Shah Rukh Khan marked the end of Andre Russell’s IPL playing career with an emotional public tribute, hailing the Caribbean player as a franchise legend and welcoming him into a new role as Kolkata Knight Riders’ “Power Coach” from the 2026 season. Russell retired from the IPL after 12 seasons but will continue to be part of the Knight Riders’ global setup and other T20 leagues worldwide.​

Shah Rukh khan’s emotional message to Andre Russell

Responding to Russell’s retirement announcement on social media, SRK thanked the all-rounder for years of service in KKR colours and described him as the franchise’s “knight in shining armour”. The Bollywood superstar stressed that Russell’s contribution to KKR “is one for the books” and joked that seeing him in any jersey other than the iconic purple and gold would “look weird”, underlining how closely his image is tied to the franchise.​

Shah Rukh also used the message to underline the significance of Russell’s next chapter, calling him “Muscle Russell for life” and expressing love on behalf of the entire KKR family and fans of the sport. The post framed the transition not as a farewell, but as a continuation of a long-standing association that began when Russell joined KKR in 2014 after two seasons with Delhi Daredevils.​

Russell’s IPL legacy and new role of Power Coach

Russell ended his IPL playing career with one of the most imposing all‑round records in the league’s history, having featured in 140 matches for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and KKR, scoring 2,651 runs at a strike rate of over 174 and taking 123 wickets at an economy rate of 9.51. He won two IPL titles with KKR (2014 and 2024) and collected two Most Valuable Player awards (2015 and 2019), while producing several iconic innings and match‑turning spells that cemented his status as the team’s premier game‑changer.​

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A dip in returns in IPL 2025, where he managed only 167 runs and eight wickets at an economy approaching 12, influenced KKR’s decision to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 mini‑auction, effectively paving the way for his retirement as a player. Russell, however, chose to continue his association with the franchise by accepting a place on Abhishek Nayar’s revamped coaching staff as “Power Coach”, a role Shah Rukh explained would see him “passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power” to the next generation of KKR batters. Under this arrangement, Russell will remain a key presence in the Knight Riders ecosystem even as he keeps playing franchise T20 cricket in other leagues and for the wider Knight Riders group teams.

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By February 2026, India’s telecom authority is set to implement a SIM binding policy for messaging apps like WhatsApp, compelling users to verify their registered SIM cards continuously. This initiative is designed to thwart cyber fraud by ensuring that apps do not operate on deactivated SIMs. Additionally, web versions will automatically log users out after six hours.

The Department of Telecommunications has given messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat 90 days to enforce “SIM binding”—a requirement that will stop these apps from working if users remove the SIM card originally used for registration. The directive, effective from February 2026, also mandates that web versions of these apps log out users every six hours, requiring fresh authentication via QR code.Officials say the measure targets cyber fraudsters who exploit the current system where apps continue functioning even after SIM cards are removed, replaced, or deactivated. The government argues that criminals operating from outside India are using this loophole to commit cyber fraud and impersonation scams.

What SIM binding means and how it will work

SIM binding requires apps to continuously verify that the registered SIM card remains active and inserted in the device. Currently, messaging apps only verify a user’s mobile number once during initial setup. After that single verification, the application works independently—even if the SIM is removed or replaced.Under the new Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules 2025, these platforms have been classified as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs). This classification represents a major expansion of the DoT’s jurisdiction, extending regulatory oversight beyond traditional telecom operators to any service using mobile numbers for user identification.The Cellular Operators Association of India, representing private telecom companies, has supported the need for SIM binding, arguing that the current one-time verification creates opportunities for misuse.

Challenges for travelers and multi-device users

While the directive seeks to curb fraudlent users, it could create significant friction for legitimate users. People traveling abroad who use local SIM cards will no longer be able to continue using services like WhatsApp without additional registration. Those who rely on tablets or use messaging apps across multiple devices may face constant disruptions.The requirement to log out from web versions every six hours could disrupt workflows, especially in professional settings where employees use WhatsApp on computers without their phones nearby.For WhatsApp alone, which has over 500 million users in India, implementing this change would require significant re-engineering of the service to comply with regulations unique to India.

Meta and other firms question the proposal

Industry sources have called the instructions “problematic,” noting that no feasibility study or consultation was conducted before these directions were issued. Critics question whether SIM binding will effectively curb fraud, since many scammers already use SIM cards procured through forged or stolen identity documents.The Internet and Mobile Association of India, representing Meta and other digital firms, has characterized the amended rules as representing a “clear overreach” with broad implications for digital businesses across fintech, e-commerce, mobility, and social media.Messaging platforms now have until early 2026 to comply with the new requirements or face potential regulatory action.

NIA conducts searches at the Lucknow residence of arrested woman doc Shaheen Shahid

LUCKNOW: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday widened its probe into a “white-collar” terror financing and radicalisation network linked to the November 10 car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, conducting coordinated searches across Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh — including the Lucknow residence of former medical college faculty member Dr Shaheen Shahid, now arrested and in custody of NIA. Lucknow search: family under scannerIn Lucknow, NIA searched Shaheen’s Lalbagh residence where her father and one of her brothers continue to live; another brother, also a doctor, has been detained for questioning.

It is for the first time that NIA has conducted searches at residence of Dr Shaheen Shahid in Lucknow.Shaheen was earlier arrested after a Russian rifle and ammunition were recovered from a car registered in her name, allegedly used by Muzammil.Investigators allege she funnelled Rs 27–28 lakh into the module, including Rs 6.5 lakh for weapons and Rs 3 lakh for a vehicle, though she claims the money was given as zakat. Agencies also assert she was the only woman in the Faridabad JeM module and was in contact with Afira Biwi, wife of Pulwama attack mastermind Umar Farooq, and had discussed a plan to target six Indian cities on December 6 as “revenge for Babri Masjid”.A topper turned terror accusedBorn and raised in Kaiserbagh, the 46-year-old pharmacology specialist Shaheen also known as ‘Madam Surgeon’ had an impeccable academic run — topping her Class 10 and 12 boards, completing MBBS and MD from the government medical college in Prayagraj, and securing a UPPSC rank to join GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, as an assistant professor in 2006.Her trajectory reportedly plunged after 2013, when she abruptly stopped reporting for duty. All official communication failed, and she was terminated in 2021. During these undocumented years, investigators claim she drifted toward radical elements while associated with Al-Falah University, where she allegedly grew close to Dr Muzammil, suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative whom she married in 2023.Dr Shaheen Shahid was allegedly heading the India wing of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat which is the women’s wing of Jaish-e-Muhammad.NIA teams carried out searches at eight locations in Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam. In Shopian, officers raided the home of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Vagay, who has emerged as the alleged mastermind responsible for radicalisation and recruitment in the network. Vagay is currently under NIA custody in connection with the Red Fort blast that killed 15 people.In Pulwama, searches were conducted in Koil, Chandgam, Malangpora and Sambura, all linked to suspects connected to the Delhi blast.Simultaneously, NIA searched the residence of Dr Aadil Ahmad Rather in Saharanpur, arrested earlier this month, as part of efforts to map the financial and operational web of the module.A white-collar terror modelOfficials describe the network as a new breed of “white-collar” terror module — educated professionals who raise funds through financial fraud, laundering and legitimate-looking transactions, making detection far more complex.With raids now stretching from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh, investigators say the focus is on identifying the module’s handlers, mapping the funnel of funds, and establishing how radicalisation and operational planning were executed by individuals with professional backgrounds.The raids come after a Delhi court on Saturday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of four accused, including Dr Shaheen Shahid, Dr Muzammil Shakeel, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, and Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather in the Delhi blast case for another 10 days after it sought more time for investigation.Even before the blast, several arrests had been made across multiple states, and investigators had begun to piece together evidence of an interstate terror module.Following the explosion, the NIA found that the incident was connected to earlier arrests, leading to a series of new revelations as the probe deepened.The NIA has so far arrested seven individuals in connection with the blast involving a Hyundai i20 driven by Dr Umar Muhammad, which exploded near the Lal Qila Metro station.

US President Donald Trump delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a recent phone call, telling him, “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now,” according to the Miami Herald.The United States reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son if he agreed to depart immediately. The offer was also said to extend to several top allies. However, Caracas refused to accept the conditions, prompting the talks to collapse.Also read | ‘Wouldn’t say it went well or badly’: Trump confirms call with Maduro; comes as US steps up pressure on VenezuelaUS President Donald Trump on Sunday acknowledged that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro but refused to give details. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly.” His guarded comments came after he publicly warned that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “closed in its entirety,” a declaration made hours after the failed exchange amid rising tensions and after the US sent major military assets to the Caribbean, adding to its tense standoff with Caracas.According to the Miami Herald, the call, held late in the week of November 16, stalled when Maduro sought two guarantees — global amnesty for himself and senior members of his circle, and the right to retain command of Venezuela’s armed forces even if he allowed free elections. The paper quoted a source familiar with the call saying, “First, Maduro asked for global amnesty for any crimes he and his group had committed, and that was rejected. Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces … In return, they would allow free elections.” Washington reportedly dismissed both proposals and instead demanded that Maduro step down at once. Maduro government attempted to arrange another call with Washington but received no response. A defense expert familiar with Venezuela’s military and state-linked cartel networks warned that Maduro and key figures in his regime could now be facing their most serious threat yet.Also read | ‘Closed in its entirety’: Trump orders complete shutdown of Venezuelan airspace; tensions rise amid anti-drug opsFollowing the breakdown, Trump sharply escalated pressure on Venezuela. He warned that US military operations “by land” could begin “very soon” and ordered aircraft to avoid Venezuelan airspace. A FlightRadar24 map later showed no international aircraft flying over the country. Flights to Aruba and Curaçao took longer alternative routes, and major airlines halted services after a Federal Aviation Administration warning about “heightened military activity.” Venezuela retaliated by revoking the operating rights of several foreign carriers and accused Washington of “colonial aggression.”US politicians have defended the administration’s stance. Senator Dave McCormick told Fox News Sunday, “We have a war that’s coming through fentanyl, through opioids, through cocaine,” blaming Venezuela for fuelling a drug crisis that “killed 100,000 Americans last year.” The administration has intensified maritime strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, actions critics have described as extrajudicial. Congressional inquiries are under way into an alleged “double tap” strike near Trinidad, which US secretary of war Pete Hegseth has denied ordering.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

RANCHI: Studies have shown that couples often tend to resemble each other in a long-standing relationship. And 102 innings together, spanning over 15 years scoring 5619 runs with 20 century stands and 17 half-century partnerships, is indeed long enough.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!So, when an animated Rohit Sharma applauded Virat Kohli’s record-extending 52nd ODI ton here on Sunday with a few choice expletives which would be a delight for lip-readers, it looked like some of his longtime partner’s characteristics had rubbed off on him after all these years. Characteristically, the Mumbai man is famous for his cool and relaxed attitude on and off the field, while King Kohli is known for wearing his heart on his sleeve. On Sunday, it was as if Rohit was completing Kohli’s sentences.

If you paused to regard the emotion Rohit laid bare in those few seconds, it becomes evident that the Hitman is making a statement for both the veterans of the format. That Ro-Ko is clearly here to stay on their own despite all the murmurs of their ODI retirement plans. While Kohli notched up his 83rd international ton at JSCA International Stadium, Rohit scored a 51-ball 57 with five boundaries and three maximums.In the process, the former India captain went atop the list of batters with most number sixes in ODIs — 352. The duo is now third on the list of highest overall partnership runs by a pair in ODIs, behind only Sourav Ganguly-Sachin Tendulkar (8227 runs) and Mahela Jayawardene-Kumar Sangakkara (5992). Ro-Ko surpassed another Sri Lankan pair of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sangakkara on Sunday. With the 50-over World Cup in South Africa in two year’s time, the two of the all-time greats once again showed why they are still invaluable in the ODI set-up along with other seniors in the side.

While stand-in skipper KL Rahul scored a 56-ball 60 at No. 6, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja proved his worth down the order with 32 off 20 balls. However, the players looking to break into the XI or trying to cement their place failed to utilise the opportunities coming their way due to the unavailability of regulars like Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer in the lineup.Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) flattered to deceive after a brisk start; Ruturaj (8) failed at No. 4 while allrounder Washington Sundar, who came at No. 5 ahead of Rahul, returned after scoring only 13. Though the Maharashtra opener had to bat in the middle order leaving his regular slot, it was Gaikwad’s fourth consecutive sub-10 score in ODIs.

The onus was on the senior pros to give their bowling unit a big total to defend. Rohit has publicly talked about his desire to play the 2027 World Cup after the final heartbreak at home in 2023. Shedding 10 kilos ahead of the Australia tour in Oct and looking fitter than ever, Rohit’s intention is quite clear.Kohli, with 49 runs of his 135 coming by running between the wickets on Sunday – and 42 of those being singles – is as fit as ever and conducted a fine class on how to build an ODI innings. Despite all the noise and chatter swirling around, the ODI batting greats of India are still carrying responsibility with aplomb.

LUCKNOW: The Government Railway Police (GRP) in Etawah has booked train ticket examiner (TTE) Santosh Kumar for culpable homicide not amounting to murder after Arti Yadav, 30, wife of an Indian Navy chief petty officer, was found dead along the tracks between Samhon and Bharthana stations on November 26.According to the FIR, Arti had mistakenly boarded the wrong train from Kanpur Central while traveling to New Delhi for a medical consultation at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral). She was scheduled to take the Barauni–New Delhi Clone Special (02563) on Tuesday night, but the train was delayed by over 10 hours. In confusion, she boarded the Patna–Anand Vihar Terminal Special Fare Special (04089) on Wednesday morning.Her father, Anil Kumar, alleged in the FIR that Arti boarded coach S-11 and was confronted by TTE Santosh Kumar over her reserved ticket. Witnesses in the coach, including Raj Vaibhav from Ghaziabad, claimed the TTE threw her luggage out and pushed her off the train. Arti’s body was later found nearly 4 km from her belongingsSpeaking to TOI, Ajay Yadav, Arti’s husband, said, “Just three days before her death, Arti had returned to her parents’ home in Kanpur from Mumbai, where I’m posted. She planned to visit the Army hospital in Delhi for consultation. My father, Bhagwan Singh, was the first to receive the call about her death.” Married in February 2020, the couple was childless. At the time of the incident, Ajay was in Chennai for naval training.However, GRP officials have not arrested the TTE yet. Circle Officer Etawah GRP, Udai Pratap Singh, said, “Prima facie, it appears the victim jumped off the train, but we are probing the matter and recording statements of co-passengers.”Anil Kumar dismissed the CO’s claim, calling it an attempt to shield the accused TTE. “Why didn’t the TTE stop the train or seek medical help? What’s the purpose of the alarm chain in the train coaches? Even after reaching Etawah Junction, which is 30 km from Samhon station, the train continued its journey. My daughter was murdered, and authorities are trying to protect their image,” he alleged.Meanwhile, North Central Railway’s chief public relations officer, Shashikant Tripathi, confirmed, “The TTE Santosh Kumar is still on active duty. An FIR has been lodged, and GRP is investigating.”The accused TTE, Santosh Kumar, is posted at Prayagraj NCR’s headquarters.