MUMBAI: As the Thackeray cousins shared a dais for the first time after the BMC polls at an event to mark the start of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s centenary year, Raj said he was “deeply disturbed” by what was happening in Kalyan-Dombivli and described the developments there as “disgusting”.The five MNS corporators in KDMC earlier this week declared their support to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and while alocal MNS ex-MLA said they had consulted Raj and he had given his “nod,” UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut had said Raj was “distraught”.

Sharing a dais for the first time after the BMC poll results, the Thackeray cousins put to rest speculation that there was friction between them after MNS’ support to Sena in KDMC.Raj said in his speech, “Earlier, people used to be auctioned in the bazaar. Today, auctions are on in Maharashtra like that. It’s happening in all districts. Seeing the current picture, I feel it is disgusting.” Uddhav said many were trying to wipe off the ‘Thackeray’ name but hadn’t succeeded.Raj said, “After seeing today’s scenario in Maharashtra, I feel it is a good thing Balasaheb is not here. How distressed he would have been to see the situation. What pain that man would have felt.”Uddhav Thackeray said that he would “start afresh” after the BMC poll results and soon visit shakhas across Mumbai and tour the state. Without naming PM Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, he said, “These two businessmen are using our own sticks to beat us with.” Without naming Dy CM Eknath Shinde, Uddhav asked what he had achieved by taking down Chhatrapati Shivaji’s saffron flag from atop Mumbai (BMC).Uddhav praised his party activists, saying they had fought the battle for Mumbai well and stopped those trying to erase the ‘Thackeray’ name. He said, “Raj and I spent our childhood together. We are children who grew up playing amid storms, so no one needs to teach us how to fight a storm. Only the one who has responsibility on his shoulders can understand how difficult it is to bear the responsibility of a storm as one has to fight it. Even if we think of the days before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, betrayal is not new. This is our curse. When victory is impossible, our enemy takes help from traitors.”Uddhav claimed money had been used for the first time in Mumbai during elections and said, “Mumbaikars should think about who is protecting them and who is doing business. We are fighting and will fight. You (UBT Sena workers) have managed to retain all our bastions in Mumbai.” He added, “We have to start anew. Let’s start anew.”In an article of his published in Saamna on Friday, Raj, referring to his exit from Shiv Sena in 2005, wrote, “More than quitting the party, leaving the house was more painful. I had lost my father, and I was now going far away from my uncle. The thought was eating me up.” Not being able to meet Balasaheb frequently hurt him more than the political rupture itself, he noted.Raj wrote that the struggle Balasaheb waged for the Marathi language and Marathi people would continue. Even when political circumstances forced Balasaheb to take flexible positions, Raj said, his love for the Marathi people never waned. “Those values have shaped us,” he wrote, vowing any flexibility in his own politics would never be for personal gain. “I give my word once again today that even if I take a slightly flexible stance in this completely transformed politics, it will never be for my personal gain or selfish interests,” he stated. Raj added his faith — and that of his party’s workers — in the words ‘Balasaheb’ and ‘Marathi’ would not diminish.

In a big shift for one of the top five largest economies, India’s holdings of US Treasuries have seen a drop, sliding to the lowest level in five years. The reason for the fall is both need based and strategic: rupee has been depreciating, making it one of the worst performing Asian countries last year. The second reason is to strategically change the composition of foreign exchange reserves, reducing dependence on US assets. In fact, most economies around the world are reducing reliance on the world’s largest bond market.US government data released last week shows that India’s holdings of long-term American debt have fallen to about $174 billion. This marks a drastic 26% drop from the peak which was recorded in 2023. According to the Reserve Bank of India, Treasuries now make up roughly one-third of the country’s forex reserves, down from around 40% a year ago.

India, China & The World Move Away From US Treasuries

With gold and other assets accounting for a growing share of reserves, India’s strategy echoes steps taken by bigger holders such as China, according to a Bloomberg report.This has reignited debate over US financial dominance and the status of its debt as a preferred reserve instrument. Fresh trade threats by US President Donald Trump related to Greenland have added to global uncertainty, fuelling speculation that European nations could also pare back their exposure to US Treasuries.

India’s Treasuries Holdings Drop as Gold Reserves Increase

Win Thin, chief economist at Bank of Nassau 1982 Ltd., said the trend likely reflects an effort to cut dependence on dollar-denominated assets to reduce sanction-related risks. “There is still room for India to lighten up its Treasuries holdings,” he said.In September, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said the RBI was making a “very considered decision” to diversify the country’s reserves.

Why Dependence on Dollar-denominated Assets Is Being Reduced

For India and other countries, these lessons have been shaped by the US decision to freeze Russia’s foreign exchange reserves after its war with Ukraine which started in February 2022. India’s decision to continue importing Russian oil has subsequently become a flashpoint with US President Donald Trump. It’s even led to 25% additional penal tariffs being imposed.“The speed at which relations between the US and India deteriorated last year would have taken many by surprise and jolted policymakers to reduce their vulnerabilities,” said Shilan Shah of Capital Economics, who topped Bloomberg’s rupee forecasting rankings last quarter.Yet another factor influencing the shift is the Reserve Bank of India’s effort to shore up the rupee, which has slipped to record lows amid delays in finalising a US-India trade agreement following the Trump administration’s move to impose 50% tariffs on Indian exports, a tariff rate which is the highest in Asia. By cutting back on US Treasury holdings, the central bank can deploy those funds to buy rupees and support the currency.Also read: Trump tariffs, falling rupee: What are the biggest risks to India’s growth story
In financial markets, President Trump’s trade tariffs and the increasing use of the dollar as a sanctions tool have prompted renewed debate over the safety of US Treasuries as a reserve asset, with recent action against Venezuela also reinforcing those concerns.

USD INR Rates & Dollar Index

While the RBI is not among the largest holders of US government debt, with its exposure at about a quarter of China’s nearly $683 billion holdings and Japan’s $1.2 trillion portfolio as of November, overseas ownership of Treasuries remains close to record highs. Even so, India’s selling has added fresh momentum to discussions about the place of US sovereign bonds in global investment portfolios.According to the Bloomberg report, central banks around the world are increasingly grappling with a more complicated policy environment that is putting added strain on how reserves are allocated. Although the US dollar and Treasuries continue to dominate as global reserve assets, momentum is clearly building toward diversifying into other options.Against this backdrop, the Reserve Bank of India’s reduction in Treasury holdings has come at the same time as a step in gold purchases. In fact, India currently holds the world’s 7th largest gold reserves. Other countries are making similar moves. China and Brazil have lowered their long-term Treasury holdings in October to the weakest levels seen since at least 2011, with China simultaneously stepping up gold purchases. The shift toward gold has gathered pace elsewhere as well. Earlier this week, the National Bank of Poland, currently the world’s largest reported buyer of gold, cleared plans to add another 150 tonnes of the metal to its reserves.There are factors that could slow India’s pace of selling, including a more stable rupee that reduces the need for currency intervention, or an easing of geopolitical stress if the delayed trade agreement is eventually concluded. “If the trade deal materializes, the need for aggressive currency defense could diminish,” said Krishna Bhimavarapu, Asia Pacific economist at State Street Investment Management. Even so, many analysts believe the broader reallocation toward alternative assets is likely to persist. A survey conducted in November by think tank OMFIF showed that while most central banks still hold the dollar, nearly 60% intend to explore substitutes over the next one to two years. “The trend is very much embedded at this point,” Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone in London, said of India’s Treasury sales, adding that a trade agreement “will simply see holdings stabilize, rather than India go on some sort of mass buying spree.”

In a record-shattering performance in Raipur on January 23, 2026, India dismantled New Zealand by seven wickets to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Chasing a formidable target of 209, the Men in Blue made a mockery of the chase by reaching the finish line in just 15.2 overs. This sensational victory was powered by blistering half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who turned a potentially tricky pursuit into a historic run-fest.

Record-breaking chase: India 0utclass New Zealand with help of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav 

The Indian run-chase in Raipur will be remembered as one of the most clinical displays of power-hitting in T20I history as they chased down 209 with 28 balls to spare. After the early dismissals of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma left India reeling at 6/2, Kishan launched a breathtaking counter-attack that completely deflated the New Zealand bowling attack.

Kishan’s whirlwind 76 off 32 balls included 11 boundaries and four massive sixes, reaching his half-century in just 21 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand. He found a perfect partner in Suryakumar, who silenced his critics with a majestic, unbeaten 82 off 34 balls*, marking his first T20I fifty since 2024. The duo shared a 122-run stand that effectively ended the contest within the first ten overs, leaving the Kiwi bowlers with no answers to their 360-degree stroke play. Even after Kishan’s departure, Shivam Dube (32 off 15) ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing the game with nearly five overs left. This victory stands as the highest target successfully chased down by India and the most dominant chase of a 200+ score among Full Member nations.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I: Hardik Pandya and Murali Kartik engage in an animated discussion; video goes viral

New Zealand’s valiant effort overshadowed in Raipur

Earlier in the evening, New Zealand’s batters had put together what seemed like a match-winning total of 208/6, only to see it overhauled in record time. Rachin Ravindra (44) and Mitchell Santner (47) were the pillars of the Kiwi innings, punishing the Indian pacers during the middle and death overs to propel their side past the 200-run mark. The Blackcaps got off to a flyer through Devon Conway and Tim Seifert, but India’s spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav (2/35) and Varun Chakaravarthy, managed to keep the scoring in check during a disciplined middle phase.

Hardik Pandya also played a vital role, not just with his economical bowling but also by taking three sharp catches in the field. However, the visitors’ bowling department struggled to adapt to the heavy dew and the sheer aggression of the Indian batters, with Zakary Foulkes leaking 49 runs in his first two overs alone. The defeat leaves New Zealand in a desperate position, needing to win all three remaining matches to salvage the series. For India, the performance serves as a massive statement of intent ahead of the T20 World Cup, proving that no target is safe against their revamped, high-octane batting lineup.

Here’s how fans reacted:

6/2 in a 200+ chase, game won with 28 balls to spare 🤯 Well played @ishankishan51 and @surya_14kumar 👏👏 What a statement by Team India 💪#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/Yq1F497cWR

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 23, 2026

Ishan Kishan coming good at the perfect time. Great signs for Team India ahead of the #T20WorldCup #INDvNZ

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 23, 2026

Surya Kumar Yadav back in form. Team India chasing down 200 target like child’s play.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 23, 2026

That was some run chase! Ishan Kishan and SKY batted as if on steroids. Vital knocks for them individually and also for the team leading into the World Cup.

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 23, 2026

Ishan Kishan is no less than a bazooka – such fine form!#IndvsNZ

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 23, 2026

Ishan Kishan’s best quality is that he attacks all bowlers equally without fear and hesitation

— `MAN` (@SeemsOver) January 23, 2026

India race home to a 7 wicket win with 4.4 overs to spare, with captain SKY leading the charge with his first T20I fifty since 2024, and finishing with 82* off 37#INDvNZ

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 23, 2026

Let the SKY dance! ✨🔥
7️⃣0️⃣* and leading the way! 💪#WhistlePodu #INDvNZ
📷 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/UbRr26gv4y

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 23, 2026

Ab jersey de dena, Ishan bhai! 🥹🫶#INDvNZ #IshanKishan pic.twitter.com/rpRrX4g9rR

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 23, 2026

Team India chased 209 runs in just 15.2 overs ⚡

2-0 up in this series 🌟#Cricket #INDvsNZ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/kBcLuTsGoV

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 23, 2026

Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why New Zealand players are wearing black armbands during IND v NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur

NEW DELHI: An expansive anti -corruption bill has drawn criticism from a legal think tank and two law universities, which told a parliamentary committee that provisions linking the removal of a PM, CM, or minister to 30 days of arrest on serious criminal charges risk political misuse.Representatives of Vidhi Centre for Legal policy, National Law University (NLU)- Odisha and National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS)- Kolkata, who were invited by the joint parliamentary committee scrutinising the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, flagged a host of issues, including that it may override popular will. Two of them suggested the threshold for removal should be “framing of charges” as it will introduce an element of judicial scrutiny in the process, people in the know said. Vidhi Centre cautioned that certain provisions may invite constitutional challenges.

Experts: 30-day bar not aligned with current procedure

It said the purported intent behind the bill is laudable and largely complies with constitutional doctrine.Representatives of two of these bodies pointed out that the global consensus, at least in established democracies, for removal of ministers from office is judicial conviction and the proposed law moves away from this and has a low threshold. Existing criminal provisions allow police to seek custody of an accused for up to 90 days in serious offences, and the 30-day bar is not congruent with the current procedure, it was noted.NUJS said the legislation may intend to curb criminality within politics, but it has a “high probability” of severely destabilising Union and state cabinets, sources aware of the details said. The varsity said it has potential to lead to policy paralysis at Centre and states.An investigation can turn into a “potential regime change operation,” NLU said, adding that the bill incentivises retaliation as state police can act against a visiting Union minister after central agencies take action against a chief minister or state minister.Vidhi Centre said, “The framework creates scope for political misuse. Arrests may be timed or selectively pursued.”NLU echoed similar views, saying opposing parties can use its provisions to destabilise legitimate govts. The trend over the past few decades suggests the possibility of its misuse and it will have a negative impact on the country’s democracy, it said. “Automatic removal of a PM or CM overrides the choice of the majority party and the voters,” it said.Though the bill seeks removal from office over arrest in offences where punishment is five years or more, it was also pointed out that there are several serious crimes, including corruption, where punishment may be less than five years.The govt has batted for the bill citing instances of ministers and even a chief minister — Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi — continuing to be in charge despite being under a long period of incarceration on corruption charges. However, it agreed to send the bill to the parliamentary panel headed by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi for wider consultations. Most opposition parties have refused to be part of the panel.

Ishan Kishan celebrates his half century during the second T20I cricket match between India and New Zealand, at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India moved 2-0 ahead in the five-match T20 series after beating New Zealand by seven wickets in the second match on Friday in Raipur. Ishan Kishan marked his return to the national side with 76 off 32 balls, after failing in the first T20I, while captain Suryakumar Yadav scored 82 not out off 37 balls, his first fifty after 23 innings.Chasing 209, India reached the target in 15.2 overs despite losing both openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson inside the first two overs. Kishan counter-attacked from the start and put the pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers. Shivam Dube supported Suryakumar at the end with 36 not out off 18 balls as India finished the chase comfortably.

Kishan hit 11 fours and four sixes. His innings included shots square of the wicket and down the ground. Such was the timing and impact of the innings that Kishan got a hug from his skipper after mistiming a slog sweep off Ish Sodhi’s bowling.Earlier, New Zealand posted 208 for six after being asked to bat. Devon Conway scored 19 off nine balls and Tim Seifert made 24 off 13 as the visitors made a quick start. Rachin Ravindra added 44 off 26 balls, while Glenn Phillips fell to Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs.Kuldeep picked up two wickets, helping India control the scoring after the powerplay. Shivam Dube removed Daryl Mitchell in the 12th over, slowing New Zealand’s momentum. Mitchell Santner then scored 47 not out off 27 balls to ensure his team crossed 200, with 57 runs coming from the last five overs.India opted to bowl first, keeping in mind the possibility of dew. Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav came into the side, with Jasprit Bumrah rested and Axar Patel unavailable due to injury.With this win, India now lead the T20I series 2-0.