Vasai: Busting a suspected transnational cyber investment fraud ring, Mira-Bhayander Vasai-Virar (MBVV) crime branch’s unit 4 arrested seven persons hailing from Mumbai, Vasai and Karnataka for duping victims from 11 states of Rs 200 crore. Police said the kingpin, Abdul Sattar, who hails from Sakinaka, is currently holed up in Dubai and those arrested have a hand in 51 fraud cases.Five of the accused were nabbed from a lodge in Naigaon, Vasai, last year. Two others were arrested in Mumbai later. All seven—Roshankumar Shetty, Sabir Khan, Sanad Das, Rahul Rakeshkumar, Amir Sherkhan, Abhishek Narkar and Mohamed Rashid Fakir—are in judicial custody. “We seized several computers and phones from the lodge,” said MBVV police commissioner Niket Kaushik. Sandeep Doiphode, DCP (crime), MBVV, said the accused posed as finance professionals, targeted victims, including high-profile businessmen, on dating apps, matrimonial sites and social media platforms, and offered high returns on investments. Police said Shetty, Khan and Das offered their bank accounts to siphon off victims’ money for a commission, and Sherkhan ensured they stayed in a room while the transactions took place. Fakir was tasked with identifying such ‘mules’ across India and sharing the data with Narkar, who would collaborate with Sattar, they added. Pramod Badakh, senior inspector, crime branch unit 4, said they have identified 42 more mule accounts and their owners are being traced.

Mumbai: For a Monday evening, the mood is upbeat at a small office near Arthur Road Naka with Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP (SP) flags and banners adorning it as well as the pandal outside. The office functions as a Sena (UBT) shakha. While UBT workers wait for the arrival of party chief Uddhav Thackeray, former mayor and three-term corporator Kishori Pednekar, who is contesting the BMC elections from ward 199—which comprises parts of Curry Road, Chinchpokli, Lower Parel and Dhobi Ghat, among others—arrives at the shakha. As Pednedkar, who is banking on her past work and personal connect with voters, settles in, local party workers and office bearers including those from the MNS pour in to meet her. She tells her colleagues the younger generation needs to be taught the history of the Shiv Sena. Pednekar keeps emphasising that the two brothers, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, are coming together for the Marathi manoos. A little later, excitement breaks through among the workers as Uddhav Thackeray and son Tejas arrive and greet party workers. After they depart from the shakha, Pednekar steps out with a group of workers led by a band for campaigning on the N M Joshi Marg including areas such as Mogul House and Shiv Shakti Park after 7.30 pm. While walking on the footpath, Pednekar reminds a pan shop owner “humne chota bada dekha nahin” and tells him “sabko bolo mashaal”. While she treads the pavement she calls out to her voters by their names and appeals to them to vote for the mashaal. A little later Pednekar enters a balwadi-cum-yoga centre and does a high five to the children present and asks them to say her name and what is her party symbol, and appeals to them to inform their parents. In the bylanes, women residing in tenements and buildings welcome Pednekar with a haldi-kumkum ritual and in some areas she is welcomed with a burst of crackers, as workers shout slogans such as ‘Water, meter, gutter; kaam karnar Pednekar’.Pednekar has promised completion of pending works including issues with water supply and that she will pursue cluster redevelopment of Mhada buildings, which has already been initiated. She tells voters about the work carried out by her and her party leaders during Covid. Pednekar is contesting against Shiv Sena’s Rupal Kusale, wife of a former party colleague; Shashikala Jaiswar of BSP; and Nandini Jadhav VBA.

NOIDA: A marriage that began in January 2024 has led to a police case, with a woman alleging she was misled by her husband on multiple counts, including his appearance, education, income, and involvement in international drug smuggling, according to news agency PTI.Lavika Gupta, a resident of Gaur City Avenue-1 in central Noida, filed the complaint against her husband, Sanyam Jain, and four in-laws.

Gupta claimed she was promised a husband with “thick hair,” but discovered after the wedding that Jain is completely bald and uses a hair patch.The couple married on January 16, 2024. According to the FIR at Bisrakh police station, Gupta said her husband had concealed key facts about his life, including his true income and educational background.She further alleged that Jain blackmailed her, threatened to release her private photographs, and physically assaulted her. “The woman has also alleged that her husband assaulted her during a trip abroad and pressured her to bring marijuana from Thailand to India,” police said.A police case has been registered against five people, including the husband and his four in-laws, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives), Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), Section 351 (criminal intimidation), Section 316 (criminal breach of trust) and Section 115 (assault). Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act have also been invoked.Police said the investigation is ongoing.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) returns for its fourth edition in 2026, and the Delhi Capitals (DC) are entering a new era. After three consecutive runner-up finishes, the franchise has hit the reset button on its leadership, appointing Jemimah Rodrigues as captain following the release of Meg Lanning. With a blend of explosive Indian talent and world-class overseas stars, DC are once again hunting for that elusive maiden title.

Withdrawals and new faces in DC

The build-up to WPL 2026 has not been without drama for the Capitals. The franchise retained a strong core but faced a significant setback just weeks before the tournament.

Star Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who was retained for ₹2.2 crore, withdrew from the tournament citing personal reasons. Sutherland was a vital cog in DC’s pace attack and lower-order batting. Acting swiftly, DC signed Australian leg-spinner Alana King as Sutherland’s replacement. King brings extensive T20 experience and adds a new dimension to the spin department, though the team sacrifices some pace-bowling depth with this swap.

In the mega auction, DC bolstered their squad by signing South African captain Laura Wolvaardt (₹1.10 Cr) and West Indies power-hitter Chinelle Henry (₹1.30 Cr). They also invested heavily in domestic talent, picking up all-rounder Nallapureddy Shree Charani for ₹1.30 Cr.

DC’s best playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Shafali Verma

• Role: Opening batter
• Strength: Explosive power-hitting
• What she brings: Shafali remains the X-factor at the top. Her ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the Powerplay allows DC to dictate the tempo early. Without Lanning, she will need to take slightly more responsibility while maintaining her natural aggression.

2. Laura Wolvaardt (Overseas)

• Role: Opening batter
• Strength: Technical class & consistency
• What she brings: The “Cover Drive Queen” is the perfect foil for Shafali. Wolvaardt brings stability and experience to the top order. She can anchor the innings if wickets fall early or accelerate effortlessly when set, ensuring the team posts competitive totals.

3. Jemimah Rodrigues (Captain)

• Role: Top-order batter
• Strength: Gap-piercing & strike rotation
• What she brings: Now the captain, Jemimah is the heartbeat of this team. Her busy game keeps the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs, neutralizing spin effectively. Her leadership will be tested, but her tactical reading of the game has always been sharp.

4. Marizanne Kapp (Overseas)

• Role: Pace Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Swing Bowling & Clutch Temperament
• What she brings: Kapp is arguably the most valuable player in the format. She invariably picks up wickets in the Powerplay with her swing and serves as a reliable finisher with the bat. She is the fierce competitor the team rallies around.

5. Chinelle Henry (Overseas)

• Role: Seam Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Athleticism & Hard-hitting
• What she brings: Filling the fast-bowling all-rounder void left by Sutherland, Henry brings Caribbean flair. She hits a “heavy ball” as a bowler (good for hitting the deck hard) and can clear the boundary with ease late in the innings.

6. Sneh Rana

• Role: Spin Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Resilience & Off-spin
• What she brings: A shrewd buy at the auction, Rana adds immense depth. She is a partnership breaker with the ball and a gritty batter who can stop a collapse. Her experience effectively replaces the domestic all-round value of players like Radha Yadav.

7. Taniya Bhatia

• Role: Wicketkeeper
• Strength: Glovework
• What she brings: While her batting is often a topic of debate, Taniya is arguably one of the best pure keepers in India. On turning tracks, her lightning-fast stumpings are crucial. DC will hope she can contribute quick runs down the order if required.

8. Minnu Mani

• Role: Off-spinner / Batting All-rounder
• Strength: Flight & Turn
• What she brings: The Kerala cricketer has grown in confidence with international exposure. As a left-handed batter, she offers a tactical advantage against leg-spinners and off-spinners, and her bowling is tidy and economical.

Also READ: Meg Lanning reflects on her appointment as UP Warriorz captain for WPL 2026

9. Alana King (Overseas)

• Role: Leg Spinner
• Strength: Control & Variations
• What she brings: Coming in as Sutherland’s replacement, King is a massive upgrade to the spin department. She is a genuine wicket-taker who attacks the stumps. Her ability to bowl the difficult overs makes her a lock for the playing XI.

10. Nallapureddy Shree Charani

• Role: Left-arm Spinner
• Strength: Accuracy & Domestic Form
• What she brings: With a price tag of ₹1.30 Cr, expectations are high. She offers the vital left-arm orthodox angle that teams crave to counter right-handed heavy lineups. She represents the “youth” injection into the bowling attack.

11. Nandani Sharma

• Role: Medium Pacer
• Strength: Swing
• What she brings: With the squad light on Indian pacers, Nandani Sharma is likely to get the nod to support Kapp and Henry. Her primary job will be to bowl disciplined lines in the middle overs and not leak runs while the spinners attack.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

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

File photo: Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal with European Union commissioner for trade and economic security Maros Sefcovic

NEW DELHI: India and the European Union (EU) will hold ministerial-level discussions on January 8-9 in Brussels to bridge differences in the proposed free trade agreement and push for an early conclusion of negotiations, an official statement said on Tuesday.Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal will hold discussions with European Union commissioner for trade and economic security Maros Sefcovic during a two-day official visit.

The primary objective of these interactions is to provide strategic guidance to the negotiating teams, resolve pending issues, and expedite the conclusion of a balanced and ambitious agreement, the commerce ministry said.“The visit underscores the intensifying diplomatic and technical engagements between New Delhi and Brussels, signalling a decisive push toward concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA),” it said.Leaders are expected to carry out detailed deliberations across key areas of the proposed agreement, aiming to narrow divergences and ensure clarity on outstanding matters, it added.The ministerial engagement follows a week of intensive deliberations in Brussels, building upon the groundwork laid during high-level discussions held earlier this week (6-7 January) between India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Director-General for Trade of the European Commission Sabine Weyand.India is pushing for zero-duty access for its labour-intensive sectors, such as textiles, leather, apparel, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts, the statement said.Issues that need ironing out of differences include steel, cars, and the EU’s carbon tax on products like steel and cement.The meetings between Goyal and Sefcovic are also important, as the India-EU Summit is expected on January 27 here.The top EU leadership will grace the Republic Day parade as the chief guest on January 26.On December 15, Agrawal stated that negotiations between India and the 27-nation bloc, the EU, have entered the “most difficult” stage, and both sides are engaged to bridge the differences and close the talks soon.The 16th round of negotiations between the two sides concluded earlier this month (3-9 December) here.In June 2022, India and the EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive FTA, an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications after a gap of over nine years. The talks were stalled in 2013 due to differences on the level of opening up markets.India’s bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 136.53 billion in 2024-25 (exports worth USD 75.85 billion and imports worth USD 60.68 billion), making it the largest trading partner for goods.The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of India’s total exports, and the bloc’s exports to India constitute 9 per cent of its total overseas shipments.Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles and medical devices, the EU wants tax reduction in products like wine, spirits, meat, poultry, and a strong intellectual property regime.Indian goods’ exports to the EU, such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery, can become more competitive if the pact sails through.The India-EU trade pact negotiations cover 23 policy areas or chapters, including trade in goods, services, investment, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, competition, government procurement, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, geographical indications, and sustainable development.

Squads across the SA20 have seen notable changes as the tournament heads into a decisive phase, with franchises reshaping their line-ups to cover injuries, international commitments and form concerns. Durban’s Super Giants have made a high-profile move by bringing in England all-rounder Liam Livingstone as a replacement for Tony de Zorzi, who has departed to join South Africa’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. Livingstone is no stranger to the league, having previously turned out for MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals, and adds significant power and versatility to the DSG middle order.

At Kingsmead, West Indies great Sunil Narine has joined the squad following Devon Conway’s return to New Zealand for international duty. A two-time T20 World Cup winner, Narine arrives with a reputation as one of the most influential players in franchise cricket history. Meanwhile, Rising Star Gysbert Wege has been ruled out due to illness and has left the Super Giants camp to undergo rehabilitation, with no replacement named. Joburg Super Kings have been forced into changes of their own after Rilee Rossouw was ruled out with injury. The franchise has recalled seamer Duan Jansen, who impressed earlier in the season with a career-best 4 for 23 against Pretoria Capitals. Their batting resources have also been strengthened by the arrival of James Vince, who brings vast experience and nearly 13,000 T20 runs. “Yeah, it’s good to be here. Nice to actually get into the nets and yeah looking forward to it,” Vince said. “Looking forward to the opportunity to bat with him again. He’s been around a long time, a quality player. One of the best players SA has had, so it’ll be a pleasure to open up with him.” Pretoria Capitals have already unveiled West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell, who marked his debut by hitting a boundary off his very first ball in the competition. Russell replaces seamer Keith Dudgeon. The Capitals have also added England batter Jordan Cox, replacing Rising Star Daniel Smith. Cox previously featured in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s title-winning squad in 2023. Player replacements at a glance:

With experience and star power flowing into squads, the race for the SA20 playoffs is set to intensify.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade (Omar Vega / Invision / Associated Press)

Dwyane Wade has solidified his status as one of the most financially successful retired athletes in the world, boasting an estimated net worth of $170 million as per Celebrity Net Worth. But some reports claim that the Hall of Famer could be sitting on a fortune of $210 million.The primary source of Wade’s net worth is through his legendary 16-season NBA career, which built a massive financial foundation of roughly $196.3 million as per Spotrac: $157.6 million with Heat and $38.8 million with Bulls. But it is his strategic post-retirement moves that have kept his wealth growing. From sports ownership, high-end fashion, to international branding, the three-time NBA champion has moved past being just a retired player to becoming a significant power player in the global business market.

Dwyne Wade’s strategic ownership and global partnerships

Currently, Wade’s biggest money-maker is his lifetime deal with the Chinese apparel giant Li-Ning. He signed with the brand a 10-year deal that pays him $10 million annually. And this partnership was bigger and more lucrative than other endorsement contracts as it came with an equity stake and significant creative control, allowing Wade to create his own brand: Way of Wade. This move allowed him to break into the massive Asian market, ensuring a steady revenue stream. While other partnerships include: Nike, Gatorade, Converse, Panini, and New Era. Wade understood the growing market of the NBA and pursued sports ownership. He holds a minority stake in the Utah Jazz and in the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.These investments are more than just passion projects, they represent a sharp business-like mind that correctly predicted profit by studying the constant expansion of the league. The NBA’s $77 billion media rights deal with heavyweights like Disney, Amazon, ABC, etc., just cements Wade’s vision.

Dwyane Wade’s diversified investments and media ventures

Beyond the arena, Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, co-founded Proudly, a sustainable baby care brand designed for children of color in 2022.He was also a part of Cholula Hot Sauce, an athlete investor group that was acquired by McCormick & Company in 2020 for $800 million. From Wade Cellars to partnerships with restaurant chains like 800° Woodfired Kitchen, Wade’s interest in the culinary and lifestyle space is equally elite. With such a thick and lucrative financial portfolio, the 13-time NBA All-Star is making his own legacy even after hanging up his #3 jersey.Also read: From Lamar Odom to Jaylen Brown: inside the never-ending Kardashian-Jenner NBA dating saga

Juhu Beach witnessed an unusual yet enchanting sight in the early hours of Friday and Saturday (January 3 and 4) as Mumbaikars gathered to welcome the Wolf Moon – the first SuperMoon of 2026 – with moonlight kayaking on the Arabian Sea. As the oversized full moon slowly set at dawn, its glow shimmered across calm waters, offering participants a rare opportunity to experience Mumbai’s coastline in a completely different light. ‘I never imagined such an experience was possible inside the city itself’ The event that began at 5.30 am, drew a diverse crowd, from adventure enthusiasts and corporate professionals to first-time paddlers. The guided activity began well before sunrise, at a time when the city was still asleep and the sea unusually tranquil. “When I first heard about this, I was surprised to see it was happening at Juhu beach,” said Kunal Verma, a college student from Powai. “I never imagined such an experience was possible inside the city itself!” ‘Surreal and worth waking up early for’ For Amit Desai, a banking professional from Andheri, kayaking under a supermoon was a memorable experience. “Waking up so early was the hardest part,” he said. “But once I was there, it felt totally worth it. I loved the peaceful environment and how well-guided everything was. It felt safe and relaxing.” Another participant, Ananya Joshi, from Borivali, shared, “It was calming and energizing at the same time, a perfect break from city life.” Finding stillness in the heart of Mumbai Nikhil V. Desai, a sales manager from Goregaon East, said the quietness of the experience stood out the most. “I loved how silent it was; no traffic noise, no rush, just water and moonlight. It didn’t feel like Juhu at all,” he said. “The best moment for me was when the sky started turning orange while we were heading back. It felt very grounding.” Growing adventure culture at Juhu Beach Sea kayaking, wakeboarding, adventure activities and other water sports, are being steadily introduced at the Juhu beach. And these moonlight sessions were guided and beginner-friendly, with instructors briefing participants on balance, paddling techniques and wave patterns before entering the water. “Our city is finally embracing adventure sports,” said Aditya Rao Rane, a teacher from Bandra East. “Experiences like this make Mumbai feel more alive and balanced.”

A moment worth remembering As the Wolf Moon faded into the morning sky, many participants lingered on the shore, taking photographs and reflecting on the experience. “It was such an Instagrammable moment,” Kunal said, adding, “The moon, water and sunrise made it very aesthetic.” Aditya, however, added with a smile, “It was so cinematic in real life. I believe some moments are better lived than posted.”

Adani Enterprises Limited’s (AEL) Rs 1,000 crore public issue of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) was fully subscribed within just 45 minutes of opening on Tuesday.The base issue size of Rs 500 crore was fully subscribed in about 10 minutes, while overall subscription crossed Rs 1,000 crore, including the green shoe option, in under an hour. According to BSE data, bids were received for around 2.19 crore NCDs against an issue size of 50 lakh by the close of the first day.The issue opened on Tuesday and will remain open until January 19, 2026, with allotment on a first-come, first-served basis. The NCDs offer an effective yield of up to 8.90 per cent per annum, the company said. The base size of the issue is Rs 500 crore, with an additional green shoe option of Rs 500 crore.The debentures, proposed to be listed on both the BSE and NSE, have been rated ‘AA-’ with a stable outlook by ICRA and CARE Ratings.According to PTI, at least 75 per cent of the issue proceeds will be used for repayment of existing debt, while the remaining amount may be used for general corporate purposes.The NCDs are being offered in tenors of 24, 36 and 60 months, with multiple interest payment options including quarterly, annual and cumulative across eight series. This follows AEL’s Rs 1,000 crore NCD issuance in July 2025, which was fully subscribed within three hours on the first day, PTI reported.Adani Enterprises continues to expand its infrastructure portfolio, with recent milestones including the operationalisation of the Navi Mumbai International Airport in December 2025 and the announcement of a Google–AdaniConnex partnership for an AI data centre campus in Visakhapatnam.

Ignored by many as just a touch of indigestion, persistent bloating, fullness after a light meal, and mild nausea could hint at something more serious: fatty liver disease. The accompanying discomfort in the upper right abdomen and feelings of unexplained fatigue are often brushed aside, but recognising these signs early can prevent significant health issues.

An upset stomach feels familiar. Bloating after a meal, mild pain, or nausea gets blamed on food, stress, or acidity. But in some people, these quiet digestive troubles come from the liver, not the stomach. Fatty liver disease, especially in its early stages, rarely causes sharp pain or dramatic signs. Instead, it sends soft signals that are easy to ignore. This is why many people live with fatty liver for years, thinking they only have a sensitive stomach. Here are five fatty liver symptoms that are often mistaken for common stomach issues.

A heavy, full feeling after small meals

Feeling uncomfortably full even after eating a small portion often gets blamed on slow digestion or gas. In fatty liver, this can happen because the liver becomes enlarged due to fat buildup.

The liver sits on the right side of the upper abdomen. When it swells slightly, it presses against nearby organs. This pressure can create a sense of heaviness or tightness, especially after meals. It does not feel sharp or alarming, so many people brush it off as overeating or poor food choices.What makes this different from normal indigestion is how often it happens, even with light meals.

Right-side upper belly discomfort, not pain

Classic stomach pain usually comes and goes or sits in the center of the abdomen. Fatty liver discomfort behaves differently. It often shows up as a dull ache or uneasiness on the upper right side, just below the ribs.This sensation may feel like trapped gas or muscle strain. It may worsen after oily food or long hours of sitting. Because it is mild and steady, not sharp, it rarely triggers medical concern. Over time, this ongoing discomfort becomes “normal,” which delays testing and diagnosis.

Constant bloating that does not match food intake

Bloating is one of the most misunderstood signs. With fatty liver, bloating may appear even when meals are simple and portions are controlled. The stomach may feel stretched or tight by evening, without excess gas or belching.This happens because liver inflammation can affect how the body processes fats and sugars. It may also slow down digestion slightly, creating a feeling of fullness that mimics gastric trouble. When bloating becomes routine rather than occasional, it deserves attention beyond antacids.

Nausea without vomiting or food poisoning

Mild nausea, especially in the morning or after rich food, is often linked to acidity or poor sleep. In fatty liver, nausea tends to be low-grade and persistent. It does not usually lead to vomiting, which makes it easier to ignore.The liver plays a major role in filtering toxins and processing nutrients. When fat interferes with this work, the body may respond with subtle nausea. This symptom often fades in and out, adding to the confusion and delay in seeking care.

Digestive discomfort paired with deep fatigue

Upset stomach alone is common. Upset stomach with ongoing tiredness is not. Fatty liver often brings unexplained fatigue along with digestive discomfort.The body spends extra energy managing liver stress, leaving less energy for daily tasks. This tiredness feels deep and unrelieved by rest. When bloating, heaviness, or nausea appear alongside constant fatigue, the cause may go beyond the stomach.

Why these signs are easy to miss

Fatty liver does not announce itself loudly. There is no dramatic pain in early stages. Symptoms overlap with routine digestive problems that most adults experience. Busy schedules, self-medication, and delayed check-ups add to the problem. A simple blood test or ultrasound often reveals what antacids cannot fix.Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Symptoms may vary from person to person. Anyone experiencing ongoing digestive discomfort or unexplained fatigue should consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.