Mumbai: The Sahar police arrested Prathamesh Maniyar, 39, a resident of Jamnagar, at Mumbai International Airport on Sunday, after immigration officials busted a racket he allegedly ran involving providing of fake educational certificates to school dropouts seeking jobs or planning to migrate overseas.Police said Maniyar, described as the mastermind of the racket, arrived from Bangkok on Sunday at 2.30am, reportedly after dropping a few people whom he provided the certificates. He was detained after he failed to explain his own profession during questioning at the airport. In a complaint, immigration counter officer Rohithash Kumar, 40, said: “I got suspicious when Maniyar failed to give a satisfactory answer about his work profile. He was later produced before the passenger profiling officer where he claimed he was into the business of helping people get admission into schools and colleges in Gujarat. Maniyar said he also helps people seeking jobs in Canada and UK get fake certificates.“A Sahar police officer said the cache details in Maniyar’s mobile phone showed a list of forged documents and certificates that he allegedly planned to hand over to at least 13 people, with certificates shown as issued by universities in Bhopal, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Police said Maniyar had been active in the illegal business since 2015 and charged Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh for each fake certificate. Officers said he pretended to facilitate admissions for students in Jamnagar, but interrogation revealed he allegedly provided fake degrees and marksheets to youths who wanted to go abroad. “He had set up a large network with agents in various cities and states across the country. Fake documents were being supplied through several agents in Jaipur, Bhopal, Ambala and Delhi. Investigation has also revealed that various bank accounts in Jamnagar and Baroda were being used for financial transactions,” said the officer. Police said that in Maniyar’s seized mobile phone, they found a large digital cache of fake documents, including Gujarat Board mark sheets, fake provisional certificates and degrees, fake marksheets prepared in the name of students, and screenshots of conversations with agents. “The team also seized screenshot of all the passengers who have travelled abroad recently and with whom he had a WhatsApp chat about the details and documents he shared with them,” said the officer. Police said they were gathering details of the total number of people from different states who were provided with fake educational certificates by Maniyar and his team, and the total money earned since 2015. A case was registered against him for preparing fake documents, cheating and misleading various institutions.

Mumbai: Days after the Aam Admi Party (AAP) and Janata Dal complained to the State Election Commission (SEC) that their candidates were not allowed to file nominations for the BMC polls in Colaba by returning officer (RO) Krishna Jadhav, municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani submitted a report pointing out that although Jadhav’s actions were legally sound, he should have been more careful and more prudent on the administrative front. The SEC still has to respond to the report.The two parties complained that the RO acted at the behest of assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, who is from the BJP. Three of his relatives are contesting the BMC election, and he was present at the RO’s office when nominations were being filed. The complaints relate to Ward Nos. 225, 226 and 227. Gagrani’s report only pertains to the RO’s actions.

The two parties alleged that the nomination forms of their candidates were not accepted even though they received tokens and were present in the RO’s office before the 5 pm deadline on Dec 30, the last day to file nominations.Jadhav’s contention was that the rules require the candidates to be inside his cabin, not just on the office premises, by the 5 pm deadline. He stated that he made several announcements about this while the process of filing nominations was underway.In his report, Gagrani pointed out that the candidates were given tokens and were present on the office premises, even though they were not in the cabin of the RO. Hence, Jadhav should have been “administratively careful”, his report said. This suggests that Gagrani did not agree with Jadhav’s actions, even though they were legally sound.Although the provision of tokens is not mentioned in the election rules, it has become an established administrative practice to provide tokens to voters queuing up at polling booths on voting day close to the deadline. Those given the tokens are allowed to vote.The Janata Dal later withdrew its complaint to the SEC. However, various Opposition parties accused Narwekar of violating the model code of conduct and interfering with the nomination process. Narwekar, a BJP MLA from Colaba, dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated.

The educated and qualified have decided to stop being arm-chair critics of politics and step into the election arena for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) polls. Professionals with backgrounds in technology, engineering, business and sustainability have emerged as fresh candidates — largely with party backing or as first-time contenders — across wards.Sahil Uttekar (25) is one of the youngest contenders, a mechanical engineering graduate from the Army Institute of Technology. He is vying to win in Ward No 3 and is founder of an electric cycling start-up focused on sustainable mobility. The same ward also had MBA graduate and businesswoman Neha Shinde, who later withdrew her candidature.

Pune Headlines Today — Key Stories You Shouldn’t Miss.

In Wadgaon Sheri, Surendra Pathare, a gold-medallist from College of Engineering, Pune, and his wife, Aishwarya, have emerged as prominent contenders. Both hold BTech degrees. In aWagholi’s Ward No 4, investment banker Anil Kumar Mishra is contesting.Campaigns of all these aspirants reflect a professional outlook shaped by work in infrastructure, data systems, finance and urban services. They focus on measurable outcomes, smart governance and efficient service delivery — a mindset shaped outside the traditional political realm.Uttekar is standing as an Independent. His entry into politics stems from frustration, rather than ambition. “Poor infrastructure and lack of cleanliness cannot be ignored any longer. After living in the Cantonment area and travelling abroad, I realised how far behind we are. Footpaths are encroached, while cycling infrastructure and streets feel unsafe. I wanted to solve these problems myself as PMC ignores complaints,” he said.Meanwhile, the Pathare couple has emerged as prominent figures, fortify the trend of professionals stepping into politics. Aishwarya, Wadgaon Sheri MLA Bapu Pathare’s daughter-in-law, said, “My entry is largely by chance, since I am married into a family with a long political legacy. I managed the back-end of my father-in-law’s campaign. Today, responsibility is gradually passing to the younger generation.“Aishwarya is the founder of a multinational software company and has previously worked with Facebook and Nissan Motors Corporation’s global headquarters in Japan. She set up her own company in 2020. “What distinguishes my approach is my entrepreneurial mindset of building from the ground up, solution-oriented approach and a strong sense of professionalism, respecting timelines, accountability and commitments.“In Wanowrie-Salunkhe Vihar Ward No 18, tech professional Uttung Kale quit his job in a leading software company in Hinjewadi to enter the fray as an Independent. He has been campaigning for the last three months. “I quit my job because complaining from the sidelines was not enough. Roads, drainage, water supply and public safety need focused attention. Residents deserve accountability at the ward level,” he said.Mishra, who moved to Pune from Uttar Pradesh in 2013, is also contesting as an Independent after he quit his corporate job in Nov last year. His campaign focuses on a single persistent issue. “The eastern part of the city has struggled for basic drinking water. Nothing has changed since 1997. Kharadi and Wagholi residents have suffered for years,” he said. “I have been voicing my opinions on the problem for a decade and received strong support from people. I decided to contest with citizen backing to change the situation by 2027.”In the Shivaji Nagar-Model Colony belt, Ward No 12, BJP candidate Nivedita Ekbote is principal of the Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce. She highlights management-driven governance. “I am contesting to bring development and apply my professional background to improve the ward. I see my management education as an asset, to help bring change through structured planning, technology, and efficient delivery of civic services.”

The BCCI has dismissed the escalating diplomatic row with Bangladesh as having “no real consequences,” even as the neighboring country imposed a blackout on the IPL 2026 and formally requested the ICC to relocate its upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches to Sri Lanka.

BCCI’s “Business as Usual” Stance on Bangladesh’s Shocking Move

A former BCCI official has played down the impact of the Bangladesh government and Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision, calling the reaction a natural outcome of recent developments. He also insisted that neither India nor the IPL 2026 will face any real consequences.

Read Also: Mustafizur Rahman’s condition really bad amid IPL exit, India-Bangladesh row? Big revelation emerges

The recent event now threatens to strain cricket ties between India and Bangladesh and presents a fresh challenge for the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the scheduling of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to get underway on February 7.

The former BCCI official was quoted as saying by ANI, “For every action, there is a reaction. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is merely doing what it believes is within its authority. ‘Takleef hui hai’ (they must have hurt), so obviously there will be a reaction.”

The Trigger: Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Ouster

The shocking release of Bangladesh pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad just before the IPL 2026 season sparked the controversy. The Indian cricket board had ordered the KKR to release Mustafizur from the IPL 2026 squad due to the political pressure, given the current situation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

After violent incidents and the killing of members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, the Indian fans and politicians demanded a ban on Bangladeshi players in the IPL 2026, forcing the BCCI and KKR to take the harsh step, which is now seen as disrespectful by the BCB and government.

Bangladesh’s Two-Pronged Response

1. IPL Broadcast Suspension: The Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered all domestic broadcasters to suspend the telecast of IPL 2026 matches indefinitely.

The ministry said in an official statement, “It is hereby informed that a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come to notice, whereby Bangladesh’s star cricketer Mr. Mustafizur Rahman has been excluded from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026.”

Read Also: “ICC needs to…”: Harbhajan Singh’s blunt take on Bangladesh’s request to shift T20 World Cup 2026 matches

The order further reads, “No reasonable justification for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and this decision has caused pain, distress, and anger among the people of Bangladesh. As a result, the government said it was compelled to act. Under these circumstances, until further instructions are issued, it is hereby ordered that the broadcast/telecast of all Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and related programs be suspended.”

2. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Venue Change Request: Following an emergency meeting, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) submitted a formal request to the ICC.

The BCB asked the ICC to move Bangladesh’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India. However, the BCCI and governing body are yet to react to the BCB’s demand.

DEHRADUN/ HARIDWAR: Uttarakhand government is contemplating a ban on entry of non-Hindus in the 105 ghats of Haridwar spread across an area of 120 sq km, following the demand raised by a few seers and Ganga Sabha, the body overseeing the maintenance of the main Har-ki-Pauri ghat in Haridwar. Besides, the state also plans to declare Rishikesh and Haridwar as ‘sanatan pavitra shehar’ (holy cities).Sources told TOI that the process may be initiated from Ardh Kumbh — scheduled to commence on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Jan 14, 2027.

They added that the govt has started digging out details of the agreement between Bharat Ratna recipient Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and the British in 1916. Malviya was the first president of the Ganga Sabha. The 1916 agreement aimed to maintain the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga and preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage city, which included restrictions on the entry of non-Hindus at Ganga ghats. It further stated that non-Hindus could not have permanent residence in both the religious towns (Rishikesh and Haridwar), and they could only come for work and return after completing their tasks.Sources confirmed that the state govt is “seriously looking to restore the provisions of the original agreement.”Speaking about the matter, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Our govt will take every necessary step to protect the unique spiritual and cultural identity of Devbhoomi. The Himalayan state is the centre of faith for sanatan believers.” He added that “Haridwar and Rishikesh are major centres of faith”, and consideration is being given to declaring both the places as “sanatan cities”.Notably, Ganga Sabha president, Nitin Gautam, had earlier said, “To maintain Haridwar’s sanctity, the entire Kumbh Mela and Haridwar city should be declared a non-Hindu free zone, and their entry should be banned. All river banks in Haridwar and Rishikesh should be off limits for them.” On Monday, however, Gautam, told TOI that he made that demand in his capacity as the former president (Haridwar) of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, adding that “no resolution on this has been adopted by the Ganga Sabha”.While Ganga Sabha general secretary Tanmay Vashishth remained non-committal on the sensitive matter, its ex-president Ashok Tripathi said he was “not in favour of the demand”. “By-laws of Haridwar nagar palika do ban non-Hindus’ entry into Har-ki-Pauri area, except those on govt duty. But personally, I’m not in favour of any such ban,” Tripathi said.Meanwhile, several residents of Haridwar raised their objections to the demand. “It is neither possible, nor desirable to disallow non-Hindus’ entry in the entire Kumbh area,” said Sudhanshu Dwivedi, a legal practitioner. “Such discrimination will adversely affect the liberal image of our religion,” added Rakesh Chandra, retired hydel department executive engineer.Political parties also weighed in on the matter. Opposing the “blanket ban”, Ashok Sharma, ex-municipal councillor of Congress, said, “Are BJP-RSS bigger Hindus than Madan Mohan Malviya who had sought ban of non-Hindus’ entry only in Har-ki-Pauri?”BJP’s former district president (Haridwar), Sandeep Goel, said, “This (demand) is not our party line…”

NEW DELHI: Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Anish Giri and Fabiano Caruana — wait, this isn’t a fun exercise in randomly listing chess stars, but the trio that helped SG Pipers break the stranglehold of two-time defending champions Continental Kings and lift the Global Chess League (GCL) Season 3 title a few weeks ago.But why mention only these three when it was a six-member team? The reason is simple: the Pipers were the only side to field three Grandmasters who have already qualified for the Candidates 2026.

It seemed as if SG Pipers, with three Candidates players on the top boards, were built to dominate GCL 2025 on paper.But ask Pravin Thipsay, the coach of Pipers, and he would tell a different story.“We were the only team with three Candidates, top three boards,” Thipsay told TimesofIndia.com during an exclusive interaction.“So naturally, there was this feeling that it should be quite easy to win the tournament. That confidence, at times, turned into overconfidence.”“There was a psychological imbalance on the top three boards,” he added.“It was a mixture of self-confidence and not getting the kind of position they wanted. When they didn’t get a good position, they panicked a little and then tried to win.”Instead of dominating, the top boards often struggled with expectation.“The most dangerous moment was when even a draw would do. At that time, the players felt they were anyway going to go through,” Thipsay explained. “Some games were lost only because they were searching for a win, even in equal positions, even with White.”“Normally, you expect the top boards to score more,” Thipsay added. “That is why they are the top boards. Our last three boards really scored most of the points. The top three were not clicking, so that responsibility had to be taken by the lower boards.”As a result, when the tournament drew its curtains, Nino Batsiashvili, Hou Yifan, and Leon Mendonca became the most effective performers with 22, 21, and 18 points, respectively.

Among the top trio, though, the best was Fabiano Caruana with 11 points, followed by Praggnanandhaa (10.5) and Anish Giri (10).Thipsay identifies a crucial moment during the group stage.Adding some intrigue to the tale, Pipers went down 6–11 to Alaskan Knights in their final league match but still booked a place in the final.Both Pipers and Ganges Grandmasters finished with 15 match points, but Pipers edged through on game points, 84 to 83. With the Pipers needing at least six points to stay ahead, the Knights pushed hard for a playoff spot and managed to win the match. But as Pipers were able to garner the six points, they made the final.“We calculated that we needed only six points to qualify. Someone joked, ‘We can make six draws.’ That kind of thinking is very dangerous. They didn’t really take it as a call where something could actually go wrong,” Thipsay recalled.For a coach, handling three Candidates in one team could be difficult.“Whenever a player did badly, we never discussed it in a group,” Thipsay added. “If there was a strategically wrong game, we discussed it one-to-one, not in front of everyone.”Handling three Candidates required a careful, individual approach. Serious losses were treated privately. “If there was a strategically wrong game, we discussed it one-to-one, not in front of everyone,” he said.“The problem today is that players depend too much on engine preparation. The computer gives you the best move, but it doesn’t really tell you why. When the engine stops, now you have to think, ‘How am I going to play this position?’ That is where the problem comes.”After qualification, Thipsay decided to reset everything.“I told them very clearly that whatever happened in the preliminaries is over,” he recounted. “Tomorrow, we start with 0–0. I told them, you are playing Candidates players, so treat it like a match. One game with White, one game with Black.”That message worked.“At that point, I think it clicked,” Thipsay remarked. “They could connect it with how they prepare for Candidates.”

And the results followed immediately.“With Black, we fared 2–4, and with White, we had 4.5–1.5 score. Everybody was comfortable.”The 66-year-old Grandmaster also changed the way the top boards were thinking about chess itself: “I told them, ‘You are better players — why should you have problems? Earlier, the problems came because you depended too much on preparation. Now you play concept-wise.’ Even if you play second-best or third-best moves, you can still beat your opponent.’”The top players listened to him carefully, as there, Thipsay confirms, were no clashes of egos.“Honestly, I was lucky,” he added. “They were great players and very humble. Some players are criticised for ego, but here they were very down to earth.”“They knew that I had studied their games. They knew I understood their chess. That made communication easier. They were happy that somebody had actually spent time looking at their games, their problems.”Sometimes, the smallest details mattered most, as Thipsay noticed something others missed.“They were playing late games without eating properly,” he recalled. “Lunch at two o’clock and a game until eight in the evening. I told them that we will eat before the game. And we won both games that day.”By the finals, the three Candidates had found balance.“My advice was very simple: be yourself. Don’t try to put your foot in somebody else’s shoes,” the coach concluded.

A Hindu businessman who also served as the acting editor of a local newspaper was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Monday evening in Bangladesh’s Jessore district, reported news agency PTI citing local media.The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Rana Pratap Bairagi, a resident of Arua village in Keshabpur upazila of Jessore district in the Khulna Division, according to Bangla-language daily Prothom Alo.Bairagi owned an ice-making factory at Kopaliya Bazar in Monirampur and was also the acting editor of Dainik BD Khabar, a newspaper published from neighbouring Narail district, the report said.The incident took place around 5.45 pm at Kapalia Bazar, Additional Police Superintendent Abul Basar told the bdnews24 news portal.Citing police and local residents, Prothom Alo reported that three men riding a motorcycle arrived at the ice factory and called Bairagi outside. They allegedly took him to a narrow alley near the Kapalia Clinic and Diagnostic Centre, located on the western side of Kapalia Bazar.The assailants then shot him in the head from close range before fleeing the scene. Bairagi died on the spot, the daily reported.“Bairagi was shot three times in the head and his throat was slit,” Monirampur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Rajiullah Khan was quoted as saying by the daily.Khan said the motive behind the killing was not immediately known and that an investigation had been launched to identify those involved.Police also said that four cases were registered against Bairagi across two police stations, though details of those cases were not immediately available. The killing is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community in recent weeks.On January 3, Khokon Chandra Das (50) died after being brutally attacked, hacked and set on fire. On December 24, another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was lynched over alleged extortion in Rajbari town’s Pangsha upazila.Earlier, on December 18, Dipu Chandra Das (25) was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh city. In another incident on December 23, unidentified men set fire to the home of Qatar-based expatriate workers Shukh Shil and Anil Shil in the Raojan area on the outskirts of Chattogram, though the occupants managed to escape unharmed.

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