NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of 28-year-old Mandeep Kumar, Punjabi man tricked into joining Russian army, has finally reached his hometown Goraya in Jalandhar, after more than a year of waiting. He died in a drone attack while fighting for the Russian army against Ukraine, after being tricked by travel agents who promised him work in Italy but instead forced him into Russian military service.His elder brother, Jagdeep Kumar, confirmed receiving Mandeep’s remains at Delhi airport on Saturday. Jagdeep discovered his brother’s fate two months ago when his DNA samples matched with one of the bodies in Russia. “I came to know about the death of my brother two months back after my DNA samples given to the Russian authorities matched with one of the bodies,” Jagdeep told PTI.This started when, Mandeep, in September 2023, along with four others, traveled to Armenia, where they were promised jobs in Italy. Instead, they were taken to Russia and forced to join its military.His brother Jagdeep made two desperate trips to Russia, in February and October 2025, spending nearly three months searching for his brother. His last conversation with Mandeep was on March 3, 2024, lasting just 17-20 seconds, during which Mandeep begged to be rescued.Making matters worse, Mandeep had a congenital leg defect but was still forced into military service and sent to the war zone.Jagdeep said that ten Indians died fighting for Russia against Ukraine – three from Punjab and seven from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He’s now demanding action against the travel agents who deceived his brother.Although, In view of such incidents, India has demanded Russia stop recruiting Indian nationals as military support staff in September last year. The government also warned its citizens about the dangers of joining the Russian military and called for the release of all Indians currently serving in Russian armed forces.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped a seismic bombshell just weeks out from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, unveiling a provisional 15-man squad that signals a complete ideological overhaul of the national team. In a move that will dominate headlines across the cricketing world, senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been omitted from the squad entirely. Salman Ali Agha has been named captain of the unit which has superstars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

Mohammad Rizwan left out from Pakistan’s squad for T20 World Cup 2026

For years, Rizwan has been the bedrock of Pakistan’s T20 lineup. His partnership at the top with Babar defined an era—prolific in runs, but often criticized for its sedate pace in the powerplay. Rizwan’s exclusion is a clear statement that the team management is moving away from the “anchor” philosophy that has often left Pakistan 20-30 runs short of par totals. The selectors have opted for raw aggression up top, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan likely to partner Fakhar Zaman, and have handed the wicketkeeping gloves to the explosive Usman Khan.

Salman Agha to lead the Men in Green

Agha will be leading the side in the global showpiece event. He has been a reliable, unsung performer in the middle order and a handy off-spinner, but few saw him as the next national skipper. His appointment suggests a desire for a “neutral” leader, moving away from the high-profile captaincy merry-go-round involving Babar and Afridi over the last two years. The management will hope Agha’s calm demeanor can unite a dressing room full of superstars during a high-pressure tournament.

Core group remains same

Despite the revolutionary changes at the top and in leadership, the core engine room of the team remains intact. Babar retains his place, likely shifting permanently to the No. 3 spot to anchor the innings after the aggressive openers have (hopefully) fired. His recent BBL form has been solid, securing his spot despite the philosophical shift.

Crucially for Pakistan’s chances, the terrifying pace trio is reunited and reportedly fit. Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are all included. On subcontinent pitches that might offer some early swing or reverse later on, this attack remains one of the most potent in world cricket. They are backed up by promising seamer Salman Ali Mirza.

Also READ: Babar Azam left out as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

Shadab Khan also returns to the squad following a frustrating period of injury. If fully fit, his all-round ability is vital to team balance. He is joined by mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who provides control. Usman Tariq, whose unique bowling action could prove to be Pakistan’s X-factor on turning tracks. The all-round spin duties will be shared by veteran Mohammad Nawaz and the seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

It is crucial to note that this is a provisional squad. Under ICC regulations, teams have until January 31, 2026, to make final changes without needing technical committee approval.

Pakistan’s provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Mirza, Abrar Ahmed & Usman Tariq.

Also READ: Bangladesh name squad for T20 World Cup 2026; no place for Jaker Ali

File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)

US President Donald Trump capped his holiday break with an unprecedented military operation in Venezuela, ordering a surprise raid that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro early on Saturday. The dramatic action came at the end of a winter stay at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, marked by a striking mix of geopolitics, social events and personal pursuits.According to Reuters, Trump spent the days leading up to the operation engaged in activities that appeared far removed from an imminent military mission. On Thursday night, he posted a series of messages on his Truth Social platform, none referring to Venezuela. He warned that the US was “locked and loaded” to support protesters in Iran if they were attacked, shared an image of a bald eagle allegedly killed by a windmill, and assured followers that he was in “PERFECT HEALTH”.Less than 24 hours before the Venezuela strike, Trump was seen inspecting marble and onyx at an Italian stone importer in Lake Worth Beach for a proposed White House ballroom. The visit drew attention as the presidential limousine travelled through a commercial area far from the usual scenes of executive power. A White House official later said Trump was buying the stone at his own expense, without offering further details, as per Reuters.Since arriving at Mar-a-Lago in mid-December, Trump’s schedule has blended high-level diplomacy with social engagements, including meetings with foreign leaders and a black-tie New Year’s Eve gala attended by Palm Beach elites. Supporters describe this as proof of his ability to juggle multiple priorities. Critics, however, argue that he often appears distracted by personal interests even as his administration prepares for major actions, such as a strike on a foreign government.On New Year’s Eve, while US military assets were already positioned for the operation against Maduro, Trump posted sarcastically about George and Amal Clooney, both of whom have criticised him, receiving French citizenship.Later that night, during the Mar-a-Lago gala, he invited artist Vanessa Horabuena on stage to paint an image of Jesus Christ, which was auctioned for $2.75 million. Trump said the proceeds would go to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.The marble purchase was linked to Trump’s long-standing interest in architecture, particularly his plan for a new White House ballroom, estimated to cost $400 million. “I’m doing a magnificent, big, beautiful ballroom that the country’s wanted,” Trump said last week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Reuters.The Venezuela operation, codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve”, involved pre-dawn strikes in Caracas and led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, who now face charges in New York. The legality of the action has been questioned by critics, while India’s external affairs ministry has urged restraint and dialogue.Within hours of a golf outing and a meeting with the US ambassador to China on Friday night, the plan to seize Maduro was put into action, indicating the sharp contrasts that have defined Trump’s holiday routine.

The broader macro backdrop for Indian equities remains stable heading into 2026, supported by healthier corporate balance sheets and early signs of an earnings recovery across sectors, according to ICICI Prudential Alternate Investments. However, after a long market upcycle and widespread rerating, much of the optimism on growth and profits is already reflected in stock valuations, the report cautioned.In its report titled “Outlook 2026: Beyond Narratives”, ICICI Prudential said that while the opportunity set in Indian equities continues to look attractive, market returns are likely to be more moderate going forward.It added that broad, index-led gains may give way to outcomes driven by selective stock picking rather than sweeping macro narratives.“After an extended market cycle and a rerating across many parts of the market, much of this macro and earnings optimism is already reflected in valuations,” the report said, adding that execution and company-specific fundamentals are expected to matter more than themes. “We believe going ahead, execution is likely to trump narratives, and disciplined micro research is likely to outweigh broad macro views,” it noted.Looking at the wider economy, the report said India appears to be in “good shape” as it moves deeper into the 21st century. A favourable demographic profile, with a large working-age population entering the labour force, places India in a stronger position compared with economies grappling with ageing populations.While foreign capital inflows have been lower than historical levels, the report said India’s growth prospects could still attract overseas investors over time. It also pointed out that the government’s fiscal position is on a consolidation path.Corporate financials have strengthened notably, with operating cash flows, profit after tax and investing cash flows growing at compound annual rates of 18 per cent, 15 per cent and 14 per cent respectively between FY19 and FY25, compared with single-digit growth in the earlier period, as per news agency ANI.The report also sees scope for faster economic growth alongside a normalisation in inflation. It added that improvements in geopolitics and trade ties with major partners such as the US, China and Europe could act as catalysts, potentially boosting sentiment and positioning India favourably in emerging global supply chains.

Nepal’s Interim PM Sushila Karki and her husband Durga Prasad Subedi (ANI)

NEW DELHI: Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s husband, Durga Prasad Subedi, is set to be flown to New Delhi for his medical treatment after he was admitted to a government hospital but showed no improvement.Subedi, 74, was admitted to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital last Thursday. Hospital sources confirmed that he showed no significant improvement and is expected to be discharged later this evening before being taken to Delhi.“He was admitted here and has been undergoing treatment since Thursday after experiencing various health problems. Initially, he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, low sodium levels, and stomach-related issues,” a doctor at the hospital told ANI on condition of anonymity.Doctors said multiple tests were conducted to determine the cause of his illness, however, no specific condition was detected. “CT scans and MRI tests were also conducted to ascertain the cause of his condition, but no specific problem was detected. We are not aware of which hospital in India he is being taken to, but he has been discharged from here,” another senior hospital doctor confirmed to ANI.Interim Prime Minister Karki’s personal doctor, Man Bahadur KC, said Subedi was discharged after the family decided to seek a second opinion.Subedi is a former youth leader of the Nepali Congress and met Interim Prime Minister Karki while studying at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.He was also involved in Nepal’s first plane hijacking 53 years ago. Subedi was among a group of Nepali Congress cadres who hijacked a Royal Nepal Airlines flight travelling from Biratnagar to Kathmandu on June 10, 1973, to push for political change.Subedi, along with two other party members, seized control of a Canadian-made 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft. The operation was masterminded by former Nepali Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and aimed at raising funds for an armed struggle against the monarchy under King Mahendra.The aircraft was carrying NRs 30 lakh in government funds. After a brief struggle with the crew, the hijackers forced the pilot to land on a grassy strip in Forbesganj, Bihar. Subedi later recounted the incident in his book Biman Bidroha.

After grooving to Punjabi beats at his historic inauguration, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ended his second day in office on a flavorful note, savoring Bengali cuisine. In a post on X, he wrote: “Best way to end Day 2: chicken roast and aloo bhortha from Boishakhi.”Day 2 saw Mamdani building on his inaugural momentum, focusing on public engagement and city administration. He signed an executive order establishing the Office of Mass Engagement, aimed at helping New Yorkers participate in government decisions and amplifying voices from communities that have historically been marginalized.

Tascha Van Auken, his former campaign field director, will lead the office, combining several existing city agencies to streamline outreach efforts. Mamdani also appointed his close adviser Ali Najmi as chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, pledging a more transparent and diverse judicial selection process, according to The New York Times. The newly elected mayor Mamdani also served hot chocolate to the staff at New York City Hall. Earlier on Day 1, Mamdani began his first full day in office with a subway commute from his Queens apartment, a symbolic gesture to signal accessibility and connect with everyday New Yorkers. The 34-year-old Democrat stopped to take selfies with surprised commuters and even showed the morning’s New York Daily News to a pair of skeptical French tourists, announcing himself as “the new mayor of New York.” Videos of the ride quickly went viral, reinforcing his pledge to ensure his government “looks and lives like the people it represents.”The inauguration itself had set the tone for these early days. Mamdani became the city’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor, taking the oath on a Quran from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center collection. The celebration took a lively turn as Babbulicious performed his hit Punjabi track “Gaddi Red Challenger” inside the subway station, turning the ceremony into an impromptu dance party.Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were seen grooving along with hundreds of attendees, capturing the joyous energy of the moment. Videos of the dance quickly circulated online, with netizens hailing it as one of the most memorable and “fun, multicultural” moments of the inauguration.

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