AEC chairman Anil Kakodkar (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman Anil Kakodkar has allayed fears that a nuclear device, lost in an avalanche over 60 years ago after a failed attempt to place it near Nanda Devi peak in the Himalayas as part of a mission to monitor Chinese nuke tests, could cause radiation in Uttarakhand and the Ganga.“Absolutely nil,’’ Kakodkar told TOI on Friday when asked specifically if there was a chance of the lost device later causing an environmental disaster in areas near Nanda Devi. The statement assumes significance as reports have resurfaced — some as recent as last month — suggesting the SNAP-19-C device of Oct 1965 could cause radiation. The top-secret mission to install the portable nuclear generator was a joint operation of India’s Intelligence Bureau and the US spy agency CIA.Kakodkar asserted the device was “very strong and, above all, corrosion-free”. “So, as per my understanding, there was an extremely slim chance of it getting breached. I know that the integrity of the nuclear capsule was very good so there was no cause for alarm.”The former Indian nuclear chief explained the deployment further, saying “there was a need for power supply for the mission and nuclear power was the answer”.Led by well-known Indian mountaineer MS Kohli, the mission was essentially a response to a nuclear test Beijing had carried out on Oct 16, 1964, at Lop Nor in China’s Xinjiang region.The challenging project was conceived at a cocktail party at National Geographic Society’s office in Washington DC during a conversation between General Curtis Le May, former head of the US Air Force, and eminent American mountaineer Barry Bishop.The story was first broken in US magazine Outside in April 1978 by an investigative reporter, Howard Kohn. It was titled “The Nanda Devi Caper”. India came to know about the super-secret operation when former PM Morarji Desai made a disclosure about it in Parliament on April 17, 1978.Recently, the Uttarakhand tourism ministry expressed fears that the lost device could prove an environmental hazard and requested PM Narendra Modi to take up the issue with US officials.BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has also brought up the matter, wondering on social media whether the device “was causing environmental havoc”. A former RAW official, RK Yadav, had expressed similar fears, publishing a book on the subject in 2019 called Nuclear Bomb In Ganga.

SRINAGAR: J&K Police have initiated action against more than 100 people, including teenagers, for violating prohibitory orders on the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services.Cops Friday conducted a district-wide verification drive in south Kashmir’s Shopian, during which 15 people were identified using VPN services. According to police, detailed technical scrutiny and background verification did not reveal any terror-related links or adverse antecedents, so no FIR was registered in the matter.“However, as a preventive measure, security proceedings were initiated against 10 individuals, primarily belonging to the younger age group, for violation of the said orders,” a cop said. Under these security measures, they were warned to refrain from using VPN services in the future. “Out of the 15 individuals identified, five were minors who were counselled and advised in the presence of their guardians, with emphasis on awareness, lawful digital conduct, and the consequences of violating lawful orders,” he added.In south Kashmir’s Kulgam and Pulwama districts, cops have identified 101 people who used VPN services in violation of prohibitory orders. In Kulgam, police said security proceedings have been initiated against six persons. In Pulwama, 95 people were identified using VPN, but technical scrutiny of their devices and background verification found no terror-related links or adverse antecedents, so no FIR was registered. However, as a preventive measure, security proceedings have been initiated against 43 individuals, primarily in the 18–40 age group, for violating prohibitory orders.Earlier this week, police imposed a phased ban on VPN services across several districts in Kashmir Valley, issuing district-wise orders. VPN use was prohibited in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Shopian, Budgam, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag, citing threats to national security and the possibility of their misuse to incite unrest.Following the imposition of restrictions, police have begun acting against violators. “How can I watch my favourite Irish and UK shows now? Is it only banned for illegal activity? I’m sure that The Graham Norton Show is not dodgy!” wrote a Facebook user in Srinagar in response.

The family of Khokon Chandra Das has described the brutal attack on him as shocking and senseless, saying they cannot understand why he was targeted. Das, a businessman from Shariatpur district in Bangladesh, is currently undergoing treatment in Dhaka after suffering around 30 per cent burn injuries.

Speaking to news agency ANI, his wife Seema Das broke down while recalling the incident. Holding her infant child, she said her husband was attacked just as he was about to enter their house. “My husband, who is a businessman, was entering the house when he was attacked by a mob gasoline and was set on fire. He is a patient man who leads a peaceful life. He has no enmity with anyone, and we are unable to understand the motive behind the attack,” she said.Das’s sister, Anjana Rani Das, said the assault was extremely violent. According to her, the attack took place around 8.30 pm (local time). “The crowd hit him on the head and then poured gasoline on him before setting him on fire. He tried to jump into the water while crying for help,” she said, describing the moments of horror.Two of Das’s nephews also spoke about his condition. Sourabh Das said he rushed to the hospital as soon as he received the call. “I reached the hospital as soon as I got the call about my uncle being attacked. The police reached the scene and is investigating the matter. My uncle’s face and hands were burnt,” he said. Another nephew, Pranto Das, demanded strict action against those responsible. “We want a thorough investigation and criminals to be brought to justice. My uncle never had enmity with anyone. He is in the ICU and is extremely critical. The bloodthirsty mob came to him with the intent of murder,” he said.The incident took place near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Kaneshwar Union area of Damudya in Shariatpur district. Miscreants allegedly assaulted Das, poured petrol on him and set him on fire. Local residents later rescued him and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he was given initial treatment. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Dhaka later the same night for advanced medical care.Das runs a medicine shop and a mobile banking business in the area. He was returning home after closing his shop when he was attacked. Police have said an investigation is underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the attack.The assault has come amid a series of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in different parts of Bangladesh, which have drawn widespread concern and condemnation.Dipu Chandra Das, a worker at a garment factory in the Mymensingh district, was killed after being beaten over accusations of blasphemy on December 18, after which his body was hanged and burned. In a separate incident, a Hindu youth named Amrit Mondal was lynched in Hosendanga village, located in the Kalimohor Union of Rajbari’s Pangsha sub-district, due to an alleged extortion dispute.

As the Indian cricket team pivots toward a busy 2026 schedule, former opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has officially weighed in with his preferred 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The series, which kicks off on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara, serves as a crucial building block for the ODI setup following a highly competitive 2025. Chopra’s selection focuses on a rigid blend of returning stalwarts and in-form youngsters, though his categorical exclusion of Sanju Samson and Mohammed Shami could have been point of discussion.

Aakash Chopra picks Indian squad for New Zealand ODI series

Aakash Chopra on the return of captain Shubman Gill and the top order

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra outlined a squad that prioritizes continuity and established roles over experimental changes. He was definitive about the return of Shubman Gill to the captaincy and the structure of the top three, which leaves no room for recent century-maker Yashasvi Jaiswal in the starting XI.

“Gill is fit and available, and he will be back as a captain. There will be no questions there. Rohit Sharma will be seen opening with him, which means Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century, but he will have to wait. At No. 3, Player of the Series Virat Kohli, who is looking like a man on a mission.” Chopra said.

Middle order solutions and the KL Rahul factor

Chopra also addressed the middle-order gap left by Shreyas Iyer, who is expected to miss the series. He elaborated on the likely replacements, emphasizing the need for consistency and rewarding those who have been part of the system.

“The update on Shreyas Iyer is that he won’t be available for this series. So don’t be surprised if his name is not there, and if his name is not there, Ruturaj continues at No. 4. At No. 5, I have got KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper, as a batter, and maybe as a vice-captain in the side.” the former Indian cricketer added.

Washington Sundar’s role and selection logic

A significant portion of Chopra’s analysis focused on maintaining depth in both the bowling and batting departments. He emphasized that despite recent rotations, players like Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma provide the necessary balance to the squad’s structure.

“After that, there is a place for Washington Sundar in my team. Although Washi didn’t play the last match and Tilak Varma played in his place, I will keep both Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma because continuity is important.” the ex-Indian opener stated.

The all-rounder debate and Mohammed Siraj’s recall

Chopra’s considerations for the squad centered on a shift in the spin hierarchy and a demand for the return of seasoned pace. He noted that recent performances have placed Axar Patel ahead of veteran Ravindra Jadeja in the race for long-term ODI spots.

“After that, there is a call that who should be taken between Axar and Jaddu… Jaddu’s performance was slightly fifty-fifty in the last series. So I think Axar Patel is ahead of him in the race from a long-term perspective. One between the two, not both of them. After that, I am saying bring Siraj back. It’s enough now.” the cricketer-turned commentator explained.

Also READ: IND vs NZ 2026: India’s 15 member squad for the ODI series against New Zealand – Predicted

Harshit Rana’s rise and the seam department

Chopra highlighted the emergence of Harshit Rana as a primary pace option, noting his match-winning contributions in recent tours. He believes Rana has earned his spot through consistent performances, particularly in high-pressure situations against South Africa.

“After that, I have kept Harshit Rana. He won you a game. He did well in Sydney and his performance against South Africa was also good. After that, I am saying bring Siraj back… So Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. This is the story close to my XI.” the New Delhi born cricketer highlighted.

Spin depth: The Kuldeep Yadav contingency

When discussing the bowling variety, Chopra included Kuldeep Yadav as the X-factor who can adjust to the conditions of the pitch. He noted that Kuldeep remains the primary option if the surface offers any assistance to spin or if dew is not an expected factor.

“Kuldeep Yadav can come in that if there is no dew. You can drop a fast bowler and play Kuldeep Yadav. So at No. 12, I have got Kuldeep Yadav. After that, I will keep Prasidh Krishna in the team. I need an extra fast bowler.” Chopra discussed.

The Rishabh Pant inclusion and bench strength

Finally, Chopra addressed the backup wicketkeeping slot, defending his choice of Rishabh Pant over other contenders. He argued that Pant’s pedigree justifies his spot, even amidst a “ruckus” regarding other potential candidates like Ishan Kishan or Dhruv Jurel.

“At No. 14, I will keep Rishabh Pant, although there was a ruckus as to why Rishabh Pant needs to be kept, that Ishan Kishan or Dhruv Jurel can be kept. You can keep anyone, but also tell what Rishabh Pant’s mistake is. I am not picking Varun Chakaravarthy. I am getting Yashasvi Jaiswal, just in case you need him.” Chopra concluded.

Aakash Chopra’s Indian squad for NZ ODI series : Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Tilak Varma, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Also READ: Reason why Shreyas Iyer will miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand

Mumbai: In a relief for one of India’s oldest industrial houses, the Bombay city civil court has quashed a decades-old govt notification that sought to classify Godrej & Boyce manufacturing land in Vikhroli as a slum area. The judgment concludes the legal case, effectively shielding the private property from state acquisition under the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act. “It is hereby declared that no valid declaration exists under Section 4 (1) of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act in respect of suit land. The defendant nos 1 and 2 (additional collector and deputy collector ENC) are hereby restrained from treating the colony on suit land as slum area under Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, until valid declaration is made,” Judge A K Kale said.The dispute originated in 1978 when the deputy collector issued a notification declaring a 7,850-square-metre (around 2-acre) portion of the Godrej estate as a slum. Godrej & Boyce challenged this and submitted the land— originally acquired through historical conveyances dating back to the East India Company—was not a slum but a transit camp for migrant labourers. The company maintained these workers were employed by contractors for ongoing construction projects and were provided temporary housing and building materials free of charge. The company argued the inhabitants were provided with building materials by the firm itself and paid no rent, making them temporary licensees rather than independent slum dwellers.It was noted the state had failed to act on its own notification for 10 years. The judge pointed out after a flurry of notices in the late 1970s, the govt remained silent until 1988. When officials finally conducted a site inspection in 1989, they found the land vacant. The court found that because the company had shifted its labour force according to construction needs, the “slum” the state claimed to be improving did not actually exist at the site described in the govt gazette. The court ultimately held “the declaration under Section 4 (1) of the Slum Act cannot be said to be valid one” and granted a permanent injunction against the state authorities.The court also highlighted a procedural conflict, at the time the slum notification was issued, the state was already embroiled in a separate high court suit against Godrej regarding the ownership of the Vikhroli lands. The judge found it improper for the state to invoke slum redevelopment powers while the fundamental question of who owned the land remained undecided.The plea also addressed interference by outside agitators. The company had alleged that local activists and members of the Dalit Panther organisation had trespassed on the property, held unauthorised meetings, and intimidated workers to stop them from reporting to duty. The company claimed these outsiders were falsely promising the labourers that the govt would grant them ownership of the land.In the final order, the court granted a permanent injunction against both the state and the specific individuals involved in the agitation. The judge ruled that “the notification, therefore, is invalid and it is of nullity”. The judge ordered that the state authorities are “restrained from treating the colony on suit land as slum area… until valid declaration is made”. Additionally, the court barred the activists from preventing labourers or company officers from entering the estate.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman bowls a delivery during the Asia Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Sharjah: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged everyone to play the “waiting game” on the controversy surrounding Bangladesh cricketer Mustafizur Rahman and his association with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).“I am not so knowledgeable, I am sitting here in Dubai for 2-3 weeks. What will be the decision? Everything comes under the BCCI, the decision is in their hands,” said Kaif, a commentator in the ILT20, on the sidelines of the competition in the UAE.

“I will not sit here and share an opinion because it is a sensitive issue. You should play a waiting game because what is happening, what will be the movement, we may write (but in reality) there is no movement there,” he continued.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“So I think we should not just jump the gun. We should just wait and watch, whatever the decision will be, BCCI are sitting there, they run big leagues, they know what to do and how to do it,” stated the former India cricketer.Earlier, spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur had launched an attack against Bollywood actor and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan over signing Mustafizur in the IPL Auction, calling him a “traitor.”Thakur had controversially said, “The way Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh, women and girls are being raped, their homes are being burned, and anti-India slogans are being chanted there. Despite all this, traitors like Shah Rukh Khan, I’m calling him a traitor because everything he has is given by India, given by the people of India, but where do they invest this money? They invest it in players from a country that is working against India,” he had told news agency ANI.He clarified that these remarks were not driven by personal animosity, saying, “I have never met Shah Rukh Khan. I don’t know him. I’ve only seen his posters. I don’t watch films. I don’t do things that corrupt the character of the world.”He added, “I am a Hindu religious leader, and Hindus are being killed. Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, and you have brought in a Bangladeshi cricketer in your team?”

The issue has triggered political reactions across the country, with leaders from the BJP, Congress, NCP, CPI(M), Samajwadi Party, and Shiv Sena (UBT) weighing in.The comments come in the aftermath of tensions over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. Dipu Chandra Das, a worker in a garment factory in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges, had his body hanged and set on fire.Another Hindu youth was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor Union in Rajbari’s Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation.

Sunil Chhetri (ANI Photo)

India’s top footballers have come together to make an emotional appeal to FIFA, asking the world governing body to step in as the Indian Super League (ISL) remains suspended with no clear return date. The appeal includes senior Indian players like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandhesh Jhingan, along with several foreign players who play in the ISL. The players said the continued delay of the 2025–26 ISL season has created deep uncertainty and fear. They warned that Indian football is slowly moving towards a complete standstill if the situation is not resolved soon. “It’s January and we should be on your screens as apart of a competitive football game in the Indian Super League,” Gurpreet said in a joint video shared on social media. “Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know,” Jhingan added. In the video, the players said that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is no longer able to manage the crisis and protect the future of football in the country. They asked FIFA to intervene and help bring stability back to the game. “But more importantly, we are here to make a plea. Indian football governance is no longer able to fulfil its responsibilities. We are now staring at a permanent paralysis. This is the last-ditch effort to save what we can. So we are calling the FIFA to step in and do what it takes to save Indian football,” the players said. They also made it clear that their message was not political but based on urgent need. “We hope this message gets to the power that are in Zurich. This call is not political, it is not driven by confrontation but by necessity. It might sound like a big word but the truth is that we are facing a humanitarian, sporting and economic crisis. And of course, we need rescuing at the earliest. We just want to play football, please help us do it,” they said. Sunil Chhetri ended the appeal by stressing the impact on everyone involved. “Players, staff, owners and the fans deserve clarity, protection and more importantly, a future,” he added. The ISL season was put on hold in July due to uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The deal expired in December, leading to legal issues and Supreme Court involvement. A fresh tender for ISL’s commercial rights also failed to attract bidders. With the season still delayed, clubs are worried about finances and player contracts. Thirteen of the fourteen ISL clubs have told the AIFF they may play if there is no participation fee and the federation covers operational costs. The delay also threatens clubs’ chances of qualifying for the AFC Champions League 2, as they may not meet the minimum match requirement.