Iran has imposed sweeping restrictions on communication, shutting down internet services and telephone lines across large parts of the country as protests against economic hardship intensified on Thursday. There are also concerns that authorities may attempt to interfere with satellite signals to prevent footage of the unrest from reaching the outside world.Amid the clampdown, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi condemned the government’s actions, accusing it of deliberately silencing millions of Iranians demanding political and economic change. “Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication. It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals,” Pahlavi wrote, in a strongly worded post on X.Pahlavi accused the Iranian regime of trying to silence millions of citizens who took to the streets demanding freedom amid worsening economic conditions. He urged the international community to act decisively, calling for the use of “all technical, financial, and diplomatic resources available to restore communication to the Iranian people so that their voice and their will can be heard and seen.”Pahlavi praises Trump, urges Europe to actPahlavi publicly thanked US President Donald Trump for what he described as a firm stance against the Iranian leadership, and called on European leaders to follow Washington’s lead.“I want to thank the leader of the free world, President Trump, for reiterating his promise to hold the regime to account. It is time for others, including European leaders, to follow his lead, break their silence, and act more decisively in support of the people of Iran,” he said.Trump warns Tehran against killing protestersTrump issued a sharp warning to Iran’s leadership, threatening severe consequences if security forces use deadly force against protesters.“I have let them know that if they start killing people, which they tend to do during their riots — they have lots of riots — if they do it, we are going to hit them very hard,” Trump said during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.In a separate post on Truth Social earlier, Trump wrote: “If Iran violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”Trump did not specify what actions Washington might take, though the United States has long imposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran and has historically avoided direct military intervention. However, he ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.US officials voice support for IraniansUS vice president JD Vance reiterated Washington’s support for peaceful protesters, saying the United States stands by those seeking basic freedoms.“We certainly stand by anybody who’s engaged in peaceful protests, anybody who’s trying to exert their rights for free association and to have their voices heard,” Vance said, adding that Iran’s leadership should pursue serious negotiations with the US over its nuclear programme.Meanwhile, the US State Department issued an unusually blunt warning in Persian on its official X account, aimed directly at Iran’s leadership. “President Trump is a man of action. If you didn’t know before, now you do. Don’t mess with President Trump,” the post on X read.Protests spread nationwide The unrest, which began on 28 December, was initially sparked by shopkeepers in Tehran protesting another sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial. The currency has hit record lows over the past year, with inflation soaring to around 40 percent as sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme compound long-standing issues of mismanagement and corruption.University students soon joined the demonstrations, which spread rapidly across provinces. Protesters have been heard chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and in some cases expressing support for Reza Pahlavi.According to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, protests have erupted in 111 cities and towns across all 31 provinces. The group reported that at least 34 protesters and four security personnel were killed, with more than 2,200 arrests.BBC Persian confirmed the deaths and identities of 21 people, while Iranian authorities acknowledged the deaths of five security personnel.The current wave of unrest is the largest seen in Iran since 2022 and comes amid a deepening economic crisis, currency collapse and growing civil disobedience. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported in multiple locations, with videos circulating online showing gunfire, tear gas and stone-throwing.As communication blackouts tighten and international pressure mounts, the situation inside Iran remains volatile, with no clear indication of how the standoff between protesters and the regime will unfold.

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: According to Bajaj Broking Research, the top stock picks for January 9, 2026 are Hindustan Unilever, and Tata Power. Here’s its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:Index View: NiftyDomestic equity benchmarks witnessed a sharp correction over the last four sessions, giving up the entirety of last week’s gains as relentless FII outflows continued. The sell-off was fueled by escalating global uncertainties, particularly speculation over possible US military action in Venezuela and evolving developments related to Greenland. Market sentiment weakened further following comments by the US President on India’s procurement of Russian oil, which raised apprehensions about potential tariff actions against India. These combined global and trade-related concerns led to heightened risk aversion across markets.The index on Thursday’s session formed a sizable bearish candle with a lower high and a lower low, indicating an extension of the corrective decline for the fourth consecutive session. In the process, it also slipped below the rising trendline connecting recent swing lows and the 50-day EMA for the first time since 3 October 2025, highlighting a deterioration in short-term price structure.Looking ahead, sustained follow-through weakness could open further downside towards the 25,700–25,600 region. This zone represents a confluence of the previous month’s low and the 100-day EMA, making it an important medium-term support area.On the shorter-term horizon, momentum indicators suggest the market is in an oversold territory. Therefore, a technical pullback cannot be ruled out. However, for the corrective decline to pause, the index must close above the previous session’s high and decisively reclaim the 26,100 level. While key resistance remains at the 26,300 levels being the almost identical highs of the last two months.BANK NIFTYBank Nifty continues to outperform the Nifty, displaying clear relative strength during the current week it has rallied to a fresh all-time high of 60437. Going forward, the index is expected to remain in a consolidation phase within the 59,500–60,400 range. A decisive breakout above this range or a breakdown below it will provide clarity on the next directional move.On the downside, immediate support is seen at 59,500, while the key short-term support zone lies at 59,000–58,700. This area is significant as it represents a confluence of the 50-day EMA and the previous month’s low, making it a crucial level to watch.

Stock Recommendations:

Hindustan UnileverBuy in the range of Rs 2360-2390

The stock has generated a breakout above a falling trendline joining highs of the last 2 months signaling resumption of up move and offers fresh entry opportunity.On the downside key support is placed at 2300-2250 levels being the presence of recent trendline support and key retracement of the recent up move.We expect the stock to head towards 2520 levels being the 61.8% retracement of the previous major decline (2667-2245).Tata PowerBuy in the range of Rs 368-375

Tata Power continues to trade sideways on the daily timeframe, oscillating within a well-defined range of ₹370–₹410. The stock is currently forming a rectangle pattern, with consistent buying support emerging near the ₹370 zone.We expect the stock to rebound taking support at the lower band of the range of 370 and head higher towards the upper band of the range placed around 410 levels.On the lower side key support is placed at 355-350 levels being the key retracement of the recent up move.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

JAIPUR: Rajasthan’s anticorruption bureau (ACB) Thursday registered a case in an alleged Rs 2,000-crore scam linked to state govt’s midday meal scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic.ACB officers said the FIR names 21 accused, including officials of Rajasthan State Cooperative Consumer Federation Ltd (Confed), representatives of private firms and suppliers, who have been booked on charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery and misuse of govt funds.According to ACB, when schools were closed during the pandemic, a decision was taken that packs containing pulses, oil, spices and other essentials would be supplied through Confed under the midday meal scheme. The material was to be supplied in accordance with FSSAI and Agmark standards, with doorstep delivery to students across the state.Following complaints of large-scale irregularities in 2020-21, ACB registered a preliminary inquiry. Officers said it revealed officials conspired to rig the tender process by tweaking the eligibility norms. As a result, qualified firms were kept out of the bidding process, ensuring contracts were cornered by favoured companies. These firms allegedly further sublet the work to shell entities, creating a fake supply chain of non-existent suppliers and transporters, with little or no actual procurement or delivery.The investigation also found that in several cases, fake bills were generated and submitted without any actual purchase or supply, and govt payments obtained on the basis of bogus and inflated invoicing. In many cases, it is suspected substandard materials were supplied, but falsely certified as meeting prescribed quality and safety norms.A financial loss of about Rs 2,000 crore was estimated to have been caused to the state exchequer, ACB said. Based on the findings, an FIR was registered against Confed officials, central warehouse staff, private individuals and firms involved.

NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh govt has urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to write a fresh letter to the ICC citing concerns over upholding the “dignity of the nation”. In an earlier response to BCB’s demand of moving Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC had said it was “ready to discuss” security concerns surrounding the team.Bangladesh are slated to play three league matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. On Wednesday morning, the BCB said there had been no talk with the ICC regarding points being forfeit if the team refused to travel to India.

“ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full and uninterrupted participation of the Bangladesh team in the tournament. The ICC has conveyed its willingness to work closely with the BCB to address the concerns raised and has assured that the board’s inputs will be welcomed and duly considered,” read a BCB statement on Wednesday afternoon. “The board will continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities in a cooperative and professional manner to arrive at... a practical solution.”The scenario, however, changed by evening when Bangladesh govt’s adviser to the sports ministry, Asif Nazrul, held a meeting with BCB directors and claimed the ICC failed to understand the concerns mentioned. “We are a cricket-crazy nation and we definitely want to play. But we do not want to play the World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, the security of our cricketers, spectators and journalists or at the (cost of) the country’s dignity,” Nazrul told local media in Dhaka.“After reading the letter we received from the ICC today, it seems that they have not fully understood the serious security situation. It does not feel like only a security issue — it feels like an issue of national humiliation,” he added.That premise, he said, was based on BCCI asking KKR to drop Mustafizur Rehman hinting at security issues, although no specific reason was provided and KKR simply instructed to drop the cricketer. “Our first stand is to convince the ICC. The letter will be sent by Thursday,” Nazrul stated.BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board would go by govt advice. “India did not go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan will not go to India either. We hope to get a proper answer. We are firm in our position,” Bulbul told local media.

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England head coach Brendon McCullum has stated that the team will not abandon their attacking “Bazball” style despite the Ashes defeat against Australia. The former New Zealand skipper said he does not believe in tearing everything apart after one setback but is open to adapting and improving.

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach came under pressure during the Ashes, which ended in a 4-1 defeat. Apart from a single win at the MCG, the style struggled to deliver consistent results. The series exposed its weaknesses against a disciplined Australian team, raising questions about the approach.

It Is Not About Ripping Up Our Script – Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum backed England’s playing style after the Ashes defeat. He said the team has improved since he took charge and cannot change its approach because of one tough series. McCullum added that progress should come through improvement.

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“It is not about ripping up our script completely. From when we took over to where we are now, we are a better cricket team. I take offence to [any suggestion I don’t want to evolve]. I am not against evolution, I welcome it,” Brendon McCullum told Sky Sports.

“I am not rigid in my beliefs but I have conviction in my methods. That doesn’t mean you are blind to progress but to throw everything out that has worked in pursuit of something completely unknown doesn’t make any sense,” he added.

I Am Keen to Carry On in the Role – Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum also said that he wants to continue as England’s head coach despite the Ashes defeat. He stated that England have a better chance to improve over the next few years. He called the series a missed opportunity but remained confident in the long-term plan.

“I am keen to carry on in the role. Those decisions ultimately aren’t up to me but the lessons we will digest from this tour and what we have built, it would be a shame to rip that up and chase something no one knows whether it will be successful,” McCullum stated.

“If we stay true to what we believe in we give ourselves a good opportunity to progress as a team over the next few years. In this series, we have been pretty poor in the key moments so it was a real missed opportunity,” he added.

Brendon McCullum Faces Growing Pressure Despite Strong Early Record

Brendon McCullum began his stint as England’s Test coach with 12 wins from 13 games. However, the team failed to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship in the first three cycles. England have lost six of their first 10 matches in the current WTC cycle and are placed seventh in the standings.

McCullum remains under contract for two more years and is likely to stay at least until the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He has overseen 26 wins from 46 Tests, including a historic 3-0 series victory in Pakistan, giving England a better win rate than the previous era under Joe Root.

England face a busy Test schedule ahead, with home series against New Zealand and Pakistan, followed by tours of South Africa and Bangladesh.

For now, England will shift focus to white-ball cricket with an upcoming tour of Sri Lanka before opening their T20 World Cup campaign on February 8 against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium.

Also read: England boss announces Ashes 2027 win in bombshell statement after humiliation in Australia

Harry Brook (Getty Images)

England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook issued a public apology on Thursday, admitting he was “deeply sorry” after being involved in an altercation at a New Zealand nightclub — an incident that has added to the scrutiny surrounding England’s disastrous Ashes tour.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Brook’s statement came just hours after England’s campaign ended in Sydney, where defeat in the fifth Test sealed a dominant 4–1 Ashes series win for Australia. The timing of the apology ensured the focus swiftly shifted from on-field failures to questions around discipline and behaviour.

According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, Brook was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on October 31 while England were touring New Zealand. The incident occurred on the eve of the third ODI in Wellington, which England lost the following day, with Brook scoring just six. The 26-year-old later reported the matter to team management and was fined £30,000, along with being handed a final warning regarding his conduct.READ ALSO: ‘Deeply disappointing’: ECB launches sweeping review of England after Ashes collapseIn a candid statement, Brook accepted full responsibility. “I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” he said.“Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my team-mates, coaches and supporters,” Brook added, underlining the personal toll of the incident.

Brook also stressed his intent to move forward constructively. “I am determined to learn from this mistake and to rebuild trust through my future actions, both on and off the field. I apologise unreservedly and will work hard to ensure this does not happen again,” he said.The apology comes as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) launches an immediate and “thorough” review into the Ashes defeat, with off-field behaviour among its key focus areas. ECB chief executive Richard Gould described the campaign as “deeply disappointing” and confirmed that preparations, individual performances and behaviours would all be examined.With England’s next Test not until June, attention now turns to white-ball cricket and the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Brook is set to lead that side, with his apology marking a crucial moment as England attempt to reset — on and off the field — after a bruising Ashes tour.