and I can only hazard a guess and say there could be some other agenda behind spreading this fear of being disenfranchised,” she said.

Bukun, who addresses her father as Joy, told TOI that two days back, her mother received a call from EC. “His name is there in the 2025 voter list. So was mine. The call stated that Joy and I would have to attend a hearing on January 2. Joy didn’t have a voter ID card in 2002 and hence, couldn’t submit the required documents,” she said, adding that she father had exercised his franchise even in 2024. “He has even voted for the Kolkata Dakshin Parliamentary constituency. His polling station was Jadavpur Girls High School. Since my father’s documents were missing, I too have been called. My mother too didn’t have a voter card in 2002. But her mother had and hence, my mother could show that. My father’s parents passed away in Ranaghat long back and we don’t have those documents,” she added. The Goswami family previously lived in Jadavpur before shifting to Salt Lake. “Even after shifting to Salt Lake, we still went to Jadavpur to cast our franchise. This is such a huge harassment for all of us. It is not about my father alone. For any elderly person, this is so difficult. I have come across reports of how elderly people with asthma and pain in their joints who are finding it hugely difficult to stand in queues and face all this. My father will not be able to go. He underwent three surgeries in November and is no position to go for a hearing,” she added. Medical restrictions currently prevent the poet from travelling. “Travel is a no-no for him. His doctor has strictly said he shouldn’t travel where there is any risk of a jerk. I will go for the hearing and see if I can answer the queries regarding Joy’s documents. Both my parents are elderly. My father has lived in this state, has worked and served for so many years. Nobody anticipates that a day will come when he can be disenfranchised unless further proof is given,” she said. She stated that the SIR issue had not been discussed within the family in recent months. “I know how much this news of the hearing can hurt him and hence, have refrained from sharing it with him now. He is unwell and gets tired easily. I do not want to put him through this stress. If I get a second hearing date, I will first consult his doctor and then break the news to him,” she added. Education minister Bratya Basu has strongly reacted to this news. “This only goes on to expose BJP’s views of Bengal and its culture. Joy-da was recently hospitalised and I paid a visit to him there. If Joy Goswami can be called for a hearing, I fear Tagore too would have got call for a hearing had he been alive now. This call is an expression of the respect BJP has for Bengal and Bengalis. Joy-da is an Indian. He is a poet. He has migrated from Ranaghat to Kolkata some 40 years ago and has been a legitimate voter. I am not even talking about literary prowess. If BJP and EC can do this to Joy-da, any person can be called and told ‘ghus petiya’,” Basu said.

The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has well and truly begun, with the tournament scheduled to be hosted in India. With familiar pitches, packed stadiums, and intense fan support, the event promises high-octane cricket and immense pressure on all participating teams. As anticipation builds, former players and experts have started weighing in with predictions, analysing form, conditions, and temperament ahead of the global showpiece. Among them, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his early thoughts on which teams he believes will make it to the semifinals of the marquee tournament.

Harbhajan Singh shares his predictions for semifinal spots at T20 World Cup 2026

Harbhajan believes that hosts India will be strong contenders to go all the way, citing their depth, balance, and familiarity with home conditions. According to the World Cup winner, playing in India gives the home side a significant advantage, but handling the mental pressure of a global tournament will be crucial.

“I think India has a very good chance to win the world Cup because they are a very strong team and they are playing at home. They know the conditions better than anybody else. But the World Cup pressure is something which they need to handle better than the others, which is the most important thing,” Harbhajan said, as quoted by Gulf Today.

Alongside India, Harbhajan named Australia as automatic contenders, highlighting their pedigree in ICC tournaments. The former spinner pointed out that Australia’s ability to perform under pressure makes them a dangerous side in any World Cup, regardless of conditions or format.

He also backed South Africa, praising their recent form and consistency across white-ball cricket. The Proteas have often entered tournaments as favourites only to fall short at crucial stages, but Harbhajan feels their current momentum could finally translate into a deep run.

Completing his semifinal lineup is Afghanistan, a team he believes could be a major threat on Indian pitches. Harbhajan highlighted Afghanistan’s potent spin attack and growing confidence, stating that they have the ability to beat any opponent in subcontinental conditions.

“I think Australia have always been a very good team and top contenders to win any cup. South Africa are the other contenders for the title with their current form. They have been playing some outstanding cricket of late. Afghanistan are also very strong with their spinners. I think they can beat anyone in these conditions. So these are my four picks for the semis,” added Harbhajan.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma predicts the finalist of T20 World Cup 2026

No place for two-time champions England in Harbhajan’s list

One of the most striking aspects of Harbhajan’s prediction is the absence of England, the two-time T20 World Cup champions. Despite England’s reputation as one of the most explosive white-ball teams, Harbhajan did not include them among his semifinalists, suggesting that conditions and consistency could play a decisive role.

England’s aggressive batting approach has brought them success in the past, but adapting to slower surfaces and high-pressure knockout scenarios in India may prove challenging. With several teams improving rapidly and conditions favouring spin-heavy attacks, even established powerhouses could find the margin for error extremely slim.

Also READ: Monty Panesar predicts the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Shama Mohamed has raised concerns over the law and order situation following the death of Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura in Dehradun.Referring to a video circulating online, she alleged rising threats against minorities and questioned the Prime Minister’s silence, urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.Speaking to ANI, Mohamed said, “Such an incident can happen with anyone. I have seen a video today, in which a group of Hindu men said they would kill all Muslims in the country. They are warning the Muslims and why is our Prime Minister silent? The Supreme Court should take suo motto cognisance… There is a complete breakdown of law and order…”Meanwhile, People in Agartala organised a candle march to seek justice for Anjel Chakma, a resident of Nandanagar in Tripura, who was attacked in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun in December and later died in hospital during treatment.A large number of people participated in the march, urging the authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the incident. Protesters demanded the harshest punishment for the accused.Speaking to ANI, Samir Chakma, chairman of the Chakma Committee, said that thousands had gathered to demand justice for Anjel Chakma. He stated that the march was organised to condemn the brutal killing and to press for stringent punishment for the perpetrators.“Today we have gathered here in a crowd of nearly thousands, and everyone who has come is here to demand justice for Anjel Chakma. Today we are holding a candle march here. First of all, we demand that those responsible for the brutal killing of Anjel Chakma must face the strictest possible action and be punished. We will demand that punishment–meaning the death penalty–be given to those people,” Samir Chakma, chairman of the Chakma committee, told ANI.Chakma, an MBA student, was attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and other blunt objects in Dehradun on December 9 and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.The brutal killing of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, in Dehradun has sparked widespread outrage across the political fraternity, with leaders condemning the incident and demanding swift justice.Five of the accused have already been arrested, including two minors sent to a juvenile reform home, while the sixth accused, a Nepalese national, remains at large with a reward of Rs 25,000 announced for his capture.The Uttarakhand government has assured that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the perpetrators face the harshest possible punishment and to ensure the safety of northeast students across the country.SSP Singh mentioned that a preliminary investigation was conducted, during which additional sections were added to the case, including sections related to attempted murder.“Along with that, a supplementary report was taken, in which the sections were increased. Sections of the attempt to murder (109) were added, on the basis of statements. In the meantime, a separate team was formed, and five people were arrested. The sixth accused was of Nepali origin. He left the place the next day after the incident. For this, a dedicated team has been set up. According to the information so far, the accused may be hiding in nearby bordering areas,” he said.

Deepti Sharma (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma etched her name in history by becoming the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals, claiming her 152nd scalp during the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.The landmark wicket helped Deepti overtake Australia pacer Megan Schutt (151) at the top of the charts. She achieved the feat by dismissing Nilakshika Silva in the 14th over, playing a key role as India completed a comprehensive 5–0 series sweep at home. Pakistan’s Nida Dar sits third on the list with 144 wickets from 152 innings.

With 103 wickets in 86 innings, Radha Yadav is the second-highest Indian wicket-taker in women’s T20Is. Radha and Deepti are the only two Indian bowlers to have crossed the 100-wicket mark in the format.Earlier this week, the 28-year-old also became the first cricketer—across men’s and women’s internationals—to score 1,000 runs and take 150 wickets in T20Is. Currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings, Deepti has played 133 T20Is for India and was named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, where India clinched their maiden title on home soil.

Most wickets in career in WT20Is

India successfully defended 175 to win the fifth T20I by 15 runs. Deepti returned figures of one for 28 from her four overs. Across formats, she has taken 20 wickets in Tests and 162 in ODIs.Deepti also made headlines at the Women’s Premier League auction, rejoining UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore—the second-highest bid in the league’s history.In the ICC rankings, Deepti continues to hold the top spot among T20I bowlers, while West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews remains the leading T20I all-rounder. For Sri Lanka, opener Hasini Perera jumped 114 places to 71st in the batter rankings following consistent performances, while Kavisha Dilhari climbed to 79th.The updated rankings reflect India’s dominance in the series, with significant gains for both batters and bowlers after the clean sweep.

As 2025 wraps up, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has sparked lively debates by ranking Team India‘s top five defining moments in cricket. In his latest YouTube video ‘Top 5 Moments of 2025’ on the Aakash Chopra channel, the popular analyst dives into a year packed with triumphs across formats, from domestic glory to ICC silverware. His picks celebrate emotional breakthroughs and unexpected resilience, reflecting on how these events shaped Indian cricket’s narrative.​​

Aakash Chopra reveals India’s five biggest highlights of 2025

Starting at No. 5, Chopra slots Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) maiden IPL 2025 title win after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in Ahmedabad. RCB posted 190/9, with PBKS falling short at 184/7 despite Shashank Singh‘s defiant 61 not out.

“IPL is our tournament, and stories there touch our hearts. Any team winning for the first time is beautiful,” he said, highlighting Virat Kohli‘s long wait ending after 18 seasons and key contributions from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood in the tense final overs.​

No. 4 goes to India’s gritty 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test series against England, a feat that defied low expectations post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s retirements. Under Shubman Gill‘s young captaincy, highlights included Rishabh Pant‘s twin centuries, Gill’s fifty at Edgbaston, and a thrilling six-run win at The Oval.

“It exceeded expectations with such a youthful side,” Chopra emphasized, praising the tour’s “box office” drama.​

Also READ: Former Indian cricketer picks best ODI XI of 2025, no place for Daryl Mitchell

At No. 3, the unbeaten 2025 Asia Cup triumph shines, where India thrashed Pakistan thrice—capping with a five-wicket final chase of 147 despite slumping to 20/3. Tilak Varma‘s match-winning 69* off 53, alongside Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33), sealed it with two balls left after Kuldeep Yadav‘s 4/30 bowled Pakistan out for 146.

“Held nerves without clutch player Hardik Pandya,” he added about the dominant run.​

Chopra ranks the Champions Trophy at No. 2, India’s first ODI ICC title since 2013, won via hybrid model with all matches in Dubai. They chased New Zealand‘s 251/7 for a four-wicket victory (254/6), powered by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, after group-stage wins over top sides.

“Distinct Dubai advantage, but we won convincingly,” he acknowledged.​

India’s women created a moment to remember by lifting the World Cup in truly commanding fashion, sealing a historic triumph against South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai. Batting first in the final, India built a solid platform thanks to an attacking yet controlled innings from Shafali Verma, who smashed a fluent 87 at the top. She was well supported by Deepti Sharma, whose calm and assured 58 steadied the innings in the middle overs. Their efforts helped India post an imposing total of 298 for 7, a score that always looked challenging on a big-match evening.

South Africa began the chase with intent, led by a brilliant century from Laura Wolvaardt, who fought valiantly to keep her team in the contest. However, wickets kept falling around her, and the pressure of the final slowly told. India’s bowlers-maintained discipline and energy, eventually bowling the Proteas out for 246. The 52-run victory not only sealed the title but also underlined India’s dominance on the biggest stage, marking a golden chapter in the history of Indian women’s cricket.

“Surreal like men’s 1983; cricket will never be the same,” Chopra hailed, crediting Harmanpreet Kaur‘s squad resurgence.

Also READ: Former cricketer picks best T20I XI of 2025, no place for Jasprit Bumrah

NEW DELHI: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has claimed that Beijing mediated several global conflicts, including the standoff between India and Pakistan in May following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.Speaking at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations on Tuesday, Wang said Beijing had taken an “objective and just stance” to build peace and focused on addressing “both symptoms and root causes”.

“This year, local wars and cross-border conflicts flared up more often than at any time since the end of WWII. Geopolitical turbulence continued to spread,” Wang said at the symposium in Beijing.“To build peace that lasts, we have taken an objective and just stance, and focused on addressing both symptoms and root causes. Following this Chinese approach to settling hotspot issues, we mediated in northern Myanmar, the Iranian nuclear issue, the tensions between Pakistan and India, the issues between Palestine and Israel, and the recent conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” he said.The statement comes despite Beijing’s role during the May 7–10 Operation Sindoor conflict between India and Pakistan coming under serious scrutiny and criticism, particularly over alleged military assistance provided by China to Islamabad.After the conflict flared up, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt General Rahul R Singh had said Beijing used the confrontation as a “live lab”, while declining to directly elaborate on the charge.Gen Singh said China’s strategy during Operation Sindoor was based on its ancient military doctrine of the “36 stratagems”, accusing Beijing of seeking to hurt India by “killing with a borrowed knife” — a reference to alleged Chinese support to Pakistan.Meanwhile, the Indian Army on Tuesday hailed Operation Sindoor, underlining ten major milestones achieved by the force in 2025.“Nine terrorist camps across the border were destroyed. The Indian Army neutralised seven camps, while the remaining two were destroyed by the Indian Air Force. Pakistan attempted to target military and civilian assets using drones, but Indian Army air defence units successfully neutralised all threats, preventing damage and casualties. More than a dozen terror launch pads along the Line of Control were destroyed using Indian Army ground-based weapons,” the Army said.“The director general of military operations of the Indian Army was approached by his Pakistani counterpart with a request for a ceasefire. An understanding was reached to stop firing and military action,” it added.India and Pakistan were locked in a brief but intense military confrontation in May, triggered by a terror attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 innocent lives.India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.India has consistently dismissed claims of any third-party mediation, maintaining that the four-day confrontation was resolved through direct military-to-military communication.New Delhi has maintained that after sustaining heavy damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart, and both sides agreed to stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea with effect from May 10.

India rolled out a new trade measure on Tuesday, imposing safeguard duties on certain steel imports for a period of three years. The move comes as a push to protect domestic manufacturers from a surge in low-cost overseas supplies, particularly from China.As per a finance ministry notification, the safeguard duty will stand at 12% in the first year, ease to 11.5% in the second, and fall further to 11% in the final year. The decision follows a detailed probe into import trends and their impact on local producers.The levy will apply to steel shipments from countries including China, Vietnam and Nepal. However, imports from some developing nations have been kept outside the scope of the measure. The order also makes it clear that specialty steel products, such as stainless steel, will not be covered under the safeguard duty.The directorate general of trade remedies, which examined the matter, recommended the three-year tariff after observing a “recent, sudden, sharp ‍and significant ⁠increase in imports … ⁠causing and threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry,” the order stated. The latest move builds on an earlier step taken in April, when the government imposed a temporary 200-day safeguard duty of 12% on similar steel products, according to a Reuters report.Officials from the federal steel ministry have repeatedly stated that unchecked inflows of cheap and sub-standard steel could harm India’s domestic steel sector, prompting the need for protective measures.The decision also comes against the backdrop of growing global trade tensions in the steel market. US President Donald Trump’s import tariffs on steel have intensified scrutiny of Chinese exports, leading countries such as South Korea and Vietnam to introduce anti-dumping duties earlier this year.

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