R Praggnanandhaa stops clock, sparks controversy (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: A moment of high drama and confusion stole the spotlight on Day 2 of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid in Kolkata, triggering debate across the chess world. The incident happened during Round 6 when R Praggnanandhaa stopped the clock with just one second remaining, leading to a dramatic and debated draw against Wesley So.The situation arose when Praggnanandhaa advanced a pawn close to promotion but realised there was not enough time to complete the move and replace the pawn with a queen.

With the clock about to run out, he stopped the timer and sought help. Commentators watching the game believed So would be awarded the win on time, but after discussion, the arbiters ruled the game a draw.Well-known chess arbiter Chris Bird strongly criticised the ruling. “Should have been ruled a loss. “6.11.2 A player may pause the chessclock only in order to seek the arbiter’s assistance, for example when promotion has taken place and the piece required is not available.” No promotion actually took place so this is not relevant here,” Bird wrote on X, questioning the officials’ interpretation.Away from the debate, the tournament itself delivered high-quality chess. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand showed his experience and fighting spirit to bounce back after an early loss. In Round 4, Anand looked in control before a rook blunder allowed Arjun Erigaisi to turn the game around. However, Anand responded strongly, beating Hans Niemann and Volodar Murzin to move into joint lead with Nihal Sarin on 4.5 points.Nihal enjoyed an excellent run, having three games in a row. He took advantage of mistakes by Niemann and Murzin before showing strong endgame skills to defeat Vidit Gujrathi.In the women’s section, Kateryna Lagno topped the standings with 4.5 points after six rounds. Among the Indian players, Vantika Agrawal stood fifth with three points, while Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali and Rakshitta Ravi remained in contention.

The countdown to the Mumbai Marathon has begun, and across the city, runners are putting in the hard yards. With January 18 firmly marked on their calendars, Mumbai’s running community is training with grit and determination, turning early mornings into disciplined rituals. At dawn on Sunday, the NCPA promenade at Marine Drive became a shared training ground for seasoned athletes, amateur runners, first-timers, trainers and well-knit running groups, united by a common goal — to be ready when race day arrives.Miles apart, running the same dreamAmong the runners were two visitors who had travelled continents for this moment. Cathy Campbell, who is studying the History of Science at Harvard University, Boston, was running her first-ever race in Mumbai. “This is my first race and I’m really excited to be here. I loved this prep run today, because it was along the Arabian Sea,” she said. Running alongside her was Mohan Hathi, a fourth-year Harvard student who had experienced the Mumbai Marathon last year. “I loved it so much that this year I brought Cathy along,” he said, smiling as the sea breeze cut through the early-morning humidity. ‘Fitness fuels everything else’For Flight Lieutenant Elvis N Pranil from Parel, running has long been a way of life. With around 60 marathons behind him, mostly half-marathons, he believes fitness fuels everything else. “If I don’t do my daily morning run, I’m not productive at the office,” he said. But for him, the reward goes beyond fitness. “When I’m running, I shut down everything else in my brain. For one-and-a-half hours, I’m in my own head space, manifesting a better life.” ‘Discipline and consistency are of utmost importance’Experienced runners from Ladakh also added strength and perspective to the gathering. Tenzin Dolkar, who has been running since 2019 and won the open category 21 km race last year, stressed the basics. “Consistency and focus on diet are the most important things while preparing for a marathon,” she said. Tashi Ladol, 24, from Leh, who secured third place in the 21 km category in 2025, echoed that discipline is non-negotiable. “I train for two hours every single day,” she said. “Discipline and consistency are of utmost importance.” Running across generationsAt 64, Ashok Maru, a garment exporter from Carmichael Road, represented the enduring spirit of the sport. An amateur runner since 2013, he credits early mornings for his longevity in running. “For a full marathon, I used to run five times a week and clock 80 km every week,” he said. Though he no longer runs 42 km, the habit remains deeply ingrained. More than a medal For Jaya Kurup, a senior corporate manager who has been running for a decade, motivation doesn’t come from podium finishes. “I’ve been running the Mumbai Marathon 21 km every year since 2017,” she said. Her routine includes strength training, up hill runs, yoga and a carefully monitored diet. “I won third place years ago, but prizes are never the motivation,” she said. “I love running. I don’t like indoor gyms. The group I train with is my biggest source of motivation.”

The power of the packBehind the scenes, trainers and group heads worked meticulously to make the morning seamless. Deepak Oberoi, who heads a running group, said every detail is planned with empathy. “I look at it from the viewpoint of what support I would need if I were preparing for a marathon,” he said. “What kind of warmth I would need from a community – that’s what I try to give back.” On Sunday, runners covered distances ranging from 18 to 36 km.Marathoner and trainer Priyanca Walanju highlighted that preparation is not just physical. “Emotional support is extremely important,” she said. Her community programs run for 8 to 12 weeks, with structured long runs, weekly updates and hydration support. “This Sunday was our longest run before the Mumbai Marathon – a full prep run.”

New Delhi: Team India batter Tilak Varma is all set to resume physical training in seven to ten days, his childhood coach Salam Bayash has confirmed.“It is a minor injury. There is nothing serious about it and he will not miss the T20 World Cup,” Bayash told TimesofIndia.com.

Tilak underwent testicular torsion surgery in Rajkot on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital after complaining of acute abdominal pain in Rajkot, where he was with the Hyderabad team for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“He will resume his training in seven to ten days,” the coach said.

Tilak Varma’s Instagram story

BCCI on Thursday evening had confirmed that the batter will miss the first three-match against New Zealand. “Tilak Varma was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning and is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad on Friday. He is currently stable and progressing well,” BCCI said in a statement. “Tilak will resume physical training and gradually return to skill-based activities once his symptoms have fully resolved and wound healing is satisfactory.“He is ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand. His availability for the remaining two matches will be assessed based on his progress during the return-to-training and skill phases.”Tilak also took to Instagram to share an update on his recovery.“Thank you for all the overwhelming love. Already on the road to recovery and I’ll be back on the field sooner than you know it,” Tilak wrote on his Instagram story.Tilak has been a regular fixture in India’s T20I setup over the past six months, featuring in all three of their most recent assignments: the Asia Cup in September, the home T20Is against Australia in October, and the South Africa tour in December. Across 18 innings last year, he scored 567 runs at an average of 47.25 and a strike rate of 129.15.Tilak was India’s hero in the Asia Cup final, and captain Suryakumar Yadav had confirmed that the 23-year-old will be India’s designated No. 3 in the upcoming T20I series and the T20 World Cup.“We have come to a point where I, Gauti bhai (head coach Gautam Gambhir), and others feel that a left-right combination is not always required. Yesterday in Ahmedabad we saw Hardik bat brilliantly against left-arm spin, so that is slightly overrated,” Suryakumar had told reporters shortly after India’s squad for the T20 World Cup and the T20I series against New Zealand was announced.

“Now we seem to have settled on Tilak being comfortable at No. 3, and I will play at No. 4. Five and six will depend on the situation, Hardik or (Shivam) Dube, but Tilak is comfortable in that position.”TimesofIndia.com also understands that it is very unlikely India will announce any replacements, with the selectors not naming any standbys for the World Cup.“There are no standbys since the whole tournament is happening in the country and we can replace any player at any point in time,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/stray-dogs-sense-fear-may-attack-people-who-are-scared-top-court-10531597” on this server.

Reference #18.acf856b8.1767899046.26c327e6

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.acf856b8.1767899046.26c327e6

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday assured that the first batch of 50 students selected for admission to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Reasi would not be allowed to suffer because of NMC’s withdrawal of permission to run the MBBS course. The government would accommodate the students in other institutions through supernumerary seats, he said.“We will adjust them by creating supernumerary seats in colleges close to their homes so that their education does not suffer,” the CM told media persons on the sidelines of a function in Jammu. It was the govt’s responsibility to accommodate the students, he said, adding that this was not a difficult task and had been “discussed thoroughly”.Supernumerary seats are additional seats created over and above the approved intake in an educational institute.Omar has been critical of the agitation spearheaded by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti against 42 Muslim students, mostly from Kashmir, being granted admission to the Jammu-based medical institute funded by Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, as against only seven Hindus. He reiterated that the students got admission on merit as the selections were based on NEET scores.The NMC order on withdrawal of permission cited SMVDIME’s non-adherence to minimum standards as the reason. In a reference to that, Omar said accountability must be fixed if standards were not maintained at the medical institute. “We will accommodate these 50 students, but someone must answer for the damage done to students’ futures,” he said.Responding to questions on inspections by NMC and the medical college’s non-compliance with norms, he said: “You should question the university and its office-bearers from top to bottom — why, after building a medical college, did it fail to pass inspection?”The CM also interacted with the J&K Under-16 cricket team that clinched the Vijay Merchant Trophy (Plate Group) for the first time. Congratulating the team on their remarkable feat, he said, “Your victory reflects not just talent, but teamwork, discipline and dedication. You have made the entire J&K proud.”Omar presented an appreciation trophy to the victorious team, led by Smagey Khajuria. J&K defeated Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs to lift the trophy in Surat on Jan 6.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the list of match officials who will oversee the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, marking an important step in preparations for the global youth event. The tournament, set to begin on January 15 in Zimbabwe, will feature a multicultural officiating group comprising 18 umpires and four match referees drawn from the Emirates ICC International Panels.

Global representation in the U19 World Cup 2026

The ICC has ensured strong international representation in its officiating appointments, with officials hailing from 13 different countries. This broad mix reflects the governing body’s emphasis on neutrality, experience, and consistency as the world’s best young cricketers prepare to compete on the global stage.

Zimbabwe, the host nation, will be represented by two umpires — Forster Mutizwa and Iknow Chabi. Mutizwa brings valuable on-field insight, having previously played 21 international matches for Zimbabwe across formats. His transition from international cricketer to elite umpire underlines the ICC’s push to involve former players in officiating roles.

Experienced names add credibility to umpiring panel

The umpiring lineup includes several seasoned officials with extensive experience in international and domestic cricket. Former West Indies international Deighton Butler is among the notable appointments, adding a strong cricketing pedigree to the panel. England’s Graham Lloyd has also been selected, continuing a family legacy in officiating, as his father David Lloyd was a respected international umpire before becoming a prominent broadcaster.

Other umpires named for the tournament come from a wide range of Full Member and Associate nations, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The ICC believes this balance of backgrounds will help maintain high officiating standards across varied playing conditions.

Also READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi to lead India U19 in South Africa tour, Ayush Mhatre named captain for U19 World Cup 2026

Match referees bring international oversight

Alongside the umpires, four highly experienced match referees have been appointed to supervise the conduct of matches throughout the competition. England’s Dean Cosker, India’s Prakash Bhatt, Sri Lanka’s Graeme Labrooy, and Bangladesh’s Neeyamur Rahul will take charge of match management, code of conduct matters, and overall operational oversight.

Each referee has previously officiated in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, providing reassurance that the Under-19 World Cup will be governed with professionalism and consistency.

Match officials for U19 World Cup 2026

Umpires: Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghanistan), Aidan Seaver (Ireland), Cory Black (New Zealand), Deighton Butler (West Indies), Faisal Afridi (Pakistan), Forster Mutizwa (Zimbabwe), Graham Lloyd (England), Iknow Chabi (Zimbabwe), Lubabalo Gcuma (South Africa), Masudur Mukul (Bangladesh), Nitin Bathi (Netherlands), Phillip Gillespie (Australia), Prageeth Rambukwella (Sri Lanka), Russell Warren (England), Shaun Haig (New Zealand), Shawn Craig (Australia), Virender Sharma (India), Zahid Bassarath (West Indies)

Referees: Dean Cosker (England), Graeme La Brooy (Sri Lanka), Neeyamur Rahul (Bangladesh), Prakash Bhatt (India)

Also READ: Sri Lanka name strong squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Vimath Dinsara to lead

Three Indians were among the crew members on board the Russia-flagged oil tanker seized by the US, as reported by Russia Today. The report shared accounts of crew members stating the crew consisted of 3 Indian citizens, 17 Ukrainian citizens, 6 Georgian citizens, and 2 Russian citizens.In response to Washington’s allegations of the oil tanker “violating the US sanctions,” the report stated that ‘Marinera’ received legal permission to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, which was fully in line with international law.“The Marinera crew consists of 17 Ukrainian citizens, six Georgian citizens, three Indian citizens and two Russian citizens,” Russia Today said, quoting sources.It also said that the detained vessel was chartered under the flag of Guyana. On December 24, 2025, the ship received a temporary permit to sail under the Russian flag.Moscow, on Thursday, also asked Washington to comply with the international laws on freedom of maritime navigation. The Russian foreign ministry also stated that information about ‘Marinera’, formerly known as Bella 1, was seized on Wednesday, was repeatedly conveyed to the United States.“We call on Washington to resume compliance with the fundamental norms and principles of international maritime navigation and immediately cease its illegal actions against the Marinera tanker and other vessels engaged in law-abiding activities on the high seas,” news agency PTI reported, quoting the Russian foreign ministry.Moscow also demanded humane treatment of the crew members in its statement. ““We reiterate our demand that the US ensure humane and dignified treatment of the Russian citizens comprising the tanker’s crew, strictly observe their rights and interests, and make no obstacles to their prompt return to their homeland,” it said.Russia also claimed that the US was wrongly citing its own sanction laws.“The statements by some US officials that the seizure of the Marinera is part of a broader strategy to establish Washington’s unlimited control over Venezuela’s natural resources are extremely cynical. We strongly reject such neo-colonialist tendencies,” the Russian foreign ministry stated.“Unilateral restrictive measures by the US, as well as other Western countries, are illegitimate and cannot justify attempts to establish jurisdiction and, even more so, to seize ships on the high seas,” it added.Russia asserted that the US boarded and seized a Russian civilian vessel without consent. It reinstated its formal protest on the matter and argued that the US actions constitute a serious violation of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.“Russia did not give consent to these actions. On the contrary, it lodged an official protest with the US government regarding the pursuit of the Marinera by a US Coast Guard vessel over the past several weeks, insisting on the immediate cessation of these activities and the withdrawal of the unlawful demands made on the Russian ship’s captain,” the ministry said.On Wednesday, US forces seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic. The US claimed the vessel was a part of a “shadow fleet” carrying sanctioned oil and had fled a US blockade near Venezuela. The US forces, despite the presence of a Russian submarine escort, boarded the ship after the operation was authorised by a federal warrant for sanctions violations.

The average interest rate on a 30-year US mortgage edged slightly higher this week but remained close to its lowest level of 2025, offering limited relief to homebuyers amid a still-challenging housing market, according to data released by Freddie Mac.The average long-term mortgage rate rose to 6.16% this week from 6.15% last week, when it had slipped to its lowest level since October 3, 2024, AP reported. A year ago, the rate stood significantly higher at 6.93%, Freddie Mac said.Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, often favoured by homeowners refinancing their loans, also moved up marginally to 5.46% from 5.44% a week earlier. The rate averaged 6.14% during the same period last year.Mortgage rates are shaped by a range of factors, including Federal Reserve policy signals, inflation expectations and movements in the bond market. They tend to track the 10-year US Treasury yield, which was at 4.17% around midday on Thursday.Rates have largely stabilised in recent weeks after easing from late October, when the 30-year mortgage rate dipped to 6.17%, then its lowest level in over a year. The decline followed expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts, which began in September and continued last month.Although the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates, its interest rate decisions can influence investor behaviour. Rate cuts often signal slowing growth or easing inflation, prompting demand for US government bonds and pushing down long-term yields, which in turn can lower mortgage rates.Overall, the average 30-year mortgage rate ended last year nearly a percentage point lower than at the start of 2025, helping improve purchasing power for some buyers toward the end of the year. Sales of previously owned US homes rose month-on-month in September, October and November.However, November sales were lower than a year earlier — the first such decline since May — and the market is on track to finish the year below 2024 levels. Data on December existing home sales are due next week.Lower mortgage rates have offered some relief to buyers who can afford current prices. The median monthly US housing payment fell to $2,365 in the four weeks ended January 4, down 4.7% from a year earlier, according to Redfin.Despite this, housing affordability remains a major hurdle, especially for first-time buyers, due to years of rising home prices and modest wage growth. Economic and job market uncertainty has also kept many potential buyers on the sidelines.Economists broadly expect the average 30-year mortgage rate to hover slightly above 6% through the year, suggesting borrowing costs are unlikely to fall sharply in the near term.

Viswanathan Anand and Nihal Sarin (Photos by Vivek Sohani)

KOLKATA: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand recovered from an early setback to register two victories and emerge as joint leader with Nihal Sarin after six rounds of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid on Thursday.Rounds four to six produced fighting chess and frequent shifts at the top of the standings in both the Open and Women’s sections. Both Anand and Nihal are tied on 4.5 points.

In round four, the 56-year-old Anand appeared to be pressing in the middle game before a rook blunder allowed Arjun Erigaisi to turn the tables. The young Indian defended patiently and later capitalised on an endgame error to seal the win.Anand, however, bounced back strongly, picking up full points against Hans Niemann and Volodar Murzin in the next two rounds to return to the top of the standings.Nihal, meanwhile, surged into joint lead with three successive wins. He first capitalised on a knight blunder by Niemann, followed it up with a neat back-rank combination against Murzin, and then showcased fine endgame technique to defeat compatriot Vidit Gujrathi in a knight endgame.Elsewhere, Aravindh Chithambaram went down to Wei Yi, while R Praggnanandhaa methodically outplayed Murzin on the queenside.In round five, Anand’s clash against Niemann featured opposite-side castling in the Italian, with the Indian defending calmly before converting with active rook play and a superior pawn structure.Vidit and Praggnanandhaa settled for a quick draw, while Arjun prevailed in a subtle rook endgame by pushing a pawn race from a symmetrical position. Aravindh was also punished for an endgame pawn blunder by Wesley So.Round six saw Anand deliver a positional master-class in an opposite-coloured bishop middle game against Murzin to stay atop the leaderboard.In the women’s section, Kateryna Lagno led the standings with 4.5 points from six rounds.Among the Indians, Vantika Agrawal was placed fifth with three points, while Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali and Rakshitta Ravi were tied on 2.5 points. World champion Divya Deshmukh was at the bottom with two points.Rakshitta earlier produced a fearless attacking display to defeat Nana Dzagnidze in an opposite-side castling battle, while Lagno converted an endgame advantage against Divya and Stavroula Tsolakidou outplayed Vantika in a controlled encounter.Aleksandra Goryachkina later overcame Divya after weathering early pressure, while Dzagnidze capitalised on an opening error by Carissa Yip, and Vantika handed Rakshitta her first loss of the event.Vaishali then powered past Rakshitta with strong central pawn play, while Lagno defeated Tsolakidou to move into the sole lead.