File photo (Pic credit: AP)

Asian stock markets mostly declined on Monday, led by sharp losses in Japan after the yen strengthened against the US dollar, hurting exporter stocks. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1.8% to 52,870.15, weighed down by heavy selling in major exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp., whose shares dropped 4%.Markets across the region remained cautious amid currency volatility, uncertainty over US trade policies and ahead of a key US Federal Reserve policy decision later this week.

Yen rebound hits Japanese exporters

The sell-off in Japan came after the yen staged a strong rebound against the dollar in recent days. A weaker yen typically supports Japanese exporters by boosting the value of overseas earnings, but the recent currency move reversed that advantage.The dollar slipped to 154.27 yen from 155.01 yen, after trading near 158 yen last week, reported AP. The move followed comments from Japanese and US officials signalling close coordination on currency movements, fuelling expectations of possible intervention to support the yen.“Intervention chatter did the trick. Since Friday, the yen has staged a sharp rebound on expectations that Japanese authorities — possibly with US coordination — would step in,” Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, was quoted as saying by news agency AP.

Mixed performance across Asian markets

Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.7% to 4,955.79. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged down less than 0.1% to 26,735.54, while China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.1% to 4,141.31.Markets were closed in Australia, New Zealand, India and Indonesia due to holidays.

US futures dip amid tariff uncertainty

US stock futures edged lower, reflecting ongoing uncertainty around Washington’s tariff policies. Futures for both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 0.3%.Investor nerves were rattled by fresh trade tensions after US President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa pursued a free trade agreement with China. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pushed back, saying Canada had no plans for such a deal.

Wall Street ends week mixed

On Friday, US markets ended mixed. The S&P 500 inched up less than 0.1% to 6,915.61 but posted a second straight weekly loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6% to 49,098.71, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.3% to 23,501.24.Most stocks declined, with Intel plunging 17% and weighing heavily on the broader market, as per AP.Investors are now looking to the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on Wednesday, where rates are widely expected to remain unchanged.

Commodities jump as investors seek safety

In commodities, oil prices edged higher. US benchmark crude rose 43 cents to $61.50 a barrel, while Brent crude gained 48 cents to $65.55 a barrel.Precious metals surged as investors sought safer assets. Gold climbed 2% to above $5,100 an ounce, while silver jumped 7% to $108.39 per ounce, extending gains seen in recent months.

NEW DELHI: After India’s major counterterror action under Operation Sindoor in 2025, this year’s Republic Day parade put the spotlight firmly on the country’s military strength. Along Kartavya Path — formerly Rajpath — weapons platforms and defence systems rolled past in a grand display of the armed forces’ combat readiness and technological prowess.The spectacle extended to the skies over the Raisina Hills, where the Air Force formations flew past in the presence of chief guests from Europe, foreign delegations and thousands of spectators. The aerial display, featuring the Operation Sindoor flag unfurled midair, served as a powerful visual statement, highlighting the message of deterrence and preparedness that defined the parade.

(PTI photo)

The ‘Battle Array’ formation, unveiled for the first time on Kartavya Path, signalled a shift from traditional ceremonial displays to a combat-ready battlefield setup, reflecting the Army’s move toward modern, multi-domain warfare.

A glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) depicting Operation Sindoor rolled down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday. The display highlighted how the operation was carried out and showcased the close coordination between India’s armed forces.In a clear message to Pakistan, the tri-services tableaux showcased the striking power of the BrahMos missile alongside the robust S-400 air defence system, a key element of India’s overall defence strategy, the “Sudarshan Chakra,” which was proven effective during high military tensions with the nuclear-armed neighbour in May.Operation Sindoor led to the neutralisation of over 100 terrorists and enemy soldiers. Several key enemy assets were destroyed, and the operation brought the adversary to a standstill within 88 hours.The military action was launched after the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. In response, Indian forces carried out strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, targeting key infrastructure and eliminating multiple terrorists.

The IOC display showed that the operation was guided by national and military leadership, with strong coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force. Support from the civilian population and seamless inter-service cooperation were shown as major reasons for the operation’s success.The theme of “Virasat, Vividhta aur Vikas” was highlighted during the display. While the BrahMos missile delivered decisive strikes on enemy targets, air defence systems such as Akash and S-400 provided protection to civilian areas under the concept of the “Sudarshan Chakra”.As part of the Combat Support Elements segment, Divyastra and Shaktibaan systems were showcased. Mounted on High Mobility Vehicles (HMV 6×6), these platforms reflect the Indian Army’s push towards indigenisation and modernisation.

India’s new-generation unmanned warfare capability was also on display through Shaktibaan and Divyastra. These systems are designed around surveillance and targeting and represent a major step towards technology-driven and precision warfare.Shaktibaan and Divyastra are equipped with swarm drones, tethered drone systems and the indigenously developed hybrid UAV ZOLT, which is used for directing artillery fire.Their targeting capabilities are supported by loitering munitions such as Harop, Mini Harpy, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended Range), ATS (Medium Range) and Sky Striker.According to the defence ministry, these systems allow the armed forces to deploy swarm drones, long-range strike drones and loitering munitions for effective battlefield operations.

NEW DELHI: Mark Tully, one of the most well-known journalists to report from India, died at a private hospital in Delhi on Sunday. He was 90. He had been unwell for some time and was admitted to Max Hospital in Saket last week.Born in 1935 in Tollygunge, Kolkata, to British parents, Tully spent his early childhood in India. In the late 1930s, he was not allowed to socialise with local people. Ironically, India later became the centre of his life’s work.He studied at a boarding school in Darjeeling before being sent to England for further education. In a 2001 interview with the BBC after being selected for knighthood, Tully described England as “a very miserable place… dark and drab, without the bright skies of India”.The BBC reintroduced Tully to India in 1964 when it appointed him its New Delhi correspondent. This marked the beginning of his long association with the broadcaster, which lasted nearly three decades.In 1969, Tully was sent back to London after the Indian government barred the BBC following the broadcast of Phantom India, a French documentary critical of the country. He returned to Delhi in 1971 and became the BBC’s South Asia bureau chief the next year.During his career, Tully covered several defining moments in the region, including the 1971 Bangladesh war, the Emergency, the execution of former Pakistan president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, the killing of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, and the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.His first book, Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi’s Last Battle (1985), co-written with Satish Jacob, focused on Operation Blue Star and the Punjab crisis. In No Full Stops in India (1988), he wrote, “The stories I tell in this book will, I hope, serve to illustrate the way in which Western thinking has distorted and still distorts Indian life.”Tully went on to write 10 books, both fiction and non-fiction, including India in Slow Motion (2002), India’s Unending Journey (2008), and India: The Road Ahead.He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992, knighted in 2002, and received the Padma Bhushan in 2005.Tully resigned from the BBC in 1994 after publicly criticising the organisation’s internal culture. However, he remained based in Delhi and continued writing as a freelance journalist.On his 90th birthday in October, his son Sam Tully wrote on LinkedIn: “I think my father’s achievements are particularly significant for UK-India ties because of his abiding ties and affection for both countries… ‘Dil hai Hindustani, magar thoda Angrezi bhi!’”

The cricketing calendar is set to welcome a new and exciting addition as the inaugural season of the World Legends Pro T20 League gets underway from January 26 to February 4, 2026. The tournament will be hosted at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa and promises a celebration of cricketing nostalgia blended with competitive T20 action.

Designed to showcase legendary names from across the cricketing world, the league aims to offer fans a unique opportunity to watch former greats return to the field in a high-energy format.

World Legends Pro T20 League: Format and teams

The opening edition of the World Legends Pro T20 League will feature a total of 18 matches. The competition structure includes a round-robin league stage, followed by two semi-finals and a grand finale to determine the first-ever champions.

Over the course of ten days, teams will battle for crucial points during the league phase, ensuring intense competition before the knockout rounds.

Six teams will take part in the inaugural season of the World Legends Pro T20 League, each representing a distinct region and identity. The franchises competing in the tournament are Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders and Maharashtra Tycoons.

Also READ: Who is the best batter of this decade? Ravichandran Ashwin unveils his finest choice

World Legends Pro T20 League 2026: Schedule

• Jan 26, Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals – 7:30 PM IST
• Jan 27, Pune Panthers vs Gurugram Thunders – 2:30 PM IST
• Jan 27, Rajasthan Lions vs Maharashtra Tycoons – 7:30 PM IST
• Jan 28, Dubai Royals vs Gurugram Thunders – 2:30 PM IST
• Jan 28, Delhi Warriors vs Pune Panthers – 7:30 PM IST
• Jan 29, Rajasthan Lions vs Dubai Royal – 2:30 PM IST
• Jan 29, Gurugram Thunders vs Maharashtra Tycoons – 7:30 PM IST
• Jan 30, Maharashtra Tycoons vs Delhi Warriors – 2:30 PM IST
• Jan 30, Pune Panthers vs Rajasthan Lions – 7:30 PM IST
• Jan 31, Gurugram Thunders vs Rajasthan Lions – 2:30 PM IST
• Jan 31, Dubai Royals vs Pune Panthers – 7:30 PM IST
• Feb 1, Pune Panthers vs Maharashtra Tycoons – 2:30 PM IST
• Feb 1, Delhi Warriors vs Gurugram Thunders – 2:30 PM IST
• Feb 2, Rajasthan Lions vs Delhi Warriors – 2:30 PM IST
• Feb 2, Maharashtra Tycoons vs Dubai Royals – 7:30 PM IST
• Feb 3, Semifinal 1 – 2:30 PM IST
• Feb 3, Semifinal 2 – 7:30 PM IST
• Feb 4, Final – 7:30 PM IST

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• India: Doordarshan Sports (TV); Sony LIV, Waves OTT (Streaming)
• Global: FanCode, World Legends Pro T20 League official YouTube channel

Also READ: Who is Shefali Bagga? The viral TV personality spotted with Yuzvendra Chahar

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s turban, or saafa, once again became a quiet yet striking focus point during the grand Republic Day celebrations on Monday. This year, the Prime Minister chose a red Rajasthani-style pagdi, highlighted with golden-yellow streaks, adding a note of cultural elegance to the solemn national ritual.Over the years, the tradition of donning distinctive headgear on Republic Day and Independence Day has evolved into a signature expression of PM Modi’s public persona. More than a fashion choice, the saafa functions as a visual narrative — symbolically carrying India’s cultural richness and diversity and regional heritage into the ceremonial heart of the Republic Day parade.On Monday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial in New Delhi in his trademark style, dressed in a striking traditional ensemble.The PM donned Rajasthani-style safa, also known as a pagdi, rendered in rich hues of deep red, mustard yellow and green. The turban was tied high, featuring a distinctive fan-shaped crest that added to its ceremonial elegance.The colours echoed the festive atmosphere along Kartavya Path, where crowds gathered to watch the parade and state tableaux showcased the vast cultural sweep of India’s states and Union Territories.He paired the safa with a light sky-blue Nehru jacket worn over a dark navy kurta, striking a balance between formality and cultural expression. The look was completed with white churidar-style trousers and traditional black formal shoes, reinforcing the blend of tradition and statesmanship that has become a hallmark of his Republic Day appearances.

PM Modi’s Republic Day style, year after year

Last year, during the 2025 Republic Day celebrations, PM Modi had opted for a vibrant multi-coloured turban, paired with a brown full-sleeve bandhgala, a multi-coloured pocket square and churidar pants, reinforcing the evolving yet consistent language of his ceremonial attire.Over the years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Republic Day attire has evolved into a visual chronicle of India’s cultural diversity.For the 75th Republic Day in 2024, he wore a multi-coloured turban dominated by a vibrant yellow hue, paired with a white kurta and a brown Nehru jacket. Featuring traditional Rajasthani Bandhini prints, the ensemble reflected regional craftsmanship and national pride.During the 74th Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister again opted for a multi-coloured Rajasthani turban, widely seen as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity.In 2022, marking the 73rd Republic Day, PM Modi chose a traditional cap from Uttarakhand, adorned with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch — a nod to the state flower and the hill state’s cultural heritage.For the 72nd Republic Day in 2021, he wore a distinctive Jamnagar turban gifted by the royal family of Jamnagar in Gujarat, paired with a grey jacket, kurta and pyjama, underscoring ties to local tradition.At the 71st Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister sported a bright saffron-coloured printed turban featuring intricate yellow patterns.Earlier, on the 70th Republic Day, he appeared in a yellow turban with a red tail, highlighted with green accents and subtle golden lines, completing the look with a sleeveless bandhgala jacket over a white kurta.India marked its 77th Republic Day this year with an added global dimension, hosting European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Luís Santos da Costa as chief guests — a setting in which tradition, diplomacy and symbolism converged along Kartavya Path.

Jasprit Bumrah (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said he has no preference between bowling with the new or old ball, stressing that his priority is contributing to the team’s success after India clinched the five-match T20I series with two games to spare following a commanding eight-wicket victory in the third match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.Chasing 154, India brushed aside an early setback to race home in just 10 overs, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s unbeaten 68 off 28 balls and Suryakumar Yadav’s 57 not out off 26.

Abhishek brought up a 14-ball fifty — the second-fastest by an Indian — as India surged to 94/2 in the powerplay. Before the batting onslaught, however, Bumrah had set the tone with a superb spell in the first innings, returning figures of 3/17 in four overs as New Zealand were restricted to 153/9 despite resistance from Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and skipper Mitchell Santner.Explaining his approach, Bumrah spoke about adjusting to the conditions after the initial overs. “I was keeping an eye when Harshit and Hardik bowled, what is the best option over here. Obviously when I came, the ball had become a little scuffed up. So the ball usually, the white ball doesn’t swing for long. So what was my best option, how I wanted to try. So I tried to do that,” he said during the post-match presentation after receiving the Player of the Match award.Asked whether he prefers bowling with the new or old ball, Bumrah underlined his adaptability. “I’m happy as far as I’m able to contribute. So if the team wants me to bowl with the new ball I’m more than happy, if they want me to bowl in the end, I’m happy to do that. I did that in Asia Cup as well. That was a new role for me. I’ve never done that before for too long. That bowling only three overs, but as a team we have to be flexible, so I’m flexible as well.”The match also marked a personal milestone for Bumrah, who completed 10 years in international cricket.Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Oh, it feels really good. I, as a child, only dreamt to play one game and you know, 10 years playing for your country, being not an allrounder, being a pure fast bowler, you know, fighting aches and pains, assumptions, opinions. Because when people saw me, I was not supposed to play for long. People gave me six months. So this is something that I was really proud of that playing for your country for so long and hopefully the journey continues but that is something that, you know, it’s a feather in my cap and I’ll keep it with me.”

Mi-17 choppers shower petals, fly ‘Dhwaj Formation’

NEW DELHI: The Republic Day parade began on Kartavya Path on Monday with a stirring aerial display titled the ‘Dhwaj Formation’, as four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit flew overhead in a striking inverted ‘Y’ formation, carrying the National Ensign along with the service flags of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.The formation was led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, who trooped the National Flag. Wing Commander Ashutosh Khanduri followed as Deputy Formation Leader carrying the Indian Army Ensign, while Wing Commander Abhishek Malhotra carried the Indian Navy Ensign and Wing Commander Abhishek Shukla carried the Indian Air Force Ensign. As the helicopters passed over Kartavya Path, they showered flower petals, adding colour and solemnity to the Republic Day celebrations.

The aerial salute was followed by the arrival of the Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Sena Medal, who smartly saluted the Commander-in-Chief, President Droupadi Murmu, as he passed the dais.A second-generation Army officer, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment on December 16, 1989. He has served in high-altitude areas at Dras under Operation Rakshak, in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the North East under Operation Orchid, and in the Siachen Glacier under Operation Meghdoot. He has also served twice with the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade.During his career, the General Officer has commanded the 5th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment as part of the Strike Corps, a Mountain Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and a Reorganised Army Plains Infantry Division on the western borders.The Deputy Parade Commander, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Vishisht Sena Medal, was commissioned into the 42 Armoured Regiment in December 1991. A third-generation Army officer, with the fourth generation currently serving, he has commanded the 42 Armoured Regiment and an Independent Armoured Brigade, besides holding several staff and instructional appointments.Following the Parade Commander, recipients of India’s highest gallantry awards — the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra — arrived on Kartavya Path. Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar were honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, while Major General C A Pithawalia (Retd) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar received the Ashok Chakra.Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated this year to reflect India’s journey, blending the legacy of Vande Mataram, the country’s developmental progress, military strength and cultural diversity, the Ministry of Defence said.Republic Day, celebrated annually on January 26, marks the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 and symbolises India’s transition into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic founded on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is emerging as a key pathway for affluent individuals and families seeking permanent residency in the United States, offering a structured route to a green card through capital investment.Designed to stimulate the US economy by generating jobs and attracting foreign capital, the programme does not require employer sponsorship or specific educational qualifications.

What is the EB-5 visa?

Under the EB-5 programme, applicants are required to invest a minimum of $800,000 (around Rs 7.35 crore) in a qualifying project, typically located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or infrastructure project. For non-TEA projects, the minimum investment rises to $1.05 million. The investment is generally locked in for four to five years, after which the capital may be returned, ET reported.The visa is suitable for students in US colleges, international professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners and families, as it allows investors, their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to obtain permanent residency.“The EB-5 program provides a direct route to a US green card for the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21, in exchange for a qualifying investment in a government-approved project that creates at least 10 jobs in the US economy,” said Shilpa Menon, managing director–commercial at LCR Capital Partners, as quoted by ET.

Costs, documentation and taxation

Beyond the core investment, applicants must account for additional expenses. These include US Citizenship and Immigration Services filing fees ranging from $22,750 to $24,395, legal fees of about $25,000 to $30,000, and administrative charges depending on the project. The net additional cost typically falls between $70,000 and $80,000.US authorities closely scrutinise the source of funds, which can include savings, salary, business income, property or stock sales, gifts, or secured loans. Cryptocurrency is permitted if lawfully acquired and fully converted into US dollars with clear transaction records. Incomplete documentation can lead to delays or requests for additional evidence.Since US residents are taxed on worldwide income, advance tax planning is strongly advised.

Benefits and alternatives

The programme offers relatively fast processing, with work permits possible within four to six months and green cards in about two years. It also provides educational advantages, professional flexibility and a path to US citizenship after five years of permanent residency.There are also alternative options such as the proposed Trump Gold or Platinum Cards are donation-based, ranging from $1 million to $5 million, and do not offer capital return or family coverage, unlike the EB-5 route.

MUMBAI: The Directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) has busted a mobile mephedrone manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Satara district, seizing drugs worth Rs 55 crore and arresting five people, officials said. Based on specific inputs, DRI officers launched ‘Operation Sahyadri Checkmate’ on Friday, raiding a remote village in Karad tehsil, an official said on Sunday. Teams from the country’s premier anti-smuggling agency uncovered a fully functional mephedrone lab disguised as a poultry farm. Officials said the unit was being frequently relocated to avoid detection. The seizure comprised 11.848 kg of the drug in liquid form, 9.326 kg in semi-liquid form and 738 grams in crystalline form, besides 71.5 kg of raw material capable of producing another 15 kg of mephedrone. The total value of the haul is estimated at Rs 55 crore, the official said. Mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant commonly referred to as a party drug, poses serious health risks. Three persons including the manufacturer or “cook”, the “financer-consigner”, and the poultry farm owner — were arrested at the spot, the official said, adding that the first batch of the contraband had been concealed at the farm owner’s residence. In a subsequent operation, DRI teams apprehended two more accused near an old octroi toll naka in a densely forested area while they were en route to collect the final product, he said. Officials said four of the five arrested had previous cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act or had faced prosecution under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). This is the second drug manufacturing unit busted in Satara district in the past two months. Last month, the Mumbai Crime Branch raided Jawali and exposed a clandestine drug manufacturing facility.