United Cup: De Minaur, Swiatek win as Poland on verge of quarterfinals

IANS | January 9, 2026 4:43 PM

Sydney, Jan 9 (IANS) Australia’s Alex de Minaur registered a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz and sent the last United Cup quarterfinal to a deciding mixed doubles tie in Sydney on Friday. The World No. 6 saved all nine break points he faced across his first four service games – including four in the second game of the match – to keep Australia alive after world No. 2 Iga Swiatek rising star Maya Joint in straight sets.

NHAI unveils new initiatives to create future professionals

IANS | January 9, 2026 4:22 PM

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in association with the Department of Higher Education, on Friday said it has launched the ‘NHAI Internship Programme’, which is designed to serve as a gateway for aspiring professionals to gain real-world, hands-on experience within the largest National Highway development ecosystem in the country.

EU leaders meet Syrian President al-Sharaa in Damascus

IANS | January 9, 2026 4:13 PM

Damascus, Jan 9 (IANS) European Council President Antonio Costa and European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen on Friday called on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, asserting that The EU remains strongly committed to Syria's recovery, reconstruction and civil peace.