Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one, continued his dominant run at the Australian Open, securing his place in the final for the second consecutive year. He achieved this impressive feat by dismantling American challenger Ben Shelton in a commanding straight-sets victory, 7-6, 6-2, 6-2.

This win not only propels Sinner into another championship match but also solidifies his place in tennis history as the youngest player to reach multiple Australian Open finals since the legendary Jim Courier accomplished the same feat in 1992 and 1993.

The match showcased a fascinating contrast in playing styles. Shelton, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, started strongly, even breaking Sinner early. He displayed flashes of brilliance, showcasing the raw power that had propelled him through earlier rounds.

However, Sinner, renowned for his tactical prowess and unwavering mental fortitude, remained unfazed. He expertly neutralized Shelton’s early dominance, weathering the storm and patiently constructing points with his precision groundstrokes.

A crucial moment arrived in the first set’s tie-break. Facing two set points, Sinner demonstrated his champion’s temperament, expertly capitalizing on Shelton’s growing frustration and errors to claim the set. From there, Sinner shifted into a higher gear. The second set witnessed a relentless display of superior skill and control.

Sinner raced to a commanding 4-0 lead, showcasing the consistency and depth of his shots, leaving Shelton struggling to find an effective response. His aggressive baseline play overwhelmed Shelton, who found himself unable to maintain pace with Sinner’s unrelenting pressure.

The third set saw a brief moment of concern as Sinner briefly sought medical attention for a left leg issue after breaking to lead 3-2. However, any worries were quickly dispelled as the Italian returned to the court with unwavering determination, securing crucial winners to seal the match and his spot in the final.

This victory sets up a captivating final against Alexander Zverev, who advanced after Novak Djokovic’s retirement due to injury in their semi-final clash. The final will feature a showdown between the tournament’s top two seeds, promising an electrifying conclusion to the Australian Open. Sinner’s journey now continues, with the chance to etch his name further into tennis history as the first Italian to claim three Grand Slam singles titles.

Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh surrendered to a Barh court on Friday, facing charges related to a shootout on the outskirts of Patna. The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening, involved an alleged attack on Singh’s convoy by the notorious Sonu-Monu gang. The ensuing exchange of gunfire, according to eyewitness accounts, involved a significant volume of shots – estimates ranging from 60 to 70 rounds, though police reported a lower figure of 16-17.

Remarkably, Singh escaped unharmed. Following his surrender, he was remanded to Beur jail. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Awkash Kumar confirmed the surrender and the filing of three separate FIRs concerning the incident.

The shootout unfolded amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions in Mokama, a region with a history of violent crime and political rivalry. The involvement of the Sonu-Monu gang, known for its criminal activities, added a layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.

Singh’s supporters retaliated to the initial attack, leading to the intense exchange of gunfire that gripped the area. The incident underscores the deep-seated power struggles and lawlessness that persist in certain parts of Bihar.

Adding to the escalating tension, another shooting incident was reported on Friday in Hamza village, under the jurisdiction of Panchmahal police station in Mokama. Three spent cartridges were found near Mukesh Singh’s house, prompting an immediate investigation.

Senior police officials were deployed to the scene to assess the situation and gather evidence. The timing and location of this second incident suggest a possible connection to the previous day’s events, raising concerns about further escalation of violence.

Police have apprehended two suspects, Sonu and Roushan, in connection with Wednesday’s shooting. Investigations suggest that the Sonu-Monu gang specifically targeted Mukesh Singh, a former associate of the gang who had allegedly sought protection and assistance from Anant Singh. This suggests a complex network of allegiances and betrayals within the criminal underworld of Mokama.

Anant Singh, a controversial figure with a history of both political success and criminal accusations, has been a prominent figure in Mokama’s political landscape for years. His past includes a conviction in 2020 related to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and other weapons from his ancestral home, resulting in his disqualification from the assembly.

However, he was acquitted of these charges in August 2024. His wife, a former MLA, recently shifted her political allegiance from the RJD to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), further complicating the political dynamics of the region.

Bollywood actors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath find themselves embroiled in a significant legal controversy, named as accused in a cheating and breach of trust case registered at the Murthal police station in Sonipat, Haryana.

The First Information Report (FIR), filed on January 22, lists the two prominent actors among thirteen individuals charged under Sections 316 (2), 318 (2), and 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These charges encompass criminal breach of trust, cheating, and the fraudulent transfer of property.

The complainant, Sonipat resident Vipul Antil, levelled accusations against the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society, registered in Indore under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002. Antil alleges that the society, active across multiple states, including Haryana, since September 16th, 2016, lured investors with promises of exorbitant returns on fixed deposits (FDs) and recurring deposits (RDs).

The society employed a multi-level marketing strategy, incentivizing agents to recruit additional investors, creating a pyramid scheme structure that ultimately led to widespread financial losses.

Ajeet Singh, the Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Murthal, confirmed the inclusion of Talpade and Nath’s names in the list of accused, based on statements provided by the complainant. Singh clarified that the primary focus of the investigation remains the alleged fraudulent activities of the cooperative society, and the police are currently working to determine the specific roles, if any, played by Talpade and Nath in the alleged scheme. The investigation will delve into the extent of their involvement and whether they directly benefited from the alleged fraudulent activities.

The case has sent ripples through the Bollywood industry, casting a shadow over the careers of both actors. While the details of their alleged involvement remain under investigation, the allegations raise serious questions about their conduct and potential complicity in a scheme that defrauded numerous investors.

Shreyas Talpade’s most recent cinematic appearance was in Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut, Emergency, a historical drama set during India’s tumultuous Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Alok Nath, a veteran Bollywood actor, boasts a prolific career spanning over three decades and encompassing over 300 films, establishing him as a familiar face in Indian cinema. The unfolding investigation will determine the extent of their involvement in this complex financial crime and the consequences they may face.