Mumbai: Pointing to the need to protect the woman as the accused’s friends and relatives pressurised her to take back the case after his arrest, a sessions court rejected the bail plea of a senior software developer (28) accused of sexually exploiting a woman under the false promise of marriage.“The offence is serious in nature and against the woman. The investigation is now in progress and yet the chargesheet is not filed. Hence, the applicant is not entitled for grant of bail,” Judge Shilpa S Todkar said on Friday.The accused was arrested following an FIR registered at the Kurar police station. According to the prosecution, the man befriended the woman while residing as a paying guest at her residence. The woman, who has been living separately from her husband for seven years and has a nine-year-old daughter, alleged the man gained her confidence by promising to marry her once her pending divorce proceedings were finalised. According to the FIR, the woman told the accused her divorce was nearing completion and requested he inform his family of their marriage plans. The accused subsequently began avoiding her and, on the night of Dec 7, 2025, refused to marry her. Following an overnight dispute, the accused allegedly threatened to implicate her in a false case and summoned the police. Upon their arrival the next morning, the woman reported the breach of promise, resulting in the FIR.The lawyer appearing for the accused, argued the relationship was a consensual extramarital affair between two educated adults. The defence contended the woman had been pressurising the man to marry her, and he had been the one to call the police and lodge online complaints when the situation turned sour. The accused also claimed the woman had tampered with his mobile phone to delete chat records and argued since he was a permanent resident of Mumbai with no criminal antecedents, he should be released.The prosecution and the woman opposed the plea. She filed an affidavit alleging since the accused’s friends and relatives have been pressurising her to withdraw the case. The investigating officer expressed concern the accused might tamper with evidence if released before the chargesheet is filed. The judge took note of allegations that intimacy occurred at hotels and guest houses in Malad, Jogeshwari, Nasik, and Ujjain based on the assurance of marriage. The judge noted the accused was aware of the woman’s marital status and pending divorce when he made the promise.“On perusal, the FIR it appears that there are allegations against the applicant that under the pretext of false promise of marriage, applicant has sexual intercourse with informant at several times and thereafter refused to marry with her,” the judge said.

NEW DELHI: Reliance Jio continued its subscriber growth in November 2025, leading the industry in overall wireless additions and active user gains as per the latest monthly subscription data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).The TRAI data showed that Jio added 1.2 million subscribers, extending its lead over Bharti Airtel for the ninth consecutive month. The performance came during a period when the industry’s total active (Visitor Location Register) subscribers fell by 3.4 million to 1,091 million. While other major operators reported net losses in active users, Jio was the only player to post positive gains.Specifically, Vodafone Idea (VIL) saw a drop of 2.2 million active users, while Bharti Airtel recorded a decline of 1.7 million. The momentum for Jio was reflected in its market share, with the operator gaining VLR share in 17 out of 22 telecom circles. The most significant gains were observed in the Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab regions.Morgan Stanley noted that “RJio’s market share rose to 43.7% (+25bps MoM), while all other operators lost market share MoM.” This trend further reduced the active subscriber share gap between Jio and Bharti Airtel to an all-time low. In the broadband segment, Jio maintained its dominance by capturing approximately 68 per cent of the total additions across mobile broadband, fixed wireless access (FWA), and unlicensed band radio (UBR). Jio remained ahead of Bharti Airtel in overall broadband rollouts primarily due to its UBR expansion, which added 0.35 million users during the month. The data also highlighted Jio’s strength in the fixed wireless segment. Morgan Stanley reported that “on FWA, Jio added almost 2.5x FWA subs (FWA 5G+ FWA UBR) vs Airtel.” Both Jio and Bharti Airtel added 0.25 million 5G FWA subscribers each, but Jio’s additional UBR gains solidified its lead in the home broadband category. Despite the pullback in active subscribers during November, the sector’s active additions for the 2025 calendar year to date remain at a nine-year high. Industry observers expect that the current subscriber additions and rising data penetration will support future growth in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) as the market construct remains favourable.

Mustafizur Rahman (PTI Photo)

Masood Uz Zafar Amini, the coach of Indian batter Rinku Singh, has shared his views on the BCCI’s decision to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 Indian Premier League season. Amini said that while opinions may differ, the decision taken by the BCCI must be respected by everyone.His comments came after Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman was released from their squad following instructions from the BCCI. The decision was taken amid recent developments and growing criticism from several political and spiritual groups.

These groups had questioned KKR and team owner Shah Rukh Khan for signing the Bangladeshi pacer during the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi, especially in the backdrop of reports about attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.Speaking on the issue, Amini stressed that cricket and religion should not be mixed.“If the BCCI has given permission to change the player, then it can be done. But Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer first; Hindu or Muslim comes later. Other teams in the IPL had also bid for Mustafizur, so as KKR and they eventually took him in. I would like to say that he is a player first and any religion is later. So whatever is the decision of the BCCI, it has to be accepted,” he told news agency IANS. “There should be no politics with players. Playing and politics are different things. People of every religion live and such incidents keep happening. But this should not be associated with the game. However, it’s a decision of the nation and since the BCCI has taken a decision, we have to abide by it,” he further added.Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR for Rs 9.2 crore in the December 2025 IPL auction. He has played for several teams over the years. The list includes the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.Since making his IPL debut in 2016, the Bangladeshi pacer has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches.

US president Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Venezuelan forces were “waiting” for the American forces with “many ships out”.Trump said that despite being in a “ready position”, Venezuelan forces were “completely overwhelmed and very quickly incapacitated”.He said that the US was “ready” to stage a second “and much larger” attack on the country if needed, saying Washington was initially prepared to do a “second wave” and had assumed it would be necessary – but given the success of last night’s attack, it “probably would now not be”.The US President also said the US has “knocked out 97 per cent of drugs coming in by sea”, and claimed that each boat carrying drugs killed 25,000 people on average. Trump said that the lights in Caracas were shut off as the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured overnight, praising those involved for executing the mission.“No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday, or frankly, in just a short period of time, all Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless as the men and women of our military, working with us, law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night. It was dark, the lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have,” Trump said in a news conference, adding that “it was dark and it was deadly”.Just minutes before the press brief, Trump posted a photo of Nicolas Maduro in custody on a US naval ship and wearing both a blindfold and handcuffs.“Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, along with a picture showing Maduro hours after he was snatched by US forces.The Venezuelan leader had on what appeared to be noise-cancelling ear muffs and grey Nike-branded sweatpants and a jacket.

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid vs New York Knicks (Image via Getty).

The Philadelphia 76ers visit the New York Knicks on January 3, 2026, for an Atlantic Division game at Madison Square Garden. Both teams come in dealing with injuries, and those absences could decide how this game plays out.New York has been strong at home, while Philadelphia has held its own on the road. With key players listed as out or questionable on both sides, this game is likely to lean heavily on the stars who are available, especially in the fourth quarter.

Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Injury report (January 3, 2025)

Philadelphia 76ers will be without Kelly Oubre Jr., who is sidelined with a left knee sprain. Trendon Watford is also out due to a left adductor strain. The biggest question is Joel Embiid, who is listed as probable because of right knee injury management. If he plays, the Sixers gain a clear advantage inside. If not, their frontcourt becomes much thinner.The New York Knicks are also missing important pieces. Josh Hart remains out with an ankle injury and has already missed several games. Mitchell Robinson is listed as probable as he continues to manage his own ankle issue. Landry Shamet is unavailable with a shoulder problem, while Karl-Anthony Towns could return after missing time due to illness.

Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks When and where to watch (January 3, 2026)

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on NBA TV nationally, with local broadcasts on NBC Sports Philadelphia and MSG Network. Streaming options include NBA League Pass, the ESPN app, and Fubo.

How both teams are playing

New York enters the night at 23-11 and has been one of the league’s best home teams, going 15-3 at Madison Square Garden. Even with recent injuries, the Knicks have stayed competitive by controlling the glass and limiting second chances.Philadelphia is 18-14 overall and 9-6 on the road. Tyrese Maxey has carried the offense, averaging 30.9 points per game, especially when Embiid’s minutes are managed. The Sixers have had success with strong second quarters, but injuries have made it harder to sustain that level across a full game.

Matchups to watch in tonight’s 76ers vs Knicks game

The guard matchup between Maxey and Jalen Brunson will set the tone. Both control the pace and take most of the late-game shots. If Embiid plays, his minutes against the Knicks’ bigs will matter just as much. Bench production is another concern, as both teams are missing rotation players.

Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Betting outlook (January 3, 2026)

New York is favored by 3.5 points at home. The total sits around 232.5 points. The Knicks are listed between -162 and -166 on the moneyline, with Philadelphia between +136 and +138. Projections lean toward a narrow Knicks win, with recent trends pointing toward another high-scoring game.

WASHINGTON: In an audacious raid into the heart of the world’s most oil-rich country, US special forces on Saturday captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores while they were asleep at their home in a military fortress in the early hours of the capital Caracas. Trump administration officials justified the abduction, as it was described in some quarters, on grounds of national security and law enforcement, including charges of narco-terrorism. The couple was dragged out of their beds and flown out on choppers by an elite Delta Force, CIA agents, and FBI agents, who reportedly coordinated the raid, and placed on the warship Iwo Jima anchored off the country’s coast, to be taken back to New York City to stand trial. President Trump gave interviews to media outlets at 4.30 am to boast about the raid, excitedly telling journalists he had watched the incursion live from his Mar-a-Lago resort, and how meticulous and professional it was, with few casualties on the American invading forces.

“I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it, and I listened to the communication between, you know, where we were in Florida and out in the field in Venezuela,” Trump told Fox News, adding, “It was amazing to see the professionalism, the quality of leadership…” He compared the military operation to the botched U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan during the Biden administration, saying, “We’re not a laughingstock anymore.”There was shock, concern, and anger in the region and beyond despite Maduro’s sketchy reputation and multiple indictments on drug smuggling charges, including a $25mn bounty going back to the Biden administration. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ office said he was deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected, and independently of the situation in Venezuela, “these developments constitute a dangerous precedent.” Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the military action and said it breached the UN Charter, while urging the U.S. to comply with international law and end “all acts of aggression against the Venezuelan government and people.”President Trump often accused the Venezuelan President and his government of conspiring to flood the US with drugs and illegal immigrants. Maduro was indicted in 2020, during Trump’s first term as president, on charges of smuggling cocaine into the US, with a $15 million bounty offered for his arrest at that time. That was increased to $ 25 million by the Biden administration and further doubled to $50 million in the Trump second term after he alleged Maduro of heading a drug mafia called Cartel de los Soles and designated the group a foreign terrorist organisation. There was support for the raid and capture from U.S legislators of Venezuelan origin, but several Democratic lawmakers questioned the legality of the attack and the lack of authorisation from Congress, which is vested with the sole authority to declare war. The Pentagon notified Capitol Hill on Saturday morning, after the raid, that it had been “authorised” by the president to launch a “military operation” inside Venezuela in response to “national security threats posed by the illegitimate Maduro regime.”Vice President JD Vance, in his first public comments after Maduro’s capture, applauded the mission and defended its legality. “Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism,” Vance wrote on social media. “You don’t get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas.”In recent days, after Trump openly signaled his days were numbered, Maduro literally begged for peace, telling a Spanish reporter two nights ago that the “The American people should know they have a friendly, peaceful people here, and a friendly government as well,” while handing the journalist a red hat in the style of the Make America Great Again cap with the words: “No War. Yes, Peace.”By any measure, the U.S. military operation marks one of the most consequential acts of American force in Latin America in decades, coming only weeks after the Trump White House signalled its intention to assert its hegemony in the western hemisphere in a national security strategy document. Venezuela, by most estimates, has the largest oil reserves in the world, greater than even Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. The Maduro abduction was evocative of the raid that captured the late Panamanian leader Gen. Manuel Noriega in the late 1980s. Once a U.S. ally, Noriega was accused of conspiring with drug traffickers to ship cocaine to the U.S. He was convicted of drug trafficking charges in a Miami federal court in 1992 and sentenced to 40 years in prison, serving 17 years before he was extradited to Panama, where he died in 2017. The latest abduction is a clear signal to other small countries in the region, which have been increasingly courted by China: Behave and fall in line behind the U.S, or else…The Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy identified China as a primary threat in the hemisphere, alongside migration, drugs, and crime. Beijing has expanded its economic footprint across South America through trade and critical minerals. The U.S. intervention in Venezuela signals a muscular reassertion of American primacy—and a warning that Washington is prepared to use force to defend it.In fact, Maduro met with a Chinese diplomatic team led by Beijing’s special representative for Latin American affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, just hours before the raid to discuss the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers bound for China, with the envoy reiterating Beijing’s support for the Venezuelan President. Of great concern now is what the Venezuela raid will have on China’s approach to Taiwan, and more immediately, Russia’s position on Ukraine.

US president Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States would assume control of Venezuela in the immediate aftermath of the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. “We don’t want to be involved with having someone else get in, and we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years. So we are going to run the country.” He did not provide a timetable for the transition.Trump praised the US military for its “breathtaking speed, power, precision and competence”, describing the troops as “highly trained warriors” operating alongside U.S. law enforcement. He said Venezuelan forces were “waiting for us” and in a “ready position”, but were “completely overwhelmed and very quickly incapacitated”. He added that no U.S. personnel were killed and no equipment lost.Trump also claimed the US has “knocked out 97% of drugs coming in by sea”, alleging each drug boat kills 25,000 people on average.He said the capture of Maduro took place under cover of darkness. “No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday,” Trump said, adding that “the lights of Caracas were largely turned off”. “It was dark and it was deadly,” he said.Earlier today, the Trump announced that the US had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation early on Saturday, following weeks of escalating pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration. Speaking on Fox News, President Donald Trump said the US would play a central role in shaping Venezuela’s future. “We’ll be involved in it very much,” he said, adding: “We can’t take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left.”Trump described the raid in detail during an interview on “Fox and Friends Weekend”, saying Maduro had been “highly guarded” inside a presidential palace “like a fortress”. US forces, he said, were prepared to breach steel-reinforced rooms using “massive blowtorches” and had rehearsed the operation on a full-scale replica of the building. “He didn’t get that space closed,” Trump said. “We were prepared.”The operation took place under cover of darkness, with Trump claiming the US turned off “almost all of the lights in Caracas”. At least seven explosions were heard, and the assault lasted less than 30 minutes. Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, said civilians and members of the military were killed, though she did not give figures. Trump said only “a couple of guys were hit” on the US side.The White House said weather conditions had delayed the raid for several days. The Justice Department has since released an indictment accusing Maduro and Flores of involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy.