Iran has been hit with a near‑total nationwide internet blackout amid widespread anti‑government protests, with independent monitors reporting connectivity has fallen to a tiny fraction of normal levels as authorities restrict access across the country. NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring group, confirmed the blackout has persisted for over 36–48 hours, sharply curtailing Iranians’ ability to communicate and share information.Cybersecurity expert noted the shutdown appears to be an intentional, centrally imposed disruption — often described as an “internet kill switch” — rather than a technical failure, and is intended to limit coverage of events on the ground and disrupt protest coordination. The move appears to be aimed at limiting and hiding the flow of information about alleged abuses and crimes by security forces as nationwide protests challenging Iran’s theocracy continue. Concerns existed that authorities might attempt to interfere with satellite signals to prevent footage of the unrest from reaching the outside world.

According to the Associated Press, at least 116 people have been killed in connection with the nationwide unrest so far.Amnesty International said, “People in Iran daring to express their anger at decades of repression and demand fundamental change are once again being met with a deadly pattern of security forces unlawfully firing at, chasing, arresting and beating protesters.”Alp Toker, CEO of NetBlocks, was quoted by Fox News as saying, “This is Iran’s war against its own population using digital means. This was a piecemeal measure that eventually encompassed the entire country, with the government willing to use this kind of measure for an extended period of time.”He added that “There would be an attempt by the regime to cover up crimes that it may have committed, so this blackout could potentially last for days or weeks.”NetBlocks has described the current blackout as among the most severe ever recorded in Iran. “We are tracking near-total disconnection of internet service across Iran right now, and connectivity is below 2% of ordinary levels,” Toker said. “This is a nationwide disruption that is impacting almost all services, all connectivity and all avenues of life, extending beyond just mobile phones and computers.”The shutdown is affecting essential services, including banks, and severely restricting communication within the country. “There are a few gaps, so it’s possible to communicate with those close to the borders through Wi-Fi or mobile service that crosses borders,” Toker explained. “It’s also occasionally possible to find a part in the service, in a fixed-line service, where they can tunnel through all those, but that is increasingly rare and no longer an option.“Satellite internet, such as Starlink, remains technically feasible but the regime has banned the equipment. “The technology that the Iranian regime uses to trace links is essentially anti-espionage technology,” Toker said.He noted that similar measures were imposed during multi-week blackouts in 2019 and 2022, both coinciding with major protests, including those following the killing of Mahsa Amini. “In past incidents, we did observe that the government attempted to keep a baseline of service available. In this recent case, they pulled the plug, so there’s a far more extreme measure in place here, which suggests that the regime is scared and isn’t taking risks when it comes to the possibility of information reaching the outside world,” he said.Protests fuelled by a deepening economic crisis have swept Iran since they began on December 28, following the collapse of the Iranian rial, as soaring inflation has driven frustrated traders and university students into the streets of major cities, including Tehran. The unrest, challenging Iran’s theocracy, has since intensified. Observers say the demonstrations are the largest since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide anti-government protests. At least 116 people have been killed in violence linked to the nationwide protests challenging Iran’s theocratic leadership. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 2,600 people have also been arrested. With internet access restricted and phone lines cut across Iran, assessing the full scale of the demonstrations has become increasingly difficult.

As the first rays of the 2026 cricketing season dawn, all eyes turn to the cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara. The BCA Stadium in Kotambi is set to make history on Sunday, January 11, by hosting its first-ever men’s One Day International. This series opener between India and New Zealand isn’t just a match; it’s a high-stakes encounter where world-class talent meets a brand-new international venue.

With heavyweights like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the fold under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, and a resilient New Zealand side led by Michael Bracewell looking to repeat their giant-killing heroics, the atmosphere in Baroda is nothing short of electric.

Vadodara Weather Forecast

On Sunday, the city is expected to experience typical winter conditions for Gujarat – bright, sunny, and dry. The maximum temperature will hover around 28°C to 29°C during the afternoon, providing a comfortable environment for the players and the thousands of fans expected to pack the Kotambi stands.

As the sun sets over the BCA Stadium, the mercury is projected to dip significantly, reaching a minimum of 15°C to 16°C. While there is absolutely zero probability of rain, the humidity levels are expected to rise from 40% in the afternoon to nearly 65% late in the evening. For the players, this means a pleasant day in the field, but for the strategists, the dropping temperatures signal the arrival of a familiar foe: the evening moisture.

Dew Factor

In day-night ODIs across the Indian subcontinent, dew often plays a more decisive role than the opposition’s bowling attack. At the Kotambi International Stadium, which is situated on the outskirts of the city amidst open fields, the impact of dew is expected to be substantial. As the temperature drops after 6:30 PM, a thick layer of moisture will likely settle on the outfield, making the ball greasy and difficult to grip for the spinners and the seamers alike.

For the Indian spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, the second innings could become a battle of control. A wet ball rarely turns as effectively and often skids onto the bat, significantly neutralizing any assistance the pitch might offer. Consequently, the team bowling second will need to be equipped with plenty of saw-dust and towels to manage the “invisible twelfth man” that often turns a competitive total into an easy chase.

Also READ: Former opener explains how Yashasvi Jaiswal can become a three-format player for Team India

Toss Prediction

Given the significant dew forecast, the toss prediction for the 1st ODI heavily favors the side winning the coin flip to bowl first. Captain Gill and his counterpart Michael Bracewell are well aware that defending a total becomes a nightmare once the ball becomes like a bar of soap.

Statistically, at newer venues like the BCA Stadium—where the pitch is fresh and the bounce is true—chasing provides a tactical advantage. By bowling first, a team can exploit any early morning moisture or zip available for pacers. More importantly, it ensures their own batters have the best of the conditions under the lights, where the ball will likely come onto the bat much better due to the skidding effect of the dew.

Par Score at the BCA stadium

On this surface, a score of 280-290 is no longer considered safe. To truly challenge a chasing team under the lights, the side batting first should aim for a minimum target of 315-325. India’s pace attack should prioritize early wickets with the new ball while it swings, whereas New Zealand must use cutters and variations to stifle the middle-order scoring rate. For the chasing side, the strategy is to keep wickets in hand to capitalize on the skidding ball and wet outfield during the final 15 overs of the match.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra names Indian cricket’s top 5 defining moments of 2025

NEW DELHI: Elon Musk-owned X admitted its mistake and stated it would comply with Indian law as it blocked 3,500 pieces of content and deleted over 600 accounts linked to obscene imageries generated using the platform’s AI tool, Grok.“The social media platform ‘X’ has admitted its mistake and stated that it will comply with Indian law. Around 3,500 pieces of content were blocked, and over 600 accounts were deleted. Going forward, X will not allow obscene imagery,” government sources told news agency ANI.The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had raised concerns over obscene and harmful content allegedly generated by Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok. The ministry sent a letter to X (formerly Twitter), the social media website owned by Elon Musk, pointing out failures in moderating AI-generated content on its platform. The ministry highlighted concerns that the Grok and other services of xAI have been used to generate and distribute obscene or non-consensual images, particularly targeting the dignity and privacy of women. Through the letter, the government has also sought a report on the actions taken by the company, and the immediate removal of illegal materials.ALSO READ | AI tool to ‘undress women’: Grok under fire for generating non-consensual sexualised images; Musk pokes funNow, X has submitted a reply to the ministry, however, the officials described it as ‘not adequate’, saying the response by the social media platform lacked specific actions taken and preventive steps implemented.Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had written to IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the government to urgently step in over what she described as a disturbing rise in the misuse of AI tools to sexualise women on social media, particularly on X.In her letter, Priyanka Chaturvedi called for strict “guardrails” on AI chatbots such as Grok, saying social media platforms must be made “a safe space for women”. She also underlined the need for better education of men from an early age to prevent such behaviour.“Have sought urgent attention and intervention of the IT Minister to take the issue of increasing incidents of AI apps being prompted to sexualise and undress women by unauthorised use of their images on social media,” Chaturvedi said in a post on X.In the letter shared publicly, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader flagged what she called an emerging trend on X, where men operating fake accounts allegedly upload photos of women and use AI prompts to minimise their clothing or sexualise them.“It is not just limited to sharing photos through fake accounts but are also targeting women who post their own photos,” she wrote.Calling the practice an “unacceptable and gross misuse of an AI function,” Chaturvedi also criticised Grok for “enabling this behaviour by adhering to such requests”.She described such acts as a “breach of women’s right to privacy” and termed them “criminal”, adding that similar instances were “going absolutely unchecked” across other platforms as well.ALSO READ | Elon Musk’s Grok AI restricts image editing features to paid X users after Deepfakes go viral across the world

Ryan Rickelton of MI Cape Town celebrates his century during match 20 of the Betway SA20 season 4 between Joburg Super Kings (JSK) and MI Cape Town (MICT) held at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Sandton, Johannesburg , South Africa on the 10th January 2026. (Photo credit: Gaunt / Sportzpics for SA20)

Ryan Rickelton continued his love affair with the Wanderers as the MI Cape Town opener became the first batter in SA20 history to score multiple centuries, powering the defending champions to a thumping 36-run win over Joburg Super Kings in the tournament’s showpiece El Clasico.After being put in, MI Cape Town produced a blistering start through Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen, the pair reviving memories of their famous 200-run stand two seasons ago with another dominant opening partnership. Van der Dussen was ruthless against anything short or full, racing to 65 off just 32 balls, while Rickelton anchored the onslaught with authority and control. Their 129-run stand in 10.2 overs left the Super Kings reeling and set up a massive total.

Although Nicholas Pooran and Jason Smith could not fully cash in, Rickelton ensured the platform was not wasted. The left-hander launched Nandre Burger for a sequence of boundaries and a reminder of his six-hitting range to reach a sparkling century off 55 balls, eventually finishing unbeaten on 113. A late cameo from Karim Janat pushed MI Cape Town to a formidable 234 for 3.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Joburg Super Kings were immediately on the back foot in reply, made tougher by the absence of captain Faf du Plessis. Kagiso Rabada and George Linde struck early to rip through the top order, leaving JSK chasing the game. James Vince played a superb counter-attacking hand, compiling 77 off 43 balls, and with Dian Forrester briefly raised hopes through a fourth-wicket stand.

But once Vince fell, the target proved too steep. Forrester’s brave 80 not out was not enough as Linde and Rabada closed out the chase at 198 for 5, completing a clinical all-round performance that keeps MI Cape Town firmly in the title hunt.Brief Scores MI Cape Town: 234 for 3 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 113 not out, Rassie van der Dussen 65; Daniel Worrall 2/37) Joburg Super Kings: 198 for 5 in 2o overs (Dian Forrester 80 not out, James Vince 77; George Linde 2/30, Kagiso Rabada 2/34)

NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, speaking at an election meeting in Solapur, Maharashtra, on Friday said that while Pakistan’s Constitution restricts the posts of Prime Minister and President to followers of a particular religion, India’s Constitution allows any citizen to hold such positions.Owaisi highlighted the inclusivity of India’s Constitution, framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar, saying it allows anyone to become Prime Minister, President, chief minister, or mayor.

He said, “His dream was that a day would come when a Hijab-clad woman would rise to become the Prime Minister of India. The day will come in future.”Responding to Owaisi’s remarks, Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane said, Asaduddin Owaisi does not dare to make such statements in our Hindu nation. This is our Hindu nation, where 90% of the population is Hindu. Women who wear hijab or burqa will not become the Prime Minister or the Mayor of Mumbai.”“Those who wish to hold such positions should go to their own Islamic countries, like Karachi. Here, they have no place. Women who wear hijab or burqa will not become Prime Minister or Mayor in Mumbai,” he added further.Also read: ‘Dhamki de raha hai mujhe, bolo aajao?’: Waris Pathan responds to Nitesh RaneOn Nitish Rane’s statement, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan said, “The Constitution of India governs this country, and according to it, anyone can become the Prime Minister, Governor, or Mayor. What did he (Asaduddin Owaisi) say wrong? He said that it is our wish that one day a woman wearing a hijab will become the Prime Minister of the country… The one who is threatening me should tell me where to come? We are not afraid of their threats.“BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised and challenged Owaisi. In a post on ‘X’, he said, “Hijabwali will become PM says Miyaan Owaisi. Constitution stops nobody but I challenge you make a Pasmanda or Hijabwali as your president of AIMIM first.”The controversy comes amid growing attention on Mumbai’s upcoming civic elections. After the mayoral election victory of Zohran Mamdani, 34 — the first South Asian, Muslim, Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam, who is also the MLA from Andheri West, posted on social media, “We will not allow any Khan to become mayor.” Calling it ‘vote jihad’, Satam said an attempt was being made to bring to Mumbai the same kind of politics as was seen in New York City.

Adelaide Strikers return home to the Adelaide Oval for a high-stakes encounter against the Perth Scorchers in Match 32 of BBL|15. With the tournament entering its business end, this match is a classic “six-pointer.” The Scorchers are fighting to stay in the top two, while the Strikers are desperate to break back into the top four following a string of inconsistent results.

Perth Scorchers currently sit at 2nd on the points table with 4 wins and 3 losses. They have dominated recent meetings, including a convincing 33-run victory over the Strikers just a week ago in Perth. The Adelaide Strikers are positioned at 5th, coming off a tough away loss to the Hobart Hurricanes. While they have been travel-weary, their home form remains their greatest asset; both of their signature wins this season have come at the Adelaide Oval.

AS vs PS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 11 (Sunday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 6:45 pm Local
• Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

AS vs PS, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 28 | Adelaide Strikers won: 12 | Perth Scorcher won: 16 | No result/Tied: 0

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

Adelaide Oval is widely regarded as a paradise for batters in the BBL, thanks to its even bounce and reliable pace that reward free-flowing stroke play. That said, the ground is not without its tests. Under lights, the new ball can move through the air and off the seam, giving fast bowlers a chance to strike early. As the match progresses, the surface tends to slow slightly in the middle overs, bringing spinners and bowlers with smart variations into the contest.

Squad

Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short (c), Chris Lynn, Mackenzie Harvey, Liam Scott, Harry Manenti, Jamie Overton, Jerrssis Wadia, Luke Wood, Harry Nielsen (wk), Hasan Ali, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Henry Thornton

Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Sam Fanning, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Brody Couch, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jhye Richardson, Laurie Evans, Joel Paris, David Payne, Corey Rocchiccioli

Also WATCH: Sean Abbott rattles Jack Wildermuth’s stumps with a peach of a delivery in BBL|15

AS vs PS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Adelaide Strikers wins the toss and bats first
• Adelaide Strikers’ powerplay score: 48-58 (6 overs)
• Adelaide Strikers’ total score: 170-185

Case 2:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bats first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 52-62 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 175-195

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Riley Meredith floors Mackenzie Harvey with an unplayable delivery in BBL|15

MUMBAI: Just four days before her retirement on Jan 3, former DGP Rashmi Shukla submitted a report to the state home department saying an offence should be registered against ex-DGP and former Mumbai police commissioner Sanjay Pandey, along with two other police officers, for conspiring to arrest Devendra Fadnavis, who was opposition leader, and Eknath Shinde, who was UD minister, during the tenure of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) govt.An SIT was formed to probe the issue raised in the assembly by MLC Pravin Darekar, and it submitted its report to the govt. Shukla was asked to submit her opinion on the report. Pandey declined to comment.The SIT had investigated the allegation of a criminal conspiracy to implicate Fadnavis and Shinde in an urban land ceiling (ULC) certificates scam case. The scam pertained to builders who allegedly submitted bogus ULC certificates and were exempted from surrendering 5% excess land to govt. During the MVA govt’s tenure, Thane police investigated businessman Sanjay Punamia, who was in a dispute with his business partner Shaymsundar Agarwal, in the scam. Afterwards, Punamia had alleged he was pressured to give a statement against Fadnavis and Shinde in the ULC scam.Shukla suggested the govtregister an FIR against Pandey and police officers Laxmikant Patil and Sardar Patil for criminal conspiracy, a public servant disobeying the law, fabricating false evidence, and threatening a person to give a false statement, for conspiring to implicate Fadnavis and Shinde in an old case registered in Thane in 2016.Laxmikant Patil, then DCP, crime, Thane, used a govt vehicle to visit Mantralaya, Vidhan Bhavan, the office of the DGP and Sahyadri guest house in Mumbai, but instead of mentioning the exact location of those offices, on his instructions, his drivers wrote only “Mumbai” in the vehicle’s log book, which created suspicion about his behaviour. It was alleged that Laxmikant Patil exerted pressure on the accused and witnesses. It was also stated that Shukla found that while Punamia was in police custody in a case registered in 2021 in Thane, Patil interrogated him regarding the ULC scam case and pressurised him to give a false statement that Fadnavis extorted money from builders in the ULC scam case.

Protesters in Minnesota (AP photo)

Anger over the killing of a woman by a US immigration agent in Minneapolis spilled onto the streets across US on Saturday. The demonstrations came three days after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a US citizen, during an encounter in south Minneapolis. She was sitting in her car when she was shot. Videos of the incident, filmed from different angles, spread quickly online and triggered sharp and emotional reactions across the country.

Minnesota state leaders described the shooting as an unjustified use of lethal force against a civilian who was trying to leave the scene. The Trump administration offered a very different version, claiming Ms Good tried to run over the agent. Officials said the agent acted in self-defence.

How protest spread

On Saturday, protest groups under the banner “ICE out for good” organised rallies across the country, including in cities that have been key targets of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.In Minneapolis, the response was immediate and intense. Protesters marched through immigrant neighbourhoods despite freezing January temperatures, chanting against ICE. Police used tear gas near a federal building close to the airport. Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting and placed National Guard troops on alert.The White House responded by sending more federal agents to the city. City officials said most protests were peaceful, though 29 people were arrested on Friday night after a smaller group vandalised property and refused to disperse.

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What began as local outrage soon turned into a national protest movement. Videos of the shooting circulated widely, while civil rights groups and activists issued calls for demonstrations across the country. The anger was further fuelled by the Portland shooting, which many protesters cited as part of a wider pattern involving federal immigration enforcement.By the weekend, protests had spread rapidly. In Portland, demonstrators gathered by the river, holding signs and chanting “Abolish ICE.” In New York, people stood outside ICE offices in the rain. In Los Angeles, a group of protesters gathered near Pershing Square.Similar scenes were reported in Houston, Austin, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, Omaha, and several smaller towns.In Austin, Democratic lawmaker Greg Casar addressed protesters and called for the removal of Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, who has publicly defended the ICE agent involved.“We cannot wait here in despair. We cannot do nothing. We cannot fall into hopelessness. ” Casar told protestors.Minnesota lawmakers Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison also accused ICE of blocking congressional oversight after they were asked to leave an immigration facility shortly after entering it.