The Taliban government announced the release of Khan Mohammad, exchanged with American prisoners, facilitated by Qatar. Mohammad had served a life sentence in California after a nearly two-decade detention. The announcement followed Trump’s election victory, highlighting potential new relations with the US and extending gratitude to Qatar.
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Aryaman Varma, an 18-year-old leg-spinner, has been awarded the prestigious Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year award. The Eton College captain's outstanding performance in the 2024 season, where he took a record-breaking 51 wickets, earned him the title. Varma, who was nominated for the award last year as well, expressed his delight at joining the ranks of cricketing legends like Jos Butler and Jonny Bairstow, who are also past winners.
A Bangladeshi inquiry commission has implicated deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and top officials in approximately 3,500 enforced disappearances. The commission's report unveiled a "systematic design" involving secret detention centers and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus pledged full support to the ongoing investigation, which is expected to continue for another year.
India lost their 13th consecutive coin toss in ODIs, with New Zealand opting to bowl first in the final Group A match of the Champions Trophy. The streak, stretching back to the 2023 Wankhede semifinal, is causing frustration among fans and analysts. Despite the setback, India adjusted their lineup, resting Harshit Rana for spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
A road-rage incident in Bengaluru involving an Air Force couple and a biker escalated into a language controversy after the wing commander alleged abuse in Kannada and assault. However, police investigation, including CCTV footage, revealed the wing commander initiated the physical altercation, leading to the biker's arrest.
Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the US of a strong retaliation if President Trump's threats of bombing are executed due to Iran's non-compliance with a new nuclear deal. This follows Trump's ultimatum and warnings of severe consequences, including unprecedented bombing and secondary tariffs on Iran. Tensions heighten as both nations stand firm on their positions regarding the nuclear agreement.
A Delhi court dismissed MP Rashid Engineer's petition seeking a decision on his regular bail in a terror funding case. The judge clarified he could only rule on the miscellaneous application. Rashid, who was granted interim bail previously, requested interim bail again to attend the Parliamentary session.
England recorded their 28th ODI loss after setting a 300-plus total, making them the most defeated team in such instances. Rohit Sharma led India to a series-clinching win with a brilliant 119, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. Captain Jos Buttler admitted the team's shortcomings and emphasized the need for improvement despite ongoing challenges.
Following India's loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced criticism for their performances. Yuvraj Singh defended them, highlighting their past achievements and stressing the importance of support during tough times. He acknowledged the role of selectors and BCCI in shaping the future while emphasizing leadership quality even in adversity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Jeddah for a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, his first to the Kingdom's commercial capital, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They will co-chair the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting, focusing on strengthening economic and defence ties.
The Supreme Court quashed a preventive detention order by Nagaland's home department, emphasizing that detaining authorities must independently apply their minds. The court criticized the special secretary for merely accepting proposals from the police without specifying separate grounds for detention, which is required by law.