Arijit Singh left the industry and his fans in shock as he announced retirement from playback singing. He took to his social media and said, “I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” instantly triggering widespread reactions and disbelief from fans. For over a decade, Arijit has been one of the most prolific voices in Hindi cinema, delivering a steady stream of songs year after year. The singer had 6 songs in the month of January 2026 itself. These include ‘Sitaare’ from Sriram Raghavan’s period war drama Ikkis, ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’, a reimagined version of the iconic Border (1997) song ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ Border 2, ‘Sunhari Kirne’ from Gandhi Talks, and ‘Hum Toh Tere Hi Liye The’ from Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming romantic thriller O’Romeo.

Arijit’s most recent release, however, is the patriotic track ‘Maatrubhumi’ from ‘Battle of Galwan’ which features none other than Salman Khan. That this song marks his final outing as a playback singer feels almost poetic, considering the well-known and long-standing rift between the singer and the superstar that dates back more than a decade.When Arijit was at the peak of his career while hosting an awards ceremony, Salman called Arijit on stage to accept the Best Playback Singer (Male) trophy for ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Mohit Suri’s 2013 blockbuster ‘Aashiqui 2’. Noticing Arijit’s fatigue, Salman joked in his trademark style, “Soye nahi kya?” (You didn’t sleep or what?), to which Arijit replied frankly, “Aap logo ne sula diya” (You guys put me off to sleep). What appeared to be harmless banter at the time would later take on far greater significance.The strain became public in 2016, ahead of the release of Ali Abbas Zafar’s ‘Sultan’, when Arijit posted a heartfelt apology on social media. He had recorded the romantic track “Jag Ghoomeya”, picturised on Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma, but the version that made it to the film featured Rahat Fateh Ali Khan instead, a decision widely believed to be influenced by Salman.In his now-deleted post, Arijit had written, “I never insulted you… I tried so many times to apologise. Please don’t remove the song I sang for ‘Sultan’. Let me retire with that song in my library.” The message went viral within minutes, fuelling speculation that Salman had sidelined Arijit and was obstructing his opportunities in Bollywood. Although Salman never publicly addressed the issue at the time, Arijit continued to remain one of the industry’s most sought-after singers.A full reconciliation took nearly seven years. Salman and Arijit finally reunited professionally in Manish Sharma’s 2023 spy thriller ‘Tiger 3’, produced by Yash Raj Films, the same banner that had backed Sultan. Arijit lent his voice to both the romantic number ‘Ruaan’ and the end-credits dance track ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’, filmed on Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. During promotions, Salman even highlighted the collaboration as their first together.It was only last year, however, during a Bigg Boss 19 Weekend Ka Vaar episode, that Salman openly spoke about the rift and clarified that they are now good friends. “Arijit aur main bahut achhe dost hai. Woh misunderstanding mere side se huyi thi. Uske baad usne gaane bhi kiye mere liye. Tiger 3 mein kiya usne, aage Galwan. (Arijit and I are very good friends. That misunderstanding was from my end. After that, he also sang songs for me in Tiger 3 and now, in Battle of Galwan),” Salman said, finally putting years of speculation to rest.

HYDERABAD: In a chilling case of familial betrayal, a 25-year-old nurse allegedly murdered her parents after they opposed her inter-caste marriage, administering a lethal overdose of medication using her professional medical knowledge. The incident took place in Yacharam village of Vikarabad district.Vikarabad police said they received information on Jan 25 about the deaths of a couple, N Dasaratham (58) and his wife Lakshmi (54), at their residence in Yacharam. Initial information provided by relatives suggested that Dasaratham had died by suicide after consuming poison, and that Lakshmi passed away soon after, reportedly due to shock following her husband’s death.

However, police suspicion grew during an inspection of the scene, where a blood-stained syringe was recovered. Treating the case as one of suspicious death, police registered an FIR and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination.During the course of the investigation, police questioned the couple’s son and their three daughters. The statement of the youngest daughter, Surekha, raised doubts, prompting further interrogation. Under sustained questioning, Surekha confessed to killing her parents on the night of Jan 24.Steals drug from hospital“Surekha works in a private hospital in Sangareddy district. Without the knowledge of hospital authorities, she stole a drug used to relax the muscles of patients undergoing surgery in the operating theatre. An overdose of this drug can be fatal,” Dharur circle inspector Ch Raghuramulu told TOI .Police said Surekha had taken leave on the day of the offence and travelled to her parents’ home in Vikarabad district. After dinner, she allegedly administered the drug to her parents on the pretext of giving them medication to help them relax, injecting a life-threatening dose.Investigators later matched the serial number of the recovered medicine with hospital records and found it belonged to a batch available at the private hospital where the accused was employed. Dasaratham was a farmer.Police have given a clean chit to Surekha’s boyfriend, stating that he was unaware of the crime. The accused has been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

In a landmark shift for Australian cricket, Sophie Molineux has been officially named the all-format captain of the national women’s team. Stepping into the shoes of the legendary Alyssa Healy, who is set to retire in March 2026, Molineux’s appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the world-conquering side. While her prowess as a left-arm orthodox spinner and a gritty middle-order batter is well-documented on the international stage, the journey of the girl from Bairnsdale is paved with stories of resilience, quiet mentorship, and unexpected hobbies.

At 28 years old, Molineux isn’t just a tactical leader; she is a survivor of the professional game’s most grueling mental and physical challenges. From navigating a series of career-threatening injuries to her recent triumph leading the Melbourne Renegades to their maiden WBBL title in late 2024, her rise to the captaincy is a testament to character as much as skill. As she prepares to lead the squad against India in February 2025 and into the 2026 T20 World Cup, fans are eager to look beyond the “Baggy Green” to see the woman behind the wickets.

10 lesser-known facts about Sophie Molineux

While her stats are impressive, Molineux’s life off the field and her early days in regional Victoria provide a deeper look into what makes the new skipper tick. Here are ten things you might not know about Australia’s latest cricketing leader:

1. Talent-spotted early at just ten years old

Long before she was a household name, Sophie’s talent was undeniable. At the age of ten, she was spotted by John Harmer, the former Australian women’s team coach. Harmer was so impressed by the youngster’s natural ability that he became her private mentor, helping shape the technical foundations that eventually led to her international debut.

2. A “West Bairnsdale” prodigy

Molineux is fiercely proud of her country roots. Growing up in Bairnsdale, she often played in local clubs where she was the only girl in the team. Her “A” grade debut for West Bairnsdale was legendary in the community, she claimed four wickets against St Mary’s Nagle as a teenager, signalling the arrival of a future star.

3. The 858-day drought

The road to captaincy was nearly derailed by a horror run of injuries. Between 2021 and early 2024, Molineux faced a staggering 858 days away from the Australian team. During this period, she suffered a stress fracture in her foot and a ruptured ACL. At one point, she admitted she feared she might never represent her country again.

4. Champion of mental health advocacy

In 2019, Molineux made the courageous decision to step away from the game temporarily to focus on her mental health. Her openness about the pressures of elite sport was a watershed moment in Australian cricket, paving the way for more transparent conversations regarding athlete well-being and the importance of taking breaks.

Also READ: Shreyanka Patil returns as India Women name white ball squads for Australia tour

5. Mentor-student bond with her father

Her father, Mark Molineux, wasn’t just a supportive parent; he was a local cricketing legend in his own right at West Bairnsdale. He served as Sophie’s lifelong mentor and coach, instilling the tactical discipline and “country-tough” mentality that defines her leadership today.

6. The “Katy Perry” connection

Molineux was a core part of the 2020 T20 World Cup winning squad. One of her most cherished memories isn’t just the victory, but celebrating on stage at the MCG alongside pop star Katy Perry. It was a peak moment of cricket-meets-pop-culture that she still cites as a career highlight.

7. A master of the “Red Ball” lore

Despite the modern focus on T20s, Molineux has a deep, old-school love for Test cricket. She grew up playing longer-format matches in Bairnsdale and has often remarked that wearing the whites and using the red ball feels more natural to her than any other form of the game.

8. Prolific collector of trading cards

Away from the pitch, Sophie is an avid collector. She has a documented interest in sports trading cards and memorabilia, often engaging with the hobby as a way to decompress from the high-stakes environment of professional cricket.

9. The “moon boot” reunion

During the 2022 World Cup, Molineux, along with teammates Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck, watched the final from their living room while all three were recovering from major injuries. They famously toasted the team’s victory while wearing matching moon boots, a moment of solidarity that makes their current collective fitness even more special.

10. Historic WBBL leadership

Before taking the national reins, Molineux proved her leadership mettle by guiding the Melbourne Renegades from a seventh-place finish to their first-ever WBBL title. Her ability to transform a domestic squad’s culture was a primary reason Cricket Australia identified her as the natural successor to Healy.

Molineux’s appointment isn’t just about a change in personnel; it’s about a leader who has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. As she steps into this new role, her journey remains an inspiration for young cricketers across Australia.

Also READ: Australia announces new captain across all formats in women’s cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

MUMBAI: “Even as generations, curricula and technology have evolved, Balbharati’s textbooks have retained their emotional connect and educational value”, said education minister Dada Bhuse while inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati).Speaking at a function held at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir in Pune, Bhuse said several poems and lessons from Balbharati textbooks continue to feel alive even today. “From the era of printed textbooks to technologically advanced e-books, Balbharati has constantly adapted itself. That is why Balbharati remains relevant even today,” he said.Highlighting the institution’s deep emotional bond with the people of Maharashtra, Bhuse said “Balbharati has played a key role in introducing children to literacy and Marathi literature. “From learning the first letters of languages to understanding its most beautiful literature”.He noted that Balbharati has modernised its offerings through digital textbooks, QR codes, e-content, videos, audio material and curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy. Referring to the iconic Balbharati logo depicting a brother and sister designed by artist Dinanath Dalal, Bhuse said the logo and what it symbolises to connects across generations.State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director Rahul Rekhawar said Balbharati textbooks hold a special place in the minds of those who studied through them. “I too learnt from these books, which makes them particularly personally significant to me,” he said.Balbharati director Anuradha Oak traced the institution’s journey since 1967, stating that it was the first organisation in the country dedicated to textbook production. She said the boy and girl in Balbharati’s emblem symbolise gender equality and inclusive education.Bhuse also a special issue of Kishor magazine and unveiled Balbharati’s official song.The newly composed Balbharati song, written by lyricist Dasu Vaidya, sung by Vaishali Samant and composed by Avadhoot Gupte, received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

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JAIPUR: A 25-year-old religious preacher died after allegedly collapsing while being treated for a fever at her ashram, prompting protests by devotees who have demanded a thorough investigation into what they describe as a “suspicious” death. Police said the woman, Sadhvi Prem Baisa, was taken to a private hospital on Wednesday evening by her father and a young man, but was declared dead on arrival. ACP (West) Chhavi Sharma said the sadhvi was brought to the hospital in a car at around 6pm. “After examination, the doctor declared her dead,” the officer said. She added that the body was being shifted to a government hospital for a post-mortem examination, which would determine the cause of death.

According to preliminary inquiries, the sadhvi had been suffering from a fever and was being treated at her ashram.Police said a compounder was called to administer an injection, after which she collapsed. Officials said she had been receiving in-house medication at the ashram. News of her death triggered unrest at the ashram, where a large number of devotees gathered and raised slogans, demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Further questions were raised after a post appeared on the sadhvi’s official Instagram account several hours after her death.The Instagram post In the post, described by police as a purported suicide note, she referred to an “agnipariksha” or trial by fire that she said she had been denied, and expressed hope that she would receive “justice” after her death.In an Instagram post, she said, “I have lived every moment for the propaganda of Sanatan. There is no religion greater than Sanatan religion in this world. Today till my last breath there is eternity in my heart. I am fortunate that I was born in Sanatan Dharma. “And also took last breath for Sanatan, every moment of blessings of Adi Jagatguru Shankaracharya, Vishwa Yoga Gurus and Pujya Saint Mahatma’s in my life I wrote letter written to Adi Guru Shankaracharya and many great saints of the country requested for fire examination but What was the nature approved? I am goodbye to this world forever but I have full faith in God and the revered saints Mahatma. If I live or justice will be served after I leave,” she added further.An ongoing investigation Police said they were examining the post as part of the investigation. The sadhvi had approached the police around six months ago, alleging that she was being blackmailed over a doctored video by members of her staff. She had claimed the video was being used to defame her and that she was being asked to pay Rs 20 lakh to prevent its circulation. The video was later widely shared online. Police had arrested one person in connection with the case, identified as Jogendra, also known as Jogaram, who had been working at the ashram installing sound systems for her sermons. Authorities said further action would depend on the findings of the post-mortem report.

File photo

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday put on hold the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, restoring the older 2012 framework for the time being. The court said the new rules suffer from vagueness, particularly in how caste-based discrimination is defined, and warned they could be misused.

With the stay in place, universities and colleges across the country will now continue to operate under the 2012 UGC regulations, at least until the legal challenge to the 2026 framework is resolved.So what exactly is the difference between the two regulations, and how will campuses function going forward?What the 2012 regulations providedThe 2012 rules were the UGC’s first formal attempt to address discrimination in higher education. They prohibited discrimination on several grounds, including caste, religion, gender, disability, language and place of birth.Under this framework, institutions were required to appoint an Anti-Discrimination Officer and establish an Equal Opportunity Cell. Complaints were handled internally, with the officer conducting a preliminary inquiry and recommending action under existing service or university rules.However, the system was largely advisory in nature. There were no strict timelines, no external oversight, and no penalties prescribed for institutions that failed to act. The rules also did not explicitly define false or malicious complaints, nor did they spell out safeguards for those accused.What the 2026 regulations sought to changeThe 2026 regulations marked a significant shift in scale and enforcement. They explicitly included Other Backward Classes within caste-based discrimination protections, alongside Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, bringing a much larger share of the student population under the framework.More importantly, enforcement moved from a single officer to an elaborate institutional system. Universities were required to set up Equal Opportunity Centres, multi-member Equity Committees, Equity Squads, Equity Ambassadors, a 24×7 helpline, and online complaint portals.Timelines were made mandatory. Committees had to meet within 24 hours of a complaint, submit reports within 15 working days, and institutions were required to act within seven days. Non-compliance carried serious consequences, including loss of UGC funding, degree-granting powers, and recognition.While intended to ensure accountability, critics argued that the framework gave wide discretion to internal committees, used broadly worded definitions of discrimination, and lacked safeguards against false or malicious complaints.Why Supreme Court intervenedSupreme Court found prima facie merit in concerns that the 2026 rules, especially the definition of caste-based discrimination under Regulation 3(c), were vague and open to misuse. The bench directed that the 2012 regulations would continue to apply until further orders and issued notices to the Centre and the University Grants Commission.The stay does not strike down the 2026 rules permanently, but pauses their implementation while the court examines their constitutional validity.What applies now on campuses

“Today, the Supreme Court heard our writ petition challenging the UGC Regulations which have been enacted recently. The Supreme Court has stayed the UGC Regulations and has kept them in abeyance. The Supreme Court has directed that UGC Regulations 2012 will be in operation till further orders. The matter has been posted for hearing on March 19,” Vishnu Shankar Jain told ANI.Meanwhile, petitioner and advocate Vineet Jindal said that the Supreme Court’s decision aligned with the arguments raised before it regarding Clause 3C. He stated that while the clause addressed caste-based discrimination, it included only certain castes and excluded the general category, giving the impression that the general caste was being specifically targeted.Jindal further said that the new rules and regulations appeared to create divisions among students, which runs counter to the constitutional principle of equality. He added that the Chief Justice of India acknowledged shortcomings in the regulations and noted that they need to be reconsidered and reviewed.

Ishan Kishan, right, arrives to bat as Sanju Samson walks off the field. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has made a strong case for a selection shake-up ahead of the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, urging the team management to back Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson as preparations intensify for the T20 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson’s struggles continued in the ongoing series, with another modest return in the fourth T20I adding to a run of low scores. In contrast, Kishan has impressed on his return to international cricket after nearly two-and-a-half years, prompting Patel to call for a decisive move.

“If I was part of Team India’s think tank, I would play Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson for the last match of the series,” Patel said on JioHotstar. “I would make Sanju sit out and go with Ishan as the wicketkeeper-batter.”Patel stressed that if Kishan is being viewed as India’s primary wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, he should be handed responsibility immediately. “If I want Ishan as my main keeper for the T20 World Cup, I would give him the keeping gloves in the fifth T20I and the warm-up against South Africa too,” he said.Highlighting squad balance, Patel added that Tilak Varma’s expected return from injury could further complicate selection calls. “It is likely that Tilak Varma will be fit before the World Cup, and reports suggest he will be. If he is fully fit, you have to keep a spot for him. So, if that decision is coming, why wait? Play Ishan Kishan now over Sanju Samson in the final match.”

Kishan has looked in ominous touch, scoring 112 runs in three matches, after a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign where he led Jharkhand to their maiden title. Samson, meanwhile, has managed just 40 runs across four innings, including a 24 in the fourth T20I that failed to rescue India in a 216-run chase.Despite Kishan’s form, he was benched in the fourth match, a decision that has drawn scrutiny with the World Cup fast approaching. “Ishan is coming back after two years and has batted well. He will need to keep wickets in the T20 World Cup as well, so why not start now?” Patel said.India face New Zealand in the series finale on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram, having already sealed the five-match series 3-1.