NEW DELHI: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has made a strong case for Shreyas Iyer’s immediate inclusion in the T20I squad, insisting the middle-order batter should be the “automatic” replacement for Tilak Varma, who has been ruled out of the opening matches of the series against New Zealand due to an abdominal injury.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tilak’s absence has opened up a key slot in India’s middle order ahead of a packed white-ball calendar and the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. With India in need of stability and experience in the middle order, Chopra believes the selectors need not look too far.

“Who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. ‘Sarpanch’ sahab should be picked automatically,” Chopra said on X. “He is already playing well and scored in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too. Even when Iyer was not picked in the Asia Cup, it felt slightly unfair, but it was understandable. But there is an opportunity for a middle-order role here. He is also an experienced player and set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote.”Backing his argument further, Chopra pointed out that India do not require additional openers. “India does not need an opener. So no Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. India need a middle-order batter,” he said, underlining why Iyer stands out as the most logical choice.

Chopra did acknowledge alternative options but placed them firmly behind Iyer. “Riyan Parag could also be one candidate. He was part of the T20I side before and can also bowl. If India is looking for a multi-skilled player, Parag could be that guy,” Chopra said. “But my vote is for Shreyas Iyer. I would place Parag at No.2.” Jitesh Sharma, he added, might have an outside chance, though India “do not need three wicketkeepers” in the squad.Meanwhile, the BCCI has confirmed that Tilak Varma underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 7. He was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning and is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad on Friday. The board said the batter is currently stable and progressing well.

NEW DELHI: In a significant escalation of govt’s anti-narcotic approach, home minister Amit Shah on Friday announced a three-year war on drugs – set to commence on March 31 this year. Chairing the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting at Vigyan Bhawan, Shah reframed the drug menace as a matter of “narco-terrorism” rather than a mere law-and-order or crime issue, labelling it a strategic conspiracy to “destroy the country’s future generations”. To cement this offensive, Shah directed all govt departments to finalise a comprehensive “Drug-Free India” roadmap by 2029. “As India targets 2047 for its centenary of independence, the administration views this upcoming three-year window as a critical inflection point to purge the nation’s social fabric of narcotics and secure the health and performance of its youth,” he said. Shah also informed that between 2014 and 2025, India seized drugs worth over Rs 1.71 lakh crore, a massive jump from the Rs 40,000 crore seized in the preceding decade. To sustain this momentum, the home ministry has now mandated the use of AI and advanced forensics to increase conviction rates and track evolving digital payment models used by international cartels. The minister asked officials to focus on the “ruthless” dismantling of supply chains and the financial backbones of drug kingpins. The central pillar of the 2026-2029 campaign is a “three-pronged” tactical approach involving a merciless crackdown on traffickers, a strategic push for demand reduction through awareness, and a humane, medical-first approach for harm reduction among users. “There should be no leniency for those who manufacture and sell drugs, but a humane approach must be adopted toward those who have fallen into usage,” Shah said, clarifying govt’s clear policy distinction between victims and perpetrators. He also directed state DGPs to transition into “mission mode,” creating permanent specialised teams to monitor intelligence and coordinate drug destruction efforts. By integrating Forensic Science Laboratories more deeply into the investigative process, govt aims at ensuring timely chargesheets and higher conviction rates. The deliberations also centered on the escalating challenges of darknet-based drug commerce and the illicit use of cryptocurrency. Shah emphasised that the anonymity of these digital platforms necessitates advanced technological interventions, including the deployment of darknet analysis tools and machine learning models to trace anonymous transactions and secure the country’s borders against cyber-enabled trafficking. A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to disrupting the financial lifelines of narco-terror networks. The stakeholders discussed a “360-degree investigation” model, which integrates traditional law enforcement with forensic financial audits to target hawala operations and freeze assets tied to the drug trade.

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest rally in Kolkata on Friday against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a day after the central agency conducted raids at the office of political consultancy I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Partik Jain.The rally was held near the 8B bus stand in Jadavpur, where a large number of TMC leaders and workers gathered, raising slogans against the alleged misuse of central agencies. Heavy police deployment was seen in the area.

The protest followed ED searches at the Kolkata office of I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain. The TMC alleged that the agency attempted to access the party’s internal data and election strategy during the raids.Read also: ‘Unmanageable crowd’ – Calcutta HC adjourns ED plea seeking FIR against Mamata Banerjee; hearing on likely Jan 14Earlier, TMC leaders claimed they were forcibly removed while staging a protest against the ED action. Party leaders accused the police of preventing a peaceful demonstration.The rally was held near the 8B bus stand in Jadavpur, where a large number of TMC leaders and workers gathered, raising slogans against the alleged misuse of central agencies. Heavy police deployment was seen in the area.The protest followed ED searches at the Kolkata office of I-PAC and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain. The TMC alleged that the agency attempted to access the party’s internal data and election strategy during the raids.Earlier, TMC leaders claimed they were forcibly removed while staging a protest against the ED action. Party leaders accused the police of preventing a peaceful demonstration.The issue also triggered protests in Delhi on Friday, where several TMC MPs, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained while protesting near Kartavya Bhavan. Police said prohibitory orders were in force in the area due to security concerns.The TMC accused the Union government of misusing the ED to intimidate opposition parties and announced protests across West Bengal and at the national level.Also read: Mahua, Derek dragged away from outside Amit Shah’s office; TMC MPs protest over I-PAC raidThe ED said it is investigating the Prashant Kishor-founded I-PAC, whose official website mentions both the Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal government as clients, in a 2020 money laundering case linked to a coal scam. On Thursday, ED searched I-PAC’s office in the tech hub of Sector V in Salt Lake and the central Kolkata home of its director, Pratik Jain.“Proceedings were being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner until the arrival of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, along with a large number of police officials,” the ED complaint says. “She took away key evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. These actions resulted in obstruction of the ongoing investigation and proceedings under the PMLA,” the complaint adds.Mamata, who described Thursday’s raids as “a vendetta crime,” visited Jain’s Loudon Street apartment around noon and stayed there for about seven minutes before leaving with a green folder, a hard drive, and a mobile phone.ED officials had split into three groups and reached Jain’s home, I-PAC’s Sector V office, and another businessman’s home in north Kolkata’s Posta between 6:05 am and 6:30 am. Only two employees were present at the I-PAC office at the time, while Jain was at home with his family.

President Donald Trump warned that the United States will take action on Greenland, saying it will act “the easy way” or “the hard way” to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence on the Arctic island.Addressing a gathering on Saturday at the White House, Trump said, “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if not, we are going to do it the hard way.”Emphasising the strategic importance of the island, he said, “When we own it, we defend it… Look at what happened with the horrible deal Obama made with Iran, which was a short-term deal… Countries need to have ownership… We have to defend Greenland, because if we don’t, China or Russia will.”The Trump administration is reportedly considering offering direct cash payments to Greenlanders to encourage closer ties with the United States. Sources cited by Reuters said officials have discussed lump sums ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person. Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory with around 57,000 residents, is rich in natural resources.Denmark has expressed alarm over the potential US actions, warning that its troops are under standing orders to “shoot first and ask questions later” if Greenland comes under attack. European officials have also voiced concern over the United States openly weighing military options in the Arctic territory.The plan remains at a preliminary stage, with aides estimating that total payments could amount to nearly $6 billion. Another option under discussion is a Compact of Free Association, similar to agreements the US has with several Pacific island nations, in which the United States provides financial aid and defence protection in exchange for military access. Greenland would likely need to become independent from Denmark first, and the payments could be used to encourage public support for such a step or a future agreement with the United States.Polls indicate that most Greenlanders favour independence from Denmark but do not want to become part of the United States.

Becoming a three-format regular for India cricket team is one of the toughest challenges in modern-day cricket, given the intense competition and the ever-evolving demands of each format. Former India opener believes that while Yashasvi Jaiswal has the talent to succeed across formats, the youngster is missing a piece in his journey to becoming a complete all-format player.

Becoming a three-format player remains a rare achievement

In an era where formats demand contrasting skill sets, excelling consistently in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is no easy feat. Indian cricket’s depth means even highly talented players must outperform peers season after season to stay relevant. Only a select few have managed to adapt their technique, temperament, and mindset to meet the shifting requirements of red-ball patience, 50-over balance, and T20 explosiveness. For young cricketers, the pathway to becoming indispensable across formats often hinges on producing standout performances in high-pressure tournaments.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rise and the gaps in his white-ball journey

Jaiswal is widely regarded as one of India’s brightest batting prospects and has already established himself as a regular in the Test side. His composure, hunger for big scores, and ability to bat long hours have impressed selectors and fans alike. However, his exposure in white-ball cricket remains limited, particularly in T20Is, where competition for opening slots is fierce. While Jaiswal has shown flashes of brilliance in limited-overs cricket, he has yet to cement a permanent role, leaving questions about his readiness to be viewed as a three-format certainty.

India are set to face New Zealand in a white-ball series comprising three ODIs followed by five T20Is, starting in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11. Although Jaiswal has been included in the ODI squad, his absence from the T20I plans underlines the selectors’ cautious approach and the importance of sustained impact performances.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra names Indian cricket’s top 5 defining moments of 2025

Ex-opener presents blueprint for Jaiswal to become an all-format star

Addressing the topic on his YouTube channel, former opener Aakash Chopra offered a clear roadmap for Jaiswal’s progression. According to the former opener, a blockbuster IPL season could transform Jaiswal’s standing in white-ball cricket. Chopra stressed that tallying 400 to 450 runs in a season, while respectable, does not align with Jaiswal’s potential or the expectations placed on him.

“Yashasvi, I have a request for you. I want you to have a 700-run IPL season. Every year, I think it would be like that for you. You are having 400 to 450-run seasons, but that’s not good enough. Not for you, not for your standard,” said Chopra.

Chopra urged the left-hander to aim higher, specifically setting the benchmark at a 700-run IPL campaign. Such a season, he argued, would force the selectors’ hand and make Jaiswal impossible to ignore across formats. In Chopra’s view, a dominant IPL not only reflects consistency and adaptability but also demonstrates the match-winning impact required at the international level.

“I need a 700-run season so that you break the door and go in. That’s what I expect from him. That’s what I want from him. So Yashasvi should actually become a three-format player sooner than later,” he added.

Also READ: Harry Brook, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Rachin Ravindra? Mark Waugh names the next greatest Test batter

AMBERNATH: In a fresh twist to the political drama in the Ambernath municipal council, a day after 12 suspended Congress councillors joined BJP, all four councillors from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP withdrew their support to the BJP-led front and extended it to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. With this, Sena, which had emerged the single-largest party by winning 27 seats, now has the support of 32 councillors (one backer is an independent), a majority in the 60-member council. The latest move is a setback to an attempt by BJP, with 15 councillors, to gain a majority by first securing the support of 12 Congress and 4 NCP councillors and then taking the suspended Congress councillors into its own fold.

BJP had won the direct election to the post of council president but will now be compelled to share power with Shiv Sena as key positions such as that of deputy president and posts of chairpersons of local committees are expected to go to Sena and NCP, political observers said. The elections held last month saw Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP contest separately. Ambernath has traditionally been a Shiv Sena stronghold and is also considered the bastion of Shiv Sena LS MP Shrikant Shinde, son of deputy CM Eknath Shinde. To maintain control of the civic body, BJP had brought together 12 Congress councillors, four from NCP, and one independent, forming the 32-member Ambernath Vikas Aghadi. The group was formally registered with Thane collector. However, BJP faced criticism for aligning with Congress, and the latter subsequently suspended its councillors, leading all 12 to formally join the saffron outfit. However, Shinde Junior is said to have turned the tables on BJP by securing the support of the four NCP councillors plus one independent. Two independents were elected to the council; the other is with the BJP-led group. Sena MLA Balaji Kinikar confirmed Friday’s developments. A BJP politician who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the four NCP councillors had formally joined the Ambernath Vikas Aghadi, and the group was recognised by the Thane collector. This, he said, raises questions over whether the NCP councillors can extend support to Sena. Observers said the changing political equations have altered the balance of power in the council but may have also opened the door to possible legal and political challenges in the days ahead.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, right, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Joao Palhinha battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur in Bournemouth, England, Wednesday Jan. 7, 2026. (AP)

MANCHESTER: Manchester City signed Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth on Friday to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the team’s tilt at the Premier League and Champions League titles. Semenyo, who has scored 10 goals and been one of the best attackers in English soccer this season, has moved in a deal worth a reported 65 million pounds ($87 million) and on a 5 1/2-year deal. He’ll provide competition to City’s stock of wingers that already includes Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Oscar Bobb. Savinho and Bobb are currently injured, while Marmoush – currently at the Africa Cup of Nations – has been out of favor this season. The 26-year-old Semenyo also was linked with Manchester United and Liverpool. He was at Bournemouth for 2 1/2 seasons after joining from second-tier Bristol City. “I have so much scope for improvement,” Semenyo said in a City statement, “so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here. “My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that.” God-given talent’Semenyo marked his final game for Bournemouth by scoring a stoppage-time winner from outside the area against Tottenham on Wednesday. “Everything just aligned,” said the forward, whose two-footedness means he is a danger on either wing. “It makes it so difficult for defenders to mark me – it’s my God-given talent,” Semenyo said in quotes provided by City. “I feel very chaotic on the eye, just spontaneous and can do anything at any moment.” City manager Pep Guardiola has showed a willingness to play more on the counterattack this season in a switch of style and the club’s director of football, Hugo Viana, said Semenyo was an “ideal” signing. “We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted,” Viana said. “He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer.” City is second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal in its bid to regain the title after relinquishing it to Liverpool last season. Guardiola’s team is fourth in the 36-club Champions League standings with two rounds of matches remaining in the league phase. The top eight qualify automatically for the round of 16. Semenyo has never played in the Champions League. He could make his debut for City against Exeter in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday and is eligible to play in the English League Cup semifinals, with City playing the first leg at Newcastle on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: Taking note of the rampant misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to curb the menace by introducing a “Romeo-Juliet” clause to exempt “genuine adolescent relationships” from its stringent provisions.In a significant verdict, the top court also held that the high courts cannot order mandatory medical age determination of victims at the stage of bail in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh said, “Considering that repeated judicial notice has been taken of the misuse of these laws, let a copy of this judgment be circulated to the Secretary, Law, Government of India, to consider initiation of steps as may be possible to curb this menace inter alia, the introduction of a Romeo-Juliet clause exempting genuine adolescent relationships from the stronghold of this law; enacting a mechanism enabling the prosecution of those persons who, by the use of these laws, seek to settle scores, etc.” The bench, however, termed the law the “most solemn articulations of justice aimed at protecting the children of today and the leaders of tomorrow”.Setting aside an Allahabad High Court order to this effect, it held that the high court’s direction of medical age determination of victims at the stage of bail exceeded the jurisdiction under Section 439 (grant of bail) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).The bench ruled that the high courts cannot use their bail jurisdiction to conduct “mini-trials” or issue mandatory investigative protocols that contradict existing laws.“The determination of the victim’s age is a matter for trial, and the presumption which is accorded to the documents enumerated under the Section has to be rebutted there, for that is the appropriate forum to do so, not the bail court,” it held.The case stems from a challenge by the Uttar Pradesh government against an Allahabad High Court order granting bail to an accused in a sexual assault case, apparently involving a minor girl.While granting bail, the high court issued a slew of directions, including that in every case under the POCSO Act, police must conduct a medical age-determination test at the outset.The top court, which set aside the high court judgement, however, left the part of the order granting bail as “undisturbed”.The verdict, authored by Justice Karol, faced the question of whether the high court, while dealing with bail pleas, could have issued directions mandating an age-determination test to be conducted in all cases involving the POCSO Act.“It is unquestionable that the high court is a constitutional court. However, in the instant case, the error of jurisdiction by the high court was in exercise of a statutory power and not under the Constitution…,” it said.“There is an additional aspect which, if the proposition as posited by the impugned judgment is upheld, would fall foul of. Such an aspect would be that a court, at the stage of bail, cannot conduct a mini-trial. This position is trite in law,” it added.Referring to judgements, it has been clearly held that the determination of the victim’s age is a matter of trial and not at the stage of bail.“If the age is under question, the bail court may examine the documents produced to establish age, but it will not enter into the question of those documents being correct or not so…,” it said.“In cases where the victim’s courage may be tested by stigma, shame or the weight of societal scrutiny, medical evidence provides an impartial testament, grounding the pursuit of justice in the certainty of observable fact. It is, in essence, the bridge that links the personal suffering of the victim with the impartial adjudication of the law,” the bench said.It referred to certain instances of the high courts, noting the misuse of the POCSO Act.“Yet, when an instrument of such noble and one may even say basic good intent is misused, misapplied and used as a tool for exacting revenge, the notion of justice itself teeters on the edge of inversion. Courts have, in many cases, sounded an alarm regarding this situation,” it said.The misuse of the POCSO Act highlights a grim societal chasm – on the one end children are silenced by fear and their families are constrained by poverty or stigma, meaning thereby that justice remains distant and uncertain, and on the other hand, those equipped with privilege, literacy, social and monetary capital can manipulate the law to their advantage, it said.The bench directed the registrar (judicial) to share a copy of the judgment with the registrar general of the Allahabad High Court for necessary follow-up action, as well as information to the trial courts.The bench also emphasised the ethical responsibility of lawyers to act as gatekeepers against frivolous or vindictive litigation, warning that unchecked misuse erodes public faith in the justice system.