Elon Musk is reportedly planning to take his space company, SpaceX, public during a rare celestial alignment, purportedly seeking an ‘auspicious’ start for what is rumoured to be the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in financial history. Citing five people familiar with the matter, the Financial Times reported that the billionaire is targeting mid-June 2026 for the listing, specifically eyeing a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, which is known in Vedic astrology as a Guru-Shukra Yuti.The proposed IPO reportedly seeks to raise as much as $50 billion at a staggering valuation of $1.5 trillion. In comparison, if successful, it will dwarf the $29 billion record set by Saudi Aramco in 2019.

SpaceX IPO: Personal and ‘Celestial’ timeline

The timing of the blockbuster deal appears to be driven by a mix of astronomical events and personal significance. The mid-June target is close to Musk’s 55th birth anniversary (June 28). Moreover, on June 8 and 9, Jupiter and Venus will appear within a degree of each other in the sky – appearing to ‘kiss’ each other. In astronomy – a field of science that deals with celestial objects, planets and stars – it is called ‘a conjunction’ and create a spectacle in the skyWhen it comes to Astrological significance, Jupiter (Guru representing expansion, wisdom, abundance) and Venus (Shukra representing love, beauty, money) bring optimism, joy and new opportunities with prosperity and major beginnings in various cultural traditions.

SpaceX eyes Starship and AI data centers

Beyond the symbolism, the IPO is fueled by fresh funds which are needed to accelerate the development of the Starship rocket system, which Musk views as the primary vehicle for his goal of reaching Mars. Furthermore, SpaceX has informed investors of a plan to deploy data centres in space – something that Google has already announced in Sunchaser project.Reportes claim that SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen has been in talks with private investors since mid-December 2025.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Glenn Maxwell to rediscover his spark at the upcoming T20 World Cup, insisting that a difficult Big Bash League season should not define what the all-rounder can deliver on the biggest stage. Maxwell endured a tough BBL campaign with Melbourne Stars, scoring just 76 runs at an average of 15.20, claiming two wickets and struggling in the field with several dropped catches. He has been rested for Australia’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan but is set to rejoin the squad in Sri Lanka ahead of their tournament opener against Ireland on February 11.

Ponting, speaking to The West Australian, highlighted Maxwell’s unpredictability as both a challenge and a strength. “He can because he always has. I’ve coached him a lot and he’s a really hard player to read what’s going to happen because he can have a week of the best training you’ve ever seen and then come out and it does not happen. And he could have the world’s worst week leading into a game and come out and do something crazy,” Ponting said. While acknowledging that age can play a role, Ponting believes the World Cup environment could bring the best out of Maxwell once again. “If the edge starts to come off, it’s hard to find it and replace it. But if anything’s going to bring it out of him, a World Cup will. He’s had some pretty amazing moments in World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia’s sake he can have a few more over the next few weeks.” Ponting expects Maxwell to be named in Australia’s XI for the opener, with the defending champions drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. He admitted recent form alone would not justify selection but pointed to experience and conditions as key factors. “You couldn’t pick him on form at the moment because of what everyone else in that squad has done through the BBL. But they’ll pick him because of his experience and probably because of the conditions as well,” Ponting said. He added that the presence of spin-friendly conditions and a relatively gentle start to the tournament could help Maxwell find rhythm. “He’s probably going to be facing a lot of spin bowling and he’ll give the option to be able to bowl some as well. They’ve got some pretty easy games and that might be just exactly what he needs to get himself into some touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that might hold him in good stead for the back half.” Ponting also named Steve Smith as the leading candidate for a call-up should Australia suffer any injury setbacks. Smith enjoyed an outstanding BBL, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.80 in six matches, including a century, after producing two fifties and a hundred during Australia’s home Ashes series. “His numbers stack up better than anybody else’s. But when you’ve been out and the side’s had some success, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are the incumbents, it’s hard to push one of those two guys out of an opening slot,” Ponting said. He noted that Smith’s role in the shortest format may have limited his recent opportunities. “And poor Steve has probably been pigeonholed as an opening batsman only in the T20 game, which probably has held him back a little bit in the last few years as far as selection is concerned. But he’s only one little injury away. He’s the next cab off the rank and he’s ready to go.”

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, scheduled for this evening, marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations and highlights the strength of India’s military heritage.He added that the event showcases the discipline, traditions and valour of the armed forces, who remain committed to safeguarding the nation.“This evening, the Beating Retreat ceremony will be held. It symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. In it, the strength of India’s rich military heritage will be displayed. We are extremely proud of our armed forces who are dedicated to the defence of the country. Eko bahunamsi manya edita visham visham yuddhaya san shishaadhi,” PM Modi said through a post on X. The ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, held annually at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, signals the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations. Drawing on military tradition, it features performances by the Army, Navy and Air Force bands, blending patriotic and classical music to create a solemn and stirring spectacle.

‘Beating Retreat ceremony’ at Vijay Chowk today to formally conclude Republic Day celebrations.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the event will commence at 5.00 pm, officially closing the Republic Day festivities.“At 5.00 pm today, the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close,” the defence minister said through a post on X. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Full Dress Rehearsal of the event. Traffic restrictions will be in place from 4 pm to 6 pm to ensure the smooth conduct of the event and facilitate the movement of participating contingents and officials.Vijay Chowk and several connecting roads, including Raisina Road, Krishna Menon Marg, Sunehri Masjid roundabout, and Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and the Rafi Marg-Kartavya Path crossing, will remain closed to general traffic during this period.Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and use alternate routes such as Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road–Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road.

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher on Thursday after recovering from sharp early losses, supported by buying in heavyweight Larsen & Toubro and optimism following the Economic Survey’s growth outlook for the next financial year.The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 221.69 points, or 0.27 per cent, to close at 82,566.37. The index had slipped as much as 636.74 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 81,707.94 in morning trade before staging a rebound.The NSE Nifty also pared losses to settle higher, gaining 76.15 points, or 0.30 per cent, to end at 25,418.90. Earlier in the session, the benchmark had fallen 182.95 points, or 0.72 per cent, to an intraday low of 25,159.80.Sentiment was also aided by the Economic Survey 2025–26, which projected GDP growth of 6.8–7.2 per cent for the next fiscal year, citing the cumulative impact of structural reforms and a stable macroeconomic environment. The survey also noted that ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with the United States are expected to be concluded during the year, a development that could help ease uncertainty on the external front and support investor confidence.Here is the list of the top 10 gainers and losers on the Nifty50 and BSE Sensex for the session.

Top Nifty50 gainers

Top Nifty50 losers

Sensex top gainers

Sensex top loser

“Domestic markets ended higher after staging a strong rebound, supported by an upbeat economic survey that reaffirmed a robust FY27 growth outlook and a well-anchored inflation environment amidst persistent global uncertainties,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said, quoted PTI.Foreign institutional investors turned buyers on Wednesday after days of offloading stocks, according to exchange data. They bought stocks worth Rs 480.26 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also bought equities worth Rs 3,360.59 crore.In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended higher. Markets in Europe were trading higher. US markets ended flat on Wednesday. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 2.50 per cent to USD 70.11 per barrel.

Australia rang in a fresh chapter in their T20I setup by handing international debuts to three players in the opening match of the three-game series against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, January 29.

Young pacer Mahli Beardman, allrounder Jack Edwards, and left-handed batter Matthew Renshaw were all named in the playing XI, marking a significant injection of youth and depth.

Travis Head leads Australia in Mitchell Marsh’s absence

With regular captain Mitchell Marsh arriving in Pakistan only a few hours before the match, Travis Head was entrusted with the captaincy.

The absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell for the Pakistan tour also opened the door for fringe players and domestic performers, giving team management a chance to assess bench strength in subcontinental conditions.

Matthew Renshaw completes all-format Australia journey

Among the debutants, Matthew Renshaw arrives with the most experience at the elite level. Already capped in 14 Tests and three ODIs, the Queensland batter now becomes an all-format international for Australia.

Renshaw earned his selection following a prolific Big Bash League campaign with the Brisbane Heat, where he notched up a maiden BBL century during a remarkable 258-run chase against the Perth Scorchers. Slotted in to bat at No. 4, Renshaw’s role will be crucial in stabilising the middle order against Pakistan’s quality spin attack.

Jack Edwards rewarded for breakthrough BBL season

Sydney Sixers allrounder Jack Edwards has been one of the most talked-about names in Australia’s domestic circuit over the past year. A revelation with the ball in BBL|15, Edwards finished with 19 wickets – the second-highest tally in the tournament. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds balance to Australia’s playing XI.

Mahli Beardman earns senior call-up after U-19 success

The youngest of the trio, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman, takes his first step into senior international cricket after shining at the junior level. Beardman was part of Australia’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago and has continued to develop as a genuine fast-bowling prospect.

Representing the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, Beardman showcased raw pace and consistency, regularly clocking speeds above 140kph and finishing with 13 wickets from 11 matches. His inclusion signals Australia’s intent to invest in fast-bowling depth for the future.

Also READ: Here’s why the Pakistan vs Australia T20I series is not being broadcast in India

Pakistan opt to bat first in the T20I series opener

At the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first, backing their batting depth on a typically good Gaddafi surface.

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman

Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Also READ: 10 lesser-known facts about Australia women’s newly appointed all-format captain Sophie Molineux

Fancy vehicle registration numbers in India have quietly turned into a status symbol. Not overnight. Slowly. Almost casually. A clean number plate with repeating digits or a neat sequence tends to attract attention, whether the vehicle is modest or high-end. Many owners say it feels personal. Others believe certain numbers bring luck. Some just like standing out in traffic.These numbers are not assigned randomly. They are chosen, bid for, and paid for through an official government system. It sounds complicated at first. It isn’t, once you understand the flow. The entire process now runs online, which reportedly reduces middlemen and confusion. This guide breaks down how fancy registration numbers work in India, what the process looks like, how much it costs, and what rules people often overlook.

Understanding fancy vehicle registration numbers in India

A VIP number plate or fancy vehicle registration number is a special numeric combination that appears in the last four digits of a licence plate. Numbers like 0001, 1111, 9999, or patterned sequences such as 1234 fall into this category.They differ from regular registration numbers because they are not randomly issued by the Regional Transport Office. Instead, they are made available for public selection and bidding. Experts say the appeal comes from symbolism, aesthetics, and numerology. It might also be about recognition. A memorable number sticks.These numbers are legally valid and fully compliant, as long as they follow government rules.

Source: Fancy Parivahan Official Website

Steps to apply for a VIP vehicle registration number online

Not all numbers are available at all times. Some are already assigned. Others appear only when a new series opens. The portal shows which numbers are open for reservation and which ones will move to bidding.For example: Chandigarh Fancy numbers availability

Source: Fancy Parivahan Official Website

How to bid for a fancy vehicle registration number online

Once a number is selected, a registration fee and reserve price must be paid. This temporarily blocks the number. If only one applicant chooses it, the number may be allotted directly. If multiple people apply for the same number, it enters an e-auction. Registration stays open for three days. Bidding runs for the next two.Bids increase in fixed increments. Premium numbers rise faster. Less popular numbers move more slowly. Live bidding updates show the current highest bid in real time. One can select the option (Bidding Updates) given on the top right corner of the official website. Select state, RTO and auction type to view the updates.

Source: Fancy Parivahan Official Website

Ways to check fancy vehicle registration number auction results

Auction results are announced on the same day bidding ends. Usually in the evening. Winners are notified through the portal, SMS, or email. The remaining balance must be paid.

How much a fancy vehicle registration number really costs

Vehicle registration follows the usual process. Forms, verification, and documentation ( https://fancy.parivahan.gov.in/fancy/faces/public/usermanual.xhtml )The cost of fancy number plates varies from state to state, which one can log in to ‘auction services’ and check for the balance amount to be paid, depending on the state you click.

NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday refused to walk back from his remarks on “Miya Muslims” after the criticism by the opposition.A day after the chief minister said that he encourages troubling the “Miyan” to drive them back from the state, Sarma clarified that the word was used to refer the illegal Muslim migrants from Bangladesh. He also cited the Supreme Court to claim that the issue is a “grave and long-standing problem that Assam has lived with for decades.”In a social media post on X, Sarma said, “Those who are attacking me for my remarks on “Miyan”—a word used in Assam in the context of Bangladeshi Muslim illegal migration—should pause and read what the Supreme Court of India itself has said about Assam. This is not my language, not my imagination, and not political exaggeration.”“The silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam may result in the loss of the geostrategically vital districts of lower Assam… The influx of illegal migrants is turning these districts into a Muslim majority region… It will then only be a matter of time when a demand for their merger with Bangladesh may be made… Loss of lower Assam will sever the entire land mass of the North East from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of that region will be lost to the Nation,” Himanta cited a Supreme Court observation.“Our effort is not against any religion or any Indian citizen. Our effort is to protect Assam’s identity, security, and future, exactly as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do. Ignoring that warning would be the real injustice—to Assam and to India,” he added.Earlier on Wednesday, Himanta had said that he encourages creating “trouble” for “Miyan Muslims” so that they are driven out of the state, remarks that have sparked widespread outrage across the election-bound northeastern state.“Trouble the Miyan Muslims by any means. If they face trouble, they will go from Assam. If I want to give trouble to Miya, I go at 12 am. It’s not an issue. We are directly against the Miya Muslims,” Himanta had said.“We are not hiding anything; we directly say that we are against Miyans. Earlier, people feared that notices would be served against them. Now, I encourage everyone to give trouble to Miyan. Yesterday, I saw that they have reached Duliajan. A tsunami will happen here, but the result will be in Pakistan,” he added.His remarks drew strong criticism from Opposition leaders, who warned that such statements could have serious consequences for social harmony.Congress leader Udit Raj said the Assam chief minister’s remarks would not go down well with the public and could even lead to “civil war”.“Congress neither works for Bengali Muslims nor for Bengali Hindus. Congress views everyone as a citizen. It is good that what was once done covertly, Himanta Biswa Sarma has now openly stated,’ the Congress leader told news agency IANS.CPI(M) MP Amraram also condemned the comments, accusing the Assam government of using administrative exercises to marginalise vulnerable communities.“This is what the chief minister always does. In the name of SIR, votes are being taken away from Dalits, minorities, SCs, and STs. Even when people are not being divided on the basis of Hindu or Muslim, votes are being manipulated in the name of SIR. All of these people are citizens of this country, whether Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, or Buddhist. Creating hatred against them, I believe, is a betrayal of the country, its Constitution, and its unity,” he said.

Pakistan cricket team (PTI Photo)

Pakistan’s participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been thrown into doubt following Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament, with the Pakistan Cricket Board issuing a strong warning that it could pull out in protest. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the final decision would rest with the government, adding that clarity on the matter was expected either by Friday or early next week. The threat, however, has been met with scepticism from outside Pakistan, including from former India captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Reacting to the possibility of a boycott on a Cricbuzz show, Rahane dismissed the idea outright. “I don’t think they can do that, I don’t think they have, am I allowed to say guts? Yeah, I don’t think they can do that,” Rahane said, before adding bluntly: “They are going to come.” The backdrop to the controversy is Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament. The Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to play its matches in India and pushed for the venue to be shifted to Sri Lanka. The ICC rejected that request, after which Bangladesh maintained its stance and was subsequently replaced by Scotland. Pakistan have positioned their boycott threat as a stand against Bangladesh’s removal, but such a move could come at a heavy cost. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC has already warned the PCB that failing to honour its participation agreement could trigger serious disciplinary measures. These potential consequences reportedly include sanctions, suspension from international and regional competitions, and even the withdrawal of No-Objection Certificates for overseas players participating in the Pakistan Super League. The report further noted that the PCB has no legitimate basis to boycott either the T20 World Cup or the marquee India vs Pakistan clash scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka on February 15, 2026.

Gold and silver prices are likely to remain elevated unless global geopolitical tensions ease and trade wars are resolved, the Economic Survey 2025–26 said, pointing to sustained safe-haven demand amid heightened uncertainty.The survey, tabled in Parliament, noted that both precious metals touched lifetime highs in 2025, driven by a weakening US dollar, expectations of persistently negative real interest rates, and rising geopolitical and financial tail risks, PTI reported.“The prices of precious metals, both gold and silver, are likely to continue increasing due to their sustained demand as safe-haven investments amid global uncertainties, unless a durable peace is established and trade wars are resolved,” the survey said.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures crossed the record Rs 4 lakh per kg mark on Thursday, surging 6.3 per cent, while gold touched a fresh all-time high of Rs 1.8 lakh per 10 grams.At the same time, the survey cautioned that some market participants believe the sharp rally witnessed in 2025 may not be sustained over the longer term.Gold prices on the MCX stood at Rs 1,39,201 per 10 grams at the end of December 2025, while silver closed at Rs 2,35,701 per kg. In retail markets, gold and silver settled at Rs 1,37,700 per 10 grams and Rs 2,39,000 per kg, respectively.The survey highlighted that in FY25, India’s import basket continued to be dominated by petroleum crude, gold and petroleum products, which together accounted for over one-third of total imports. Gold imports rose 27.4 per cent year-on-year, largely reflecting a 38.2 per cent increase in gold prices amid strong domestic consumption.On the external sector, foreign currency assets — the liquid core of India’s forex reserves — softened marginally from USD 567.6 billion at end-March 2025 to USD 560.5 billion as of January 16, 2026. In contrast, the gold component of reserves rose sharply to USD 117.5 billion, compared with USD 78.2 billion at end-March 2025.The increase reflects both valuation gains during a period of elevated global gold prices and a continued preference among central banks for diversifying into non-dollar reserve assets, the survey said, adding that this trend mirrors a broader global shift among emerging markets.According to the survey, gold prices surged from USD 2,607 to USD 4,315 per ounce during 2025, marking one of the steepest annual gains in recent years.Base metals such as iron, copper and aluminium are expected to rise more moderately. Copper prices, in particular, are likely to remain elevated due to strong demand from green technologies and data centres, coupled with supply disruptions.However, citing the World Bank’s Commodity Prices Outlook (October 2025), the survey said global commodity prices are projected to decline by about 7 per cent in FY27, mainly due to subdued crude oil prices amid oversupply, though it cautioned that geopolitical developments could derail this outlook.