NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unleashed a scathing attack on the opposition, with a special focus on rivals in poll-bound states of West Bengal and Assam. At the receiving end were the Congress, which is the BJP’s principal challenger in Assam and a key contender for power in Kerala, and the Trinamool Congress, which is the saffron party’s arch political rival in West Bengal. The DMK, which rules poll-bound Tamil Nadu, also found a mention in the Prime Minister’s speech but there were no direct charges against the MK Stalin government.While the sharpest salvos were reserved for the Congress and the Gandhis, Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress came under attack for allegedly supporting the infiltrators.The Congress was quick to dub the Prime Minister’s address as “another election rally speech” and accused him of speaking lies.“Another election rally speech lasting 97 minutes in the Rajya Sabha today by the Prime Minister. As always, it was overflowing with abuses and assaults, distortions and dramatics, innuendos and insults — and of course his usual quota of blatant and brazen lies,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on X.“His self-obsession and his fixation on dialogue-baazi and demagoguery was on full display,” the Congress leader added.‘Insensitive government in West Bengal’The Prime Minister called the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal “insensitive” and alleged that the ruling party was helping infiltrators. He took a jibe at Mamata Banerjee who herself appeared in the Supreme Court to argue in an ongoing case against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in her state.West Bengal will vote to elect a new assembly in a month or two and the BJP is going all out to wrest power from the Trinamool Congress.“Our colleagues from the TMC spoke a lot… They should introspect… A merciless government that is creating new records of decline, and they are giving sermons here. Such merciless government is pushing the future of people into darkness,” Modi said referring to the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government.“They only care about power… Even the most prosperous countries are pushing out illegal infiltrators. In our country, courts are being pressured to save infiltrators,” he alleged.“How would the youth of the country forgive such people who are putting in efforts to fight the case of infiltrators? They are snatching the rights of our youth, their livelihood… tribal land. It endangers the lives of our sons and daughters… But they only care about power, and they are advising us,” he lamented. Modi said they are “blind” to these problems being faced by the youth.‘Congress, Congress, Congress … and Assam’The bulk of Prime Minister Modi’s speech was focussed on the Congress and the Gandhis including Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.The Congress was accused of insulting the President and hence the entire tribals and the women community, insulting a Sikh BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu and hence the entire Sikh community and finally insulting an Assamese acting Lok Sabha Speaker on chair and hence the entire Assamese people.Talking about disruptions in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said, “Congress insulted the President. It’s shameful…Yesterday in the Lok Sabha, a discussion could not be held on the President’s address. It is an insult to the office of the President. Such people do not have the right to speak about the Constitution”.“You have insulted tribals, women, and the top post of India,” he pointed out.“The incident that took place in the Lok Sabha is very painful. We can understand your frustration, but it was done in the temple of democracy. At that time, there was an MP from Assam in the chair, and papers were thrown at him. Is it not an insult to the northeast? Not an insult to the people of Assam?”He was referring to Dilip Saikia, a BJP MP from Darrang-Udalguri in Assam, and Krishna Prasad Tenneti, a TDP MP from Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. Both are members of the Panel of Chairpersons in the Lok Sabha.Assam, like Bengal, will vote to elect a new assembly in some months and the Congress is going all out to defeat the BJP which has ruled the state for the last 10 years.With the entire opposition staging a walkout from Rajya Sabha after initially raising slogans against the Centre, the Prime Minister made the speech without any disruptions. The opposition claimed that the leaders of opposition (LoP) in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were not being allowed to speak, prompting them to stage a walkout.“Vipaksha ki awaaz nahi dabegi. Tanashahi nahi chalegi. LoP (Leader of Opposition) ko bolne do. (The opposition’s voice can’t be suppressed. Dictatorship cannot work. Let the LoP speak),” the opposition leaders raised slogans as soon as the Prime Minister started to speak. However, once they walked out there were no further disruptions unlike in Lok Sabha where the Prime Minister did not come to speak yesterday.(With inputs from agencies)

JAIPUR: Sriganganagar police Tuesday arrested a 23-year-old woman, her alleged boyfriend and two others for the murder of her 25-year-old husband, after investigators said an attempt to portray the killing as a hit-and-run collapsed under forensic and on-ground scrutiny.Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan identified the accused as Anju, the victim’s wife, Sanjay alias Sanju (25), and his alleged accomplices Rohit and Badal. The victim was identified as Ashish Kumar (25).

Police said the case was initially reported as a hit-and-run accident after Ashish’s brother informed authorities on Jan 31 that Ashish had been run over by an unidentified vehicle while walking with Anju on Jan 30. Duhan said the claim drew immediate doubt as the spot “did not support a vehicular impact” and investigators found no strong evidence consistent with a hit-and-run. During questioning, police said Anju repeatedly changed her account, faltered on key details and claimed she lost consciousness multiple times. Duhan said Anju also alleged that unidentified assailants robbed her jewellery after the accident, a claim police said further conflicted with the accident narrative. The post-mortem report flagged multiple injuries and indications of strangulation, prompting police to treat the death as homicide. Investigators said Ashish and Anju had married about three months ago and that she was unhappy with the marriage. Police alleged she returned to her parental home in Sadulshahar within days, reconnected with Sanjay and planned Ashish’s murder, intending to marry Sanjay. Police said Anju later returned to her in-laws’ home and resumed living with Ashish. Knowing that Ashish routinely went for a walk after dinner, she began accompanying him. On Jan 31, police said, she contacted Sanjay and finalised the plan. That evening, Sanjay arrived with Rohit and Badal and, acting on Anju’s instructions, the men hid in bushes, police said. When Anju took Ashish for his post-dinner walk, she allegedly led him to a deserted stretch, kept him engaged in conversation, and then signalled the attackers. Police alleged the men struck Ashish on the head with sticks, knocking him unconscious. Finding he was still alive, they allegedly strangled him and fled. Police said Anju handed over Ashish’s mobile phone and the earrings she was wearing to the accused before sending them away and then informed her in-laws that Ashish had died in a road accident.

The stage was set, the floodlights were shimmering, and the air in Vadodara was thick with anticipation as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 reached its grand crescendo. On February 5, 2026, the BCA Stadium became the epicenter of women’s cricket as the Delhi Capitals Women (DC) squared off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB) in a high-stakes finale.

While the rivalry between Smriti Mandhana’s RCB and Jemimah Rodrigues’ DC provided the competitive spark, the evening began with a literal explosion of entertainment. Before the first ball was even bowled, the closing ceremony turned the cricket ground into a vibrant carnival, blending the high-octane energy of sport with the timeless allure of Bollywood and contemporary music.

Malaika Arora and Talwiinder ignite the WPL 2026 final night with sparkle and swagger

The closing ceremony was nothing short of a cinematic spectacle, designed to celebrate the spirit of the tournament. The evening kicked off with the arrival of the evergreen Malaika Arora, who proved once again why she is the ultimate queen of the stage.

Performing in Vadodara Stadium, Malaika enthralled the thousands in attendance with a high-energy medley. The highlight of her set was an iconic rendition of “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” where her rhythmic precision and charismatic presence had the entire stadium swaying in unison. Her performance set a glamorous tone, bridging the gap between the intensity of the final and the celebratory atmosphere of the league’s conclusion.

Here’s the video:

Glitz, Glamour and Energy ✨

Malaika Arora enthralls the crowd in Vadodara ahead of the #TATAWPL 2026 Grand Finale! 🤩#ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/Qe25yUxBpx

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Following the glamour came the “fiery” energy of Punjabi sensation Talwiinder. Known for his unique style and chart-topping hits, Talwiinder’s performance made the crowd go absolutely gaga. The stadium transformed into a massive concert hall as his bass-heavy tracks and infectious energy resonated through the stands. Fans were seen dancing in the aisles, perfectly warmed up for the battle of the best that was to follow. The synergy between Malaika’s classic Bollywood charm and Talwiinder’s modern, edgy vibe provided the perfect ‘groove’ to lead into the game.

Here’s the video:

High notes & Higher energy 🎶

Talwiinder Singh gives a musical start to the #TATAWPL 2026 Final 🤩#ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final pic.twitter.com/VSayPz2hXl

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Also READ: WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals’ road to the final under Jemimah Rodrigues

RCB-W vs DC-W: The playing XI of the both teams for the WPL 2026 Grand Finale

With the echoes of the music still lingering, the focus shifted back to the 22 yards. After winning the toss, RCB skipper Mandhana elected to bowl first, sticking to the tournament’s trend of chasing under the lights. Both teams opted for stability, fielding unchanged lineups from their previous victories.

Delhi Capitals Women: Lizelle Lee (wk), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell

Also READ: WPL 2026: RCB’s road to the final under Smriti Mandhana

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Monank Patel, Dilpreet Bajwa and Jatinder Singh (X)

With Suryakumar Yadav leading India into the T20 World Cup 2026, much of the attention will naturally centre on the hosts. Yet beyond India’s title defence, the tournament carries another fascinating Indian connection — several associate nations will be captained by players of Indian origin, adding an extra narrative to the global event. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the 2026 edition will feature associate sides such as the Netherlands, USA, Nepal, Namibia, Oman, UAE and Canada, all arriving with growing confidence and ambition. Having battled through demanding qualification pathways, these teams are no longer content with simply taking part. They are intent on challenging established sides and leaving a mark on the tournament.

The gap between associate teams and full members has steadily narrowed in recent years. The Netherlands have repeatedly sprung surprises at ICC events, supported by a solid domestic system and players with county and franchise exposure. USA and Canada have benefited from expanding domestic competitions and increased international opportunities, while Nepal continue to draw strength from passionate crowds and a strong spin culture. Namibia’s rise has been built on discipline and tactical clarity, while Oman and UAE bring valuable experience from multiple ICC tournaments and an ability to handle pressure situations. For Indian fans, the presence of Indian-origin captains leading associate sides adds another layer of intrigue — leaders keen to prove their credentials on the biggest stage.Monank Patel (USA) Monank Patel’s journey to international leadership has been far from conventional. Born on May 1, 1993, in Anand, Gujarat, he progressed through India’s age-group system, representing Gujarat at Under-16 and Under-19 level and even sharing the field with Jasprit Bumrah in his junior days. Despite early promise, his path in Indian cricket stalled.

After securing a green card in 2010, Monank moved permanently to the United States in 2013. At one stage, he seriously considered stepping away from the game altogether. Instead, he rebuilt his career from the ground up, making his international debut for USA in both ODIs and T20Is in 2019. Since then, he has been the backbone of the USA batting line-up, scoring 2,288 ODI runs at an average of 34.66, with three centuries and 18 half-centuries. In T20Is, he has also registered a century against the Bahamas. Appointed captain in 2021, Monank led USA to a historic victory over Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup, earning the Player of the Match award. His performances in Major League Cricket for MI New York, including a career-best 93 in 2025, have further highlighted his ability to deliver in big moments.Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada) Dilpreet Singh Bajwa has emerged as one of the most exciting young batters in associate cricket and now carries the responsibility of leading Canada. Born on January 26, 2003, in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Bajwa’s early cricketing education took place in India. He trained at the Government College grounds under coach Rakesh Marshal and studied at Guru Arjun Dev School in Dhariwal, following the traditional age-group pathway with long hours in the nets.

Before leaving India, Bajwa produced a standout innings of 130 in an Under-19 match against Patiala, an effort widely expected to earn him selection for the Punjab Under-19 side. When that opportunity did not materialise, his family made a decisive move. In 2020, with his father Harpreet Singh working in the Agriculture Department and his mother Harleen Kaur a government school teacher, the family relocated to Canada. Bajwa made his T20I debut in September 2023 against Bermuda and his ODI debut in February 2024 against Nepal. In T20Is, he has already scored four half-centuries at a strike rate of 133.22. He also created history in Global T20 Canada by becoming the first Canadian to score a century, finishing unbeaten on 100 from 55 balls. Appointed captain for the T20 World Cup 2026, Bajwa is central to Canada’s long-term ambitions.Jatinder Singh (Oman) Jatinder Singh’s rise is rooted in persistence rather than privilege. Born on March 5, 1989, in Ludhiana, Punjab, he moved to Oman at a young age and began his cricketing journey without the support of formal academies. His early development came on cement wickets, followed by Astro turf, before transitioning to turf cricket in 2011 — a progression that shaped his adaptability.

Inspired first by Sachin Tendulkar’s discipline and later by Virat Kohli’s intensity and fitness standards, Jatinder steadily worked his way through Oman’s domestic structure. A right-handed top-order batter, he made his T20I debut in 2015 and his ODI debut in 2019, quickly becoming a mainstay of the national side. In ODIs, he has accumulated 1,704 runs, including four centuries and nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 118 against Papua New Guinea. In T20Is, he leads Oman’s run charts with 1,605 runs from 72 matches. Appointed captain in 2025, Jatinder guided Oman to their maiden Asia Cup qualification, marking a landmark moment for both player and country. As the T20 World Cup unfolds, these Indian-origin leaders will not only carry the hopes of their teams but also embody the global spread and evolving depth of the modern game.

Bitcoin slipped below $70,000 on Thursday for the first time since Donald Trump’s election victory in November 2024, as the world’s largest cryptocurrency remained under pressure from a broader pullback in risk assets, AFP reported.The cryptocurrency dropped to as low as $69,821.18 before moving back above the $70,000 level. The decline comes after Bitcoin had touched a record high above $126,000 in October.“Bitcoin continues to suffer… caught up in the broader risk-off mood and geopolitical turmoil that has pushed investors away from riskier assets towards safe havens,” said Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor.Bitcoin had surged following Trump’s election, as he was widely viewed as supportive of the crypto sector. He had also publicly celebrated Bitcoin crossing $100,000 for the first time in December 2024.The cryptocurrency, however, has seen sharp swings. In April last year, Bitcoin fell below $75,000 after Trump announced sweeping US tariffs that rattled global markets. It later rebounded and hit a record high of $126,251.31 six months later.The latest weakness has also been linked to regulatory uncertainty. While the US Congress passed a law in July to regulate stablecoins, a broader cryptocurrency bill, the Clarity Act, remains stalled in the Senate.Bitcoin has also been hit by Trump’s nomination of former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to head the US central bank. Warsh is seen by observers as a defender of the Fed’s independence, which reassured traditional markets and prompted investors to sell safe-haven assets such as gold and silver, whose prices fell.Investors have also sold cryptocurrencies and other risk assets to raise cash, adding to pressure on digital tokens.Trump’s close ties to the crypto sector have also drawn criticism, as he has promoted his own cryptocurrency-related ventures since returning to office. Bloomberg estimates said his family’s fortune grew by $1.4 billion last year from digital assets.Hours before his inauguration in January 2025, Trump launched his own cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, which later fell after an initial surge following its debut.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a sharp dig at the Congress and the Gandhi family during his speech in the Rajya Sabha, accusing them of being “habitual thieves” and alleging that they had even “stolen” Mahatma Gandhi’s surname.“For some people, stealing is a family profession. What’s shocking is that those habitual thieves have also stolen surname of a Gujarati, Mahatma Gandhi,” PM Modi said amid sloganeering and a walkout by the opposition members.

Further taking a “start up” dig at the Congress party, and and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, the prime minister alleged that the party never encouraged a startup culture and mocked its leadership.“Congress never promoted startup culture… They cannot even lift the startup of their own house,” PM Modi said.He also targeted Rahul over his remarks made in the House a day earlier, referring to him as the Congress “Yuvraj”. “What happened yesterday, the ‘Yuvraj’ of Congress who has ‘shaatir dimag’, called an MP of this House ‘traitor’. His arrogance is at its peak,” PM Modi said.Also read: ‘Congress hates Sikhs’: PM Modi slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘traitor’ remarkHe alleged that the comment was selectively directed at a Sikh MP. “He did not call anyone else who has left the Congress a traitor. But he called the MP a traitor, because he is a Sikh. This was an insult to the Sikhs, an insult to the Gurus. This was an expression of the hatred for Sikhs that is filled in the Congress,” the prime minister said.“He is a member of a family who sacrificed themselves for the country. Just because he changed his political ideology, he became a traitor? This is not a small word. How can the country tolerate a citizen being called a traitor?” he added. Calling the episode “highly unfortunate”, the prime minister added, “Such people will sink Congress.”Also read: ‘I eat 2kg of gaalis daily’: In light moment during RS speech, PM Modi reveals ‘health secret’

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday mounted a sharp offensive against the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, accusing it of cloaking hostility and divisive slogans in the rhetoric of “Mohabbat ki dukaan,” a phrase frequently used by Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi. However, he did not provide any evidence of opposition chanting the slogan.“They are moving with the mantra of ‘Modi teri kabr khudegi’. They dream of this and speak of democracy. They put up signboards of ‘Mohabbat ki dukan’. Is such hatred harboured in public life?” PM Modi said in his motion of thanks speech.

“The Congress has a deeper problem, they cannot digest how Modi has reached this position, and their worry keeps growing… For them, it seems there is only one way out: to chant, ‘Modi, teri kabr khudegi (Modi, your grave will be dug).’ They (Congress) seem to assume that democracy and the Constitution exist only for their benefit. They believe that the Prime Minister’s post belongs to their family as a matter of right. And so, they go around spreading slogans about digging Modi’s grave,” he added.Continuing his attack on the opposition, he said that unlike past governments run by a “remote,” his authority flowed directly from the mandate of 140 crore people.“Their govt used to operate with a remote. My govt operated with a remote too. 140 crore people are my remote,” he said.He further blamed the opposition for weakening institutions, prioritising political survival over governance, and pushing agendas that, he said, compromised national security and public trust, accusing them of shielding illegal infiltrators while ignoring the aspirations of the youth and the long-term interests of the country.“A significant part of our energy is being spent on correcting the mistakes of the past. It takes great effort to erase the image that was created in the minds of the world during that period, they left things in such a damaged state. That is why we have placed strong emphasis on future-ready policies. Today, the country is being governed on the basis of policy and strategy. Global trust in India is growing. Guided by the mantra of ‘reform, perform, transform,’ we have moved forward, and the reality today is that the nation has boarded the Reform Express,” he said.His speech comes a day after his Lok Sabha address was cancelled amid protests by the opposition inside the House.

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The Women’s Premier League (WPL), which has rapidly gained popularity as a premier competition in women’s T20 cricket, is reaching its peak after a month of high-stakes matches and world-class performances.

WPL 2026 set for a grand finale between RCB and DC

The final match will feature a highly anticipated showdown between the table-topping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Delhi Capitals (DC). This clash at the Kotambi Stadium (BCA Stadium) in Vadodara promises to be an action-packed conclusion to the season, with both teams vying for the prestigious trophy in front of a packed house.

With the finalists set after an intense league stage and a thrilling Eliminator, WPL 2026 has successfully showcased top-tier talent across two key Indian hubs. The tournament, spanning from January 9 to February 5, has lived up to its promise of an electrifying season. The strategic shift to Vadodara for the final leg has deepened the league’s reach, fostering incredible enthusiasm for women’s cricket in the region as the tournament comes to its grand conclusion.

WPL 2026: A two-city cricketing extravaganza culminating in Vadodara

The journey of WPL 2026, which commenced in Navi Mumbai, has traveled to its final destination in Vadodara for the ultimate prize. The Kotambi Stadium (Baroda Cricket Association Stadium) has been selected as the venue for the high-stakes final on February 5. This move to Gujarat marks a significant shift from previous seasons, concluding the tournament in a vibrant cricketing hub that celebrates the sport’s growth in regional heartlands. The stadium is prepared to host not just a historic match, but a cultural celebration that brings fans closer to their favourite stars.

Also READ: WPL 2026: RCB’s road to the final under Smriti Mandhana

WPL 2026 closing ceremony: Malaika Arora and Talwiinder

WPL 2026 is elevating its entertainment quotient for the grand finale with a star-studded pre-match spectacle designed to celebrate the spirit of the game. The ceremony will take place on February 5, starting at 6:30 PM IST, just before the championship match begins.

Malaika Arora is set to take center stage, bringing her legendary charisma and high-energy dance moves to the Kotambi Stadium. Her performance is expected to set a pulsating tone for the evening, blending the glamour of Bollywood with the thrill of T20 cricket to honor the unstoppable rise of women in sport.

All eyes. One stage. One finale. ✨🔥

A spectacular performance by Malaika Arora at the #TATAWPL Finals that brings glamour, power, and unstoppable energy to the ultimate showdown.#ClaimTheCrown pic.twitter.com/KewHnDjlwP

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 3, 2026

Adding to the musical frenzy, Punjabi singer and songwriter Talwiinder will deliver a vibrant live performance. Talwiinder, who has been making headlines as the rumoured boyfriend of actress Disha Patani, will perform his chart-topping hits like Haseen, Dhundhala and Khayaal. His inclusion ensures a high-energy, modern vibe that resonates with the youthful spirit of the WPL, making the closing ceremony a truly memorable event.

Before the trophy is lifted, the energy drops heavy 🔥

Talwiinder lights up the stage at the #TATAWPL Finals, fueling the crowd for the biggest night of the season 🙌#ClaimTheCrown | #Final | @talwiinder pic.twitter.com/QO8OOHQhEL

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 3, 2026

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

With the massive global audience the league has attracted, WPL 2026 will ensure extensive coverage for its grand finale. Fans in India can catch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network, which continues to provide world-class broadcasting for the league. For those preferring digital platforms, the closing ceremony and the final match will be available for live streaming on JioHotstar (via the app and website). With multiple viewing options and a lineup of sensational performers, the WPL 2026 finale is poised to be the most spectacular and entertaining conclusion to the league yet.

Also READ: WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals’ road to the final under Jemimah Rodrigues

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.