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NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US ambassador to India Sergio Gor informed on Monday. The two leader, finalized the much-awaited India-US trade deal with “immediate” effect, Trump informed.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!”
“Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to “BUY AMERICAN,” at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.This comes amid delays in India-US trade deal after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian crude.Moreover, Trump on Sunday claimed that multiple countries, including India, were expected to start importing oil from Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest crude reserves. He said that the move followed legal reforms in Venezuela that have opened the oil sector to private investment after the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.India and the United States have been holding trade talks since March 2025. Since August last year, the US has imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports—among the highest applied to any country—comprising 25% in reciprocal duties and an additional 25% levy.
Mumbai: The West Regional Cyber Police have arrested one Parshuram Jagtap, 35, in a digital arrest case in which an elderly man from Juhu, a retired government official, was allegedly defrauded of Rs 1.27 crore. The fraudsters impersonated former ACP Daya Nayak and threatened the victim with arrest, said police. Police said Jagtap was accused of providing bank accounts to cyber fraudsters. He was arrested and produced in court. Police said the victim was threatened and told that his name had cropped up in a Rs 75 lakh fraud case. The caller also said his family could be attacked and his son could lose his job. Last Oct, the complainant received a call from a person named Sandeep Rao, who claimed to be an officer from the Ashok Nagar police station in Bangaluru.The caller told the complainant that someone was arrested in a money laundering case and that an ATM passbook belonging to the complainant was found with the arrested person. He said a fraud of Rs 75 lakh was committed in the complainant’s name and that an inquiry was being conducted.He also said Delhi Police and CBI officers were conducting a parallel investigation. The complainant was told not to disclose any information until the inquiry was complete, citing confidentiality and national interest.The caller instructed him to stay alone in a room and cooperate with the investigation, and told him that “CBI officer Daya Nayak was conducting the inquiry”.The complainant later spoke with a man who posed as “CBI officer Daya Nayak”. The imposter showed him an FIR and arrest warrant via video call, which frightened the complainant. The fraudster threatened to freeze his bank accounts.Police said the complainant was told that since he was a senior citizen, he would not be arrested immediately, but strict action would be taken if he did not cooperate with the investigation. During this time, someone else called him.During the inquiry, the imposter who posed as Daya Nayak and other officers instructed him to provide his bank account details and transfer the money to another account. He was told that his account was being investigated as per a Supreme Court order and that the money had to be transferred to another account.Believing this, he deposited Rs 1.27 crore. He was told the amount would be returned after the inquiry was over, but in vain. Realising he was scammed, he approached the West Regional Cyber Police and a case was registered. During investigation, police obtained crucial information based on which they took Parshuram into custody.
The TOI correspondent from Washington: In a political shock that has rattled Washington, Democrats in deep red Texas flipped a state senate seat in a district that voted +17 for Donald Trump, amid claims from some Indian-Americans that they triggered the turnaround because of toxic MAGA attacks on the community.Taylor Rehmet, a US Air Force veteran and union machinist, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by a decisive 57 % to 43 %, representing roughly a 30-point swing from 2024 and marking the first time a Democrat will hold the District 9 seat in decades.The election, triggered by the resignation of a GOP stalwart, has stunned Republicans and comes at a time Democrats are scoring unexpected wins in special contests (by-elections) nationwide — raising questions inside GOP ranks about Trump-era strategy of demonising immigrants. The unexpected Democratic victory reflects broader trends of Democratic overperformance in off-cycle elections since Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. The shock District 9 result has also sparked debate over whether controversial Republican messaging toward Indian American communities contributed to the GOP defeat. Claims that Republican “rage-baiting” against Indians fueled the turnaround have circulated widely on social media and in post-election analysis. Critics point to Wambsganss’ campaign rhetoric, which echoed MAGA attacks on H-1B visas and immigration, labeling Indian migrants an “invasion” and “unassimilable.” Posts on X amplified this, with some users decrying Indians as “scammy” and accusing them of electoral fraud. Tarrant County, a large part of District 9, boasts a growing Indian American population—over 50,000 strong according to some estimates, many in tech and professional sectors. Voter turnout data shows heightened participation in precincts with high Asian American density, suggesting mobilization against perceived ethnic scapegoating. Some analysts have suggested that such rhetoric energized backlash among recent foreign-origin voters in diverse suburbs.“What happened yesterday in Texas is a reminder: Don’t mess with Indians. We are a moderate people and a key swing vote. Brown people are fed up with the GOP. Keep on attacking us and you will lose,” one Indian-American handle claimed on X. The result is also a setback for Abraham George, an Indian-American who chairs the Texas GOP, and who is under attack from MAGA for his Indian background despite being a MAGA figure himself.However, there is no direct polling or exit data tying the District 9 flip solely to anti-Indian rhetoric, and campaign messaging can cut multiple ways. Analysts caution that while backlash to inflammatory language could have contributed to mobilizing some voters, attributing the entire outcome to that factor oversimplifies a complex local political ecosystem.Nationally, the Texas flip is part of a broader, more ominous trend for the Republican Party. Since Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, Democrats have consistently overperformed. According to The Downballot, Dems are outperforming their 2024 presidential benchmarks by an average of 15.7% in special elections. Across the country in 2025, they have flipped state legislative seats once only held by Republicans, including a Pennsylvania state senate seat Trump carried, and competitive wins in Iowa and Kentucky. In Georgia, Democrats made gains in public service commission special elections, turning two seats previously held by Republicans to Democratic control.At the municipal level, Democratic strength also appeared in the November 2025 New York City mayoral election, where Zohran Mamdani captured the mayor’s office with more than 50% of the vote in a high-turnout contest.Republican leaders in Texas have acknowledged the surprise. Lt Gov Dan Patrick described the outcome as a “wake-up call,” noting that special election dynamics can defy expectations but that Republicans must regroup ahead of November. Trump, who endorsed Wambsganss and urged turnout in the final days, distanced himself from the loss, calling it a “local” contest he was unaware of.
Govinda and Sunita got married in 1987 after being in a relationship for several years. It was a love marriage that began when Govinda was still struggling to find his footing in the film industry. As his career took off and he became a star, his personal life grew more complicated.During the peak of his success, Govinda fell in love with actress Neelam, with whom he shared a hugely popular on-screen chemistry. The two worked together in films like ‘Khudgarz’ and ‘Love 86’, and their pairing was adored by audiences. At one point, Govinda even came close to ending his engagement with Sunita and seriously considered marrying Neelam. However, he eventually reconciled with Sunita and chose to keep their marriage under wraps for nearly a year.
Speaking about that phase in an interview with Stardust, Govinda had candidly admitted, “After I started getting busier, my relationship with Sunita went through a change. She began feeling insecure and jealous. And I was of no help. She would nag me and I would lose my temper. We had constant fights. In one of those fights, Sunita said something about Neelam, and I lost my head and called it quits. I asked Sunita to leave me. I broke off my engagement with her. And had Sunita not called me after five days and coaxed me into it again, I would probably have married Neelam.”The actor later acknowledged that he had wronged Neelam and still regrets it. Admitting that she was kept in the dark about his marriage, Govinda said, “Neither did Neelam know about it. She got to know only after a year. I probably did not tell her because I did not want to break this successful screen pair. And to be honest, to a certain extent, I did exploit my personal relationship with Neelam for professional ends. I played dirty with her. I should have told her that I was married.”In another interview, Govinda openly spoke about wanting to marry Neelam but ultimately choosing to honour his commitment to Sunita. He explained, “Yes, I wanted to marry her. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Neelam was the ideal girl, the kind every man visualises for a life-partner. The kind of girl I wanted. But that was getting emotional. There was another practical side. Just because I had fallen in love elsewhere, I couldn’t overlook my commitment towards Sunita. If there was no sense of duty in a man, this would go on. Leave one for another and another for another.”Recently, in an interview Neelam denied link-up rumours with Sunita. When the host asked Neelam about the gossip surrounding her alleged infatuation with Govinda before she married Sameer Soni, the actress appeared surprised and said on Usha Kakade Productions’ podcast, “O teri, who said this? Govinda ji bahut hi acchhe insaan hain, magar yeh jo sawaal hai, yeh sach nahi hai (Govinda is a good human being, but this question is not true).”
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has reached its business end after a grueling double round-robin group stage that tested the mettle of all five franchises. Out of the intense competition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have emerged as the top three contenders for the title.
RCB’s dominant run earned them the direct ticket to the final, leaving GG and DC to battle it out in the high-stakes Eliminator. Defending champions Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz have been knocked out, making way for a new era of dominance in the league. As the action shifts to the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the tournament prepares for a grand conclusion on February 5. The transition from league format to the knockout stage has heightened the pressure, with every mistake now carrying the weight of elimination.
RCB’s journey in 2026 has been a story of clinical consistency and redemption. After a disappointing 2025 season, Smriti Mandhana’s side came out with a point to prove, stitching together a record-breaking six-match winning streak early on. Despite the shock absence of Ellyse Perry, the team found new heroes in Georgia Voll, Grace Harris, Lauren Bell and Gautami Naik. They finished the league stage at the summit with 12 points and a superior Net Run Rate of +1.247, securing their direct path to the final. Their ability to defend totals and chase with composure has made them the team to beat this year.
The Gujarat Giants scripted a remarkable turnaround to finish second on the table with 10 points. Led by Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants overcame early-season stumbles to find a winning rhythm when it mattered most. Their campaign was defined by high-scoring matches and the individual brilliance of Sophie Devine, who spearheaded their bowling attack. A crucial victory over Mumbai Indians in their final group game cemented their playoff spot, marking their most successful WPL campaign to date and setting up a thrilling Eliminator clash.
Delhi Capitals, under the new leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, showed immense grit to secure the third playoff spot with 8 points. Transitioning from the Meg Lanning era wasn’t easy, but the Capitals maintained their reputation as playoff regulars. Their journey was a rollercoaster, highlighted by a massive win over RCB that ended the latter’s unbeaten run. By defeating UP Warriorz in a ‘do-or-die’ final league game, they knocked out the defending champions Mumbai Indians on points, proving that their “never say die” attitude remains their greatest asset.
Also READ: Meg Lanning explains the reasons behind early exit of UP Warriorz from WPL 2026
S – Strengths (1)
The primary strength of RCB lies in their world-class spin department. With Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav and Linsey Smith, they have a variety of spin options that can adapt to any pitch condition. This allows them to dominate the middle overs and restrict even the most aggressive batting lineups.
W – Weaknesses (2)
A significant weakness is the lack of an experienced anchor at No. 3 following the withdrawal of Ellyse Perry. While they have tried various domestic options, none have yet shown the same ability to stabilize an innings after an early wicket. This could lead to a mid-innings collapse if their openers are dismissed cheaply.
O – Opportunities (3)
The tournament provides a massive opportunity for Smriti Mandhana to cement her legacy as a championship-winning captain. Without Perry’s on-field guidance, this is her chance to prove her tactical maturity. Additionally, it serves as a redemption stage for Shreyanka to earn a permanent spot back in the senior national team.
T – Threats (4)
Fitness concerns regarding key players like Pooja Vastrakar remain a lingering threat. Her uncertain availability for the final could leave a hole in their pace-bowling attack. Any late injury to their top three batters could also severely handicap their ability to post or chase high totals.
S – Strengths (1)
The Giants’ biggest strength is their immense ‘Batting Muscle.’ With Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine and Ashleigh Gardner in the top order, they have the firepower to post totals well above 200. Their momentum heading into the playoffs is also a significant psychological advantage.
W – Weaknesses (2)
The team suffers from an extreme over-dependence on their four overseas players. If the international stars fail to fire, the domestic Indian middle order has often looked vulnerable and unable to carry the scoring rate. This lack of domestic batting depth is a clear area that opponents like DC will target.
O – Opportunities (3)
This playoff stage is a massive opportunity for Indian pacers like Kashvee Gautam to stake their claim for the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. Standout performances here would catch the selectors’ eyes immediately. It is also the Giants’ best chance to finally win their maiden title after years of disappointment.
T – Threats (4)
The primary threat is the selection dilemma regarding the fourth overseas slot. Choosing between Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham is a high-stakes decision that could backfire if the selected player doesn’t suit the match conditions. Settling on the wrong combination for the Eliminator could end their campaign prematurely.
S – Strengths (1)
Delhi’s strength lies in their ‘Big-Match Temperament.’ Having reached three previous finals, the core group of Rodrigues, Verma and Kapp knows how to handle the pressure of knockouts. Their spin variety, including off-spin and leg-spin, also gives them tactical flexibility.
W – Weaknesses (2)
The Capitals face a glaring ‘Paucity of Domestic Pace.’ Beyond Marizanne Kapp, they lack experienced Indian fast bowlers who can consistently deliver at the death. This puts immense pressure on Kapp to be perfect every game and makes the bowling attack somewhat predictable.
O – Opportunities (3)
The leadership transition to Jemimah Rodrigues offers a fresh start and a ‘New Era’ opportunity. Leading DC to their first-ever title would be a historic achievement for her career. It also offers younger players like Niki Prasad a platform to prove they are ready for the highest level of international cricket.
T – Threats (4)
The biggest threat is the inconsistency of the middle order. While the top four are world-class, the lower-middle order has often struggled to finish games if the primary batters are out. Against a team like RCB, who have elite death bowlers, this lack of finishing power could be fatal.
Also READ: Ashleigh Gardner reveals her favourite women cricketer in fun rapid-fire challenge
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
The government plans to introduce the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the second half of the Budget session beginning March 9, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, adding that the parliamentary committee examining the proposed law has already submitted its report.The proposed changes are aimed at further improving timelines and effectiveness of insolvency proceedings while aligning India’s insolvency framework more closely with global best practices.
Speaking during a media interaction a day after presenting the Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said, “I expect, subject to conditions, to table the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill in the second half of Budget session starting March 9 incorporating suggestion of the committee.”The finance minister, who also holds the Corporate Affairs portfolio, said the proposed legislation is based on recommendations submitted by the parliamentary committee reviewing the amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).The amendment will be the seventh legislative change to the insolvency law since it was implemented in 2016. The IBC has already undergone six legislative interventions since its enactment, with the last amendment carried out in 2021.The insolvency framework significantly altered the debtor-creditor relationship in India and helped instil greater discipline among companies and promoters by strengthening the consequences of default on debt repayments.Earlier, on August 12, 2025, the government had introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha proposing multiple changes to the IBC, including measures to reduce the time taken for admission of insolvency resolution applications.The Bill was subsequently referred to a select committee of the Lok Sabha, which submitted its report in December 2025.
New Delhi: Roger Federer coined the term “Happy Slam” for the Australian Open in 2007, and it has stuck. “Everybody is kind of happy to see each other, kind of after the off-season. It’s kind of like the ‘Happy Slam,’” Federer had said back on January 14, 2007.Daria Kasatkina, who took up Australian nationality recently, captured the mood in an interview with The Guardian: “Everyone is so chill, like ‘if you’re late, you’re late, mate.’ It’s OK, take it easy, don’t worry about it.”
That vibe is evident from the orderly manner of the nearest Flinders Street train station. It is also clear in the packed trams that take you to Melbourne Park. Once you get inside, having navigated through lengthy queues, drinks, lawn chairs and ice creams become the flavour even on sultry days.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Federer, who attended the start of the 2026 Australian Open, explained in detail this time around: “It felt like a very normal thing to say because a lot of players, they’re happy to escape the European winter,” said the six-time Australian Open winner.“Finally, you’re happy to maybe see the other players again [after a break], so it just feels very happy. The weather’s good, people are incredibly excited and pumped up about the Australian Open, we the players can feel that, the vibes are incredibly happy, nobody’s exhausted and tired [except for travel]. It stuck, and I’m happy it’s still the case because I still think the players are super happy to be here.”
Six-time Australian Open winner Roger Federer (AP)
Largely, that may well be the case but there have been grumblings in the last two weeks ranging from prize money, presence of cameras in locker rooms, barring of fitness trackers and the lengthy queues on the outside courts.
The Australian Open took the prize money to A$111.5 million ($74.56 million) this year, bringing it ahead of last year’s French Open ($65.42 million) and Wimbledon ($71.60 million) but short of the US Open’s purse ($90 million).Last year, the players had written to the Slams and expressed dissatisfaction with how much they were getting back in Australia. Tournament Director Craig Tiley defended their position saying, “I believe the players should continue to be paid more and more players paid more, we have 128 in the main draw and 128 qualifying (men and women), so we are supporting over 500 players financially each Grand Slam,” he told AFR.
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to win his maiden Australian Open (AP)
Coco Gauff was one of the players who said pressure would be mounted on the administrators if their demands remained unmet.The agitation over prize money is not new. There was a record prize money increase for the 2013 edition after players considered bypassing the tournament. In 2018, Djokovic threatened the formation of a breakaway player union while demanding a fairer share of the revenue raised by tournaments.
Increases in revenues and subsequent prize money go hand-in-hand with increases in broadcast fees. More cameras are used to show more aspects of the tournament, going beyond just the courts. Behind-the-scenes footage is crucial to the puzzle as broadcasters look to get more bang for their buck. Though, some players were not pleased.Gauff, upset after her loss to Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, thought she was alone and away from cameras as she trashed a racquet. Instead, the act was captured by a sneaky camera in the player areas near the locker room. Not-so-surprisingly, it was immediately clipped and made waves on social media.
It would be nice to have some space where you can do that without the whole world watching.
Iga Swiatek
In the press conference later, Gauff said, “maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.” She added: “I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments don’t need to broadcast.”Iga Swiatek backed Gauff. “The question is, are we tennis players, or are we, like, animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop?” she asked.“OK, that was exaggerating obviously, but it would be nice to have some privacy. It would be nice also to, I don’t know, have your own process and not always be observed. It would be nice to have some space where you can do that without the whole world watching.”
I’m surprised that we have no cameras while we are taking a shower!
Novak Djokovic
“We’re tennis players. We’re meant to be watched on the court, and in the press. That’s our job. It’s not our job to be a meme when you forget your accreditation. Oh, it’s funny, yeah, for sure. People have something to talk about, but for us I don’t think it’s necessary.”Djokovic, too, used an exaggerated example in agreeing with Gauff. “I mean, I’m surprised that we have no cameras while we are taking a shower!”For their part, Tennis Australia said, “…we value feedback from the players and will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the right balance.” Just for the record, Wimbledon and Roland Garros have private areas for players to retreat to.
A massive 1,368,043 people came through the turnstiles at the 2026 Australian Open. The main draw accounted for 1,150,044 people – both records for the tournament. One reason for this jump can be attributed to affordable ground passes – at A$69 in the first week.On the face of it, that creates plenty of buzz, volume and generates more revenue for the tournament, even if food and drinks get more expensive each year. But the overcrowding has sullied the experience for many of the regulars.“Having too many people, at this or any other tournament, is a very good problem for us,” Djokovic had said after beating Francesco Maestrelli. “It’s a good sign. I really like the mentality here, that desire to constantly improve.”
Australian Open 2026 faced an overcrowding issue (AP)
Craig Tiley predicted expanding the complex into the nearby Olympic and Yarra Park precincts to ease the overcrowding issue. He also proposed a “translucent dome over the whole precinct.” How that would pan out, if at all, remains to be seen.
Eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were asked to remove fitness trackers from their wrists. Aryna Sabalenka, too, was told to remove a device. These health analytical devices, known as wearables, are allowed by both the men’s and women’s tours, since 2024 and 2021, respectively, but not at Slams. It is another point where tennis administrators need to come together and simplify things but that’s already a long list.“Athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health – including during competition at events like the Australian Open,” said Whoop, the brand worn by Alcaraz. “Blocking access to personal health data does not protect sport.”The company’s CEO Will Ahmed took to social media after Alcaraz was asked to remove his tracker: “Ridiculous. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids!”
Poll
What do you think about the term ‘Happy Slam’ for the Australian Open?
Without giving the reason(s) behind their decision, Tennis Australia defended itself and said they do provide some health data to the players. “They can monitor key external load measures such as distance covered, changes of direction, high acceleration events and speed/spin of shots,” it said.Football, baseball, American Football, basketball and cricket have all embraced data analytics and connected athletes’ bodies to understand their limits. Tennis, however, is late to the game. And after the Australian Open, it has missed another stop.
File photo: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (Picture credit: ANI)
A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to a total of 10 years in prison in two separate corruption cases linked to alleged irregularities in the allocation of residential plots under the Purbachal New Town government project near Dhaka.According to news agency ANI, Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 handed Hasina five years’ imprisonment in each case, taking the total sentence to 10 years.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Robiul Alam.In the same cases, Hasina’s niece Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, a British MP and daughter of Sheikh Rehana, was sentenced to two years in each case, totalling four years in prison.Another niece, Azmina Siddiq, and Hasina’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq, also known as Bobby, were sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment each.
The 79-year-old former premier was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for allegedly using her official influence to allocate residential plots to others, including Tulip Siddiq, under the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital. The court pronounced the judgment at around 12.30 pm (local time).Apart from Hasina and her relatives, several others were also convicted. According to news agency PTI, those sentenced to five years’ imprisonment included a former junior housing minister, a former secretary of the housing ministry, a former Rajuk chairman and officials of the state-run Rajuk authority, which oversees plot allocations. Only one of the accused, a senior Rajuk official, was present in court, while the rest were tried in absentia.“The trial of the accused was not obstructed regardless of where they (accused) were in the world,” the judge said while delivering the verdict, as quoted by PTI.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the cases on January 13, 2025, initially against 16 individuals, later submitting charge sheets against 18 accused on March 10, 2025. A total of 31 witnesses testified during the trial, with the recording of testimonies concluding on January 5 this year. The court had fixed February 2 for pronouncing judgment in both cases.The corruption watchdog alleged Hasina colluded with government officials to illegally secure plots in the Purbachal New Town Project for herself and her family members, despite them being ineligible under existing rules. Hasina has earlier been convicted in multiple other cases related to the same project and sentenced to a cumulative 26 years in prison in previous verdicts.
Hasina’s now-disbanded Awami League described the sentences as “entirely predictable” and alleged the cases were “fabricated” by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.Tulip Siddiq rejected the allegations, calling the process “flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end”. “I’m absolutely baffled by the whole thing,” she was quoted by the BBC as saying, adding that she had not received any summons or charge sheet. She said she had engaged lawyers in both the UK and Bangladesh.Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 5, 2024, after her government was toppled in a student-led uprising. Following her ouster, an interim government under Muhammad Yunus initiated a series of legal proceedings against Hasina, her family members and former Awami League leaders.Earlier, a special tribunal sentenced Hasina to death on charges of committing crimes against humanity for her alleged role in brutally suppressing the student-led uprising. Separately, on an Anti-Corruption Commission complaint, a court on November 27 had sentenced Hasina to a total of 21 years’ imprisonment.
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Monday took a sharp dig at the Centre during the Parliament Budget Session, dismissing claims of “ruckus in the House” and accusing the ruling party of repeatedly targeting the opposition branding them “deshdrohi.” She further took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning restrictions placed on Opposition speeches in the House.Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Moitra said, “There was no ruckus in Parliament. It is unbelievable how the ruling party and the treasury benches, including the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, can say anything about the Opposition.”
“Are you telling me India–China relations cannot be referred to in the House? India–Pakistan relations cannot be referred to in the House? India–US relations cannot be referred to in the House?” she asked.She added sarcastically, “What should we talk about? Sit down and do Jai Pradhan Mantri? Is that all we should do in the House?”She alleged that Opposition leaders are routinely branded unpatriotic. “They call us unpatriotic. They call us deshdrohi. They cast aspersions on us and it’s all okay. There is no rule ever stopping that. They can say anything,” she said.The TMC MP alleged that ruling party members are allowed wide latitude while the Opposition is curtailed. “Somebody like Tejasvi Surya can stand up and say anything and it is applauded. And then, when we as the Opposition stand up to say something, our rights are taken away and we are told there is a ruling on it,” she said.Referring to Rule 349, Moitra argued that discussions were well within parliamentary business. “What is in the business of the House today is the President’s Address, and the President talks about everything,” she added.
Moitra’s remarks came amid a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha after leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from a report citing excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane during the motion of thanks on the President’s Address.Challenging the government’s objections, Rahul asked, “What does it contain which is scaring them so much? If they are not scared, I should be allowed to read on.”Defence minister Rajnath Singh objected to Rahul quoting from an unpublished book, stating it had not been authenticated.“I want that LoP, Lok Sabha, should present before the House the book he is quoting from, because the book he is referring to has not been published,” Singh said.NDA MPs echoed the objection, arguing that parliamentary rules do not permit references to unpublished material.Responding to allegations by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya questioning the Congress’s patriotism, Rahul said he wanted to read from the memoir.“A young colleague over there made an allegation against the Congress Party… because he has raised the issue about our patriotism, our understanding of Indian culture, I’d like to start by reading something,” Rahul said.He added, “And this is from the memoir of Army Chief Naravane. And I’d like you to listen nicely. You will understand exactly who is patriotic, who is not.”Referring to the Doklam standoff, Rahul said, “It will take a little while, so this is about when four Chinese tanks were entering Indian territory. They were taking a ridge in Doklam.”While Rahul maintained that the excerpts appeared in a published magazine article citing Naravane’s memoir, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ruled that unpublished material could not be read out in the House and denied permission to proceed.Opposition members protested the ruling, demanding that Rahul be allowed to read the excerpts, while treasury bench members insisted House rules barred references to unpublished works.The episode led to sharp verbal exchanges in the Lok Sabha, further escalating tensions during the Budget Session.
