Having secured a place in the Super 8 stage with three wins from as many games, India aim to maintain their winning streak with another success in Ahmedabad. India and Sri Lanka are joint hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with all of Pakistan’s matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka.

The match in Colombo was highly anticipated and followed dramatic developments, as Pakistan initially announced a boycott of the game against India before reversing the decision and participating. After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field first.

India’s innings began with the early dismissal of Abhishek for a duck. Ishan scored 77 and Tilak Varma contributed 25 to stabilise the innings, but India slipped to 126 for four, losing established batters and all-rounder Hardik Pandya without adding runs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh then guided the innings through challenging conditions, pacing their runs effectively to reach 175 for seven. Saim Ayub was the leading bowler for Pakistan, taking 3 for 25.

During Pakistan’s run chase, they were reduced to 34 for four due to early wickets from Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel. Usman Khan was the lone batsman to mount resistance, scoring 44 off 34 balls with six fours and one six, but Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. This result secured India’s third consecutive win and progression to the Super 8 stage.

Pandya was the most effective bowler for India with figures of 2 for 16 in three overs. Bumrah (2 for 17 in two overs), Axar Patel (2 for 29 in four overs), and Varun Chakaravarthy (2 for 17 in three overs) also played key roles in Pakistan’s collapse. India tops Group A with three wins from three matches, while Pakistan has dropped to third with two wins and one loss. The USA holds second place with two wins and two losses.

With Sunday’s emphatic victory, India now leads the T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan 8–1.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the petitioners to pursue an expeditious hearing in the relevant High Court instead. “Various directions against officials are sought… In our considered view, all these issues need to be effectively adjudicated by the jurisdictional High Court. Consequently, without expressing any opinion, the petitioner are at liberty to approach the jurisdictional High Court. Since the pertinent authorities have urged the court that the matter requires urgent attention, we request the Chief Justice of the jurisdictional High Court to afford expeditious hearing,” the Court stated.

The Supreme Court further instructed petitioners not to undermine the powers of the High Courts and noted that they could return to the apex court if dissatisfied with the relief granted.

The matter was initiated by a plea filed by Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, an organisation of Indian Muslims and Muslim scholars, challenging remarks made by the Assam Chief Minister, specifically his use of the term “Miya” to describe Muslims during a speech on 27 January 2026. The plea, submitted by Jamiat President Maulana Mahmood Madani, argued that “the term ‘Miya’ is a derogatory reference to Muslims, and when such a reference is made by a person occupying a high-constitutional office, it cannot be dismissed as political rhetoric or free speech.”

According to a press release by the organisation, “Instead, they amount to a deliberate attempt to spread hatred, create hostility, and stigmatise an entire community.”

The plea called on the Supreme Court to establish regulatory guidelines for constitutional functionaries to prevent the use of their positions to promote communal hatred, incite public animosity, or vilify any group.

The petition highlighted the Assam Chief Minister’s statement that four to five lakh “Miya” voters would be removed from electoral rolls and that he and his party were “directly against the Miya community.” It noted that the term “Miya” is commonly used in Assam as a derogatory reference to Muslims.

Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind further submitted that statements of this nature contravene constitutional values such as equality, fraternity, secularism, and human dignity, and thus have no protection under the right to freedom of speech. The organisation also expressed concern that similar speeches against the Muslim community have persisted despite repeated suo motu orders from the Supreme Court to curb hate speech.

The plea requested the establishment of guidelines to ensure that no individual is above constitutional norms. It stated, “Considering the recent speech delivered on January 27, 2026 in Assam by a person [in] a constitutional position… this Hon’ble Court must consider some regulatory guidelines to keep a check on persons holding constitutional positions, delivering speeches which are communal in nature targeting/vilifying/demonizing communities by giving speech which in a given context of the speaker ‘primarily carries no other meaning other than hatred, hostility and ill will. This collective to ensure that nobody is above the constitutional norms shall ensure the basics of Rule of law.”

The case was filed through Advocate Farrukh Rasheed, with written submissions prepared by Senior Advocate MR Shamshad.

Q1. What leadership values guide your work in politics and public life?

A: Integrity, inclusiveness and consistency. Leadership is about building trust and working collectively toward shared goals. Whether in politics or public engagement, teamwork and accountability are essential.

Q2. You have spoken extensively about women’s participation in public life. Do social attitudes or institutional structures pose the greater challenge?

A: Social attitudes shape institutions, so both matter. However, institutional change can accelerate shifts in social thinking. When women lead effectively, perceptions begin to change.

Q3. What advice would you offer young professionals, especially women, aspiring to leadership roles?

A: Be prepared, be patient and stay rooted. Leadership is built over time through sustained effort. Do not wait for perfect conditions to begin.

Q4. You have also worked as a film producer. What drew you to cinema?

A: Cinema is a powerful medium for storytelling. Growing up in Assam, I felt many regional voices and narratives remained under-represented. Film production allowed me to contribute to cultural dialogue while pursuing creative expression.

Q5. How do you see cinema contributing to cultural representation and social dialogue?

A: Regional cinema reflects lived realities that are often absent in mainstream narratives. It creates space for dialogue, empathy and cultural assertion, and helps regional stories reach wider audiences.

Q6. What challenges did you face while producing independent regional cinema?

A: Funding, distribution and infrastructure remain major challenges. Independent cinema also requires balancing creative integrity with practical constraints. However, audience response reaffirmed the importance of authentic storytelling.

Q7. Do you intend to continue producing films alongside your political responsibilities?

A: Yes, though selectively. Creative work and public life can complement each other, as both require discipline and collaboration.

Q8. How has media scrutiny changed political communication?

A: Communication has become more immediate and transparent. Leaders must be clear, factual and responsible. There is little room for ambiguity in the digital age.

Q9. How do you see the role of regional leadership voices in shaping national discourse?

A: Regional voices are essential for balanced policymaking. Greater representation ensures that national decisions reflect diverse realities across the country, including the Northeast.

Meghachandra approached the court on 29 January, asking the Chief Justice to have the matter considered by an appropriate Division Bench. The petition states: “Manipur PCC President K. Meghachandra has moved the High Court of Manipur on unconstitutional acts of Manipur Governor under Article 174(1) and for dissolution of the remainder of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly under Article 174(2) of the Constitution.”

Senior Advocate N. Bhupendra Meitei represents the petitioner. Kh. Samarjit, Deputy Solicitor General of India, assisted by N. Nongdamba, appears for the Union of India and other respondents. The Manipur government is represented by Advocate General Lenin Hijam and Deputy Government Advocate O. Raran Kumar.

The court observed that the case involves the interpretation of Article 174 and has referred it to Chief Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma for consideration by an appropriate Division Bench. The petition clarifies: “On perusal of the file, it is seen that the present matter involves the interpretation of Article 174 of the Constitution of India. In exercising the power under Rule 3 Sub Rule (1) (d) of Chapter IV-A of the High Court of Manipur Rules, 2019, the matter is referred to Hon’ble the Chief Justice for placing before the appropriate Division Bench in view of the important issues involved in the present writ petition.”

The court further stated that no legal notices have been issued to any respondents so far. The registry has been instructed to place the file before the Chief Justice for administrative orders regarding the case’s listing.

She told ANI, “The US-India trade agreement was important. It had been stalled for so long, and India had become the country with the highest tariffs. They’ve now brought them down to 18 per cent, which I welcome. But the way we have brought tariffs and trade barriers down to zero. We agree to buy Venezuelan oil, stop buying Iranian oil, and stop buying Russian oil. Then, the trade barriers on agricultural goods have been removed from our markets. I will still wait for the details, but it is not what the Indians expected. What has come from Trump’s side doesn’t seem like a win-win situation at all.”

Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariff reductions. He noted the announcement came from Trump rather than an Indian government official and expressed concern about India’s sovereignty given Trump’s claim that India agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil.

He said, “We were forced. If the PM had announced it in Parliament… Trump’s announcement of the deal means that he had already decided that the agreement would happen only if India purchased oil from Venezuela. There has been a compromise with India’s interests. The Prime Minister and the BJP government have made the nation bow down, and we are paying the price. We are breaking away from the decades-old ties with Russia.”

“If oil is cheaper in Venezuela, Iran or Russia, we should have the autonomy to choose. We are not under somebody, but today, when the US President wants, he stops the war and makes us buy Venezuelan oil. This is like mortgaging India’s foreign policy,” Singh added.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also called on Prime Minister Modi to clarify the details of the deal in Parliament. Tiwari said, “Looking at recent events, it seems as if India’s capital has shifted from New Delhi to Washington, DC, and PM Modi has gone on a long vacation. We are learning about all of India’s decisions from Washington, DC, and its President Donald Trump, who is making the announcements. Prime Minister, your silence is troubling us. This is against the self-respect of the country, against its sovereignty, and against its glorious history. Take action and speak the truth; we want to hear it from you, in the Indian Parliament, and in the country’s capital, Delhi.”

On Monday, President Trump announced that the US and India “have agreed to a trade deal,” with Washington reducing the reciprocal tariff from 25 per cent to 18 per cent “out of friendship and respect” for PM Modi. Trump also claimed that PM Modi had agreed to “stop buying Russian oil” and to increase purchases from the US.

Following Trump’s social media post, PM Narendra Modi confirmed the deal on X, stating he was delighted that “Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent.” He said, “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.”

PM Modi added, “President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.”

Kovvur Inspector Viswam stated the motorcycle was travelling towards Rajahmundry when it collided head-on with the scooty. The force of the impact caused the deaths of all three men on the motorcycle as well as the rider of the scooty at the scene. A fourth person sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Additional information is awaited.

Last week, a serious accident was narrowly avoided on the Rajahmundry National Highway near Diwan Cheruvu Junction when three buses carrying students collided while attempting to avoid cows that suddenly crossed the road.

Inspector Umar reported that the buses were carrying 109 students. Although around 20 students sustained minor injuries, police confirmed all the students were safe.

The buses were transporting students from Telangana returning from a tour of Araku on January 17. The incident occurred when cows unexpectedly crossed the highway, causing the lead bus to brake suddenly. This led to the following bus colliding with the rear of the first, resulting in a chain collision involving three buses.

No students received serious injuries, but approximately 20 were treated for minor injuries at the scene. The bus drivers, however, were injured and have been admitted to Rajahmundry Government Hospital. Police responded promptly, regulating traffic on this busy highway section. Investigations remain ongoing.

The trade agreement reduces tariffs on Indian goods exported to the United States to 18 per cent. Meanwhile, US officials claim the deal will enable them to export more agricultural products to India.

In the notice, Venugopal stated that the details of the agreement have not been presented to Parliament. He wrote: “This House do now adjourn to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, namely the serious concerns arising out of the reported trade deal between India and the United States, which has been publicly announced by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and not by the Government of India. The US President has claimed that the trade deal was concluded at the request of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and has further stated that India has agreed to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to zero, effectively opening Indian markets to US goods. Such a move is likely to have far-reaching adverse consequences for Indian industries, traders, MSMEs, and farmers.”

He also raised questions regarding US President Donald Trump’s statement that India would stop buying oil from Russia and instead purchase it from Venezuela and the United States. Venugopal asserted: “There is also a reported reference to opening India’s agriculture sector to the United States, which raises grave concerns regarding the protection of Indian farmers, their livelihoods, and income security. However, no details have been placed before Parliament regarding the nature of these commitments or the safeguards, if any, provided to protect farmers’ interests. Further, it has been stated that the Government of India has agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia and instead procure oil from the United States and Venezuela, raising serious questions about India’s strategic autonomy, energy security, and independent foreign policy decisions.”

He added that claims of increased US goods purchases by India contradict the objectives of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The adjournment notice continued: “Additionally, there are claims that India will increase the purchase of goods from the United States, which stands in direct contradiction to the objectives of the ‘Make in India’ programme… Given the urgency and public importance of the matter, this issue warrants immediate discussion through an Adjournment Motion.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh also called for parliamentary discussion on trade deals with the European Union and the United States. He criticised the Centre following Washington’s claims that the deal will facilitate greater US agricultural exports to New Delhi.

In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy as “huglomacy” and accused him of having “completely surrendered” following Trump’s claim to have halted the India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced that the US and India “have agreed to a trade deal,” with Washington reducing the reciprocal tariff from 25 per cent to 18 per cent “out of friendship and respect” for Prime Minister Modi. Trump also claimed that Modi had agreed “to stop buying Russian oil” and to purchase significantly more oil from the US.

This will mark the second tunnel breakthrough in Palghar within a single month; the first occurred at MT-5 near Safale on 2 January 2026. Excavation of the mountain tunnel (MT-6) has been conducted from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a sophisticated controlled drill-and-blast technique, completed in 12 months.

The NATM method is favoured in complex geographic conditions and uneven tunnel shapes such as those in Palghar, where Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are unsuitable. This approach avoids the use of extremely heavy machinery and allows structural reinforcements to be implemented in real-time through shotcreting, rock bolts, and lattice girders. Worker safety inside the tunnel has been maintained via various geotechnical instruments, real-time monitoring, effective fire safety measures, adequate ventilation, and controlled entry protocols.

Construction across Maharashtra is progressing rapidly at multiple levels. The project’s longest river bridge, spanning the Vaitarna River, has reached pier level. Foundations are also being laid on other major rivers including the Ulhas and Jagnisarkhya. Work is ongoing at all four stations. Additionally, construction is advancing swiftly on the 21 km tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata, incorporating long-span steel bridges over national and state highways. Currently, seven mountain tunnels are under construction in the Palghar district.

The progress on the mountain tunnels is as follows: MT-1 (0.820 km) is 16% complete; MT-2 (0.228 km) has preparatory work ongoing; MT-3 (1.403 km) is 41% complete; MT-4 (1.260 km) is 32% complete; MT-5 (1.480 km) is 57% complete, with breakthrough achieved on 2 January 2026; MT-6 (0.454 km) is 47% complete with breakthrough scheduled for today; MT-7 (0.417 km) is 29% complete.

The entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project spans approximately 508 km, with 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra. As of 27 January 2026, about 334 km of viaducts, 17 river bridges, and 12 major crossings over national highways, railways, and other infrastructure have been completed. Track laying and electrification are advancing rapidly in the Gujarat section of the project.

In preparation for the ministerial, the US Department of State announced that Secretary Rubio will convene global partners to enhance cooperation on critical mineral supply chains. The event aims to strengthen international collaboration to ensure reliable and resilient supply chains that are vital for economic and national security, technological leadership, and the energy transition.

During his visit, Jaishankar welcomed the recent India-US trade agreement, stating he “welcomed the announcements on bilateral trade.” He noted on X that the agreement will “create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen ‘Make in India’ endeavours and encourage trusted technology ties.” He added, “The opportunities in our economic engagement are truly vast, and we are confident of realizing them. A robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation for our strategic partnership.”

The trade deal is the outcome of a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Monday. Under the agreement, Washington has agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, effective immediately.

PM Modi expressed satisfaction on X, saying he was delighted that “Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent.” He commented, “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.”

He further stated that cooperation between the two large economies and world’s largest democracies “unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.” Modi affirmed, “President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.”

In his announcement on social media, President Trump outlined that India will reduce “tariffs and non-tariff barriers” against the United States to zero. He added that New Delhi would increase purchases of American products, including energy, exceeding USD 500 billion.

“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 per cent to 18 per cent,” Trump said. He continued, “India will ‘likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.'”

Trump also stated that PM Modi had agreed to significantly increase purchases of American goods, including more than USD 500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural products, coal, and various other items. He remarked, “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.”

Trump further mentioned that their conversation addressed efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He noted, “He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela.” He added, “This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!”

The India-US engagement extends beyond trade to broader strategic areas. Earlier this month, discussions on securing global critical mineral networks took place at a high-level Finance Ministerial convened by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The meeting included representatives from India, led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other key economies to diversify supply chains, particularly for rare-earth elements.

On the defence front, India-US ties continue to deepen. On 27 January, a US Congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers met with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The talks focused on strengthening defence industry collaboration and advancing bilateral military ties under the recently concluded 10-year Major Defence Partnership Framework Agreement.

The Modi-Trump telephone call occurred alongside External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s arrival in Washington DC.

He emphasised the need for these issues to be addressed: “These are questions which should be addressed in the budget. These are the issues which concern the country. These are the issues which concern the economists. These are the issues which concern investors. Therefore, these concerns must be addressed. After you address them, we can weigh the merits or demerits of your answer. But you don’t even address them. What do I say?”

Regarding defence spending, Chidambaram stated that although the allocation appears higher, in real terms it has not increased. He noted that defence expenditure as a proportion of GDP has declined from 2.3% in 2013-14 to 1.9% in 2026, and as a share of total government expenditure, it has decreased from nearly 16% to 14.5%.

He said, “India has not hiked the defence budget. I’ll tell you. India seems to have allocated more money for defence. I don’t disagree. But as a proportion of GDP and as a proportion of total expenditure, it is less than what it was in 2013-14. For example, in 2013-14, according to the numbers that I have, the defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP was as high as 2.3%. This year it is 1.9%. As a proportion of total expenditure, it was as high as 16%… close to 16% in 2013-14. Today it is 14.5%.”

Chidambaram also questioned the government’s decision to reduce capital expenditure in 2025-26. He highlighted, “In 2025-26, capital expenditure was cut by Rs 1,44,376 crore. Of this, the Centre’s capital expenditure was cut by 25,335 crore, and the States’ capital expenditure was cut by 1,19,041 crore. The total is 1,44,376 crore, and that is there in the capital account at the budget at a glance. Therefore, they must explain why capital expenditure was cut in 2025-26. I’m not against outlaying more capital expenditure in 2026-27.”

On Rahul Gandhi’s remark about the economy being ‘dead’, Chidambaram remarked, “This has nothing to do with the budget. Don’t rake up old statements in a different context.”

He further criticised the pace of fiscal consolidation, noting that the fiscal deficit is projected to fall by only 0.1% in 2026-27, against the 3% Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) target, which would require 13 years to achieve. He added concerns about the revenue deficit, stating it remains at 1.5% for both 2025-26 and 2026-27, and stressed the urgency of reducing borrowing for revenue expenditure.

He said, “In 2025-26, the budget estimate was 4.4, and the revised estimate is 4.4. In 2026-27, it will fall by 0.1%. The target is 3%. Under the FRBM target, the target is 3%. At a 0.1% annual rate, it will take 13 years. Therefore, this is not adequate fiscal consolidation. They must take larger, more aggressive, more bold steps to contain the fiscal deficit. The revenue deficit is equally important. In fact, Dr. C. Rangarajan, the former RBI governor, stated 10 days ago that the revenue deficit is as important as the fiscal deficit. This means a revenue deficit indicates you are borrowing to fund revenue expenditure. The revenue deficit for 2025-26 was 1.5, and for 2026-27 it was also 1.5. Where is the compression in the revenue deficit? Therefore, I’m not satisfied with the fiscal consolidation.”

Responding to US President Donald J Trump’s claim that India will buy oil from Venezuela, Chidambaram said he was unaware of the full implications or any agreements between India and the United States on this matter.

He stated, “I don’t know the implications. I don’t know what understanding has been arrived at between India and the United States. We should buy oil wherever it’s available, whether it’s Russia, Venezuela, or whatever. But our oil purchases from Russia dropped sharply because of the US threat. Now, if we can buy oil from Venezuela at a reasonable price, why not? But I don’t know what complications will arise. Only the foreign ministry and the prime minister’s office will know whether there are any complications in buying oil from Venezuela.”