NEW DELHI: Taking, in what it called, an important step towards environmental governance and reducing dependence on foreign certification systems, India has set up the world’s second National Environmental Standard Laboratory here at the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL) that will develop requisite testing and calibration facilities for air pollution monitoring equipment in the country.Currently, most of the instruments used in India for air pollution monitoring are imported. These imported instruments, however, come with production certification from international agencies based on the environmental conditions of the certificate issuing countries.

Since environmental conditions of those countries are very different from the conditions prevalent in India, it affects the quality of measurements by the instrument operating for a long time in Indian conditions, CSIR scientists explained. At present, only the UK has such a laboratory.The National Environmental Standard Laboratory, inaugurated by Union science & technology minister Jitendra Singh on 80th Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR–NPL on Monday, will now not only deal with the anomaly arising out of different environmental conditions but also help in manufacturing of standardised monitoring equipment.Domestic production of such instruments will eventually end India’s dependence on import and make it an exporting nation of such equipment to third world countries. The global market value of air pollution monitoring systems is, currently, estimated at $3,997 million.In addition, Singh also inaugurated the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, bringing India among a select group of global leaders in photovoltaic measurement standards. Both these facilities will enhance trust in data and drive investment in pollution monitoring and renewable energy.Describing the National Environmental Standard Laboratory as a “critical step towards strengthening India’s environmental governance framework”, Singh said that reliable, India-specific calibration and certification of air pollution monitoring systems was long overdue and would now enable transparent, traceable, and accurate environmental data.The facility will support regulatory bodies, industries, and startups by ensuring that monitoring instruments are tested under Indian climatic conditions. It will thus improve policy enforcement of various schemes including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).Terming the facility for Solar Cell Calibration (Solar Energy Complex) a “future-ready facility”, Singh said it would reduce India’s dependence on foreign certification agencies, save foreign exchange, shorten turnaround time for calibration, and enhance investor confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding solar sector.

As Australia stood on the verge of wrapping up a successful 3-1 Ashes defense at home, legendary former captain Ricky Ponting looked ahead to the 2027 return tour in England. Speaking on 7 Cricket, the 51-year-old icon unveiled a ‘visionary’ 16-man squad that mixes a defiant trust in Australia’s aging ‘Golden Generation’ with the sudden injection of two teenage sensations. Ponting’s selections emphasize that while the ‘urn’ is safe for now, the battle in England conditions two years from now will require a specialized blend of veteran mastery and fresh, fearless legs.

Ricky Ponting’s vote of confidence on Pat Cummins and Steve Smith for Ashes 2025-26

Despite mounting concerns over an ‘aging core,’ Ponting has doubled down on experience. He emphatically backed Pat Cummins to lead the side into the 2027 series, dismissing any talk of the captain stepping away despite recent back issues. Most notably, he included Steve Smith (who will be 38) and Nathan Lyon (nearly 40), could be that their historical success against the Duke’s ball and mastery of English flight are assets that cannot be fast-tracked in younger players.

The new generation picks by Ponting for Ashes 2025-26

The headlines from Ponting’s reveal centered on two Victorian youngsters: 23-year-old Campbell Kellaway and 19-year-old Oliver Peake. Kellaway is viewed by as the technical heir to Usman Khawaja’s opening slot, while Peake, a left-handed prodigy who dominated the Under-19 World Cup, is the ‘X-factor’ inclusion designed to transition the middle order.

All-round balance for Australia against England

Addressing the need for versatility in England, Ponting retained Cameron Green despite a difficult 2025-26 summer where his batting average dipped to 32.25. Green’s “stiff and rigid” technique can be corrected and that his height remains a lethal weapon on English pitches. To provide insurance, he also named Beau Webster, the Tasmanian giant who has been in ‘stunning’ domestic form with both bat and ball.

Also READ: Alastair Cook opens up on possibility of becoming England’s next head coach

The pace battery and spin contingency

While relying on the ‘Big Three’ of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, Ponting’s squad ensures the pace attack isn’t left thin. He named Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland as the primary backup options, noting that Boland’s ‘heavy ball’ remains perfectly suited to the relentless lengths required at venues like Edgbaston and The Oval. In the spin department, Todd Murphy was named as the designated successor to Lyon, ensuring a ‘passing of the torch’ is ready to happen mid-series if required.

Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia Ashes 2027 squad for England series:

• Leadership: Pat Cummins (c)
• Top Order: Travis Head, Campbell Kellaway, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith
• Middle Order/Youth: Oliver Peake, Beau Webster
• Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis
• All-rounders: Cameron Green
• Fast Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson
• Spinners: Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Australia and England players unite to give Guard of Honour to Bondi terror attack victims at SCG

NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, saying the star opener looks “ready for big challenges”. He also said Gill will get more opportunities in the T20I format after being left out of the T20 World Cup squad, despite a brief stint as the team’s vice-captain.Gill, who lost his first ODI series as captain against Australia away from home, is now gearing up for his maiden ODI series at home, against New Zealand, starting January 11. While the hard-fought 2-2 draw against England in the UK and his tally of 754 runs, including four centuries, remain the highlights of his short tenure as Test captain, he is yet to make a significant impact as both a batter and leader in ODIs.

In T20Is too, Gill failed to meet expectations after returning as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, managing just 291 runs in his last 15 innings without registering a fifty since his comeback.Speaking to ANI about Gill’s return to ODIs following a neck injury sustained during the South Africa Tests and his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Harbhajan said, “Gill was bound to make a comeback. I had no doubt that there was any question about Shubman’s return. I think Shubman Gill was left out solely because of the T20 format and the combination Team India wanted. Otherwise, I never had any doubt that he would not be in the ODI or Test team. So, he has returned as captain. I hope the team plays well, and this series will also be won by India.”Harbhajan termed the T20 World Cup squad selected by chief selector Ajit Agarkar as a “10/10 team” and said that while he felt disappointed for Gill, the opener would get his chances soon.“The team is really good. I had told that Ajit should be given 10/10 for the team. I felt a little bad for Shubman, but he will get more chances soon. All the players are match winners in their own right. Hope we can win back-to-back World Cups because we have that team,” he said.Justifying the decision to appoint Gill as ODI captain, Harbhajan said it was taken with an eye on the future and added that he believes Gill is ready for the responsibility.“I think the decision has been taken keeping the future in mind. Sometimes you do feel things have been done quickly. But I think he is ready for this job. This is a high-demand job; he is young. The sooner he learns the art of captaincy and team management, the better the results will be. That England Test series was one of the finest I have ever seen. Scoring so many runs and leading from the front shows that he has worked harder than anybody else. Whatever I know of Shubman, he is ready for big challenges,” he added.Harbhajan also praised India’s “match-winning” spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav selected for the T20 World Cup.“Spin is nice for India. Kuldeep, Varun and Axar are all spinners and can win you the match in one spell. Players are still not able to decipher Varun. Kuldeep has that variation. This is a nice combination of spinners, hope they stay injury-free and serve India for a long time,” he said.He further backed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, despite his modest returns of 218 runs in 19 innings last year at an average of 13.62 without a fifty, to deliver in a crucial T20 World Cup game.“Suryakumar has not made many runs, but when the WC comes, we will need big players to fire. He will shine bright in that big match. Abhishek (Sharma) can win you matches on your own. The form Hardik (Pandya) is in, he is a key player. We also have Arshdeep (Singh) and (Jasprit) Bumrah in pace,” he concluded.

MUMBAI: Taking cognisance of the chargesheet, a special court on Monday issued summons to businessman Ripu Sudan Kundra, popularly known as Raj Kundra, in connection with the Rs 6,600 crore “Gain Bitcoin” Ponzi scheme money laundering case. The court directed Kundra and another accused, Rajesh Satija, to appear before it on Jan 19, 2026. The Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case originated from multiple FIRs registered by the Maharashtra and Delhi Police against Variable Tech Private Limited and several individuals, including now-deceased Amit Bhardwaj.The order was delivered by special Judge RB Rote following submission of a supplementary prosecution complaint by the central agency. Special Public Prosecutor Kavita Patil, representing the agency, presented the case during the proceedings. In the formal order, the judge stated, “Issue process against accused No. 17 Ripu Sudan Kundra alias Raj Kundra and accused No. 18 Rajesh Ram Satija… for the offence under section 3 punishable under section 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.”The ED alleged that the promoters collected vast sums in Bitcoins from the public by promising a 10% monthly return. Instead of using thesefunds for Bitcoin mining as promised, the promoters reportedly cheated investors and concealed the assets in obscure online wallets.According to the investigation, Kundra allegedly received 285 Bitcoins from the mastermind, Amit Bhardwaj, for the purpose of establishing a mining farm in Ukraine. The agency claimed these Bitcoins were derived from the proceeds of crime. As the deal never materialised, the agency claimed Kundra remained in possession of these assets, which were valued at more than Rs 150 crore.Last year, the agency provisionally attached properties worth Rs 97.79 crore, including a residential flat in Juhu held in the name of Kundra’s wife, actor Shilpa Shetty, and a bungalow in Pune.In Dec, the judge granted the ED’s application to issue a “Letter of Request” to the Central Authority of the UAE. This formal request, submitted through Special Public Prosecutor Kavita Patil, sought legal assistance to execute attachment orders against immovable properties acquired in the UAE using the proceeds of the crime. “This court is satisfied that for the purpose of legal assistance and the execution of orders… it is necessary to issue a letter of request to the Central Authority, United Arab Emirates for seeking legal assistance and execution of the orders,” the judge said.

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An IPL match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants. (File photo)

Bangladesh on Monday banned the broadcast of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, citing the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the tournament. The decision followed instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release the Bangladesh fast bowler from their 2026 squad.The IPL season is scheduled to begin on March 26.

The ban came a day after Bangladesh decided not to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup and asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to move all of its group matches to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host.

What Bangladesh government said

“It has come to attention that Mustafizur Rahman, a star player from Bangladesh, has been instructed to be dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches,” the Bangladesh government said in an official statement.“No logical reason for such a decision (Rahman’s release) by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has saddened, hurt, and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the notification said.“In this situation, until further notice, it is requested by order to stop the broadcasting/telecasting of all matches and programs of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest,” the release added.Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision to ask KKR to release Rahman was taken due to “developments all around,” without giving further details.Relations between India and Bangladesh have been under strain since the removal of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 after anti-government protests. She was later sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal over her alleged role in a crackdown during the protests, in which several students were killed. Violence against minorities has been reported since her removal.

Sarat Chakraborty Mani and Rana Pratap Bairagi (Images/X)

Bangladesh witnessed two deaths within 24 hours in a fresh spike of violence against its minority Hindu community. The incidents have triggered serious concerns over law and order and the safety of minorities. The back-to-back killings take the toll to six Hindu deaths in 18 days, with the latest victims identified as Sarat Chakraborty Mani (40), a grocery shop owner killed in Narsingdi on Monday night and Hindu journalist Rana Pratap Bairagi, who was shot and had his throat slit in Manirampur, Jashore, on the same day.Mani was attacked with sharp weapons at Charsindur Bazaar in Palash Upazila while he was running his shop as usual. Bangladesh news channel Blitz reported, citing eyewitnesses, that unidentified assailants suddenly attacked him, leaving him critically injured. As locals rushed him to the hospital, he died on the way.Sarat Chakraborty Mani was the son of Madan Thakur, a resident of Sadharchar Union in Shibpur Upazila. His wife, Antara Mukherjee, is a homemaker and he is survived by a 12-year-old son, Abhik Chakraborty.Mani had earlier worked in South Korea and returned to Bangladesh a few years ago. He later built a house in Brahmandi, Narsingdi town, where he lived with his family.A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mani lived a simple and peaceful life and had no disputes with anyone. He was, however, deeply troubled by the deteriorating situation in the country.On December 19, he wrote in a Facebook post: “So much fire everywhere, so much violence. My birthplace has turned into a valley of death,” according to Blitz.Mani’s neighbour described him as calm, humane and socially responsible, stating that he had no enemies. According to the neighbour, the only possible reason for his killing was that he was Hindu.

Hindu journalist killed in targeted Jashore assault

Mani’s killing came on the same day as the murder of Hindu journalist Rana Pratap Bairagi (also known as Rana Pratap) in Manirampur, Jashore. The 45-year-old factory owner and acting editor of BD Khobor was shot multiple times in the head and his throat was slit in the Kopalia Bazar area.Monirampur Police station officer-in-charge Md Raziullah Khan said the attack took place around 6 pm. He said: “Rana was shot three times in the head, and his throat was slit. Upon receiving the news, we went to the scene. The body has been recovered and sent for autopsy. We are investigating the perpetrators.”Police recovered seven bullet casings from the spot.Witness Ripon Hossain said the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, called Rana out of his ice factory, shot him multiple times and fled immediately. Rana was the son of a schoolteacher from Arua village in Keshabpur upazila and had been running his ice factory for two years.Rana’s murder followed a series of brutal attacks on Hindus across Bangladesh.In Mymensingh district, Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment factory worker, was lynched by a mob, after which his body was hung from a tree and set on fire last month.Another killing was reported last week, when Khokon Das (50), a Hindu pharmacy owner and bKash mobile banking agent, was attacked while returning home after closing his shop in Keherbhanga Bazaar. He was assaulted by three to four attackers near the Tilai area and later died from his injuries.Last week, Bajendra Biswas, a Hindu garment factory worker, was shot dead while on duty at a factory in Mymensingh.

Sexual violence against Hindu women adds to minority fears

Alongside these killings, sexual violence against Hindu women has also sparked outrage. In Jhenaidah district, a 40-year-old Hindu widow was allegedly tortured, raped, tied to a tree and had her hair cut by two local men. The survivor was rescued unconscious and admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital.Hospital superintendent Dr Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman said: “Later, through medical examination, we came to know that she had been subjected to torture.”Jhenaidah additional superintendent of police Bilal Hossain said: “We have called the victim to the police station and registered her complaint. After completing the investigation, the police will take strict legal action against those responsible.”The two accused have since been arrested.The string of killings and assaults has drawn international attention. India has expressed concern over what it described as “unremitting hostility” faced by minorities in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation.