NEW DELHI: SC Thursday refused to restrain ED from accessing information from the mobile phone of I-PAC functionary Jitendra Mehta, which was seized during a search on Jan 8 at the political consultancy firm’s Delhi office. Mehta has been summoned for questioning at the ED headquarters on Friday.Also read: 20 crore routed to I-PAC Goa office from Kolkata via hawala, says EDAppearing before a bench headed by CJI Surya Kant, senior advocate C A Sundaram said allowing Enforcement Directorate to open the phone would violate Mehta’s privacy and pleaded that ED be restrained from doing so till the next date of hearing on Tuesday. But the bench asked him “why are you so afraid”.

Sundaram said the apex court should intervene to protect his fundamental right, but the bench said, “We know how to protect an innocent citizen”. The advocate then remarked that the court was presuming his guilt.While ED seized digital devices from I-PAC’s Delhi office during its Jan 8 search operation, it could not do the same in Kolkata as the West Bengal Police brass interrupted the search proceedings on the firm’s premises in the presence of TMC chief and CM Mamata Banerjee. Documents and digital devices seized by ED officers in Kolkata were taken away from them.The CJI-led bench also clubbed all matters related to the restraint put on ED to access phones and digital devices of other money laundering case accused and scheduled a hearing for Tuesday.Sources said the other cases in which ED has been restrained by SC from accessing digital data of an accused includes matters related to lottery king Santiago Martin’s Future Gaming, NewsClick, Foundation for Media Professionals, Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd, and the Tamil Nadu govt.Also read: ‘To expand like Gujarat’- PM Modi’s big prediction on BJP’s rise in Kerala
“In the above cases it was argued that current laws were inadequate and that allowing the agency to access personal devices infringe upon the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21 and the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) of the Constitution,” a source said.The accused facing ED probe had sought SC to frame guidelines for search and seizure of devices by enforcement agencies since devices also contained personal data.In Nov 2023, SC directed govt to draft guidelines. The govt had sought time, and later, MHA formed a panel headed by director I4C for formulating guidelines to curb the indiscriminate seizure of digital devices. The govt had also argued that till then the CBI manual be allowed to be followed by all central agencies.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka draws near, the global cricket community is buzzing with anticipation and intense speculation. Analysts and former legends have already begun dissecting the twenty qualified nations, attempting to identify the tactical shifts and standout performers that will define this ninth edition of the tournament.

T20 World Cup 2026: Michael Clarke identifies THIS team as the ultimate dark horse

In a recent episode of the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, former Australian captain Michael Clarke sat down with host Erin Holland to share his surprising pick for the tournament’s Darkhorse. When Holland asked, “Is there a dark horse or anyone that you think could be?”

Clarke didn’t hesitate to name the Proteas as the team to watch, citing their newfound ability to navigate pressure situations. He explained that South Africa is the team for me because they have finally learned how to win close games of cricket, a shift evident in their consistent form across all three formats. Clarke attributed this evolution to a robust squad culture where the players truly believe in their capacity to win, effectively shedding the under the radar tag he believes they currently hold.

“South Africa is my team. South Africa are the ones for me. I I I don’t know if that Well, I I just I just think they’ve they’ve learned how to win games of cricket. Like, if I look at their form in in all three formats, I think they’ve they’re just dealing with the pressure of that that moment a lot better than they have in the past. And I honestly think it’s because they’ve got a really strong culture at the moment in their squads, in their team. Like, they they believe they can win.” Clarke said.

However, he balanced his praise with a significant tactical warning regarding the subcontinental venues that will play a major role in the 2026 event. Clarke noted that his only reservation for the Proteas in his top four is their historical struggle with spin, asserting that their success will ultimately hinge on how well they bowl spin and, more importantly, how their batters play it when the wickets begin to turn. This endorsement from a World Cup-winning captain has significantly boosted the Proteas’ status, placing them firmly in the conversation as a legitimate threat to the traditional favourites.

“Um, the the only thing when I and I say South Africa cuz I’m I’m I would have South Africa in my top four because I think they’re just like I say they’re under the radar. The only thing stopping them being winners of this tournament in my opinion could be the conditions could be if these wickets spin how they bowl spin and then how they play spin.” Clarke concluded.

Also READ: ‘I’m putting them in final’: Michael Clarke predicts the finalists of T20 World Cup 2026

Historical performance and the long quest for T20 glory

South Africa’s history in the T20 World Cup is a narrative of immense talent frequently met with heartbreaking results and near-misses. Since the inaugural tournament in 2007, which they hosted, the Proteas have participated in every edition, yet they remain one of the few elite teams never to have lifted the trophy.

They have reached the semi-finals on two occasions, in 2009 and 2014, but it wasn’t until the most recent 2024 edition in the West Indies and USA that they finally broke through to their first-ever final. In that historic run, Aiden Markram led the side to eight consecutive victories, only to suffer a gut-wrenching seven-run defeat to India in a final that they had looked poised to win.

Beyond these knockout appearances, the team has frequently fallen victim to the ‘Super 8’ or ‘Super 12’ stages, often being eliminated on net run rate despite strong individual performances from legends like AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. This legacy of ‘so close yet so far’ provides the backdrop for their 2026 campaign, where they aim to capitalize on their status as Clarke’s ‘dark horse’ to finally secure that elusive maiden ICC title.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira ruled out; David Miller under watch as South Africa announces updated squad with replacements

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KALYAN: With the State government announcing the Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation for the Mayor’s post in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) on Thursday, it has become almost certain that Shiv Sena will secure the prestigious position. The party has two elected corporators from the ST category—Kiran Bhangale and Harshali Thavil—and one of them is now set to become the next Mayor.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had earlier been demanding the Mayor’s post for the first two-and-a-half years as part of the Mahayuti power-sharing arrangement, finds itself out of contention this time. The party does not have a single corporator from the ST category eligible to contest for the Mayor’s post. Consequently, the BJP has withdrawn its claim and extended congratulations to Shiv Sena’s prospective Mayor from the Mahayuti alliance.

Political circles now expect that once the current two-and-a-half-year term under ST reservation is completed and the reservation category changes, the BJP may renew its demand for the Mayor’s post for the remaining tenure.Among Shiv Sena’s ST candidates, 31-year-old Kiran Bhangale has emerged as a compelling grassroots face. A data analyst working in Navi Mumbai, Bhangale entered electoral politics for the first time and won the corporator’s election this year. Living in a modest 120-square-foot room and recently shifted in flat, he has been associated with Shiv Sena since childhood and is considered close to Shiv Sena’s Kalyan city president Ravi Patil. Calling himself a “true Shiv Sainik,” Bhangale recalls his journey from sweeping the local party office (shakha) as a child to actively participating in social work undertaken by the party. If given the opportunity to serve as Mayor, he says his priorities will be cleanliness, healthcare, and strengthening civic infrastructure in the city.The other strong contender is Harshali Thavil, a two-time corporator from Ward No. 3. An educated and experienced leader, Thavil holds degrees in BMS and LLM. During her previous tenure as a corporator, she reportedly facilitated development works worth nearly ₹18 crore in her ward. Her administrative experience, educational background, and proven track record make her an equally formidable candidate for the Mayor’s post.With two capable ST candidates in its ranks, Shiv Sena is widely expected to finalize one of them as Mayor in the coming days.Reacting to the development, BJP district president Nandu Parab congratulated both Shiv Sena ST corporators and welcomed the decision in the spirit of alliance politics. “We are happy that the Mayor will be from the Shiv Sena–BJP Mahayuti. Since we do not have any ST-category corporator, it is natural that Shiv Sena will get the Mayor’s post,” Parab said. He added that decisions regarding other key positions in KDMC—such as the Standing Committee Chairman and other important posts—will be taken jointly by senior leaders of both parties in the coming days.However, political undercurrents continue to simmer beneath the surface. According to sources, BJP leaders who were firm about claiming the Mayor’s post for the first two-and-a-half years may now intensify discussions to ensure that the next Mayor, after the reservation cycle changes, comes from the BJP.At the same time, Shiv Sena appears to be strengthening its position within KDMC. With 53 corporators of its own, the party has already secured the support of five Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) corporators and one corporator from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. Additionally, four corporators from Shiv Sena (UBT) are said to be in contact with the ruling Shiv Sena.This evolving arithmetic raises a crucial political question: Is Shiv Sena consolidating this support merely to strengthen its bargaining power within the Mahayuti, or is it preparing to retain full control of the Mayor’s post even after the next two-and-a-half years, potentially sidelining the BJP? While alliance leaders continue to publicly project unity, the real test of power-sharing within KDMC is likely to unfold in the days ahead.

MUMBAI: After Bombay high court’s rap for not arresting Mahad election violence accused Vikas Gogawale, son of cabinet minister Bharat Gogawale of Shiv Sena, the state said he will surrender on Friday.“Today I read in the newspaper this minister is going to hoist the flag on Jan 26. This minister is given that honour. Why? He is a cabinet minister …, and his son is absconding. Police are not able to arrest him… all political,” said Justice Madhav Jamdar.

“The position on record clearly shows the rule of law in Maharashtra is adversely affected… If the govt wishes, it can arrest anybody within 24 hours.”Vikas Gogawale, an accused in the Dec 2 violence that broke out between NCP and Shiv Sena supporters during Mahad Municipal Council elections, will surrender on Friday, state told the Bombay High Court. On Dec 23, his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the HC.Advocate general Milind Sathe told Justice Madhav Jamdar that “he (Gogawale) said he will ensure he (Vikas) connects with him and he will ask him to follow the law. He will try to connect with him so keep it tomorrow.” The judge asked, “Connect and what?’’ Sathe replied, “with the son.” “And then what?” the judge further asked, “Then he will surrender,” Sathe said.HC was hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Shreeyash Jagtap, son of former NCP MLA Manik Jagtap. Cross FIRs were filed over the Dec 2 incident. While one person named Vikas, his cousin Mahesh and their supporters, a second named Jagtap and his supporters. On Dec 29, HC granted Jagtap interim protection from arrest. On Jan 17, the state filed an affidavit that in spite of best efforts by the police, Vikas could not be arrested.Sathe said, “we’ll put it to a logical conclusion and a non-bailable warrant will be issued”. “So this is the position of rule of law in the state of Maharashtra? The person is the minister’s son and the minister is still in the cabinet. This is political,” said Justice Jamdar. Sathe said the next step was the declaration of proclamation.“If the government wishes, it can arrest anybody within 24 hours. If it doesn’t want to arrest, then they (govt) will file an affidavit,” said Justice Jamdar. Sathe said “that is not the intention, adding; “I’ll show how many persons are deployed for this job. The SP is personally monitoring.”Jagtap’s advocate said Gogawale told a news channel his son is not absconding and is in contact with him. “The position on record clearly shows the rule of law in the state of Maharashtra is adversely affected,” said Justice Jamdar. He questioned why Gogawale’s statement is not recorded “as to where is his son.”When Sathe said obviously Vikas “is somewhere…”, Justice Jamdar said “and his father continues to be the cabinet minister. “The chief minister is so helpless he can’t do anything about that. I will make an observation (in the order). It is about administration of justice,’’ added Justice Jamdar.Jagtap’s advocate pointed out Mahesh, who is also absconding, filed his nomination for Zilla Parishad election. Sathe said he filed it though a proposer.The judge asked Sathe to take instructions “from the minister” and “the chief minister also” and inform the court at 5pm. “I will pass an appropriate order. I will not be bound by any pressure…All are citizens. There are no special citizens,” he said. After Sathe’s statement, he kept the matter for 11am on Friday, adding, “before that ask him to surrender also.” Justice Jamdar told Jagtap’s advocate once “he (Vikas) surrenders, your protection goes.”

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday projected the BJP’s breakthrough in Kerala’s capital as the start of a larger political shift in the state, saying the party’s recent victory in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation reflected growing public confidence ahead of the assembly elections.Addressing a large BJP rally at the Putharikandam Maidan, PM Modi said the party’s rise in Kerala would mirror its early growth in Gujarat, where it began by winning control of a single city nearly four decades ago. He recalled that before 1987, the BJP was a marginal force in Gujarat and received little attention.“In 1987, for the first time, the BJP won control of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, much like the party’s recent victory in Thiruvananthapuram. Since then, the people of Gujarat have entrusted us with the opportunity to serve, and we have continued to do so for decades,” PM Modi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.“Our journey began in one city in Gujarat, and similarly, in Kerala, our beginnings have started with a single city. I believe this demonstrates that the people of Kerala are beginning to place their trust in the BJP, connecting with us in the same way Gujarat once did,” he added.Hits out at LDF-UDF ‘misrule’Calling the civic poll result a mandate for change, the prime minister said the win reflected public resolve to free the state from what he described as years of misgovernance by the LDF and the UDF. He alleged that both fronts had ignored Thiruvananthapuram for decades, leaving the capital short of basic amenities and infrastructure.“The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of the city, I say — have faith, the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way,” Modi said.“Thiruvananthapuram, for the entire country, will become a model city. I extend my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities in India,” he said.PM Modi is in Kerala to inaugurate multiple development projects and flag off new train services as the state heads into Assembly elections later this year.The Prime Minister emphasised that Thiruvananthapuram will now serve as a model city for the rest of the country.“To the people of this city, I say, have faith. Thiruvananthapuram, for the entire country, will become a model city. I extend my full support to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the best cities in India,” he added.The Prime Minister also discussed Kerala’s broader political scenario ahead of the upcoming elections.“When considering the future of Kerala, the political landscape is divided into just two predominant sides, the LDF and the UDF. Over the years, both groups have taken turns governing the state, contributing to Kerala’s current challenges. However, there is a third alternative–one that prioritises development and good governance–represented by the BJP and NDA,” he said.On the Sabarimala gold theftReferring to the Sabarimala gold theft case, PM Modi said a BJP government would ensure those behind the gold theft were jailed, calling it “Modi’s guarantee”.“If BJP forms govt in Kerala, Sabarimala gold loss will be examined, culprits will be jailed; this is Modi’s guarantee,” the Prime Minister said.Earlier, PM launched various developmental projects and flagged off new train services in the state, and said that a new realisation has emerged among the people about the Centre’s efforts for the coastal state’s development.Speaking after launching the projects and flagging off the trains, PM Modi said the day marks a new momentum in the development of Kerala, driven by the efforts of the central government.He said that rail connectivity has been further strengthened and the launched projects will help to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major hub in the country.The Prime Minister flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and a Thrissur-Guruvayur passenger train which will help to enhance regional rail connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.In addition, he laid the foundation stone for a CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub here and launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card– a UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility.PM Modi also disbursed loan amounts and credit cards to several beneficiaries under the PM SVANidhi scheme.He said that the scheme was aimed at the welfare of the poor across Kerala and the nation.Besides these, he laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in the city and inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Live Score, U19 World Cup 2026: Australia Under-19 won the toss and elected to field first against Sri Lanka at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Friday. Sri Lanka openers Dimantha Mahavithana and Viran Chamuditha are at the crease, with Mahavithana on strike. Charles Lachmund will take the new ball.

Teams:

Sri Lanka U19 (Playing XI): Dimantha Mahavithana, Viran Chamuditha, Dulnith Sigera, Vimath Dinsara(c), Kavija Gamage, Chamika Heenatigala, Aadham Hilmy(w), Sethmika Seneviratne, Rasith Nimsara, Kugathas Mathulan, Vigneshwaran Akash

Australia U19 (Playing XI): Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Steven Hogan, Oliver Peake(c), Alex Lee Young(w), Jayden Draper, Aryan Sharma, Hayden Schiller, Kasey Barton, Will Byrom, Charles Lachmund

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the people of Tamil Nadu have decided to bid farewell to the “corrupt” DMK government in the upcoming Assembly elections, as he kicked off the NDA’s campaign in the state. Chief Minister M K Stalin strongly countered the remarks, accusing the BJP-led NDA of repeatedly betraying Tamil Nadu.

PM Modi launches NDA campaign in Tamil Nadu

Ahead of a mega rally at Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district, PM Modi said the NDA’s governance record and commitment to regional aspirations were resonating with voters.“Tamil Nadu is with NDA… Tamil Nadu has decided that it’s time to bid farewell to the corrupt DMK government. The NDA’s governance record and commitment to regional aspirations are striking a chord with the people of the state,” PM Modi said in a post on X.The Maduranthakam rally marks the formal launch of the NDA’s Assembly election campaign. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and other NDA leaders are expected to share the stage with PM Modi. BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal said the rally was the first step towards ending what he called the DMK’s “corruption-ridden government,” as per news agency PTI.

Stalin counters PM, raises pending demands

Reacting sharply, Chief Minister M K Stalin said PM Modi visits Tamil Nadu only during election season and accused the Centre of ignoring key state demands.“Tamil Nadu counts the betrayals of NDA. Prime Minister Modi comes to Tamil Nadu only when the election season comes,” Stalin said in a post on X.Stalin questioned when Tamil Nadu would receive the pending Rs 3,458 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, when assurances on delimitation would be given, and when the “anarchy” of the Governor would end. He also flagged delays in MGNREGA payments, the AIIMS Madurai project, disaster relief funds, metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, and reiterated the state’s demand for NEET exemption.

Tight security, alliance show of strength

Security has been tightened in Maduranthakam ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, with elaborate arrangements including a helicopter landing facility in neighbouring Chengalpattu district, officials said, as per PTI.The rally is being projected by the NDA as a show of unity, with leaders from alliance parties attending, as the BJP intensifies its push against the ruling DMK in the run-up to the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.