The impending patent expiry of semaglutide drugs across India, emerging markets and select regulated markets such as Canada and Brazil is expected to create a revenue opportunity of more than Rs 50 billion for generic pharmaceutical companies over the next 12 to 15 months, according to an industry update by Systematix Institutional Research.The report said the opportunity is likely to be shared among 10 to 15 Indian and global generic players. For FY27, incremental revenues are estimated at Rs 10–20 billion from India’s branded formulations market, about Rs 45 billion from regulated markets including Canada and Brazil, and Rs 5–10 billion from emerging markets.While regulated markets could deliver a sharp near-term boost, analysts cautioned that the upside may moderate over time due to pricing pressure and rising competition. In India, the launch of generic semaglutide, expected in the first quarter of FY27, is projected to lift overall Indian Pharmaceutical Market growth by 0.5–1%, reported news agency ANI.Prices are expected to be 30–50% lower initially compared to current levels, with deeper cuts of up to 70–75% over time. This is likely to significantly accelerate the adoption of GLP-1 therapies among diabetic patients. Market leadership in the GLP-1 segment is expected to remain concentrated among five to ten players.Currently, Alkem Laboratories, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Sun Pharma have secured regulatory approvals in India, while other players are awaiting clearances. Zydus Lifesciences is pursuing a differentiated injectable version, which could provide a competitive edge despite its smaller diabetes franchise, the report noted.In regulated markets, the combined semaglutide market in Canada and Brazil is estimated at nearly $2 billion annually. Assuming 50% price erosion and 50% market share capture by generics, the addressable opportunity could be around $500 million. Analysts said timely regulatory approvals will be crucial, with Dr Reddy’s potentially emerging as the first Indian entrant in Canada and Sun Pharma enjoying a first-mover advantage in Brazil.Emerging markets are expected to offer steadier, longer-term growth with lower regulatory risks. Companies such as Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Alkem, Biocon and OneSource Specialty Pharma are seen as well placed to benefit, aided by their existing diabetes portfolios and partnerships. Ancillary players such as Shaily Engineering Plastics could also gain, as demand rises for pen devices used in injectable therapies, as per ANI.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were dragged from their bedroom during the overnight US military raid that led to their capture, according to officials briefed on the operation, as cited by CNN.The couple were asleep at their home inside the heavily guarded Ft Tiuna military complex in Caracas when US special forces stormed the residence, as per news agency AP.US bombs Venezuela – follow live updates The operation, carried out by the US Army’s elite Delta Force alongside FBI agents, lasted less than 30 minutes and resulted in no American fatalities.

US President Donald Trump said Maduro had been taken from a “fortress”, describing the absence of US deaths as “amazing”, though he acknowledged some personnel were injured. Trump said that they are aboard a US warship. Fox reported that the duo will reach New York on Monday.The United States launched a swift overnight military operation against Venezuela early on Saturday, capturing Maduro and his wife. US officials say both will face narco-terrorism charges in American courts.Explosions were reported across Caracas in an assault lasting less than half an hour. At least seven blasts were heard, apparently targeting military sites, with smoke rising from a base hangar and power cut at another installation. Earlier Trump said in a social media post that Maduro “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.” Venezuelan ruling party figure Nahum Fernández said the pair were seized at their residence inside the Ft. Tiuna military complex.The operation followed months of escalating US pressure, including naval deployments and strikes on alleged drug-smuggling routes. Last week, a CIA drone strike reportedly hit a Venezuelan docking site linked to cartels.US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores had been indicted in New York and “will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” She detailed charges including “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy” and weapons offences. Trump said the couple were being held aboard a US warship and would be prosecuted in New York.

Navi Mumbai: A week after arresting nine accused for the murder of Mangesh Kalokhe (45), the husband of newly elected Khopoli councillor Manasi Kalokhe of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), the Raigad police have arrested two more accused contract killers, while one key contract killer is at large.Mangesh Kalokhe was hacked to death by five assailants with swords, sickle and an axe on Dec 26 around 7 am at a busy junction in Khopoli while he was returning home on his bike after dropping his two daughters to school. The assailants were waiting for Kalokhe in a black coloured car.Anchal Dalal, Raigad SP, said that the arrested key murder conspirator Ravindra Devkar is the husband of NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction neta, Urmila Devkar, who was defeated by Manasi Kalokhe in the recent Khopoli municipal council election. Ravindra Devkar has confessed that he had hired three contract killers for executing the murder of Kalokhe due to political rivalry, Dalal said. The five assailants included the arrested accused Darshan Devkar, the elder son of Ravindra Devkar and the latter’s bodyguard Mahesh Dhaitadak and three contract killers, out of whom we have arrested two contract killers and one key contract killer is being traced.SP Dalal said, “We are probing to ascertain the murder conspiracy involvement of two accused Sudhakar Ghare, the Raigad district NCP President and NCP spokesperson Bharat Bhagat, who have been named in the FIR by Kalokhe’s nephew. Untill the key contract killer is arrested, the role of Ghare and Bhagat in the murder conspiracy cannot be confirmed.The nine accused arrested within 48 hours of Kolakhe’s murder were Ravindra Devkar, his wife Urmila, their sons Darshan and Dhanesh, NCP supporters Vishal Deshmukh, Dilip Pawar, Mahesh Dhaitadak, Sagar More and Sachin Kharade. One more accused named in the FIR identified as activist Sachin Chavan is also been traced.

As the United States carried out strikes on Venezuela on Saturday, global oil markets are closely watching for any fallout, though early signals point to limited disruption so far.Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, raising concerns that military action could disrupt global price movements. However, crude markets have remained subdued as the country’s oil exports were already constrained by US sanctions, limiting its role in global supply chains.According to Reuters, Venezuela’s state-run energy company PDVSA said oil production and refining operations were running normally, and that its most important facilities had not suffered damage from the US attacks. Two sources, quoted by Reuters, familiar with PDVSA’s operations said the country’s key oil infrastructure remained unaffected.Reuters also reported that the port of La Guaira near Caracas suffered severe damage during the attacks, though the port is not used for oil exports.For India, the impact is expected to be minimal, according to former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela R Viswanathan told ANI that India is not dependent on Venezuelan oil and that trade between the two countries remains limited. He added that India has some investment through ONGC in Venezuelan oil fields, but the developments are unlikely to affect India in any significant way.“It was not a surprise… this is not the first time he had threatened. When he was President for the first time, at that time also he had threatened Venezuela… This time he has sent the warships and he has authorized the CIA… No, it will not affect India,” he said. Further explaining his stance, he added, “We are not dependent on Venezuela for oil. Our trade is very little and we have some investment by ONGC in their oil fields… So, this is not going to affect India in any big way.”US President Donald Trump said American forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro following months of pressure over allegations of drug trafficking and illegitimacy in power. However, after the attacks, Trump announced that US is going to be heavily involved in the Venezuela’s oil industry. “”We have ‌the greatest oil companies in the world, the biggest, ‍the greatest, and ‍we’re going ⁠to ⁠be very much involved in it,” he told Fox News.Before this, in December, Trump had announced a blockade of oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, a move that has already weighed heavily on the country’s crude exports.The US seizure of two Venezuelan oil cargoes and the tanker blockade reduced Venezuela’s exports last month to about half of the 950,000 barrels per day it shipped in November, as reporter by Reuters earlier. The measures have also prompted many vessel owners to divert away from Venezuelan waters, forcing PDVSA to store crude on tankers and slow deliveries at ports. At the time, global data and analytics firm Kpler had said the market remains well supplied, even within sanctioned segments, limiting the price impact of further disruptions.Kpler estimated Venezuela currently produces about 900,000 barrels per day of crude and condensate, roughly 1 per cent of global supply. Of the approximately 765,000 barrels per day that Venezuela exports, about 76 per cent is shipped to China, mainly to independent refiners, as state-owned companies avoided sanctioned cargoes.

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The finale of the Ashes 2025-26 series moves to the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the traditional New Year’s Test, beginning January 4, 2026. Following England‘s spirited four-wicket victory at the MCG, their first Test win in Australia since 2011, the visitors arrive in Sydney with momentum. However, they must contend with a typical Sydney summer forecast that threatens to interrupt the early stages of the match before giving way to classic ‘Pink Test’ sunshine.

Ashes 2025-26: Both sides face further injury blows

Australia’s depth continues to be tested as they head to the SCG without captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, both of whom were ruled out for the remainder of the series following the Adelaide Test. Steve Smith retains the captaincy for the series finale, leading a squad that sees Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson integrated into the setup. The biggest story for the hosts, however, is the emotional farewell of Usman Khawaja, who has confirmed he will retire from international cricket following this Test.

England’s injury crisis has deepened despite their Melbourne triumph. Seamer Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the SCG Test after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Boxing Day clash. He joins Jofra Archer and Mark Wood on the sidelines, leaving Ben Stokes with a depleted pace battery. In response, England have named a 12-man squad featuring off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, with Bashir potentially making his first appearance of the series on a surface traditionally friendly to slow bowlers.

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

Sydney Weather forecast for the New Year’s 5th Ashes 2025-26 Test

Day 1: Sunday, January 4 The opening day is expected to be a stop-start affair. A heavy thunderstorm and intermittent showers are forecast, with a 55% chance of rain throughout the day. Temperatures will reach a humid 27°C, and high humidity levels could assist swing bowlers during the windows of play. Both teams will need to be mentally sharp to handle the frequent interruptions.

Day 2: Monday, January 5 Conditions remain unsettled as the humid weather continues. While the risk of a total washout decreases, mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers will likely persist. The moisture in the air and a moderate southerly breeze will keep the seamers interested, making the morning session a critical survival period for the top-order batters.

Day 3: Tuesday, January 6 The clouds are expected to clear for the annual Pink Test celebrations even though the chances of rain are still there with 20%. Mostly sunny skies and a pleasant top of 26°C are forecast. As the sun beats down on the SCG square, the pitch should begin to dry out and harden, allowing stroke-makers to capitalize on the improving conditions. This is often the best day for batting in Sydney.

Day 4: Wednesday, January 7 Heat becomes a factor on the penultimate day as temperatures climb to 28°C under bright sunshine. With no rain in sight, the SCG surface is likely to start showing significant wear. This moving day will see spinners like take center stage as they look to exploit the rough created by the fast bowlers’ follow-throughs.

Day 5: Thursday, January 8 The Test is set for a scorching conclusion, with a forecast high of 31°C and clear skies. If the match enters the final day, it will be a grueling battle of endurance. The dry, baking conditions will favor the side with the disciplined spinners and the batters who can maintain focus in the sweltering Sydney heat.

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

File photo (Picture credit: ANI)

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have begun 2026 on a cautious note, continuing their selling streak in Indian equities after a bruising 2025. In the first two trading sessions of the new year, FIIs sold shares worth Rs 7,608 crore, extending a trend that saw heavy outflows through December, as per ET.FIIs were net sellers throughout December, offloading Indian equities worth Rs 22,611 crore during the month. This took the total foreign outflow for 2025 to Rs 1,66,286 crore. According to market participants, the scale of sales last year was unprecedented. V K Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments, described 2025 as the worst phase of FII selling since overseas investors began investing in Indian markets, reported ET.He noted that during the calendar year 2025, FIIs sold equities worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore in the secondary market. However, investments of Rs 73,909 crore through the primary market helped soften the overall impact. Even so, December alone saw secondary market selling of Rs 30,332 crore, underlining the persistent pressure on equities.Explaining the reasons behind the sustained exit, Vijayakumar pointed to relatively high valuations in India and the global shift towards artificial intelligence-linked trades as key drivers. He also said the relentless selling contributed to weakness in the rupee. The Indian currency emerged as the worst-performing major currency in 2025, depreciating nearly 5% against the US dollar over the year, as per ET.A closer look at quarterly flows shows how uneven FII behaviour was during the year. Foreign investors pulled out Rs 1,16,574 crore in the January–March quarter, setting a sharply negative tone. This was followed by a brief reversal in April–June, when inflows stood at Rs 38,673 crore. Despite the weak start to 2026, market experts believe the outlook could improve over the year. Vijayakumar expects a shift in FII strategy as India’s fundamentals strengthen. “Significant improvement in India’s fundamentals are likely to attract net FII inflows in 2026. Robust GDP growth and prospects of improvement in corporate earnings in 2026 augur well for positive FII flows in 2026,” he said, as quoted by ET.Nilesh Jain, head vice president – equity research at Centrum Broking, also struck an optimistic note. He expects 2026 to be better than the previous year and has pegged the Nifty’s December 2026 target at 29,731, implying a potential upside of 13%. He attributed this view to improving macro indicators, stronger GDP growth, easing inflation and an end to corporate earnings downgrades.Jain added that India underperformed global emerging markets in 2025, delivering its weakest relative performance in three decades. Rupee depreciation, persistent FII selling and high US tariffs of 50% weighed on sentiment, with no trade deal reached by year-end.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, left, Mustafizur Rahman, middle, and BJP leader Sangeet Som

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).KKR had picked Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction held in December. However, his selection triggered a political backlash in India after reports emerged of recent mob violence and lynching incidents involving Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.Following the BCCI’s directive, Mustafizur Rahman will not be part of the IPL 2026 season, and the franchise has been permitted to name a replacement player in accordance with league rules.In a media advisory, KKR 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 franchise added that the release was carried out after due process and consultations, and that the BCCI would allow a replacement player as per IPL regulations.Also read | Mustafizur Rahman out of IPL 2026: Will KKR get their Rs 9.20 crore back?The controversy drew reactions from political leaders, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor coming forward in Mustafizur Rahman’s support, while the BJP strongly opposed his selection and targeted KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a “traitor.”

Congress supports cricketer, questions BCCI

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said sports should be separated from political tensions. “Cricket should not be made to bear the burden for attacks on minorities in Bangladesh,” he told reporters, adding that Mustafizur Rahman had no role in the violence.“Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer and has nothing to do with any of these things. He has not been personally accused of any hate speech or condoning or defending any attacks. Mixing these two things is simply not fair,” Tharoor said.Also read | ‘Who are we punishing?’: Shashi Tharoor slams ‘mindless politicising of sport’ after KKR release Bangladesh player Mustafizur RahmanHe also cautioned against isolating neighbouring countries. “If we become a country that isolates all of our neighbours, and say nobody is playing with any of them, how does it do any good? It is purely a sporting decision, and we should not let politics come into this,” he added.Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the BJP for targeting the IPL franchise, saying overseas players participate in the league as per BCCI and IPL rules.In a post on X, Kharge said, “The BJP and their ‘Vichar Parivaar’ are outraged over the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. If an overseas player is in IPL, it is because BCCI or the IPL rules allow him. Instead of blaming the franchise, shouldn’t the BJP leaders ask why BCCI is allowing Bangladesh players to participate in IPL, when they should be banning it.”He further cited past instances to criticise BJP leaders. “The same BJP leaders have no problem when: India played with Pakistan soon after the Pahalgam attack. IPL shifted matches to Islamic countries during COVID. IPL auctions are held in Islamic countries… For BJP, ‘nationalism’ appears only when it suits their politics,” Kharge added.Congress MP Tariq Anwar defended KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling it inappropriate to target the actor. He said foreign players can only be included after due permission from cricketing authorities and under international norms.Reacting to the controversy, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said the focus should be on who permitted Bangladeshi players to be included in the IPL auction in the first place.Speaking to ANI, she said, “First of all, I want to ask who put the Bangladeshi players in that pool. This question is for the BCCI and the ICC. Home Minister’s son, Jay Shah, should answer who put the Bangladeshi players in the pool where IPL players are bought and sold, the pool where the players’ auction takes place… he is the ICC’s chief and the main decision-maker in cricket all around the world.”

BJP welcomes BCCI decision

BJP leader Sangeet Som welcomed the BCCI’s decision and launched a sharp attack on Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a “traitor.” He cited repeated violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and claimed Mustafizur Rahman would not be allowed to play in the IPL.“Despite all this, traitors like Shah Rukh Khan… invest it in players from a country that is working against India,” Som told ANI, adding that the cricketer would not be able to play in the tournament.Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap also praised the BCCI’s move, saying it respected national sentiment. “We welcome the decision of the BCCI that they understood the sentiments of the nation and removed the Bangladeshi player,” he said.

Madan Lal backs Shah Rukh Khan

Former India cricketer Madan Lal and World Cup winner supported Shah Rukh Khan, saying the actor 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,” he told ANI.He added, “There is no fault of Shah Rukh Khan as they have the team who picks the team.”

Mixed reactions continue

National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, said there was no act of betrayal in Shah Rukh Khan selecting a Bangladeshi player.Meanwhile, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi of the All India Imam Organisation said Shah Rukh Khan should apologise to the nation over the selection.Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had urged Shah Rukh Khan to remove the Bangladeshi player, saying it would protect India’s interests and prevent the actor from becoming a target.Also read | Another Hindu dies in Bangladesh: Khokon Das succumbs to injuries after 3 days; was set ablaze by mobHindus in Bangladesh have been victims of mob violence and lynching in the aftermath of protests and the killing of student leader Osman Hadi. On December 18, 2025, Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. In another incident, a Hindu youth, Amrit Mondal, was lynched in Rajbari district, triggering protests and strong reactions in India.