Delhi CM Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann have written to the Election Commission demanding the restoration of Punjab Police security for Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. CM Atishi asserted that Arvind Kejriwal faces grave danger from BJP and Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting that the BJP is orchestrating the removal of Punjab Police security before elections.

Citing past attacks on Arvind Kejriwal by the BJP functionaries, CM Atishi affirmed that the BJP's attempts to target Arvind Kejriwal have only deepened public support for the AAP Chief.

Delhi CM Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann held a joint press conference over the withdrawal of Punjab Police security for AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on the orders of the central government. CM Atishi stated, “A massive conspiracy is being orchestrated to assassinate Arvind Kejriwal. There are two key players in this plot. On one side, there are BJP workers who, in different parts of Delhi, attack Arvind Kejriwal. They throw stones at him, come armed with sticks, and even use spirit sprays. On the other side is the Delhi Police, which operates under the BJP and Amit Shah.” 

The Delhi Chief Minister asserted, “The collusion between the BJP and the Delhi Police has created a situation where repeated attempts are being made to take Arvind Kejriwal’s life.”

India received a significant injury concern ahead of the second T20I against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, as opener Abhishek Sharma twisted his right ankle during a warm-up session on Friday evening.

Abhishek’s inclusion in the playing XI will be assessed after a fitness test that will be performed before the start of the game.

Although Abhishek managed to walk off the field after receiving immediate treatment and even headed to the nets at the MAC B Stadium, he didn’t take part in the batting drills. Limping noticeably during the session, his condition has cast doubts over his availability for Saturday’s match.

If he is ruled out, India faces a tricky decision as the squad lacks a designated third opener. The team might opt to promote one of the middle-order batters, such as Tilak Varma or Dhruv Jurel, to partner Sanju Samson at the top. Both Varma and Jurel are capable batters but untested as openers in international cricket.

The last Pool stage match of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 witnessed Soorma Hockey Club defeat Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 4-2 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium here on Friday. With this victory, Soorma Hockey Club set up the Final clash against Odisha Warriors on 26 January.

Charlotte Englebert (1’, 17’, 47’) dominated the game, scoring a superb hattrick while Hina Bano (9’) pitched in with a goal for Soorma. Captain Vandana Katariya (48’) and Shilpi Dabas (58') found the back of the net in the last quarter but were unable to change the outcome of the game. Charlotte Englebert took the Tigers by surprise as soon as the game began by picking up a loose pass from the top of the circle and thundering a shot past the goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon. Soorma, after gaining the early advantage in the game, maintained the pressure high up the pitch in the minutes that followed.

India's premier T20 spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, has credited his strong performances in domestic cricket as a key factor behind his resurgence in international cricket.

The 33-year-old, who played a pivotal role in India’s victory in the first T20I against England, stated that his participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and Vijay Hazare Trophy after India’s South Africa tour helped him maintain rhythm and form.

Chakravarthy, named Player of the Match in the first T20I, emphasised the importance of domestic tournaments in sharpening skills and adapting to challenging conditions.

“Definitely the level of cricket in domestic cricket is very high. I would say almost on par with IPL and the other international matches we play,” he remarked during a press interaction in Chennai on the eve of the second T20I.

Chakravarthy highlighted the challenges faced by bowlers in the SMAT, where matches are often played on smaller grounds, making it difficult to contain aggressive batting.

Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on oil facilities and a microelectronics plant in western Russia overnight Friday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed on Facebook.

The attack sparked fires at the production facilities of the Ryazan oil refining company and the Ryazan oil pumping station, it said.

Besides, drones hit Kremniy El microchip plant in the Bryansk region, which produces components critical for Russia's production of weapons.

The personnel of Manikchak Police Station in Malda district of West Bengal on Friday have arrested a civic volunteer attached to the same police station on charges of raping a woman who had been sick for quite some time.

As per a complaint filed by the victim’s parents, as the condition of the woman suddenly became serious on Thursday evening, her family members sought the help of the accused civic volunteer, also staying in the same locality, for assistance.

The accused, as per the complaint, claiming to be an expert in “spiritual healing”, asked the victim’s mother to collect water from a nearby river.

When the victim's mother stepped out of the home to collect water, the accused, finding the house empty, allegedly raped the victim.

The first look and title of director H Vinoth’s upcoming film, featuring Tamil actor Vijay in the lead, will be released on January 26 on the occasion of Republic Day, its makers announced on Friday.

.KVN productions, the production house producing the film, took to its X timeline to make the announcement.

“Update oda vandhurkom (We have come with an update) 69% completed. #Thalapathy69FirstLookOnJan26,” the production house tweeted.

The news has thrilled fans of actor Vijay, who are hoping that he will reconsider his decision to completely quit cinema after the film.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday called for unified efforts to combat the drug menace, particularly in Punjab.

Addressing a gathering here, the Governor expressed concern with regard to the escalating drug abuse problem.

The Anti-Drug Programme, organised by the National Commission for Women, focused on raising awareness and fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat this societal threat.

The Governor said while drug abuse is a nationwide issue, Punjab faces a disproportionately grave risk, making it a matter of immense concern.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the government would provide government jobs to 200,000 youths on merit in five years.

“Over the past decade our government has provided government jobs to 1.71 lakh youths. Along with offering government jobs, the government has also implemented various schemes to help the youth set up their own businesses,” CM Nayab Singh Saini said.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Indira Gandhi National College in Ladwa in Kurukshetra district, the CM announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for the college.

Congratulating professors, students and the management of the institution on completing 51 years, he said over its 50-year journey the institution has played a crucial role in shaping thousands of students into skilled and responsible citizens.

After a seven-wicket loss in the first T20I in Kolkata, England's top-order batter Harry Brook has emphasised the importance of maintaining relentless pressure on India’s bowling attack in the second game of the five-match series. The match will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, with the visitors aiming to level the series at 1-1.

Brook candidly praised India’s performance in the opening game, admitting the hosts executed their plans exceptionally well. “India is a very good side, so we knew what they were gonna hit us with, and yeah, they played an exceptional game,” Brook said during a pre-match press conference.

Despite the setback, Brook remains optimistic and stressed that England’s philosophy under head coach Brendon McCullum, who is serving his first series as thenew white remains unchanged. “We just need to keep pushing, the same messaging Baz has been saying throughout. We need to look to put pressure on their bowlers and try to take wickets throughout their innings. You've always got to go a little bit above and beyond to exceed.”