The US State Department has revoked more than 100,000 visas in 2025, the highest annual total on record. The figure is more than double the roughly 40,000 revocations reported in 2024.The department said the increase follows a January 2025 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which reinstated stricter foreign-vetting rules and expanded post-issuance checks. The revocations span several visa categories.

Officials said about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised work visas were cancelled. These cases involved visa holders who had encounters with US law enforcement for criminal activity. The majority of overall revocations, however, involved business and tourist visas, particularly overstays.A State Department spokesperson said many student and worker visas were revoked following arrests or criminal charges. Others were cancelled after reviews under enhanced screening procedures. Among specialised workers, cited offences included driving under the influence, assault, theft, fraud and drug-related cases.The surge comes alongside the rollout of a “continuous vetting” system. Under the programme, visa holders can be reviewed even after they enter the United States. In August 2025, the department said it was reviewing the status of around 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas.The enforcement drive also includes renewed use of the “public charge” rule. The rule allows visas to be denied or revoked if applicants are assessed as likely to rely on public benefits. Factors considered include health, age, financial resources and English proficiency.Officials said the policy is aimed at strengthening public safety and national security. They added that reviews and revocations will continue under the current framework.The scale of the cancellations has drawn attention from universities, employers and immigration groups. They have raised concerns about due process and the impact on international students and skilled workers. Earlier student visa revocations in 2025 prompted legal challenges and calls for clearer guidance.The State Department said additional reviews are expected to continue into 2026 as the expanded vetting measures remain in place.

Post-match press conferences in franchise leagues are usually routine affairs—discussions about pitch conditions, turning points in the match, and individual performances. However, a recent media interaction during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) took a sharp turn when veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi lost his cool. Following a match between Nabi’s Noakhali Express and the Dhaka Capitals, the seasoned cricketer visibly snapped when dragged into the highly sensitive and politically charged controversy surrounding Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman and his participation in the upcoming IPL 2026.

The atmosphere in the press room shifted dramatically when a local reporter directed a question at Nabi regarding his thoughts on the current situation facing Mustafizur.

Nabi, known for his calm demeanor on the field, was visibly irritated by the line of questioning. He immediately recognized that the topic—which involves complex cricketing boards and diplomatic relations between two other nations—had absolutely no relevance to him as an Afghan player or to the BPL match that had just concluded. Shutting down the reporter instantly, Nabi responded in Hindi, expressing his frustration at being pulled into matters outside his purview.

“Iska merese kya lena dena bhai? Mera Mustafizur se kya kaam hai? Politics me kya kaam hai mera? (What does this have to do with me, brother? What business do I have with Mustafizur),” Nabi retorted sharply.

He further clarified his stance, adding, “I know he is a good bowler, all these things. But the way you are questioning, it’s not related to me.”

Here’s the video:

🚨Afghanistan cricketer Mohammad Nabi silenced Bangladesh propaganda.😡
When questioned about Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release, Nabi lost his temper and blasted the reporter for unnecessary comments.🥶 pic.twitter.com/7GSRzdOTk1

— MuFFatLal Bohra (@arshdeep3444) January 12, 2026

Also READ: BCCI reacts amid reports of ICC exploring two venues for Bangladesh matches at T20 World Cup 2026

The controversy around Bangladesh’s pacer

Notably, the cricketing world is currently abuzz with controversy surrounding the IPL 2026. The Bangladesh’s premier left-arm pacer secured a massive deal during the auction, bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a hefty INR 9.20 crore. However, following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), KKR released Mustafizur from the squad. The BCCI’s stance is rooted in current security concerns and strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. The situation has escalated to the point where the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally requested the ICC to shift their upcoming T20 World Cup matches out of India due to security fears. Though, the international cricket body has reportedly denied BCB’s request.

Also READ: Tamim Iqbal under fire for questioning BCB’s decision to move Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup games from India

Pakistan-born USA fast bowler Ali Khan has been denied an Indian visa ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, raising uncertainty over his availability for matches scheduled to be played in India during the tournament.The 35-year-old, who was born in Pakistan’s Punjab, shared the update on Instagram Stories on Tuesday (January 13). He posted a picture of himself with the caption, “India visa denied but KFC for the win.”

Ali Khan has played 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is for the USA, taking 33 wickets in ODIs and 16 in T20Is. He was part of the USA squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup and featured in the group match in which the USA defeated Pakistan in a Super Over.Overall, Ali Khan has played 99 T20 matches and has taken 93 wickets. He represented Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the first three seasons of the ILT20 and played for Gulf Giants in the 2025–26 season.The USA have not yet announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but Ali Khan was expected to be in contention.The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held from February 7 to May 8 across five venues in India — Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai — and three venues in Sri Lanka — Colombo (R Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Stadium) and Pallekele.The USA are placed in Group A along with India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. They are scheduled to play three of their four group matches in India. The USA will open their campaign against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, before facing Pakistan on February 10 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Their remaining group matches against the Netherlands and Namibia will be played on February 13 and 15 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

India fell to third place among buyers of Russian fossil fuels in December 2025 after sharp cuts in crude oil imports by Reliance Industries and state-owned refiners, a European think tank said on Tuesday.According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India’s total imports of Russian hydrocarbons stood at 2.3 billion euros in December, down from 3.3 billion euros in November.

Turkiye overtook India to become the second-largest importer, buying Russian hydrocarbons worth 2.6 billion euros during the month. China retained its position as the largest buyer, accounting for 48 per cent, or about 6 billion euros, of Russia’s export revenues from the top five importers.CREA said crude oil made up 78 per cent of India’s Russian imports in December, valued at 1.8 billion euros. Coal imports were worth 424 million euros, while oil products accounted for 82 million euros. India’s Russian crude imports fell 29 per cent month-on-month to their lowest level since the price cap policy was introduced, despite a marginal rise in the country’s overall crude imports.The reduction was led mainly by Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery, which halved its Russian crude intake in December. “The entirety of their imports were supplied by Rosneft, albeit from cargoes purchased before the US Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions came into effect,” CREA said, as per news agency PTI. State-owned refiners also reduced Russian imports by around 15 per cent during the month.The cutbacks followed fresh US sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, aimed at restricting funding for the Ukraine war. As a result, companies such as Reliance Industries, HPCL, HPCL-Mittal Energy and Mangalore Refinery have halted or reduced Russian oil purchases, while Indian Oil Corporation continues buying from non-sanctioned Russian entities.Russia supplied about 25 per cent of India’s crude oil imports in December, down from 35 per cent in November. India had emerged as a major buyer of discounted Russian oil after Western countries imposed sanctions following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, sharply raising Moscow’s share in India’s crude basket.

Here are your top five stories of the evening

Relief for gig workers: Blinkit drops ‘10-min’ delivery claim; Zepto, Swiggy may follow

Quick commerce platform Blinkit has dropped its “10-minute delivery” promise, replacing it with the message “30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep,” amid government deliberations on strengthening gig worker safety and welfare. The shift follows protests by delivery workers over the intense pressure created by ultra-fast delivery expectations, and similar changes are likely from other platforms.Read full story

Iran unrest: About 2,000, including security personnel, killed; Tehran blames ‘terrorists’

An Iranian official has said that around 2,000 people, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed during ongoing protests, with authorities blaming what they describe as terrorists and armed groups for the violence. The government has dismissed portrayals of the unrest as peaceful, as demonstrations entering their third week have triggered a strong security crackdown and tighter controls on information.Read full story

Five J&K govt employees sacked over ‘terror links’; one was in ‘regular contact’ with top LeT commander

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday ordered the termination of five additional government employees over alleged links to terrorist organisations. With these dismissals, the number of government staff removed since 2020 has risen to 85, as the Union territory administration has intensified efforts to eliminate what officials describe as the penetration of the terror ecosystem within government institutions. Read full story

Mustafizur Rahman row: ‘Position remains unchanged’ on India travel for T20 World Cup, Bangladesh tells ICC

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reiterated that it is unwilling to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and asking for its matches to be held at alternative venues. While the International Cricket Council has rejected these concerns and urged Bangladesh to review its position, the BCB has so far maintained its stance, with talks continuing to resolve the issue.Read full story

‘Take them to your house’: SC questions those feeding stray dogs; issues warning for states

The Supreme Court has cautioned states that failure to act on stray dog attacks could result in substantial compensation, noting that children and senior citizens are among the most affected. The bench also called for accountability from individuals feeding stray dogs, suggesting they take responsibility by housing the animals, and highlighted that poor implementation of Animal Birth Control rules by civic bodies has led to fatalities from dog bites and related accidents. Read full story

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received confirmation of participation from all Indian Super League (ISL) cubs, and even though some said they are waiting for a word from the sports ministry to take an informed decision, the federation expects the league to kick off next month with 14 teams.Last week, the AIFF asked 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.“All 14 clubs have confirmed (participation),” AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan told TOI. “We will have a meeting with the clubs on Tuesday where a presentation will be made on the composition of the governing board and council. Once the council is formed, we will release the short-term RFQ. We will also have discussions about the venues.”Some clubs said while they “await responses” on the points raised with the sports ministry, they’ve been doing their homework and preparing internally on matters that are within its control. FC Goa, for example, has provided all logistical information with Fatorda as home, but wants clarity on points that were discussed with govt and AIFF.Most clubs’ choice with their home venues was straightforward: Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal at Salt Lake stadium; FC Goa at Fatorda, Jamshedpur at JRD Tata Sports Complex, and NorthEast United in Guwahati. Chennaiyin and Bengaluru FC are also keen on playing at home, even though their home venues will need sprucing.The top-tier ISL will feature 91 matches on a home-and-away basis, with clubs playing 6/7 matches at home or away, depending on draw of lots. According to sources, at least two clubs – Inter Kashi FC and Mohammedan Sporting – will play all their matches away from home, while Kerala and Goa could have most of their matches at home.“With regard to our home venue, given that the season is proposed to be conducted under a Swiss System with a single leg format, and in the larger interest of the growth of Indian football, we are willing to play all our matches in an away format this season,” Inter Kashi wrote to AIFF on Monday. “This, we believe, will allow other clubs to maximise matchday revenues while collectively contributing to the momentum and visibility of the league.”Cost is understood to be a major factor behind Mohammedan’s thinking of playing matches away rather than incur cost of organising a home match.Mumbai City will have to wait till after the civic body elections to decide on their home venue. Goa and Kerala are understood to be alternatives should the Mumbai Football Arena be out of reach.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, few things spark as much debate as the career choices of its modern-day legend, Virat Kohli. Following India’s gritty four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara, former India batter Mohammad Kaif launched a spirited defense of Kohli, taking a direct jibe at critics, most notably Sanjay Manjrekar who suggested the star batter has opted for an easier format by continuing in ODIs after his Test retirement.

Mohammad Kaif slams critiques over Virat Kohli’s format choice

The tension began when Manjrekar expressed disappointment over Kohli’s decision to continue playing 50-over cricket while stepping away from the gruelling Test arena. Manjrekar hinted that at 37, Kohli might be seeking the path of least resistance. However, speaking on his YouTube channel on January 12, Kaif dismantled this narrative, labeling such arguments as “childish and foolish.”

Kaif emphasized that Kohli’s pedigree in the longest format is beyond reproach, citing his 9,230 Test runs and 30 centuries as evidence of his mastery over difficult conditions. He argued that no format of international cricket can be labeled “easy,” noting the immense mental and physical toll of batting where a single delivery can end a player’s contribution.

“He (Virat Kohli) scored around 9,000 runs in Test cricket. It is not as if he has not proven himself in difficult conditions. He hit around 30 Test centuries to his name. Not many players will ever get close to that. So these are childish and foolish arguments saying that Virat Kohli chose an easy format. There is no easy cricket at all. Even a club match is not easy. Batting is the most demanding because your entire game can be destroyed on just one ball,” Kaif remarked.

Kaif further challenged the comparison with other modern greats like Joe Root, pointing out that while Root excels in Tests, he lacks Kohli’s staggering consistency and presence across white-ball formats. For Kaif, the suggestion that a player with over 28,000 international runs is looking for easy runs is a fundamental misunderstanding of the sport.

Is @imVkohli playing the easiest (ODI) format? @MohammadKaif has answer #viratkholi #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/5FosEjefwL

— Ravish Bisht (@ravishbofficial) January 13, 2026

Also READ: Fastest to 28,000: Here’s the breakdown of Virat Kohli’s international runs

Kohli’s resurgent masterclass silences the noise in ODIs

While the experts debated his future, Kohli provided a resounding answer on the field. During the 1st ODI in Vadodara on January 11, Kohli anchored India’s pursuit of 301 with a magnificent 93 off 91 balls. His innings was a masterclass in pacing a chase, featuring eight boundaries and a towering six, proving that his hunger for runs remains undiminished.

During this knock, Kohli etched his name deeper into the history books by becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just 624 innings—surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar‘s mark of 644. He also overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the game.

With the second ODI scheduled for January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, India lead the three-match series 1-0. Kohli’s imperious form, as Kaif puts it, has become the backbone of the Indian lineup, particularly as the team navigates injury concerns like the loss of Washington Sundar. As the Men in Blue look to clinch the series, the focus remains firmly on Kohli, whose easy format continues to witness record-breaking performances that most cricketers can only dream of.

Also READ: Top 3 cricketers with most Player of the Match awards in ODIs ft. Virat Kohli

Makar Sankranti is one of the biggest and most auspicious festivals celebrated in India. Unlike many festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar and is celebrated as the Sun moves into the Capricorn or Makara zodiac. This cosmic movement ushers in Uttarayan-the northward journey of the Sun, associated traditionally with lengthening days, growing warmth, plenty, and spiritual development. Celebrated across the country by different names like Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti binds people in joy, thanksgiving, and hope.One of the most charming traditions connected with this festival is exchanging warm wishes, messages, and blessings. Whether one does it in person, over the telephone, or through social media, such words are full of warmth and positivism. To inspire you to word your emotions and to spread celebrations, here is a carefully collated list of Top 50 Happy Makar Sankranti 2026 wishes, messages, and quotes, apt for sharing with family, friends, colleagues, and near-dear ones.

Image Credit: Canva

The occasion of Makar Sankranti represents change, from darkness to light, from cold to warmth, and from stagnation to growth. The act of exchanging greetings and wishes during this occasion is a sign of change and gratitude. The practice of using deseeded sesame and jaggery in preparations during this occasion is a sign that one should be sweet and warm towards each other despite the hardships faced in life. A genuine message can make relationships stronger and take a positive start into a new year.Here are some top Makar Sankranti wishes you can share with your loved ones:

Traditional Makar Sankranti wishes

May the holy Sun bless your life with warmth, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Makar Sankranti 2026.As the Sun begins its northward journey, may your life move toward success and peace.Wishing you a harvest of joy, health, and abundance this Makar Sankranti.May this auspicious festival bring positivity and new opportunities into your life.Let the sweetness of til and jaggery fill your days with love and harmony, Happy Makar Sankranti.May your home be blessed with prosperity and your heart with contentment.On this sacred day, may all negativity melt away and hope rise anew.Sending warm wishes for a joyful and blessed Makar Sankranti 2026.May the divine light of the Sun guide you toward a brighter future.Wishing you peace, happiness, and success on this festival of new beginnings.

Image Credit: Canva

Heartfelt wishes for family

This Makar Sankranti, I pray for our family’s health, happiness, and togetherness.May this festival strengthen our bonds and fill our home with joy.Grateful to celebrate another Sankranti with you, may our love always grow.As the seasons change, may our family continue to prosper and thrive.Wishing you warmth, comfort, and endless blessings this Sankranti.May the harvest season bring fulfillment and harmony to our lives.Thankful for the love and support we share – Happy Makar Sankranti 2026.Let us welcome this festival with gratitude and hope in our hearts.May our family moments be as sweet as tilgul this Sankranti.Sending my love and best wishes to you on this beautiful occasion.

Makar Sankranti messages for friends

May this Makar Sankranti inspire you to rise higher and dream bigger.Wishing you success, confidence, and clarity as the new season begins.May your hard work be rewarded with happiness and prosperity.Let this festival fill your life with fresh energy and optimism.Happy Sankranti, may brighter days and better opportunities lie ahead.May positivity surround you and guide you toward your goals.Wishing you balance, growth, and peace this Makar Sankranti 2026.As the Sun changes its path, may your life take a positive turn.May this festival bring motivation and renewed determination.Sending best wishes for a joyful and successful year ahead.

Image Credit: Canva

Professional wishes for Makar Sankranti

Wishing you progress, prosperity, and success this Makar Sankranti.May this festival bring new ideas and opportunities to your professional journey.Let the spirit of Sankranti inspire teamwork and positive growth.May your efforts lead to rewarding outcomes in the coming year.Wishing you clarity, focus and achievement this festive season.Happy Makar Sankranti, may your work and aspirations shine bright.May this new phase bring success and satisfaction in your career.Sending warm wishes for growth and excellence ahead.May this festival mark the beginning of productive and fulfilling days.Best wishes for a prosperous and harmonious Sankranti.

Short quotes for Makar Sankranti

“Makar Sankranti teaches us to move toward light and positivity.”“A festival that celebrates change, hope, and gratitude.”“Let your life rise as the Sun begins its northward journey.”“Harvest joy, spread kindness, and welcome new beginnings.”“Makar Sankranti reminds us that every season brings renewal.”“Sweetness shared is happiness multiplied.”“From longer days come brighter hopes.”“Let warmth fill your heart and peace guide your path.”“Celebrate the Sun, celebrate life.”“New season, new light, new possibilities – Happy Sankranti 2026”Makar Sankranti is an occasion that effortlessly merges traditions, nature, and hopes. It is an occasion that reminds us that change is always an ongoing process and always has something new to offer. When wishes, messages, and quotes are shared on this occasion, it only has a positive impact and further helps in developing a strong bond between loved ones. No matter what it is, be it a prayer, a message, or a quote, your words will surely spread love and joy in another person’s life. Wishing this Makar Sankranti brings light, prosperity, and joy in your life. Happy Makar Sankranti!