Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer has confirmed that fast bowler Mayank Yadav will miss the first half of the IPL 2025 season due to a lumbar stress injury. Yadav, known for consistently bowling at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, had been retained by LSG for ₹11 crore after an impressive debut in IPL 2024. His injury woes began post his T20I debut against Bangladesh in October 2024, leading to multiple setbacks. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Yadav has resumed bowling but lacks a definitive return date. Langer expressed hope for Yadav's participation in the latter half of the tournament, emphasizing the team's cautious approach to his recovery. (PC: Sportskeeda)  

Delhi High Court's Justice Yashwant Varma has been relieved of his judicial duties following the discovery of a substantial amount of cash at his official residence. The incident came to light after a fire at his bungalow led first responders to uncover the cash, some reportedly charred. At the time, Justice Varma and his wife were in Bhopal. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the matter. The Supreme Court Collegium has also recommended Justice Varma's transfer back to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court. The legal community has expressed concerns, with some suggesting that a mere transfer may not suffice to uphold judicial integrity. (PC: Jaano Junction)

Indian stock markets surged on Monday as the Sensex jumped 1,003 points to 77,908.57 and the Nifty50 gained 286.95 points to 23,637.35. The rally was fueled by a strong return of foreign institutional investors (FIIs), who had pulled out ₹2.4 lakh crore since September. On Friday alone, FIIs invested ₹7,470 crore—the highest single-day inflow in four months. Analysts cite improving domestic economic indicators and fair valuations as key factors. “FIIs shifting from sellers to buyers has triggered massive short covering,” said VK Vijayakumar of Geojit Investment Services. (PC: India Today)

Ishan Kishan silenced his critics with a blistering 106* off 47 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals. His knock, featuring 11 fours and 6 sixes, was the 12th fastest hundred in IPL history. Dropped from India’s central contract list last year, Kishan trained rigorously at his Patna academy to regain form. "I had a lot of time, I was practising a lot," he said. SRH restricted RR to 242/6 while chasing 287. Kishan, who last played for India in 2023, once held the record for the fastest ODI double ton.( PC: X/Sunrisers)

Amit Gupta, Tech Mahindra’s country head in Qatar, has been detained since January 1 over alleged data theft. His family claims he was held without food for 48 hours and is only allowed brief weekly calls. Gupta, originally from Gujarat, has worked in Qatar since 2013. Tech Mahindra stated they are coordinating with authorities in both countries. The Indian Embassy in Qatar is also involved. Gupta’s mother insists he was arrested merely for his role as country head. His case has sparked concerns over due process and the treatment of Indian professionals abroad.(PC: NDTV)

Comedian Kunal Kamra's recent performance in Mumbai has sparked significant controversy. During his act, Kamra parodied a song, implying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is a "traitor" ("gaddar") due to his 2022 political defection. This portrayal angered members of Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, leading to police complaints and alleged vandalism at the performance venue. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of accepting money to target Shinde and warned of nationwide protests against him. Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared Kamra's video, captioning it "Kunal Ka Kamal." In response to the escalating tensions, Maharashtra's MoS Home, Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, emphasized the importance of respecting constitutional positions while acknowledging freedom of speech. (PC: News 18 & CNBC TV18)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration has revoked a power purchase agreement with India's Adani Group, originally set at $0.0826 per kilowatt-hour, citing concerns over excessive tariffs and allegations of corruption. The $442 million wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn faced scrutiny after U.S. authorities indicted Adani Group's chairman on bribery charges. Dissanayake, who campaigned on promises to annul such deals, emphasized the need for competitive tariffs, referencing a domestic 50 MW wind project priced at $0.0465 per unit. A committee has been appointed to review the Adani project, which also faces environmental challenges in Sri Lanka's Supreme Court. (Photo Credit: Fortune India)

U.S. and Ukrainian officials convened in Saudi Arabia to strategize on safeguarding critical infrastructure, advancing President Donald Trump's initiative to conclude the three-year Ukraine-Russia conflict. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks peace. The discussions aim to establish a Black Sea ceasefire, potentially expanding to a broader truce. Despite a recent 30-day ceasefire agreement targeting energy infrastructure, ongoing strikes have undermined its effectiveness. The agenda includes confidence-building measures, peacekeeping operations, and defining a line of control. European nations remain cautious about a U.S.-Russia peace deal that could impact their security interests. (PC: RFI & AP News)

On Sunday night, Israeli forces targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing at least two individuals, including 16-year-old Ismail Barhoum, a member of Hamas's political bureau. The airstrike caused injuries and ignited a fire within the hospital. This incident follows Israel's recent intensification of military operations in Gaza after the collapse of a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. In Israel, public dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is rising, leading to protests demanding political change. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate amid the escalating violence. (PC: Global News & The Times of Israel)

Tens of thousands protested across Turkey after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed on corruption charges. Police fired tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets at demonstrators in Istanbul, where crowds gathered for the fifth night. Imamoglu called the charges “politically motivated” and vowed to fight back. His wife addressed protesters, condemning the “injustice.” Over 700 arrests have been made. Imamoglu’s suspension raises concerns over Turkey’s 2028 election, as his candidacy is uncertain. The opposition warns of a democratic crisis as Erdogan’s critics face growing crackdowns. (PC: Getty Images)