Actor and comedian Kapil Sharma is back with the fourth season of his much-loved show, ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’. This season began on a high note with Priyanka Chopra seen in the opening episode of the show. Meanwhile, the last episode has gone viral on the internet for Sunil Grover‘s mimicry of Aamir Khan which he aced and how. Netizens thought he was more Aamir than Aamir himself. Even the ‘3 Idiots’ actor showered praise on it. While the show is the talk of the town, the fee of all the comedians on the show is now revealed. Sunil Grover continues to be one of the strongest audience magnets this season. Known for his rare ability to fully inhabit a character while maintaining razor-sharp humour, he has remained a consistent fan favourite over the years. However, he earns much less than Kapil. As per a report by Asianet, Sunil Grover is reportedly being paid close to Rs 25 lakh per episode for Season 4. This amount is said to be on par with his Season 3 earnings, underlining the steady value he brings to the show.Meanwhile, as far as Kapil Sharma is concerned, several online reports suggest that Sharma commands a fee of nearly Rs 5 crore per episode for the Netflix series, placing him among the highest-paid comedians in India. This figure is believed to be in line with what he earned in previous seasons.Krushna Abhishek, celebrated for his explosive energy and eccentric comic style is also one of the key highlights of the show. As per Siasat.com, he is believed to be charging around Rs 10 lakh per episode this season. In addition to the show, Krushna supplements his income through live stage shows, television projects, and brand endorsements, with reports estimating his net worth at approximately Rs 40 crore.Kiku Sharda also has returned this season. Although his exact remuneration has not been officially disclosed, industry buzz suggests he ranks among the higher-paid cast members, thanks to his long association with the show and enduring popularity.Veteran politician and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu is reportedly paid between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh per episode. Archana Puran Singh, whose infectious laughter has become a defining element of the show, is said to earn roughly Rs 10 to 12 lakh per episode.

Average value of assets of 102 re-elected MPs was Rs 15.76 crore in 2014, Rs 24.21 crore in 2019 and Rs 33.13 crore in 2024. (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI : An analysis of assets of 102 members of Lok Sabha who got elected for three consecutive terms from 2014 to 2024 shows that they recorded average percentage growth of 110%.The report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch shows that the average value of assets of these 102 re-elected MPs fielded by various parties was Rs 15.76 crore in 2014, Rs 24.21 crore in 2019 and Rs 33.13 crore in 2024.The average asset growth for these 102 MPs between the 2014 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections is Rs 17.36 crore.The report is based on analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of 102 out of 103 reelected MPs in the 2014-2024 period. “Due to the nonavailability of 2019 Lok Sabha affidavit data, Devendra Singh, alias Bhole Singh, BJP MP from Akbarpur, UP, has not been included in this analysis,” the report states.The report also lists the 10 re-elected MPs who saw the highest increase in their assets (rupee-wise). Topping this list is Shrimant Chh Udayanraje Pratapsinhamaharaj Bhonsle of BJP from Satara seat, whose assets increased by Rs 162.51 crore, from Rs 60.60 crore in 2014 to Rs 223.12 crore in 2024.The assets of Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam of BJP from Gujarat’s Jamnagar constituency increased by Rs 130.26 crore, from Rs 17.43 crore in 2014 to Rs 147.70 crore in 2024.The assets of P V Midhun Reddy of YSRCP from Andhra’s Rajampet constituency rose by Rs 124.25 crore, from Rs 22.59 crore in 2014 to Rs 146.85 crore in 2024.In terms of the highest percentage increase, the assets of Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, increased from Rs 9.98 lakh in 2014 to Rs 14.92 crore in 2024, recording growth of 14,851%. On the other hand, the assets of only 1 MP, CR Patil from BJP, who represents Navsari in Gujarat, declined from Rs 74.47 crore in 2014 to Rs 39.49 crore in 2024.The assets of PM Narendra Modi, MP from Varanasi, rose by 82% from Rs 1.65 crore in 2014 to Rs 3.02 crore in 2024. The assets of leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi rose by 117% from Rs 9.40 crore in 2014 to Rs 20.39 crore in 2024.

Gujarat Giants fell short of their first Women’s Premier League title in 2025, exiting in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians despite a strong playoff qualification. Now rebuilt with firepower, they launch the 2026 campaign against UP Warriorz on January 10 at a venue like DY Patil Stadium, aiming to dominate from the outset. This revamped squad blends proven stars and emerging talents, positioning GG as serious contenders.​

Squad overhaul boosts Gujarat Giants’ prospects

Gujarat Giants strategically bolstered their lineup post-auction, snapping up all-round dynamos like Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore, Kim Garth, Ayushi Soni, Georgia Wareham, and Kanika Ahuja to add depth and versatility. They also secured explosive batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge and keeper Yastika Bhatia, while retaining skipper Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney as the core. Domestic holdovers Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, and Kashvee Gautam provide continuity, with the bowling fortified by Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, and Wareham alongside Gardner’s spin.​

Mooney enters in peak form, topping the WBBL 2025-26 charts with around 500+ runs across 13 innings for Perth Scorchers, showcasing her anchoring prowess at a strike rate over 140. Captain Gardner, GG’s leading run-scorer in WPL 2025 with 243 runs at 164 strike rate and 8 wickets, led them to playoffs, blending explosive middle-order hitting with off-spin control. These changes address past weaknesses, crafting a balanced unit primed for T20 dominance on varied Indian pitches.​

Also READ: Gujarat Giants appoint three-time World Cup winner as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026

GG’s best playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Beth Mooney (WK, Overseas)

Role: Opening batter

Strength: Unwavering consistency and power

What she brings: Mooney lays Powerplay foundations with precise glovework and adaptive tempo control, converting starts into match-winning knocks on seaming tracks. Her WBBL mastery ensures GG posts par totals or chases efficiently under pressure. Leadership in partnerships stabilizes volatile top orders.

2. Sophie Devine (Overseas)

Role: Opening all-rounder

Strength: Explosive starts and medium-pace strikes

What she brings: Devine shatters fields in Powerplays with raw power and seam swing, forcing defensive fields early to pile pressure. Her all-round utility covers middle-over breakthroughs and late hitting surges. Tactical flexibility adapts to pitch conditions seamlessly.

3. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Overseas)

Role: Top-order batter

Strength: Aggressive strokeplay and T20 pedigree

What she brings: Wyatt-Hodge injects acceleration post-Powerplay with lofted covers against spin, rescuing faltering starts. Her international experience reads attacks astutely for boundary cascades. Clutch performances thrive in chases on batting-friendly surfaces.

4. Yastika Bhatia

Role: Middle-order batter/backup keeper

Strength: Left-hand flair and quick scoring

What she brings: Bhatia disrupts bowling plans with elegant drives versus pace, offering left-right balance in the engine room. Her rapid 500+ WPL runs stabilize collapses or ignite accelerations. Backup keeping adds squad versatility.

5. Ashleigh Gardner (C, Overseas)

Role: Middle-order all-rounder

Strength: Spin wizardry and six-hitting

What she brings: Gardner orchestrates middle overs via off-spin control and explosive counters, turning games with all-round dominance. Captaincy instincts optimize field settings and bowling changes dynamically. Playoff pedigree delivers under knockout lights.

6. Bharti Fulmali

Role: Middle-order batter

Strength: Composed anchoring under pressure

What she brings: Fulmali rebuilds innings methodically on slowing tracks with smart singles and selective risks. Her SR 120 cameos rescue top-order woes effectively. Domestic nous complements overseas stars seamlessly.

7. Kashvee Gautam

Role: Lower-order all-rounder

Strength: Seam swing and lower-order hitting

What she brings: Gautam’s new-ball swing extracts edges early, pairing with lower-order cameos for late momentum. Her econ 5.30 exploits Powerplays ruthlessly. Youthful energy uplifts team morale.

8. Tanuja Kanwar

Role: Left-arm spinner

Strength: Flighted control and wickets

What she brings: Kanwar chokes scoring with flighted temptations on turners, building pressure through dots. Her 7 WPL wickets complement pace attacks perfectly. Economy kings middle overs.

9. Renuka Singh Thakur

Role: Lead pacer

Strength: Swing and accuracy

What she brings: Renuka swings the new ball to dismantle opens, following with death yorkers. International pedigree shines in big moments. Econ under 6 sets tone.

10. Titas Sadhu

Role: Pace bowler

Strength: Raw speed and bounce

What she brings: Sadhu’s express pace extracts bounce to unsettle batters mid-innings. Variations trouble left-handers effectively. Emerging threat builds overs.

11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner

Strength: Economical variations and middle-over control

What she brings: Gayakwad strangles run rates with subtle turn on grippy decks, forming spin blockades. WPL thrift (econ 6.5) forces errors. Experience guides youngsters.

Also READ: WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians’ best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore (AP photo)

Is Pakistan heading towards a Gen Z uprising? A PhD student from the country has sparked a debate after critically examining present-day Pakistan, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief and de facto power centre Asim Munir, without naming either directly.The piece, written through a lens that shows contrast in powerful boomer generation and youth of Gen Z-Alpha, quickly struck a chord online and became a flashpoint for what many described as a quiet rebellion. It highlighted the widening divide between Pakistan’s ruling establishment, often referred to as “Boomers,” and its increasingly restless Gen Z population.The article, titled “It is over,” was written by US-based PhD student Zorain Nizamani and published in Pakistan’s daily The Express Tribune on January 1. It was later taken down, reportedly following pressure from the Pakistani military.“For the older men and women in power, it’s over. The young generation isn’t buying any of what you’re trying to sell to them. No matter how many talks and seminars you arrange in schools and colleges, trying to promote patriotism, it isn’t working,” Nizamani wrote.Writing from the perspective of Gen Z and Generation Alpha, Nizamani rejected what he described as an imposed narrative of patriotism pushed by those in power, arguing that such efforts no longer resonate with young Pakistanis.“Young minds, the Gen Z, the alphas, they know exactly what is happening, and despite your consistent efforts of trying to ‘sell’ your views of patriotism to them, they are seeing right through it. Thanks to the internet, thanks to whatever little education we have left, despite your best efforts of keeping the masses as illiterate as possible, you have failed. You have failed to tell people what to think, they are thinking for themselves. They might be a little too scared to speak their minds because they prefer breathing,” Nizamani wrote.He argued that forced patriotism, speeches and seminars cannot replace justice, opportunity and basic rights, and said young people clearly see corruption, inequality and hypocrisy despite censorship and propaganda.Nizamani also highlighted generational differences over economic freedom, writing, “The Gen Z wants erased restrictions on freelancing, the boomers want to increase regulations on freelancing.”Concluding his article, he wrote: “Boomers, we have had enough. We aren’t buying your narrative anymore. It’s worn out.”The article drew support from followers of former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated. The Canada wing of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) shared the article on X, highlighting its key points.“Zorain Nizamani’s article ‘It is Over’ was removed from eTribune most likely for exposing the reality: DG ISPR’s university visits are futile. The youth see through propaganda and are no longer easy to mislead or control,” the PTI Canada wing said.Pakistani activist Mehlaqa Samdani also linked the article’s removal to censorship. “Not surprisingly, this article is no longer accessible through the Express Tribune’s digital edition, exactly the kind of censorship Zorain talks about,” she wrote.The episode has intensified online debate over whether Pakistan’s younger generation is moving from quiet disillusionment toward open resistance against an entrenched establishment widely seen as out of touch.

Magnus Carlsen’s slams table after losing to Arjun Erigaisi in Doha. (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: Magnus Carlsen‘s brilliance over the board is unquestioned, but his repeated emotional outbursts are increasingly sparking debate over the image they project — especially to the next generation of chess players. The latest flashpoint came during the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha, where the world No. 1’s visible frustration once again grabbed headlines, raising concerns about sportsmanship and accountability in elite chess.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Carlsen’s anger boiled over after defeats in Doha, most notably against India’s Arjun Erigaisi, when he slammed the board in frustration. It echoed scenes from Norway Chess last year, where he thumped the table following a shock loss to D Gukesh. These were not isolated incidents. During the same event in Doha, Carlsen was involved in four separate controversial moments, including one where he scattered pieces in time trouble, leading to an illegal move and eventual concession after an argument with the arbiter.

While Carlsen went on to silence critics with yet another triumph — his 20th world title and ninth Blitz crown — the manner of his conduct has divided opinion within the chess community.Former Gukesh coach and Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan acknowledged that emotion has a place in the sport but warned of its consequences. “A certain kind of expression of emotion is good for chess. We need those expressions because people generally don’t see what is happening to a chess player’s mind,” he told The Indian Express. “The danger… is that people perceive it to be something cool. And Magnus is very influential… kids look up to him.”

That concern was echoed by Levon Aronian, who criticised the normalisation of such behaviour. “I don’t think we should be normalising tantrums like that,” Aronian wrote on X, noting that loud outbursts can disrupt other players and would attract penalties in many sports.Despite criticism, FIDE has shown little appetite to formally censure Carlsen. The governing body insisted that such moments are part of an “open and engaged” sporting ecosystem and stressed that the growing visibility and commercial success of chess remains its priority.For critics, that stance is precisely the problem. Srinath argued that financial penalties or reprimands would send a clear message. “Leaving it unaddressed… kids get the message that it is a cool thing to do,” he said.

The prolonged selloff has eroded investor wealth. (AI image)

Stock market crash: Sensex and Nifty are on a declining spree with both benchmark indices crashing in the last few days. Today is the fourth consecutive session of decline for the stock markets as mounting geopolitical risks, the threat of higher Trump tariffs and mixed corporate earnings continue to weigh heavily on investor confidence. Over the past four trading days, the BSE Sensex has shed more than 1,465 points, while the Nifty 50 has dropped about 1.7 percent, eclipsing isolated signs of optimism in select stocks.According to Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, recent market action has lacked a clear trend or direction, with movements in a handful of large stocks exerting an outsized influence on overall indices. He noted that “For instance, yesterday despite positive institutional buying Nifty drifted down by 71 points, mainly due to sharp declines in two stocks- Reliance and HDFC Bank. The large volumes in these two stocks in the derivative and cash market indicate activity associated with settlement day. In other words, the sharp dips in these stocks have nothing to do with their fundamentals; it is more technical in nature.”The prolonged selloff has eroded investor wealth, with the combined market capitalisation of all companies listed on the BSE shrinking by Rs 7.19 lakh crore over the four-day period to Rs 474 lakh crore, according to an ET report.

Why is the stock market crashing?

500% tariffs threat: US President Donald Trump has indicated backing for a bipartisan sanctions proposal targeting Russia that could levy tariffs of at least 500 percent on Russian imports, a move aimed at pressuring countries such as India, China and Brazil that continue to buy discounted Russian crude. Although the bill is yet to be cleared by lawmakers, Senator Lindsey Graham has said it could be brought up for a vote as soon as next week.Trump has also warned that Indian exports could face steeper duties if New Delhi fails to respond to Washington’s concerns over its Russian oil purchases. At present, Indian goods entering the US are already subject to tariffs of up to 50 percent, with around half of that explicitly linked to India’s crude imports from Russia.The broader trade relationship between the two countries remains strained. Trump recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally raised the issue of early delivery of US-made Apache helicopters during a meeting, describing the exchange in detail.Together, these signals underscore how the expanding use of US sanctions and tariff threats is shaping investor sentiment in India, introducing fresh uncertainty at a time when markets are already on edge.Large-caps pull down benchmarksLarge-cap stocks continued to weigh on the broader market on Thursday, as persistent selling in heavyweight names kept benchmark indices under pressure. Shares of HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries extended their decline, slipping by as much as 1 percent. Earlier in the week, losses of up to 4 percent in these two stocks had already contributed significantly to the slide in the headline indices.Sector-wise, metals saw the sharpest fall, with the metal index dropping 1.9 percent as all 15 of its constituents retreated after hitting record highs earlier in the week. The IT index also moved lower, easing 1 percent after having risen 2.4 percent over the previous two sessions. Apparel retailer Trent remained under stress, shedding another 1 percent after plunging as much as 9 percent earlier in the week amid concerns over intensifying competition.Political turmoil in VenezuelaEvents in Venezuela have remained a key global focus, with their immediate impact felt largely across commodity markets. The abrupt political shock has added to geopolitical risks, especially given Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, raising concerns about potential repercussions for global energy markets.“Trump tweets and actions can always influence the market. Another important event which investors should closely watch is a possible Supreme Court verdict on Trump tariffs very soon. If the verdict goes against the reciprocal tariffs it will create huge volatility in stock markets,” said Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments.Global markets lose momentumEquity markets across Asia traded mostly in the red on Thursday, as investors turned cautious after a strong start to the year. MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan slipped 0.6 percent, while Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.2 percent and China’s CSI300 blue-chip index declined 0.8 percent. Futures markets also signalled a muted tone, with Nasdaq futures down 0.35 percent, S&P 500 futures marginally higher by 0.22 percent, EUROSTOXX 50 futures lower by 0.12 percent and FTSE futures easing 0.4 percent.Sentiment was dampened by rising geopolitical risks and trade-related developments, including China’s anti-dumping investigation into imports of chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing. The move weighed on Japanese chemical companies while lending support to their Chinese counterparts. Investors also remained focused on the upcoming US employment data for cues on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. Analysts at Goldman Sachs expect nonfarm payrolls to rise by 70,000 in December, with the unemployment rate seen edging down to 4.5 percent, according to Reuters.(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)

Australia have officially reaffirmed their status as the king of the red-ball format, clinching a dominant 4-1 Ashes series victory over England after a hard-fought five-wicket win in the Sydney Test on January 8, 2026.

Australia’s dominating victory over England in the final Ashes 2025-27 test in Sydney

While England’s young prodigy Jacob Bethell delayed the inevitable with a breathtaking maiden century of 154, the sheer relentless depth of the Australian side eventually broke through to secure the final match of the summer. The victory at the SCG was not just about the historic urn but also served as an emotional farewell to veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who bowed out of international cricket on a winning note. This series triumph marks a significant milestone for stand-in skipper Steve Smith and his veteran attack, who successfully navigated a minor wobble on the final morning to reach their 160-run target post-lunch. With this result, the curtain falls on a grueling yet captivating Ashes campaign that leaves Australia at the pinnacle of the cricketing world and England searching for answers after their sixth defeat of the cycle.

Australia’s iron grip on the WTC 2025-27 summit

The 4-1 series scoreline has significantly padded Australia’s lead at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, as they begin the 2026 calendar year with an imposing points percentage (PCT) of 87.50. Having won seven of their eight matches in this cycle, with their only blemish being the Boxing Day collapse at the MCG, the Aussies have established a formidable cushion between themselves and the chasing pack.

This clinical consistency across two major series (a 3-0 sweep of the West Indies and this 4-1 Ashes victory) makes them the overwhelming favorites to secure a spot in the 2027 Final. For a team that has been a mainstay in WTC finals, this latest surge proves that their aging core still possesses the tactical discipline and hunger to dominate the world’s most elite competition.

England’s descent and the WTC 2025-27 mid-table logjam

In stark contrast, England’s Bazball era is facing a statistical crisis in the WTC standings, as they remain languishing in 7th place with a dismal PCT of 31.66. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance from players like Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, Ben Stokes‘ side has now suffered six losses in just 10 matches, effectively ending their realistic hopes of reaching the championship final.

Meanwhile, the mid-table has become a crowded battleground; New Zealand (77.78) and South Africa (75.00) currently hold the second and third spots, respectively, but have played far fewer games. India finds themselves in a precarious 6th position with a 48.15 PCT after a mixed run of form, meaning the subcontinental giants will likely need a near-perfect record in their upcoming home and away assignments to climb back into contention.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Australia veteran Usman Khawaja gets a Guard of Honour in his farewell game as emotions run high on Day 5 of Sydney Test

WTC 2025-27 standings: India and the chasing pack

The final day at the SCG has crystalized a stratified leaderboard where India currently sits in 6th place with 52 points from nine matches, struggling to find momentum under the leadership of Shubman Gill. Ahead of them, the top five is rounded out by Sri Lanka (66.67) in fourth and Pakistan (50.00) in fifth, both of whom remain in a waiting game as their schedules ramp up later in the year.

At the bottom of the table, Bangladesh occupies the 8th spot with a PCT of 16.67, while the West Indies are rooted to the base in 9th with a mere 4.17 PCT after a winless run of eight matches. This updated hierarchy highlights a massive gulf between Australia and the rest of the world, leaving a desperate scrap for the second qualification spot among five nations separated by fewer than 30 percentage points.

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

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Centre of holding political vendetta, alleging that central agencies were being misused ahead of elections, after the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at various locations, including the residence of IPAC chief Pratik Jain.Reacting sharply to the action, Banerjee questioned the role of the ED and Union home minister Amit Shah. She claimed that party documents and data were being seized under the pretext of investigations. She also alleged that voter names were being deleted in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise, linking the moves to the election process.

“..Is it the duty of the ED, Amit Shah to collect the party’s hard disk, candidate list?… The nasty, naughty Home Minister who cannot protect the country and is taking away all my party documents. What will be the result if I raid the BJP party office? ” she questioned.“On one side, they are deleting the names of all the voters by carrying out the SIR in West Bengal…Because of the elections, they are collecting all the information about my party…” she added.The BJP hit back at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of interfering in a central agency probe. Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, termed Banerjee’s visit to the residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain during an ED raid as “unconstitutional” and “direct interference” in the investigation.Adhikari said the Enforcement Directorate should take action against the chief minister, alleging that her presence, along with that of the Kolkata police commissioner, was unethical and improper while the search was underway at Jain’s Loudon Street residence.He also pointed out that I-PAC manages the IT cell of the Trinamool Congress and drew parallels with a previous incident, claiming that Banerjee had similarly visited the then Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar’s official residence during a CBI raid.This comes after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raid at houses of IT chiefs of various political parties including TMC’s IPAC chief Prateek Jain. The raids were carried out at 15 location in connection with a fake government job scam allegedly run by an organised gang that duped people by promising jobs, officials said.