Australia’s Steve Smith (AP/PTI)

Steve Smith has cast doubt over his participation in the 2027 Ashes in England, admitting age could be a decisive factor even as excitement builds within an ageing Australian group following a dominant home series win. Australia sealed a comprehensive 4–1 Ashes triumph with a five-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. The series was capped by Mitchell Starc being named Player of the Series and Travis Head earning Player of the Match honours for a commanding first-innings 163.

Victories in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide gave Australia early control of the contest before England responded with a memorable win in Melbourne. Smith led the side as stand-in captain in the absence of Pat Cummins, who featured only in the Adelaide Test. Smith himself missed that match due to illness but still finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the series, compiling 286 runs in four matches at an average of 57.20, including one century and one fifty. When asked about the prospect of touring England in 2027, Smith admitted uncertainty over personal involvement, while stressing the collective ambition within the squad. “I’m sure everyone’s excited to go there and try and win the Ashes,” Smith told Fox Cricket. “It’s something that I certainly haven’t done in my career, and something I’d like to tick off, whether I get there or not, it’s a different question. The squad we’ve had over the last four or five years has been amazing. So hopefully we can keep growing, getting better.” Smith also highlighted Alex Carey’s impact across the series, crediting the wicketkeeper’s work with both bat and gloves for strengthening Australia’s bowling unit, particularly in supporting Starc alongside Scott Boland and Michael Neser. “He was unbelievable with both bat and gloves, I think,” Smith said. “Just the way he was able to go up to the stumps, in particular to the quicks. Those guys are bowling late 130s [kph], almost hitting 140s at times, and he’s just taken them easy. He works incredibly hard on it. And against this opposition, we thought that was a real threat, being able to keep them stuck on their crease and not allow them to dance at our bowlers. And he just did that so well.” Starc led the attack in the absence of Cummins and the injured Josh Hazlewood, finishing with 31 wickets in 10 innings at an average of 19.93, including two five-wicket hauls. The left-arm quick also contributed 156 runs with the bat, registering two half-centuries. Head emerged as the series’ highest run-scorer with more than 600 runs and was central to Australia’s success, a contribution Smith was keen to underline while reflecting on the broader squad effort. “Mitchell Starc was sensational, and then supported by everyone who played,” Smith said. “I think just recognising the key moments and trying to play them in real time, not getting to a situation afterwards and saying we should have done this or that, trusting what you’re trying to do and doing it to the best of your ability out there.” Smith also pointed to sustained consistency as a hallmark of the group. “Particularly in our home conditions, we obviously know them really well,” Smith said. “We’ve got a great squad of players that have been good for a long period of time, the last four or five years, making two Test championship finals, which probably backs that up. We’ve just got really good depth in our squad, and everyone that gets an opportunity takes it. It’s just been great to be a part of.”

Air India has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner since returning to private ownership, signalling steady progress in the Tata Group-led overhaul of the airline’s long-haul fleet, PTI reported citing an official.The aircraft, handed over at Boeing’s Everett facility in Seattle on January 7, is the first “line fit” Dreamliner built specifically for Air India after its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022. Line fit aircraft are manufactured with airline-specific cabin layouts and configurations.Following mandatory inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft is expected to be flown to India in the coming days, the official added.This delivery is significant as it marks Air India’s first new wide-body aircraft induction under private ownership and forms part of the airline’s large aircraft order placed in 2023. The Dreamliner is the 52nd aircraft to be delivered from Air India’s Boeing order of 220 jets.The Boeing 787-9 features a three-class cabin configuration comprising business class, premium economy and economy seating. The last time Air India inducted a line fit Dreamliner was in October 2017, when the airline was still government-owned.Air India Express, the group’s low-cost arm, has already inducted 51 Boeing 737-8 narrow-body aircraft, including its first line fit plane, which joined the fleet in late December.Since the Tata takeover, Air India has placed orders for 350 Airbus aircraft and 220 Boeing aircraft. Of the Airbus order, six A350 wide-body jets are already operational with Air India.The airline also operates 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft and six Boeing 787-9 aircraft inherited from erstwhile Vistara, which has since been merged with Air India.At the group level, Air India currently operates a fleet of over 300 aircraft, including 185 with Air India and the remainder with Air India Express. The official said around a dozen older Dreamliners undergoing cabin upgrades are expected to return to active service by 2026.In November last year, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said the Air India Group plans to induct 26 additional wide-body and narrow-body aircraft and aims to operate 81% of its international flights using upgraded aircraft by the end of 2026.

Shatrughan Sinha and Reena Roy were rumoured to be in a relationship even after he married Poonam Sinha. The actor had written about his extra marital affair in his biography ‘Anything But Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography’ by Bharathi S Pradhan. He had referred to her as ‘baharwali’. Years after their relationship ended, Sinha has now penned a birthday wish for the actress today, on January 7. The actor took to his social media and shared some of their film stills together and wrote, “Loving birthday wishes for a very dear friend, one of the best actresses ever, ever charming star, a great human being, wonderful personality in totality #ReenaRoy. May you stay abundantly blessed always. #BirthdayWishes”

Netizens reacted to this wish as earlier, Sinha did admit being in a relationship with her. They were impressed to see the regards he still holds for her as an actress and human being. A user wrote, “Kya baat hai sir!! Reena Roy ke liye bhi koi itna kuch likh sakta hai !! Maan gye!!Qayamat !” In an earlier interview with Lehren Retro, Sinha had admitted that he feels guilty about two-timing Reena Roy and Poonam Sinha. He was asked if it was a difficult phase for him when he was with his wife Poonam and Reena both. He mentioned once again, that he won’t take names, but the interviewer said, “I’ve taken the name (referring to Reena Roy),” to which he laughed. He further added, “Agar aadmi accha ho, toh agar 2-3 jagah commitment chal raha hai aur ek jagah woh bohot committed ho, toh uske liye bhi dikkat hoti hai. Uska chayn sukoon blood pressure pe bohot farq padta hai. Ek ke paas jaata hai toh ghar pe joh rehti hai uski yaad aati hai. Aur jab doosre ke paas jaata hai toh lagta hai, usko kyun khilone ke tarah rakha hai? Wahan kaise jaau? (When a man is good at heart, and he is having two committed relationships simultaneously, he too suffers a lot in terms of his mental and physical health. You also feel guilty. When you are out with your lover, you feel guilty for your wife at home and when you are with your wife, you feel bad for your lover and think, have I kept her as a toy?)”When asked if he feels guilty, he said, “Acche accho ko guilty feel hota hai aur main toh chhote shahar Patna se aaya hu.” He concluded by saying, “Sirf ladkiyon ke saath hi zulm aur zyadti nahi ho rahi hai, purush ke upar bhi bohot zyadti hoti hai. Woh usse nikalna chaahta hai, nikal nahi paata hai. (Not just the women involved in a love triangle but also the man suffers).”Reena eventually went on to marry Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and they then welcomed their daughter Sanam Khan. Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha have three children – Sonakshi Sinha, Luv and Kussh.

As the Indian men’s cricket team gears up for a crucial home ODI series against New Zealand, discussions around Virat Kohli have once again taken center stage. This time, however, it wasn’t the star batter’s on-field exploits but a sharp remark from his brother Vikas Kohli that grabbed attention, as he openly took aim at Kohli’s critics ahead of the three-match series.

Vikas Kohli fires shots at his brother Virat’s critics

Vikas, who has often stood firmly by his brother during highs and lows, delivered a blunt message on social media platform Threads. Without naming anyone directly, he suggested that a section of commentators and critics rely heavily on Virat’s name for relevance.

In his post, Vikas wrote in Hindi, implying that some people “cannot run their households without mentioning Virat Kohli.” The remark was widely interpreted as frustration toward persistent criticism that follows the former India captain, regardless of his form or contributions. While Vikas refrained from calling out specific individuals, the tone of his statement reflected fatigue with constant scrutiny surrounding one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.

“SEEMS LIKE LOGON KI DAAL ROTI NAHI CHALTI…. BINA VIRAT KOHLI KA NAAM LIYE HUE,” wrote Vikas.

Virat’s arrival sparks fan frenzy in Vadodara

Meanwhile, Virat landed in Vadodara on Wednesday, January 7, ahead of the series opener against New Zealand. His arrival at the airport created a massive buzz, with fans turning up in large numbers just to catch a glimpse of the batting icon. Security had to be tightened as chants and cheers filled the terminal, underlining Virat’s enduring popularity across the country.

Notably, India and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the first ODI at the BCA Stadium on Sunday, January 11. The series is seen as an important assignment for India as they continue preparations for upcoming global tournaments.

Also READ: Jacob Duffy gets maiden call-up as New Zealand reveals spin-packed T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Strong ODI form and domestic comeback boosts confidence

Virat heads into the New Zealand series in impressive form in the 50-over format. Recently, he played a pivotal role in India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa at home. The veteran batter struck consecutive centuries in the first two matches, scoring a commanding 135 off 120 balls followed by a fluent 102 off 93 deliveries. He capped off the series with an unbeaten 65 from just 45 balls in the decider, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 302 runs from three innings. The performances silenced many doubts and reaffirmed his dominance in ODIs.

Adding another layer to his resurgence, Virat returned to domestic cricket last month by featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, his first appearance in the competition in nearly 15 years. He made an immediate impact, smashing a superb 131 off 101 balls against Andhra before following it up with a brisk 77 off 61 balls versus Gujarat.

With form firmly on his side and backing from his family, fans are optimistic that Virat will continue his rich vein of scoring in the ODIs against the Kiwis, once again letting his bat do the talking amid the noise off the field.

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BENGALURU: Space engineering firm Dhruva Space Thursday announced Polar Access-1 (PA-1), its most integrated launch programme so far, under which it will support 10 space missions serving multiple Indian states and two countries aboard Isro’s PSLV-DL-C62, scheduled for lift-off at 10.17 am on Jan 12.Billed as a structured pathway to Sun-Synchronous Orbit, PA-1 brings together satellites, separation systems, launch integration and ground operations under a single mission architecture. Dhruva Space co-founder and chief technology officer Abhay Egoor said PA-1 reflects the company’s move towards full-stack space infrastructure, combining satellites, subsystems, launch integration and ground operations, while expanding India’s private space sector footprint.Dhruva Space said the first edition of the programme delivers a coordinated, space-qualified stack of four satellites, five separation systems and multiple operational ground stations, all executed using its in-house satellite platforms, launch vehicle integration systems and Ground-Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS), authorised by IN-SPACe in 2024.“Collectively, the missions address disaster communication, environmental monitoring, education and commercial Earth observation, with applications spanning public institutions, universities and emerging space technology users,” the firm said.A key feature of PA-1 is its focus on enabling first-time satellite missions. Nepal will fly an Earth observation and technology demonstration satellite developed by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal — facilitated through MEA — with a payload focused on vegetation density mapping. Odisha’s first satellite mission CGUSAT-1, developed with CV Raman Global University in Bhubaneswar and built on Dhruva Space’s P-DoT platform, will demonstrate store-and-forward communication relevant for disaster response. The Northeast will also enter orbit for the first time through LACHIT-1, developed with Assam Don Bosco University. “The mission represents Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, with Assam Don Bosco University leading the effort,” Dhruva said.Karnataka’s DSAT-1, developed with Dayananda Sagar University in Bengaluru, will focus on two-way amateur-band communications and telemetry, supported by campus-based ground infrastructure. These university-led missions fall under Dhruva Space’s ASTRA programme for academia, which aims to build long-term state-level space technology capability through hands-on training, on-campus ground stations and operational experience.PA-1 also includes a technology demonstration mission from OrbitAID’s docking and refuelling interface for future on-orbit refuelling. From Gujarat, a 1U satellite developed for a school in Ahmedabad will carry an LED payload simulating an artificial star visible from the city. Telangana features prominently through THYBOLT-3 (earlier called DR-1), Dhruva’s own satellite, which will demonstrate a satellite-enabled disaster communication network using amateur radio architecture. The firm’s system will also deploy MOI-1 by TakeMe2Space. Several of the satellites will be accessible to the global amateur radio community. Dhruva said it will conduct training programmes with universities and amateur radio institutions focused on emergency and disaster-response use cases.

MUMBAI: Concerns over India’s security and development are intensifying due to the growing influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries, population experts have warned. They cautioned that unchecked illegal migration is creating severe social, economic, and security challenges across the country.These concerns were expressed during a discussion on “Illegal Immigration in Mumbai” held on Sunday at the Bandra Hindu Association auditorium. Eminent experts in population studies and social policy participated in the session.Former Director of the Indian Institute of Population Studies (IIPS), Dr. S. K. Singh, stated that while India is progressing economically, illegal immigration is simultaneously expanding and obstructing the nation’s development journey. He pointed out that a large number of illegal immigrants are entering India from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar (formerly Burma), creating long-term challenges for national security and governance.Dr. Singh highlighted a dual problem—on one hand, corrupt systems that facilitate illegal entry in exchange for money, and on the other, political forces attempting to settle specific communities within India for electoral gains. He explained that illegal immigrants typically first settle in northeastern states and West Bengal, before gradually moving to major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, often with the support of previously settled migrants.According to Dr. Singh, these immigrants frequently build networks with local political representatives to secure housing, identity documents, and civic benefits. In many cases, local corporators and political intermediaries assist them in exchange for financial incentives.He further warned that some among these illegal immigrants become involved in illegal businesses, drug trafficking, terrorism, and other extremist activities, posing serious threats to internal security. Dr. Singh also shed light on how illegal migration is altering demographic patterns in certain regions across various states.Issues such as social instability, cases of “love jihad,” influence on elections, ideological polarisation, and organised opposition to government policies were also discussed during the session. The experts noted that illegal immigrants often mobilise collectively to resist government schemes and administrative actions.Illegal immigration is also impacting local employment, Dr. Singh observed.Migrants initially offer services at lower wages, undercutting local workers. He pointed out that in Mumbai, the presence of illegal immigrants has increased significantly among street vendors, delivery services, daily wage labour, construction work, and domestic services, including household help.Dr. Souvik Mondal, Assistant Professor at Galgotias University, presented detailed statistical data illustrating the rising scale of illegal immigration and its adverse effects across multiple sectors. Advocate Sarvesh Mehendale remarked that illegal immigration disrupts the very social fabric of society.The programme was organised with the support of Ajit Maniyal, President of the Bandra Hindu Association.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its decision on a plea filed by Allahabad high court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, challenging the validity of a parliamentary committee probing corruption charges against him. The case relates to the recovery of a large sum of cash from his official residence last year.The apex body has also refused to grant him more time to file his response before the committee.A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma declined Justice Varma’s request for an extension to submit his reply to the parliamentary panel, which is scheduled to receive responses on January 12. Justice Varma has questioned the legality of the committee set up by the Lok Sabha Speaker, arguing that it is unsustainable under the Judges (Inquiry) Act.Justice Varma has contended that when a motion seeking the removal of a judge is introduced in both Houses of Parliament on the same day, an inquiry committee can be formed only if the motion is admitted in both Houses.In his case, he argued, the motion was rejected by the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, rendering the committee invalid. He has challenged the admission of the Lok Sabha motion, seeking it to be declared “contrary to law”.The case stems from events on March 14 last year, when a large sum of currency was found at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi, where he was then serving as a high court judge. He was later transferred to the Allahabad high court.Following the recovery, then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna ordered an in-house inquiry and constituted a three-member panel, which submitted its report on May 4, finding Justice Varma guilty of misconduct.After receiving the report, the then CJI asked Justice Varma to resign or face impeachment proceedings. When he refused to step down, the report was forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On August 7, the Supreme Court dismissed Justice Varma’s plea challenging the in-house inquiry report. Days later, on August 12, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted a separate three-member parliamentary committee to probe the charges.During an earlier hearing on December 16, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine Justice Varma’s challenge to the constitution of the Lok Sabha inquiry panel. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the judge, pointed to what he described as a procedural lapse, submitting that the inquiry committee could not be formed unilaterally by the Lok Sabha Speaker when notices of the removal motion were given in both Houses on the same day.“Where the notices of the motion are ‘given’ to the Houses on the same date, no committee will be constituted, unless the motion is being admitted in both Houses,” Rohatgi had argued. He added that such a committee must be constituted jointly by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on Friday. The issue is witnessing robust demand in the grey market, with shares trading at a premium of around Rs 11.5, indicating a possible listing price of Rs 34–35 per share against the upper issue price of Rs 23.The Rs 1,071.11 crore IPO is entirely an offer for sale, with Coal India divesting 46.57 crore shares. The company will not receive any proceeds from the issue. The IPO will close on January 13, with allotment expected on January 14 and listing scheduled on the BSE and NSE on January 16.The price band for the issue has been fixed at Rs 21 to Rs 23 per share. Investors can apply in lots of 600 shares, requiring a minimum investment of Rs 13,800 at the upper end of the price band. The structure and pricing of the issue are aimed at attracting both retail and institutional investors.Bharat Coking Coal IPOAs of January 8, the grey market premium (GMP) for the BCCL IPO stood at about Rs 11.5, reflecting a nearly 50 per cent premium over the upper price band. The Grey Market Premium helps gauge market mood but, it’s cannot be termed a certainty indicator of listing.Established in the year 1972, Bharat Coking Coal Limited is involved in the mining of coking coal, non-coking coal, and washer coal. It is a major contributor to the supply of coking coal to the steel and power industries in India and is one of the major subsidiaries of Coal India.As of March 31, 2025, BCCL operates 32 mining units, including 25 opencast mines, three underground mines, and four mixed mines. Its operations are spread across the Jharia coalfields in Jharkhand and Raniganj in West Bengal, covering a total leasehold area of 288.31 square kilometres.The company holds coking coal reserves of around 7,910 million tonnes as of April 1, 2024. In FY25, BCCL accounted for nearly 58.5 per cent of India’s total domestic coking coal production. Coal output has risen steadily from 30.51 million tonnes in FY22 to 40.50 million tonnes in FY25. In FY24, the company produced 39.11 million tonnes of coking coal and 1.99 million tonnes of non-coking coal.On the financial front, BCCL reported revenue of Rs 14,402 crore in FY25, marginally lower than Rs 14,653 crore in FY24. Net profit declined by about 20 per cent to Rs 1,240 crore in FY25 from Rs 1,564 crore a year earlier.Brokerage viewsSBI Securities, in its note, said BCCL is India’s largest domestic producer of coking coal, contributing 58.5 per cent of total output in FY25. The company has estimated reserves of 7.91 billion tonnes and operates 34 mines. At the upper price band of Rs 23, the IPO is valued at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 6.4x on post-issue capital. SBI Securities has recommended subscribing to the issue at the cut-off price.ICICI Direct noted that BCCL’s revenue and profit after tax grew at a compound annual growth rate of 5 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, between FY23 and FY25. In FY25, the company reported EBITDA margins of 12.7 per cent and a return on capital employed of 18.2 per cent. The IPO is valued at around 5.5x EV/EBITDA and 8.6x price-to-earnings based on FY25 numbers. ICICI Direct has assigned an UNRATED status to the issue.Key risks highlighted include the gradual depletion of coal reserves, high customer concentration—with the top ten customers contributing over 80 per cent of revenues—and the long-term risk of declining coal demand due to the increasing shift towards renewable energy.The IPO is being managed by IDBI Capital Markets & Securities and ICICI Securities as book-running lead managers. KFin Technologies has been appointed as the registrar to the issue.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market and other asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

England’s Ben Stokes, centre, gestures to teammate Brydon Carse in Sydney. (AP Photo)

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an immediate and “thorough” review of the men’s Ashes tour after England slumped to a demoralising 4–1 defeat against Australia, with chief executive Richard Gould admitting the campaign fell well short of expectations.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a strongly worded statement released soon after the fifth and final Test, Gould described England’s failure to regain the Ashes as “deeply disappointing”, acknowledging that the tour began with “significant hope and anticipation” but ended in frustration and searching questions.

“While there were moments of strong performance and resilience during the series, including a hard-fought victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, we were not consistent enough across all conditions and phases of the contest,” Gould said, adding that “Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes.”England avoided a humiliating whitewash with their MCG win, but that lone success did little to mask broader concerns. Preparations, coaching methods and off-field behaviour have all come under scrutiny following a series in which England struggled to adapt to Australian conditions and momentum shifts.

Gould confirmed that a comprehensive review is already under way and will examine every aspect of the campaign. “This will cover tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviours, and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require,” he said. “We will take many lessons from this tour and are determined to improve quickly. Our focus is on regaining the Ashes in 2027.”“We will implement the necessary changes over the coming months,” Gould added, signalling reform rather than upheaval.England’s next Test assignment is not until June, when they host New Zealand at home. Before that, attention will turn to white-ball cricket, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka looming next month. McCullum is expected to remain in charge for the tournament, with Harry Brook set to captain the side.Gould also thanked Cricket Australia for its hospitality and paid tribute to England’s travelling supporters, saying their loyalty “has been humbling” and promising stronger performances in the future.