NOIDA: A CRPF constable and his wife were arrested on Monday for allegedly subjecting a 10-year-old girl to sustained physical abuse at their official residence in Greater Noida, leaving the child critically injured and on ventilator support. While the child lived with the couple as a domestic help, constable G D Tariq Anwar, posted with the 235th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, claimed she was his wife Rimpa Khatun’s niece.Police said the girl had been living with the couple on the CRPF campus without formal permission from senior authorities and was allegedly made to work as a domestic help.A case under BNS Section 110 relating to an attempt to commit culpable homicide was registered at Ecotech-3 police station after a subedar major posted at the CRPF camp submitted a written complaint to the police on Sunday. The complaint stated that the couple lived in quarter number 13 of block 60, inside the Ecotech 3 CRPF campus, and that the child was routinely assigned household chores, including caring for other children, and was frequently beaten. Investigators said on the intervening night of Jan 14 and 15, the girl was brutally beaten by the couple, causing severe injuries. Instead of taking her to the CRPF hospital, Anwar admitted her to Sarvodaya Hospital.

Police said he told doctors the child had slipped and fallen in a bathroom.Medical findings, however, contradicted that claim. Doctors found multiple old and fresh injuries, including broken ribs, deep wounds to the head and chest, and signs of prolonged starvation. Her haemoglobin level was critically low at 1.9. The child had dark circles under her eyes, swelling in her legs, and was unconscious when brought in, doctors said. Suspecting sustained physical abuse, the hospital prepared a medico-legal report and alerted the authorities.As her condition deteriorated, the girl was referred to Max Hospital in Sector 128, Noida. In a statement, a hospital spokesperson said the child was brought to the emergency department on January 15 in a critical state, already on ventilator support. “She was diagnosed with polytrauma and shock. Suspecting possible abuse, the hospital immediately informed the police, requesting a thorough investigation into the matter. The child is currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit (PICU).”Senior CRPF officials took cognisance of the matter and directed police to take strict action. Following preliminary investigation and medical evidence, Ecotech-3 police arrested both accused. CRPF has suspended Anwar.Police said the child’s medical examination has been completed and further investigation is underway. Child welfare authorities have been informed, and officials said additional legal action would follow based on the findings.A CRPF spokesperson said – Constable (GD) Tariq Anwar is posted in 235 Bn, Noida since January 2024 and working in CRPF Noida hospital as a first aider. He is residing in CRPF Noida camp with his family and had a young girl, reported to be his wife’s relative, staying with the family. On receipt of information from Noida Police about the girl being admitted in Sarvodaya hospital, senior officers along with a team was sent to ascertain the facts.Considering the gravity of the incident the said constable was placed under suspension and enquiry has been initiated as per procedure. On receipt of the preliminary medical report from hospital, a formal compliant has been lodged by the unit at PS Ecotech on 17.01.2026, based on the complaint Tariq Anwar and his wife have been arrested by police on 18.06.2026. CRPF will give every assistance to the police for the investigation and support the medical treatment to the young girl fully.

Perth Scorchers have once again proven why Optus Stadium is considered a fortress in Australian cricket. In a high-stakes BBL|15 Qualifier held on January 20, 2026, the Scorchers dismantled the Sydney Sixers by 48 runs, punching their ticket directly to the Grand Final. Despite a modest total on the board, a masterclass in aggressive opening batting followed by a clinical, high-pace bowling display saw the home side outclass their perennial rivals in every department.

Finn Allen stands tall as Perth Scorchers’ lone warrior in BBL|15 Qualifier

Opting to bat first in the heat of Perth, the Scorchers faced an immediate setback when Mitchell Marsh fell to Mitchell Starc for just 5. However, Finn Allen ensured the momentum didn’t stall. Embracing his role as the lone warrior at the top of the order, Allen blazed a trail through the Sixers’ attack, scoring a vital 49 off just 30 deliveries.

His innings, laced with three boundaries and four towering sixes, provided the only real fluency in a Scorchers innings that struggled against the discipline of Ben Dwarshuis and Jack Edwards. While the middle order stuttered, Josh Inglis (2) and Cooper Connolly (8) fell cheaply, Allen’s strike rate of 163.33 kept the scoreboard ticking during the Powerplay. Following Allen’s dismissal, captain Ashton Turner (29) and Jhye Richardson (20) provided late-innings resistance to haul the total to 147/9. Though it appeared under-par at the innings break, the tacky nature of the surface suggested the chase would be anything but straightforward.

Also READ: Tactical genius or Team friction? Mitchell Starc weighs in on Steve Smith-Babar Azam drama in BBL|15

Mahli Beardman rips through Sydney Sixers to book their 9^th BBL final spot

If Allen provided the platform, it was young sensation Mahli Beardman who pulled the rug out from under the Sydney Sixers. Defending 148, the Scorchers’ defense began perfectly when Connolly removed Babar Azam for a duck in the very first over. However, the true carnage began when Beardman was introduced into the attack.

Beardman produced an exceptional spell of fast bowling that combined raw pace with pinpoint accuracy. He first accounted for the dangerous Josh Philippe (13) before delivering the knockout blow by removing the Sixers’ captain, Moises Henriques, for a five-ball duck. The Sixers’ hopes rested heavily on Steve Smith, who looked a class apart with a gritty 37. Yet, Beardman returned to claim the ultimate prize, inducing a mistake from Smith that was safely pouched by David Payne.

The Sixers’ collapse was clinical and comprehensive. From 23/3, they never recovered, eventually being bundled out for just 99 in 15 overs. Payne supported Beardman with figures of 2/13, while Richardson’s 1/20 ensured no lower-order miracles occurred. The 48-run margin reflected the Scorchers’ total dominance in the field. With this victory, the Perth Scorchers head straight to the BBL|15 Final, while the Sydney Sixers must now reset for a do-or-die Challenger match to earn a rematch.

Cold total, scorching response 😤 Perth bring the fire when it matters most 🔥
⚡ Straight to the final ⚡#BBL15
Scorecard 👉🏾 https://t.co/vN6dj58369 pic.twitter.com/D7DvOFbrM2

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 20, 2026

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Steve Smith’s historic century drives Sixers past Thunder in Sydney derby at BBL|15

Here are the top 5 news stories of the day:

Nitin Nabin takes charge as BJP national president; PM Modi calls him ‘my boss’

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Nabin took charge as the party’s new national president. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, PM Modi described himself as a “party worker” and said, “When it comes to the party, Nitin Nabin is my boss.” The 45-year-old leader from Bihar became the BJP’s youngest-ever national president, succeeding Jagat Prakash Nadda. Read full story

Trump threatens 200% tariff on French wine; shares Macron’s private text

US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to French President Emmanuel Macron, threatening to impose a 200 per cent tariff on French wine and champagne after Paris declined to join the board of peace. Trump also shared a screenshot of a message from Macron proposing a G7 meeting, with Ukraine and Denmark invited, to discuss issues including disagreements over Greenland. Read full story

Noida techie death: Police arrest builder over alleged construction negligence

Police arrested Abhay Kumar, the builder and owner of MZ Wiztown, in connection with the death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta. Kumar was taken into custody by Knowledge Park police from Sector 150. According to police, the arrest relates to alleged negligence at a construction site linked to the incident. He will be produced before a court as per legal procedure. Read full story

TN governor RN Ravi walks out of assembly, cites disrespect to national anthem

Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi walked out of the state Assembly without delivering his inaugural address, alleging disrespect to the national anthem and claiming his mic was switched off. “I am disappointed. The national anthem was not given due respect,” he said. Reacting, CM Stalin accused the governor of “walking out yet again in violation of rules, traditions and ethos.” Read full story

Stock market crash: Sensex plunges 1,066 points, Nifty slides 353

Indian equity benchmarks Nifty50 and BSE Sensex fell sharply, sliding in the latter half of the session amid heavy selling. Technology stocks led the decline as mixed earnings signals, global trade uncertainties triggered by US President Donald Trump, and continued foreign investor outflows dented market sentiment. The Nifty50 closed at 25,232.50, down 353 points, while the BSE Sensex ended at 82,180.47, shedding 1,066 points or 1.28%.Read full story

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen talks during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos (AP photo)

India is close to signing a trade deal with the European Union, as stated by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday.“There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP,” she said while outlining the EU’s push to expand and diversify its trade partnerships.She also linked the trade push to forthcoming high-level engagement, saying she will visit India next weekend following the World Economic Forum in Davos. She said the trip is aimed at advancing the proposed trade agreement and underscored that significant work remains to bolster economic ties and deepen cooperation between Europe and India. Von der Leyen is among the chief guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations. During the India visit, the Eu chief, alongside president of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa , will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27.Talking about the proposed agreement with India within Europe’s broader global strategy, von der Leyen said the continent remains open to doing business with partners across the world and will continue to pursue active engagement. “Europe will always choose the world, and the world is ready to choose Europe,” she said, emphasising the EU’s determination to expand international trade and cooperation.Last week, Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal had also said the free trade agreement between India and EU, where negotiations are in the final phase, will be the “mother of all deals” signed by the country so far. “I have done seven deals so far. All with developed economies. This one will be the mother of all,” the union minister said.He added that, “we are getting a super deal. In areas of EU interest also, we are giving them a super deal. It has to be a win-win. The good part is we do not compete with each other. We have different interests.”Before Goyal, commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the two sides had completed negotiations on 20 of the 24 chapters, with efforts ongoing to conclude the talks by January 26.

Bangladesh on Tuesday rejected what it described as “unreasonable conditions” imposed by the ICC regarding its participation in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India, according to Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul. Following the exclusion of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL 2026, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reiterated that the team would not tour India under the present circumstances.Despite multiple rounds of discussions between ICC and BCB officials, the matter remains unresolved, leaving Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament uncertain.

Speaking at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Asif Nazrul said, “If the ICC bows to pressure from the Indian cricket board and imposes unreasonable conditions on us, we will not accept them.”“There are precedents in international cricket, when India refused to play in Pakistan, the ICC changed the venue. We have reasonably asked for a venue change,” he added.Earlier, the BCB dismissed reports claiming the ICC had set a January 21 deadline for Bangladesh to confirm participation in the World Cup, which begins on February 7. Media committee chairman Amjad Hossain said that “no specific date” had been communicated.However, ICC sources said the governing body had issued an ultimatum asking BCB to convey a final decision by Wednesday (January 21). If Bangladesh withdraws, the ICC may name a replacement team, with Scotland next in line as per current rankings.Clarifying the situation, Amjad told the Daily Star, “Last Saturday, on January 17, an ICC representative came, and our cricket board representatives held a meeting with him. Regarding World Cup participation, there was an issue with the venue, and we informed them of our reluctance to play there. We requested an alternate venue, and we held detailed discussions with the representatives. They told us that they will inform the ICC about the issues and will let us know about the decision later on.”“In regard to these talks, they have not mentioned a specific date or when they will let us know. They just told us that they will let us know when the next discussion will take place. Thank you,” he added.The ICC, meanwhile, remains firm on sticking to the original schedule, which places Bangladesh in Group C alongside Italy, New Zealand, West Indies and Nepal. Bangladesh are scheduled to play their opening match against West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, followed by two more group games at Eden Gardens and their final group match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.Talks on Saturday also revealed that the ICC did not agree to Bangladesh and Ireland swapping groups to allow Bangladesh to play matches in Sri Lanka. The ICC has also assured BCB that India poses no security threat to the team.ICC sources said independent risk assessments by internationally recognised security experts have found no specific threat to Bangladesh, its officials or venues, and assessed the overall security risk for matches in India as low to moderate.

Priyanka Chopra achieved stardom quite early on in her career after she became Miss World at the age of 18. Soon, she started getting movie offers, and her mother, Madhu Chopra, was constantly by her side while she dealt with all of it. Her mother had earlier revealed that since she was academically inclined, she was hesitant to enter movies and even shed tears while signing the contract for her debut film ‘Thamizhan’ opposite Vijay. In an old interview, Priyanka’s mother had once spoken about it. To support her daughter’s early career, Madhu Chopra began travelling extensively with Priyanka. In the process, the family dynamic shifted, and Madhu acknowledged that her son, Siddharth Chopra, was deeply affected. With Priyanka on the road and her husband, Dr Ashok Chopra, occupied with his medical practice, Siddharth was often left to fend for himself and, as Madhu put it, “just grew up on his own.”

Reflecting on this phase, Madhu admitted that she carried regret over how little parental presence Siddharth had during his formative years. Speaking on the Something Bigger Show once, she had said, “Siddharth was the collateral damage to all of Priyanka’s success, because their dad (Dr Ashok Chopra) was working, I was with Priyanka, he just grew up on his own, and he was a teenager at that time. He, I think, was collateral damage for me.” She became emotional while recalling those years and added, “When I think about it, these are certain things that you had to deal with.”In another appearance, this time on Dr Stuti Khare Shukla’s YouTube channel, Madhu spoke about the many responsibilities she juggled while raising Priyanka and Siddharth, managing the former’s early career, running her medical practice, and taking care of the household. Despite the pressures, she emphasised the importance she placed on meaningful time with her children. “When I was with them, it was 100 percent children’s time. That was really good. I think that’s how they could imbibe the work ethics also, that you have to work hard if you want to achieve something, and also give time to yourself, your family, and your life,” she said.Madhu also highlighted the differences between her two children while discussing their approach to work and routine. She revealed that Priyanka inherited her disciplined mindset. “I am an early riser. I wake up at 5:30 am, and I start my day. My son is not such an early riser, but still, he is up by 8:30 am. But Priyanka, depending on the kind of work she is doing, she will be up at 4 also if needed,” she shared. Priyanka is now married to Nick Jonas and has largely spent time away from India. She’s now set to make her comeback to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’, along with Mahesh Babu.

Mumbai: Even after five years of covid era the news of covid still haunts. A Hong Kong based French company has accused a Mumbai based company for inducing them to invest in disposable face masks, hand sanitisers and covid testing kits and cheating them to the tune of Rs7 crores. The company has lodged an FIR against the two accused with the Samta Nagar police and the Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai police has taken over the probe.An official from EOW confirmed that they are probing an alleged international fraud case in which a French company representative has accused two Mumbai-based individuals of cheating him of USD 8,24,585 (over ₹6.8 crore at current rates).The complaint has been filed by Dr. John Marie Andre , authorised representative of CDI Hong Kong Company and CEO of MSIC Saarlou Company, currently residing in Lokhandwala Township, Kandivali (East), Mumbai. Andre has alleged that Ajit Ashok Mane (51) and his wife Anuja Ajit Mane (51), sole proprietor of M/s Wonder Products — allegedly induced his company to invest in a purported government supply business between 2020 and 2022. The accused reportedly claimed to have received large government orders for disposable masks, hand sanitisers and test kits during the Covid-19 period.The complainant has alleged that the accused prepared and shared forged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) purportedly executed with non-existent companies to gain his confidence. Relying on these representations, the complainant transferred USD 10,11,930 to the accused over the said period, of which only USD 1,87,345 has allegedly been returned. The remaining USD 8,24,585 is yet to be repaid.The matter has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing for detailed investigation into alleged cheating, criminal breach of trust and forgery. Further probe is underway to examine financial transactions, verify documents and fix culpability.