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NEW DELHI: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has accused Pakistan of misleading Bangladesh over security concerns that ultimately led to Dhaka’s refusal to play its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India, triggering Scotland’s late inclusion in the tournament.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to ANI, Shukla said Bangladesh had been assured of full security and that its concerns were addressed, but the situation was aggravated by outside interference. “We wanted Bangladesh to play, and we also assured full security, but since they have made this decision, it is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment. This is why Scotland was brought in,” Shukla said.
He was far more direct while referring to Pakistan’s role in the episode. “Pakistan is intervening in the matter without any reason and provoking Bangladesh. Everyone knows the brutality done by Pakistan on the Bangladeshis, and now they are trying to mislead them, which is completely wrong,” he added.The comments come amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s own participation in the T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier indicated that Islamabad could rethink its participation following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from matches in India.
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According to Dawn News, Naqvi suggested Pakistan could reconsider playing in the tournament, a stance he later followed up by delaying a final decision. On Monday, Naqvi said a call on Pakistan’s participation would be deferred by up to a week. After meeting Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Naqvi described it as a “productive meeting” and said the premier had “directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table”. He later posted on X that the final decision would be taken “either on Friday or next Monday”.Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad for the World Cup a day after Naqvi’s initial remarks, even as local media reported that the PCB was also considering boycotting a February 15 clash against arch-rivals India due to political tensions.Pakistan backed Bangladesh during an ICC Board meeting, citing last year’s Champions Trophy precedent where India played their matches in Dubai due to security concerns in Pakistan. However, the ICC stood firm, prioritising the integrity of the tournament schedule.
NEW DELHI: Days after calling Rahul Gandhi “darpok” (coward) and “insecure”, former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad on Tuesday claimed that his residence faces a threat of attack. He shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp message which he alleged was circulated by party members, calling on district and assembly-level leaders to burn his effigy in protest over his “inappropriate statements” about Rahul Gandhi.Sharing the chats on X, Ahmad wrote: “Now my information has turned out to be absolutely spot on. Many thanks to the old mates from Congress. There’s a saying in our Bihar that old friends are the ones who come in handy. Is this happening without Rahul ji’s orders?”The message he posted read: “Former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad has been continuously making inappropriate statements about our respected leader Shri Rahul Gandhi. The top leadership has directed that all District Presidents and Assembly Presidents should, in their respective areas, burn an effigy of Shakeel Ahmad on 27/12/2026 to register strong protest.”Escalating the spat further, in a post late Monday, Ahmad further alleged that the Congress leadership in Bihar has “ordered” party workers to attack his residence.“Just now, some colleagues from the Congress have secretly informed me that the Congress national leadership has ordered the Bihar Congress/Youth Congress to attack my residences in Patna and Madhubani tomorrow, January 27, under the pretext of burning an effigy,” he wrote on X.The controversy follows Ahmad’s scathing remarks about Gandhi. “Rahul Gandhi is a coward and an insecure person. He does not get that ‘boss feeling’ before anyone who is senior to him or has a big public support. He is uncomfortable with any such person and is thus dictatorial and not democratic,” he told PTI.Congress leader Manickam Tagore hit back, calling Ahmad a “betrayer” and “Jaichand”. “I am not shocked. Just saddened, yet again,? by how betrayal becomes loud when courage walks the longest road,” Tagore wrote on X, adding that such attacks were about “TV time, relevance and pleasing new masters”.Ahmad, a former Union minister and ex-Congress general secretary who quit the party after the 2025 Bihar elections, has also accused Gandhi of sidelining senior leaders and influencing the 2022 party presidential poll in favour of Mallikarjun Kharge.
Currently, interest earned from bonds is taxed at the investor’s applicable slab rate, unlike equities where a clear distinction exists. (AI image)
By Vishal GoenkaAs India aspires to build a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive financial system, the role of a deep and vibrant bond market cannot be overstated. This is also evident in NITI Aayog’s recent report on ‘Deepening the Corporate Bond Market’ which sets the policy roadmap for next 5 years. Fixed income is not just a portfolio stabiliser for households; it is also the backbone of long‑term capital formation for India’s growth ambitions.Over the past few years, SEBI’s regulatory reforms such as the introduction of Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs), electronic bidding platforms, ₹10,000 min. face value for bonds, and improved disclosure standards have laid a strong foundation. However, to truly democratise bond investing and meaningfully increase retail participation, the Union Budget 2026 presents an important opportunity to address a few structural bottlenecks for Indian investors.1. Rationalise TDS on Bond Interest Income (Coupon)The introduction of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on bond interest income in Union Budget 2023 has unintentionally added friction for retail investors. While the intent was to improve tax compliance, the outcome has been increased complexity in return calculations (XIRR) and cash‑flow mismatches for investors. There was no TDS on interest from listed corporate bonds from 2008 to 2023.Unlike fixed deposits, bond investments often involve secondary market trades, accrued interest adjustments, and varying holding periods. The application of TDS in such cases makes it harder for investors to assess their actual post‑tax returns and increases the operational burden of reconciliation while filing their ITR or writing to companies directly for deductions due via 15G/15H forms.Removing TDS on bond interest income would simplify the investment process, improve transparency in yield computation, and encourage investors without compromising tax collection, as interest income would continue to be fully taxable at the time of filing returns.2. Introduce a Fair and Predictable Tax Regime for Bond InterestCurrently, interest earned from bonds is taxed at the investor’s applicable slab rate, unlike equities where a clear distinction exists between short‑term and long‑term capital gains with concessional tax rates. In fact, tax on interest from bond investments at slab rate may be even higher than those paid on debt mutual funds at flat 20% This creates an uneven playing field and could discourage long‑term participation in corporate bonds. For many retail investors earning annual returns in the range of 7–12%, slab‑rate taxation significantly erodes post‑tax outcomes, making bonds appear less attractive despite their lower volatility and capital preservation characteristics.A simplified and predictable tax framework—such as a flat tax rate of around 20% on bond interest income would bring parity across asset classes. This would encourage households to allocate more savings to bonds, support long‑term investing behaviour, and help channel domestic capital into India’s growing economy.3. Create a Uniform Distribution Framework for BondsWhile mutual funds, equities and insurance products operate under well‑defined, standardised distribution frameworks, bond distribution in India remains fragmented across multiple participant types and channels. This lack of uniformity limits scalability, restricts investor trust, and creates uncertainty for intermediaries.A clear, regulator‑approved distribution framework for corporate bonds—similar to the Authorised Person (AP) structure in equities and AMFI Registration Numbers (ARNs) in mutual funds—can help enforce fit‑and‑proper criteria, define roles and accountability, and standardise disclosure and suitability practices across the industry.4. Flattening of the Government Bond yield curveFor effective transmission of rate cuts by RBI into the economy, flattening of the government bond yield curve is essential. Post RBI rate cuts last year of 125 bps, the 10y bond has barely moved 20bps lower and in fact yields on 15y bonds have moved higher. A lot of this is due to technical supply and deteriorating sentiment due to a weakening rupee. Achievement around fiscal deficit numbers and the government’s future borrowing program would bring the confidence in markets on the longer end of the bond curve and bring yields down. Financial prudence will be closely watched at the budget to encourage the bond market.Union Budget 2026 has the opportunity to send a strong signal: that bonds are not just institutional instruments, but a core part of India’s household investment landscape. Enabling this shift will be critical as India moves towards its next phase of economic growth – Viksit Bharat 2047.(Vishal Goenka is Co‑Founder, IndiaBonds)
Moments after India completed a 10-over chase of 154 in Guwahati, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell walked up to Suryakumar Yadav and examined his bat, smiling as he did so.Suryakumar had just struck 57 off 26 balls, following up his 37-ball 82 in Raipur in the previous match. It was his second fifty in as many games in the series.Two matches, two fifties, and suddenly the questions that had followed him for months were quieter. Perhaps Mitchell wanted to know what kind of willow could do that. Or perhaps it was simply recognition of a batter who, when timing and intent align, can make the field feel too small.For the Indian team management, however, the feeling was less about admiration and more about reassurance. With the T20 World Cup less than a month away, the return of form of the captain is a key development.Until January 23, the picture had been different. Suryakumar had gone 23 innings without a fifty, with his last half-century coming on October 12, 2024. In that period, he managed only one score in excess of 40 and one above 30.There was also a pattern that raised concern. During that stretch, he was dismissed by fast bowlers 15 times within the first 10 balls of his innings.The second T20I at Raipur proved to be a turning point, aided by an unexpected match situation. The early dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, both back in the pavilion within 1.1 overs, forced Suryakumar into a role that required patience rather than instant acceleration.With the openers gone early, there was no demand on him to match a fast start. He had the chance to steady the innings and assess conditions.He began cautiously, scoring 10 runs from his first 10 balls. That strike-rate of 100 was unusual for him, but it allowed him to read the pitch and bowlers.Once settled, Suryakumar shifted gears. He scored 72 runs off his next 27 deliveries, targeting the fast bowlers who had troubled him in recent months.Zak Foulkes conceded 41 runs from 12 balls. Matt Henry went for 14 off six, while Jacob Duffy was taken for 16 off 11. Foulkes, in particular, bore the brunt, with boundaries behind fine leg, over long-on, through point and deep third man, and straight down the ground.It marked the return of the 360-degree strokeplay that defines Suryakumar’s batting.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the importance of that innings during the broadcast.“The knock gave him exactly the confidence he needed. He hasn’t been short of form; he’s been short of runs. He has been batting very well in the nets. He’s not struggling there, he’s hitting the ball cleanly and all around the ground.“It just wasn’t working for him in matches. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of luck to get going. This time, he didn’t even need luck. That innings was exactly what he needed. His confidence is back,” Gavaskar said.The impact of that confidence was visible in the third T20I at the Baraspara Stadium on Sunday.This time, Suryakumar walked in under different circumstances. India were 53 for two in 3.2 overs while chasing 154. With more than 100 runs required and plenty of overs left, there was time to build an innings.He again started cautiously, scoring eight runs from his first eight balls, while Abhishek Sharma continued scoring freely at the other end.Suryakumar did not try to match his younger partner’s pace, even as Abhishek scored at a strike-rate of 345. Instead, the 35-year-old chose his match-ups carefully, focusing on the spinners.Glenn Phillips went for 15 runs off five balls. Ish Sodhi conceded 14 from eight, while Mitchell Santner was taken for 18 off eight. Many of the runs came through the sweep and slog-sweep.The innings underlined that Suryakumar has settled into his role at No. 4, giving India a safety net if the openers fail.Former India opener Aakash Chopra shared a similar view during a chat show.“He seemed to have realised that he needs to spend some time (in the middle). You have to accept that you need runs. Therefore a lot of strokes (to be played) along the ground, and not taking too many chances.“More importantly, he never allowed his ego to come in when Ishan Kishan was going hammer and tongs at one end. These are important things as you are not thinking only about this bilateral series, as this is a preparation for the World Cup,” Chopra said.
Mumbai, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, is forecast to experience a calm, largely dry day with partly cloudy skies and comfortable winter warmth, with temperatures ranging from 22.6°C to 25.4°C, presenting a straightforward forecast for commuters and outdoor plans, despite yesterday’s “very poor” air quality which is expected to linger, necessitating mask use near busy roads; the week ahead promises sunnier, warmer, and dry conditions with rising temperatures, though air quality remains a concern, particularly on hotter days.The day begins on a calm, largely dry note.Partly cloudy skies are expected, with comfortable winter warmth building through the day.Temperatures will hover between 22.6°C and 25.4°C.No rain is expected, making it a straightforward forecast for commuters and outdoor plans.Yesterday’s air quality was in the “very poor” range.This condition can linger into today.It is a decent morning to step out, but carrying a mask is advised if spending time near busy roads.Mumbai’s weather today is more “easygoing coastal winter“ than anything dramatic.The high temperature is 25.4°C, with a low of 22.6°C.This keeps the day warm but not sticky by city standards.Humidity sits around 72% on average.This may make the air feel a touch heavier in the afternoon, especially in crowded areas.Winds will pick up enough to be noticeable.A top speed near 20.2 kmph is expected.This offers some ventilation but is not strong enough to significantly flush pollution on its own.Visibility is forecast at around 10 km.The rain gauge looks clean, indicating 0 mm precipitation.There is a 0% chance of rain.As for how the day “shifts” hour by hour, the broad pattern is consistent.A pleasant, mild morning is expected after sunrise at 7:14 AM.A slightly warmer mid-day will occur under broken cloud.A comfortable evening is anticipated as temperatures ease after sunset at 6:28 PM.For outdoor exercise, the early morning window should feel easiest.However, the cooler air should not lead to skipping pollution precautions.
Yesterday stayed firmly in “very poor” territory.On Monday, January 26, Mumbai recorded an AQI (India) of 290.This placed it in Category 4: Very Poor.The US AQI was 210, also indicating unhealthy air.The key culprits were particle pollution.PM2.5 was measured at 132.PM10 was measured at 158.These levels typically cause throat and eye irritation.They can also cause heavier breathing during exertion.Flare-ups for people with asthma, allergies, or heart and lung conditions are also common at these levels.Carbon monoxide (CO) was also present at 275.This reinforces the “traffic-and-combustion” signature that’s common in dense urban corridors.Today’s dry, partly cloudy day with moderate winds can prevent pollution from spiking as sharply as on still days.However, without rain to wash particles out, air quality may remain a concern.This is especially true during peak traffic hours.
The weather makes it tempting to pack in errands and outdoor time.It is advisable to be smart about timing.Morning and late evening are usually more comfortable temperature-wise.If sensitive to pollution, avoid heavy exertion near arterial roads during rush hour.A well-fitted mask is still a practical choice for two-wheeler riders.It is also recommended for walkers near traffic and anyone commuting long distances.With the sun peeking through clouds, sunglasses and light cottons will do fine.Hydration matters even in milder heat.If indoors, a closed-window, filtered-air setup can make a noticeable difference on very poor AQI days.
The outlook through early February is dominated by clear, sunny weather.Rising daytime temperatures are expected, with no rain indicated.After today’s partly cloudy conditions, Wednesday, January 28, turns sunny.Wednesday will feature a higher 26.9°C and a cooler 20.6°C low.The warm-up continues on Thursday, January 29.This day is likely the hottest stretch in this run, at around 29°C.Temperatures will then settle near 27–29°C into the weekend.A couple of days will bring a little cloud back.Friday, January 31, trends partly cloudy.The bigger pattern is steady: dry skies, comfortable nights, and warmer afternoons.For outdoor plans, Wednesday and Thursday look excellent for daylight activities.Pollution precautions should still be factored in.If air quality stays elevated, the best “caution days” are the hottest, sunniest ones.Local pollution can feel harsher during mid-day travel on these days.Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.
