Legendary former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared his early predictions for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, naming four teams he believes have the strongest chance of making it to the semifinals. Akram’s picks have sparked discussion among fans and experts alike, especially due to the absence of traditionally strong sides such as England and Pakistan from his list.

Wasim Akram names top-4 teams for T20 World Cup 2026

India tipped to thrive in home conditions

As per NDTV, Akram feels that India will be among the frontrunners, largely because of the advantage of familiar conditions. The 2026 T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, giving Indian players a clear understanding of pitches, weather, and playing patterns. According to Akram, India’s biggest strengths lie in their deep batting lineup and versatile spin attack, both of which are crucial in subcontinental conditions. He believes that if India manage their workload well and field a settled XI, they could dominate the tournament from the early stages.

Australia’s big-match temperament stands out

When discussing Australia, Akram highlighted their remarkable consistency in ICC tournaments. Australia’s history of delivering under pressure makes them a dangerous opponent in knockout competitions. Akram pointed out that Australian players are mentally strong, tactically disciplined, and rarely overwhelmed by high-stakes scenarios. This calm approach, combined with their power-packed batting and aggressive fast bowling options, makes them a near-automatic contender for the semifinals in his view.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma predicts the finalist of T20 World Cup 2026

South Africa’s balanced unit earns Akram’s trust

Akram also backed South Africa, noting their steady rise in white-ball cricket over the past few years. He praised their balanced squad, which blends experienced campaigners with exciting young talent. In particular, Akram believes South Africa’s pace attack could be a major weapon, capable of unsettling even the strongest batting lineups on any surface. If they maintain consistency and handle crunch moments better, he feels South Africa have a genuine chance to go deep into the tournament.

New Zealand labelled the silent performers

Completing Akram’s list are New Zealand, whom he described as ‘silent performers.’ Despite often flying under the radar, New Zealand have built a reputation for punching above their weight in global events. Akram admired their clarity in roles, sharp fielding, and ability to adapt quickly to different conditions. He believes these qualities make New Zealand a serious semifinal contender, even if they do not always attract the spotlight.

Group spotlight of Akram’s picks

Notably, India headlines Group A, where they are set to face arch-rivals Pakistan alongside the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. Australia have been placed in Group B, competing against co-hosts Sri Lanka as well as Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. Meanwhile, South Africa and New Zealand have both been drawn into Group D, setting up a high-profile clash between them, with Afghanistan, the UAE, and Canada rounding out their pool.

Also READ: Jacques Kallis explains why South Africa have a real shot at winning T20 World Cup 2026

Pressure linked to the ‘Sell America’ narrative is unlikely to fade. (AI image)

US President Donald Trump’s fresh attack on the Federal Reserve seems to have revived the ‘Sell America’ sentiment in the stock market and strategists and market experts are warning that the selloff may deepen over time if the tiff between the government and the central bank snowballs.Market sentiment turned cautious on Monday as a growing ‘Sell America’ narrative gained traction following intensified criticism of the Federal Reserve by the Trump administration, reviving worries about the central bank’s independence in determining interest rates.

The dollar, Treasury bonds and US equity futures all edged lower. Although the moves were modest, the renewed focus on the Fed’s autonomy and its broader implications for financial markets unsettled investors.

Trump vs Powell: What’s the fuss about?

US Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Sunday evening that the central bank had received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department linked to his testimony before Congress regarding renovation work at the Fed’s headquarters. The episode marks another flashpoint in a series of confrontations that have included attempts to remove Governor Lisa Cook and repeated demands for sharp interest rate cuts.Trump has repeatedly urged the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates more aggressively to stimulate growth and lower government borrowing costs. In contrast, Fed policymakers have remained cautious, citing inflation risks. Paul Volcker, appointed Fed chair in 1979, is widely credited with taking tough measures to rein in inflation, a problem many believe had been allowed to worsen after the central bank yielded to pressure from then President Richard Nixon.Speaking to NBC News on Sunday, Trump said he was unaware of any Justice Department investigation involving the Federal Reserve.Hebe Chen, senior market analyst at Vantage Global Prime Pty., said the investigation involving Powell currently appears to be “more smoke than fire,” though she cautioned that its durability remains uncertain. “The longer-term and more deeply embedded consequences could be far more significant,” she added.

Why are markets wary?

At the heart of investor unease is the extent to which the US president can, or should, exert influence over monetary policy, an area that has largely remained shielded from political intervention for decades. This has revived questions over whether global investors should scale back exposure to US assets and the dollar, echoing concerns that swept markets last April after President Donald Trump announced blanket tariffs.“Any development that raises questions about the Fed’s independence adds uncertainty around US monetary policy,” said Gary Tan, portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments, which manages more than $600 billion in assets according to a Bloomberg report. “This is likely to reinforce existing trends of diversification away from the dollar and increase interest in traditional hedges such as gold.”According to Bloomberg, Ian Lyngen, head of US rates strategy at BMO Capital Markets wrote in a note: To characterize the events as putting the Fed independence discussion into uncharted waters would be an understatement. We remain skewed toward higher yields in the near-term.Market strategists cautioned that the recent decline could intensify if political and policy frictions worsen. JPMorgan Asset Management highlighted the possibility of a sharper steepening in the US Treasury yield curve, where longer-dated yields rise faster than short-term rates, driven by expectations of deeper interest-rate cuts. Lombard Odier warned that both the dollar and Treasuries could face sustained pressure, while Invesco Asset Management noted that assets outside the US, including European and Asian equities, appear relatively more attractive.“This is a bad time to be worrying about Fed independence for the market,” said Bhanu Baweja, chief strategist at UBS Investment Bank, who added that US inflation is expected to pick up in the months ahead. “The one common theme for this year seems to be not just a weaker dollar, but equity volume going higher,” he was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.The latest developments risk reviving the “Sell America” theme, according to Gerald Gan, chief investment officer at Singapore-based Reed Capital Partners. He said the situation reflects an administration intent on rebuilding public support ahead of the midterm elections, even if that comes at the cost of weakening institutional credibility.US financial assets have faced similar pressure before. Last year, markets were jolted after President Donald Trump unexpectedly unveiled sweeping global tariffs, triggering sharp volatility. The subpoena involving the Federal Reserve adds to concerns that US assets are losing appeal, said David Chao, global market strategist at Invesco Asset Management, which manages over $2 trillion. He argued that the US is not only retreating behind what he described as “Fortress America” policies, but is also adopting a more aggressive stance that unsettles investors.Others urged restraint, noting that the dollar’s entrenched status as the world’s primary reserve currency, the depth and liquidity of the Treasury market, and the artificial intelligence-driven momentum in equities could limit the downside and even create buying opportunities. “Independence is always a concern, but we will monitor developments and respond once the economic implications become clearer,” said Marvin Loh, senior macro strategist at State Street in Boston.Even so, pressure linked to the ‘Sell America’ narrative is unlikely to fade.

Winter makes small chores feel heavier than they should. Washing shoes is one of them. You clean them, set them aside, and then wait. A day passes. Sometimes two. They still feel cold and damp to the touch. The smell creeps in before they are properly dry. It is not dramatic, just irritating. Many people deal with this every winter without thinking much about it until the problem repeats. Damp shoes lose shape. Glue weakens. Fabric holds moisture longer than expected. This piece looks at a few simple ways people quietly deal with the issue. Nothing technical. Just small habits, borrowed tricks, and ordinary materials that help shoes dry faster in cold weather, without rushing them or causing damage.

How to dry shoes faster in winters without damaging them

Cold air holds less moisture, but it also slows evaporation. Add low sunlight and poor airflow, and wet shoes simply sit there. Thick soles and padded uppers trap water inside. Sports shoes and canvas pairs are the worst offenders. Leather behaves differently but still suffers if left damp for too long. The problem is not the water alone, but where it stays.Before thinking about heat or tricks, remove excess water. Many people skip this. Press the shoes gently with your hands to release trapped water. Do not twist them. That bends the structure and weakens stitching. Take out the insoles straight away. Insoles dry slower than the shoe itself and keep moisture locked inside if left in place.

Paper helps shoes dry faster

Newspaper works quietly well. Stuff dry newspaper or thick tissue inside the shoes, filling the toe and sides. Paper absorbs moisture from the inside, which is where drying usually stalls. If the shoes are very wet, replace the paper after a few hours. This method suits trainers and canvas shoes especially. It also helps shoes keep their shape while drying.

Keep in a warm, airy space (avoid keeping in front of a heater)

Avoid direct heat. Placing shoes next to a heater or blower seems tempting but often causes damage. Glue softens. Soles loosen. Fabric stiffens. A better option is a warm, airy space. Near a window. Under a ceiling fan. In a room with steady air movement. At night, leaving shoes out in an open room works better than locking them in a corner.

Hairdryer safe for drying shoes

Use carefully; keep the dryer on medium heat. Hold it at a distance. Move the airflow around rather than focusing on one spot. This helps remove surface moisture without stressing the material. It is useful when shoes are needed soon but should not replace slow drying entirely.

Use salt or silica gel

They do. Salt absorbs moisture naturally. Fill a cloth pouch with salt and place it inside the shoe. Leave it for several hours. Silica gel packets, often found in new shoes or bags, work in the same way. Both also help reduce odour. This is a slow, quiet method, suited to overnight drying.

How can you prevent bad smells in shoes while drying

Airflow matters more than fragrance. Dry shoes properly before storing them. Always dry insoles separately. Avoid closed cupboards until shoes are fully dry. Moisture causes odour, not dirt alone. A dry shoe rarely smells.Drying shoes in winter is less about speed and more about patience, with a few smart choices along the way. Small steps add up. The shoes last longer. They feel better to wear. And the wait becomes shorter, almost unnoticed.

The US Justice Department’s threat to criminally indict Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has triggered a fresh confrontation between the White House and the central bank, intensifying concerns over the Fed’s independence and the direction of US monetary policy.The subpoenas, served on Friday, relate to Powell’s June testimony on the $2.5 billion renovation of Federal Reserve buildings, including its Washington headquarters, AP reported. Powell has said the legal action is a pretext aimed at forcing the Fed to comply with President Donald Trump’s demand for sharp interest rate cuts.“I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor, focused solely on our mandate of price stability and maximum employment,” Powell said in a video statement on Sunday night. “Public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats.”Markets reacted negatively on Monday, with US stocks falling after Powell disclosed the subpoenas.

Why Trump is pressuring the Fed

Trump has repeatedly criticised Powell over the past year for resisting aggressive rate cuts, arguing that inflation is no longer a threat and that lower rates are needed to support growth. Powell, however, has maintained that inflation remains elevated, partly due to the impact of Trump-era tariffs, and has favoured a cautious policy approach.The conflict reflects a deeper dispute over how much influence the White House should have over monetary policy. Powell’s current term as Fed chair ends in May, but he could remain on the Fed’s board until January 2028, a move that would prevent Trump from immediately filling another vacancy.Asked whether Powell planned to stay on as a Fed governor, Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council and a potential candidate to succeed Powell, said he was unaware of Powell’s intentions.“I’ve not talked to Jay about that,” Hassett said.Trump had earlier signalled his intent to escalate the confrontation, telling reporters in late December that his administration would “probably” sue Powell over the renovation costs.“He’s just a very incompetent man,” Trump said. “But we’re going to probably bring a lawsuit against him.”

Economists warn of risks to Fed independence

The legal action has drawn sharp criticism from economists and former policymakers, including several who previously led the Federal Reserve.A bipartisan group of former Fed chairs and top economists said on Monday that the White House’s actions amounted to “an unprecedented attempt to use prosecutorial attacks to undermine” the central bank’s independence.“This is how monetary policy is made in emerging markets with weak institutions, with highly negative consequences for inflation and the functioning of their economies more broadly,” the statement said. “It has no place in the United States whose greatest strength is the rule of law, which is at the foundation of our economic success.”The statement was signed by former Fed chairs Ben Bernanke, Janet Yellen and Alan Greenspan, along with former Treasury secretaries Henry Paulson and Robert Rubin.Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, a frequent Powell critic, also expressed discomfort with the criminal probe.He said he does not believe Powell is “a criminal” and added that he hopes “this criminal investigation can be put to rest quickly,” according to CNBC.Powell, who has largely avoided public confrontation since Trump began attacking him last year, said the subpoenas were intended to undermine the Fed’s ability to set policy independently and described them as a “pretext” to force interest rate cuts.The episode marks one of the most direct challenges to the Federal Reserve’s autonomy in modern US history, with implications for markets, borrowing costs and the broader economy, according to analysts.

Mumbai: Kalina’s ward 90 has probably the most diverse voter profile, with centuries-old gaothans, airport slum pockets that form the largest voter bloc, staff quarters, including four Air India colonies, and residential societies. With nine candidates in the fray and over 40,000 voters spread across socially and religiously diverse neighbourhoods, the contest is expected to be multi-cornered, driven less by party ideology and more by local credibility and responses to everyday civic problems.Congress candidate Tulip Miranda, who was elected corporator in 2017, said, “Contaminated water in slum pockets like Shastri Nagar remains the biggest concern in the ward.” Her husband, Brian Miranda highlighted the growing problem of illegal hawking and parking. “Many autorickshaw and taxi drivers staying in these pockets are parking their vehicles haphazardly,” he said. Independent candidate George Abraham, whose symbol is the autorickshaw, is campaigning on his long association with Kalina and prior civic experience. Born and raised in the area, he has contested three BMC elections from here and won each time. He recalled a seven-day hunger strike in the 1990s to secure power supply for slum residents. He said the most urgent current issue is eviction threats faced by residents near the airport. “This is despite them being here prior to 2000 and are, therefore, protected under the SRA scheme,” he said, adding that water contamination and supply woes, damaged toilets and drains, too, need to be addressed. Alleging corruption, BJP nominee Jyoti Upadhyay attacked Congress’s record. She said residents still face basic civic problems despite repeated assurances. She said BJP would prioritise safe, reliable drinking water and work to make Kalina drug-free, citing drug addiction among youngsters as a major local issue. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Masood Ansari, a former Congress corporator from a neighbouring ward (2007-12), said familiarity with local issues matters more than past ward boundaries. He pointed to bad roads, low water pressure, contaminated water and sewage problems in Shastri Nagar and other slum pockets. Poll debutant Suresh Acharya from Aam Aadmi Party listed water, drainage and public toilets as top concerns. He criticised 15 years of Congress governance, citing Shastri Nagar toilets, where women have only a curtain, and said his focus is dignity and basic services. He also flagged erratic water supply in Kalina village and gaothans, where senior citizens wake up at 3am to fill water, and said there is no mohalla clinic in Kalina. Samajwadi Party candidate Sana Qureshi, who runs a private primary school, said Shastri Nagar, Chunabhatti and Indira Nagar face persistent problems such as poor water supply and dilapidated public toilets. She said her campaign prioritises basic amenities and expanding education and skill development opportunities for girls.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman and teammates celebrate the wicket of India’s captain Surya Kumar Yadav during the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025 between India and Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, UAE. (PTI Photo)

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul on Monday claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged Bangladesh’s security concerns about travelling to India for the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh have expressed reservations about touring India for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. The team has requested that its matches be moved to co-host Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. This came after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following instructions from the BCCI, which cited unspecified “developments” for the decision.

“I need to inform you that the security team of the ICC and those in charge of security have sent a letter (to BCB). In that letter, it has been said that three things will increase the security threat to the Bangladesh team,” Nazrul said at a press conference in Dhaka, as quoted by local newspaper Daily Star.“One is if Mustafizur (Rahman) is included in the Bangladesh team. Two, if the supporters of the Bangladesh team walk around wearing the national jersey of Bangladesh. And the third is that the security threat of the Bangladesh team will increase as the (Bangladesh) elections approach,” he added.

What ICC said

The ICC, while confirming that it has been in touch with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, denied Nazrul’s claim that it accepted Bangladesh’s concerns in the manner described.Also read: Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches to remain in India“There has been an internal communication from ICC to BCB with regards to security in India. But what Asif Nazrul said is a complete lie. ICC’s communication never mentions that Mustafizur’s selection will be an issue. It’s complete falsehood…There is no such advisory in formal communication,” an ICC source was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.The BCB’s concerns followed Mustafizur’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad amid reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.As per the current schedule, Bangladesh are set to play their first three group matches in Kolkata, followed by their final group game in Mumbai.After Mustafizur was released by KKR, the Bangladesh government also banned the broadcast of the Indian Premier League in the country.

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has urged the government to permanently remove the 11 per cent import duty on cotton in the Union Budget 2026, warning that the levy is aggravating cost pressures and hurting the global competitiveness of domestic textile and apparel manufacturers, PTI reported.A CITI delegation met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week, seeking his intervention for the permanent removal of the import duty on cotton of all varieties, the industry body said on Monday.India’s textile industry — the country’s second-largest employment generator — depends on stable access to high-quality cotton. Against a persistent demand–supply gap, the government had extended the import duty exemption on cotton until December 31, 2025, a move that was welcomed by textile associations.However, with no further notification issued, the 11 per cent duty was reinstated from January 1, 2026. CITI said the move would adversely impact the competitiveness of India’s textile and apparel sector.The minister assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be carefully examined during the review process, CITI said.The industry body also flagged a steady decline in domestic cotton production, which it said is projected to fall to its lowest level in nearly two decades this year, intensifying concerns over supply shortages.CITI argued that reimposing the import duty would further aggravate cost pressures for manufacturers. It pointed out that over the past decade, India’s average cotton imports stood at around 20 lakh bales, accounting for about 6.8 per cent of average domestic production.Imports, the industry body said, are largely quality- and specification-driven, catering to specialised requirements and back-to-back export orders, and do not displace domestic cotton.CITI also highlighted that competing textile-exporting countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam allow duty-free cotton imports, giving them a structural cost advantage in global markets.The demand comes at a time when the textile and apparel sector — one of India’s largest sources of employment and livelihoods — is facing fresh headwinds from a 50 per cent US tariff effective August 27, 2025. Cotton-based products dominate India’s textile exports.The US is India’s single-largest textile and apparel export destination, accounting for nearly 28 per cent of total export revenues. Exports to the US were valued at close to $11 billion in FY2024-25, according to industry data.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday extended the timeline for completing the poll process for local body elections in Maharashtra by two weeks.A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joyamalya Bagchi extended the deadline after the State Election Commission (SEC), represented by senior advocate Balbir Singh, submitted that it has filed an interlocutory application seeking an extension of time by 10 days from Jan 31.

Singh said the court had earlier fixed the Jan 31 deadline, but around 10 more days are needed as elections are to be held for some zila parishads and panchayats.The bench extended the time by two weeks for completing the electoral process of the local body polls, after directing the registry to number the application of the SEC.Hearing another plea alleging that the quota limit in the Maharashtra local body polls has crossed the 50% mark, the court said it has already clarified that the election will be held but it will be subject to the outcome of the petitions.“If 50% of lakshman rekha has been crossed, like in this case where it is 52%, then the election will be held but it will be subject to the outcome of these petitions,” the bench told senior advocate V Giri.It refused to entertain any fresh intervention application in the matter, saying those are only intended at delaying the election process and that all such petitions will be listed after the local body polls.The top court pulled up the Maharashtra SEC on Sept 16 last year for the non-compliance of its order. It had directed earlier that the local body polls in the state, stalled since 2022, to be completed by Jan 31, 2026, without further extension.The bench was irked over the SEC’s failure to comply with its order, mandating a timely conclusion of the local body polls.“Elections of all local bodies, including zila parishads, panchayat samitis and all municipalities, shall be conducted by January 31, 2026. No further extension shall be granted to the state and the State Election Commission. In case any other logistic assistance required, application can be filed promptly before October 31, 2025. No prayer will be entertained thereafter,” the court had said.It had passed the order on a batch of petitions concerning the long-pending civic body elections in Maharashtra.In May last year, the court issued an interim order directing the conclusion of the polls within four months, that is, by Sept 2025.Opposing the extension, the petitioners had argued that the SEC had failed to notify the elections within the stipulated two weeks and was redoing the entire process, citing excuses ranging from festivals to staff shortages.In its order, the bench had recorded that the polls were stalled since 2022, primarily due to disputes over the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation in local bodies.

NEW DELHI: Governance in the education sector must move beyond political interests to focus strictly on policy-driven structural reforms, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said on Monday. He emphasised that the Delhi government is prioritising the long-term health of the academic system over short-term considerations. Speaking at a scholarship distribution ceremony for state university students at Thyagaraj Stadium, Sood said the Delhi Higher and Technical Education Support Scheme reflected the government’s resolve to support students from marginalised backgrounds. He noted that financial constraints must not become a barrier to higher education. The Delhi education minister said the guiding principle of the government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, is ‘Antyodaya’, which focuses on extending the benefits of governance to the person at the last mile. He said welfare schemes should be seen as the constitutional responsibility of the state aimed at empowerment and accountability, rather than as charity. Sood said previous education policies in the city prioritised publicity over outcomes, resulting in high dropout rates and resource shortages in higher education institutions. He said the current government is focused on addressing structural issues rather than concealing them. Referring infrastructure, the minister said work on the Narela Education City has gained momentum. The budget for the project has been increased from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,300 crore. Spread over 160 acres, the proposed education hub will include shared university campuses, auditoriums, libraries, digital facilities and ICT laboratories, he said. Earlier in the day, Sood attended the National School Band Competition (North Zone) at Chhatrasal Stadium, organised by the Directorate of Education on the occasion of National Youth Day. Recalling the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, the minister said youth power is central to nation-building. He said participation in such competitions plays an important role in shaping discipline, teamwork and collective responsibility. Sood said band performances symbolise coordination and unity, as even a minor lapse by one member can affect the entire group. He added that such training instils life-long values of focus, self-control and cooperation.

Vande Bharat sleeper launch soon! Indian Railways is all set to launch its first Vande Bharat sleeper this week, with PM Narendra Modi expected to flag off the new train on January 117 between Howrah and Kamakhya (Guwahati). Ahead of the launch, Indian Railways has announced the fare structure and ticket prices for the Vande Bharat sleeper train.Built specifically for overnight travel and long-distance routes, the Vande Bharat sleeper is a fully air-conditioned trainset developed in-house by Indian Railways. These trains are intended for routes spanning roughly 1,200 to 1,500 kilometres, catering to passengers travelling across states during night hours.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Fare & Ticket Prices

For the Vande Bharat Sleeper service, Indian Railways has set a minimum chargeable distance of 400 km for fare calculation.

Vande Bharat Sleeper: Top Features

During test runs on the Kota–Nagda section, the Vande Bharat sleeper achieved its designed top speed of 180 kmph. One of the highlights of the trial was a stability demonstration in which glasses filled with water remained steady without spilling, even at speeds exceeding 180 kmph. Although the train is designed for semi-high-speed operations of up to 160 kmph in regular service, trials have been conducted at 180 kmph. Actual operating speeds will depend on the condition and capability of tracks on different sections of the network.The sleeper version is designed as the long-haul, overnight counterpart to the Vande Bharat chair car services currently operating across India.Drawing inspiration from European rail design, the sleeper coaches feature cushioned berths for improved comfort and redesigned access to upper berths for easier movement. Passenger amenities include soft night lighting, integrated audio-visual passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance and modular pantry units.The trains will be equipped with aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, including facilities for persons with disabilities, baby care areas and shower units with hot water in the first-class coach. Safety systems include the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision technology, while regenerative braking will be used to enhance energy efficiency, similar to existing Vande Bharat chair car trains.Additional features include sealed gangways and automatic inter-coach doors to maintain air quality and cabin temperature, along with personal reading lights, charging points, foldable snack tables and interiors finished with GFRP panels. Train doors will open automatically at designated stations. A centralised coach monitoring system and emergency communication facilities will allow passengers to directly contact the locomotive pilot when necessary.