Delhi Capitals have appointed Jemimah Rodrigues, 25, as captain for the WPL 2026, replacing former skipper Meg Lanning. Rodrigues, DC’s first-ever signing, has been a consistent performer with 507 runs at a strike rate of 139.66, making her the team’s third-highest run-scorer. Fresh from a standout year, including a World Cup semi-final hundred against Australia, she now aims to lead DC to their first title after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Calling the role an “absolute honour,” Rodrigues said the team feels like family. Co-owner Parth Jindal praised her energy, leadership qualities, and inspiring performances, expressing confidence she will finally help DC cross the elusive championship line. (PC: X)

Pakistan and Bangladesh are reportedly negotiating a NATO-style defense agreement similar to Pakistan's September pact with Saudi Arabia, which stated "aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both." Senior Pakistani military officials including ISI chief Lt General Asim Malik, Navy chief, and Joint Chiefs chairperson have repeatedly visited Dhaka as Muhammad Yunus distances Bangladesh from India. Pakistan aims to finalize the deal before Bangladesh's elections in two months, while the Yunus administration remains favorable. The agreement would enable intelligence sharing and joint military drills, with potential nuclear cooperation remaining unclear. India closely monitors developments, particularly concerning eastern front security. Pakistan Muslim League leader Kamran Saeed Usmani publicly demanded formal military alliance Tuesday. (PC: India Today)

India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, launched in 2005, guarantees rural households 100 days paid manual work annually now increased to 125 days under new G RAM G law. The rebranded program drops "Mahatma Gandhi" from its name and shifts funding from 90:10 federal-state split to 60:40, potentially pushing states' contribution to 40% of total project costs. While government touts modernization, critics warn capped funding could undermine a rare legal right. Despite serving 126 million workers over half women, 40% scheduled castes/tribes only 7% received full 100 days in 2023-24. Studies show the scheme boosted beneficiary earnings 14%, cut poverty 26%, but highlights India's chronic non-farm job creation failure. (PC: BBC)

India and Bangladesh summoned each other's envoys Tuesday over escalating tensions. Bangladesh foreign secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma protesting "regrettable incidents" outside Dhaka's mission in New Delhi and Siliguri visa center vandalism. India later summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah, demanding proper investigation into radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killing, rejecting unsubstantiated allegations of Indian involvement that triggered anti-India protests. India emphasized protesters were stopped 500 meters from Bangladesh's mission versus Chittagong where petrol bombs were thrown at India's mission. Bangladesh suspended visa services in New Delhi, Agartala, and Siliguri; India suspended Chittagong services. Muhammad Yunus expressed "profound sorrow" over Dipu Chandra Das's lynching as 12 arrests were made.

Air India Express issued a show-cause notice to pilot Virender Sejwal following an alleged assault and abuse incident involving passenger Ankit Dewan at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1. Sources confirmed proceedings are being conducted under labour laws since pilots fall under the workmen category. An external inquiry committee will be established this week to investigate the incident thoroughly. The airline is taking formal disciplinary action as part of standard protocol for such allegations. The case represents a serious breach of professional conduct standards expected from aviation personnel. Details about the specific circumstances leading to the confrontation remain under investigation as the external committee prepares to examine evidence and testimonies from involved parties.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned Pakistan's double standards, arguing if Islamabad justifies striking Afghanistan causing civilian casualties then it cannot object to India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke. Speaking at Karachi's Lyari conference, Rehman questioned Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's logic: "If you attack your enemy in Afghanistan, India can also attack headquarters responsible for Kashmir attacks." Operation Sindoor referenced India's May 7 missile strikes on nine terror targets including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba bases, avenging April 22's attack where 26 civilians were killed. Rehman, who previously offered to mediate Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, remains the only Pakistani lawmaker meeting Taliban's supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada.

US Vice President JD Vance strongly condemned racist attacks against his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance, telling far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki they "can eat shit." Speaking to UnHerd, Vance denounced Fuentes, who called him a "race traitor" for marrying outside his race and harassed his family online through the "Groyper" movement. Vance stated racism should be opposed universally, with people judged by actions rather than ethnicity. However, he claimed race-based college admissions and employment policies discriminate against white Americans, arguing his mixed-heritage children face disadvantages in elite systems. Vance prioritized addressing powerful political figures over fringe online commentators regarding discrimination concerns. (PC: X)

Pakistan Muslim League youth leader Kamran Saeed Usmani threatened India over Bangladesh tensions, warning "Pakistan's army and missiles are not far away" if India attacks Bangladesh's autonomy. Usmani proposed a formal military alliance between Pakistan and Bangladesh, including mutual military bases on each other's territories. He claimed Pakistan wouldn't tolerate India's "Akhand Bharat ideology" being imposed on Bangladesh and suggested a strategic scenario where Pakistan attacks from the west, Bangladesh from the east, while China focuses on Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Usmani accused India's BSF of "disturbing" Bangladesh and argued linking China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with Bangladesh's ports would strengthen strategic control, claiming "those who control ports rule the world."

The United States has opened a rare filing window for Indian professionals waiting for Green Cards. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services allowed applicants to file using either of two visa charts. The January 2026 visa bulletin showed major progress in EB-1 and EB-5 categories for Indians. EB-2 and EB-3 also moved forward. Immigration experts called the change “extremely important.” They warned the relief may be short-lived. Applicants are advised to file quickly and prepare documents, including medical exams. The filing window runs from January 1 to January 31.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in central London during a protest supporting Palestine Action hunger strikers. Police said the 22-year-old held a placard backing Palestine Action, which is a banned group in the UK. The arrest was made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The protest took place outside an insurance firm linked to an Israeli defence company. Two activists also damaged the building with red paint. City of London Police said legal action followed. The government said it will not interfere in ongoing court cases. (PC: Prisoners for Palestine/PA)