Image credits: X @toot5000

New photos have emerged of the deadly New Year’s Eve incident at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, showing the moment a bar ceiling caught fire.The images, circulating online and verified by the BBC, show lit sparklers attached to bottles inside the Le Constellation nightclub and were shared with claims they were taken around the moment the fire broke out. One of the photos shows people holding several bottles aloft with sparklers burning, while what appears to be flames can be seen on the ceiling above them.A second image shows a person in a sleeveless black dress and a crash helmet holding a bottle with a lit sparkler, sitting on the shoulders of someone wearing a mask.The fire broke out during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the crowded bar, killing at least 40 people and injuring 115 others. Videos shared on social media show the intensity of the blaze inside the venue, with some footage capturing people trapped and panicking as the exit became blocked by the spreading fire.Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” the country has known. He said the identification of victims must be completed as quickly as possible, but stressed the process is “extremely difficult work” and “is something that will last a long time.”Beatrice Pilloud, prosecutor-general of Valais canton, said, “currently we are favouring a fire and at no time is there question of any attack,” adding that she could not provide further details out of respect for the families. Police have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related.Le Constellation is located on the ground floor of a residential building and has a capacity of 300 people, with space for another 40 on its terrace, according to the Crans-Montana website. Several witnesses said the basement event space, where the fire is believed to have started, was connected to the ground floor by only one staircase, which some described as “narrow.”As investigations continue, fears remain that an Italian teenager is among those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan won Delhi HC protection for his personality rights against Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, Google, Meta, and others misusing his image, voice for sales and AI. Court bans unauthorized use; next hearings Feb 9 & May 12, 2026. Affected parties can seek relief.

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan filed a petition in the Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights. The court recently stated that, per established laws and the evidence provided, his celebrity status gives him clear ownership over his personal image and features. Any use of these without permission violates those rights, states the report.

List of defendants

Among the defendants are Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd., Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd., Meesho Ltd., Google LLC, Meta Platforms Inc., and several unnamed parties or individuals said to be unlawfully and improperly exploiting Mr. Kalyan‘s personality, publicity, privacy rights, and related proprietary elements.

Details of misuse

As reported in The Hindu, according to the judge’s interim order, a few defendants profit by using Mr. Kalyan’s name, face, voice, and image to sell items, either themselves or on shopping apps. The others build his personal features into AI on their sites for business or sell stuff without asking him first.

Next hearing dates

The court has scheduled the case for hearing before the Joint Registrar (Judicial) on February 9 and before itself on May 12, 2026. The plaintiff must submit any extra documents by January 22, following the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, and the Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018.

Relief for affected parties

The judge permits websites or parties harmed by this order, who aren’t primary violators, to petition the court. They need to pledge against spreading unlawful content that harms the plaintiff’s personality rights. The court may then adjust the injunction according to the case details.Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin (PTI Photo)

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has said that the BCCI should have done more to honour some of India’s biggest cricket stars. He believes that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin deserved proper farewell Test matches before retiring from international cricket.Panesar feels that India missed an important chance to celebrate the careers of these players. He compared India’s approach with England, where retired players are often given special farewell games. According to him, such matches show respect for players who have given many years to the sport.

Speaking to IANS, Panesar said, “The BCCI should have planned farewell Test matches for R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. They deserved that respect. England celebrate its players when they retire — for example, Stuart Broad and James Anderson were given great farewells — but India fall short in this regard.”Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May last year. Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in December 2024.Kohli is considered one of the greatest batters of the modern era. He ended his 14-year Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. He scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli also had a successful run as India’s Test captain, finishing as the fourth-most successful skipper in Test history.Rohit Sharma played 67 Test matches and scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. He hit 12 centuries and 18 fifties. As an opener, his average was even better at 42.81. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, where they finished runners-up.Ravichandran Ashwin ended his Test career with 537 wickets in 106 matches at an average of 24. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests after Anil Kumble. Ashwin also contributed with the bat, scoring six centuries and 14 half-centuries. His final international match was the day-night Test in Adelaide.In white-ball cricket, Ashwin took 228 wickets across ODIs and T20Is. Overall, he finished with 765 international wickets and was part of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning teams.

Dhurandhar may be fronted by Ranveer Singh, but it is Akshaye Khanna who has emerged as the film’s most talked-about performer. In a film packed with seasoned actors like Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and Rakesh Bedi, Khanna’s restrained yet menacing turn as Rehman Dakait has stood out.

“Ranveer Singh was already onboard, so getting more stars was impossible”

In a recent interaction, Dhurandhar’s casting director Mukesh Chhabra opened up about the film’s exhaustive casting process, revealing that it took up nearly a year of his life. Speaking to India Today, Mukesh shared that Ranveer Singh was already locked in when he joined the project.

“Ranveer Singh was already onboard when I came in,” Mukesh said, adding that this made casting more stars challenging. “Once you have one big star, it becomes impossible to get more stars. That’s just how the Mumbai film industry works.”He stressed that despite this limitation, every casting decision was approached with precision. “It didn’t matter whether it was Danish Pandor, Rakesh Bedi, Akshaye Khanna or R Madhavan. Even the smallest casting idea was done meticulously.”

“Aditya Dhar thought I had gone mad”

Mukesh admitted he had ambitious ideas for the cast—ideas that initially made director Aditya Dhar question his sanity. One such idea was casting Akshaye Khanna, known for being extremely selective with his roles.“I said, Akshaye paaji will do it,” Mukesh recalled. “And then we all jumped on it.” At the time, even the makers were sceptical that Khanna would agree to the project.

“Unhone pehle mujhe daanta”

Recalling his first conversation with Akshaye Khanna, Mukesh revealed it didn’t exactly go smoothly. “I honestly hadn’t watched Chhaava then. But I called him,” he said. “Unhone pehle mujhe daanta. He said, ‘Paagal ho gaya hai kya?’ I asked him to at least hear me out once.”Persistence paid off, and Akshaye eventually agreed to meet Mukesh and director Aditya Dhar. “I asked him to come to the office. He said, ‘Main toh yahan rehta hi nahi hoon. Bol kahan aana hai?’”

“F**k, it’s very good”: The moment Akshaye said yes

Mukesh described the meeting as intense yet quietly reassuring. “He came and sat for four hours. He quietly listened. He kept smoking,” he said. “When we finished, he said, ‘F**k, it’s very good.’ Then he said, ‘Well done, yaar. Bada maza aayega.’”Despite the encouraging response, the makers remained anxious for a few days. Their doubts were finally put to rest when Akshaye made the call himself. “He called me and said, ‘Let’s do it, bro,’” Mukesh shared.

What’s next for Akshaye Khanna

Following Dhurandhar’s success, Akshaye Khanna has already moved on to his next venture. The actor is set to make his Telugu debut with Mahakali, part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), which also includes HanuMan, Jai Hanuman and Adhira. Director Puja Kolluru recently shared behind-the-scenes photos with Akshaye from the sets, including a sunny selfie of the two smiling at the camera. The makers had earlier unveiled Akshaye’s look as Shukracharya.

Drishyam 3 controversy

Akshaye also recently made headlines for exiting Drishyam 3 just days before Dhurandhar’s release. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak slammed the actor for what he called an “unprofessional” and “toxic” exit, even sending a legal notice after Akshaye allegedly quit abruptly over creative differences—reportedly linked to wearing a wig for his character, IG Tarun Ahlawat.While reports suggested that Jaideep Ahlawat would replace Akshaye in Drishyam 3, director Abhishek Pathak later clarified to Bombay Times that Jaideep is not replacing Khanna but will instead be playing a newly written character.

New supply of office space declined sharply in key property markets such as Delhi-NCR and Mumbai last year, even as demand for prime workspaces remained strong across India’s major cities, according to real estate consultant Colliers, PTI reported.Delhi-NCR saw a 15 per cent fall in new office supply in 2025, while Mumbai recorded a steeper decline of 37 per cent, Colliers India said, adding that office demand outstripped fresh supply across India’s top seven cities, leading to lower vacancy levels.Colliers data showed that new office supply in Delhi-NCR fell to 7.4 million sq ft in 2025 from 8.7 million sq ft in the previous year. Mumbai saw fresh supply decline to 5.2 million sq ft from 8.3 million sq ft a year earlier.Hyderabad also witnessed a drop, with new supply falling 21 per cent to 10.8 million sq ft from 13.7 million sq ft. In Kolkata, supply plunged 80 per cent to 0.1 million sq ft from 0.5 million sq ft in 2024.In contrast, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune saw an improvement in new office completions. Bengaluru recorded a 15 per cent rise in fresh supply to 17.5 million sq ft from 15.2 million sq ft. Chennai more than doubled its new supply to 4.5 million sq ft from 2.1 million sq ft, while Pune saw a more than two-fold jump to 11 million sq ft from 5.3 million sq ft.Overall, the seven major office markets — Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata — witnessed a 5 per cent rise in new office supply to 56.5 million sq ft in 2025, compared with 53.8 million sq ft in the preceding year.Office leasing activity also remained strong, with total absorption rising 6 per cent to 71.5 million sq ft last year from 67.2 million sq ft in 2024.“With demand outpacing supply in recent times, overall vacancy levels fell by 49 basis points, while average rentals strengthened by up to 15 per cent YoY across major cities,” Colliers India said.Technology companies and the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector continued to be the key drivers of office demand, while foreign firms setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India further supported absorption of prime office spaces.Major developers active in the office segment include DLF Ltd, Prestige Estates, K Raheja Group, Embassy Group, Sattva Group and RMZ Group.India currently has four office asset-backed real estate investment trusts (REITs): Knowledge Realty Trust backed by Sattva Group and Blackstone, Mindspace Business Parks REIT sponsored by the K Raheja Group, Brookfield India Real Estate Trust and Embassy Office Parks REIT.Recently, Bengaluru-based Bagmane Group sponsored Bagmane Prime Office REIT filed draft papers with market regulator Sebi to raise up to Rs 4,000 crore through an initial public offering.REITs are investment vehicles that own or operate income-generating real estate, allowing investors to earn income without directly owning property.

On January 1, 2026, Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam reached a significant career milestone during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, drawing level with former England captain Jos Buttler in the T20 record books. Representing the Sydney Sixers against the Melbourne Renegades at Docklands Stadium, Babar anchored a successful chase with an unbeaten 58 off 46 deliveries.

Babar Azam matches Jos Buttler’s elite T20 record

Babar’s latest performance has officially placed him alongside Buttler as the joint third-highest fifty-run scorer in T20 history. While both players now share a tally of 97 career half-centuries, the efficiency with which Babar reached the mark is notable, having taken significantly fewer matches than his English counterpart to achieve the same result.

The former Pakistan captain achieved this milestone in his 333rd T20 match, which also includes 11 centuries, while Buttler reached the mark in 476 matches with eight centuries to his name. The record for the most half-centuries in the format remains with former Australian great David Warner, who has 113 fifties in 428 matches.

Top T20 Half-Centuries (as of January 2026):

• David Warner: 113
• Virat Kohli: 105
• Babar Azam / Jos Buttler: 97
• Alex Hales: 92

Also READ: BBL|15: Check out the full list of Pakistan and Bangladesh players playing in the Big Bash League

Babar’s BBL 15 journey: Finding form after a challenging start

Babar’s stint with the Sydney Sixers in BBL 15 has been a journey of adaptation and resilience, characterized by a slow start followed by high-impact match-winning performances. Entering his debut season in Australia, the 31-year-old initially struggled with the extra bounce and movement, recording scores of 2, 9 and 2 in his early outings.

However, he has since found his rhythm, registering two crucial half-centuries in his last three matches, a 58 in the Sydney derby against the Thunder and his most recent unbeaten 58 against the Renegades. Currently, he has accumulated 129 runs at an average of 32.25, providing the stability the Sixers need at the top of the order as they climb to fifth on the points table. His ability to anchor the innings allowed teammates like Joel Davies to play freely, ultimately ending the Sixers’ losing streak and providing a perfect start to the 2026 calendar year.

Also READ: BBL|15: Cricket Australia unveils full schedule for Big Bash League 2025-26

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh has recorded remarkable growth in its agricultural sector, driven by government initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, supporting farmers, and promoting diversified farming. These efforts have led to historic outcomes, with higher crop yields, increased incomes for farmers, and a growing contribution to national production.Uttar Pradesh continues to be a leader in staple crop production. In 2024–25, wheat production reached 414.39 lakh metric tons, making the state the largest wheat producer in India, contributing 35.3% to the national total. Rice production also grew significantly, with 219.2 lakh metric tons, ranking Uttar Pradesh second in the country and contributing 14.7% to national rice production.Over the past eight years (2016–17 to 2024–25), wheat and rice productivity saw unprecedented growth. Wheat productivity grew by 42.8%, up from an average of 8.7% during 2001–02 to 2016–17. Similarly, rice productivity increased by 47.7%, compared to only 14.8% in the previous period. The state’s share in national wheat production rose from 12.5% to 30.5%, and rice production from 14.7% to 35.3%, reflecting the impact of progressive agricultural policies.

Oilseeds and pulses

In 2024–25, Uttar Pradesh produced 2.92 lakh metric tons of oilseeds, contributing 6.9% to India’s total production, up from 3.3% in 2016–17. Total pulses production reached 3.56 lakh metric tons, increasing the state’s share from 0.6% in 2016–17 to 1.4% in 2024–25.The government’s timely crop diversification efforts and supportive schemes have been credited for these gains, ensuring higher productivity and income for farmers.

Sugarcane, industrial crops growth

Sugarcane production in the state reached 2,455.3 lakh metric tons in 2024–25, making Uttar Pradesh the leading sugarcane-producing state with a 54.5% share of national production. This growth has also boosted sugar and ethanol production. Since 2017, sugarcane farmers have received fair prices, raising their income by about 7.2 times.Among industrial crops, potato production reached 244.65 lakh metric tons, contributing 40.7% to national output. Banana production increased to 7.17 lakh metric tons, making the state the top banana producer. Other vegetables totaled 42.34 lakh metric tons, and total spice production reached 3.7 lakh metric tons. Flower and aromatic plant production also saw remarkable growth, with the state contributing 20.9% to national output, up from 7.4% in 2016–17.

Livestock, dairy and fisheries development

Uttar Pradesh has strengthened livestock conservation and productivity through improved breeding facilities, medical services, and vaccination campaigns. Total milk production reached 414 lakh metric tons, accounting for 20% of national output. Under the “Rashtriya Gokul Mission,” artificial insemination has expanded to 80% of villages, improving cattle breeds and increasing milk yield from 4.9 kg per day in 2017–18 to 5.32 kg per day in 2024–25.Inland fish production is projected to reach 13.30 lakh metric tons by 2024–25, making Uttar Pradesh a leader in fish production. Egg production and other livestock-based activities have also seen steady growth, contributing significantly to farmers’ incomes.

Farmer welfare

The state government has implemented a wide range of initiatives to improve farmer livelihoods:

Additionally, schemes like Mukhyamantri Sahbhagita Yojana and Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana have supported cattle adoption and milk production, while Farmer Credit Cards and fisheries promotion schemes have strengthened farmer access to credit and income diversification.

Specialised agriculture and horticulture have also seen major investments:

As a result of these comprehensive measures, Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural growth rate increased from 8.6% in 2016–17 to 17.7% in 2024–25. The state now produces 400 lakh tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually, with farmers benefiting from higher yields, better prices, and diversified sources of income.The government’s efforts in irrigation, technology, livestock management, and specialized agriculture have positioned Uttar Pradesh as a model state for agricultural development, ensuring sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for farmers.

Siddhartha Bhaiya (Photo credit- LinkedIn account)

Siddhartha Bhaiya, founder and managing director of Aequitas Investment Advisors and one of Dalal Street’s most closely followed stock pickers, passed away on December 31, 2025, following a sudden cardiac arrest while on a family vacation in New Zealand. He was 47, ET reported.“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Managing Director, Mr. Siddhartha Bhaiya, on 31 December 2025, following a sudden cardiac arrest,” Aequitas said in a statement.Bhaiya founded Aequitas in 2012 after leaving Nippon India Mutual Fund, where he had worked for nearly seven years as a fund manager. Over the next decade, he built the firm into a Rs 7,700-crore PMS and AIF platform, known for identifying smallcap and midcap companies at an early stage of their growth cycle.His flagship India Opportunities PMS Fund delivered a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 33% over 13 years, generating absolute returns of about 3,700%, making it one of the top-performing portfolio management strategies on Dalal Street, according to ET data.A chartered accountant by training, Bhaiya was widely regarded as a contrarian investor who combined value discipline with growth investing. He was known for avoiding crowded trades and for holding high levels of cash when market valuations appeared stretched. In 2025, his PMS was reported to be holding close to 80% cash for much of the year.“If anything, holding 80% cash is the easiest thing to do at this point of time. Given the valuations that the Indian smallcap is currently quoting at and the frenzy across investors about Indian capital markets, I don’t see any logic in being invested,” Bhaiya had told PMSBazaar in an interview cited by ET.In the last one to two years, he had become increasingly cautious on Indian equities, citing elevated valuations. At a public event last month, he described the prevailing market environment as a “bubble of epic proportions” rather than a sustainable bull phase.Reflecting this view, Aequitas had begun diversifying part of its portfolio into gold ETFs and overseas investments, reducing its dependence on Indian equities.“Siddhartha was the driving force behind Aequitas. He was not only a visionary investor, but also a builder of institutions — deeply committed to intellectual honesty, disciplined decision-making, and long-term thinking,” the firm said, adding that it remains aligned with his investment philosophy and long-term objectives.