Here are your top stories of the day:

‘Failing to do its duty’: SC raps air quality body over Delhi pollution

The Supreme Court has pulled up the commission for air quality management (CAQM) over its failure to take effective steps as Delhi’s air quality continues to remain in the ‘poor’ category. The court asked the CAQM to hold a meeting of experts within two weeks to assess the reasons behind the pollution levels and work out long-term remedial measures, and declined the commission’s plea seeking a two-month adjournment on crucial interventions. Read full story

‘Will Trump kidnap our PM?’ Prithviraj Chavan’s bizarre remark amid Venezuela crisis

Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan connected the ongoing trade frictions between the US and India, including the imposition of tariffs, to what he described as a CIA-backed operation in Venezuela. Raising a rhetorical question on whether President Donald Trump would dare to kidnap India’s Prime Minister, Chavan criticised the Centre for remaining silent on developments in Venezuela and accused it of being apprehensive about the US. Read full story

JNU seeks FIR against students over anti-govt slogans during protest

Jawaharlal Nehru University has approached the police seeking the registration of an FIR against office-bearers of the students’ union and some other students for shouting “objectionable, provocative and inflammatory” slogans during a protest near Sabarmati Hostel on Monday night. The demonstration, organised by the JNU students’ union, was held to observe six years since the January 5, 2020 campus violence and to protest the Supreme Court’s decision refusing bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The university alleged that slogans were also raised against the prime minister and the Union home minister. Read full story

‘I was a minor’: Indonesian model says she was forced to marry Malaysian prince

Indonesian-American model Manohara Odelia has alleged that members of the Malaysian royal family forced her into a marriage with Prince Tengku Fakhry. In an Instagram post, Odelia stated that her association with the prince was neither consensual nor romantic. The 33-year-old also claimed that the relationship was unlawful, as she was a minor at the time. Read full story

India growth outlook: Economy may grow 6.9% in FY27; ‘Goldilocks’ phase likely to continue

India Ratings & Research has projected India’s economy to expand by 6.9 per cent in FY27, supported by ongoing structural reforms and the benefits of new trade agreements. The agency expects the country to enter a “Goldilocks” phase marked by robust growth and controlled inflation, with retail inflation averaging 3.8 per cent. It also forecasts an improvement in public finances, with the Centre’s debt declining to 55.5 per cent of GDP. Read full story

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill that could consolidate hundreds of the state’s school districts without requiring parental approval. The legislation, introduced by State Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, would allow county executive superintendents and the state education commissioner to approve mergers for districts with fewer than 500 students.Currently, voters in affected school districts must approve any consolidation. Gopal told NJ.com he aims to reduce the total number of districts from around 600 to “maybe 70 or 80” to address what he described as an affordability and efficiency crisis in public education.Bill targets small districts and regionalises schoolsUnder the proposed S4861 bill, county officials would draft consolidation plans to eliminate smaller districts and potentially expand regional districts. Gopal, in conversation with NJ.com, said the plan would also examine districts enrolling students only up to eighth grade and their transition into larger regional high schools.Approximately one-third of New Jersey’s districts serve fewer than 500 students. Gopal cited Neptune City, with 240 students at 35% capacity in a single building, as a potential target. In Cape May County, Cape May City and West Cape May recently received a $50,000 grant to study consolidation, with the two elementary schools enrolling a combined 241 students.Opposition raises cost and community concernsTeachers’ unions and school administrators have voiced objections. Steven Baker, spokesperson for the New Jersey Education Association, told NJ.com, “Consolidation and regionalisation efforts must be voluntary and based on the needs of the communities involved.”Debra Bradley, director of government relations for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, highlighted potential hidden costs, stating in conversation with NJ.com that salary adjustments and transportation expenses could offset any anticipated savings. “At each juncture, as the Legislature considered potential cost savings, it discovered that the reality is much more complex, the cost savings more ephemeral, and the process potentially quite divisive,” Bradley added.Past consolidation efforts show mixed resultsNew Jersey has attempted voluntary consolidations in recent years. In Monmouth County, the K-6 districts in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands merged into the K-12 Henry Hudson Regional School District in July 2024 after voters approved the plan. By contrast, a referendum to add Seaside Heights to Toms River Regional failed, despite 86.9% approval from the four existing towns.Gopal told NJ.com that the bill would allow administrators to review mergers more broadly, including for larger districts like Colts Neck in Monmouth County, which has nearly 1,000 students across three schools and feeds into a regional high school.Legislative process and next stepsS4861 has not yet had a vote in the Senate, and no companion bill exists in the Assembly. The legislation must pass both chambers and be signed by the governor to become law. Gopal told NJ.com he hopes the proposal will “start a conversation” about district consolidation while thoroughly reviewing any potential changes.

The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to ignite on January 9, bringing a month of high-octane cricket to Mumbai and Vadodara. Following India’s historic ODI World Cup 2025 triumph, the domestic league has reached a fever pitch, with fans eager to see the world’s best talents return to Indian shores. This season features an expanded schedule and a renewed focus on aggressive, result-oriented play. Among the five competing franchises, the Gujarat Giants have become the center of attention due to a series of high-profile staff and roster overhauls.

Gujarat Titans bring in three-time World Cup winner as fielding coach for WPL 2026

In a landmark move to fortify their defense, the Giants have officially appointed legendary England wicketkeeper-batter and three-time World Cup winner Sarah Taylor as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026. Taylor, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted cricketers in history, brings a wealth of tactical experience from both the women’s and men’s professional circuits.

Speaking to IANS on January 6, 2026, Taylor emphasized a culture of fearlessness and precision ahead of their tournament opener. “The focus is to get the girls ready for the first game on the 10th, while also ensuring they enjoy themselves and play with real aggression in the field. Matches can often be won or lost through fielding, catches, run-outs, and moments like those, so we want the girls to be fully prepared and ready for whatever comes their way,” Taylor stated.

Taylor’s appointment is a clear statement of intent from the Adani-owned franchise, which has identified fielding lapses as a primary reason for their previous struggles. By integrating Taylor into a coaching staff that includes head coach Michael Klinger and bowling coach Pravin Tambe, the Giants are banking on her ‘Gold Standard’ expertise to transform them into the sharpest unit in the league.

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

The Giants’ road to redemption ahead of WPL 2026 

The Giants will enter WPL 2026 with the weight of history on their shoulders and a desperate need for consistency. After finishing at the rock bottom of the points table in the first two seasons (2023 and 2024), the franchise finally tasted success in WPL 2025, achieving a historic milestone by qualifying for the playoffs for the first time.

Under the tactical leadership of Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who replaced Beth Mooney as captain last season, the Giants secured a third-place finish with a balanced record of four wins and four losses. For the 2026 edition, the franchise has doubled down on this winning formula by retaining Gardner as captain for a staggering ₹3.5 crore.

The squad has been significantly bolstered with marquee signings, including New Zealand icon Sophie Devine and India’s swing specialist Renuka Singh Thakur. With a revamped roster featuring power-hitters like Danni Wyatt-Hodge and emerging Indian talents like Kashvee Gautam and Titas Sadhu, the Giants are no longer the league’s underdogs. Gardner’s retention as the first overseas player to lead the team full-time signals a long-term vision to move beyond the Eliminator and secure their maiden WPL title.

Also READ: From emerging player to WPL 2026 winner: Deepti Sharma shares bold predictions for the Women’s Premier League

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

File photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi (Picture credit: AP)

China on Tuesday banned exports of dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes to Japan, a move that comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over Taiwan.In a statement, China’s commerce ministry said exports of such items to Japanese military users, as well as to any other end-users that could help enhance Japan’s military power, are prohibited. It warned that any individual or organisation violating the rule by transferring or providing these made-in-China products to Japanese entities would face legal consequences, regardless of nationality.While the notice did not specify the items covered, some technology-related exports, including drones and navigation systems, could potentially be adapted for military use, as per news agency AP.There was no immediate response from Japan.China said the measures take effect immediately and are aimed at safeguarding national security and interests.Beijing classifies a range of products in sensitive sectors such as biotechnology, aerospace and telecommunications as dual-use goods subject to export controls.Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated in recent months over comments linked to Taiwan. Ties worsened after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said late last year that Japan’s military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own territory. In December, Japan also said Chinese military aircraft locked radar on its fighter jets, despite what Tokyo described as a safe distance between them.China has stepped up military pressure around Taiwan, launching large-scale drills near the island last week. During that period, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi criticised Japan’s leadership and Taiwan’s “pro-independence forces,” accusing Tokyo of challenging China’s territorial sovereignty.As per AFP, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson slammed Japan’s recent “erroneous remarks concerning Taiwan, implying the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait,” adding that the tightened export controls were necessary to protect China’s security interests.

L-R: Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh

On this day, 42 years ago, three of Australia’s greatest cricketers bid adieu to Test cricket together after record-breaking careers at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Batting legend Greg Chappell, pace great Dennis Lillee and master wicketkeeper Rod Marsh played their final international match during the fifth Test against Pakistan in Sydney, which concluded on January 6, 1984.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!It was a rare and poignant moment in cricket history — three stalwarts from different aspects of the game walking off the international stage together. Each of them had mastered his respective craft and left behind a legacy that shaped the identity of Australian Test cricket for generations.

That fateful day, Chappell signed off as Australia’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 7,110 runs, overtaking the legendary Sir Don Bradman’s long-standing record of 6,996. The right-hander retired from the game in emphatic fashion, producing a stunning 182 in his final innings for Australia in the first innings of the match. The majestic knock, his 24th Test hundred, underlined his class and composure and earned him the Player of the Match award in his final international appearance. Lillee, arguably the most feared fast bowler of his time, capped off his Test career as the highest wicket-taker in the world then, finishing with 355 scalps. In his final Test, the fiery pacer delivered one last reminder of his relentless competitiveness, returning figures of 4 for 65 in the first innings and 4 for 88 in the second, completing the match with a haul of 8 for 153. Marsh, meanwhile, bowed out with equal distinction behind the stumps. He ended his legendary career with 355 Test dismissals, a world record at the time. Interestingly, 95 of those dismissals came in the famous “caught Marsh, bowled Lillee” combination, a testament to one of the most iconic partnerships in cricket history. Over the last four decades, many of their individual records have been surpassed, but the timing and manner of their simultaneous farewell ensured the moment remained etched in cricketing folklore. Chappell’s tally now stands as the 12th-highest among Australian Test run-getters, Lillee’s wicket record is currently fifth among Australian bowlers and 26th overall, while Marsh’s dismissal record remained untouched for 15 years before Ian Healy surpassed it and now sits fourth on the list.On January 6, 1984, the legendary trio left the cricket field with more than a bagful of records. Here is how their final Test unfolded:Australia and Pakistan arrived at the SCG with the hosts leading the five-match series 1–0 after a dominant innings-and-nine-run victory at the WACA. The next three Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne ended in draws, leaving Pakistan with an outside chance of leveling the series in Sydney.After winning the toss on January 2, Australian captain Kim Hughes elected to bowl first. Pakistan’s innings was anchored by half-centuries from opener Mudassar Nazar (84), Zaheer Abbas (61) and Saleem Malik (54), guiding the visitors to a competitive 278 all out. Geoff Lawson was the standout for Australia with a five-wicket haul (5/59), well supported by Lillee’s 4 for 65, while Greg Matthews chipped in with 1 for 59.Pakistan made early inroads in response, reducing Australia to 83/3 with the top order dismissed. However, Chappell and Hughes steadied the innings with a vital 171-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hughes fell for 76 to Sarfraz Nawaz at 254/4, but Chappell ensured Australia seized control by adding another 153 runs for the fifth wicket with Allan Border, who contributed a composed 64.When Chappell was finally dismissed for his majestic 182, Australia already held a 158-run lead. The hosts later declared at 454 for 6, extending their advantage to 176 runs and placing Pakistan under significant pressure.Pakistan could not replicate their first-innings effort and were dismissed for 210 in the second innings. Javed Miandad top-scored with 60, while several others made starts without converting them into substantial scores. Once again, Lawson and Lillee led the Australian charge, sharing eight wickets between them. Lillee signed off with 4 for 88, Lawson returned figures of 4 for 48, and Rodney Hogg claimed the remaining two wickets.Australia then chased down the modest 35-run target in just 5.4 overs to complete a comprehensive 10-wicket victory and seal the series 2–0.In their final Test series, Chappell amassed 364 runs at an average of 72.80, Lillee claimed 20 wickets at 31.65 across nine innings, and Marsh registered 21 dismissals — all caught behind — a fitting statistical summary of a farewell that symbolised the end of a golden chapter in Australian cricket history.

Haryana is set to witness the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train, with Northern Railway’s pilot project between Jind and Sonipat entering its final stages.A Haryana government statement said a stable and uninterrupted 11 kV power supply has been ensured for the hydrogen plant at Jind, which will fuel the train during commissioning and regular operations.The hydrogen plant has a storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is currently in its final commissioning phase. Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi recently reviewed the project with officials of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and directed regular monitoring of the power supply system to avoid any disruption. He also stressed the need for strong backup arrangements and quick-response mechanisms to support the project.Last month, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha that Indian Railways has taken up a state-of-the-art pilot project to run its first hydrogen-powered train. He said the train has been developed as per specifications framed by the Research, Design and Standards Organisation to demonstrate hydrogen-based train technology. Vaishnaw added that manufacturing of the hydrogen train-set has been completed and hydrogen for the train will be produced at the Jind plant using the electrolysis process, a key component of green hydrogen generation.The hydrogen train has already reached Jind junction and is expected to begin its maiden journey soon on the Jind–Gohana–Sonipat route. Trial runs have been completed successfully, officials said. The eight-coach train, built at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, has power cars at both ends and is designed with a metro-style layout, with doors that close fully before departure to enhance passenger safety.Special features of the train-

An official associated with the project said that all preparations are in place, though the final decision on the launch date rests with higher authorities.He said the train’s speed limit has been set at 110 km per hour and all technical aspects are being thoroughly checked.