US stocks edged lower on Monday as investors showed signs of unease over a sharp escalation in tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve, two Washington institutions whose independence markets have traditionally taken for granted. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3 per cent from its record high, while assets that typically benefit during periods of uncertainty, including gold, moved higher, AP reported. The US dollar weakened against major currencies such as the euro and Swiss franc amid concerns that the Federal Reserve’s independence in setting interest rates to control inflation could be under pressure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 432 points, or 0.9 per cent, as of 9:35 am Eastern time, while the Nasdaq composite was nearly flat. The market reaction followed developments over the weekend in which the US Department of Justice subpoenaed the Federal Reserve and threatened a criminal indictment over Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony regarding renovations at the central bank’s headquarters. In an unusual video statement released on Sunday, Powell said his testimony and the renovations were being used as “pretexts” for the threat of criminal charges, which he described as “a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President.” President Donald Trump, in a brief interview with NBC News on Sunday, said he was unaware of the investigation into Powell. Asked whether the probe was intended to pressure the Fed chair on interest rates, Trump said, “No. I wouldn’t even think of doing it that way.” Powell’s term as chair ends in May, and Trump administration officials have indicated that a potential successor could be named as early as this month. Trump has also sought to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The Federal Reserve and the White House have been locked in a public feud over interest rates, with Trump repeatedly calling for deeper rate cuts to stimulate borrowing and economic growth. While the Fed cut its benchmark rate three times last year and has signalled the possibility of further reductions this year, it has moved cautiously — prompting Trump to label Powell “Too Late.” The Fed has long operated independently of political influence, a structure designed to allow it to take difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions, such as keeping rates high to rein in inflation, even at the cost of slower growth. On Wall Street, financial stocks were among the biggest losers after Trump separately proposed a one-year cap of 10 per cent on credit card interest rates, a move that could dent profitability for card issuers. Capital One Financial fell 6 per cent, while American Express dropped 4 per cent. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury edged up to 4.19 per cent from 4.18 per cent late Friday. Overseas, stock markets were mostly higher. European equities rose broadly, while Asian markets advanced sharply, with Hong Kong gaining 1.4 per cent and Shanghai climbing 1.1 per cent after reports that Chinese leaders were preparing additional measures to support economic growth.

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine (ANI)

Shikhar Dhawan has taken a significant personal step, announcing his engagement to long-time partner Sophie Shine through a joint Instagram post that quickly caught the attention of fans and the cricket fraternity alike. The photo, focused on the couple’s rings, marked the moment they officially decided to begin the next chapter together.

Shikhar Dhawan Insta post

The post carried a heartfelt message alongside it: “From shared smiles to shared dreams. Grateful for the love, the blessings and every good wish for our engagement as we choose togetherness forever.” Within minutes of being shared, the announcement drew an outpouring of congratulatory messages, underlining Dhawan’s enduring popularity even after stepping away from the game.

Although Dhawan has largely kept his private life out of the spotlight in recent years, his relationship with Shine has gradually become more visible. Shine, who is Irish, has been based in and around the UAE and works as a product consultant, with professional ties to the financial services sector. She also enjoys a strong social media presence, with an Instagram following in the mid-three-lakh range, which has often brought added attention whenever the couple appear together online. The two made their relationship public on social media on May 1 last year. Reports have previously noted that they first met in Dubai, a detail that resurfaced after the engagement post went viral. In a promotional video circulated earlier, both had spoken about their first meeting at a restaurant, sharing what initially caught their attention about each other. The engagement comes after a period of major change in Dhawan’s life. The former India opener retired from international and domestic cricket in August 2024 and has also spoken openly about moving on after his divorce from Aesha Mukherjee, which was finalised in 2023. No wedding date has been officially announced so far. While some reports have speculated about a possible February 2026 wedding in the Delhi-NCR region, those details remain unconfirmed until the couple share further information themselves.

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File photo: Ex-Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retired)

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Monday clarified that a combination of a “system-driven procedure” and “incomplete details” in former Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash’s (retired) previous enumeration form led to the notice issued to him during Goa’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls drive.The notice to the 81-year-old Vir Chakra awardee and a 1971 war hero had sparked a social media outcry, with veterans and citizens questioning why such a decorated officer was required to “prove” his identity, and that too in person.

Officials confirmed that the form has now been duly completed, and Admiral Prakash is no longer required to appear.In a clarification, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Dr. Medora Ermomilla D’Costa said the Booth Level Officer (BLO) for the Cortalim constituency collected the naval veteran’s form but found it lacked mandatory particulars from previous revisions.The ERO explained, “It was observed that Admiral Prakash’s enumeration form did not contain the mandatory particulars relating to the previous SIR, including the name of the elector, EPIC number, name of the relative, name and number of the assembly constituency, part number, and serial number in the electoral roll.”D’Costa added that in the absence of these details, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) application could not establish an automatic linkage with the existing electoral roll database. “As all the fields pertaining to the previous SIR were left blank, the system categorised the enumeration form under the ‘unmapped’ category,” the clarification mentioned.The official further noted: “As per the standard, system-driven procedure, a hearing notice was automatically generated and issued to enable verification of the elector’s details and ensure due opportunity for confirmation of eligibility.”Admiral Prakash, who has lived in Goa since his 2006 retirement, highlighted on social media the challenges faced by elderly citizens: “I neither need, nor have ever asked for any special privileges… but if the SIR forms are not evoking required info, they should be revised.” He also pointed out that the BLO had visited his home three times and could have requested the missing documents then.(With PTI inputs)

Players of Bangladesh celebrate the wicket of Tilak Varma of India during the Asia Cup match between India and Bangladesh at Dubai International Stadium on September 24, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Sources within the International Cricket Council (ICC) have denied claims that security concerns could prevent the Bangladesh men’s team from travelling to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, clarifying that the cricket board’s risk assessments do not support such a conclusion.The clarification comes after Azif Nazrul, Bangladesh’s sports advisor, told reporters on Monday that the ICC’s security team had validated Dhaka’s concerns and warned of heightened risks for Bangladeshi players and supporters in India.

Nazrul claimed the ICC had flagged increased security threats if star left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman was included in the squad, if fans wore Bangladesh jerseys in public, and if the tournament coincided with Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.Nazrul went further, arguing that these purported observations made it “unrealistic and unreasonable” for Bangladesh to participate in a World Cup hosted in India.In a detailed statement on Monday evening, however, an ICC source rejected that interpretation, saying some public comments had selectively referenced its security risk assessment and misrepresented routine contingency planning as concrete threats.“The ICC’s independent risk assessments, carried out by internationally recognised security experts, do not conclude that Bangladesh cannot play its scheduled matches in India,” said the source in the ICC. It added that the overall security risk for the tournament had been assessed as “low to moderate”, consistent with many major global sporting events.Also read: ‘If Mustafizur Rahman is in team’ – Bangladesh claims ICC flagged security risks in IndiaThe source further clarified, no specific or direct threat has been identified to the Bangladesh team, officials or match venues. The risk associated with Bangladesh’s scheduled fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai has also been assessed as low to moderate, with no indication of dangers that cannot be effectively managed through standard security planning.“The ICC wishes to be clear that it has never suggested, nor would it suggest, that any team should select or exclude players for security reasons, that supporters should be restricted from wearing national colours, or that domestic democratic processes be altered in order to participate in an ICC event,” the source explained.Tensions around Bangladesh’s participation escalated earlier this month after reports that the Bangladesh men’s team had decided not to travel to India for the 2026 tournament, citing safety concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board subsequently confirmed it had formally written to the ICC outlining its position, arguing that prevailing security issues made participation unfeasible if the event were held in India.The backdrop to the dispute also includes recent friction involving Mustafizur Rahman’s release from Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.Bangladesh are due to play three matches in India during the T20 World Cup, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and one match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. They are scheduled to take on West Indies, Italy and England on February 7, 9 and 14, respectively. Bangladesh are then due to take on Nepal in their last league stage game on February 17.

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Erin Andrews didn’t score a touchdown, but she still owned the NFL playoff spotlight. One coat, endless memes, and a reminder that she never misses a beat on the sidelines. (Image via Getty)

Erin Andrews did not throw a pass, catch a touchdown, or call a play on Jan. 11. She still became one of the most talked-about figures of the NFL postseason.During the NFC Wild Card game between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, the Fox Sports sideline reporter shifted attention away from the field with a bold wardrobe choice that quickly took over social media.

Erin Andrews’ sideline outfit turns a Wild Card game into a fashion moment

Andrews appeared on the Fox broadcast wearing an oversized black-and-ivory faux fur coat while reporting from the sidelines in Philadelphia. Game-time temperatures sat in the 30s with heavy wind, making outerwear a necessity. The coat still stood out the moment she went live.Within minutes, screenshots flooded X. Fans labeled it “outfit of the year” and turned the look into a running joke across the NFL internet. The coat’s sharp contrast and exaggerated collar drew instant comparisons to Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians.One fan wrote, “Erin Andrews woke this morning and said ‘Imma slay bi**hes y’all!’” Another added, “Philadelphia, hide your puppies! Erin Andrews is in town.”The reaction did not stay online. Fox analyst Michael Strahan and members of the broadcast repeatedly referenced the coat on air. Andrews brushed it off each time and stayed focused on her reporting.According to Fox Sports and multiple fashion outlets, the coat is Auter’s “THE FOX JACKET” in Smoke Noir. It retails for roughly $950 and features a sculpted oversized collar designed for warmth and mobility. Auter describes the piece as a refined statement in faux fur with a bold black-and-smoke palette.The design worked on television. It also worked as insulation in freezing conditions. That combination fueled the reaction.

Internet jokes follow Erin Andrews while she keeps the broadcast on track

The comparisons escalated as the night went on. Fans likened Andrews to Cruella de Vil, Ric Flair, an emu, and even mafia movie extras. One joked, “Erin Andrews took out the entire polar bear exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo to make this coat.” Merriam-Webster joined the moment with, “Fun fact: a group of emus is called a ‘mob.’”Not all reactions were positive. Some viewers argued the look distracted from the game. Others questioned whether sideline reporters should draw attention with fashion during playoff broadcasts.Veteran media writer Richard Deitsch addressed that debate directly, writing, “The position is valuable is my point. How you feel about specific reporters will always be subjective. Personally, I don’t care what anyone wears. Just ask good Qs, don’t be a league propagandist, and get info.”That is exactly what Andrews did. Despite the noise, she delivered key updates throughout the game. Most notably, she confirmed the Achilles injury suffered by 49ers tight end George Kittle, an injury that ended his season and placed his next year in question.Earlier that day, Andrews also drew attention for her pregame interview outfit while speaking with Christian McCaffrey. That look sparked its own split reaction online. Praise and criticism arrived in equal measure.The moment underscored a familiar reality in sports media. A woman can report accurately, break news, and still have her appearance dominate the conversation.By the end of the night, Andrews’ coat became a viral subplot to a playoff game that already carried high stakes. The Eagles led 13-10 at halftime. Injuries mounted for San Francisco. The Fox broadcast rolled on with Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Tom Rinaldi, and Andrews handling their roles.The coat did not change the outcome of the game. It did something else. It reminded everyone how fast attention moves and how easily it shifts. Andrews stayed steady while the internet ran wild. That part mattered more than the memes.

Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Swaminathan J on Friday called for a fundamental shift in banking supervision, stressing that oversight must move from periodic, point-in-time assessments to continuous awareness, as digital risks increasingly redefine financial stability, PTI reported. Speaking at the Third Annual Global Conference of the College of Supervisors on ‘Issues and Challenges in Banking Supervision in the Digital Era’, Swaminathan said traditional supervisory tools focused on balance sheets and process inspections are no longer sufficient. A bank may appear healthy on paper, he cautioned, yet remain “one incident away from severe disruption”.“The centre of gravity is shifting from the ‘branch and product’ to the ‘pipes and code’,” he said, underlining that stability today depends as much on operational resilience, data integrity and third-party dependencies as on capital and liquidity.Highlighting consumer protection as an early-warning signal, the deputy governor said weak grievance redressal systems should not be treated as minor irritants. From a supervisory perspective, regulators need to assess not just whether grievance frameworks exist, but how they perform — including timeliness of resolution, identification of root causes, repeat failures and whether boards receive clear dashboards on complaint trends and customer pain points.Swaminathan emphasised that supervision must expand beyond individual institutions to include the broader ecosystem in which they operate. Regulators, he said, should move from merely asking “did you comply?” to examining whether institutions can withstand stress, recover quickly and protect customers when things go wrong.For banks, compliance can no longer be a quarter-end exercise. With faster operational cycles, institutions must maintain stronger operational discipline and data governance throughout the year. “When an anomaly is flagged, the ability to explain it and fix it quickly becomes a marker of control maturity,” he said.He also flagged third-party risk as a critical area, stating that outsourcing services does not mean outsourcing responsibility. Banks, he said, need tighter oversight of partners, clearer accountability for incidents and contracts that support audit, access and resilience.As artificial intelligence and advanced analytics become more embedded in banking operations, Swaminathan warned that institutions should be prepared for more intensive supervisory scrutiny on model risk, explainability and fairness, signalling a more intrusive and continuous regulatory approach in the digital era.