MUMBAI: The conversation on artificial intelligence in healthcare is often dominated by grand promises — faster diagnoses, scalable access, precision medicine at population scale. But at the inaugural Winter Dialogue on RAISE (Responsible AI for Synergistic Excellence in Healthcare) at Ashoka University last week, the focus shifted quietly but firmly to a harder set of questions: who does AI really work for, who does it leave out, and how do we govern what we do not yet fully understand.Hosted by the Koita Centre for Digital Health at Ashoka University (KCDH-A), in partnership with NIMS Jaipur and with WHO SEARO as technical host alongside ICMR-NIRDHS and the Gates Foundation, the two-day dialogue served as an official Pre-Summit Event of the AI Impact Summit 2026. It was also the first in a series of four national RAISE dialogues scheduled across India this month, with the opening edition focused on the theme of Health AI: Policy and Governance.If there was a unifying thread across sessions, it was the gap between technical capability and institutional readiness. Dr Karthik Adapa, Regional Adviser for Digital Health at WHO, warned against what he called the persistent problem of “pilotitis” — the tendency for digital health solutions to remain trapped in experimental pilots without ever scaling into public systems. Frameworks such as SALIENT, he argued, were essential precisely because they force practitioners to think beyond models and metrics, and towards integration, evaluation, and long-term use.That tension between optimisation and equity surfaced repeatedly. In his opening remarks, Dr Anurag Agrawal posed a question that lingered across the conference halls: ‘Would you choose a model with higher average accuracy, but poor performance for women, or one with lower accuracy that shows equity in outcomes?’ His larger point was captured in a phrase that became something of a refrain: ‘AI for Health, not Healthcare for AI.’The panels that followed reflected how complicated that translation from principle to practice really is. From tuberculosis screening and cancer detection to maternal health monitoring across Indian states, case studies showed both promise and fragility — fragile data pipelines, uneven infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, and deeply embedded social bias that algorithms can easily reproduce.Mental health discussions were particularly cautious. As Dr Prabha Chand observed, large language models are ‘optimised for engagement, not clinical outcomes,’ while Dr Smruti Joshi reminded the room that ‘mental health judgment cannot be fully automated.’ The challenge, several panellists argued, is not whether AI has a role, but how narrowly and carefully that role is defined — especially when working with vulnerable populations.Validation and accountability emerged as equally central. Dr Mary-Anne Hartley emphasised that imperfect data produces imperfect models, especially in contexts as diverse as India’s. Continuous monitoring, bias mitigation, and human-in-the-loop systems, panellists argued, must become standard rather than optional.Reflecting on the broader implications, Dr Anurag Agrawal returned to the ethical core of the discussion: ‘The real test of health AI is not peak accuracy in controlled settings, but equitable performance in the real world. If AI systems work well on average but fail women or marginalised populations, we have failed the purpose. We must design AI for health—not bend healthcare to fit AI.’That sentiment was echoed by Vice-Chancellor Somak Raychaudhury, who noted that ‘Responsible AI in health cannot be built in silos… Universities have a crucial role to play — not only in advancing research, but in creating the intellectual and institutional infrastructure needed to ensure that AI serves public good, equity, and trust at scale.’RAISE, as Aradhita Baral described it, is intended as “a platform for sustained dialogue rather than isolated conversations.” Its expansion to IIT Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad over the coming weeks suggests that India’s AI-in-health debate is finally moving from hype to homework — from what is possible to what is responsible.

Ramchander Rao (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reignited political debate in Telangana by proposing to rename Nizamabad district as Indur if it comes to power in the state.Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind said names associated with the Nizam era reflect oppression and suffering and should be replaced to reflect cultural pride and nationalist identity.

Backing him, Telangana BJP State President Ramchander Rao said, “Our Nizamabad MP has given a statement that if the BJP comes to power, we will change the name of Nizamabad to Indur. The BJP is with him.”Rao added that the proposal is not limited to Nizamabad alone, alleging that several places in Telangana still carry names from the Nizam rule, which he described as marked by atrocities.“These names remind us of that period. That is the reason they need to be changed. Not only Nizamabad, but there are also many cities in Telangana whose names have to be changed,” Rao added. The statements drew sharp criticism from Congress. Former MP and senior leader Hanumanth Rao accused the BJP of unnecessarily creating new issues and attempting to divide the country. Rao alleged that Nizamabad had different names in the distant past and several governments have come to power since Independence, but none changed the city’s name.He warned that such statements could trigger law-and-order problems and cautioned the Telangana government to take note of the issue. Rao said that similar demands could follow for renaming landmarks like Charminar or Osmania University.Hanumanth Rao also accused the BJP of using identity-based politics for electoral gains, stressing that India is home to diverse cultures and religions. “At the time of Independence, people from all religions, castes, and creeds fought together for the nation. India is a secular country and cannot be turned into a Hindu nation,” he said.Rao accused the centre of following identity-based politics for electoral gains. He claimed that while Narendra Modi is Prime Minister, real influence lies with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and asserted that India’s secular character can’t be changed. The renewed push follows earlier demands in Telangana, including calls to rename Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar, first raised by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath during the 2020 Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. Yogi had said, “Some people were asking me if Hyderabad can be renamed as Bhagyanagar. I said why not. I told them that we renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya and Allahabad as Prayagraj after BJP came into power in UP. Then why Hyderabad can’t be renamed as Bhagyanagar?”

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s rich vein of form is set to headline India’s ODI campaign as the hosts, at full strength, face a revamped New Zealand side in the opening match of the three-ODI series on Sunday.Even with the T20 World Cup less than a month away, the spotlight over the next week will firmly remain on Kohli and Rohit, who continue to underline their enduring relevance in the 50-over format. Both batters have had ample match practice, featuring in a couple of Vijay Hazare Trophy league games and piling up runs to show that their appetite and ability remain intact.

A subplot to watch closely will be how India captain Shubman Gill responds after being left out of the T20 World Cup squad. Gill’s omission followed a run of indifferent form, compounded by injuries that restricted his participation during the South Africa series late last year. His return to the ODI XI, however, could push Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the top order, despite the left-hander scoring his maiden ODI century in the final match against South Africa.The comeback of Shreyas Iyer is expected to bring stability to the middle order after a prolonged phase of experimentation. The 31-year-old is likely to slot straight back into his familiar No. 4 position. KL Rahul’s continued role as a lower-order batter and wicketkeeper means Rishabh Pant remains the second-choice option in the format.While Iyer, Pant and Mohammed Siraj were absent from training until Saturday, Ravindra Jadeja went through a full session on Friday, signalling his readiness. With Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya rested to manage workloads ahead of the T20 season, India’s pace attack will be handled by Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Jadeja will shoulder spin duties on surfaces where dew and flat pitches often place a premium on control rather than outright aggression.The series opener also marks a milestone for the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium at Kotambi, which will host its first men’s international, having earlier staged a women’s ODI series between India and the West Indies.For New Zealand, the series offers a chance to assess fresh faces, with last year’s Champions Trophy final loss to India largely irrelevant in the current context. Despite missing several frontline players, the Black Caps are expected to lean on the mindset that powered their stunning 3-0 Test series win in India in 2024-25.Mitchell Santner is sidelined with a groin injury, Tom Latham has returned home for the birth of his first child, and Kane Williamson is engaged in the SA20. Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy have been rested, while Matt Henry is being eased back with an eye on the T20Is. Michael Bracewell will lead the side, with attention also on Kyle Jamieson and young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok, even as the batting still boasts depth through Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young and Glenn Phillips.Teams (from):India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway (wk), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that the government’s long-term energy planning is translating into tangible benefits for citizens, stating that the real test of policy lies in how seamlessly it supports daily life rather than in announcements alone.In a post on the social media platform X, the minister noted that India’s energy planning is being tested every day in real-world conditions, in homes, on roads, and across workplaces, where forecasts meet lived reality.He pointed to the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections, noting that around 1.58 crore kitchens across the country now receive PNG without the need for booking refills, reflecting a shift towards convenience and cleaner fuel.“India’s energy systems are built to be ready before pressure peaks. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, planning is measured by how smoothly daily life runs,” he wrote on X, hinting at how important planning is in a fast-growing economy.Minister Puri also emphasised the growth of compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure as a key indicator of planning that keeps pace with demand. Currently, 8,428 CNG stations are operational nationwide, with the number targeted to more than double to 18,336 by 2030.This expansion, he said, is enabling wider access to cleaner transportation fuel for motorists.Another major focus stressed by the minister was the expansion of the national gas pipeline network. According to him, the pipeline length has grown from about 15,000 kilometres in 2014 to 25,429 kilometres today. The government plans to extend this further to 33,475 kilometres by 2030, strengthening energy connectivity and preparedness.“Energy systems cannot wait for pressure to appear. They must be ready before demand peaks. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s energy planning is increasingly defined not by announcements, but by how smoothly daily life runs. Because the true test of planning is not what is promised, but what quietly works,” a video shared along with the Minister’s post on X noted. (ANI)

JAIPUR: Sikkim didn’t win a match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season, but their three-week stint in Jaipur may still prove a turning point. Up against seven stronger sides in Elite Group C, the northeast team finished last, as expected. Yet, armed with the experience, they will go back with a clearer roadmap of what it will take to compete.Their defining moment arrived early. On Dec 24, under the lights at a packed Sawai Mansingh Stadium against mighty Mumbai, Rohit Sharma hit a blistering 155 off 94 balls against them.

Sikkim, however, refused to go down tamely and replied with 236, giving the underdogs something tangible to build on.“It was a dream day for the team. For every Sikkim player, playing against Rohit Sharma was a dream come true. It was also a moment of pride for us that we scored 236 against Mumbai in front of around 20,000 spectators,” said Sikkim coach Bikash Pradhan.Pradhan felt the campaign offered proof that the gap can be narrowed.“We put up a very good fight against Goa, Uttarakhand and Mumbai. Against Goa, we scored 247/7 while chasing a target of 310. It gave us a lot of confidence that we can also match some of the best teams if we can improve our local cricket,” he said.Much of that push, Sikkim believe, will come from facilities. Cricket is largely centred in Rangpo, where a floodlit ground has hosted BCCI matches for the last few years, with two more grounds being developed at the same premises.The momentum has also extended to the women’s team, which won the plate division of the BCCI Senior Women’s T20 Trophy — Sikkim’s first national title.“In a couple of months, we’ll have three grounds. We have six districts and if we improve facilities, we can conduct regular inter-district tournaments,” said Sikkim manager Rajen Gurung.“We will soon have indoor cricket facilities. BCCI is supporting us a lot.”With the Sikkim Cricket Association advertising for a professional coach and cricket director, captain Lee Yong Lepcha sounded hopeful.“If we can get a quality coach, nothing can stop us from being competitive,” he said.

VIJAYAWADA: A student from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and pursuing his MS degree in Houston, Texas, has allegedly gone missing during a solo trip to Alaska. Karasani Hari Krishna Reddy, 24, embarked on a solo trip during the Christmas holidays on Dec 22, travelling on public transport. He last contacted his friends and family on Dec 30.According to his friends in the US, Hari stayed in a hotel in Denali, Alaska. His mobile signal was last located on Dec 31 in Denali.

His friends, with the help of local police, have posted missing person notices on social media platforms, urging people to inform them in case they came across him. The temperature in Alaska during Dec 31-Jan 1 had dipped to around minus 40 degrees Celsius. Tourists normally avoid visiting Alaska during extreme winters due to its harsh conditions. It is not clear why Hari chose to visit Alaska during this time of the year and whether his trip had anything to do with participation in winter sports or witnessing the Northern Lights.His friends, who posted messages on Facebook and Instagram, however, said they do not know the purpose of Hari’s visit, except that he told them he was going on a vacation and would return in two weeks. They said Hari did not know driving and usually depended on public transport. Before leaving Houston, Hari told them he would be staying in Denali and would return by Jan 3 or 4. His roommates initially assumed he couldn’t contact them due to lack of network in mountainous areas. But when they checked his credit card records, they found he had made a transaction using a local cab facility.Alaska State Troopers (local police) said Hari, who was reported missing on Jan 3, was last seen leaving Aurora Denali Lodge on Dec 31. Police suspect Hari may have travelled to the Fairbanks area.When TOI contacted Andhra Pradesh Non Resident Telugu Society officials in the state, they said they hadn’t received any message from Hari’s parents seeking help. They said they were in contact with local representatives in US.Though Alaska with its unique weather phenomenon and scenic beauties, including the Northern Lights, attracts hundreds of tourists, mostly adventurers, it is also wrought with lurking dangers. According to US officials, nearly 2,000 people go missing every year in Alaska. In many cases, the bodies are never found.

Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 continues its high-octane start as the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), face off against their perennial rivals, the Delhi Capitals (DC). This fixture is a replay of last season’s final, where Mumbai secured their second title in a nail-biting finish.

Mumbai Indians come into this game following a heart-breaking last-ball defeat to RCB in the season opener. Meanwhile, for the Delhi Capitals, this match marks the beginning of a new era. With the legendary Meg Lanning having moved to the UP Warriorz, the flamboyant Jemimah Rodrigues takes over the captaincy, looking to finally lead DC to their maiden trophy after three consecutive final appearances.

The two-time champions (2023, 2025) enter this match with a settled core. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, MI boasts a formidable overseas trio of Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, and Amelia Kerr. Their primary strength lies in their elite all-rounders who can win games with both bat and ball. The return of Shabnim Ismail provides them with the extra pace to rattle Delhi’s top order.

Under the new leadership of Rodrigues, Delhi is looking to shed its “runners-up” tag. DC has reinforced their squad with explosive talent like Laura Wolvaardt and the spin wizardry of Alana King. The opening pair of Shafali Verma and Wolvaardt is arguably the most dangerous in the tournament.

MI-W vs DC-W, WPL 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: January 10; 07:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm GMT
• Venue: DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

MI-W vs DC -W, Head-to-Head Record in WPL

Matches played: 8 | Mumbai Indians won: 4 | Delhi Capitals won: 3 | No result: 0

DY Patil Sports Academy Pitch Report

The pitch at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy is a certified “batting paradise,” characterized by its hard, flat surface and true bounce. In this evening fixture, the ball is expected to come onto the bat beautifully, allowing stroke-makers to play through the line with confidence. While the red soil may offer some initial carry and swing for the pacers, the small boundaries and lightning-fast outfield heavily favour the batters. Historically, the dew factor plays a significant role in the second innings, making the ball difficult to grip for spinners and incentivizing captains to bowl first and chase.

Also READ: Not just RCB! Richa Ghosh picks another franchise capable of winning WPL 2026

Squads

Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, G. Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajana Sajeevan, Rahila Firdous, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasishta, Nalla Reddy, Saika Ishaque, Milly Illingworth

Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Shafali Verma, Marzianne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Laura Wolvaardt, Chinelle Henry, Shree Charani, Sneh Rana, Lizelle Lee, Deeya Yadav, Taniyaa Bhatia, Mamatha Madiwala, Nandni Sharma, Lucy Hamilton, Minnu Mani, Alana King

MI-W vs DC-W, WPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Mumbai Indians Women wins the toss and bowl first
• Delhi Capitals Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Delhi Capitals Women’s total score: 140-150

Case 2:

• Delhi Capitals Women wins the toss and bowl first
• Mumbai Indians Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• Mumbai Indians Women’s total score: 150-160

Match result: Team bowling first to win the match.

Also READ: Jemimah Rodrigues reveals how Richa Ghosh dismantled Alyssa Healy’s sledge with an unforgettable reply

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

KALYAN: As the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections approach, Shiv Sena has signalled a clear shift in strategy by fielding new faces and young candidates, including a medical professional, in key panels. One such candidate is Dr Pooja Sanjay Gaikwad, who is contesting from Panel 13-B, making her one of the notable young entrants in the civic election fray.Panel 13 has been jointly allotted to the Shiv Sena–BJP alliance, with four candidates in the contest. Dr Gaikwad is among the candidates backed by the alliance, along with BJP nominees Saroj Manoj Rai and Vikram Tare, while Shiv Sena has fielded Mahadev Raibole from the same panel. The panel falls under Kalyan East, an area widely known as one of the largest slum-dominated regions in the city, where civic issues remain a major electoral concern.An MBBS graduate from DY Patil College, Navi Mumbai, Dr Gaikwad has positioned healthcare as the central plank of her campaign. She said that the area she is contesting from faces serious challenges related to women’s health, access to clean drinking water and basic medical services. “If elected, I will work with special focus on women’s health. Clean drinking water is a major issue here, and I will make efforts to replace old pipelines with new ones,” she told TOI. Highlighting the broader civic picture, Dr Gaikwad said that KDMC requires substantial improvement in public healthcare infrastructure. She added that as a doctor, she intends to use her professional expertise to strengthen health services for residents, especially those living in slum areas.Dr Pooja Gaikwad is the daughter of builder Sanjay Gaikwad, but her candidature is being projected by the alliance as a blend of youth, professional expertise and grassroots engagement. Her entry has added an interesting dimension to the contest in Panel 13-B.She faces a direct challenge from Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Sandhya Tare, while other UBT nominees in the panel include Sneha Tiwari, Madhur Mhatre and Kirti Dhone. With healthcare, water supply and basic amenities emerging as key issues, the contest in Panel 13-B is shaping up to be a closely watched political battle in the KDMC elections.