What a riot!: K.A. Paul, the popular evangelist-turned-politician from Andhra Pradesh, is known for his controversial comments and tall claims. Previously, Paul had claimed that he was in US President Donald Trump’s advisory team and had helped him win the US elections. Now, after the protestors stormed the US Capitol, Paul says that US citizens acted on his appeals to overthrow Trump and save American democracy | Illustrations Jairaj T.G.

Sleepless in North Block: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is keeping officials and security staff at North Block up late these days. Most home ministers of the UPA regime would come to office early, and one of them had even introduced a biometric attendance system to pull up those who did not turn up on time. But Shah works from home in the morning on most days and comes to North Block in the evening, working there till almost midnight. This has kept officials and staff on their toes. Whether the pandemic is responsible for this change is anybody’s guess.

Skeleton in the closet?: Though polygamy is illegal as per the Hindu Marriage Act, it is hardly a matter of concern if powerful men are involved. Society seems to give legitimacy to the “second wife”. Reporters recently asked former Karnataka chief minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy about the Central Crime Branch issuing summons to Kannada actress Radhika Kumaraswamy to probe a case of fraud. Despite long-standing allegations that the two are married and even have a child, an annoyed Kumaraswamy told the media that he did not know anybody by that name.

Married, finally!: Billiards champion Pankaj Advani and celebrity makeup artist Saniya Shadadpuri tied the knot on January 6. They met during a family get-together. “There was an instant connection,” Advani told THE WEEK. “We spoke for hours though she was supposed to board a 5am flight the next day.” The couple got engaged in July 2019. “Our plan of getting married in March 2020 was stalled because of the pandemic,” he said. “But here we are, in January 2021, soaking in marital bliss.” | SHRUTI & JAYANT

Inside story: Who is the “bruising bowler” who went on to become Ravi Shastri’s best friend? What did Shastri want to tell M.S. Dhoni, but did not, when he announced his decision to retire? To know this and more, you will have to wait for Shastri’s memoir to be published by HarperCollins. “I am very pleased to be sharing my stories, a glimpse into my exciting life involved with cricket in this book....,” said Shastri. Co-written by sports journalist Ayaz Memon and featuring illustrations by Shiva Rao, the book will be out this summer | AP

Reaching out: Israel is reaching out to northeast India, where it sees much potential for cooperation in areas like agriculture, water management and new technology. Joyshree Das Verma has been appointed the new honorary consul general of Israel to coordinate this important outreach. The Guwahati-based Verma is excited about her new role and about the possibilities for collaboration. Israel sees scope for enhancing tourism here, too. The region has a sizable Jewish community, with the Bnei Menashe from Mizoram, now recognised as one of the lost tribes of Israel, getting formally inducted into Judaism. Many have subsequently migrated to Israel.