Australia will face India in a Test series, hoping to break their winless streak since 2014/15. While India has been a dominant force, this time they arrive after a home whitewash against New Zealand. Travis Head, who has a history of hurting India, could exploit their weak transitional side. Steven Smith, now batting at number four, may not be in his prime but has shown glimpses of his former self. With lethal bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in their squad, Australia is determined to break their dry spell against India and turn their tactics into results.
The Indian cricket team's decision to retain Devdutt Padikkal for the Border-Gavaskar trophy series may prove to be a game changer if Shubman Gill's thumb injury sidelines him. In a video shared by the BCCI, Padikkal expresses his excitement and readiness to take on the challenge of facing Australia in his second Test match. His impressive performance in India A's tour Down Under, including a score of 88 in the first unofficial Test, has earned him a spot on the national team. Mayank Agarwal's advice to Padikkal to maintain the right mindset will be crucial in making the most of this opportunity.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
On Monday evening, former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh was seriously injured when his car was pelted with stones by unidentified assailants in Nagpur. The incident has sparked a political feud between the ruling BJP and the opposition party. While the Nagpur police are using advanced methods to track down the attackers, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Further details may emerge once expert reports are available, but for now, the focus remains on identifying and apprehending the suspects.
The Belgium national team's head coach, Domenico Tedesco, has revealed that Napoli's star striker, Romelu Lukaku, may have to sit out the upcoming Serie A match against Roma due to a knee injury. Lukaku, who recently returned to the Belgium squad for the first time this season, felt discomfort in his knee after playing against Italy on Thursday. Tedesco announced that the 31-year-old will not be able to train or play for at least four to five days, putting his participation in the crucial match at risk.
In a surprising move, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and rapper T-Pain have teamed up to release a cover of the 2002 hit "Get Low." In an Instagram post, Zuckerberg revealed that the song was playing when he first met his now-wife in college, leading to the annual tradition of listening to it on their dating anniversary. While some may view it as a publicity stunt, the duo, under the name "Z-Pain," has released the song on Spotify for listeners to judge for themselves. This comes as part of Zuckerberg's ongoing transformation into a "cool kid" persona, which includes his signature black t-shirt and gold chain.
The much-awaited showdown between boxing legends Mike Tyson and Jake Paul may have captured the headlines, but another fighter stole the spotlight. India's very own Neeraj Goyat, who defeated Brazil's Whindersson Nunes in an exciting undercard match, showcased skill, determination, and sportsmanship. This victory is another milestone in Goyat's illustrious career and a significant boost for Indian boxing on the global stage. With his disciplined approach and strategic brilliance, Goyat is inspiring budding athletes across the country.
As India prepares for the deciding fourth T20I against South Africa, the team is facing concerns over Rinku Singh's batting slot and approach. However, with a history of success at the Wanderers 'Bull Ring', the Indian team remains confident of a collective batting effort to secure the series. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, fresh off a record-breaking victory in the last T20I series in South Africa, will look to continue his impressive track record. However, the dip in form of T20 expert Rinku Singh may prove to be a hindrance in India's plans to emerge victorious.
In a surprise move, US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen John Ratcliffe, former director of National Intelligence and close ally, as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Amid speculation that an Indian-origin candidate may be picked, Ratcliffe's selection is seen as a more traditional choice due to his experience in counteracting foreign interference in American politics. Trump has praised Ratcliffe for his honesty and commitment to national security, and announced him as the first person to serve in both the top intelligence roles in the country.