Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed that the decision to drop Mitchell Marsh out of the playing XI for the New Year's Test in Sydney was purely based on his form in the ongoing series, "Mitchy (Mitchell Marsh), obviously hasn't quite got the runs, or perhaps the wickets that he would have liked this series," Cummins said during the pre-SCG Test press conference. "So we felt like it was time for a freshen and up, and Beau's been with the squad. He's been great. So it's a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance."
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah travelled on the Vande Bharat Express from Nowgam to Katra, expressing joy over Kashmir’s improved rail connectivity. Calling it a "dream come true," he highlighted how the new service would ease travel for pilgrims heading to Katra and boost accessibility during the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Karnataka Governor had intended to host RCB players at Raj Bhavan for a felicitation ceremony, but the state government informed him that the event would instead take place at Vidhana Soudha. Sources from Raj Bhavan revealed that the Chief Minister officially invited the Governor to attend the Vidhana Soudha celebration.
The Election Commission of India has responded to Rahul Gandhi's claims of rigged elections, asking why no formal complaint has been filed yet. The poll body emphasises following due process rather than issuing press notes. This comes after Gandhi alleged that elections in several states, particularly Maharashtra, were rigged. The Congress party has not formally approached the Election Commission with their concerns, instead engaging in what is described as 'shadow boxing' on social media platforms.
An Indian student was reportedly handcuffed, pinned down, and deported from Newark Airport in the US, according to a social media post that included photos and videos of the incident. The student, in tears, was allegedly treated like a criminal. The witness, an NRI, described the episode as heartbreaking and a “human tragedy.”
