Kalyan/Navi Mumbai: Many crorepati candidates across the political spectrum will contest the January 15 municipal corporation elections in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with several declaring assets above Rs 100 crore in Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, and Panvel. In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) area, three candidates declared assets worth over Rs 100 crore, drawing attention to the growing dominance of the real estate sector in local body politics. An analysis of candidates affidavits showed that more than half of the candidates are crorepatis, while only a few have assets below Rs 1 crore.Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Patil, contesting from Ward No. 29 in Dombivli, declared assets worth Rs 182.56 crore, making him the richest candidate in the KDMC election. Compared to the 2015 civic polls, where he declared assets close to Rs 95 crore, Patil’s wealth nearly doubled over the last decade.The second richest candidate is Shiv Sena’s Shalini Sunil Wayle, contesting from Ward No. 2 in Kalyan West. She declared total assets of Rs 140.77 crore. In the previous election, Wayle reported assets of around Rs 105 crore, largely comprising ancestral immovable properties, indicating a substantial rise in her net worth over the years. The third is Saroj Rai, wife of businessman and former BJP corporator Manoj Rai. She declared combined family assets of Rs 122 crore.In the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) area, 226 of the total 499 candidates are crorepatis with Congress candidate Santosh Shetty from Nerul topping the list by declaring his net asset worth of Rs 100 crore. Shiv Sena Navi Mumbai chief Kishore Patkar revealed assets worth Rs 93 crore, while the Gavte family from Digha, with three candidates Navin, Aparna and Deepa in the fray, has a combined worth of Rs 306 crore.Shetty has a transport business with 51 school buses, while Patkar runs a real estate business. Other wealthy candidates include BJP’s Ravindra Ithape from Nerul with Rs 75 crore, Shiv Sena’s Namdev Bhagat with Rs 56 crore, Mandakini Mhatre of Shiv Sena with Rs 44 crore, Netra Shirke of BJP with Rs 37 crore, Suresh Shetty of BJP with Rs 25 crore and M K Madhavi of Shiv Sena with Rs 24 crore.From Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area, Iqbal Kazi revealed financial assets worth Rs 171 crore, while Madhu Patil from Kharghar declared over Rs 140 crore. Both contested on BJP tickets. Five more BJP candidates, Chandrakant Soni, Santosh Shetty, Dashrath Mhatre, Mamta Mhatre and another from Kalamboli, filed financial details ranging from over Rs 18 crore to Rs 44 crore. PWP candidates Arvind Mhatre and Dilip Kadam filed property and other details worth Rs 37.88 crore and Rs 10.45 crore.

Mumbai: Several wards in the city have witnessed a proliferation of candidates in the BMC elections, particularly in areas with relatively homogeneous voter profiles such as slum clusters, besides Dalit-dominated neighbourhoods and Muslim pockets.Data from the nominations show that 18 wards have 15 or more candidates each, increasing the complexity of the contest. In six of these wards, the number of contestants has exceeded the limit of 16 candidates per ballot unit. These wards also have a large number of independent candidates, alongside entries from national parties, regional outfits and smaller political formations — some of which have limited organisational presence in Mumbai, but influence in other states. While such fragmentation appears to intensify competition, analysts point out that it often works to the advantage of larger parties.

Mrudul Nile, professor of political science at Mumbai University, attributed the factions of various parties and political fragmentation of some communities, as one of the reasons for proliferation of candidates. Bigger parties also field proxy candidates sometimes with the same names. In areas dominated by voters who are homogenous and of socio-economically disadvantaged groups, every party fields its candidates. Some contest to ensure their candidature is considered for the next elections, he said.“At this point, it is difficult for independent candidates, lesser-known candidates or candidates of smaller parties to get elected, and a large number of candidates help major parties. Aspirations among the lower socio-economic groups also leads to an increased number of candidates,” Nile added.Political scientist Surendra Jondhale said: “In contemporary elections, a large number of people have political aspirations. People with a bit of money and net worth consider contesting elections, while some look at it as a tool to earn money….Many also think that they can buy votes in slum pockets to get elected even if they do not secure tickets from parties. In socio-economically disadvantaged areas, people ask for money for casting votes and candidates know they can purchase votes.” Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh said for the socio-economically disadvantaged groups the stakes are higher, as the civic body plays an important role in their lives. “For some of the candidates, contesting elections is a way of getting recognition for themselves,” he said.Activist Anil Galgali cited the delay in the conduct of elections and the aspirations among the older generation and the current generation among the reasons for the increased number of candidates. “Some are worried that they might be deprived of a chance next time around due to dynastic politics or nepotism, some think that they can resolve local problems only by becoming a corporator, and others look at it as a way to earn fast money.“

MUMBAI: The newly carved P East administrative ward is seeing the same political and civic churn as the rest of the city, with redrawn boundaries, uneven infrastructure and mixed demographics influencing the contest.Prashant Mahadik, MNS shakha pramukh from Malad (East) and the MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from electoral ward No. 36, says recent changes in ward boundaries have altered the area’s demographics, shifting 10,288 Marathi voters out of his ward into ward No. 29 in Kandivli (East).

“The reason provided is the Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR) 2034, but it is clear the decision is political. It may favour a political party, but for those residents who still receive services from the P North ward, it is going to be an uphill task to access them. They now have to go to R South,” he said, adding that the problems faced by his poll ward reflect those across the entire administrative ward. Narrow roads, hilly terrain, uneven and inadequate water supply, and stalled slum rehabilitation projects continue to plague residents.The ward, recently carved out of the larger P North ward, is still grappling with structural gaps. It does not have a dedicated ward officer, and its ward office does not offer the full range of civic services. Most poll wards fall under the Dindoshi Assembly constituency, except No. 36, which is split between the Dindoshi and Kandivli (East) constituencies.Spread across both sides of Western Express Highway, the new ward includes several large slum clusters alongside a few planned residential pockets. The population is socially diverse, with a major Marathi and Muslim presence, as well as sizeable communities from the Hindi belt. Both Sena (UBT) and MNS have a strong organisational base here.In neighbouring ward No. 45, BJP candidate Nirav Barot is banking on both legacy and local issues. His father, the late Dr Ram Barot, represented the ward six times in the past. Barot identified traffic congestion and air pollution as pressing concerns, alongside the long-standing issue of hawkers.“Traffic congestion and air pollution are major issues, as are hawkers, but the latter are daily wage earners and what is needed is an amicable solution, not eviction. There are four to five large municipal grounds that, after 6 pm, can be used for markets. People can safely park their cars and shop. The hawkers, instead of paying hafta, can directly pay the BMC a fee for the use of the ground,” he said.Barot described his ward as a mix of housing societies and slums, each facing distinct challenges. “There are several redevelopment projects underway and this is only going to create a traffic gridlock. The government needs to push for cluster redevelopment with minimal entry and exit points on the highway,” he said.Closer to the Dindoshi Hills lies the historic Nagari Nivari Housing Complex, which was built following years of agitation led by the late Mrinal Gore. Ward Nos. 40 and 41 have traditionally been Sena (UBT) strongholds, though electoral outcomes here have not always followed party lines. In 2017, Tulshiram Shinde, then a Sena rebel, won No. 41 as an independent. With it now reserved for the OBC community, Shinde is contesting from No. 40 as the Sena (UBT) candidate. “I have been in public service for the last 35 years and interpersonal relations matter. The alliance will help. Problems are common between the two wards -traffic, hawkers and in the Mhada layouts there is the issue of inadequate water supply. Also, on the east of the highway there is no civic hospital. My objective will be to resolve all these issues.”

US President Donald Trump said that he may bar ExxonMobil from operating in Venezuela, criticising the oil giant after its leadership questioned the viability of investing in the country after the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday as he departed West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said he was unhappy with the company’s stance. “I didn’t like Exxon’s response,” he said. “They’re playing too cute.” The remarks came days after Trump met oil executives on Friday in an effort to calm industry concerns about Venezuela. During the meeting, he told companies that any engagement would be handled directly with the United States rather than through the Venezuelan government. However, not all executives were reassured. Darren Woods, chief executive of ExxonMobil, described the current situation in stark terms. “If we look at the commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela, today it’s uninvestable,” he said. On the same day, Trump also signed an executive order aimed at protecting Venezuelan oil revenues from being used in judicial proceedings. The order, released publicly on Saturday, warned that allowing such funds to be seized could “undermine critical US efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela.” The country has long faced state asset seizures, US sanctions and prolonged political uncertainty. Securing investment from US oil companies to help rebuild Venezuela’s infrastructure has become a key objective of the Trump administration following Maduro’s capture. The White House has presented the approach as an economic strategy, with Trump already having seized tankers transporting Venezuelan oil, announced that the US is taking control of the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned crude, and stated plans to oversee those sales globally on an indefinite basis.

HYDERABAD: A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Telangana for allegedly unlawfully entering a temple premises and committing what police described as “indecent” acts in front of an idol, news agency PTI reported. According to police, the incident took place at the Katta Maisamma temple in Safilguda on Saturday night. The accused has been identified as Altaf, a resident of Bidar district, Karnataka. Police said a case was registered at Neredmet police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for unlawfully entering a place of worship and insulting religious beliefs. He was produced before a city court on Sunday and has been sent to judicial remand, a release from the Malkajgiri police commissionerate said. The incident triggered protests by the BJP, pro-Hindu organisations and devotees, who accused the man of urinating within the temple premises. A video circulated on social media purportedly showed some individuals assaulting a man outside the temple after questioning him over the alleged act. Police said they are verifying the antecedents and past history of the accused and that further action will be taken strictly in accordance with law. Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao visited the temple and described the incident as “blasphemous”. He alleged that the ruling Congress party in Telangana was competing with Bangladesh and Pakistan in attacks on Hindus. In a post on X, Rao said, “Even though I respect human rights, the other side speaks the language of “Sar Tan Se Juda”, therefore this incident calls for ENCOUNTER of the person who desecrated the sacred Kattamaisamma Temple by urinating within the premises. I am also astonished at the radio silence by Congress, BRS as well as the pseudo secular media on the issue.” He further said the BJP in Telangana would not remain a mute spectator and would fight on the streets for the protection of Hindu faith, temples and dignity. “Hindus will not be silenced. Faith will not be compromised”, he said. Meanwhile, police appealed to the public not to believe or circulate rumours or unverified information on social media or other platforms.Police also appealed to all sections of the public to maintain calm, peace and communal harmony.

The Big Bash League heads to the Sydney Showground Stadium for a pivotal mid-season encounter as the Sydney Thunder host the Melbourne Renegades in Match 33. With the tournament entering its business end, both teams will be desperate for points to solidify their standing on the ladder.

Sydney Thunder, led by the veteran batter David Warner, boast a side that is tailor-made for their home conditions – packed with technical batters and versatile bowlers. The presence of Daniel Sams and David Willey provides world-class left-arm seam options, while Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha will be the danger men on this turning surface.

On the other side, the Melbourne Renegades bring pure firepower. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Josh Brown can kill a chase in 10 overs, but they are prone to collapse if the ball moves. The inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan provides much-needed stability and class to anchor the innings.

ST vs MR, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 12; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney

ST vs MR, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 18 | Sydney Thunder won: 8 | Melbourne Renegades won: 10 | No result/Tied: 0

Sydney Showground Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at the Showground is historically known to be slightly tacky, often aiding spinners and bowlers who utilize cutters effectively. Scores in the 160-170 range are often competitive here. The powerplay will be crucial. Batters need to capitalize on the hard ball before the pitch slows down and grip increases for the spinners.

Squads

Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Caleb Jewell, Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (c), Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Jason Behrendorff, Callum Stow, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Adam Zampa

Sydney Thunder: Matthew Gilkes, David Warner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (wk), Nic Maddinson, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, David Willey, Tanveer Sangha, Ryan Hadley, Wes Agar, Charlie Anderson, Tom Andrews, Sam Konstas

Also READ: BBL|15: Sam Harper’s electrifying 84 not out steers Melbourne Stars to a commanding win over Melbourne Renegades

ST vs MR, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Sydney Thunder wins the toss and bats first
• Sydney Thunder’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Sydney Thunder’s total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bats first
• Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 45-55
• Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 165-175

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Sean Abbott rattles Jack Wildermuth’s stumps with a peach of a delivery in BBL|15

NEW DELHI: India batting great Virat Kohli on Sunday reflected on his illustrious career, calling it “nothing short of a dream come true” as he continues to bring joy to millions through the sport he loves.The 37-year-old added another landmark to his glittering resume during the first ODI against New Zealand, becoming the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs across formats. Kohli achieved the feat in his 624th innings, making him the quickest to the milestone and the second-highest run-scorer overall behind Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli reached the landmark with a boundary off New Zealand leg-spinner Adithya Ashok. Tendulkar had taken 644 innings to reach the mark, while Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, the only other member of the elite club, got there in 666 innings.“Honestly, if I look back at my whole journey, it’s nothing short of a dream come true. I’ve always known my abilities, when I came in and I had to work for a lot more to get to the place I am today.“God has blessed me with way too much for me to complain about anything. So I feel nothing but gratitude. I always look back at my whole journey with a lot of grace and and a lot of gratitude in my heart and I feel I feel proud about it.”Named Player of the Match for the 45th time in his career, Kohli once again enjoyed overwhelming support from fans at the venue.“I feel grateful that I’ve been put in this position. It’s a blessing to be honest. You can give so much happiness to so many people by just doing what you love to do, which is play the sport you’ve always loved as a child.“What what more can I ask for I’m literally living my dream and making people happy and see smiling faces.”Reflecting on his match-winning 93 off 91 balls, Kohli said he was not focused on personal milestones.“If I’m being brutally honest the way I’m playing right now, I’m not thinking about the milestones at all.“Honestly, if we were batting first today, I would have probably gone harder. Because there was a total on the board, I had to kind of buckle down and and play the situation. I was feeling like I want to hit more boundaries.”Asked about his more aggressive approach early in the innings in recent times, Kohli explained his mindset at the No. 3 position.“The basic idea is I batted at number three, so if the situation is a bit tricky, I backed myself to counter-attack now rather than just trying to play the situation in.“Because some ball has your name on it. So there’s no point waiting around for too long But at the same time you don’t play outrageous shots, you still stick to your strengths. But you back yourself enough to put the opposition on the back foot and that’s exactly what happened today when I walked in.“I just felt like if I push hard now in the first 20 balls, then we can probably string in a partnership straight after a wicket like Rohit’s Where the opposition is gonna go on the back foot and that actually ended up being the difference in the game.”Kohli also revealed that his trophies are sent to his mother in Gurgaon.“I send my awards to my mum, she’s proud of them. Yeah, she likes keeping all the trophies,” he said with a smile when asked if he needed a separate room for his accolades.During the chase, Kohli walked out to bat following the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, drawing a massive cheer from the crowd.Addressing the reaction, he admitted feeling uncomfortable about it.“I think it’s like different timing happens at different games, I am not really aware of it.“I honestly don’t feel good about it if I have to be honest. Same thing happens with MS. I’ve seen a lot as well. I don’t think that it’s a good feeling for the guy going out. So I do feel bad about it. I also understand the crowd, gets excited and they get happy.“So I guess it’s part of the game and I try to just focus on what I need to do and not think so much before I go to bat.”India captain Shubman Gill was full of praise for Kohli’s current form.“It’s tough to start on these pitches. Tough to replicate what he does. Hope he keeps piling on runs.”“Always feels great to chip in, especially when you’re chasing. Staying in the present is most important, esp for athletes. That’s what I try to do.”

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Australia has tightened checks for student visa applicants from India as it moved India into the ‘highest-risk’ category along with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. The new categorization came into effect from January 8 2026, as these four South-Asian countries have been moved from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). The re-rating of the countries was out of cycle, the Australian media reported, while the administration said this was triggered by “emerging integrity risks”.

“This change will assist with the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking a quality education in Australia,” the administration said. “The Australian government wants all students to have a positive study experience during their stay in Australia and receive a high-quality education. It is important that Australia’s international education system and Student Visa Program has the right settings to provide international students with confidence they are investing in the best possible education,” they said.

What does this re-rating mean for Indian students?

Indian students applying for a visa in Australia will be screened meticulously. They may be asked for more documents, and there might be rigorous background checks. Bank statements will be manually verified, additional English language evidence may be requested and the officers will have the authority to call institutions, referees. The process time of applications will lengthen from three to eight weeks.

Why India moved to ‘highest- risk’ category?

Though the administration did not cite any specific reason for which India had been assigned to a new category, the move came after reports of fake degree busts in India, which created a ripple in the international media. India alone accounts for almost 140,000 of Australia’s 650,000 international students, and the four nations represent nearly one-third of 2025 enrolments.According to experts, Australia remains the only option now among the ‘big four’ student destinations, as the US, UK and Canada are shutting their doors to foreign students. “It recently became obvious that student applicants who couldn’t get into those other three countries are increasingly applying to come to Australia, and in many cases we’ve seen an increase in fraudulent financial and academic documents,” Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, said.“By placing a number of these countries into the highest risk rating level then it automatically enhances any filtering of the student visa applicants to ensure bona fide study motivation.”