NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma countered AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi‘s remarks of India’s potential to see a “hijab-clad” daughter as the Prime Minister. He said that India is a Hindu nation and the Prime Minister of India shall always be a Hindu person.Responding to Owaisi’s remark, Sarma said, “Constitutionally, there is no bar. Anyone can become the Prime Minister. But India is a Hindu nation, Hindu civilisation, and we will always believe, and we are extremely confident that the Indian Prime Minister will always be a Hindu person.”

BJP spokesperson also sharply responded to the statement, challenging Owaisi of making a burqa-clad woman or anyone from the Pasmanda community to make the President of his own party.Poonawala said, “Owaisi Miya, there is no restriction in the Constitution on whether the Prime Minister should be someone who wears a hijab or not. Anyone can become Prime Minister, but first, win the votes.”He further went on to challenge Owaisi saying, “Before dreaming of becoming Prime Minister, Owaisi Miya, why don’t you first make a hijab-wearing woman, a burqa-clad woman, or at least someone from the Pasmanda community the president of your own party?”Also read: Asaduddin Owaisi says India will one day have Hijab-clad PM Earlier, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, highlighting the inclusivity in the Indian constitution, had stated that it is his dream to see a hijab-clad daughter as the Prime Minister of India. He drew comparisons with the Pakistani constitution, stating that Pakistan’s constitution restricts non-muslim people from holding top positions.“The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib’s constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, CM, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country,” he said.The remarks come amid intense campaigning for Mumbai’s upcoming civic elections, which are scheduled to be held on January 15. The results will be announced on January 16.

Mumbai Indians Women vs Delhi Capitals Women, WPL Live Score: Delhi Capitals step into the Women’s Premier League 2026 spotlight with a new captain at the helm and familiar ambitions driving them forward.

Jemimah Rodrigues, one of Indian cricket’s brightest stars, has been handed the leadership role after the franchise decided to move on from Australian great Meg Lanning, who captained the side for the first three seasons.

For Jemimah, the responsibility comes with both excitement and reflection, especially given Lanning’s deep imprint on the team’s culture.

“I met Meg Lanning, and it felt weird to see her wearing the yellow jersey of the UP Warriorz. I have to say the impact Meg had on our franchise, the Delhi Capitals, and the standards and culture she set was huge. I learned so much from her. I even picked her brain about captaincy,” said Jemimah, acknowledging the influence of her predecessor.

The 24-year-old, who starred in India’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph with a memorable century against Australia in the semi-finals, believes leadership brings out the best in her. Drawing confidence from her domestic captaincy experience, she is ready to guide a side that has reached the WPL final in every edition so far.

“This new role as captain is exciting. I am also a little nervous because it is new. But I have led my domestic side for a while. I love leading because that extra responsibility brings out my best. My message to the Delhi Capitals is the same. We have played amazing cricket and have an amazing support staff. We just keep working hard and doing the right things, and I know things will fall into place. That is our energy,” Jemimah added.

Delhi Capitals open their campaign with a high-voltage clash against defending champions Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai — a reminder of past finals heartbreaks and a chance to set the tone for 2026.

Head coach Jonathan Batty expressed optimism about the squad’s makeup and preparation following a productive pre-season camp in Goa.

“It’s really nice to have a lot of familiar faces back in the squad from the last few years, and at the same time, it’s been great to bring in some fresh faces who add a new dynamic to the team,” Batty said.

He added, “It’s been a fantastic preparation period… everything feels really positive, and we’re raring to go.”

With balance, belief and a new leader, Delhi Capitals will once again chase the one prize that has narrowly eluded them — the WPL title.

When US President Donald Trump met senior oil executives to press for investment in Venezuela, the message from the White House was deliberately ambitious. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Its political landscape, Trump argued, has shifted. With American backing and security guarantees, the country should once again become a major destination for US energy capital.The response from the oil industry was notably restrained.Executives did not dispute Venezuela’s resource potential. Instead, they pointed to a combination of legal uncertainty, economic risk and hard-earned experience that continues to make large-scale investment unattractive, even with presidential support.

A country rich in oil, poor in production

Venezuela’s oil numbers are striking. The country holds an estimated 303 billion barrels of proven reserves, roughly 17% of the global total, more than any other nation. In the late 1990s, it produced over 3 million barrels per day, ranking among the world’s leading exporters.Today, output has fallen to below 1 million barrels per day. Years of mismanagement, underinvestment, sanctions and infrastructure decay have hollowed out what was once one of the most sophisticated oil industries in the developing world.This collapse is central to the scepticism voiced by oil companies. Restoring production on a meaningful scale is not a matter of restarting wells. It would require rebuilding pipelines, upgraders, refineries, power supply and skilled manpower, all of which demand long-term capital commitments.

Trump’s argument: security, speed and scale

At the meeting, Trump urged companies to think big. He spoke of investments running up to $100 billion, promised “total security” for American firms and suggested deals could be finalised quickly. The broader geopolitical framing was also clear: US companies should move decisively to prevent China or Russia from expanding their footprint in Venezuela.From the administration’s perspective, Venezuela’s oil represents both an economic and strategic opportunity. For the companies in the room, however, the issue was not opportunity but risk.

ExxonMobil draws a clear boundary

The most direct assessment came from ExxonMobil. Its chief executive described Venezuela’s current investment environment as “uninvestable”. The comment reflected Exxon’s long institutional memory. The company has operated in Venezuela since the 1940s, and has seen its assets expropriated twice, most recently during the nationalisation wave under Hugo Chávez.For Exxon, whose projects often involve tens of billions of dollars and operate over 20 to 30 years, the absence of durable legal protections is decisive. The company indicated it could send a technical team to assess the condition of assets, but stopped well short of committing capital.The distinction matters. Technical assessments are reversible. Large upstream investments are not.

Chevron’s limited optimism

If Exxon articulated the industry’s red lines, Chevron illustrated what cautious engagement looks like. Chevron is already operating in Venezuela through joint ventures and special licences. At the meeting, it said production from its existing operations could increase by as much as 50% over the next 18 to 24 months.That figure, while significant, must be viewed in context. Chevron’s Venezuelan output remains a fraction of the country’s historical production. The projected increase reflects incremental improvements to existing assets, not the launch of new, capital-intensive projects.Chevron’s stance suggested that limited gains are possible where infrastructure and personnel are already in place, but that this does not justify a rapid expansion of exposure.

Conditional interest from others

Other companies struck a similar tone.Shell indicated it has several billion dollars’ worth of potential opportunities in Venezuela, but only if sanctions waivers and regulatory clarity are sustained over time. Without that certainty, the projects remain hypothetical. Oilfield services firms such as SLB expressed confidence in their ability to ramp up activity. Their optimism reflects a different risk profile. Service providers supply equipment and expertise and can scale operations more easily than producers who must commit capital to fields and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm, a close ally of Trump, described Venezuela’s reserves as a “real jewel” while declining to commit investment. The assessment captured the mood in the room: admiration without obligation.

Economics and risk still dominate

Beyond politics, the economics remain challenging. Much of Venezuela’s crude is heavy or extra-heavy, making it more expensive to extract and refine. Restoring production requires reliable access to diluents, functioning upgraders and stable export logistics. Industry estimates suggest that reviving Venezuela’s oil sector at scale would require tens of billions of dollars in upfront investment, with returns spread over decades. At a time when oil companies have access to lower-cost, lower-risk projects elsewhere, particularly in parts of South America and offshore developments, Venezuela struggles to compete on risk-adjusted returns.

What the meeting revealed

The White House meeting did not produce the sweeping commitments Trump had hoped for. Instead, it clarified the industry’s position. Oil companies are not disputing Venezuela’s resource base. They are questioning whether the legal, regulatory and political environment is stable enough to support long-term investment. Exxon wants structural reform before capital. Chevron will optimise what it already operates. Shell wants sustained sanctions clarity. Service companies are ready to engage, but operators remain cautious.

The bottom line

Venezuela’s vast oil reserves are beyond doubt. What remains uncertain is whether the conditions needed to attract large, long-term investment can be put in place and sustained. Until oil companies are confident that contracts will be enforced, policies will remain predictable and political shifts will not undo commercial agreements, interest is likely to remain measured and capital deployment limited. The meeting underscored that for Big Oil, enthusiasm follows stability, not the other way around.

As Hrithik Roshan prepares to ring in his 52nd birthday tomorrow, Sanjay Khan, his former father-in-law, took to penning an emotional note reminiscing about their first meeting with the actor and the strong bond they’ve cherished over the years. He showered praise on Hrithik, dubbing him one of Bollywood’s premier talents, while reflecting on the “graceful” and “never bitter” divorce from Sussanne. Sanjay proudly shares with friends that she gifted Hrithik “two aces of spades”, their sons Hrehaan and Hridaan.

Sanjay Khan Instagram post on Hrithik Roshan

Sanjay Khan shared a touching Instagram snapshot of himself embracing Hrithik Roshan. Another photo captures him beaming with daughter Sussanne and grandsons Hrehaan and Hridaan. His caption reads, “I first met Hrithik Roshan as a teenager, introduced through Zayed. Back then, I needed a new bicycle for my morning rides and casually mentioned it to Zayed. With a grin, he replied, “Hrithik’s your guy for advice on that.” True to his word, Hrithik visited one morning, diving into details about the latest models—like the trendy three-speed gear systems. His explanations were crystal clear, precise, and delivered with a quiet, sincere confidence that left me impressed. Little did I know this young man would one day marry my daughter Sussanne and join our family.”

Khan further added, “Around that time, I’d just finished building the Hilton Golden Palms in Bengaluru. To fine-tune everything before launch—rooms, services, water quality—I wanted friends to test it out. My wife Zarine, with her intuitive warmth, agreed instantly. That choice proved magical, especially as Hrithik skyrocketed to fame with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. Our casual chats revealed a disciplined professional beneath the stardom: focused, respectful, and eager for insights. He’d seek my thoughts on film life, listening intently with those sharp, absorbing eyes. I’ve long told friends his success stems from unwavering dedication and craft. Today, Hrithik stands as one of Bollywood’s finest—actor, star, and eternal student of his art. From Sussanne come my joys, grandsons Hrehaan and Hridhaan—handsome, wonderful boys raised with her signature integrity. Their separation was graceful, never bitter. I proudly joke to friends that she’s gifted Hrithik “two aces of spades.” On January 10th, as millions celebrate, I wish Hrithik a birthday brimming with health, peace, joy, and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Hrithik. I love you, son”.

Hrithik Roshan’s note for Sanjay Khan

Recently, Hrithik posted a heartfelt tribute to his ex-father-in-law Sanjay Khan, clearly showing their bond remains strong. Beyond Sussanne and Sanjay, Hrithik enjoys close ties with other family members like Zayed Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and more.

Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan‘s marriage and separation

Hrithik Roshan wed Sussanne Khan on December 20, 2000, during an intimate ceremony at Bangalore’s Golden Palms Resort. The couple parted ways after 14 years, finalizing their divorce in 2014. Even after separating, they jointly raised their sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

Several thousand Irish farmers took to the streets of central Ireland on Saturday to protest the European Union’s trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur, a day after EU member states approved the deal despite opposition from Ireland and France, according to AFP.Tractors converged on the town of Athlone, with farmers holding placards reading “Stop EU-Mercosur” and banners depicting the European Union flag marked with the words “sell out”. The protest formed part of wider demonstrations across Europe, with farmers marching in Poland and blocking roads in France and Belgium on Friday as the deal received political clearance.The EU–Mercosur agreement, negotiated over more than 25 years, aims to create one of the world’s largest free-trade areas, linking the 27-nation EU with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Under the pact, Mercosur would gain greater access to EU markets for agricultural products and minerals, while European exporters would benefit from lower tariffs on machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Why farmers are protesting

Irish farmers say the deal threatens to undercut domestic agriculture by opening the door to large volumes of cheaper imports, particularly beef, from South America. The agreement is opposed by farm groups over concerns that an additional 99,000 tonnes of low-cost beef could enter the EU market, putting pressure on prices and farm incomes in Ireland.These concerns prompted Ireland, France, Poland, Hungary and Austria to vote against the accord at the EU level.The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), the country’s main farming lobby, described the approval of the deal as “very disappointing” and said it would intensify efforts to block the agreement in the European Parliament.“We expect Irish MEPs to stand behind the farming community and reject the Mercosur deal,” IFA president Francie Gorman said in a statement.Although EU governments have approved the pact, it still requires backing from a majority of Members of the European Parliament in the coming months, where shifting alliances could influence the final outcome.

The Melbourne Derby is rarely short on fireworks, but on January 10, 2026, the 30th match of BBL|15 at Docklands Stadium belonged entirely to the men in green. In a clinical display of power hitting and strategic bowling, the Melbourne Stars dismantled the Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets, chasing down a competitive target with 25 balls to spare. The hero of the night was wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper, whose unbeaten 84 turned a potentially tricky chase into a stroll in the park.

Melbourne Renegades set a formidable foundation against Stars at Docklands

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Melbourne Renegades looked poised for a massive total. Despite losing Tim Seifert early to Tom Curran, Josh Brown played a lone hand of sheer brilliance. Brown’s 80 off 50 deliveries was the backbone of the Renegades’ innings, featuring seven boundaries and four towering sixes. He found brief support from Jake Fraser-McGurk (17) and Mohammad Rizwan (21), taking the team to a comfortable 84/2 at the halfway mark.

However, the Stars’ bowling attack, led by the experienced Marcus Stoinis, triggered a middle-order squeeze. Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3 for 33 and claiming the crucial wickets of Rizwan and Caleb Jewell in consecutive deliveries. Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle provided excellent support at the death, ensuring the Renegades couldn’t capitalize on their Power Surge. Late cameos from Hassan Khan (23) and Will Sutherland helped the Renegades post 166/7, a total that many felt was formidable on a surface offering a hint of grip for the spinners.

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

Sam Harper’s match-winning blitz drives Melbourne Stars to dominant BBL|15 triumph

If the Renegades felt confident at the innings break, that feeling evaporated within the first four overs. Thomas Rogers and Harper came out like men possessed, racing to 50 runs in just 24 balls. Rogers was particularly destructive, smashing 53 off a mere 24 deliveries. His departure, courtesy of a sharp run-out by Fraser-McGurk, did little to stem the flow of runs.

Harper then took full command of the chase. While Rogers provided the initial blast, he provided the sustained heat. Displaying a wide array of innovative sweeps and traditional drives, Harper reached his half-century in 35 balls. He found an able partner in Glenn Maxwell (20*), and together they dismantled the Renegades’ bowling depth.

The Stars utilized their Power Surge effectively, accumulating 26 runs in two overs to kill off any remaining hope for the home side. Harper finished the game in style, remaining 84 not out from 51 balls, an innings punctuated by nine fours and four sixes. The Stars reached 170/2 in just 15.5 overs, securing a massive boost to their net run rate and cementing their position at 2 on the ladder. Harper was rightfully named Player of the Match.

Also READ: Liam Scott’s knock goes in vain as Nathan Ellis’ bowling brilliance guides Hobart Hurricanes to big win over Adelaide Strikers in BBL|15

NEW DELHI: Janshakti Janta Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav has called for former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to be awarded the Bharat Ratna along with Nitish Kumar.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Tej Pratap Yadav said, “Lalu Prasad Yadav should also be awarded the Bharat Ratna. If people are saying that Nitish Kumar should receive it, then give it to him too, because it is said that my father and Nitish Kumar were like brothers... This is Janshakti Janta Dal’s demand…” The comments come days after Janata Dal (United) leader K C Tyagi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to consider bestowing the Bharat Ratna on Nitish Kumar. In his letter, Tyagi described Kumar as a “precious gem” of the socialist movement and said many leaders had received the honour during their lifetime. Referring to the recent awards, Tyagi wrote, “March 30, 2024 was a day to honour our ancestors. Thanks to your efforts, they were bestowed with the highest honour, the ‘Bharat Ratna’.” He added, “Impressed by your efforts, I humbly request that Nitish Kumar, a precious gem of the socialist movement, is also worthy of this honour.”However, the JD(U) quickly distanced itself from Tyagi’s appeal. Party national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said Tyagi’s views did not reflect the organisation’s position. “The former party MP has made several statements in the recent past which have not been in line with the party’s ideology and not the official stand. All statements made by him shall be deemed to have been made in his personal capacity,” Prasad said, adding that office bearers were unsure whether Tyagi continued to hold any post in the party.Reiterating this stand, Prasad later told ANI, “Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is healthy. He is continuously serving the people of the state… He has absolutely no connection to the party’s activities… His statements are made in a personal capacity, and the party has no connection to them.”In 2024, Bharat Ratna awards were conferred on former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.

A Ukrainian drone strike triggered a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s southern Volgograd region on Saturday, regional authorities said, as both sides continued to target energy infrastructure amid intensified fighting. There were no immediate reports of casualties, though residents living near the depot may be evacuated, the regional governor said in a Telegram post carried on the local administration’s channel, as per news agency AP.

The post did not detail the extent of the damage. Kyiv has previously said its long-range drone strikes on Russian energy facilities are aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil export revenues, which it says help finance Russia’s full-scale invasion. Russia has continued its own campaign against Ukrainian power and fuel facilities.The strike came a day after Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, according to Ukrainian officials.At least four people were killed in Kyiv, including an emergency medical worker, while dozens were injured. For only the second time in the nearly four-year war, Russia also used its nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which struck western Ukraine, in a clear warning to Kyiv’s Nato allies, reported AP.Russia’s defence ministry said on Saturday that its forces had used aviation, drones, missiles and artillery to hit Ukrainian energy facilities and fuel-storage depots on Friday and overnight, without specifying locations or damage. The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched 121 drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile overnight into Saturday, adding that 94 drones were shot down.

NEW DELHI: 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again underlined why he is being spoken about as a generational batting talent after producing a breathtaking knock in India U19’s World Cup warm-up match against Scotland. In a game designed primarily for preparation rather than results, Sooryavanshi ensured the focus stayed firmly on him with a scintillating 96 off just 50 deliveries, setting the tone for India’s massive total of 374/8.

Opening the batting after Scotland won the toss and opted to bowl, the left-hander wasted little time in asserting dominance. From the moment he settled in, Sooryavanshi displayed an attacking range well beyond his years.With a nice blend of power-hitting and precision batting, his innings was packed with intent as he found nine 4s. Seven towering sixes showcased his remarkable bat speed and confidence against both pace and spin.Watch:What also stood out was not just the strike rate of 192, but the ease with which the runs flowed from the Bihar-born boy’s bat. Scotland’s bowlers tried varying their lengths and pace, yet Sooryavanshi adapted instantly, using the depth of the crease and his strong bottom hand to punish anything marginally off line. His partnership with Aaron George helped India race past the 140-run mark inside 17 overs.Despite falling four runs short of a century, caught behind while attempting another attacking stroke, Sooryavanshi’s job was well and truly done. His dismissal did little to dampen the impression he left. Riding on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 96 at the top, India U19 piled up a mammoth 374/8 in their 50 overs. The 14-year-old’s blistering start allowed the middle order to bat with freedom, as Aaron George (61), Vihaan Malhotra (77) and Abhigyan Kundu (55) all chipped in with half-centuries.