Month: January 2026

Another Hindu man in Bangladesh was allegedly attacked by a mob of miscreants, who seriously injured him and then set him on fire in Shariatpur’s Damudya region of the country.

According to local newspaper Prothom Alo, the incident took place on New Year’s Eve on Wednesday at around 9:30 pm (local time), when the miscreants attacked the businessman, identified as 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das, seriously injured him, poured petrol on his body and set him on fire near the Keurbhanga Bazar in Koneshwar Union of Damudya.

Das was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, Prothom Alo reported.

According to sources at the Damudya Police Station, Das, a resident of Tiloi village in the Koneshwar Union, runs a pharmacy and a mobile banking business at Keurbhanga Bazar.

On Wednesday night, after closing his shop, Das was returning home in an auto-rickshaw when the miscreants stopped the vehicle at the Damudya-Shariatpur road near Keurbhanga Bazar and assaulted him.

The miscreants also attacked him with sharp weapons, later pouring petrol on him and setting him on fire, Prothom Alo reported. In order to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond beside the road.

Hearing his screams, local people rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee.

Locals later rescued him and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he received his initial treatment in the emergency department and was later sent to Dhaka later that night for advanced treatment, as his condition deteriorated.

Following the attack, Sima Das, wife of the victim, told reporters, “My husband returns home every night after closing his shop with the day’s sales money. On Wednesday night, criminals attacked him. He recognised two of the attackers, and because of that, they assaulted him with the intention to kill–hacking him and setting fire to his head and face after pouring petrol on him. We have no enemies in the area. We have no disputes with anyone over any matter. We cannot understand why the criminals suddenly targeted my husband.”

Nazrul Islam, a doctor at the emergency department of Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, said that the person brought to the emergency department at night had injury marks on various parts of his body.

As one injury to the abdomen was serious, he was referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. In addition to that, Das also sustained burn injuries on his face, the back of his head, and his hands.

Mohammad Rabiul Haque, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Damudya Police Station, said, “After receiving information about a terrorist attack on a businessman at Keurbhanga Bazar, we went to the scene. The names of two of the attackers have been identified. They are local residents Rabbi and Sohag. Efforts are underway to arrest them. We are also trying to identify others who may be involved in the incident,” as quoted by Prothom Alo.

Last month, two incidents of Hindu youth being lynched were also reported in Bangladesh.

Dipu Chandra Das, a worker in a garment factory in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges, had his body hanged and set on fire on December 18.

Meanwhile, another Hindu youth identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched at Hosendanga village of Kalimohor union in Rajbari’s Pangsha sub-district over an extortion allegation.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation among political leaders, religious organisations and minority groups in Bangladesh and India. (ANI)

Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie declined a suggestion to coach the Indian Test team as they face struggles in the longest format of the game after a whitewash Test series loss at home to New Zealand and South Africa in back-to-back years.

Jason, who also served as Pakistan’s head coach in 2024 from April to December, was interacting with his followers on X handle.

One of the users posted to Gilliespie, “Jason, you need to coach india now because they are losing not just losing but getting white washed at home twice they need you seriously.”

To this, Gillespie replied, “No thanks.”

While Team India has been doing exceptionally well under Gautam Gambhir in limited-overs cricket, lifting the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup T20I edition in unbeaten runs, the same cannot be said about Test cricket as under him, India has won just seven Tests and lost 10, drawing the other two.

As far as the series record is concerned, India started off well with a 2-0 series win against Bangladesh at home, but back-to-back setbacks against New Zealand and Australia (1-3 Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss away from home) led to legends Rohit, Virat, and Ravichandran Ashwin hanging up their whites.

The 2-2 draw against England away from home, in one of the most gripping Test series over the years under leadership of a young Shubman Gill, followed by a 2-0 series win at home against West Indies did instill hope, before Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma, spinner Simon Harmer and pace all-rounder Marco Jansen chipped in with some of the best performances of the year to first deny India a chase of merely 124 runs at Kolkata and then inflict on them their biggest-ever Test loss by 408 runs.

In both the Tests, India missed the services of skipper Gill, who went down due to a neck injury sustained just minutes into his batting stint at the Kolkata Test, with Rishabh Pant stepping in as captain.

But India did well enough to secure well-fought ODI and T20I series against Proteas by margins of 2-1 and 3-1 respectively, to make the home series a decent affair overall.

Now, India’s most significant challenge ahead is not Test cricket for a while, but defending their T20 World Cup crown, won under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy last year, with a new-look team led by Suryakumar Yadav in the tournament starting on February 7. India will start off their campaign against the USA on the same day in Mumbai and have been placed alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA in Group A.

While the young Indian team has displayed a golden standard of T20I cricket for the most part this year in their unbeaten run across all the series, playing their first T20 World Cup in the absence of stalwarts Rohit and Virat for the first time in several years in front of a home crowd would be an interesting challenge. (ANI)

It hasn’t even been a month since its release, and Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar has already set numerous records.

And now the film has entered 2026 with the “aim of emerging as the highest-grossing Hindi film ever,” as per renowned trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ has raked in Rs 766.90 crore in India so far.

In a post on X, Taran Adarsh mentioned, “‘DHURANDHAR’ – THE DHURANDHAR OF HINDI CINEMA… #Dhurandhar ends 2025 with a BIG BANG and begins 2026 with the aim of emerging as the highest-grossing #Hindi film ever. The film continues its phenomenal, record-smashing run, with business on the fourth Wednesday staying in double digits.”

Sharing the film’s collection, he added, “YES, double-digit collections for 27 days non-stop – the ONLY #Hindi film to achieve this historic feat. #Dhurandhar [Week 4] Fri 16.70 cr, Sat 20.90 cr, Sun 24.30 cr, Mon 11.20 cr, Tue 12.60 cr, Wed 12.40 cr. Total: ₹ 766.90 cr. #India biz | Official Nett BOC | #Boxoffice.”

Made in two parts, the first instalment follows a decade-long Indian intelligence operation in which an undercover agent infiltrates Karachi’s criminal and political underworld. It was released on December 5. The second part is scheduled to be released on March 19, 2026.

In addition to Ranveer Singh, ‘Dhurandhar’ features phenomenal performances by Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Sanjay Dutt. (ANI)

Star cricketer Virat Kohli’s first post of 2026 sets the internet abuzz, as he shared a stunning picture with his ladylove Anushka Sharma from their New Year celebrations in Dubai, UAE.

Both husband and wife were dressed to the nines, with Virat donning a navy blue suit and Anushka sporting a gorgeous black dress.

As soon as Virat posted the picture, fans chimed in the comment section to shower their love on the couple.

“King and his Queen,” a social media user commented.

“How beautiful,” another fan wrote.

“Nazar na lage,” a netizen commented.

Virat and Anushka were joined by their family members for the New Year bash. Virat’s brother Vikas Kohli also shared a couple of pictures from last night’s party.

In one of the images, Virat could be seen posing with his father-in-law, brother, and brother-in-law.

“The Boys,” Vikas captioned the post.

In another post, the entire family posed together. Anushka’s mother and Virat’s sister Bhawna, and sister-in-law Chetna were also present. One can also spot Virat’s niece and nephews in this fam-jam picture.

On New Year’s Eve, he uploaded a beautiful picture with Anushka, writing, “Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life, @anushkasharma.”

The snap captured Virat and Anushka sharing warm smiles, with their faces playfully painted. Half of his face was painted with a Spider-Man design, while a beautiful butterfly was painted around Anushka’s eye.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Virat recently scored 208 runs in two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy so far at an average of 104.00 and a strike rate of 128, including a 101-ball 131 against Andhra Pradesh and a brisk 77 in 61 balls against Gujarat.Virat’s return to VHT after 15 years has also witnessed him complete a couple of milestones, reaching the 1,000-run mark in the tournament’s history and also becoming the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar and the fastest batter to reach the 16,000-run landmark in List A cricket.

Virat’s return to the 50-over format, which started on a poor note with two successive ducks against Australia in November, now looks like a triumphant one. Starting from that unbeaten 74* in the Sydney ODI, Virat has blasted 584 runs at an average of 146.00 in six innings for India/Delhi, scoring three centuries and three fifties.

All eyes are on now on Virat to wear the ODI colours when India kickstarts a three-match ODI series against New Zealand from January 11. (ANI)

The government has completed the trial, testing, and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train and the first route chosen is between Guwahati and Kolkata, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first sleeper train sometime soon, the minister said at a press conference.

“For a long time, there has been a demand for new generation trains. Vande Bharat chair car started a new era in Indian Railways. People started liking it a lot. Demands are being received from all corners of the country for running Vande Bharat trains,” he said.

“The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been designed keeping long-distance travel of over a thousand kilometers in mind. This train will provide a fast, comfortable, and modern travel experience to long-distance passengers. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with advanced safety features, an improved suspension system, and world-class sleeper coaches to make overnight journeys more convenient,” the Minister added.

The Minister said that the fare of the Guwahati-Howrah route has been set at approximately Rs 2300.

“Typically, airfare on the Guwahati-Howrah route ranges between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000, and sometimes reaches as high as ₹10,000. In the Vande Bharat Sleeper, the 3AC fare from Guwahati to Howrah has been set at approximately ₹2,300, which is quite affordable for common passengers. Meanwhile, the 2AC fare will be around ₹3,000. Additionally, keeping the middle class in mind, the First AC fare has been proposed at approximately ₹3,600,” he said.

According to Vaishnaw, by the end of this year, about 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be ready and inducted into the rail network. Following this, their expansion will be scaled up rapidly next year.

Indian Railways has successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The trial was conducted on the Kota-Nagda section, during which the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards advanced and self-reliant rail technology.

During the trial, comprehensive technical evaluations were carried out, including assessment of ride stability, oscillation, vibration behaviour, braking performance, emergency braking system, safety systems, and other critical parameters. The train’s performance at high speed was found to be fully satisfactory, and the trial was declared successful by the CRS.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, earlier shared a video of the high-speed trial on social media, highlighting the successful CRS trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at 180 kmph on the Kota-Nagda section. The video also showcased a water-glass stability demonstration, in which glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed, underscoring the advanced ride quality, superior suspension, and technological robustness of this new-generation train.

The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rake used in the trial has been designed to cater to long-distance passenger travel and is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. These include comfortable sleeper berths, advanced suspension systems, automatic doors, modern toilets, fire detection and safety monitoring systems, CCTV-based surveillance, digital passenger information systems, and energy-efficient technologies.

These features are aimed at providing passengers with a safe, comfortable, and world-class travel experience.

Broad Technological advancements and safety features provided in Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains are; Fitted with KAVACH; Crashworthy and Jerk-Free Semi permanent couplers and Anti Climbers; Fire barrier doors at the end of each coach; Improved fire safety Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories; Regenerative braking system for energy efficiency; Air conditioning units provided with indigenously developed UV-C lamp based disinfection systems; Centrally controlled Automatic Plug Doors and Fully Sealed wider gangways; CCTVs in all coaches; Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency; For Divyangjan passengers a special lavatory in the driving coaches on each end; Centralized Coach Monitoring System for better condition monitoring of passenger amenities such as Air conditioning, Saloon Lighting etc; and Ergonomically designed ladder for ease of climbing onto upper berths

The successful completion of the CRS high-speed trial marks a major technical achievement and paves the way for the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper services. This development underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation, safety, and the advancement of indigenous rail manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney for adopting French citizenship. In his Post on Truth Social the President called the couple the “worst political prognosticators of all time.”

Trump said, “Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden.”

“Remember when Clooney, after the now infamous debate, dumped Joe during a fundraiser, only to go onto the side of another stellar candidate, Jamala(K!), who is now fighting it out with the worst governor in the Country, including Tim Waltz, Gavin Newscum, for who is going to lead the Democrats to their future defeat. Clooney got more publicity for politics than he did for his very few, and totally mediocre, movies. He wasn’t a movie star at all, he was just an average guy who complained, constantly, about common sense in politics,” he added.

The French government said on Wednesday, as quoted by ABC News, that the couple was granted French citizenship because “they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France’s international influence and cultural outreach.”

Their naturalization was questioned by a junior French minister earlier. The naturalizations of the couple and their twins Ella and Alexander were announced last weekend in the Journal Officiel, where French government decrees are published, as per ABC News.

Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior minister at the Interior Ministry, questioned that some of the French people may think that the couple was granted special treatment. The actor speaks only what he himself says is “horrible, horrible” French.

The couple purchased an estate in France in 2021 and Clooney has said that it’s their primary residence. Non-French residents of France have multiple possible routes to becoming naturalized.

It isn’t known yet if George Clooney retained his American citizenship. Amal Clooney was born in Lebanon and raised in the UK and naturalized by France under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The 8-year-old twins were born in London. (ANI)

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that any decision on the state’s Chief Ministership rests solely with the Congress high command, even as speculation and internal party dynamics continue to fuel debate over a possible leadership change.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified that he has neither formed any group nor issued instructions to supporters demanding that he be made the next Chief Minister. “There is no ‘my team’. Some people, friends or well-wishers, may express their views on their own. Even when I visit districts, some people say such things. It is their interest, but ultimately, the high command will make a decision,” he said.

The Home Minister’s remarks come amid an alleged ongoing power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with the Chief Ministership emerging as a contentious issue after the government reached its halfway mark. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara are seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn.

Earlier, Parameshwara extended New Year 2026 greetings to the people of Karnataka on behalf of himself and the state police department. “I pray to the Almighty to grant everyone a successful life, particularly the younger generation. As Home Minister, I will strive to ensure that Karnataka remains peaceful, maintains law and order, and serves as an example for other states,” he said.

Reviewing security arrangements for New Year celebrations, particularly in Bengaluru, the Home Minister said the task was challenging but well-planned. “We deployed nearly 20,000 police personnel. I personally sat in the command centre, monitored the situation and issued instructions wherever large gatherings were reported. I am very happy that the celebrations were peaceful and people welcomed the New Year safely,” he said.

On administrative matters, Parameshwara said the state government had cleared long-pending promotions in the police department. “We have completed more than 30 promotions, including officers moving from SP to DIG and from DIG to IG ranks,” he noted.

The Home Minister also welcomed the Centre’s decision to allocate Rs 352 crores for police modernisation, calling it a significant development. “We have been requesting the Government of India for modernisation funds for a long time, and for the first time, we have received around Rs 350 crore,” he said.

Senior police officials met Parameshwara at his residence in Bengaluru earlier in the day to review law and order and security preparedness. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan remembered his longtime friend and ‘Sholay’ co-star Dharmendra, offering a glimpse into their bond.

The entire team of Dharmendra’s final film ‘Ikkis’ recently was present at the Big B-hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati 17. The film’s lead actor, Agastya Nanda, was in attendance on his grandfather’s show along with his director Sriram Raghavan and co-stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia.

During the special episode, Big B opened up about late Dharmendra’s final performance. “Ikkis is the last precious memory for us, left for millions of fans. An artist wants to practice art till his last breath. And this is what my friend, my family, my idol, Dharmendra Deol Ji did. Dharamji was not just a person; he was a feeling. And a feeling never lets anyone go. He is always with us as a memory, as a blessing.”

Amitabh Bachchan also shared an anecdote from the sets of their iconic film ‘Sholay’, hailing the late actor’s immense physical strength.

“He was a wrestler, and I came to know that about him one day. In the death scene, I was suffering, and it was because of him. He was holding me so tightly. It was a natural acting,” the ‘Piku’ actor playfully shared.

Sriram Raghavan, who directed Dharmendra in ‘Ikkis’, also shared his memories of working with the legendary actor.

“I am very blessed. His last film is something where I think he is extraordinary,” Raghavan said.

Amitabh Bachchan, who shared a longtime friendship with Dharmendra, was present at the final rites of the icon. He recently also attended a screening of ‘Ikkis’.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, ‘Ikkis’ is a war biopic based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, and Rahul Dev. It will be released on January 1, 2026. (ANI)

Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who rose to prominence on a campaign centred on tackling affordability in one of the most expensive cities in the United States, was sworn in early Thursday as New York City’s 112th mayor.

At 34, Mamdani makes history as the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first South Asian mayor, and the youngest person to hold the office in more than a century.

“This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said moments after taking the oath, CNN reported.

The former Queens-based state assemblyman stunned the political establishment with his victory in the Democratic primary last summer, running on a platform focused on easing the cost-of-living burden. His campaign pledged universal childcare, a rent freeze for nearly two million rent-stabilised tenants, and making city buses “fast and free,” according to CNN.

Mamdani was sworn in shortly after midnight during a private ceremony attended by his wife, artist Rama Duwaji. His parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, were also present.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James, whom Mamdani has previously described as a “political inspiration,” administered the oath of office.

The ceremony was held at the disused City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan, a historic site closed to the public since 1945. The station, one of the city’s original subway stops, opened in 1904, features ornate tiled arches, stained glass skylights and chandeliers, CNN reported.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mamdani highlighted the symbolism of the venue, describing it as “a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city.”

He also announced the appointment of veteran city planner Michael Flynn as the next commissioner of the city’s Department of Transportation.

Public transport has been a cornerstone of Mamdani’s agenda. Along with proposals to make buses free, he has said his administration would expand bicycle lanes and redesign streets to better serve pedestrians.

A public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at City Hall Plaza, where thousands are expected to attend. Progressive leaders, including Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, are set to take part, with Sanders administering the public oath of office, CNN reported.

Mamdani’s transition team has also planned a block party along Broadway, billed as the “Inauguration of a New Era,” with supporters gathering outside City Hall.

While his agenda has energised progressive circles, it has also attracted scepticism. His proposals to tax the wealthy would require approval from the state legislature and the governor. He assumes office at a time when New York’s economy shows resilience, even as high living costs continue to strain working-class residents.

Mamdani’s ascent comes as the national Democratic Party debates its future direction, with his victory intensifying discussions over whether the party should shift further left and make affordability a central issue ahead of upcoming midterm elections. (ANI)

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday extended New Year greetings to the nation and hailed India’s decision action under Operation Sindoor, saying the “operation continues even today.”

In an X post by the ADG PI-Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi noted that the army is undergoing a decade of transformation, stating “jointness, self-reliance, and innovation” as the pillars of India’s defence strategy.

He called for indigenous technologies and new ideas to make the Army future-ready.

The COAS said, “On the auspicious occasion of New Year 2026, on behalf of the Indian Army, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens. May this New Year bring happiness, good health, and prosperity to you and your families. The Indian Army is ensuring the security of the nation with utmost vigilance and determination.”

“Last year, the enemy’s nefarious designs were given a befitting reply through firm and decisive action under Operation Sindoor, and this operation continues even today. Along with vigilance on the borders, the Army has played a vital role in national progress through rapid response during disasters within the country and nation-building efforts,” he said.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting the terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 individuals were killed.

Further, Army Chief General Dwivedi noted that networking and data-centricity are providing new impetus to the Army’s transformation process.

“The Indian Army is undergoing a decade of transformation, where jointness, self-reliance, and innovation are the core pillars of our strategic power. Through the effective use of indigenous technologies, new ideas, and continuous improvements, we are making the Army more capable and future-ready. Networking and data-centricity are providing new impetus to this transformation. I express my gratitude to every citizen for their contribution. Your trust, cooperation, and solidarity are our greatest strength. To achieve the goal of Developed India 2047, the Indian Army will continue to contribute to security and nation-building,” General Upendra Dwivedi said.

Post Operation Sindoor, the Army Chief has repeatedly called for jointness and the use of technology for modern warfare. In November 2025, following the commissioning of INS Mahe, General Upendra Dwivedi said that the Indian Army had also launched a series of initiatives under an overall umbrella in which jointness and integration are important pillars, recognising that modern conflicts will be multi-domain and hybrid.

COAS Upendra Dwivedi had then said, “The Indian Army too has launched a series of initiatives under an overall umbrella of a decade of transformation in which jointness and integration are important pillars, recognising that modern conflicts will be multi-domain, hybrid and require united national strength. The Indian Navy plays an important role in our neighbourhood as well as the global environment in far-off lands, where the efforts of the army can play both a supplementary and a complementary role in soft and hard diplomacy, which I refer to as smart diplomacy.” (ANI)