Times of India

Bangladesh have been officially replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup after the ICC ruled that BCB’s demands did not align with its policy. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta informed the Board and invited Scotland, citing their strong recent performances and No.14 ranking. Scotland, seen as the most deserving associate team, will play in Group C with matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Heads of universities and colleges are no longer just administrators; they are now the first line of accountability in preventing and responding to discrimination. New structures, new reporting mechanisms, and strict timelines are written into the rulebook, backed by the threat of serious penalties for non-compliance. Yet, as has often been the case with regulations aimed at correcting long-standing social inequities, the real questions lie beneath the stated intent.

A tragic shooting in Lawrenceville, Georgia, has claimed the lives of four people, including an Indian national. The incident stemmed from a family dispute. A brave 12-year-old child's quick thinking and 911 call alerted authorities. Police arrived swiftly, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The children present escaped unharmed. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta is providing assistance.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen voiced concerns over West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, saying the exercise is "being done in a hurry," further calling it an unjust to voters and a threat to democratic participation. He highlighted personal challenges with documentation and warned that the underprivileged and minority communities are most at risk of exclusion.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra questions Sanju Samson's T20I spot against New Zealand, citing repeated dismissals. Despite India's series lead, Samson's struggles, particularly his driving shots, are concerning. With Ishan Kishan in form and the T20 World Cup approaching, Samson faces mounting pressure to perform, even on his home ground.

An FIR was filed against five minor Muslim girls in Moradabad for allegedly making their Hindu friend wear a burqa. The incident, which occurred in December 2025, came to light after the girl's brother filed a complaint. Police are investigating the motive behind the alleged act, with the anti-conversion law carrying a severe penalty.

'Mardaani 3', starring Rani Mukerji as tough cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, releases in theatres on January 30, 2026. Produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the film streams on Netflix from March 27 after a 56-day theatrical run, exploring human trafficking and introducing the villain Amma, played by Mallika Prasad.

An employee recounts how a management push for control unraveled after a recorded meeting captured leaders discussing staff in harsh terms, including plans for “military-style discipline.” When the transcript was accidentally shared with the entire team, trust collapsed overnight. What followed were biased evaluations, targeted employees, and a deeply toxic workplace culture. The incident highlights how performative transparency and power-driven leadership can quickly erode morale and force workers to consider exit over endurance.

Congress MP Imran Masood stated Shashi Tharoor is "not a big part" of the party, intensifying the rift. Tharoor skipped a crucial Kerala poll meeting for a literature festival, defending his stance on Operation Sindoor and stating concerns should be raised internally.

Krishna Karunesh, a 2011-batch IAS officer, has taken over as the new CEO of Noida Authority, replacing Lokesh M. This change follows a recent controversy surrounding the death of a software engineer and subsequent protests alleging negligence. Karunesh, previously the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role.

Punjab's wedding venues are becoming scenes of violence, with recent shootings including an AAP sarpanch's murder in Amritsar and a deadly gang shootout in Ludhiana. These incidents highlight lax firearm ban enforcement, poor venue security, and the alarming normalization of guns at social gatherings, leaving communities fearful.

A sedentary lifestyle is fueling a health crisis, but a simple solution exists: walking. Experts emphasize that regular, brisk walking, even for shorter durations, significantly improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and overall well-being. This accessible activity can even lead to remission for pre-diabetes and enhance medication effectiveness for existing conditions.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified his stance on party lines. He stated his only public disagreement was on Operation Sindoor and India's counterterrorism position. Tharoor emphasized national interest above political differences. His remarks follow reports of internal party friction and his absence from a key meeting. He recalled past events and leaders' views on national security.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai sold over 30,000 Alphabet Class C shares for approximately $10.6 million on January 21, 2026. This transaction occurred under a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The sale follows a strong year for Google stock, driven by AI advancements and a significant market valuation.

The banking sector anticipates targeted policy support in Union Budget 2026 to address credit constraints and rising NPAs in unsecured loans. Key expectations include enhanced MSME credit guarantees, co-lending schemes, and continued digital financial inclusion support. The industry also seeks incentives for pension and insurance adoption and regulatory relief for rural banks.

World Cup 2026 attendees can expect faster US visas. Brand USA is facilitating the process for ticket holders. Curated experiences like road trips on Route 66 are planned. Indian travelers will find familiar communities in host cities like New Jersey and New York. AI tools will assist in planning multi-city itineraries for the event.