KULLU: A professor and three female students of Govt College, Dharamshala, have been named in an FIR after the mysterious death of a 19-year-old girl student who had accused them of sexual harassment and ragging.The woman died in a Ludhiana hospital on Dec 26, said Kangra SP Ashok Ratan, adding that the cause of death is being investigated. In what’s said to be her last video – recorded in a Pathankot hospital – she says: “Sir would go after me.”

A woman is heard asking her repeatedly if the professor touched her inappropriately, and she nods and says “Yes”. Father: Harassment by prof and accused pushed daughter into depression In the video, which surfaced on social media Thursday, the woman seems to be in distress and finds it difficult to talk. Acting on a complaint filed by her father, Dharamshala police registered a case against the professor and three students under BNS Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 115(2) (causing hurt), and 3(5) (common intention), and Sec 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Educational Institution (Prohibition of) Ragging Act, 2009, on Thursday. The three women were classmates of the victim and are now in their second year, while the victim failed her first year exams.The father alleges that harassment by professor & other accused pushed his daughter into depression. According to the complaint, on Sept 18 last year, the three female students harassed her and beat her during a ragging session. One of them allegedly hit her with a bottle and cut her hair.“This incident troubled and scared her a lot. She kept saying that she did not want to go to the college as the students would kill her,” her father claims in the complaint, adding that he enrolled her in a private computer academy at her insistence on Sept 20. “But her condition kept deteriorating, and I took her to a doctor in Dharamshala. I changed many hospitals during the course of her treatment,” he claims. The girl was treated at various hospitals in Himachal and Punjab. At the time of her death she was in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. “The victim was treated at seven hospitals. We are obtaining the treatment records to find out the exact cause of death. Many allegations were levelled, and we are verifying all the facts. A thorough inquiry will be conducted in this case,” the SP said.

The 2025-26 Ashes series reaches its emotional conclusion at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While Australia have already retained the urn with a 3-1 lead, the final Test carries immense weight: England are hunting for a 3-2 ‘respectable’ finish after their stunning two-day win at the MCG, and the Australian cricketing public prepares to bid farewell to legendary opener Usman Khawaja, who has announced this will be his final Test match.

England arrives in Sydney with renewed belief. Their four-wicket victory in Melbourne—their first Test win on Australian soil in 15 years—proved that ‘Bazball’ can pierce the Australian armor under the right conditions. For Ben Stokes, a 3-2 series result would be a major statement of intent for the future of English cricket.

Australia, led by Steve Smith in the absence of the rested Pat Cummins, is looking to restore order. Despite losing in Melbourne, the hosts have dominated the series, winning in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The primary narrative for the Baggy Greens is sending Khawaja off with a win at his home ground, where he famously scored twin centuries against England in 2022.

Team combinations

Australia have a selection headache in the all-rounder department. Cameron Green is under pressure after a lean run, with Beau Webster waiting in the wings. Todd Murphy is almost certain to return to the side to provide a frontline spin option. England have named a 12-man squad. Gus Atkinson is out with a hamstring injury, making Matthew Potts the likely replacement. The final spot is a toss-up between the aggression of Will Jacks and the specialist spin of Shoaib Bashir.

Pitch report of 5th Test

Curator Adam Lewis has prepared a pitch with roughly 6mm of grass (lower than Melbourne’s 10mm). While it currently looks green due to a lack of recent sunlight, it is expected to bake under the sun and transition into a traditional Sydney ‘straw’ color. Traditionally Australia’s friendliest spin venue, the SCG has recently favored pace. However, both teams have included specialist spinners in their squads, anticipating that the surface will dry out and offer turn by Day 3.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test to be his final bow

Test stats and records at Sydney Cricket Ground

• Total Matches: 115
• Matches won batting first: 47
• Matches won bowling first: 44
• Average 1st innings Score: 316
• Average 2nd innings Score: 310
• Average 3rd innings Score: 248
• Average 4th innings Score: 169
• Highest total recorded: 705/7 (187.3 Ovs) By India vs Australia
• Lowest total recorded: 42/10 (37.3 Ovs) By Australia vs England
• Highest score chased: 288/2 (60.3 Ovs) By Australia vs South Africa
• Lowest score defended: 97/10 (107 Ovs) By Australia vs England

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England unveil squad for the SCG Test

Mumbai: More than six people died every day from various causes while commuting on the Railways in Mumbai last year. Total fatalities dipped by 7% from 2,468 in 2024 to 2,287 in 2025, while the number of injured people reduced by 5% from 2,697 to 2,554, according to data with the Govt Railway Police (GRP).The Thane section reported the highest number of fatalities (278), followed by Kalyan (266) and Borivli (244). Although there was a reduction in deaths and injured individuals year on year, the overall numbers are still substantial, said activists, attributing the high volume of fatalities in the outskirts of the city to unchecked development and the lack of an alternative mode of transport to reach workplaces.Nearly half of all fatalities (1,063) last year were caused by track crossing, with the Thane section (144) reporting the maximum numbers. Another leading cause of fatalities was overcrowding and commuters landing on the tracks after losing their balance (525 deaths). Kalyan section reported the highest numbers (98) of commuters falling off trains.On Central Railway (CR), about 30% of all deaths were reported in the Thane, Dombivli and Kalyan sections put together. Regular commuters say that the “Mumbra curve” is particularly dangerous. On June 9, five commuters were killed and a few others were injured after two coaches of trains running in opposite directions came dangerously close to each other at Mumbra.“The middle class cannot afford homes in Mumbai and scores of new apartments have mushroomed beyond Thane. But the frequency and capacity of trains have not kept pace with demand,” said passenger rights activist Lata Arghade. Thane resident Mangesh Patil said that peak-hour locals are so packed that, despite letting go of a few services, boarding is still a struggle. “Suburban trains often face delays due to priority given to long-distance trains,” added Arghade. She also pointed out that the Railways constructed compound walls in some sections to prevent track crossing, but people broke part of them to gain access.In July last year, CR informed the Bombay High Court, in connection with a PIL, about several safety initiatives implemented, such as fencing at 47 platforms, plugging of 204 trespass-prone openings, removal of 1,260 encroachments and installing warning systems at high-risk spots. In the long term, CR plans to implement major corridor upgrades, including the Panvel-Karjat and Airoli-Kalwa links.On Western Railway (WR), the commute to Virar can be a struggle. A WR spokesperson told TOI that 7,700 crore worth of capacity augmentation work is currently going on to enhance the capacity of suburban trains. “Over 479 lifts and escalators are digitally monitored through a centralised system; 45 lifts and 62 escalators will be installed in the next two years,” he said.MSID:: 126324350 413 |

Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran (left) and MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard (right) pose with the DP World International League T20 trophy at the Dubai International Stadium a day ahead of the tournament’s season 4 final. (ILT20)

Dubai: True to their form across the various T20 leagues, the MI Emirates(MIE) — Mumbai Indians’ UAE-based franchise — have had a patchy campaign in the fourth season of the ILT20. They secured two wins in their first five matches before registering five wins on the bounce to secure the playoffs berth. Following a stumble in the first Qualifier, they booked their place in the ILT20 2025-26 final against the Desert Vipers.Meanwhile, the Desert Vipers have been one the most consistent than MIE this season. The now Sam Curran-led franchise started with six consecutive wins, progressing to the playoffs in a jiffy, and maintained that dominance by beating MIE in Qualifier 1.

This journey to the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is not a first for either team. MI Emirates triumphed in 2024 while the Vipers have reached the final twice already but fell short on both occasions (2023, 2025).Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Curran stepped in as captain following a calf injury to New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, whose T20 World Cup appearance is also under threat. Following two finals lost in three years, the England all-rounder hopes Sunday’s final plays out differently.“You take learnings, but it’s a new season, completely different players, of course, but the conditions might be slightly different. I guess you take learnings from it, but we’ve done so many things well this season, so I guess we stick to the process. Last year we lost a close game,” said Curran on the eve of the final.“I think getting to the final is a huge achievement in itself, and there’s one more to go, so let’s hope we see how tomorrow goes,” he continued.“Finals are always different — the pressure, the crowd, the occasion — but that’s what you play for. We’re excited, fully aware of what it demands, and are looking forward to the challenge,” said Curran who has scored 323 runs this season and is the second-highest scorer.MI have tasted success in all the T20 leagues they have a presence in (IPL, SA20, MLC and ILT20) with MIE skipper Kieron Pollard involved in some of them. On Sunday, they will look to increase their tally in the UAE with experience expected to play a key role.“You can say it counts (experience), yes, but again, it’s different players at different times, you do it in different parts of the world with different players. It’s interesting to understand what is needed to win, so again for us, we have lost a lot of players… for us, I’m just happy that the guys have rallied and gotten to this point,” said Pollard.“I want them to just enjoy the experience of playing in a final, and whatever happens, happens, you’re going to play to win, you’re going to do everything you’re looking forward to, but just enjoy the experience,” he continued.

Players to watch out for

Curran, the last year’s Red Belt (MVP) winner, is one of the players to watch out for in the final. Equally impressive has been Andries Gous whose unbeaten knock of 120 in the Qualifier kept MIE at bay.For the locals, the focus will be on UAE international Muhammad Waseem, who currently leads both the Green Belt (most runs) and Blue Belt (best UAE player) standings, having amassed 344 runs this season. The UAE opener is also on track to win the Blue Belt for a fourth consecutive time.

Pollard had positive things to say for the UAE players who have made themselves count this season: “What we’ve seen from the UAE players over the past few seasons has been outstanding, both for the franchise and for UAE cricket. When you give them opportunities, they show real hunger and deliver when called upon.“Rohid [Muhammad Rohid] was a last-minute call-up, but he was outstanding to pick up two wickets in Qualifier 2. Seeing them step up and perform consistently at this level is encouraging, not just for us as a team, but for the future and the growth of UAE cricket.”Head-to-headPlayed: 7MI Emirates won: 3Desert Vipers won: 4

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Saturday that the dates for the Indian Super League (ISL) will be announced next week after a meeting of its Emergency Committee.In a statement, the AIFF said the Emergency Committee met on January 3 to consider and acknowledge the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee. The Coordination Committee was set up on December 20, 2025, following discussions during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting and the subsequent Annual General Meeting.

The Coordination Committee had been asked to submit its report to the AIFF Secretariat by January 2, which it did. The report was formally acknowledged by the AIFF Emergency Committee, which recommended that the league should be conducted by the AIFF.Following this, the AIFF said it will conduct the league and confirmed that the date of commencement of the ISL will be announced next week.In a statement shared on Instagram, the AIFF said, “The AIFF Emergency Committee met today (January 3, 2026), to consider and acknowledge the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee. The Coordination Committee was constituted on December 20, 2025, following the AIFF Executive Committee meeting and the subsequent AIFF Annual General Meeting. The Coordination Committee was requested to submit its report to the AIFF Secretariat by January 2, 2026, which was duly complied with. The report was formally acknowledged by the AIFF Emergency Committee, which recommended that the league be conducted by the All India Football Federation. Accordingly, the AIFF will conduct the league, and the date of commencement will be announced next week.”The ISL, which was expected to begin last September, has not started so far due to the absence of a commercial partner.On Friday, several footballers, including Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan, released a video titled ‘Save Indian Football’, calling on FIFA and FIFPRO to step in.“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 statement posted on social media.“Instead, here we are driven by fear and desperation to say aloud something which we all know,” Jhingan added.The players said the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is no longer in a position to fulfil its responsibilities and appealed to FIFA to step in to safeguard the future of the sport in the country.“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,” other players pitched in.The players stressed that their appeal was not political in nature, but born out of necessity.“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,” other players said in the statement.“Players, staff, owners and the fans deserve clarity, protection and more importantly, a future,” Chhetri concluded.

The ministry of information and broadcasting has set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to support the structured growth of India’s live entertainment industry and strengthen the country’s emerging concert economy, according to an official release.The LEDC will function as a single-window facilitation mechanism aimed at streamlining processes for the sector and positioning India among the world’s leading live entertainment destinations by 2030. The move comes at a time when the organised live events market has expanded rapidly, with the sector valued at Rs 20,861 crore in 2024 and growing at 15 per cent. It is expected to maintain a compound annual growth rate of 18 per cent, outpacing several traditional media segments.The cell was constituted in July 2025 under the directions of Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. It brings together representatives from the Central and State governments, industry bodies and major event companies to coordinate policy support and sectoral expansion.The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the WAVES Summit in May 2025, where he highlighted the live entertainment industry’s untapped potential as a driver of investment, tourism and cultural influence. According to the ministry, the sector currently supports over 10 million jobs, with a single large-format event generating more than 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly emerging as key growth centres. Citing a BookMyShow report for 2025, the ministry said Visakhapatnam saw a 490 per cent rise in live entertainment footfalls, while Shillong and Guwahati recorded growth of 213 per cent and 188 per cent, respectively. Overall consumption across music concerts, sports and theatre rose by 17 per cent, with more than five lakh people travelling to other cities to attend events, reported news agency ANI.Industry participants say the presence of global artistes alongside large domestic tours reflects growing market maturity. To address infrastructure gaps and ease of doing business, the ministry has also formed a Joint Working Group with private stakeholders, including District by Zomato. The LEDC aims to double the sector’s size, generate 15–20 million jobs and place India among the top five global live entertainment hubs.

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has sparked controversy after a viral video showed him turning away from eager fans seeking selfies and autographs in a hotel hallway. The brief clip, which surfaced on social media platforms like X, captured the Gujarat Titans star appearing uncomfortable as supporters crowded him, leading to accusations of arrogance from some quarters. While the incident has divided opinions, it comes at a time when Sundar remains a key asset for India across formats.​

Washington Sundar trolled after turning down autograph and selfie plea from kid fan

The episode unfolded in a confined hotel lobby or hallway, where Sundar was navigating through a group of enthusiastic fans calling out for photos and signatures. Visibly hesitant and looking overwhelmed, the 26-year-old cricketer did not stop to engage, instead opting to abruptly turn back and retrace his path to evade the crowd. The short video quickly spread online, amassing thousands of views and igniting a firestorm of reactions.​

Critics were quick to label Sundar’s demeanor as too much attitude, questioning why a public figure like him seemed dismissive toward young admirers desperate for a moment with their idol. Comments flooded social media, with users lamenting that stars should prioritize fan interactions, especially from children, and branding the move as rude or entitled. However, defenders countered that athletes deserve personal space in private settings, arguing the clip was edited to portray him negatively and that constant demands can be exhausting.

Also READ: No Sanju Samson and Mohammed Shami in India’s ODI squad for New Zealand series as Aakash Chopra picks his 15-member team

Here’s how fans reacted:​

Even though failed as a batter & allrounder..
Disgusting 🤮 https://t.co/EWiqRc9751

— Dhananjaya Singh (@Dhananjaya1402) January 2, 2026

WTF??? What attitude?!! He’s just awkward. And why aren’t people taking the cue? If he’s not interested in getting clicked, just respect his wishes and stop invading his space… Bashing Washi for BS reasons!!! https://t.co/eXpoOseRry

— 🦢 (@Shakarshee) January 2, 2026

That y someone says money and fame can’t handle by everyone https://t.co/mM6bXDdoFA

— kingVIRATkohli (@SAMIRBISWA53788) January 2, 2026

Similar attitude with @akshar2026 when we tried to talk to him in ITC.. they are probably right. I don’t know. Felt like insult to us. https://t.co/5H1LBnYxMd

— Contractor Ganesh (@ganeshraja88) January 2, 2026

Jab us level tal pahunch jayega tab dekha jayega, abhi toh coach ke favour mein hain https://t.co/6IXZV44nqv

— Scooter Libby (@Libby9595S) January 2, 2026

11 days ago, I saw him travel in the same flight as mine and a old guy asked for a selfie in the transit and he literally told him “ don’t you have sense ?” I mean he didn’t invade his privacy nor didn’t gimmick any stunts. That was really harsh. https://t.co/JUVv3poArG

— Aarav Shain (@AaravShain) January 2, 2026

wtf is this https://t.co/hE9BkI2idL

— Yogi In Australia 🇮🇳🇦🇺🕉️ (@akshaypujari3) January 2, 2026

Who are those idiots trying for a selfie with sundar!! That in itself is an insult to cricket. https://t.co/Yo6XX1XsP0

— moodalapalya share auto (@deshmukhnaveen) January 2, 2026

the ending of this video lmao, no way out https://t.co/Bd9OYeZITc

— Aal (@Aaalway) January 2, 2026

Washington Sundar 🤩 pic.twitter.com/rXotcYtzOd

— Vrushank (@77vrushank) January 2, 2026

Imagine denying selfies when fans struggle to even recognize you without Google.
Bro acting like prime Kohli with net-bowler fame. 📵😭 https://t.co/6W0e2excAX

— Unagi (@Unagi_999) January 3, 2026

Washington Sundar’s impressive recent performances

Despite the online drama, Sundar has been in red-hot form, solidifying his reputation as a versatile all-rounder. In Tests, he boasts an average of 42.14 with a highest of 101*, including standout knocks like a century in the 2025 England series in Manchester and a rapid fifty in 39 balls during the final Test. His bowling shines too, with 36 wickets at 32.97 and economical spells like his career-best 7/59 against New Zealand in 2024.​

In T20Is, Sundar has 51 wickets at 22.76 across 58 matches, complemented by useful cameos like 49 off 23 balls in an ODI against Australia. For Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2026, expectations are high as coaches eye him for No. 4 batting, leveraging his improved white-ball aggression after a strong 2025 tour of England. Recent series against South Africa and Sri Lanka further highlighted his consistency, silencing doubters with match-winning contributions. As debates rage, Sundar’s on-field prowess underscores his value to Indian cricket.

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

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Shah Rukh Khan, Mustafizur Rahman

Former India cricketer Madan Lal spoke about the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision to direct Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and supported actor and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, saying he had no role in team selection.“This is the decision of the BCCI and the Central government must have taken this decision, given the atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh,” Madan Lal told news agency ANI.

The former World Cup winner said Shah Rukh Khan should not be linked to the matter and pointed out that team selection is handled by the franchise’s cricket management.“There is no fault of Shah Rukh Khan as they have the team who picks the team,” he added.His comments came after KKR confirmed that Mustafizur Rahman had been excluded from the squad for the upcoming season on the BCCI’s instructions. In a media advisory, the franchise said, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.” “The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” the statement added. The advisory also said, “BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course.” Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board had directed KKR to release the Bangladesh pacer “due to the recent developments.”Earlier on Saturday, BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som welcomed the BCCI’s decision. Som also took a swipe at Shah Rukh Khan and said the actor had understood not to go against the “Sanatanis”.Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the BCCI after KKR were told to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the IPL 2026 season.Sharing a video from Friday, Tharoor reiterated his stand on the issue. “Recalling my views on the subject, now that BCCI has deplorably pulled the plug on Mustafizur Rahman,” he said. He further questioned the decision, adding, “And what if the Bangladeshi player in question had been Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar?”Tharoor also raised broader concerns about the move. “Who are we punishing here: a nation, an individual, his religion? Where will this mindless politicising of sport lead us?” he asked.