KOLKATA: PM Narendra Modi used a fog-forced virtual rally in Bengal Saturday to pursue two parallel damage-control efforts – shoring up support among Matua voters unsettled by an electoral roll revision and repairing political fallout from his recent “Bankim da” reference in Parliament.PM Modi was to address a public meeting at Taherpur in Nadia district but his helicopter could not land because of heavy fog. He returned to Kolkata airport and spoke virtually for 18 minutes.The Matua community – electorally crucial in Nadia and North 24 Parganas – has shown signs of unease over EC’s special intensive revision of electoral rolls. At the same time, Trinamool Congress has targeted Modi and BJP over his Lok Sabha reference to Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim da”, calling it proof that the party was culturally alien to Bengal. Calling Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay “Rishi Bankim babu”, Modi praised the author of ‘Anandamath’ and creator of ‘Vande Mataram‘, saying Bengal and Bangla had enriched Indian history and culture. “Vande Mataram was one such contribution and the entire nation is celebrating its 150th anniversary,” he said. “Bengal was blessed with a sage like Rishi Bankim babu, who sowed seeds of emancipation in British-ruled India.”He paid tribute to Matua icons Harichand Thakur, Guruchand Thakur and Baroma, praising the community for “taking their philosophy of social development forward” and crediting Harichand Thakur with teaching “the virtue of karma”. He also invoked Sri Chaitanya, describing him as an icon of love and compassion.Modi linked SIR to infiltration, an emotive subject in border districts adjoining Bangladesh, including Nadia and North 24 Parganas. “I can see them shouting ‘go back Modi’ slogans,” he said, referring to TMC supporters. “But they are tight-lipped when it comes to saying ‘go back’ to infiltrators. The infiltrators, who are trying to control Bengal, are close to Trinamool’s heart. That is why they are trying to save infiltrators and opposing SIR.“The speech did not directly address Matua fears linked to SIR. In Nadia, more than 2.7 lakh voters – over 6% of the electorate – have been flagged as “unmapped”, unable to establish linkage with the 2002 voters’ list. In North 24 Parganas, over 7 lakh voters – about 8.8% – fall in that category. Matua elders say a substantial share of those numbers belongs to their community.BJP functionaries acknowledged Matua support played a major role in the party’s strong performance in 2021 assembly polls and 2024 general elections, and have issued assurances to calm anxieties. Some senior members privately expressed surprise that Modi did not directly engage with the issue.Modi also pitched BJP as the sole alternative for Bengal’s development after virtually inaugurating construction of a four-lane highway. He contrasted NDA’s landslide victory in Bihar with what he called “mahajangalraj” in Bengal, blaming Trinamool for stalled growth.

GURGAON: A passerby helped rescue two minor girls, sisters aged 8 and 6, from an auto driver who had kidnapped them and driven to a forested area in Manesar, where he forced himself on the older girl.Later, as police pursued him, the assailant jumped from KMP flyover in Pachgaon. He suffered fractures in both his legs and was taken into custody.

The auto driver, 29-year-old Sarvesh, is married and has a daughter, police said. He lives alone in Kasan while his family is in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur. Police said that the sisters were among several children playing at a ground in Manesar when the accused stopped there around 5pm last Saturday.

He zeroed in on the sisters and walked up to them with chocolates and other eatables he had bought, indicating he had planned it.There, he struck up a conversation with the girls and asked them if they wanted to go on a ride around the ground with him. “When they agreed, the accused took the girls to an isolated place and sexually assaulted the older girl while the younger sister was in the auto. A local happened to be passing by, spotted the auto driver and raised the alarm. The accused fled the spot, leaving his auto at the spot,” a police officer said. The passerby immediately alerted the police control room, following which a patrolling team, Manesar police, and a crime branch team reached the spot. Police informed the girls’ family and took them for a medical examination. Multiple teams were formed. On Monday, the Manesar crime branch traced the accused using online and offline intelligence. “Sarvesh was preparing to flee from Gurgaon and was waiting for a bus on KMP Expressway. A police team found him just in time. Seeing them, he panicked and jumped from the flyover. He is undergoing treatment in a local hospital as he suffered a fracture on his legs after he jumped from KMP flyover after seeing the cops. This is a heinous crime, and the accused should get stringent punishment,” a police officer said. Sarvesh has been named in an FIR filed under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Manesar police station. While there were no major physical injuries, both girls are undergoing counselling, sources said.

Team India have announced their much-anticipated squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and it comes with several headline-making decisions. The biggest talking point from the selection meeting is the exclusion of Shubman Gill, who was serving as vice-captain in the shortest format, while Axar Patel has been elevated to the deputy’s role. The squad was officially unveiled at a press conference addressed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia, India captain Suryakumar Yadav, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Shubman Gill dropped and Axar Patel named deputy of Suryakumar Yadav

Gill’s absence from the 15-man squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering his leadership role in recent T20I series. However, Agarkar clarified that the decision was driven purely by team balance and current combinations rather than past roles.

“Shubman was the vice-captain, he’s not in the team. Axar was the vice-captain when the T20s used to clash,” Agarkar said, underlining the selectors’ preference for flexibility and all-round options heading into a global tournament.

Axar’s promotion reflects India’s continued emphasis on multi-skilled players who can influence games in multiple phases, particularly on varied conditions expected during the World Cup.

Ishan Kishan earns recall after SMAT heroics

One of the most positive stories from the selection is the return of Ishan Kishan. The left-hander forced his way back into the national setup after a sensational Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. Kishan finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer and crowned it with a match-winning century in the final, guiding Jharkhand to a memorable title triumph.

His recent form and ability to dominate the powerplay made him an irresistible pick for the selectors, especially with India keen on explosive starts at the top of the order.

Rinku Singh back as finisher in big-tournament plans

Another notable inclusion is Rinku Singh, who has found himself in and out of the T20I side over the past year. Despite limited opportunities, Rinku’s reputation as a calm and destructive finisher has worked in his favour.

“Combinations more than anything else, two keepers at the top. Rinku comes who gives that lower middle-order option,” Agarkar explained, highlighting the need for depth and flexibility in crunch moments.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA

Likely combinations and leadership core

With Gill missing, Sanju Samson is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper-batter and could open alongside Abhishek Sharma. The squad also features experienced campaigners like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, alongside a strong spin contingent led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.

As India lock in their plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the message from the selectors is clear: current form, adaptability, and role clarity will trump reputation as the Men in Blue chase another global title.

India squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh

Also READ: Fans go wild as Varun Chakaravarthy and Hardik Pandya help India demolishes South Africa in Ahmedabad T20I to clinch a 3-1 series win

NEW DELHI: Holding that the Constitution itself is put at risk if the balance between power of the State and dignity of the individual is disturbed, Supreme Court held that govt cannot deny renewal of passport to an accused or convict when the court concerned has given no-objection to get it renewed with a condition that prior permission would be needed to go abroad.A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and A G Masih said where criminal cases are pending then a “no objection certificate” or permission from criminal court may override an adverse police report for renewal of passport. It quashed order of passport authority rejecting renewal of passport to one Mahesh Kumar Agrawal who is convicted in one case in Delhi and being prosecuted by NIA court in Ranchi in coal mining case. He challenged his conviction in Delhi HC and his appeal is pending. He got bail in both cases and got no-objection from both DelhI HC and Ranchi court for renewal.Allowing his plea, the bench said, “Liberty, in our constitutional scheme, is not a gift of the State but its first obligation. Freedom of a citizen to move, to travel, to pursue livelihood and opportunity, subject to law, is an essential part of guarantee under Article 21 of the Constitution. The State may, where statute so provides, regulate or restrain that freedom in interests of justice, security or public order but such restraint must be narrowly confined to what is necessary, proportionate to the object sought to be achieved, and clearly anchored in law,” it said.It said the law permits court to allow renewal of passport while retaining complete control over each instance of foreign travel by insisting on its prior approval as had been done in the present case. “In our view, once criminal courts, with full knowledge of the pending proceedings, consciously allowed renewal subject to the condition that the appellant shall not travel abroad without their permission and, in case of NIA court, required redeposit of renewed passport, underlying concern of Section 6(2)(f) stood adequately addressed under judicial supervision,” it said. Section 6(2)(f) talks about denying passport when criminal case is pending.“In the present case, both criminal courts have adopted a different but equally legitimate method of control by allowing renewal while reserving to themselves the power to regulate each instance of foreign travel. That method satisfies the statutory concern of securing the accused’s presence…” it said.“Denial of renewal of a passport does not operate in a vacuum. This court has repeatedly held in a catena of judgements that right to travel abroad and right to hold a passport are facets of right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Any restriction on that right must be fair, just and reasonable, and must bear a rational nexus with a legitimate purpose,” it said.

Elon Musk became the first person in history to reach a net worth of more than $700 billion following a court ruling that reinstated a massive compensation package tied to his role at electric‑vehicle maker Tesla, reports news agency Reuters.Last week, the Delaware Supreme Court restored stock options from Musk’s 2018 pay package that had been voided by a lower court, leading to a surge in his estimated wealth to about $749 billion. The options are now valued at roughly $139 billion, far more than the original $56 billion figure when the deal was first approved.The high court said the earlier decision to cancel Musk’s pay package was unfair and wrong. This reversed a 2024 ruling that had called the deal “unfathomable.” With the package restored, Musk’s wealth increased significantly and made him the richest person in the world by an absurd margin.Earlier this week, Musk’s wealth passed $600 billion for the first time, following reports that his space company SpaceX might go public, which could increase his fortune even more.In November, Tesla shareholders approved a new pay plan for Musk worth $1 trillion, the largest ever for a corporate executive. The step showed strong support from investors for his plans to make Tesla a leader not in electric cars and also in artificial intelligence, robotics.Musk’s expensive ventures extends beyond Tesla, where he owns a hefty share of stock. He is also the founder and CEO of SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and space transport company behind reusable rockets and the Starlink satellite internet network. In addition to Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s ventures include Neuralink, a neurotechnology firm developing brain‑computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, which focuses on tunnel construction and innovative transport systems. He also oversees X Corp., the parent of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and xAI, an artificial intelligence (AI) research company.Musk’s wealth now far exceeds that of his nearest rival, Google co‑founder Larry Page, by nearly $500 billion on the Forbes list.The billionaire also briefly worked with the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, under US President Donald Trump in the White House. DOGE was set up by executive order to cut government waste and make federal operations more efficient, and Musk served as a special government employee and senior adviser on the initiative without a salary, providing guidance on cost‑cutting measures and restructuring efforts.

GUWAHATI: PM Modi transformed his Guwahati rally on Saturday into a fierce political offensive against Congress, accusing it of “committing a sin” by preparing to join hands with the Muslim League and the British in a pre-Independence conspiracy to make Assam a part of what would later become “East Pakistan”.Modi said Congress had conspired to erase Assam’s identity and the conspiracy was not just for a few years. “The roots of this sin of Congress are connected to before Independence. At the time when the Muslim League and the British were together preparing the ground for India’s partition…”

Congress altered demography of Assam for poll gains: PM Modi

At the time when Muslim League and British rule were together preparing the ground for India’s partition, at that time a plan was made to make Assam a part of undivided Bengal or East Pakistan (sic). Congress was going to become part of the conspiracy,” PM Modi said.Modi’s remarks came a day after Bangladesh was engulfed in violent protests following the assassination of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, triggering fears of fresh migration ahead of elections due in early 2026. Amid recent campaigns in Bangladesh by several groups seeking a “Greater Bangladesh” by including Assam and the northeast, analysts warn this unrest could spill over into India’s northeast, reviving old anxieties about infiltration and demographic change.By invoking East Pakistan and linking it to present-day turmoil across the border, Modi sharpened his message of vigilance against infiltration, political commentators said.Addressing a public rally after inaugurating India’s first nature-themed airport, named after Assam’s first post-Independence CM, Gopinath Bordoloi of Congress, Modi said, “Then Bardoloi stood up against his own party. He opposed this conspiracy to destroy Assam’s identity and saved Assam from being separated from the country.” He unveiled an imposing 80-foot statue of Bordoloi, describing him as Assam’s saviour.Modi claimed that though Bordoloi had saved Assam before Independence, Congress later resumed “anti-Assam and anti-national work”. “To increase its vote bank, Congress gave free rein to infiltrators of its vote bank in Bengal and Assam. The demography here has changed. These infiltrators have encroached upon our forests. They have encroached upon our land. The result of this is that the security and identity of entire Assam has been put at stake,” he claimed.The PM praised CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s govt for working to free Assam’s resources from illegal encroachment, while asserting that the Centre had taken strict steps to curb infiltration. “Their identification is also being done,” he said, claiming that “Congress and INDI alliance people have openly descended on an anti-national agenda.” He added that even SC had spoken about removing infiltrators, “but these people (Congress) are making statements in defence of infiltrators.”Modi said Election Commission’s SIR of electoral rolls was meant to ensure fair elections. But, he claimed, “these people (Congress) are facing problems in every corner of the country. Such people will not protect the interests of Assamese brothers and sisters. These people will allow someone else to occupy your land and forests. Their anti-national mentality can create violence of the old era.”Modi told the crowd: “We have to protect Assam, for whose integrity people like Bordoloi sacrificed everything in their lives. We have to keep defeating Congress’s conspiracies at every moment, at every step.”

NEW DELHI: India will look to secure a record-extending 12th title when they face Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Sunday.Led by Ayush Mhatre, India topped Group A after winning all their matches. Pakistan finished second in the group, with their only loss coming against India, a 90-run defeat last Sunday.India continued their run in the semifinals on Friday, defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets. Pakistan reached the final by beating defending champions Bangladesh.India’s journey to the final has been marked by contributions across departments. The batting unit has produced two totals above 400 in the tournament.The competition has also seen strong performances from young players, including 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu. After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 95-ball 171 against UAE helped India post 433/6, Kundu followed it up with an unbeaten 209 off 125 balls against Malaysia, becoming the first Indian to score a double hundred in Youth ODIs.Both batters will be key against Pakistan’s bowling attack. India’s middle order has also delivered when needed. Aaron George has scored three consecutive half-centuries, while Vihaan Malhotra added a 61 not out against Sri Lanka.All-rounder Kanishk Chouhan has provided balance with late runs and wickets. He has taken six wickets in four matches, including 3/33 against Pakistan in the group stage.In bowling, pacer Deepesh Devendran has led India’s attack and is the joint-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets, alongside Pakistan’s Abdul Subhan. Deepesh took 5/22 against Malaysia and removed three Pakistan batters in successive overs during the group match.Pakistan will rely on Sameer Minhas, who scored an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia and a half-century against Bangladesh. Their bowling strength lies in pace, with Subhan supported by Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza. Spin options include Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain.Pakistan’s batting has been inconsistent, and they will look to improve in the final. India’s senior team had defeated Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup T20 in September, and the junior side will aim to continue that run.Players from both teams are expected to follow the no-handshake policy. Pakistan won the Asia Cup once in 2012 and finished runners-up twice since then.The match will begin at 10.30 am IST.