Month: January 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the suicide of Sukhwant Singh on Saturday inspected the crime scene in Kathgodam, with Uttarakhand Police saying that evidence collection and witness examination are being carried out to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.

Sukhwant Singh, a resident of Paiga in Udham Singh Nagar district, allegedly shot himself in a hotel room in Kathgodam, Haldwani, on the night of January 10. Before his death, he had uploaded a video and sent an email levelling serious allegations against certain property dealers and police officials.

Police Headquarters said Inspector General of Police (STF) and SIT Chief Nilesh Anand Bharne, along with his team, reached Kathgodam and inspected the incident site. During the visit, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected evidence from the scene, while statements from independent witnesses linked to the case were being recorded.

Bharne said that all records and documents related to the case, available at the Udham Singh Nagar Police Office, ITI Police Station, Paiga Outpost, and other concerned offices and branches, are being preserved to maintain the integrity of the evidence.

To ensure impartiality and transparency, the SIT chief said clear instructions have been issued to the local police, apart from the SIT, not to make any unnecessary contact with members of the victim’s family or witnesses. He added that keeping in view the security of the complainant, the victim’s family, and witnesses, a security guard from another district is being deployed at the residence of the victim’s family.

For technical analysis, the SIT has been strengthened with the inclusion of three sub-inspectors, two head constables, and one constable, police headquarters said.

Late on Saturday evening, the SIT also met the victim’s family. Bharne reiterated that the investigation into the sensitive case is being conducted impartially on the basis of facts, evidence, and legal provisions. He added that after inspecting the crime scene, the FIR registered at ITI Police Station is being transferred to Kathgodam Police Station, and strict legal action will be ensured in accordance with the law.

Earlier on Friday, the SIT was constituted to probe the suicide of Sukhwant Singh. The SIT has begun reviewing the case diary, post-mortem report, mobile phone, and other material collected from Kathgodam Police Station. The deceased’s mobile phone and firearm have been sent to the FSL for examination, while the technical team is analysing the email sent by Sukhwant Singh.

The investigation is being conducted alongside a magisterial inquiry by the Commissioner of the Kumaon Division. Director General of Police Deepam Seth has assured that the SIT will conduct an impartial, transparent, and thorough probe. In the interest of a fair investigation, 12 police personnel have been suspended and transferred out of the district with immediate effect. (ANI)

The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Saturday urged Iranian authorities to grant consular access to 16 Indian crew members detained on MT Valiant Roar. Despite repeated requests since Dec 14, access hasn’t been granted.

“Around mid-December 2025, Mission was informed about the detention of the vessel MT Valiant Roar by Iranian authorities, with 16 Indian crew members on board. The Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas immediately (on 14 December) wrote to the Government of Iran seeking Consular Access to the crew,” read the Indian Embassy statement.

“The request for consular access has been repeated numerous times since then, both by diplomatic correspondence and in-person meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at the level of the Ambassador. The Iranian authorities were also requested to allow the crew to communicate with their families in India,” added the statement.

The embassy is working to ensurethe crew’s welfare: food, water, and fuel supplies arranged with the Iranian navy’s help and also engaging UAE-based ship-owning company for legal representation and provisions. Consulate in Dubai is also pressing the company for support.

“The Consulate also established contact with the UAE-based company that owns the ship on 15 December, and has subsequently been in touch with the Iran-based agents of the company, to press upon the company to ensure provision of food, water and fuel for the ship, and also to arrange legal representation for the crew in Iranian courts. Upon being informed by the ship of depleting food and water stocks, the Mission intervened with the Iranian navy to arrange emergency supplies of food and water in early January. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also been pressing upon the ship-owning company to ensure legal representation and regular supplies of provisions to the ship,” added the statement.

The matter is expected to be subject to judicial process in Iran. However, the Mission and the Consulate continue to press the Iranian authorities to grant early consular access to the crew, and to ensure expeditious completion of the judicial proceedings.

The statement by the Embassy comes shortly after, on Thursday, the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rescue of their son.

Mehta was one of the members of the 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar who were taken into custody by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),

The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in the international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel. (ANI)

The British government is nearing approval of a contentious proposal by China to establish what would be its largest diplomatic mission in Europe, raising alarms over security, sovereignty and civil liberties. The planned complex, often described as a “super embassy,” is to be built at Royal Mint Court, a landmark location close to London’s financial district, as reported by Phayul.

According to Phayul, Prime Minister Keir Starmer could formally approve the project as early as January 20, 2026. The decision is expected just ahead of Starmer’s first official bilateral visit to China, a coincidence that has fuelled speculation about political and diplomatic pressure.

China acquired the Royal Mint Court site in 2018 for an estimated £225 million, with the intention of consolidating all its diplomatic offices in London into a single, expansive facility. From the outset, the plan has encountered fierce resistance. In 2022, local authorities rejected the proposal, citing risks linked to public safety, security vulnerabilities and the difficulty of policing protests in such a sensitive area.

After China resubmitted the unchanged plan in 2024, the UK government intervened, arguing that the matter was of national importance and should be decided at the central level. Since then, the proposal has been stalled by legal hurdles, political opposition and repeated warnings from security experts. Despite these obstacles, the government is now reportedly preparing to approve.

Critics across the political spectrum have condemned the move, warning that a massive Chinese diplomatic hub in London could expose the UK to espionage risks and undermine public trust, as highlighted by Phayul.

Concerns have also crossed borders. US lawmakers have voiced unease that the embassy’s size and proximity to key financial and technological infrastructure could threaten sensitive data and weaken intelligence cooperation among Western allies. Public resistance has been equally intense. Human rights organisations and diaspora groups, including Tibetans, Hong Kongers, Uyghurs and Taiwanese, have organised large demonstrations near the site. Protesters fear the embassy could be used to monitor, intimidate or harass critics of China living in the UK, as reported by Phayul. (ANI)

Italy have announced their 15-player squad for their first-ever appearance at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Wayne Madsen has been named the captain of the side for the marquee T20I tournament, as per the ICC website.

The Azzurri will begin their T20 WC campaign against Bangladesh on February 9 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, before facing Nepal on February 12 in Mumbai.

Italy squad for T20 WC 2026:

Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

Italy secured their berth at the T20 WC after a memorable showing at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 2025, finishing second thanks to notable victories over Scotland and Guernsey.

Notably, Wayne Madsen replaced the former Australian cricketer Joe Burns as Italy’s captain. Burns, who has played 23 Test matches for Australia, led the Italy men’s cricket team and was a key member of its qualifying campaigns. The former Australian cricketer Burns played eight T20Is for Italy. He scored 1 hundred and 1 fifty each at an average of 45 with a strike rate of nearly 140.

The standout inclusion in Italy’s T20 WC team is experienced all-rounder JJ Smuts, a former South Africa international who has featured in 13 T20 Internationals. Meanwhile, Emilio Gay has been ruled out due to injury.

The team’s coaching setup will be led by John Davison, with Kevin O’Brien and Douglas Brown serving as assistant coaches, and Peter Di Venuto taking on the role of team manager.

Italy have been placed in Group C, where they will compete against two-time champions England and the West Indies, along with Bangladesh and Nepal. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the ‘Bagurumba Dwhou 2026’, the traditional Bodo Cultural Programme, in Assam’s Guwahati, where he tried his hand at the Serja, a traditional musical instrument.

The Prime Minister was felicitated at the event. On this occasion, more than 10,000 artists from the Bodo community will perform the Bagurumba dance in a single, synchronised presentation. Artists from 81 Legislative Assembly Constituencies from across 23 districts of the state will take part in the event.

According to a press release from the PMO, Bagurumba is one of the folk dances of the Bodo community, deeply inspired by nature. The dance symbolises blooming flowers and reflects harmony between human life and the natural world.

Traditionally performed by young Bodo women, with men accompanying as musicians, the dance features gentle, flowing movements that imitate butterflies, birds, leaves and flowers. Performances are usually organised in groups, forming circles or lines that enhance their visual elegance.

The Bagurumba dance holds deep cultural significance for the Bodo people. It represents peace, fertility, joy and collective harmony, and is closely associated with festivals such as Bwisagu, the Bodo New Year, and Domasi.

Earlier, he held a roadshow in Guwahati, Assam, before heading to the Sarusajai Stadium to take part in the traditional Bodo Cultural Programme. PM Modi was received by the public waving the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) flag.

On January 18, Sunday, the Prime Minister will perform the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project (four-laning of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715), worth over Rs 6,950 crore.

The 86 km long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project is an environmentally conscious National Highway project. It will feature 35 km of Elevated Wildlife Corridor that will pass through Kaziranga National Park, a 21-kilometre Bypass section and a 30-kilometre widening of the existing highway section of NH-715 from two to four lanes. The project aims to improve regional connectivity while ensuring protection of the park’s rich biodiversity.

The project will pass through Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts and will significantly improve connectivity to Upper Assam, particularly Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. The elevated wildlife corridor will ensure the uninterrupted movement of animals and reduce human-wildlife conflict. It will also enhance road safety, reduce travel time and accident rates, and support growing passenger and freight traffic. As part of the project, Bypasses will be developed at Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat that will help to decongest towns, improve urban mobility and enhance the quality of life for local residents, the PMO said.

During the programme, the Prime Minister will also flag off two New Amrit Bharat Express trains – Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express and Dibrugarh-Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) Amrit Bharat Express. These new train services will strengthen rail connectivity between the Northeast and Northern India, enabling safer, more convenient travel for people. (ANI)

Bollywood couple Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have a unique way of expressing their love for each other in public. Instead of posting lovey-dovey posts, they both always make sure to tease each other by sharing their funny pictures and videos on social media. Isn’t it cute?

As they completed 25 years of their journey as Mr and Mrs on January 17, Akshay took to Instagram and shared a cute clip of Twinkle in which she could be seen walking in a funny way.

In his caption, the actor also recalled what his mother-in-law and veteran actress Dimple Kapadia jokingly told him about Twinkle on their wedding day 25 years ago.

“When we got married this day in 2001, her mother had said ‘Beta, get ready to burst out laughing in the most weird situations because she’ll do exactly that.’ 25 years, and I know ki meri mother-in-law kabhi jhooth nahi bolti hai… Her daughter refuses to even walk straight… she prefers to dance through life instead. From day one to year twenty-five, cheers to my lady who keeps me laughing, guessing and slightly anxious at times! Happy anniversary to us, Tina. 25 years of madness that we both love,” Akshay wrote.

Akshay and Twinkle tied the knot on January 17, 2001. The couple has two children, son Aarav and daughter Nitara.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Akshay Kumar has multiple films lined up, including Welcome 3, Haiwaan, Hera Pheri 3, and Bhoot Bangla, among others.

Last month, Akshay shared a special teaser of Welcome 3, offering a glimpse of the star-studded cast of the film and their dramatic entry against the tune of a Christmas jingle.

“Wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas from the giant cast of Welcome to the Jungle!In cinemas 2026. Never have I ever been part of something so big…none of us have. We can’t wait to present our gift to you. It’s a wrap, people! Well done, gang. Such a huge effort from everyone involved in making this happen. From our big family to yours at home, we wish you nothing but the best for 2026,” Akshay wrote in the caption.

The video features Akshay alongside stars like Raveena Tandon, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Johny Lever, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Aftab Shivdasani, and Rajpal Yadav, among others, walking in unison as they remain armed with guns and dressed in protective gear.

Meanwhile, Twinkle Khanna recently released a sequel to her bestselling book, ‘Mrs Funnybones’, adding another milestone to her literary achievements. (ANI)

Actor Shekhar Suman shared a deeply emotional post as he remembered his son Aayush, who passed away at a very young age.

The actor looked back at old memories and spoke from the heart about the loss that still stays with him.

Suman, took to his Instagram account to share a picture of Aayush along with a touching note. in which the actor spoke about how he still misses his son every single day and how life feels incomplete without him.

While sharing the post, Shekhar remembered his “angel” and spoke about the happiness his son gave them before leaving too soon.

In his post, the actor wrote, “Remembering my angel Aayush. Miss you ev moment my baby. Life is incomplete without you. In a short span of time you gave us all so much happiness. we still haven’t recovered from the tragedy of losing you. But you are in a better world with God and the fairies.”

Take a look

For those who may not know, Shekhar Suman’s son Aayush passed away in April 1995 at just 11 years old.

Shekhar also has another son, Adhyayan Suman, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor.

On the work front, Shekhar Suman was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ He played the role of “Khan Bahadur Zulfikar Ahmed,” a powerful figure among the Nawabs. The show is set in the 1940s during India’s freedom struggle and looks at the lives of courtesans and their patrons. It released on Netflix on May 1, 2024. (ANI)

Actor Ahan Shetty has shared the stills from behind-the-scenes of his upcoming film ‘Border 2’, featuring his love for the on-screen daughter and wife from the film.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Ahan Shetty created hype around his character in the film by sharing heartwarming photos from the set.

In one of the pictures, the actor was seen spending time with his onscreen daughter, who was sitting on the front of the car while wearing an Indian Navy hat.

In another photo, Ahan was seen lying on the lap of his onscreen wife, Anya Singh, while reading a book. The actor wrote, “Mai Waapas Aaunga”, lyrics from the song ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’.

Ahan Shetty, who carries forward his father Suniel Shetty’s iconic legacy in Border 2, is being showered with immense love across the internet.

The actor expressed his gratitude for the appreciation he has been receiving for his role in ‘Border 2’ as seen in the trailer of the film.

“All this love honestly leaves me a little speechless. To see people, especially the younger generation connect so deeply with the trailer and my work is something I never imagined so soon. Every message, every caption, every bit of excitement comes straight from the heart, and I feel it completely. I carry this film, and the legacy associated with it, with immense respect and responsibility. The encouragement and warmth I’m receiving only strengthen my belief and push me to give everything I have. I’m deeply thankful for this love, it’s emotional, humbling, and something I will always hold close,” said Ahan Shetty as quoted in a press note.

Directed by Anurag Singh, the second instalment of the iconic film brings back Sunny Deol as the main lead, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty joining him to fight the enemies.

“Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War”, the trailer opens the door to the powerful world of Border 2 and what happens when India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force come together to fight as one.

‘Border 2’ is produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films. The movie will hit the big screens ahead of Republic Day on January 23. (ANI)

Actor Kangana Ranaut has become the latest celebrity to join the viral 2016 trend. While many remembered the particular year with gratitude, Kangana described 2016 as a time when her life became a “living hell.”

In her post, she recalled receiving a “controversial legal notice” from one of her colleagues that “shook and divided the industry into insiders and outsiders”.

She refrained from naming anyone, yet her post subtly hinted at her much-publicised feud with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan.

“Why is everyone missing 2016 suddenly? It was the inevitable ascend of my career trajectory, post back to back blockbusters like Queen and Tanu weds Manu returns I became the highest paid actress but then in the January of 2016 one of my colleagues sent me that controversial legal notice which shook and divided the industry in to insiders and outsiders,” she wrote.

“Success became poisonous and life became a living hell. Sides were taken and many more legal battles followed. Ten years ago had I known in 2026 I will be eating carbs in all my meals, will be laughing a lot and none of the 2016 drama would mean anything to anyone few years down the line, honestly I would have not been so miserable back then. Thank God it’s not 2016 and we are in 2026,” Kangana added.

The controversy between Kangana and Hrithik surfaced in early 2016 after Ranaut reportedly publicly referred to him as an “ex” during media interviews. Hrithik, however, strongly denied the claims and subsequently issued a legal notice demanding a public apology. The two have worked together in Krrish 3. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss issues related to the international border and other pending matters concerning the state, asserting that Punjab’s rights were clearly placed before the Centre.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mann said a key issue discussed was the rehabilitation of agricultural land situated beyond the border fencing. He requested a review of the current border fencing, which leaves significant agricultural land isolated between the fence and the actual international border, causing hardships for farmers and forcing them to cultivate their land under strict security protocols alongside the BSF after showing identity documents.

Mann said that if the fencing is realigned, thousands of acres of land would fall on the Indian side, allowing farmers to cultivate without fear, restrictions or security concerns. He added that Shah responded positively and assured him that a decision would be taken, for which he expressed gratitude.

“This is Punjab’s share and Punjab’s right–it is not charity. We have come to demand Punjab’s rightful dues. Regarding the international border, he spoke very positively. A lot of land lies beyond the fencing, which is two to three kilometres inside in many places. There is land where farmers go along with the BSF to cultivate after showing their ID. If the fence is moved 200-300 kilometres, thousands of acres of land will come on this side of the fence. Farming can then be done without fear, security issues or restrictions. Today, he said that a decision will be taken on this, and I am grateful that he is considering this at my request,” Mann told reporters.

On the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, Mann said the matter is currently under hearing in the Supreme Court and that the state has engaged the best possible legal representation. Reiterating Punjab’s position, he said the state does not have surplus water and maintained that the dispute should be resolved through dialogue or any other appropriate means.

“Regarding the SYL issue, the matter is under hearing in the Supreme Court. We are sending the best possible lawyers there. Even on this issue, we clearly stated that Punjab does not have water. That is our stand, and we said that this issue should be resolved through discussion or by any appropriate means,” Mann said.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns about foodgrain storage, requesting that the state’s rice stocks be cleared by running special trains to make room for the upcoming wheat procurement. He said Punjab is expected to supply 12.5 million metric tonnes of wheat to the country, and adequate storage arrangements are essential.

Furthermore, Mann flagged the long-standing 60:40 officer ratio in Chandigarh, under which 60 per cent of officers are from Punjab and 40 per cent from Haryana. He said this arrangement should be strictly maintained, adding that appointments from outside the two states do not feel appropriate. According to Mann, the Home Minister assured that the ratio would be upheld.

“We also asked that the stock of rice lying with us be cleared by running special trains so that we can make storage arrangements for wheat. Punjab will supply 12.5 million metric tonnes of wheat to the country, and it needs to be stored properly. The 60:40 ratio in Chandigarh has existed for a long time–60 per cent officers from Punjab and 40 per cent from Haryana. This arrangement should be maintained. Sometimes officers are appointed from the UT or elsewhere, which does not feel appropriate. He said that this ratio will be strictly maintained,” Mann said. (ANI)