Punjab’s Prabhsimran Singh plays a shot during the 3rd quarterfinal match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 between Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground, in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Punjab booked a place in the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a 183-run win over Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinal in Bengaluru on Tuesday.Batting first, Punjab posted 345 for six in 50 overs. Captain Prabhsimran Singh led the scoring with 88 off 86 balls. He was supported by Anmolpreet Singh, who scored 70 from 62 balls, Nehal Wadhera with 56 off 38 deliveries, and opener Harnoor Singh, who made 51 off 71 balls. Ramandeep Singh added 24 off 15 balls at the end to push the total close to 350.
Look who is back! Virat Kohli arrives for the ODI series vs South Africa
Punjab got off to a strong start as Prabhsimran and Harnoor put on 116 runs for the opening wicket in a little over 21 overs. Madhya Pradesh got their first breakthrough in the 22nd over when Aryan Pandey dismissed Harnoor. Anmolpreet then joined Prabhsimran and kept the scoring rate steady.Prabhsimran was dismissed in the 30th over after being caught off Kuldeep Sen’s bowling. Naman Dhir made 23 off 20 balls before Punjab reached 199 for three in the 36th over. Nehal Wadhera then accelerated the innings, adding 76 runs for the fourth wicket with Anmolpreet. Punjab maintained momentum through quick running and boundaries in the final overs.For Madhya Pradesh, Tripuresh Singh returned figures of 2 for 61 from 10 overs, while captain Venkatesh Iyer took two wickets for 60 runs in seven overs.In reply, Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 162 in 31.2 overs. They lost wickets early and were 66 for five in the 17th over. Rajat Patidar top-scored with 38 off 40 balls, but his dismissal in the 27th over left MP at 132 for seven. Tripuresh Singh was the only other batter to cross 30, scoring 31.Punjab’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Sanvir Singh leading the attack with figures of 3 for 31 in six overs. Gurnoor Brar, Krish Bhagat and Ramandeep Singh picked up two wickets each.Brief scores:Punjab 345/6 in 50 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 88, Anmolpreet Singh 70, Nehal Wadhera 56, Harnoor Singh 51)Madhya Pradesh 162 all out in 31.2 overs (Rajat Patidar 38; Sanvir Singh 3/31)
The Los Angeles Rams received a major boost ahead of their NFC Divisional Round clash after head coach Sean McVay shared a reassuring update on quarterback Matthew Stafford.Stafford, who picked up a sprained index finger on his throwing hand during the Rams’ wild-card win over the Carolina Panthers, is expected to play without restrictions this weekend. McVay made it clear that the veteran quarterback’s injury will not keep him off the field.
How Matthew Stafford suffered the injury
The injury occurred late in the first half of the Rams’ dramatic 34-31 win over the Panthers. Stafford’s throwing hand struck the helmet of a defender during his follow-through on a pass, causing his index finger to bend awkwardly. Despite the discomfort, Stafford stayed in the game and finished strong.X-rays taken after the game were negative, ruling out any fracture. The diagnosis confirmed a sprain, which initially raised some concern given the importance of grip and control for a quarterback, especially in playoff conditions.
Matthew Stafford injury update
Speaking to reporters, McVay downplayed any long-term worry. “He’s as tough as it gets and will be good to go,” the Rams coach said, adding that Stafford has already shown he can push through pain when it matters most.McVay also noted that Stafford’s ability to finish the wild-card game and lead a late game-winning drive showed everything the team needed to see. The quarterback threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, including the decisive score in the final minute.Stafford himself has sounded unconcerned about the injury. He admitted the finger felt stiff during the game but said adrenaline helped him push through. With treatment during the week, he expects the finger to feel even better by kickoff.The Rams now head to Chicago to face the Chicago Bears, where cold and windy conditions are expected at Soldier Field. Temperatures could dip into the teens, adding another layer of difficulty for passing offenses.However, Stafford is no stranger to harsh weather. After spending 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, he has plenty of experience playing in cold NFC North conditions and has insisted the weather will not be an excuse.Stafford’s availability is huge for Los Angeles. The 36-year-old is in the middle of one of the best seasons of his career and is a key reason the Rams are still alive in the playoffs. With McVay confirming there will be no limitations, the Rams can stick to their full offensive game plan.As the Rams chase a spot in the NFC Championship game, all eyes will now be on Stafford’s performance. If his wild-card showing is any indication, the injury is unlikely to slow him down when it matters most.Also Read:What comes next for Mike Tomlin following Steelers’ latest postseason disappointment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Emmanuel Bonne, French President Macron’s diplomatic advisor, reinforcing the robust India-France strategic partnership. Discussions entailed collaboration in innovation, technology, and education, with both nations marking the India-France Year of Innovation. The leaders also exchanged views on significant regional and global matters, anticipating President Macron’s upcoming visit to India.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French president Emmanuel Macron, and reaffirmed the strength of the India–France strategic partnership, asserting growing cooperation across key sectors including innovation, technology and education. In a post on X, PM Modi said the discussions reflected the “strong and trusted India–France Strategic Partnership” and noted the expanding scope of bilateral collaboration as the two countries mark the India–France Year of Innovation.“Delighted to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Macron. Reaffirmed the strong and trusted India–France Strategic Partnership, marked by close cooperation across multiple domains,” the Prime Minister said.He added that it was “encouraging to see our collaboration expanding into innovation, technology and education,” and said the two sides also exchanged views on “key regional and global issues”. The PM said he looked forward to welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron to India soon.India and France share a long-standing strategic partnership spanning defence, space, nuclear energy, climate action and the Indo-Pacific. The meeting comes amid continued high-level engagement between the two countries aimed at deepening cooperation in emerging technologies and global governance.
You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/multiple-drone-sightings-reported-in-j-ks-keri-sector-along-the-line-of-control-2nd-time-in-48-hours-10744147” on this server.
Ulhasnagar: Barely an hour after campaigning for the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation elections ended on Tuesday, police seized around Rs 50 lakh in cash from an autorickshaw in the Camp No. 4 area, triggering political ripples and raising suspicions of voter inducement.The incident took place near Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk at Subhash Tekdi. Independent candidate Naresh Gaikwad alleged that the cash was being transported for distribution among voters during the election. Acting on suspicion, he followed the autorickshaw from the Camp No. 3 area. When the vehicle reached Ambedkar Chowk, the occupants reportedly abandoned it and fled the spot.Gaikwad detained the autorickshaw driver and handed him over to the Vitthalwadi police. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a bag containing bundles of cash, estimated at around Rs 50 lakh. The seizure drew a large crowd at the spot, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to maintain law and order.Police officials said the cash has been taken into custody and the autorickshaw driver has been detained for questioning. “We are investigating the source of the money and its intended purpose. It is also being verified whether the cash is linked to any political party or candidate,” a senior police officer said.Further investigation is underway to establish ownership of the cash and determine whether it was meant to influence voters ahead of polling.
Actor and cricketer Virat Kohli‘s wife Anushka Sharma generally stays away from the spotlight, but she marked a personal moment on social media on her daughter Vamika’s birthday.As Vamika turned three on January 11, Anushka shared a post on Instagram and wrote a note about motherhood and how it has changed her life. She said she would not want to return to a time before becoming a parent.
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach makes a big statement on 2027 ODI World Cup
“And I would not go back to any version of me that did not know you, my child. 11 January 2021,” she captioned her Instagram story, while sharing a post.
Anushka married cricketer Virat Kohli in Italy on December 11, 2017. The couple welcomed their daughter Vamika on January 11, 2021. On February 15, 2024, they became parents to a son, Akaay.On the professional front, Anushka has not appeared in a film for over six years. She was last seen in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Zero. She later worked on a biopic based on former India cricketer Jhulan Goswami, though the film is yet to be released.Virat Kohli, meanwhile, continued his run of scores in One-Day Internationals. He made 93 off 91 balls against New Zealand in the first ODI in Vadodara on Sunday. His form has improved after a difficult phase that included two ducks in Australia in October. Since then, he has scored 677 runs in seven innings, with three centuries and four half-centuries.The run also includes scores of 131 and 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The pursuit of the 85th international century reaches a fever pitch as India lands in Rajkot for the 2nd ODI against New Zealand on January 14, 2026. Following a high-stakes series opener at Vadodara, where India chased down 301 to take a 1-0 lead, the spotlight remains firmly on Virat Kohli.
Although India secured a four-wicket win, the King experienced a heartbreak of sorts, falling for a masterful 93 off 91 balls. Dismissed just seven runs shy of his 54th ODI ton by Kyle Jamieson in the 40th over, Kohli’s knock was the backbone of the chase, featuring his signature flick-shots and peerless strike rotation.
While the team celebrated the win, fans are now desperate for that elusive 85th ton at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a venue where Kohli has a record of remarkable consistency but is yet to cross the triple-figure mark in ODIs. With his current red-hot form, Rajkot’s flat deck provides the perfect stage for him to finally bridge that 7-run gap.
Virat Kohli’s ODI record at Niranjan Shah Stadium (Rajkot)
Virat Kohli’s history at the Niranjan Shah Stadium (formerly SCA Stadium) is a tale of incredible individual starts that have rarely resulted in Indian victories. Across four separate ODI appearances, he has scored four consecutive half-centuries, proving he reads this pitch better than anyone else, yet he is still hunting for his first century here.
1) Game 1: vs England (Jan 11, 2013)
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)
In the first-ever ODI at this venue, Kohli walked into a massive chase of 326. He looked in sublime touch immediately, racing to 15 runs off 18 balls with three boundaries before a rare lapse in concentration saw him caught off James Tredwell. While his contribution was small in volume, his intent was clear on a batting beauty. However, despite half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, India lost by a narrow 9 runs, finishing at 316/9. This match established the stadium’s reputation as a high-scoring graveyard for bowlers.
2) Game 2: vs South Africa (Oct 18, 2015)
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)
Chasing 271 on a pitch that began to grip and turn, Kohli played a masterpiece of an anchor role. He scored 77 runs off 99 balls, striking 5 boundaries and keeping India on course alongside MS Dhoni. He looked certain to carry India home, but a tired shot against Morne Morkel in the 45th over saw him hole out to long-on. His dismissal triggered a collapse, and India eventually fell short by 18 runs. It was a classic case of Kohli doing the heavy lifting only for the finish to remain out of reach.
3) Game 3: vs Australia (Jan 17, 2020)
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)
Kohli finally tasted team success at Rajkot in this high-pressure encounter. After a solid start by Dhawan, Kohli walked in and dismantled the Australian spin duo of Zampa and Agar. He hammered 78 runs off 76 balls, showcasing elite running between the wickets. His partnership with KL Rahul propelled India to a massive 340/6. Unlike previous occasions, the bowlers backed his effort, and India bowled Australia out for 304 to win by 36 runs. This remains Kohli’s highest score at the venue to date.
4) Game 4: vs Australia (Sept 27, 2023)
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)
In a mammoth chase of 353, Kohli once again proved he is a different beast in Rajkot. He looked arguably the most comfortable batter on the park, timing the ball with ease to reach 56 runs off 61 balls (5 fours, 1 six). He was set for a big one until he played a Glenn Maxwell delivery straight to mid-wicket. His dismissal at 171/3 effectively ended India’s realistic hopes of a chase, and they lost by 66 runs. This marked his fourth 50+ score in as many games at the ground, leaving him with a ground average of 56.50.
Since announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli has entered a “specialist phase” that has the cricketing world in awe. By stepping away from the long-form game after 123 Tests and 9,230 runs, he has focused his physical and mental reserves exclusively on the 50-over format. This shift has resulted in a staggering peak in performance; since June 2025, Kohli has scored four centuries in his last eight ODIs, including back-to-back tons against South Africa () in late 2025.
In the current series against New Zealand, he achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs (624 innings), breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record by 20 innings. His current ODI average has climbed back above 58.00, and he is batting with a strike rate of 105+, suggesting that the King is more dangerous than ever when he only has one format to conquer. He is no longer playing for survival or rank; he is playing with the clinical freedom of a man destined to retire at the very top of the World Cup 2027.
US President Donald Trump will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos later this month, accompanied by at least five Cabinet members, as global leaders gather against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. The five-day summit will begin on January 18 in the Swiss ski resort town, organisers announced on Tuesday.As per news agency PTI, at least 64 heads of state or government are expected to attend the annual meeting, with six of the seven G7 nations represented by their top leadership. China and Pakistan will also send large delegations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is among the leaders expected to be present, with the forum set to focus closely on the situation in Ukraine, the war in Gaza and developments in Latin America, including Venezuela.WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said the meeting comes at a time of extraordinary global strain, describing the current geopolitical situation as the most complex since 1945. Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty, but an urgent necessity today, he said, underlining the forum’s theme of fostering a spirit of dialogue.“At a critical juncture for international cooperation – marked by profound geoeconomic and technological transformation – this year’s Annual Meeting will be one of our most consequential. With historic levels of participation, it will provide a space for an unparalleled mix of global leaders and innovators to work through and look beyond divisions, gain insight into a fast-shifting global landscape, and advance solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s biggest and most pressing challenges,” he added.Trump is expected to lead the largest-ever US delegation to Davos. According to PTI, those accompanying him include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. As per news agency AFP, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East and Ukraine, will also attend. Trump had addressed Davos via video last year, but his in-person participation this time follows a year marked by aggressive tariff measures that reshaped global trade dynamics.India will also feature prominently at the summit with a strong political and corporate presence. As per PTI, at least four Union ministers — Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi and K Ram Mohan Naidu — are expected, along with six chief ministers, including Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis, Andhra Pradesh’s N Chandrababu Naidu, Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma, Madhya Pradesh’s Mohan Yadav, Telangana’s A Revanth Reddy and Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren. Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is also likely to attend.More than 100 Indian CEOs are expected in Davos, including Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, Bajaj Group’s Sanjiv Bajaj, Bharti Group’s Sunil Bharti Mittal and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, according to PTI. Indian leaders will take part in panel discussions, including one examining whether India can become the world’s third-largest economy, besides holding bilateral meetings and attending India-focused events on the sidelines.Overall, the WEF expects more than 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including over 1,700 business leaders and a record number of political leaders, along with representatives from civil society, global financial institutions and technology companies, reinforcing Davos’s role as a key platform for global dialogue.
NEW DELHI: India’s ace shuttler Lakshya Sen began his India Open Super 750 campaign on a strong note on Tuesday. He moved into the second round with a comfortable straight-game win over fellow Indian Ayush Shetty. The match was played at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.Lakshya, the 2021 World Championships bronze medallist, was in control from the start. He defeated the 20-year-old Ayush 21-12, 21-15. Ayush was playing his first match at the Super 750 level and found it tough against the experienced campaigner.
‘Really poor’: India Open under fire as Denmark badminton player criticises playing conditions
After the match, Lakshya spoke about the conditions and the challenge ahead.“I didn’t expect it to be too tricky, but I think it will get better from the second round,” Lakshya said.He also spoke about adapting to the new hall.“We thought the hall was big, so the shuttle might travel a little bit slower, but I think it was quick, and also there was a little bit drift or sideways, but I think again, first round it’s always we have to adapt to the situations.”Lakshya praised his opponent and said he was staying focused.“He’s a really, really good opponent, and I had to come really prepared for the match. I’m just taking one match at a time, so I’m not thinking, I think, too wide, just focusing on the next match.”In the opening game, Lakshya dominated early at the net. He raced to a 17-6 lead. Ayush tried to fight back and won a few points in a row, but Lakshya closed the game without trouble. The second game was more competitive. Ayush started well and led early. Lakshya soon found his rhythm. He tightened his shots and forced errors. He pulled ahead late and sealed the match with a strong winner.Lakshya will next face Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto. Nishimoto advanced after his compatriot Kodai Naraoka retired mid-match.In women’s doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also started well. The Indian pair won 21-15, 21-11 against Thailand’s Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn and Sukitta Suwachai. They will now play China’s seventh-seeded pair Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min.In men’s doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun won their first-round match against Malaysia’s Teo Ee Yi and Ong Yew Sin. They will face China’s fourth seeds next. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty moved into the next round after receiving a walkover.Lakshya also spoke about planning his season carefully.“I think we have big tournaments coming up this year, so I think it will be important to maintain a good ranking but also peak at the right time for the big ones,” he said.“So just I think in the training plan for the year or the tournament plans I think we have made it skipped a few tournaments also to get a good practice so that towards the end when we have big tournaments like Asian games and world championship coming up so we are better prepared for those ones.”Elsewhere, men’s singles fourth seed Chou Tien Chen and French sixth seed Alex Lanier were knocked out on the opening day.ALSO READ: Fresh controversy amid Olympics 2036 ambitions: Denmark badminton player Mia Blichfeldt blasts India Open conditions
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Iranian protestors to continue their demonstration, take over the institutions, and said that “help is on its way.”In a post on Truth Social, Trump also dropped the “MIGA” term, suggesting “Make Iran Great Again” and announced that he had cancelled all his meeting with Iranian officials.
Trump Bombs Iran, Rebrands MAGA As MIGA; Tehran Gamble Shocks America
Follow Iran Live Updates “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump said in a post.
Protests triggered by worsening economic conditions spread to all 31 provinces in Iran, according to reports.As per reports by Reuters, around 2,000 people were killed and more than 10,700 were arrested, though Iran’s govt did not release official casualty figures.The Associated Press said it was unable to independently verify the toll due to widespread internet shutdowns and restrictions on reporting.Iran’s economy remained under severe strain, with the rial collapsing to more than 1.4 million to the dollar amid soaring inflation and rising prices for basic goods. Anger was also fuelled by cuts to fuel subsidies and the removal of preferential exchange rates for most imports.The unrest came as Iran faced mounting external pressure following a 12-day war with Israel in June, US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and the weakening of Tehran’s regional allies.US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond if Iran continues to “violently kill peaceful protesters.”
