Union budget 2026 (ANI image)

The Federation of Associations of Cottage and Small Industries (FACSI) has requested the central government to provide tax, credit and regulatory relief measures for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the 2026-27 Union Budget, aiming to sustain growth and strengthen their role in India’s industrial ecosystem.In a pre-budget letter to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, FACSI president H K Guha said the recommendations were framed after consultations with various associations of entrepreneurs and MSE groups across the country, according to PTI.Among the key demands, the industry body called for the constitution of an exclusive council for small and micro enterprises under the Ministry of MSME, a higher exemption threshold under the GST regime and a single, simplified GST return for small units.FACSI also proposed statutory collateral-free lending of up to Rs 1 crore for MSEs at an interest cap of 6-7 per cent, interest subvention during financial stress and automatic renewal of working capital limits for compliant units.Highlighting liquidity concerns, the federation demanded GST refunds within 15 days with statutory interest for delays and complete decriminalisation of procedural lapses under GST, labour and local laws.For export-oriented units, FACSI suggested the creation of an Export Risk Equalisation Fund to support small exporters affected by sudden tariff hikes, alongside higher lending targets by SIDBI and public sector banks.The letter also sought a reduction in fees for MSEs submitting tenders through the GeM portal and stronger functioning of State Facilitation Councils to address delayed payments. FACSI observed that some measures would require amendments to the MSMED Act, 2006.Guha emphasised the need for closer coordination with state governments to extend subsidies on renewable energy installations, electricity charges and local levies and to provide special facilities for units in industrial estates managed by state development corporations.“These measures will be a significant enabler for the growth of MSEs in India,” Guha said.

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday terminated five more government employees for suspected links with terrorist organisations.Since 2020, the Union territory administration under Sinha has dismissed 85 government employees after they were found to be working for terror groups.Officials said the aim is to target the “roots of the terror ecosystem” and its “penetration” within the government institutions.The dismissals were carried out under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution; the provision allows for the removal of a civil servant without a formal inquiry if the president or the governor/lieutenant governor is satisfied that in the interest of the security of the state, holding such an inquiry would not be practical.Those terminated include Mohammad Ishfaq, a teacher; Tariq Ahmad Shah, a laboratory technician; Bashir Ahmad Mir, an assistant lineman; Farooq Ahmad Bhat, a field worker in the forest department; and Mohammad Yousuf, a driver in the health department.According to the dossier against them, Mohammad Ishfaq was working for the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). He was in regular contact with LeT commander Mohammad Amin alias Abu Khubaib, who is designated as a “terrorist” operating from the neighbouring country.Ishfaq was given an “active operational role” by the LeT and he was tasked to execute the killing of a police officer in Doda in early 2022.His activities were put under surveillance, and sustained monitoring revealed that he helped in the terror activities by certain Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the terror group. He was arrested in April 2022 before he could execute the plan.Tariq Ahmad Rah came under the influence of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen right from a very young age. Rah’s terror link emerged during the State Investigation Agency (SIA) probe into the escape of Hizbul terrorist Amin Baba to Pakistan in 2005.Bashir Ahmad Mir was regularised in 1996 in the Public Health Engineering department. Mir became an active OGW of LeT in the Gurez area of Bandipora.Farooq Ahmad Bhat was actively working with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.Mohammad Yousuf was in regular contact with terrorists, particularly Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a Pakistan-based Hizb terrorist.(With PTI inputs)

NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday “reaffirmed its position” to not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 during a meeting with the International Cricket Council (ICC). A video conference between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) was held this afternoon, the BCB said in a media release.

During the meeting, the BCB “reaffirmed its position regarding the decision not to travel to India, citing security concerns”, the release said. The BCB also repeated its request to the ICC to consider moving Bangladesh’s matches outside India.However, as reported earlier by TOI, the ICC has rejected claims that security concerns could prevent the Bangladesh team from travelling to India for the tournament.The ICC said the tournament schedule has already been announced and asked the BCB to reconsider its stand. The BCB’s position, however, “remains unchanged”, the Bangladesh board said. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to look for possible solutions, according to the BCB release.“The BCB remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of its players, officials and staff while engaging constructively with the ICC to address the matter,” the statement said.The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7. As per the existing schedule, Bangladesh are set to start their campaign on the same day against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They will then play Italy on February 9 at the same venue, followed by a match against England, the 2022 T20 World Cup champions, also in Kolkata. Bangladesh will finish their group-stage matches against Nepal on February 17.The BCB’s concerns followed the release of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) amid attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.According to the current schedule, Bangladesh are to play their first three group matches in Kolkata and their final group match in Mumbai.After Mustafizur was released from the KKR squad, the Bangladesh government banned the broadcast of the IPL in the country.Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal and current Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto have warned against taking a rigid position on the issue. Tamim said decisions taken now could have an impact 10 years later. Shanto has spoken about the mental pressure on players at the possibility of missing a World Cup. Nazrul, however, has maintained that Bangladesh will not move away from its demand.

Gold prices remained firm across major Indian cities on Tuesday, while silver surged to fresh record highs amid global uncertainty and safe-haven buying.The yellow metal eased slightly after scaling record highs. On the MCX, February gold slipped Rs 196 or 0.14%, to Rs 1,41,836 per 10 grams. In overseas markets, Comex gold fell 0.33% to USD 4,599.44 per ounce, while silver hovered near record levels at USD 85.20 per ounce.Meanwhile, silver prices continued their sharp rally, with silver futures on the MCX hitting a new lifetime high of Rs 2,72,202 per kg for March delivery, up Rs 3,232 or 1.2%. Over the past two trading sessions, silver prices have jumped Rs 19,477, or 7.7%, driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran and uncertainty over the US Federal Reserve’s policy stance, according to PTI. In international markets, Comex silver was trading near record levels at USD 85.20 per ounce after crossing the USD 86 mark in the previous session, as safe-haven demand remained strong.

Gold price in Delhi

Gold prices in Delhi stood at Rs 14,268 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The price of 22-karat gold rose Rs 35 to Rs 13,080 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

Gold price in Mumbai

In Mumbai, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Chennai

Gold prices in Chennai were higher compared to other cities. The price of 24-karat gold rose Rs 55 to Rs 14,368 per gram, while 22-karat gold increased Rs 50 to Rs 13,170 per gram. The 18-karat rate climbed Rs 35 to Rs 10,980 per gram.

Gold price in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,258 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate rose Rs 35 to Rs 13,070 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,695 per gram.

Gold price in Hyderabad

Gold prices in Hyderabad stood at Rs 14,253 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate was Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, and 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Kolkata

Gold prices in Kolkata matched most eastern markets, with 24-karat gold at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Jaipur

In Jaipur, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,268 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate rose Rs 35 to Rs 13,080 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

Gold price in Lucknow

Gold prices in Lucknow stood at Rs 14,268 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate saw a marginal rise of Rs 1 to Rs 13,046 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

Gold price in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,253 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate stood at Rs 13,065 per gram, up Rs 35, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,690 per gram.

Gold price in Patna

Gold prices in Patna stood at Rs 14,258 per gram for 24-karat gold, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate increased Rs 35 to Rs 13,070 per gram, while 18-karat gold rose Rs 29 to Rs 10,695 per gram.

Gold price in Kanpur

In Kanpur, 24-karat gold was priced at Rs 14,268 per gram, up Rs 38. The 22-karat rate rose marginally by Rs 1 to Rs 13,046 per gram, while 18-karat gold increased Rs 29 to Rs 10,705 per gram.

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GHAZIABAD: A 34-year-old labourer who had checked into a hotel at Patel Nagar with his girlfriend allegedly killed her, then slept with her corpse next to him before calling the police on Sunday morning.The accused, Praveen Kumar, a resident of Seva Nagar in Nandgram, called the emergency helpline around 7am on Sunday, claiming his partner, Aarti, was unwell. A police team that arrived at the hotel found Aarti dead in the room.

Kumar was taken into custody after an autopsy revealed that the woman died due to “shock and haemorrhage resulting from ante-mortem injuries”. The post-mortem report found the woman had multiple rib fractures, ruptured lungs and liver, and extensive internal bleeding in the chest and abdominal cavity, DCP (city) Dhawal Jaiswal said, adding the severity of the injuries indicated brutal physical assault.Investigators said Aarti was a widow and lived with her 16-year-old son, Dakshya, in Ghaziabad. Kumar was known to the family and had been a friend of her late husband, Rohit Kumar.ACP Upasana Pandey said Kumar told investigators that he had been in a relationship with Aarti for about one and a half years, though they had known each other since 2022.During questioning, Kumar claimed that on Saturday evening, they checked into Hotel New Royal King in Patel Nagar around 10pm. The couple consumed alcohol and food in room number 207. An argument later broke out after he suspected Aarti of being in contact with another man. Police said the dispute escalated into a physical altercation.According to Kumar’s statement, Aarti allegedly slapped him during the argument, after which he began hitting her with his fists and elbows. He told police that she scratched his face in an attempt to defend herself, which further enraged him. Investigators said Kumar admitted to repeatedly striking her on both sides of her ribs with his fists and elbows.The assault allegedly took place around midnight. Police said Aarti lost consciousness and collapsed on the bed. Kumar claimed he tried to shake her, but she did not respond. He then remained in the room and later fell asleep on the bed next to her.Around 7am on Sunday, Kumar woke up and attempted to wake Aarti again. When she failed to respond, he allegedly tried to leave the hotel with his bag without informing staff, the ACP said. Hotel employees stopped him at the gate, prompting him to claim that his companion was unwell and that he was going to a nearby medical shop.Staff members subsequently checked the room and found the woman unresponsive. They asked Kumar to alert the police, following which he dialled the emergency helpline (112). Police said Kumar initially claimed he had no recollection of the night’s events as both were intoxicated. However, officers said the autopsy findings contradicted his account. “There were no visible external injuries, but the internal damage was extensive,” an officer said, adding that Kumar appeared to believe the injuries would not be detected.An FIR has been registered against Kumar under BNS Section 103 (murder). Police have seized forensic evidence from the hotel room, and CCTV footage from the premises. Forensic reports are awaited, officials said.

Kranti Gaud (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: As you enter Ghuwara village in Madhya Pradesh and ask for Kranti Gaud, people will happily point the way, saying, “World Cup jita hai jisne.” They will guide you straight to the doorstep of the all-rounder who has become the pride of the village. Even before the World Cup triumph, Kranti had begun carving a name for herself, but that historic victory transformed her into a household name.Today, her story is spoken of in every corner of Ghuwara.

India’s title-winning victory over South Africa etched Kranti’s name into history, making her a permanent part of the country’s World Cup folklore.The celebrations, however, came with responsibilities. Among the many boxes Kranti hoped to tick after the World Cup, the most personal was helping her father reclaim his lost job. Her father, Munna Singh, a police constable, had been suspended from service years ago due to certain reasons. It took 13 long years for him to regain his honour until Kranti’s success opened a door they had been waiting on.Kranti raised the issue during a felicitation ceremony when she met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. She requested his intervention, and the Chief Minister assured the World Cup-winning star that her father’s case would be addressed.“The letter is yet to arrive. His job letter will come soon. It may take a little time, but it will come very soon. I am really thankful to God for all this. I’m happy that he will get his police uniform back,” Kranti told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“My parents have supported me immensely throughout my cricketing journey. I always played with boys, often older than me, and that’s how I learned the game. People used to question it, but my parents always backed me. I come from a small village, but the support and mindset my parents had were huge for me. Whatever I am today is only because of them,” she said.

“After winning the World Cup, a lot has changed in my life. People who earlier believed that girls cannot do certain things have now started believing that girls can do anything. There is a lot of change happening around,” Kranti added.“I always wanted to be a cricketer. There was a ground in front of my house where boys used to play. Whenever the ball came to our side, I would pick it up and return it, and slowly I started getting interested. I would go and try batting with them, but initially I didn’t know much. So the boys made me do only fielding and didn’t allow me to bat or bowl. Over time, by staying with them and learning, I picked up bowling. I kept watching them and started copying what they did to learn how to bowl,” she said.‘MEETING PANDYA A DREAM’Kranti has long admired India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya. After the World Cup triumph, one of her photos went viral as she recreated Pandya’s iconic victory pose with the trophy in hand.Now, her dream is to meet Pandya in person.

“Hardik Pandya has always been my favourite. I used to watch his videos and matches. When he commented on my photo, I couldn’t believe it for two hours. I was very happy. I haven’t spoken to him yet or met him, but I really wish to meet him soon,” Kranti said.At the WPL 2026 auction, Kranti was bought by the UP Warriorz. She will play for the franchise for a second consecutive season, having been secured for Rs 50 lakh after the team exercised its Right-to-Match (RTM) card.“I was watching the auction and really wanted to play for UP Warriorz. I hoped the Warriorz would pick me again, and they did. I was very happy. I want to give my best for the team and become part of a title-winning side this time around,” Kranti signed off.

File photo (Picture credit: AP)

Recent political and military developments in Venezuela are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on global crude oil prices in the near term, or on Indian companies, as the country plays a relatively small role in global oil supply, Crisil Ratings said on Tuesday.In a note, Crisil said that even if the situation in Venezuela worsens and disrupts oil production, the effect on international crude prices would be limited, according to news agency PTI.

Venezuela accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of global crude oil supply, which reduces its ability to significantly influence prices.The assessment comes after a US military operation in early January led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug-related charges, triggering uncertainty in the oil-rich Latin American nation. Despite holding some of the world’s largest proven crude reserves, Venezuela’s current contribution to global supply remains modest.Crisil pointed out that crude prices have stayed largely steady in recent days, with Brent crude hovering just above $60 a barrel. It added that the developments in Venezuela are not expected to have any material impact on India’s global trade position or the credit quality of Indian companies.India’s direct trade exposure to Venezuela is limited. Imports from the South American country account for less than 0.25 per cent of India’s total imports. Of these, crude oil makes up more than 90 per cent of the roughly Rs 14,000 crore worth of imports recorded in the 2025 financial year, according to PTI. Venezuela supplies about 1 per cent of India’s overall crude oil requirement.While India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil needs and remains sensitive to global price movements, Crisil said the current situation in Venezuela is unlikely to affect oil prices in the near term. However, it flagged a possible longer-term impact if investments flow into Venezuela’s oil sector.“While we do not anticipate any material near-term impact of the Venezuela situation on crude oil prices, investments for increasing crude oil production in Venezuela, which has vast untapped reserves, could boost oil supply globally and lead to softening of crude oil prices over the medium to long term, which could be a positive for India Inc,” Crisil said, as quoted by PTI.India’s exports to Venezuela are also small, standing at below Rs 2,000 crore in fiscal 2025, or less than 0.1 per cent of total exports. These shipments are spread across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, ceramics, textiles and two-wheelers. Pharmaceutical exports were around Rs 900 crore, accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of India’s total pharma exports, while other sectors recorded exports of Rs 80–120 crore each.Crisil said it does not expect any material impact on the credit profiles of Indian companies dealing with Venezuelan customers due to the limited scale of trade, but added that it will continue to closely monitor developments.Meanwhile, the US has indicated that it is actively engaging with Venezuela’s new leadership, with President Donald Trump recently saying that Washington was working “along really well” with Caracas and highlighting ongoing oil shipments to the US.

In a moment that felt more like a “glitch in the matrix” than a standard fan interaction, Virat Kohli came face-to-face with his own childhood doppelganger ahead of the recently-concluded first ODI between India and New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium. The uncanny resemblance between the former Indian captain and 8-year-old Garvit Uttam has since sent social media into a frenzy, with Kohli himself leading the laughter.

One shout that caught Virat Kohli’s attention

In a new viral interview, the young fan has opened up about the interaction, confirming that Kohli not only acknowledged the resemblance but affectionately gave him a new nickname. Recalling the incident, Garvit revealed that he didn’t do anything extraordinary to grab Kohli’s attention. All it took was a single call of his idol’s name. To his amazement, Kohli instantly turned around and looked in his direction, a moment that left the young fan frozen with excitement.

According to Garvit, Kohli walked over, greeted him warmly, and assured him that he would return after finishing his drills. True to his word, the former Indian captain came back, but not before sharing a laugh with his teammates about the uncanny resemblance.

“I like Kohli’s style and aura. I just shouted his name once and he looked back at me. He came over, said hi and told me that he would return in a while,” said Garvit in a viral video shared on X.

When Kohli calls his young fan ‘Chota Cheeku’

Garvit revealed that Kohli first pointed him out to star Indian opener Rohit Sharma, jokingly saying that his “duplicate” was sitting in the stands. The light-hearted remark quickly spread smiles within the Indian camp and perfectly summed up Kohli’s relaxed mood during the session.

When Kohli finally approached the young fan, he affectionately called him ‘Chhota Cheeku,’ a nod to his own childhood nickname, Cheeku. The interaction soon turned into a memorable meet-and-greet, complete with autographs, photographs, and shared laughter.

“He then went to Rohit Sharma and told him, ‘there’s my duplicate over there’. He called me chhota cheeku,” added Garvit.

Also READ: Top 3 cricketers with most Player of the Match awards in ODIs ft. Virat Kohli

Meeting India’s biggest stars

For Garvit, the day became even more special as he got the chance to meet several Indian cricketers in one go. Apart from Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the young fan also interacted with KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh, ticking off a dream list that many fans only imagine.

“I met KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Arshdeep Singh and Rohit Sharma,” young Garvit added further.

Virat Kohli said to Rohit Sharma, “Wha dekh Mera duplicate betha hai (Look, my duplicate is sitting there)”.

– Virat Kohli called him a Chota Cheeku 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/b4r1DopMUa

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 12, 2026

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli reveals where does he keeps his Player of the Match awards