INDORE: Laboratory tests have confirmed that the diarrhoea outbreak in Indore, which has so far claimed at least four lives and sickened more than 1,400 people, was caused by contaminated drinking water, officials said.Indore’s Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani said a report prepared by a city-based medical college found that water samples collected from Bhagirathpura were contaminated due to a leak in a main supply pipeline. The area has emerged as the epicentre of the outbreak.

District collector Shivam Verma said the initial laboratory report confirmed contamination in the water samples, though officials were yet to identify the specific bacteria responsible.State minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said preliminary indications suggested that sewage water had mixed with the drinking water supply near a police check post. “We are already treating the water. A detailed microbiological examination will take eight to ten days,” he said.Residents of Bhagirathpura began reporting to hospitals across the city from Monday onwards, complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea and high fever. Officials said the contamination occurred after sewage water from a toilet constructed at a local police check post seeped into the drinking water line.Additional chief secretary Sanjay Dubey, who oversees the urban development department, said nine deaths had been reported from the area so far. “Based on post-mortem findings, only four deaths can currently be linked directly to contaminated water,” he said.Dubey held meetings with senior officials in Indore to review the situation and finalise relief measures. “Guidelines have been worked out to ensure funds are made available and treatment costs for patients are covered,” he said. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those who died.Health department officials said door-to-door surveys were conducted in 1,714 households on Thursday, during which 8,571 people were examined. Of these, 338 individuals with mild symptoms were provided treatment at their homes.Bhagirathpura, meanwhile, remains largely deserted. With more than 200 residents admitted to 27 hospitals across Indore, most families have been away attending to sick relatives. Since the outbreak began earlier this week, nine people have died.Municipal officials said the crisis was triggered when waste water from a pit connected to a toilet at the police outpost leaked into the main water pipeline running beneath it. The contractor allegedly routed the toilet’s waste into a pit instead of constructing a septic tank and linking it to the sewage network.Officials said a leak was detected in the main water pipeline near the police outpost, leading to contamination of the supply in surrounding areas. “We are examining the entire pipeline to check for additional leaks,” Dubey said.After repairs and inspection, clean water was restored through the pipeline on Thursday. However, residents have been advised to boil water before consumption as a precaution. Fresh samples have also been sent for testing.The state government is now planning to issue a standard operating procedure for drinking water infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh to prevent similar incidents in the future.According to officials, 272 patients have been admitted to hospitals since the outbreak began eight days ago. Of them, 71 have been discharged. At present, 201 patients remain hospitalised, including 32 in intensive care units.(With agency inputs)

Sydney Thunder host Hobart Hurricanes in the 21st match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at Sydney Showground Stadium. Defending champions Hurricanes hold a strong head-to-head edge and recent form advantage over a struggling Thunder side.​

Hobart Hurricanes lead the standings after winning four of six matches, highlighted by a nervy four-wicket chase against Thunder first up, reeling in 181. Their season rests on composed batting and incisive bowling. Sydney Thunder sit lower with one win from several outings; defeats to Melbourne Stars (128 all out) and Brisbane Heat hurt, though a 193/4 victory suggests batting promise.

ST vs HH, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 1 (Saturday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney

ST vs HH, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 23 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 15 | Sydney Thunder won: 08 | No result/Tied: 0

Sydney Showground Stadium Pitch Report

Sydney Showground Stadium’s pitch typically offers balanced conditions for T20 cricket in the Big Bash League. It provides true bounce and even pace early on, assisting seam bowlers with some movement under lights. As the game progresses, the surface wears to assist spinners with grip and turn. Average first-innings scores range from 160-180, with chasing teams winning around 60% of matches due to evening dew. Short boundaries encourage high-scoring games, but disciplined bowling in powerplay and death overs remains crucial.

Squads:

Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Sam Billings, Lockie Ferguson, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Cameron Bancroft, Wes Agar, Ollie Davies, Shadab Khan, Matthew Gilkes, Tanveer Sangha, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin, Blake Nikitaras

Hobart Hurricanes: Nathan Ellis (c), Tim David, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster, Jake Weatherald, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Rehan Ahmed, Mac Wright, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake

Also WATCH: Jim Peirson grabs a screamer to remove Glenn Maxwell in BBL|15

ST vs HH, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sydney Thunder wins the toss and bowls first
• Hobart Hurricanes’ powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Hobart Hurricanes’ total score: 180-190

Case 2:

• Hobart Hurricanes wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Thunder’s powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Sydney Thunder’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Fans erupt as Mitchell Marsh lights up BBL|15 with thunderous century against Hobart Hurricanes

Ultra wealthy Indians are increasingly placing their bets on pink, blue and yellow diamonds, embracing the rare stones as both eye-catching statement jewellery and long-term investment assets. Coloured diamonds,far rarer than conventional white diamonds, have seen demand spiked by 20%-25% over the past year, even as prices continue to climb.According to jewellers and traders, since the pandemic period, India has become one of the fastest-growing markets for coloured diamonds, fuelled by a new generation of globally exposed and asset-conscious ultra high net-worth individuals (HNIs), ET reported. Conventional and coloured diamonds fall in completely different price categories. Unlike traditional white diamonds, which typically cost between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 7 lakh a carat depending on cut and clarity, coloured stones command a significant premium. Pink diamonds can range from Rs 15 lakh to as much as Rs 5 crore a carat, while blue diamonds are priced between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 crore, according to ET. Meanwhile, yellow diamonds, considered more accessible entry points into the segment, are priced comparatively lower, between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh a carat.

Why are coloured diamonds shining more?

Beyond their visual appeal, price appreciation is playing a major role in driving demand. With no new mines coming online, coloured diamonds are increasingly being viewed as alternative investments amid rising scarcity.In rupee terms, prices of pink diamonds have increased tenfold over the past two decades, while blue diamonds have risen six to seven times. Yellow diamonds, meanwhile, have roughly doubled in value over the same period.Darshit Hirani, cofounder of P Hirani Exports, told ET, that “demand is also driven by the fact that celebrities and businessmen across the globe are embracing coloured diamonds for weddings and other special occasions. Wealthy Indians want to be part of this global trend.” He further noted that interest is no longer limited to major metros. “An interesting trend we are seeing is that HNIs from tier II cities are showing interest in coloured diamonds and are buying yellow diamonds as their first purchase,” Hirani said.Hirani, who has worked exclusively with coloured diamonds for over 40 years, said buying patterns vary by age group. Larger stones of one to two carats are typically being purchased by HNIs aged 45 and above, while smaller and mid-sized stones are attracting younger buyers from affluent families or those in higher salary brackets.The post-pandemic shift in consumer behaviour has also been noted by retailers. Ishu Datwani, founder of Mumbai-based Anmol Jewellers, said spending on rare stones has risen sharply since Covid. “Indians have become globetrotters…(exposed to) fine jewellery brands such as Chopard and Cartier. They now want us to create pieces that resonate with their evolved tastes,” he said. Datwani added that there has been a strong increase in demand for fancy yellow diamonds sourced in rough form from Australia, Russia and South Africa, before being cut and polished in Surat.Globally, coloured diamonds are also emerging as standout performers at auctions, particularly in Asia, where their rarity and investment appeal have made them highly sought after. A July report by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) estimated that the wholesale value of fancy colour diamonds entering the market in 2024 exceeded $4.5 billion, citing data from the Israel-based Fancy Colour Research Foundation (FCRF).Industry executives estimate that coloured diamonds account for less than 1% of global diamond production, with only a handful of mines producing them in limited quantities. The closure of Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in 2020, once responsible for more than 90% of the world’s pink and red diamonds, has further tightened supply. With no consistent alternative source emerging since, dealers say scarcity has intensified, forcing buyers to compete aggressively for the remaining inventory, often at any cost.

The tunnel would be of great strategic significance due to its proximity to Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China. (AI image for representative purpose)

NEW DELHI: In a first, India will get a twin-tube underwater tunnel that will have provision for movement of both vehicle and trains, boosting faster movement of forces and ammunition in case of any exigency, reports Dipak Dash. An inter-ministerial panel, headed by the expenditure secretary has given green signal for construction of a 15.8km twin tube tunnel across Brahmaputra river in Assam connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. One of the tubes will have provision for a single rail track. As per design, there will be no vehicular movement when trains run through this tube. It will have ballistic track and the trains will run on electricity. The total project of 33.7km, including the tunnel, approach roads and railway track will cost around Rs 18,600 crore. Once the project is complete, travel time between Gohpur and Numaligarh will reduce from current six-and-half hours to just 30 minutes, shortening the distance from 240km to 34km. This will enhance connectivity to Arunachal, Manipur, and other northeastern states. The project cost will be borne by road transport, railways and defence ministry. Designed as two unidirectional tunnels with two lanes each, these will be built 32m below Brahmaputra’s deepest bed level. The project is expected to be completed in five years after the award of work. Officials said the projects will be placed before Union cabinet for approval and this may happen before Assam assembly polls. Last year, finance ministry had green signalled a road tunnel costing around Rs 14,900 crore with provision of 80:20 funding by road transport ministry and defence ministry. But following a decision to build road-cum-railway tunnels where it’s feasible, govt had identified three such tunnels for North-East chicken neck corridor, across Brahmaputra in Assam and on Maranahally-Addahole (Shiradi Ghat) stretch in Karnataka, which TOI first reported on Oct 6, 2025. Officials said because of provision of railway track in one tunnel the cost has gone up.

LUCKNOW: A swift intervention of CM Yogi Adityanath saw the daughter of a late army officer getting back her house in Lucknow which had been illegally occupied by a man. The action came within 24 hours of the woman’s meeting with the CM on Wednesday.The usurper, Balwant Kumar Yadav of Chandauli, and his aide Manoj Kumar Yadav were arrested on Thursday.Anjana, who has been battling schizophrenia after the death of her father and siblings, had moved to a rehabilitation centre in Lucknow. Her house — A-418 in A block of Indiranagar — fell vacant and was allegedly grabbed by Yadav using forged documents in her absence.Anjana met the CM and explained how she lost her house. Taking serious note of the matter, Yogi Aditynath immediately directed the police and district administration to act without delay.

By Thursday morning, the encroachers were evicted and arrested and the house was formally restored to Anjana in the presence of police and administrative officials.An overwhelmed Anjana thanked the CM with folded hands as she entered her home. “Thank you, Yogi Uncle. God bless you,” she said with her voice choked with emotions.Anjana is the daughter of late Major Bipin Chandra Bhatt, who passed away in 1994. Of his three children, Anjana is the sole surviving heir. Due to her deteriorating mental health, she was admitted to the Nirvan Rehabilitation Centre in 2016, where she has been under continuous care.Police said the accused exploited her vulnerable condition, installed their own nameplate on the house, and fraudulently transferred the property to their names using forged documents.Anjana had earlier lodged a complaint with local police last month but when the eviction process did not move swiftly, she approached the CM.ACP Indiranagar Anindya Vikram Singh said the accused Balwant Kumar Yadav and Manoj Yadav have been taken into custody and booked for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and use of forged documents to illegally occupy the property.As Anjana re-entered her house on Thursday, she was visibly emotional. She lit a lamp, broke a coconut, offered flowers, and walked through each room, touching the walls and recalling memories of her childhood. Neighbours joined her in the moment, sharing her joy and relief.Santosh Dubey of Nirvan rehabilitation centre said the institution facilitated Anajna’s meeting with the Chief Minister. “Once the matter reached the Chief Minister, the response was immediate. Justice was delivered in less than a day,” he said.

Veteran Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed that the fifth Test of the 2025-26 Ashes in Sydney will be the final match of his international career. Australia captain Pat Cummins and former India opener Shikhar Dhawan extended their wishes to Khawaja ahead of his final match in national colours.

Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 and played 87 matches. He scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. Khawaja played a key role in Australia’s success in the longest format. He was part of the squad that won the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023 and reached the final again later.

Pat Cummins And Shikhar Dhawan Wish Usman Khawaja Ahead Of His Final International Match

The fifth Test in Sydney will be Usman Khawaja’s final match in international cricket. Notably, the match is special for him because he made his Test debut at the same ground in 2011, also against England.

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Khawaja moved to Australia from Islamabad as a child and went on to become the country’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim international cricketer.

Pat Cummins wished him luck and hoped for one final big score at home. Shikhar Dhawan also praised Khawaja’s journey and sent his best wishes ahead of the farewell match in Sydney.

“Congratulations on an incredible career, mate. One more home century to go,” Cummins posted on his Instagram story.

“What a journey, @Uz_Khawaja. Good luck for the last Test in Sydney and everything that comes next 🙌,” Dhawan tweeted on Friday morning.

What a journey, @Uz_Khawaja. Good luck for the last Test in Sydney and everything that comes next 🙌

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 2, 2026

Usman Khawaja’s Performance in a Challenging Ashes 2025-26 Series

Usman Khawaja became the only Asian first-class cricketer in Australia. He later set up a foundation to support young people from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, and disadvantaged backgrounds through cricket and education.

Khawaja has scored 6,206 runs with 16 centuries at an average of 43.39, with a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka last year. However, the left-handed batter has not scored a hundred since. The current Ashes series has been tough for him and has brought extra pressure.

He hurt his back in the Perth Test and missed the next match in Brisbane. The batter was also left out in Adelaide but returned when Steve Smith fell ill before the toss. Batting at number four, Khawaja scored 82 and 40 but followed it with scores of 29 and 0 in the Melbourne Test.

Australia Face Uncertainty At The Top Of The Order

Australia have no clear succession plan at the top of the order. A similar situation unfolded a few years ago when David Warner retired at home, and despite having time to prepare, Australia struggled to manage the transition smoothly.

Steve Smith was pushed up the order with little success, while young options like Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney were not given extended runs. Marnus Labuschagne briefly tried opening, adding to the instability.

With Usman Khawaja’s retirement, Australia have lost their most settled opener. The team must now decide whether to make Travis Head a permanent opener and strengthen the middle order, or turn fully to domestic cricket to build a new opening pair from scratch.

Also read: Australia squad for fifth Test against England in Ashes 2025-26 announced; Steve Smith to lead

MUMBAI: The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, are not a cause for worry for the BJP. “We will win decisively,” said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in an interview with an online channel. “Thackeray is no longer a brand. There was only one Thackeray brand and that was late Balasaheb Thackeray.”In the interview aired on Friday, Fadnavis said if the Thackeray cousins had come together in 2009, it would have been a different result. “Now there is no gain in coming together. Their vote percentage is so low… neither the Marathi manoos nor the non-Marathi is going to vote for them. Therefore, we are not worried about their coming together,” he said, adding that the strongholds for Sena (UBT) and MNS overlap.

“Our votes never moved; they remained constant. Already there are differences between their party workers,” he said.On who would be mayor of Mumbai, Fadnavis said, “The mayor will be from the Mahayuti. He will be a Hindu and a Marathi.”Laying claim to the credit for various infrastructure works in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Fadnavis said the projects were not his idea, but they came to fruition only after he took over as CM. “Atal Setu was proposed by JRD Tata in 1962. Prithviraj Chauhan was CM, and he always said the coastal road was his favourite project. He had good relations with the Sena, and Manmohan Singh was the PM. He regularly went to Delhi but did nothing. I studied the projects, understood the problems, held at least five meetings with the Centre, and got clearances for the Atal Setu and coastal road. For the coastal road, I went right up to the Supreme Court and got it done,” he said.Fadnavis said, “Look at the development vision. We are time-tested… they have nothing to show for it. Merely because you make the neighbour’s son sit on your lap, it does not become yours. The coastal road did not happen till I came. They (Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray) are so small-minded… when the issue came up of who to give the road to do, Uddhavji said give it to BMC. I agreed, and one fine day, without informing me, he performed the bhoomipujan. I did not say anything. I was the CM; he held no constitutional post. All of Mumbai knows who did the coastal road, navigated the project…”