AIFF to start ISL (Agency Photos)

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation (AIFF) has asked Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to send the details of the venues where they plan to play their home matches by Monday noon so that it can start working on the schedule of the delayed season which is set to start on February 14.On Tuesday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the ISL, which was on pause due to the lack of a commercial partner, will start on February 14 with all the 14 clubs taking part.

The top-tier ISL will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis, assuming that all the 14 clubs are taking part.In a letter written to the clubs, the AIFF thanked the clubs for “agreeing to participate in principle in the Indian Super League”.“We would like to reiterate the AIFF’s proposal to organise the 2025-26 season of the ISL with co-operation from the participating clubs,” the AIFF said in the letter from its Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayan.“In order to assist AIFF finalise broadcast partners, commercial rights partners and the fixtures for the upcoming season, we request you to confirm the details of the venue that you will play your home matches at, not later than 12 noon on 12 January 2026.”The AIFF said “upon receiving confirmation and receipt of the deposit”, it will share the draft of the framework for the governance of ISL, the draft RFPs to appoint broadcast and commercial rights partners for the 2025-26 season, seek exemption from the AFC (regarding ACL 2 slots), start work on fixtures and other allied matters, and start preparation of participation agreements to be entered with the clubs.“AIFF will also take best efforts to co-ordinate with competent authorities at venue (s), to enable seamless organisation of the upcoming season of the ISL. AIFF is also committed to liaising with the Asian Football Confederation and seeking the necessary exemptions for the upcoming season.”Regarding the financial part of the league, the AIFF said, “The 2025-26 season of the ISL is proposed to be held on a total budget of INR Twenty Four Crores Twenty Six Lakhs Seventy Four Thousand (INR 24,26,74,000/-) with an initial contribution of INR Nine Crores Seventy Seven Lakh Forty Thousand (INR 9,77,40,000/-) from the AIFF and a contribution of INR One Crore (INR 1,00,00,000/-) each from the participating clubs.“We would like to reassure you that the AIFF is in parallel taking all necessary steps to put the proposal into effect, in letter and spirit.”The AIFF had earlier said that it’s willing to accept the participation fee of Rs 1 crore per club in instalments up to June 2026, if the clubs are not able to pay immediately.

Opposition-ruled states Punjab and Telangana on Saturday sought additional fiscal support from the Centre in the Union Budget 2026-27, arguing that the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) will place a heavier financial burden on states due to its revised cost-sharing formula, PTI reported.The demands were raised at the pre-Budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which was attended by finance ministers of states and Union Territories, along with Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. The meeting also saw participation from the Governor of Manipur, chief ministers of Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Sikkim, and deputy chief ministers of several states, including Telangana.Opposition-ruled states said the changes to the rural employment framework weaken the employment guarantee and go against the spirit of cooperative federalism.Parliament last month passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, replacing the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Under the new scheme, the Centre will bear 60 per cent of the cost and states 40 per cent, compared with the 90:10 funding pattern under MGNREGA.Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly opposed the proposed changes, saying the new framework dilutes the employment guarantee while shifting a significant financial burden to states.“Proposed MGNREGA changes weaken employment guarantee and burden states,” Cheema said at the meeting, calling for the restoration of the original demand-driven structure and funding pattern of the scheme.Telangana Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the Union government had replaced MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G without consulting states. He noted that the shift from a 90:10 to 60:40 funding ratio would further strain state finances.He also pointed out that any additional man-days beyond the normative allocation would now have to be borne by states, which would create a serious obstacle in providing demand-based work to job seekers.“This is entirely against the spirit of cooperative federalism and starving them of funds for capital outlay, which is essential for maintaining growth momentum,” Vikramarka said.The Telangana finance minister also suggested that surcharges on income tax and corporation tax be credited to a non-lapsable infrastructure fund, from which states could receive grants for infrastructure development. Alternatively, he said, surcharges should be merged with basic tax rates to expand the divisible pool of central taxes.On GST reforms, Vikramarka said GST 2.0 may boost demand but questioned its sustainability, warning that states’ revenues could fall due to rate reductions. He called for a suitable mechanism to compensate states for any revenue loss.Punjab also sought a special fiscal package, citing the “double whammy” of border tensions and floods in 2025. On GST, Cheema said Punjab is facing an annual revenue loss of nearly Rs 6,000 crore following GST 2.0 and pressed for a predictable GST stabilisation or compensation mechanism for states.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday urged the Centre to step up allocations for the state’s rural and urban infrastructure, agriculture and allied sectors in the Union Budget for FY27, citing growing development needs and the state’s proximity to the national capital, PTI reported.Saini, who also holds the finance portfolio, raised the demands at the pre-Budget meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with finance ministers of states and Union Territories, according to an official Haryana government statement.The chief minister sought an increase in the general allocation under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to Rs 2,000 crore in 2026-27, saying this was necessary to sustain the momentum of rural development. He also flagged constraints under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF), arguing that the current Rs 100 crore cap on project size was limiting execution of large urban projects, and proposed that the ceiling be raised to Rs 500 crore.Saini thanked the Centre for continuing the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme and sought higher untied allocations for Haryana, along with relaxations in utilisation conditions, citing the state’s special requirements due to its location in the National Capital Region (NCR).He said the upcoming Budget would further pave the way for Haryana’s progress and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to contributing towards making India a developed nation by 2047.Highlighting Haryana’s agrarian profile, Saini said the state ranks second in the country in foodgrain production and is known as the breadbasket of India. He said around six lakh acres of land are affected by salinity and waterlogging, and sought central financial assistance to prevent further damage.He also underlined the need for modernising agriculture through digital agriculture, micro-irrigation, agri-logistics and value addition, adding that agri-processing clusters and MSMEs could become engines of rural prosperity.On the social sector, Saini said Haryana plans to open a medical college in every district, for which substantial support under centrally sponsored schemes would be required. He also sought higher assistance for social security pensions, noting that over 44 lakh people in the state receive such benefits.The chief minister said Haryana’s NCR region is being developed as a logistics hub, requiring higher central capital investment to improve connectivity and time-bound movement of goods. Stressing the importance of entrepreneurship, he said Haryana ranks fourth nationally in startups and is setting up a Rs 2,000 crore Fund of Funds to support them.He added that the state is developing 10 new Industrial Model Townships (IMTs) to boost MSMEs and attract investment, for which additional central assistance is needed.Saini also emphasised the importance of human capital, calling for greater focus on education, health and skills, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green technology and biotechnology.

Navi Mumbai: Animal rights activists reacted with shock and surprise as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) lodged an FIR against 2 women feeders who questioned the civic staff on why they were taking away healthy, sterilised stray dogs from Ghansoli bus depot on Friday.The FIR was filed at the behest of NMMC veterinary head, S Todkar, who alleged that the 2 feeders stopped govt officials from doing their duty and also abused and threatened them.However, the feeders denied using threats or abusive language, and said that they only asked the civic staff why and where they were taking the indie strays from Ghansoli bus depot. The Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation condemned the action taken against the feeders, and said that they will legally support them in this matter.“The 2 animal lovers in Ghansoli merely asked the NMMC officials why they were picking up vaccinated and sterilised dogs from the bus depot, and where they would keep them. The veterinary officer, Todkar, somehow got angry at the women and asked the Rabale police to lodge an FIR against them under serious BNS sections like 35(3), 132, 352, 351, 329 and 3(5). This is shocking, to say the least,” said Roshan Pathak of PAL.Pathak added: “NMMC levelled wrong allegations against the 2 feeders. Also, there are no proper shelters in Navi Mumbai, except for the sterilisation centre at Turbhe. So, where will all the picked-up dogs be kept? This is animal cruelty and harassment of the feeders.”The NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde told TOI: “The Ghansoli feeders were threatening and abusing our civic staff who picked up the stray dogs as per the Supreme Court directions. Hence, a police complaint was lodged. Also, we made a new dog shelter at our Turbhe centre.” Activist Vijay Rangare of Rakshak animal welfare group stated that they will meet NMMC officials on Monday to discuss this issue and also check where the Ghansoli dogs are being kept.Another Navi Mumbai-based activist, Madhu Shankar, commented: “It is sad how quickly the NMMC acts to pick up healthy stray dogs. However, when I complained about an illegal cowshed in Vashi where the bovines are being exploited, leading to a cow death, no civic action was taken.”Meanwhile, Pathak added: “Out of helpless frustration, 1 of the feeders cursed the NMMC officer. However, this cannot be called abuse.” Anupreeta Rao, one of the 2 feeders, said: “We now have to apply for bail against this FIR. We were polite with the NMMC staff, and not abusive.”

Lenders have sanctioned Rs 3,361.83 crore to 774 applicants under the Rs 20,000-crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) within a month of its rollout, as the government steps up support for exporters facing headwinds from steep US tariffs, official data showed as reported PTI.The scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on November 12 and made operational from December 1, 2025, provides 100 per cent credit guarantee cover by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC) to member lending institutions (MLIs) for extending additional credit facilities of up to Rs 20,000 crore to eligible exporters, including MSMEs.“Applications worth Rs 8,764.81 crore (1,840 applications) received, out of which Rs 3,361.83 crore (774 applications) sanctioned by the lenders” till January 2, 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the finance ministry said in a statement.Implemented by the DFS, the CGSE aims to enable banks and financial institutions to extend additional financial assistance to Indian exporters during a period of external trade uncertainties, helping them diversify markets and enhance global competitiveness. The scheme will remain valid till March 31, 2026, or until guarantees worth Rs 20,000 crore are issued, whichever is earlier.The DFS also highlighted progress under the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME), which offers credit guarantees to incentivise MLIs to provide additional credit facilities of up to Rs 100 crore to MSME borrowers for the purchase of plant, machinery and equipment. As of December 2025, banks have sanctioned Rs 16,836 crore against 8.96 lakh applications under the scheme.Sharing broader banking sector performance, the DFS said scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) recorded their highest-ever aggregate net profit of Rs 4.01 lakh crore. Public sector banks (PSBs) posted a record aggregate net profit of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2024-25, while their net profit stood at Rs 0.94 lakh crore in the first half of 2025-26.Global deposits and advances of PSBs rose to Rs 146.27 lakh crore and Rs 114.85 lakh crore, respectively, in September 2025, compared with Rs 71.95 lakh crore and Rs 56.16 lakh crore in March 2015.The gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio of PSBs declined to 2.30 per cent (Rs 2.65 lakh crore) in September 2025, down from 4.97 per cent (Rs 2.79 lakh crore) in March 2015 and a peak of 14.58 per cent (Rs 8.96 lakh crore) in March 2018. The capital adequacy ratio of PSBs improved by 451 basis points to 15.96 per cent in September 2025 from 11.45 per cent in March 2015.

The Big Bash League 2025-26 season heats up as the Sydney Sixers take on the league leaders, the Hobart Hurricanes, in a high-stakes Match 31 at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Hurricanes are in sensational form, having surged to the top of the standings with six wins from eight matches.

The Sixers, currently sitting in fourth, are equally dangerous and have been bolstered by the high-profile return of Steve Smith following the conclusion of the Ashes. With the Hurricanes looking to clinch the top spot and the Sixers aiming to climb the ladder, this clash between two in-form sides promises to be a thriller.

SS vs HH, BBL|15: Match Details

• Date and Time: January 11 (Sunday); 08:35 am IST / 03:05 am GMT / 2:05 pm Local
• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney

Head-to-Head Record in BBL:

Matches played: 21 | Hobart Hurricanes won: 11 | Sydney Sixers won: 9 | No result/Tied: 1

SCG, Sydney Pitch Report

The SCG is a venue that historically offers a fair balance between bat and ball. While it remains one of the better tracks for spinners in Australia due to its abrasive nature, the drop-in pitches used for BBL|15 have shown consistent carry for the pacers early on.  The average first-innings score at the SCG in T20s is around 155-165, but with the quality of batting in both these lineups, a score near 180 is likely needed. Interestingly, the team bowling first has won the last eight matches involving the Sixers, suggesting that the toss-winning captain will likely elect to bowl first to take advantage of any early movement before the pitch settles.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja’s explosive knock cruise Brisbane Heat to an emphatic victory over Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes: Team dynamics and key players

Sydney Sixers: The big news for the Men in Pink is the return of Steve Smith, who will likely open the batting alongside the international marquee signing Babar Azam. This provides the Sixers with arguably the most technically sound opening pair in the tournament. Moises Henriques and Josh Philippe add middle-order stability, while Sean Abbott, the league’s all-time leading wicket-taker, continues to lead a bowling attack that also features the disciplined Ben Dwarshuis. The addition of spinner Todd Murphy provides them with a tactical edge if the SCG surface begins to take turn.

Hobart Hurricanes: The defending champions are a well-oiled machine. They welcome back all-rounder Beau Webster from international duty, further strengthening a middle order that already features the destructive Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott. Even with skipper Nathan Ellis being managed for this game, the Hurricanes’ bowling remains lethal with Riley Meredith’s express pace and the spin duo of Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain. Their ability to win matches outside Tasmania (having won their last three away games) makes them a formidable opponent even at the Sixers’ fortress.

SS vs HH, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bowls first
• Hobart Hurricanes’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Hobart Hurricanes’ total score: 165-180

Case 2:

• Hobart Hurricanes wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 175-190

Match result: Sydney Sixers to win the contest

Also READ: BBL|15: Full list of commentators and presenters at the Big Bash League 2025-26

Techno Paints and Chemicals CMD Akuri Srinivas Reddy with Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar

HYDERABAD: Paints manufacturer Techno Paints and Chemicals, a Hyderabad-based paints manufacturer, is planning to raise Rs 500 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) by 2026-27, its chairman and managing director Akuri Srinivas Reddy said on Saturday.He said the company will be filing its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the capital markets regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in 2026-27 and expects to wrap up the IPO within the same financial year.The company, which has roped in Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador for three years, is also looking at expanding its footprint nationwide from just eight states currently, he said, adding that plans are also afoot to enter the Middle East market in 2026-27.It already has a presence in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Odisha, and Chandigarh and plans to expand to Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh by the end of this year.The company, which clocked revenues of Rs 210 crore in 2024-25, expects to post a Rs 450 crore turnover in the current fiscal and is targeting Rs 2000 crore by 2029-30, he added.“The Indian paint industry, which stands at around Rs 90,000 crore, is growing at a rate of 5-9% annually. The per capita consumption of paints worldwide is 15 litres per year while in India it is 4.5 litres offering immense potential,” Reddy said.Techno Paints, which manufactures decorative, industrial and specialty paints, has its research and development centre in Hyderabad and its manufacturing plant at Pashamylaram on the outskirts of Hyderabad.