Rafael Nadal reacts to Lindsey Vonn’s horrific Winter Olympics crash

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal sent a heartfelt message to American ski star Lindsey Vonn after she suffered a shocking and painful crash at the Winter Olympics. Nadal praised her courage and strength, writing, “Lindsey Vonn, you are a great inspiration and an example of perseverance. Stay strong and get well soon!”Vonn’s crash happened during the downhill event in Cortina d’Ampezzo, just seconds after she started her run. In bright sunny conditions, she lost control, twisted in mid-air, and slammed into the snow. The 41-year-old could be heard crying out in pain as medics rushed to help her. The crowd watching at the bottom of the slope fell completely silent as they saw the accident on big screens. She was later taken away on a stretcher and flown to hospital by helicopter.Despite the shocking incident, Vonn’s teammate Breezy Johnson went on to win the gold medal. However, her thoughts were with Vonn, saying, “My heart goes out to her. I hope it’s not as bad as it looked.” Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow also reacted emotionally, saying, “That definitely was the last thing we wanted to see.”Vonn’s Olympic comeback story had inspired many. She retired in 2019 but returned in 2024 after knee surgery and was hoping to win another Olympic medal, 16 years after her last gold. Her plans were complicated by a recent crash that left her with a ruptured ACL, but she still chose to compete.She had said, “This is not obviously what I had hoped for…. I know what my chances were before the crash and and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today,” and “But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance I will try.”

File photo: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammad (Picture credit: AP)

Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi to more than seven additional years in prison, according to her supporters and lawyer. The development comes as Mohammadi has reportedly been on a hunger strike since early February.Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, confirmed the verdict on social media, saying she had received multiple sentences on separate charges Iranian authorities have not publicly acknowledged the ruling so far, as per news agency AP.Mohammadi, a long-time critic of Iran’s human rights record, is already behind bars and has spent much of the past decade in and out of prison for her activism.

Details of the new sentence

According to Nili, Mohammadi has been sentenced to six years in prison for “gathering and collusion to commit crimes” and an additional one-and-a-half years for propaganda-related charges, reported news agency AFP. She has also been handed a two-year travel ban.Separately, Mohammadi has been ordered into internal exile for two years to the city of Khosf in South Khorasan province. Under Iranian law, prison sentences are served concurrently, meaning the longest term applies.Nili said the verdict is not final and can still be appealed. He also expressed hope that, given her health condition, Mohammadi could be temporarily released on bail to receive medical treatment.

Hunger strike and health concerns

Supporters say Mohammadi began a hunger strike on February 2, according to AP. Her health has been a recurring concern. In December 2024, she was briefly released for three weeks on medical grounds following surgery that involved tumour removal and a bone graft, her lawyer had said at the time.Despite her detention, Mohammadi has continued to protest from inside prison, including staging demonstrations in the prison yard and undertaking previous hunger strikes.

Long history of activism and imprisonment

Mohammadi, 53, has been repeatedly arrested over the past 25 years for campaigning against Iran’s use of the death penalty and for opposing the mandatory dress code for women. She has not seen her twin children, who live in Paris, since 2015.She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her human rights work, particularly her opposition to capital punishment. Her children accepted the award on her behalf as she remained imprisoned at the time.Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly criticised Iran’s record, noting that the country carries out more executions annually than any nation except China, for which no reliable data is available.

PM Modi with Japan PM Sanae Takaichi (Image/PTI)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her landmark victory in the elections to Japan’s House of Representatives, expressing confidence that bilateral ties between India and Japan would further deepen under her leadership.Congratulating her on the outcome, PM Modi underlined the importance of India–Japan ties, which are anchored in a Special Strategic and Global Partnership and play a key role in regional and global stability.In a post on X, he wrote, “Congratulations Sanae Takaichi on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives. Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity. I am confident that under your able leadership, we will continue to take the India-Japan friendship to greater heights.”Takaichi secured a sweeping mandate in the snap lower house elections, consolidating her position just months after becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister. Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with coalition partners is expected to command a strong two-thirds majority, giving her government a decisive edge to push its legislative agenda.Takaichi, 64, emerged as Japan’s prime minister in October after winning the leadership of the LDP, becoming the country’s first woman to hold the office.Also Read | Japan snap elections: PM Sanae Takaichi’s LDP secures majority in lower house – top developmentsKnown for her tough stance on defence, economic security and China, she has positioned herself as a strong advocate of closer cooperation with the United States and like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region.Her victory marks a turnaround for the LDP after years of political turbulence marked by inflation, funding scandals and voter discontent. The decisive mandate is expected to give Takaichi greater authority to pursue policy reforms, including increased defence spending, economic stimulus measures and a more assertive foreign policy.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi

NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday escalated his attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, alleging a “deeper connection” between Gogoi, his British wife Elizabeth Colburn and Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, and hinting at possible charges of “rashtra-droh” (treason) if the Congress leader failed to clarify his past visit to Pakistan.Addressing a press conference ahead of the assembly elections, Sarma claimed that Gogoi had undertaken a “very confidential visit” to Pakistan in December 2013 and was believed to have undergone “some kind of training” during his 10-day stay.

“He stayed there for 10 days. Strangely, Gogoi was digitally silent and no social media post was made. We suspect he went through some kind of training in that period,” the chief minister said.Sarma further alleged that after returning from Pakistan and later becoming an MP, Gogoi asked questions in the Lok Sabha on military preparedness, security matters, defence hardware, nuclear plants, espionage and the Kashmir conflict. “A first-time MP asking such confidential questions, how can it not be linked to his Pakistan visit?” he asked.“If Gogoi cannot come out clean on his Pakistan stay, then charges of ‘rashtra-droh’ (treason) will have to be imposed on him,” Sarma added.Allegations over foreign linksThe chief minister also alleged that Colburn had worked with LEAD Pakistan, an organisation run by Sheikh, before moving to India, and that her salary continued to be paid by Sheikh even while she was working in the country. “But her salary continued to be paid by Sheikh,” Sarma said.He claimed that LEAD Pakistan sent money to LEAD India, which then paid Colburn “bypassing FCRA regulations”, and suggested that special permission might have been obtained during the UPA government’s tenure. “Pakistani agencies cannot donate to an Indian entity as it’s an enemy nation. Probably special permission was obtained in UPA time to pay Colburn,” he said.Sarma also alleged that Colburn gathered information from Intelligence Bureau sources related to climate action after Narendra Modi came to power and sent a “45-page report” to Sheikh. “Colburn got information from IB sources about climate action after Narendra Modi came to power. She sent a 45-page report to Sheikh,” he claimed.The chief minister asserted that Colburn had travelled to Islamabad six times while working with LEAD India and three more times after joining another NGO. He further alleged that she maintained a Pakistani bank account to receive salary payments and that Gogoi did not mention this in his election affidavit. “Now, I feel his opponent should complain to the EC about giving wrong information in the affidavit,” Sarma said.Sarma said the state government would seek cancellation of Colburn’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, claiming her presence was detrimental to India.“We believe there is a deeper connection between Gogoi, Colburn and Sheikh. We believe that Colburn and Sheikh were part of an international conspiracy,” Sarma said. He added that the Assam Police had recommended a national-level probe by the ministry of home affairs, stating, “So we recommended a national probe by the Ministry of Home Affairs.”Congress hits backGogoi, who is also the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief, dismissed the press conference as politically motivated. “I pity the journalists from Delhi and Assam who had to suffer the most flop press conference of the century. This was worse than a C grade cinema,” he wrote on X while the presser was underway.He described the allegations as “Most mindless and bogus points” offered by the “so-called political shrewd” chief minister and termed the episode a “#SuperFlop”“This #SuperFlop is in contrast to our #XomoyParivartanYatra which has been a hit in uncovering the 12,000 bighas of land occupied by the Chief Minister and his family members,” Gogoi said.Earlier in the week, responding to similar allegations linking his wife to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, Gogoi said, “If my wife is an ISI agent of Pakistan, I am a R&AW agent of India. I don’t mind if a family against whom there are various cases and several allegations, makes allegations against me. The (Assam) chief minister is making these allegations only to put away allegations against him.”Dismissing the charges as “lies and rumours”, he said, “Today, BJP doesn’t have any issues to raise. They are dependent on spreading lies. I feel that people of the country are very intelligent and they can see the difference between lies and truth. Let them spread rumours, we will continue to do our work.”Political backdropThe faceoff comes as Assam prepares for assembly elections, with both the BJP and the Congress sharpening their campaigns. Sarma’s remarks mark a significant escalation, introducing allegations of national security, foreign funding violations and possible treason into the electoral discourse.The BJP has framed the issue as one involving potential foreign influence and FCRA violations, while the Congress has characterised the allegations as diversionary tactics aimed at deflecting attention from state-level issues and charges against the chief minister.Sarma also said the Assam Police’s Special Investigation Team did not question Gogoi directly “as he is a sitting MP. We have left it to the Centre, showing some respect to his position”.“If I arrest Gogoi now, I will be accused of doing politics before elections. Arresting is a harsh step. I feel Gogoi is the most vulnerable politician in India now, as all his movements in the 10-day stay must have been photographed and recorded in Pakistan,” he said.With the campaign intensifying, the allegations and counter-allegations have injected a sharp national security dimension into Assam’s electoral battle, setting the stage for a polarised contest in the weeks ahead.

NEW DELHI: Haryana Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deadly joyride collapse at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad that claimed the life of on-duty police inspector Jagdish Prasad and injured several others.According to police officials, the SIT will be headed by ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya, with Sub-Inspector Sheeshpal from the Crime Branch, NIT, and Sub-Inspector Sanjay as members. The investigation will be supervised by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Malhotra, following directions from Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal.The SIT has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse of the giant ‘Tsunami’ swing on Saturday evening during the 39th edition of the Surajkund Mela. Around 19 people were on the ride when it tilted mid-air and crashed to the ground.Inspector Jagdish Prasad (58), who was deployed on duty at the fair, lost his life while attempting to rescue those trapped in the ride. Twelve others, including police personnel and civilians, were injured in the incident.Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, who announced compensation and a government job for a family member of the deceased officer, said that the incident was deeply painful and assured full support to the affected families. Speaking to reporters, he said that the government had taken immediate cognisance of the accident and ordered a thorough probe to identify lapses.“The government stands firmly with the family of Inspector Jagdish Prasad. He lost his life while saving others. All possible assistance will be provided, including financial support and a government job for one of his children,” the chief minister said. He added that those seriously injured would receive Rs 1 lakh each, while treatment costs for all injured would be borne by the state.Police have already registered an FIR in the case and arrested Mohammad Shakir, proprietor of Himachal Fun Care Company that operated the ride, along with his staff member Nitesh. They have been booked under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators are examining whether safety norms were violated and if there was criminal negligence.Meanwhile, the amusement park at the Surajkund Mela venue has been closed with immediate effect, though the fair itself continues as scheduled. The district administration has also formed a separate ADC-level inquiry committee to examine the technical and mechanical aspects of the accident.Officials said that a detailed report will be prepared to determine the exact cause of the collapse and fix responsibility. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty, authorities added.The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, held annually in Faridabad, is one of India’s largest cultural festivals and runs from January 31 to February 15 this year.

KOLHAPUR: Sunil Motilal Sadarangani, the 59-year-old former owner of Solapur’s famous Multani Bakery, died by suicide on Thursday afternoon after jumping from the 17th floor of an apartment building in the Vijapur Road area of the city.Solapur police commissioner M Rajkumar said, “Sadarangani had sold his bakery and shifted to Pune. His family told us that he was undergoing some psychological issues and was in debt, which made him take the step. We are, however, yet to get formal statements from the family members as they are in grief. We have not detected any foul play so far, though he did not leave behind a note.”

The police said that at 2.30pm on Thursday, Sadarangani drove to the apartment building, parked his car and took the stairs to the top to avoid the biometric check-in. He was initially seen walking on the side ledge of the terrace. He was spotted by a security guard, who took Sadarangani down to the 10th floor and tried to talk to him. However, Sadarangani allegedly shooed the guard away and went up again, saying he had left his car keys behind. By the time the security guard reached the terrace again, Sadarangani had jumped. He died on the spot.The police confirmed his identity with the help of the car registration number.Sadarangani’s last rites were performed on Friday evening in Solapur. Since he was the third generation from his family to grow up in Solapur, a large number of people gathered at the crematorium.One of the close relatives, speaking to TOI, said, “Sadarangani belonged to the Sindhi community. His father, Motilal, started the bakery, which became famous. They also ran a flour mill. Sunil Sadarangani took over the business after his father passed away. However, he sold it due to debt. He has two sons; One is abroad, and the other is in Pune, where he shifted 4 years ago.”

The relationship between India‘s head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting legend Virat Kohli has remained one of the most debated topics in world cricket, especially following recent shifts in the national team’s structure. As India navigates a transitional phase after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the spotlight has intensified on how these two titans of the ODI World Cup 2011 win coexist within the current setup.

While social media narratives often paint a picture of lingering tension, the internal reality of the dressing room continues to be a subject of intense public curiosity. On February 8, 2026, a BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia finally addressed whether the perceived friction is a genuine concern or merely a byproduct of their high-profile history.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia sets the record straight on Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir equation

During a recent appearance on the India Today podcast, BCCI Secretary Saikia provided a definitive update on the rapport between Kohli and Gambhir. Saikia dismissed the long-standing rumors of a rift, stating emphatically, “I have never seen them fighting. They are in a very good cordial relationship.”

When questioned about the infamous IPL 2023 clash that many believe laid the groundwork for a ‘cold war,’ Saikia downplayed the incident, noting that he focuses on their interactions while representing the country rather than franchise rivalries. He characterized the idea of a ‘bickering’ duo as more of a public ‘perception’ than a dressing room reality, reinforcing that both professionals are aligned toward a singular goal for Indian cricket.

“I haven’t seen it. IPL? Maybe I didn’t see that match because I was with them when they were representing the country. So, IPL: watching every match is not possible. That perception might be there, but Virat Kohli is always in the team. Gautam Gambhir is also there. We see the results. Have you seen Virat Kohli not being a part of the team?” Saikia added.

Also READ: Virat Kohli’s best mate AB de Villiers reveals his semifinal predictions for T20 World Cup 2026

Will Kohli and Rohit Sharma play the ODI World Cup 2027? BCCI secretary answers

The discussion also touched upon the sudden transition that saw both Kohli and Rohit retire from Test cricket in May 2025 to focus exclusively on the 50-over format. Saikia debunked the theory that Gambhir’s preference for ‘young blood’ forced these legends out of the red-ball setup. He added  that the board does not interfere in such career-defining choices.

Despite being moved to Grade B contracts due to their single-format status, both senior pros remain vital to India’s ODI World Cup 2027 roadmap. Saikia labeled reports of Gambhir wanting them out of the ODI squad as rubbish, pointing to their continued presence and performance in the team as the ultimate proof of their standing.

“Nobody can force a player of the stature of Virat Kohli to change and make a decision. He is at that level. He is not an ordinary player; he is a legend in Indian cricket. Nobody can force him to decide unless he chooses to. The board will not interfere in any player’s career. A lot of people write rubbish also. We cannot comment on rubbish. We don’t see any such things. These things were never brought up in any meetings,” Saikia concluded.

Also READ: ‘To Smriti Mandhana..’: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s unforgettable message after RCB’s incredible WPL 2026 victory