Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics, saying she will begin her political journey in Uttar Pradesh without joining any political party. Her announcement comes weeks after she resigned from the civil service.

Mittal, a 2013-batch IAS officer, said Uttar Pradesh was her “karmabhoomi” and would be the starting point of her political journey. She described herself as a voice for people whose concerns, according to her, often fail to reach government offices or are not heard when they do.

Divya Mittal’s political entry

In a video message, Mittal said that when people asked what she would do after leaving the IAS, her answer was politics. She said she wanted to become the voice of people and seek greater accountability.

“I will do politics, but not with anyone or any party. But with you all,” she said, adding that she would fight from Uttar Pradesh.

Mittal also appealed to people from different sections, including teachers, farmers, students, doctors, labourers and lawyers, to participate in her effort. She said meaningful political change would require collective public participation.

Issues highlighted by former IAS officer

While explaining the issues she wants to take up, Mittal referred to her administrative experience in Uttar Pradesh.

She recalled an incident from Lahuria Dah, where a woman had approached her seeking a school beyond Class 5. Mittal said she examined the rules and approved the school, but construction had still not begun three years later. She used the example to highlight what she described as a lack of accountability and will in implementing decisions.

Mittal also spoke about infrastructure problems in villages, including roads and bridges, as well as difficulties faced by children and families during the monsoon.

She raised concerns about the future of young people, mentioning examination paper leaks, delays in recruitment processes and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on employment.

Divya Mittal’s IAS career

Mittal resigned from the IAS after nearly 13 years of service, with her resignation accepted in September 2026. She served as District Magistrate in districts including Mirzapur and Deoria and was known for work related to providing piped water to remote villages in Mirzapur.

Her earlier administrative postings also included Sant Kabir Nagar. She had joined the civil services in 2013 after previously working in finance in London.

Her political announcement comes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election due in 2027. However, the current report does not specify whether Mittal will contest from a particular constituency or whether she has formed or plans to form a political organisation.

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

Abhishek Sharma produced a record-breaking batting performance for India against Afghanistan in the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. The left-handed opener smashed a century in just 30 balls, becoming the fastest Indian batter to score a hundred in men’s T20 Internationals.

Abhishek eventually made 108 off 34 balls, with nine fours and 11 sixes. His century came in the ninth over of India’s innings and surpassed the previous Indian record of 35 balls, held by Rohit Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma century breaks Rohit Sharma’s record

Abhishek brought up his hundred from 30 balls, breaking Rohit Sharma’s previous record of a 35-ball T20I century against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017.

The milestone also placed Abhishek third overall on the list of fastest T20I centuries. The two faster centuries in men’s T20I cricket belong to Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who scored a 27-ball century, and Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad, who reached his hundred in 29 balls. 

Among batters from Full Member nations, Abhishek’s 30-ball century moved him to the top of the list. The previous mark was 33 balls, achieved by Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and New Zealand’s Finn Allen.

Abhishek Sharma dominates the powerplay

Abhishek’s attack began from the opening overs. He reached his half-century in only 16 balls before accelerating further.

During the first six overs, Abhishek scored 76 runs from 22 balls while remaining unbeaten at the end of the Powerplay. That became the highest individual score by a batter in the first six overs of a men’s T20I, according to NDTV and ICC.

India also reached 100 without losing a wicket during the Powerplay, with Abhishek and Sanju Samson combining to take India to 100 without loss at the end of the first six overs. 

Abhishek dismissed for 108

Abhishek’s record-breaking innings ended at 108 when Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan dismissed him just before the halfway stage of India’s innings.

His final score came from 34 deliveries and included nine fours and 11 sixes, giving him a strike rate of more than 300.

Sanju Samson also contributed to India’s fast start before continuing his innings after Abhishek’s dismissal. The opening pair had put India in a strong position during the early overs.

India’s series position

India entered the third T20I with an unassailable 2-0 lead after winning both of the first two matches against Afghanistan by seven wickets.

Abhishek had already made 82 in the opening match and 39 in the second T20I before producing his record century in the final game.

The third match is being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, with Afghanistan winning the toss and choosing to field.

What record did Abhishek Sharma break?

Abhishek Sharma broke Rohit Sharma’s record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter. Rohit had scored his century in 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017, while Abhishek reached the landmark in 30 deliveries against Afghanistan.