NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu continued her encouraging return to top-level badminton, advancing to the semifinals of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 on Friday in what is her first tournament after a prolonged injury layoff.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!World No. 18 Sindhu progressed after her quarterfinal opponent, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, retired hurt following the opening game at the Axiata Arena. Sindhu had dominated the first game 21-11 before the third-seeded Yamaguchi, a three-time world champion who was wearing a knee brace, decided she could not continue due to injury.

The result extended Sindhu’s head-to-head advantage over the world No. 3 Yamaguchi to 15-12 and underlined the Indian star’s growing confidence as she works her way back to peak fitness and form.Sindhu’s run in Kuala Lumpur has been marked by controlled aggression and composure. In the earlier rounds, she defeated world No. 33 Sung Shuo-yun of Chinese Taipei and then produced a solid performance to outplay eighth seed Tomoka Miyazaki of Japan, booking her place in the last eight of the prestigious BWF Super 1000 event. The victories have come as a significant boost for Sindhu, who has been sidelined for months due to injury and is carefully managing her return to competition.

In the semifinals, Sindhu will face the winner of the quarterfinal between China’s second seed Wang Zhiyi and Indonesia’s sixth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani, as she looks to take another step forward in her comeback journey.Elsewhere, it was a mixed day for Indian badminton. Men’s singles star Lakshya Sen bowed out of the tournament after a straight-game loss to Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the pre-quarterfinals. Sen, ranked 13, went down 22-20, 21-15 in 53 minutes despite holding multiple game points in the opening game. It marked his third defeat in five encounters against the world No. 18.

Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have now shifted an entity tied to them out of California, beating the deadline on a proposed wealth tax targeting the state’s richest residents. As reported by Business Insider, the fillings revealed that T-Rex LLC, formed in 2006 and long managed from Palo Alto is converted into a Delaware-based company called T-Rex Holdings on December 24, 2025. The new filling reviewed by Business Insider also lists Reno, Nevada as its principal office with Brin and Page remaining managers. This move from Brin and Page comes as California is considering a 5% one-time tax on billionaires, a ballot measure slated for November 2026. If the California wealth tax gets approved then a tax would apply retroactively to residents as of January 1, 2026. Attorney’s for wealth clines have warned Governor Gavin Newsom that the Billionaire wealth tax proposal could lead to an ‘exodus of capital and innovation’ from the state.

Google Founder Larry Page already relocated other entities

Earlier this week, a report by Business Insider revealed that Larry Page has severed ties with California by covering his family office into a Delaware entity. Along with this, Page has also incorporated other ventures in Delaware, including those funding influenza research and flying car projects. On the other hand, Brin still remains tied to various California-based entities, such as the Sergey Brin Family Foundation and Bayshore Global Management, though filings show no other exits linked to him.For those unaware, Brin and Page cofounded Google nine years ago 1998 and are among world’s wealthiest individuals. As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Page is the second-richest person globally and Brin the fourth, each with net worths exceeding $250 billion.

LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman calls California Billionaire tax a horrendous idea

Recently, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman joined the list people opposing the proposed California wealth tax. Hoffman has strongly opposed California’s proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires. In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Hoffman said that the California’s Billionaire tax is ‘badly designed’ and comes with ‘massive flaws’ and there are chances that it will become ‘horrendous’ for innovation. Hoffman further revealed that Rep. Ro Khanna had reached out to discuss the proposal and Hoffman made his opposition clear. “One well‑documented example is the horrendous idea to tax illiquid stock in the proposal,” Hoffman wrote. “Poorly designed taxes incentivize avoidance, capital flight, and distortions that ultimately raise less revenue.”

No nation can progress unless small shopkeepers and traders are protected and given ease of doing business, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday. Kejriwal made the remarks while addressing the maiden meeting of the Punjab State Traders Commission in Mohali, where he was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The former Delhi chief minister said that through the commission, local markets will be upgraded, and long-pending small issues of shopkeepers will be resolved. He said the purpose of the commission is to make the tax system simpler, more transparent, and trader-friendly. “Till now, in our country, traders and businessmen have been viewed with a very negative mindset. No matter which government or which party ruled, everyone treated traders as thieves,” Kejriwal said. “I pray that one day our government is formed at the Centre and we free you from GST. There is a kind of tax terrorism going on,” he said. Kejriwal termed the traders also a victim of politicians, who, he said, only remember them during elections and then, once in power, to extort money till the next election. “I come from a trading family. I understand the pain and suffering of a trader. You may remember how, as children, we used to go to the village during summer holidays. My uncle there had a grocery shop at the bus stand. During summer vacations, many times I would manage the entire shop alone for days. I understand the pain of a shopkeeper,” he said. The AAP leader said the governments always talk about big investments everywhere. “But no one ever paid attention to the small shopkeeper running a grocery store, a clothing shop, a bread shop, a tile shop, or shops in small markets.” Attacking the rival parties in Punjab, he said that after their run was over, neither the Akali Dal nor the Congress would have dared to go among the public and seek honest feedback. “After four years, they would face such abuse that I do not think the Congress government would have had the courage to pass around a microphone in a public gathering and say, speak whatever you want … If it had happened during the Akali Dal government, the microphone would not have returned,” he said.

Reliance Industries Ltd has said it may return to buying Venezuelan crude oil, provided sales are permitted to companies outside the United States. The conglomerate, which operates world’s largest refining complex, said that it is waiting for regulatory clarity before taking a decision. “We await clarity on access for Venezuelan oil by non-US buyers and will consider buying the oil in a compliant manner,” a Reliance Industries spokesperson told Reuters. Industry sources cited by the firm further added that state-run refiners Indian Oil Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp are also prepared to consider Venezuelan oil if non-US companies are allowed to purchase it. Reliance had stopped buying Venezuelan crude last year in March, after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries purchasing oil from Venezuela. Its last cargo of Venezuelan oil was received in May last year.After the capture of Venezuela President Maduro by US forces on January 3, Caracas and Washington agreed to allow the export of up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude, estimated at 30 to 50 million barrels, to the US. The company’s refining operations in Gujarat, with a combined capacity of around 1.4 million barrels per day, are designed to process heavier and cheaper crude grades, including Venezuela’s Merey oil. “If Venezuelan barrels re-enter global markets, they are likely to come at a discount, improving feedstock optionality and economics for compatible refiners, even if volumes remain limited,” Sumit Ritola, lead research analyst, refining and modelling at Kpler was quoted as saying by Reuters. According to LSEG trade flow data, several Indian refiners, including HPCL-Mittal Energy, Nayara Energy, Indian Oil Corp and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals, have imported Venezuelan oil in the past. Ritola said Venezuelan crude could serve as a “politically acceptable diversification option” for India as it reassesses its energy sourcing. Meanwhile, India has faced growing pressure from Western nations to reduce purchases of Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, amid concerns that oil revenues could be supporting Russia’s war effort. Last year, the United States doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, alleging that New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil fuels Moscow’s ‘war machine’ in Ukraine.Earlier on Wednesday, Trump cleared legislation intended to “punish” countries that continue doing business with Russia. While some state-owned refiners and Nayara Energy are expected to keep importing Russian crude, Reliance has said it will not take any Russian oil in January, a step that could drive India’s intake of Russian crude for the month to its lowest level in years. “We’ve already seen that Reliance has reduced its intake of Russian crude, which indicates refiners are willing and able to adapt when compliance or trade risks rise,” Ritola said.

India face a potential crisis in its middle-order lineup for the T20 World Cup 2026 after Tilak Varma‘s recent surgery raised doubts about his participation. The young batter’s injury has sparked intense discussions among fans and experts on suitable replacements. With the tournament approaching fast, selectors must weigh options carefully to maintain balance.

Tilak Varma’s injury setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026

Varma underwent emergency surgery for testicular torsion on January 7, 2026, while playing for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. He experienced sudden acute pain in his abdominal region, leading to immediate hospitalization at Gokul Hospital, where scans confirmed the condition requiring urgent intervention. Doctors estimate a recovery period of three to four weeks, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21 and casting uncertainty over his T20 World Cup readiness.​

BCCI sources indicate Varma could return for the series finale on January 31, but fitness concerns linger given the high-stakes nature of the global event. His heroics in the Asia Cup 2025 final had cemented his role as a dynamic left-handed middle-order enforcer, blending power-hitting with composure under pressure. Speculation is rife that even if he recovers physically, match sharpness might be compromised, prompting calls for backups who can slot in seamlessly.​

3 players who can replace Tilak Varma if he misses out

1. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer emerges as a prime candidate to fill Varma’s shoes, offering stability and tactical acumen in the middle order. The experienced right-hander boasts a T20I strike rate above 140, with recent domestic form showcasing his ability to anchor innings on tricky pitches. His leadership credentials, including captaining India in white-ball formats, make him ideal for high-pressure World Cup scenarios.

Also READ: Brother Vikas hits back at Virat Kohli’s critics ahead of IND vs NZ ODI series

2. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill stands out for his elegant strokeplay and consistency at the top or number three. As the current ODI captain, Gill’s T20I average nears 35, complemented by a flair for accelerating in the powerplay or middle overs. His technical prowess against spin suits subcontinental conditions expected in the 2026 tournament across India and Sri Lanka.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad rounds out the trio with his IPL-honed finishing skills, holding a T20I strike rate over 145. Chennai Super Kings opener has evolved into a versatile middle-order option, excelling in chases with smart placements and six-hitting ability. Recent performances in domestic T20s underline his readiness to step up internationally.

These players bring unique strengths ensuring India’s campaign remains robust. Selectors face a strategic puzzle, but depth in talent offers reassurance amid Varma’s absence. The T20 World Cup 2026 promises fireworks, regardless of who wears the blue jersey.

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Ruturaj Gaikwad smashes a record breaking century against Goa in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

The TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night. Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India. With a keen focus on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, we provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving cityscapes. Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens. The TOI City Desk is a trusted source for staying in touch with the local stories that shape your world.Read More