Speaking ahead of India’s first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, Gill said selection decisions are part of a cricketer’s journey and stressed that his focus remains on performing whenever an opportunity comes his way.

“I respect the selectors’ decision and wish the team all the best for the T20 World Cup,” Gill told mediapersons. “Every player wants to give his best for the country. Whatever is written in my destiny will happen.”

Gill’s omission comes amid a lean run in T20 cricket, with selectors opting for a balanced squad composition. Axar Patel has been named vice-captain of the T20I side, which will be led by Suryakumar Yadav.

As focus shifts to the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, experienced campaigners Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to anchor India’s batting lineup. Both veterans are coming off strong domestic performances, underlining their importance in India’s 50-over plans.

Shubman Gill’s return to the ODI XI could result in Yashasvi Jaiswal making way at the top, despite the youngster scoring his maiden ODI century against South Africa in the previous series.

Shreyas Iyer is set to return to his preferred No. 4 position, ending India’s recent experimentation in the middle order. KL Rahul is likely to continue as the wicketkeeper-batter, with Rishabh Pant remaining on the sidelines.

India will miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who have been rested for workload management ahead of upcoming T20 commitments. Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. The spin department will feature Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.

The series opener will be played at the newly constructed Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi, marking its first men’s international fixture.

New Zealand, meanwhile, arrive with a revamped squad. Mitchell Santner has been ruled out due to injury, Tom Latham has returned home for family reasons, and Kane Williamson is unavailable due to franchise commitments. Michael Bracewell will lead the visitors.

Despite missing several senior players, New Zealand still possess a strong batting unit featuring Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls and Glenn Phillips, and will use the series to assess young talent ahead of future tournaments.

In her post, Ananya Joshi reflected on her years in America, calling it her first home as a financially independent adult. “By far the hardest step in this journey. Even though I seemed to have accepted my reality, nothing could have prepared me for this day. America was my first home as a financially independent adult and that will always be special to me. Though short-lived, I really appreciate the life you gave me. America, I love you,” she wrote.

A 2024 Northwestern University graduate with a master’s degree in Biotechnology, Joshi worked at a biotech startup under the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. However, after being laid off during a company-wide downsizing, she began urgently searching for a new position.

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A post shared by Ananya ???? | Relatable Adult Life (@ananyastruggles)

Back in June, she had written on LinkedIn: “I’ve been laid off from my previous role. There’s some urgency to this as my STEM OPT clock is ticking, and I need to secure a role within the next month to remain in the US.” Despite months of effort, she was unable to land a role within the visa timeframe.

While her departure sparked empathy from many followers, some online users criticised her for flying first class on her way out. Still, Joshi hinted at optimism for the future, suggesting in recent posts that she may explore opportunities abroad, possibly in Dubai.

Speaking at a passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday, Munir reiterated that Pakistan would continue to offer political, diplomatic, and moral backing to the Kashmiri people. The top army official insisted that what India identifies as terrorism is, in fact, a fight for self-determination, citing international laws and United Nations resolutions.

“What India tends to term as terrorism is in fact the legitimate struggle as per international conventions,” Munir said. “Pakistan will always continue to provide political, diplomatic, and moral support to the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

He further stated that lasting peace in the South Asian region would remain a distant dream without a “just and peaceful” solution to the Kashmir dispute, claiming that the issue remains central to regional stability.

The general’s comments come weeks after his similar remarks at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on April 16. At that event, Munir had called Kashmir the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, a phrase often used by Pakistani leaders to assert their claim over the region.

So far, the Indian government has not responded to Munir’s latest remarks. However, past statements from Pakistan on Kashmir have been strongly rejected by India’s External Affairs Ministry, which has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and any support for terrorism across the border is unacceptable.

The timing of Munir’s speech is notable, as it follows heightened tensions between the two countries. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist launchpads and infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas. The operation was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. What followed was four days of heavy cross-border firepower involving drones, missiles, and long-range weapons. Military action on both sides was paused after May 10 following a mutual understanding.

Referring to past incidents, Munir claimed that India had launched “two unprovoked acts of aggression” against Pakistan, including the airstrike in Balakot in 2019 following the Pulwama suicide attack, and the recent clashes in May. He warned that any future misstep by India could lead to serious consequences.

“Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity,” Munir said, adding, “But any enemy miscalculating Pakistan’s strength or assuming strategic impunity will face a swift and befitting response.”

According to him, Pakistan has been playing the role of a “regional stabiliser,” but would not hesitate to act decisively to protect its sovereignty.

A video from the event, now widely circulated on social platforms, shows Afridi being enthusiastically welcomed on stage with loud cheers and chants of “Boom Boom,” a nickname popularised by his explosive batting style. Community members even halted their cultural performances to greet the cricketer. Afridi, smiling, responded to the chants saying, “Hogaya Boom Boom,” and praised Indian cuisine, stating he especially enjoys food from Kerala.

"The Mysterious India Series": Shahid Afridi criticizes India and the Indian armed forces while supporting extremists, yet the Indian community from Kerala in Dubai welcomes him." My head bows in shame and my blood boils. What would that soldier on borders would think when he… pic.twitter.com/kYU4pmKos8

— Lt Col Sushil Singh Sheoran, Veteran (@SushilS27538625) May 30, 2025

However, this public display of admiration sparked outrage online due to Shahid Afridi’s recent inflammatory comments made during a televised interview in Pakistan. Appearing on Samaa TV, Afridi dismissed the Indian narrative around the Pahalgam attack, saying, “Even if a firecracker bursts in India, they blame Pakistan.” He went on to mock the Indian Army’s capabilities, stating, “You have 800,000 troops in Kashmir, yet such incidents occur. It shows you’re incompetent and incapable of ensuring security.”

He further ridiculed Indian media, suggesting they dramatised the attack coverage like a Bollywood production, and took indirect jabs at Indian cricketers for holding Pakistan responsible.

The Pahalgam attack was later claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based banned terrorist outfit.

Afridi’s warm reception by the Kerala diaspora in Dubai prompted a wave of criticism across X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms. One widely shared post read: “What a shame!! Desperate Keralites welcome this anti-India Paki with ‘Boom Boom’ at an event in Dubai, right after Pahalgam and his venomous anti-India rants.”

Virat Kohli wrote, "It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life."

He fondly recalled the quieter aspects of the red-ball game — the long days, the unseen efforts, and the deep emotional connection players form with Test cricket. In a format known for its mental and physical demands, Kohli’s consistency and passion made him one of the greatest of his era.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for,” Kohli stated.

Expressing gratitude, he thanked the game, his teammates, and every individual who supported him throughout the journey:

“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.”

Kohli signed off his post with a tribute to his Test cap number:

“#269, signing off. ????????❤️”

Virat Kohli debuted in Test cricket in 2011 and went on to become one of India’s most successful captains and top-order batters. Known for his fierce intensity, unmatched fitness, and elegant stroke play, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has inspired millions across the globe.

Fans and fellow cricketers have flooded social media with tributes, thanking Kohli for his service and celebrating the memories he created on the pitch.

The BJP last won a two-thirds majority in 1993 with 53 seats. During its five-year tenure, Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma, and Sushma Swaraj served as Chief Ministers.

In a major political shift, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal lost from New Delhi, and Manish Sisodia was defeated in Jangpura. Meanwhile, Delhi CM Atishi retained her Kalkaji seat, while Satyendar Jain also suffered defeat. After the loss, Kejriwal accepted the verdict and congratulated the BJP on its victory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the BJP headquarters in the evening to address party workers.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government’s General Administration Department (GAD) has ordered the sealing of the Secretariat. The order states that no files, documents, or computer hardware can be taken out of the premises without permission.


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Earlier on Tuesday, troubles mounted for AAP chief and former Delhi chief minister after Haryana police registered a case against Arvind Kejriwal under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act over poisoned Yamuna remarks. 

The FIR states: “The complainant is a public-spirited person and an advocate by profession. He is aggrieved by the act and conduct of the accused and is a permanent resident of the above-mentioned address. Therefore, he is competent and entitled to file this complaint in the Hon’ble Court against Shri Arvind Kejriwal and other members of the Aam Aadmi Party for committing offences under Sections 61 read with 109, 192, 196, 197, 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 62 read with 109, 192, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.”

Delhi has 70 assembly constituencies of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Caste. Over 1.55 crore voters have been registered. 2.08 lakh voters are young, between the age group of 18 and 19Of the total electorate, 79,436 are persons with disabilities, 1,261 are third-gender voters and 1,09,941 are senior citizens over the age of 85.

The hospital has issued a statement in the case and confirmed that two injuries are deep wounds which are close to spine. 

Police has registered a case against an identified intruder and launched an investigation. Three attendants, who work at Saif Ali Khan's house, are being interrogated by the police. Mumbai Crime Branch has been designated with the investigation. 

Several teams of Crime Branch have been deployed to nab the suspect while CCTV fottage is also being scanned for the cue. 

A scuffle broke out between the actor and the intruder after he attempted to barge in, confirmed the police. Later, the intruder stabbed Saif Ali Khan six times and fled the crime scene.  

An official statement has been issued by Saif Ali Khan's team. It read, "There was an attempted burglary at Mr Saif Ali Khan's residence. He is currently in hospital undergoing a surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It's a police matter. We will keep you updated on the situation."

After tests were conducted, hospital authorities confirmed that the two were infected with HMPV, an illness similar to Covid-19 that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat.

The cases have prompted Maharashtra government to be on alert mode over potential surge in the cases. Also people having flu lie symptoms or respiratory discomfort have been advised to take extra precautions. 

The health department has advised people to take precautions and not panic at the same time while asserting that the cases emerging from virus are not new and similar cases have been reportedin the country in the past. 

With the diagnosis of two cases in Nagpur, the toll has climbed to seven. Earlier two cases were detected in Karnataka while 1 was reported in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

Remaining two cases were reported from Tamil Nadu

Union Government monitors situation

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on Tuesday reviewed the present situation in the wake of the HMPV cases. He said that there was no surge of respiratory illnesses in the country and stressed that sturdy surveillance was ongoing to detect such cases.

India and China have reached a consensus over resuming the Indian pilgrim's pilgrimage  Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after years of border standoff. Both the sides have also emphasised on the measures to promote and maintain peace with special mention to cross-border river cooperation and Nathula border trade.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The SRs [special representatives] reiterated the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question, and resolved to inject more vitality into this process.”

In a press release, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “On December 18, 2024, the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question was held in Beijing. This was the first meeting between the two sides in five years.”

During the meeting, talks were held on maintaining peace and tranquility along the border and strengthen mechanisms for diplomatic and military negotiations, with plans for a follow-up meeting in India next year.

“Based on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in the Kazan meeting, Chinese Special Representative, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office Wang Yi and Indian Special Representative and National Security Advisor Doval held substantive discussions on the China-India border issue in a positive and constructive manner and reached six consensuses,” the release added.

According to the reports, NSA Ajit Doval has invited Wang Yi to visit India to hold next round of special representatives' in India next year.

The threat email was sent to the official email ID of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra in the Russian language on December 12, saying "will blow you up". 

Soon after receiving the email, the Mumbai police launched an investigation into the matter and filed a case against sender under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 

Speaking about the threat email, a senior Mumbai Police officer said, "A threatening email was received on the official website of the Reserve Bank of India. The email was in Russian and warned to blow up the bank. A case has been registered against an unknown accused in Mata Ramabai Marg (MRA Marg) police station. An investigation into the matter is underway".

The Delhi Fire Brigade and police teams swiftly responded to the alerts, conducting thorough checks of the premises to ensure the safety of students and staff.

After a meticulous search, authorities confirmed that no suspicious items were found.

Earlier, over 40 schools in the national capital received bomb threats via e-mail demanding a ransom of USD 30,000. This email came on December 8 at around 11:38 pm.

Arvind Kejriwal is a sitting MLA from New Delhi. Meanwhile Congress state president Devender Yadav has been fielded from Badli. 

The Congress also fielded ex-Delhi minister Haroon Yusuf from Ballimaran, ex-Delhi Congress chief Chaudhary Anil Kumar from Patparganj, national spokesperson Ragini Nayak from Wazirpur and Adarsh Shastri from Dwarka.

Among the other candidates, Ali Mahndi will fight from Mustafabad, Abdul Rehman from Seelampur, Rohit Chaudhry from Nangloi Jat and Praveen Jain from Shalimar Bagh.

The list was released after a meeting chaird by Mallikarjun Kharge was held with other top leaders in attendance and cleared the names of 21 candidates who will contest elections. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, CEC members Ambika Soni, Salman Khurshid, T S Singh Deo and Mushusudan Mistry were among those present at the meeting. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav was also present during the meeting. 

Earlier this week, the Aam Aadmi party rejected the claims of tie up with Congress for upcoming Delhi assemble elections which are slated to be held in February 2025. 

The dates for the elections will be announced in next 10-15 days. 

On Monday Union Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju established alleged connection between Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi with George Soros. He claimed that Gandhis have association with organisation which is financed by George Soros which supports the ideology of Kashmir as an independent nation. 

In a series of posts on X, the official handle of the saffron party said that Sonia Gandhi, as the Co-President of the Forum of the Democratic Leaders in the Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) Foundation, is linked to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation.

Union minister further asserted that although he has no interests in internal politics of Congress, however certain questions are being raised on Rahul Gandhi's leadership inside opposition bloc. 

“Notably, the FDL-AP Foundation has expressed their views that treat Kashmir as a separate entity. This association between Sonia Gandhi and an organisation that has backed the idea of Kashmir as an independent nation expresses the influence of foreign entities on India’s internal affairs and the political impact of such connections,” reads the post by the BJP.

Who is George Soros?

George Soros, 92 is a Hungarian-American fund manager-turned philanthropist. he launched his hedge fund in 1973 and became a prominent name for currency trades. Considered one of the pioneers of the modern hedge fund industry, Soros has donated to causes such as human rights, health and education, according to media reports. He has been a staunch critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP has often criticised his remarks and accused him of influencing India's democratic process. 

What is George Soros' India connection ?

In 1984, Soros established Open Society Foundation which aims at advancement of justice value system, human rights and democracy in more than 120 countries. Similarly Indian also bcame part of the foundation in 1999.

Soros had been vocal after the release of Hindenberg released a report on Gautam Adani and said that the report can potentially weaken PM Modi's stranglehold on the federal government. 

BJP also accused Sonia Gandhi of increasing foreign influence on Indian organisations.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh offers prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. pic.twitter.com/hrp8t4chEl

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024

The singer also took to his social media and shared the video from his visit and captioned it "Jai Shri MAHAKAL"

Jai Shri MAHAKAL ???? pic.twitter.com/HGeWpYjIt7

— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) December 10, 2024

Diljit was seen sitting peacefully inside the temple. When asked about his experience, he said, “Sab vahi hai bas. Mere paas shabd nahi hai. (God is the only one, I don’t have words). Om Namah Shivaay!”

Diljit Dosanjh was donned in white dhoti and blue jacket while he performed arti and offered prayers. The visit to the iconic temple comes after his show where the singer dedicated the concert to the late Urdu poet Rahat Indori, a beloved resident of Indore who died in August 2022.

Upon completion of their penance rebel group has announced its decision to dissolve the faction as directed by Akal Takht. After fulfilling their sewa, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra along with other leaders reached Akal Takht secretariat and informed about completion of their punishment and said that as directed by Akal Takht, Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar will be dissolved and all the rebel leaders will stay united with Akali Dal. 

Along with the dissolvement of the faction, Akal Takht also ordered the working committee to accept the resignations of the incumbent members to pave way for recruitment of new member. 

State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri during a press conference said that the filing of nominations will begin from Monday and will go until December 12. The examination of the nominations will be held on December 13. December 14 is the last date of withdrawal of nominations and allotment of symbols.

Instead of ballot papers, the urban civic polls will be held through EVMs. With the poll announcement, model code of conduct also comes into effect from today. The expenditure limit for candidates contesting the polls has been fixed. For municipal corporations, the expenditure limit is Rs 4 lakh and for municipal Council it is between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3.6 lakh, said Chaudhari.

Earlier Shiromani Akali Dal also announced its decision to conteste municipal polls which comes after party refused to fight panchayat polls. 

At the Shambhu border, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher says, "Today we have decided to withdraw the 'jatha'. The agitation will continue today. One farmer has been admitted to PGI and is in serious condition and 8-9 farmers are injured, so we have withdrawn the 'jatha'. After the meeting, we will tell you about the future program."

Pandher said the farmers would decide their next course of action after a meeting of their forums -- the Samyuka Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Farmers had resumed their Dilli Chalo march today at 12 pm two days after police resort to tear gas to stop them from proceeding towards Delhi at the Shambhu border. 

The demands of the farmers include legal guarantee for Minimum support price(MSP), farm debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases (against farmers), and “justice” for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Internet services in Ambala are also suspended until December 9 and the Ambala administration prohibited gatherings of more than five people. 

The WhatsApp message was sent to the traffic police helpline referring two ISI agents and a plan to carry out a bomb blast targeting PM Modi. Though earlier also Mumbai traffic police has received several hoax messages issuing threats.

As per the preliminary investigation, police officials have chalked out that the sender might be under the influence of alcohol or mentally disturbed while referring to the messages. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under the appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 

However, the committee, chaired by ruling Liberal Party MP Ali Ehsassi, moved to adjourn debate in the matter, with nine members voting for that adjournment and two against.

Introducing the motion, Singh asked the committee to “call on the House to recognise that a genocide was carried out against the Sikhs in India” in 1984 and to “call upon Indian government to make measures to bring those responsible for this violence to justice.”

The Indian-origin Member of Parliament Chandra Arya opposed the motion asserting that the motion is influenced by "politically powerful Khalistani lobby".

"He sought unanimous consent from all Members in the House of Commons to pass his motion. I was the only Member present in the House to say NO, and my single objection was enough to prevent this motion from being approved," Arya said.

MP Arya further said that he was threatened inside the Parliament building for opposing the motion and urged Hindu Canadians to see assitance from local MPs and commit to oppose such motions. 

" The 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, which followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, were undeniably barbaric. Thousands of innocent Sikhs lost their lives in those horrific events, and we all condemn this brutality without reservation,’’ he said.

Authorities have advised the commuters to prefer alternative routes near sector 34 during concert hours to avoid inconvenience. 10 parking zones and multi-level parking facility in sector 17 has been allocated meanwhile enforcing strict parking arrangements based on wrist band colours and designated zones, following  a first-come, first-served protocol.

Parking facility will be available as per the following color-coding:

Starting from 05:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the route from 33/34 Light Point to Polka turn to 34/35 Ligh ..

The Sham Mall to Polka Turn stretch will be closed to general traffic from 5 pm -10 pm, allowing only concert-related vehicles. Traffic restrictions will be enforced from 44/45/33/34 chowk towards 33/45, 34/35 LP to Dispensary turn, and Bharti School T-Point to 33/45 LP. Diversions begin at 4:00 PM on December 7, 2024. Priority access will be granted to emergency vehicles, medical cases and hearse vans.