NEW DELHI: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday accused the Congress and RJD of spreading a “misleading narrative” around government schemes, including MGNREGA and its replacement, VB-G RAM G, and said such protests would ultimately help the NDA electorally, including in West Bengal.Addressing reporters, Paswan said, “Parties like Congress and RJD have been doing politics of instigating fear among the people by weaving a misleading narrative around laws and schemes like CAA, NRC, Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, and VB-G RAM G,” reported PTI.He alleged that the opposition was sensationalising the renaming of MGNREGA by invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, and said the NDA was open to debating the merits of the new scheme rather than its name. “They even challenge a ‘crucial and regular’ exercise like special intensive revision of electoral rolls,” he said, adding that “people of Bihar have answered their vote chori allegations through a democratic process.”Paswan claimed the opposition’s protests would backfire politically. “Just like they helped us win Bihar by creating a ruckus around SIR, they will assist us in clinching West Bengal and Assam by trying to make an issue out of VB-G RAM G,” he said.Defending the VB-G RAM G act, the Union minister said it symbolised “collective responsibility on the lines of federal structure” and rejected claims that it imposed an unfair financial burden on states. “Congress and RJD claim that the VB-G RAM G Act has placed an extra burden on states… Little do they realise that this has been done to ensure collective responsibility on the lines of the federal structure of the country,” he said.Paswan argued that the absence of such collective responsibility was a key reason behind MGNREGA’s failure, claiming states lacked a sense of ownership. He said VB-G RAM G had increased the number of working days, shifted focus from “earth digging” to infrastructure projects, and improved monitoring to plug loopholes.Taking a swipe at the Congress, he said, “Why are they worried about the burden on states? In how many states do they have a government anyway?” He added that the NDA would form “double-engine governments” in remaining states, including West Bengal and in the south.He also alleged that the Congress was uneasy because the Modi government had dismantled a scheme “they devised for carrying out corruption,” claiming MGNREGA had become a “den of corruption” benefiting middlemen rather than the poor.

In a picturesque celebration held in the enchanting city of Udaipur, Nupur Sanon, the sister of beloved actress Kriti Sanon, has officially embarked on her journey of love by marrying her longtime partner, Stebin Ben. The charming couple celebrated in a beautiful Christian wedding, donning elegant white ensembles that radiated joy.

Kriti Sanon‘s sister Nupur Sanon and her longtime boyfriend Stebin Ben are officially married. The couple got hitched on Saturday in a Christian wedding in Udaipur. While pictures and videos from the ceremony have been surfacing, the couple has now dropped a collaboration post on their social media.

Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben officially drop pictures from their Christian wedding

In the pictures, the couple can be seen donning white attire for their big day. Nupur Sanon looked mesmerizing as a bride in a beautiful white gown, while Stebin Ben exuded the perfect groom vibes. The first picture showcased them kissing each other, and the next one had him landing a forehead kiss on Nupur. From Stebin coming down the stairs with the groomsmen to the bridesmaids facing the camera with Nupur and Stebin, these photos gave an insight into a fun wedding. The caption of the post read, “I did. I DO. I will Always & Forever.”Take a look. Soon, actress Amyra Dastur dropped hearts in the comment section. Mouni Roy commented, “The most beautiful moment, the most beautiful couple,” and Maanayata Dutt added, “Congratulations!! Much love.” Tahira Kashyap wrote, “Congratulations, you guys.” Netizens wished the duo and poured love on the post.

More about their Christian wedding

The wedding was attended by Nupur’s sister Kriti Sanon, her rumored boyfriend Kabir Bahia, producer Dinesh Vijan, filmmaker Amar Kaushik, and friends Mouni Roy and Disha Patani.The couple kept their relationship under wraps until earlier this month, when they announced their romantic engagement on social media. From the pictures, Stebin popped the big question on a decorated yacht. He went down on one knee while a crew held “Will you marry me?” placards in the background. Nupur captioned the post, “In a world full of maybes, I found the easiest YES I’ve ever had to say.” She even flaunted her massive diamond ring in the pictures.Meanwhile, the couple will get married according to the Hindu rituals today.

File photo: Union home minister Amit Shah (Picture credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Bharatiya Janata Party’s support base in Kerala is steadily expanding and expressed confidence that the BJP will form the government in the state in the upcoming Assembly elections this year.Addressing a gathering of newly elected local body representatives, Shah cited the party’s rising vote share over the years to back his claim. “In 2014, we received 11% of the vote; in 2019, 16%; and in 2024, 20%. Now, the journey from 20% to 30% and 40% won’t be that long, and we will prove this in 2026,” he said. ‘We have already achieved this across the country, but now it’s Kerala’s turn… This time, a BJP chief minister will definitely be elected in Kerala’, Shah said.Shah added that the BJP’s growth in Kerala was not limited to urban areas and reflected wider public support.He pointed to recent local body results, noting that the BJP has won 30 gram panchayats, two municipalities, and currently holds the mayor’s post in Thiruvananthapuram. Shah said these gains were possible due to the efforts and sacrifices of party workers and dedicated the party’s success to those who had faced jail terms and their families.Shah also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, criticising both for what he described as an over-reliance on remittances from Keralites working abroad. He argued that the state needed a more balanced development model. “Kerala’s development should be balanced,” he said, questioning whether the current model adequately addressed the needs of families that do not benefit from overseas remittances.“The LDF and UDF governments in Kerala are content with the money sent by Keralites working abroad… While I appreciate Keralites working abroad, I want to ask the LDF and UDF whether it is the responsibility of the Kerala government to care for those families whose members don’t send money from abroad… Whose responsibility is it to bring about improvements for those millions of people?” Shah said.Referring to governance in BJP- and NDA-ruled states, Shah said they had been transformed through what he called a balanced development approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Today, I have come to tell the people of Kerala that wherever the BJP and NDA have come to power, they have transformed those states into developed states… PM Modi has presented a balanced development model to the world,” he said.He urged Kerala to move beyond “one-dimensional” development and plan growth that benefits every citizen.Shah’s visit to Kerala also includes interactions with party leaders and participation in political and development-related programmes ahead of the Assembly elections later this year.

NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded the coldest morning of the winter on Saturday, with conditions expected to worsen further into a cold wave in the next two days. The city woke up to its coldest January winter morning since 2024, with the minimum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory settling at 4.2 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest reading of the ongoing winter season so far. The maximum temperature remained below normal at 19.7 degrees Celsius, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi for moderate to dense fog and a warning of cold wave conditions on Sunday and Monday. Dense to moderate fog is also likely during morning hours as the sharp drop in temperatures continues across the region. According to the IMD, cold wave conditions are declared when the minimum temperature falls about 4.5 to 6.4 degrees below normal, depending on local climatology. A sharp dip in temperatures was recorded across Delhi’s weather stations on Saturday. Station-wise maximum temperatures showed Safdarjung recording 19.7 degrees Celsius, Palam 17.2 degrees Celsius, Lodi Road 18.8 degrees Celsius, the Ridge 17.9 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar 19.0 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures reflected the intensity of the cold spell, with Safdarjung at 4.2 degrees Celsius, Palam 4.5 degrees Celsius, Lodi Road 4.7 degrees Celsius, the Ridge 5.3 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar also recording 4.5 degrees Celsius. Saturday’s readings made it the coldest winter morning for the month in three years. The previous coldest January day was observed on January 15, 2024, when the minimum temperature had plunged to 3.3 degrees Celsius, triggering cold wave conditions across the national capital. On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 4.6 degrees Celsius. Before that on December 4 and December 5, the mercury had settled at 5.6 degrees Celsius, and on December 1, the minimum temperature stood at 5.7 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further with a reading of 346 at 4 pm, slipping into the “very poor” category, as unfavourable meteorological conditions continued to restrict the dispersion of pollutants. Chandni Chowk recorded the worst Air Quality Index at 395, inching close to the “severe” category. Data showed that 27 stations were in the “very poor” category, while 11 stations showed “poor” air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 is satisfactory, 101 to 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is poor, 301 to 400 is very poor, and 401 to 500 falls in the severe category. According to the Decision Support System, transport emissions contributed 10.84 per cent to local pollution levels, followed by Delhi and peripheral industries at 11.089 per cent. Residential sources accounted for 6.044 per cent, while road dust contributed 0.95 per cent. As per the air quality warning system, air quality is likely to remain in the “very poor” category till January 13, with cold and calm conditions continuing to worsen pollution levels over the next few days. In the morning hours the AQI was also in the very poor category at 366.

Left-handed opening batter David Warner found himself at the centre of controversy during a Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 match after openly questioning the bowling action of Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan.

The incident took place during the Brisbane Heat versus Sydney Thunder encounter at the Gabba on Saturday, where Warner’s animated on-field gestures toward the umpire quickly became the talking point of the night.

Despite Brisbane Heat securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory, the spotlight remained firmly on Warner’s repeated complaints, which overshadowed the on-field result and reignited debates around bowling action legality in Australian cricket.

David Warner’s on-field gestures and complain to the umpire

Opening for Sydney Thunder, Warner played a commanding knock of 82 off 56 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes. However, during Zaman’s spell, Warner repeatedly gestured toward the umpire, mimicking an underarm motion to express his frustration with the pacer’s low, slingy release.

Warner did not hold back and openly mocked the action by saying it resembled “a four-year-old bowling” and pointing out how the ball “stays so low.” Clips of the remarks, shared widely on social media through official BBL channels, quickly went viral and fuelled intense online debate. While no dead ball was called and no immediate intervention followed, Warner’s persistence placed visible pressure on the officials throughout the over.

Here’s the video:

“Like a four-year-old bowling. It stays so low.”

David Warner on Zaman Khan’s action. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/dv9Bzw4G5v

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 10, 2026

Zaman Khan under scrutiny amid costly BBL debut 

Zaman Khan, drafted in as a replacement for injured Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, endured a challenging debut for Brisbane Heat. The 24-year-old conceded 32 runs across three wicketless overs, struggling to contain Warner’s aggressive stroke play, particularly through the leg side.

Known for his slingshot-style action and sharp dip, Zaman has built a reputation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket, with 111 T20 matches and 132 wickets to his name. His action has previously been assessed and remodelled, staying within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow flexion limit. However, Warner’s criticism revived memories of earlier ‘chucking’ controversies in Australia, including Muhammad Hasnain’s suspension in 2022 following complaints from Marcus Stoinis.

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

On the field, Sydney Thunder posted a competitive 189 for 7 after being sent in, largely powered by Warner’s fluent innings. Brisbane Heat responded confidently, chasing down the target in 18.2 overs thanks to an unbeaten 78 from Usman Khawaja and a composed 43 not out from Jimmy Peirson.

Off the field, fans on social media erupted with divided opinions. Australian fans largely backed Warner’s stance, praising his vigilance in protecting batsmen, while many Pakistan supporters accused him of gamesmanship. However, BBL officials confirmed that no immediate biomechanical testing has been ordered. Heat’s coaching staff also dismissed concerns and highlighted Zaman’s raw pace exceeding 140 kph.

While Brisbane Heat celebrated another win over Sydney Thunder, the episode once again highlighted how quickly on-field disputes can dominate headlines.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja’s explosive knock cruise Brisbane Heat to an emphatic victory over Sydney Thunder in BBL|15

Tax experts have cautioned the government against raising the income tax surcharge on high-income individuals or reintroducing a wealth tax in the Union Budget 2026-27, warning that such moves could push wealthy taxpayers to relocate to low-tax jurisdictions and hurt investment and job creation.At present, individuals earning over Rs 50 lakh are subject to a surcharge on income tax — 10 per cent on income between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, 15 per cent for Rs 1–2 crore, and 25 per cent for Rs 2–5 crore. Those earning above Rs 5 crore pay a 25 per cent surcharge under the new tax regime, while the surcharge is 37 per cent under the old regime, PTI reported.According to estimates by independent economists, recent GST rate cuts and lower income tax collections could cost the exchequer around Rs 2 lakh crore in the current fiscal, prompting debate on whether additional revenue measures may be needed in FY27 for higher spending on defence and other priorities.Risk of high earners relocatingPwC & Co LLP Partner Amit Rana said while the principle of taxation is based on vertical equity, excessively high taxes can be counterproductive.“We have a pretty good slab, wherein at the highest level you pay 42 per cent, at the lowest level you pay almost zero, even at reasonable income levels. But, when you start making it very prohibitive, you run the risk of high-income earners wanting not to be in India, and that is possible in the world today,” Rana told PTI.He added that high-income individuals play a key role in creating industries and generating jobs, making it essential to strike a careful balance in taxation.EY India Tax Partner Surabhi Marwah echoed similar concerns, saying high surcharges or a return of wealth tax could prompt high-net-worth individuals to move capital or residency abroad.“Tax uncertainty and steep effective rates may play a role in decisions around capital relocation and residency. Stability and predictability in the tax regime may be as important as the rates when the objective is to retain capital and talent,” she said.Marwah noted that wealth tax was abolished in 2015 as collections did not justify the administrative effort involved. She added that surcharges are generally viewed as more efficient and less litigious than asset-based taxes.“With the government now having access to robust data trails through GST, CRS agreements and other systems, policymakers may continue to see surcharge adjustments as a relatively simpler option compared to asset-based valuation regimes,” she said.Wealth tax seen as inefficientShardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co Partner Gouri Puri said higher tax rates could encourage capital flight and discourage entrepreneurship.“Capital flight is a genuine risk since mobile families can re-domicile to other jurisdictions with lower rates. There is always global competition to keep tax regimes investor-friendly, and harsher taxes in India may discourage investment and push capital away,” she said, adding that a wealth tax would also revive concerns over compliance costs and administrative complexity.Deloitte India Partner Alok Agrawal pointed out that the government had already reduced the highest surcharge from 37 per cent to 25 per cent in Budget 2023 for individuals earning above Rs 5 crore under the new tax regime, bringing down the maximum marginal tax rate from about 42.7 per cent to 39 per cent.“This applied from April 1, 2023, and was applicable only under the new tax regime. So, it seems unlikely that the government would hike this once again within a short span of three years,” he told PTI.On wealth tax, Agrawal said collections from such a levy have historically been small relative to the cost of administration.“The government’s focus has instead been on improving tax collections through more robust enforcement by leveraging technology and information-sharing with other countries,” he added.

Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA) here.The hosts were dealt a significant setback ahead of the series opener, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ruled out of the entire series due to a right-side strain injury. Dhruv Jurel has been named as his replacement.

The spotlight will firmly be on stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom are in fine form in the 50-over format across international and domestic cricket. Kohli, in particular, is also chasing multiple milestones and will be keen to make a big impact with the bat.Explaining the decision to bowl first after winning the toss, India captain Shubman Gill said: “Try different kinds of combinations, you know, see what combination suits us the best for different conditions, obviously when we play in India. Whenever you’re bowling second, there’s a bit of a challenge with the dew, and so try out what kind of combination suits our condition the best. It looks like a good wicket.“Hopefully, I think it’ll be a little bit easier to bat on in the second innings with the new coming in, and that was the thought process behind bowling first. I think playing a bit of Vijay Hazare series, everyone is coming after playing some matches, so everyone looks in good form. We’ve played a lot of cricket together, so you know, the environment is always nice and calm whenever we get together.”On the team combination, Gill took a big call. He said India have opted for six bowling options, with Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav handling spin duties, while Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana form the pace attack.Meanwhile, New Zealand have fielded a relatively inexperienced side and will be keen to put up a strong challenge against the Men in Blue.Stand-in skipper Michael Bracewell, who is leading the Black Caps in Mitchell Santner’s absence, said they too would have preferred to bowl first but were content with batting. “We have been used to the weather and have some great net sessions. It’s a big series for us, a proud moment every time we play for New Zealand. We’re playing a WC in India and it’s a big advantage for us. New faces, but some experience as well. Might play a bit lower – Kristian Clarke makes his debut today, and Aditya Ashok is our main spinner,” he said.Playing XIsIndia: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaNew Zealand: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok

Syrian government forces evacuated took control of Sheikh Maqsoud, the last district in Aleppo outside state control, on Sunday. It came as US and allied forces carried out large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets across Syria on Saturday,Government forces evacuated more than 400 Kurdish fighters from Sheikh Maqsoud, and detained around 300 Kurds, AFP reported citing an interior ministry official, marking the end of days of intense fighting in the northern city.The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said “360 fighters and more than 59 wounded” were transferred overnight from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood to Kurdish-run areas in northeastern Syria. Another 300 Kurds, including members of Kurdish security forces, were detained.According to the agency, there were buses filled with men leaving Sheikh Maqsoud under government security escort during the night. State television later said military operations in the area had been halted, while hundreds of residents displaced by the fighting were seen waiting at the neighbourhood’s entrances to return once operations formally ended.Syrian security forces began deploying in Sheikh Maqsoud on Saturday after several days of clashes with Kurdish fighters that left dozens dead and wounded. From early Saturday, forces launched sweeping operations in the area and urged residents to remain indoors, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.Two Kurdish fighters blew themselves up while surrounded by security forces, without causing casualties. Gunfire was still heard around midday on Saturday.Later, an explosive-laden drone struck the Aleppo governorate building shortly after two cabinet ministers and a local official held a press conference, state TV said. State television blamed Kurdish fighters for the attack, a claim denied by the main Kurdish-led force, which said it does not target civilian sites, according to AP.The fighting erupted earlier this week in Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh and Bani Zaid after talks between Damascus and the Syrian democratic forces (SDF) stalled over integrating Kurdish forces into the national army. Government forces have since taken control of Achrafieh and Bani Zaid.At least 22 people were killed over five days of clashes, with both sides reporting civilian deaths in areas under their control. More than 140,000 people were displaced.AFP reported that Syrian authorities later began transferring Kurdish fighters out of Aleppo after some announced their surrender. Separately, Jordan’s foreign minister discussed the situation with the US special envoy to Syria, offering support for efforts to consolidate a ceasefire and ensure a peaceful withdrawal of Kurdish fighters.

Ravindra Jadeja (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was seen putting in additional work during a specialised training session ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium.In a video shared by the BCCI on Sunday, Jadeja was seen engaging in an innovative bowling drill. The all-rounder repeatedly landed the ball between different coloured cones placed on the pitch, following instructions from bowling coach Morne Morkel, who closely supervised and guided the session.

“Coach gave me a task: by the trigger, when I am going to pitch the ball, he will name the colour blue, green and red. He will pick from all three, and I have to pitch the ball closer to that colour with accuracy, like a normal match pitch.“And in between, he also kept two blue coloured balls for the full ball. So, at the same time, he will tell me where to pitch the ball at the last moment,” Jadeja said while explaining the practice.Jadeja heads into the series with form, fitness and confidence firmly on his side. The experienced all-rounder has looked sharp in domestic cricket this month, scoring an unbeaten 52 against Gujarat before following it up with a knock of 36 and figures of 1 for 48 against Services in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.The left-hander also boasts an impressive ODI record against New Zealand, built over a span of 15 years. Jadeja has amassed 386 runs in 16 matches against the Black Caps at an average of 48.25, while also claiming 10 wickets in those outings.After missing the ODI series against Australia, Jadeja made a return to the format during the home series against South Africa, producing a strong all-round performance.Following the series opener in Kotambi, the second ODI will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, while the third and final match will take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18.