The Union Cabinet has approved significant reforms for the stock market and insurance sectors. The plan includes allowing 100% foreign investment in insurance, aiming to boost penetration and consumer choice.

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet on Thursday cleared rewriting of laws in two critical sectors – stock markets and insurance. The plan is to allow 100% foreign investment in insurance, 26 years after private players were allowed to reenter the important sector.Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will pilot Securities Market Code Bill, which will replace three existing laws – the 70-year-old Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, Sebi Act and Depositories Act. This is being done there are overlaps in several places. Earlier this year, govt also rewrote Income Tax Act to make it more concise and contemporary.Sitharaman will also introduce Insurance Amendment Bill as ‘Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha’, to replace Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1957, and IRDA Act, 1999.The amendments, which have been in the works for over a year, are primarily aimed at increasing insurance penetration and do away with redundant provisions. In coming years, there is expected to be a significant jump in the insurance sector, which is projected to grow annually at a compounded average rate of 7.1%, helping increase penetration from the current 3.7%.Higher FDI limit – a contentious issue among politicians – is likely to result in more players entering the sector, giving more choice to those looking to buy insurance. Starting with 26% foreign investment, govt has gradually opened up the sector to overseas players, but that has not resulted in either a rush of capital out of the country, as was originally feared, or wipeout of domestic companies from the sector.At the same time, several regulations on insurance companies and their executives, which are seen to be restrictive, are likely to be removed. Further, the idea is to open distribution network, allowing more competition in the space so that it is easier for consumers to buy insurance that extends beyond life covers to health, personal accident and property risk.

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Mumbai: About a third of the resident doctors in state-run medical schools borrow money as they don’t receive their stipends on time. Every 10th resident doctor works in “genuine fear” and 50% of them suffer from chronic stress.This picture of stressed, “broke” doctors, who have an 80-hour work week in unsafe places, has emerged from a survey involving over 5,800 resident doctors across 18 state-run medical colleges, including JJ Hospital in Byculla. The findings highlight systemic inadequacies in security, living conditions, stipend payments and infrastructure. “Resident doctors are not asking for luxury—only for basic safety, decent living conditions, timely stipend and essential infrastructure. These are the minimum requirements for delivering safe patient care,” according to Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), which conducted the survey. “Security and stipends are our big demands,” said Dr Suyash Dhavane from Government Medical College, Nagpur, who heads Central MARD. The survey found that each hospital is sanctioned 200 security guards on average, yet only 150 are deployed. Critical areas such as OPD/casualty, wards, hostels and college campuses remain vulnerable. The survey showed 72% of colleges rely on Maharashtra Security Force, while 16% rely on retired security personnel. Only 12% rely on private security agencies. MARD believes administrative delays, lack of contracts, financial constraints and technical errors are the main causes of the security crisis. “This has led to an increase in violence and threats against doctors, the entry of suspicious individuals into hostel premises, serious threats to the safety of female resident doctors, and inadequate crowd control during emergencies,” said an office-bearer.Roughly 50% of resident doctors fail to get on-campus housing, while those fortunate to get hostels have to live with pest infestations, structural hazards and poor sanitation. The survey dedicated a section to the financial woes of those working in six colleges that fail to pay stipends by the 10th of each month. The students said due to their economic limitations, many of them can’t access safer transportation and accommodation. Only 39% of those surveyed feel safe in their workplace. “Around 50% report chronic stress due to persistent safety concerns, while 11% work in genuine fear. This psychological burden affects their mental health, decision-making ability and the quality of patient care,” said a doctor. Central MARD has asked the state govt and Directorate of Medical Education and Research to appoint full security guards in 90 days and provide safe hostel accommodation, among other measures.

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday claimed that tensions between ‘Team Rahul’ and ‘Team Priyanka’ within the Congress are now “out in the open” after a former party MLA from Odisha wrote to Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi, urging the removal of party president Mallikarjun Kharge on the grounds that “age is not on his side.”

Ex-MLA Mohammed Moquim suggested that younger leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, should be given greater prominence.

Ex-MLA’s letter

Ex-MLA’s letter (page 2)

Ex-MLA’s letter (page 3)

Ex-MLA’s letter (page 4)

Ex-MLA’s letter (page 3)

“Team Priyanka vs team Rahul out in the open now Internal rift in Congress out! Senior Congress leader from Odisha writes to Sonia Gandhi: Says ‘Kharge Hatao ,Priyanka Lao; Hits out at state and central leadership.’ He notes a ‘deep and growing disconnect’ between the Congress leadership and Indian youth, saying that under the current leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, who is 83, the party has been unable to resonate with the youth,” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X.Earlier, Moquim, the former legislator from Odisha’s Cuttack whose daughter is the sitting Congress legislator from the seat, told news agency ANI, “The party is going through a difficult phase and needs her advice and new leadership… Age is not on AICC (All India Congress Committe) president Mallikarjun Kharge’s side… We should bring forward young leaders. I know that Sonia ji and the CWC (Congress Working Committee) members will definitely discuss this.”The veteran politician has been Congress president since October 2022, when he defeated Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor. One of the party’s senior-most leaders, he succeeded Sonia Gandhi, who had been serving in an interim capacity since 2019 after Rahul Gandhi stepped down following the party’s rout in the Lok Sabha elections. She is the longest-serving Congress chief, leading the party from 1998 to 2017, before making way for her son.Also Read | Rare consensus in Lok Sabha: Rahul pushes for debate on air pollution; government agreesOn the other hand, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally entered politics only in January 2019 and currently serves as a general secretary. Her recent Lok Sabha speech on the national song Vande Mataram drew wide appreciation, while her brother’s address on electoral reforms—during which he reiterated his allegations of ‘vote chori’ against the Election Commission and the ruling BJP—was sharply countered by Union home minister Amit Shah.

For years, the Hobart Hurricanes were viewed as an enigmatic side—capable of flashes of brilliance, but often falling short of a genuine finals challenge. But the Weber WBBL|11 season has rewritten that script entirely. Under the astute leadership of Elyse Villani, the Hurricanes didn’t just qualify for the final; they dominated the league stage to secure the Minor Premiership and a direct, historic berth to their first-ever WBBL Final.

Their journey in WBBL|11 has been a blend of explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and an unshakeable belief that has driven them from one commanding performance to another. As they now prepare to take on Perth Scorchers in the summit clash at Ninja Stadium, here is a complete look at how the Hurricanes built their dream season—match by match.

Hobart Hurricanes’ road to the finale of WBBL|11

A Dominant Start to the Season
Match 1: Hurricanes announce their arrival

Nov 9 – vs Sydney Thunder Women (Brisbane)
Hobart won by 6 wickets

Hobart Hurricanes opened their season with a statement win over Sydney Thunder. Chasing 182, they displayed exceptional composure as their top order fired collectively, overhauling the target with three balls and six wickets to spare. The chase set the tone for a fearless batting approach that would become their trademark.

Back-to-Back Chases Showcase Batting Strength
Match 2: Sixers stunned at North Sydney Oval

Nov 13 – vs Sydney Sixers Women
Hobart won by 6 wickets

Hobart backed up their opening win with another convincing chase, this time against the Sydney Sixers. Restricting the Sixers to 152, the Hurricanes’ batters dictated terms once again, reaching 154/4 in under 17 overs. The win reinforced the growing confidence in their top order, particularly Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Lizelle Lee.

A Rain-Affected Masterclass
Match 3: DLS win against Brisbane Heat

Nov 15 – vs Brisbane Heat Women
Hobart won by 16 runs (DLS)

In a shortened 12-over shootout, Hurricanes struck early with the bat, posting 114/1. Their bowlers then delivered under pressure, keeping Brisbane Heat down to 108/9. The DLS victory highlighted Hobart’s adaptability and their balanced attack’s ability to defend in chaotic conditions.

A Nail-Biter at Home
Match 4: Edging past Adelaide Strikers

Nov 18 – vs Adelaide Strikers Women (Hobart)
Hobart won by 4 wickets

Returning to Bellerive Oval, Hobart faced a determined Adelaide side. Strikers’ 134/7 was competitive, but Hurricanes steadied themselves during key phases and sealed a close finish with two balls to spare. This victory showcased their growing maturity in tight run chases.

Another DLS Triumph
Match 5: Renegades overpowered

Nov 20 – vs Melbourne Renegades Women
Hobart won by 6 wickets (DLS)

In yet another rain-interrupted match, Hurricanes comfortably chased down the revised target after Renegades posted 155. Their aggressive tempo ensured a smooth win under the DLS method, maintaining their position as one of the strongest batting units of the season.

First Stumble of the Season
Match 6: Sixers hit back

Nov 22 – vs Sydney Sixers Women (Hobart)
Hobart lost by 11 runs

Chasing 148 at home, Hurricanes slipped for the first time. Despite moments of promise, they were bowled out for 136, falling short by 11 runs. The defeat acted as a timely reminder that momentum in WBBL can shift quickly.

A Tough Day in Melbourne
Match 7: Stars dominate at Junction Oval

Nov 26 – vs Melbourne Stars Women
Hobart lost by 37 runs

The Hurricanes endured their toughest outing of the season, struggling in a 152-run chase and being dismissed for 114. It was a rare off-day, prompting a reassessment ahead of the crucial home leg that followed.

Also READ: India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series

A Statement Win Against Perth
Match 8: Hurricanes chase down 186

Nov 29 – vs Perth Scorchers Women (Hobart)
Hobart won by 7 wickets

In one of their finest performances of WBBL|11, Hurricanes hunted down a formidable 186 against Perth Scorchers—ironically the team they will now meet in the final. With an outstanding batting display led by their top order, the win reinforced Hobart’s credentials as title contenders.

A Ruthless Response
Match 9: Crushing Stars at Bellerive

Dec 1 – vs Melbourne Stars Women
Hobart won by 81 runs (DLS)

Hobart unleashed a dominant performance, smashing 176/4 in just 17 overs before routing the Stars for 98. The 81-run DLS victory became one of their biggest wins of the season and confirmed their position at the top of the table.

Weather Interrupts the Final League Match
Match 10: No result against Strikers

Dec 5 – vs Adelaide Strikers Women
Match abandoned

With rain washing out their final fixture, Hurricanes officially finished the group stage as table-toppers—well ahead of competition—and secured a historic direct berth in the final.

Also READ: WBBL|11: Perth Scorchers’ road to the final under Sophie Devine

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

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