Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a 3-1 series win against India, highlighted by a six-wicket victory in the final Test at Sydney. Ex-cricketer Mohammad Kaif and coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the need for Indian players to prioritize domestic cricket and improve their skills on varied tracks to excel in Test matches.
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During the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal between India and Australia, Steve Smith narrowly avoided being dismissed when an Axar Patel delivery hit his bat, pad, and grazed the stumps without dislodging the bails. The rare event left the stadium in awe and commentators noted the unusual occurrence, highlighting cricket's unpredictable nature.
India's struggles in the Border Gavaskar Trophy continued as they were bowled out for 185 on the first day of the fifth Test in Sydney. Australia's intense sledging tactics targeted Shubman Gill before lunch. The day ended with Jasprit Bumrah managing to get the crucial wicket of Usman Khawaja as Australia ended at 9 for 1, trailing India by 176 runs.
China marked the fifth anniversary of the first known COVID-19 death without official commemorations. The pandemic remains a taboo subject in the country. Social media showed little awareness of the anniversary. China continues to face criticism regarding its early handling of the virus, while Beijing declared a 'decisive victory' over COVID in 2023.
On Republic Day, two tableaux on the Kartavya Path celebrated the journey of the Constitution and B R Ambedkar's legacy. Highlighting the Constitution, the event included a flower carpet depiction, a grand replica of the Constitution and Ashok Chakra, and intricate patterns from the original illustrations.
In Bengaluru's Chandra Layout, police arrested four individuals for moral policing. A woman, wearing a Burqa, was confronted by community members for speaking with a man from a different community while on a scooter. The woman filed a complaint, leading to the arrests, including a juvenile. Authorities confirmed that no violence occurred during the incident. An investigation is currently underway.
Pongal is a major South Indian festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in Tamil Nadu, marking the Tamil month of Thai and the harvest season. The four-day event involves honoring deities, expressing gratitude for food and prosperity, and sharing warm greetings and messages of happiness and good fortune.
A 52-year-old teacher has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating a student after eloping with her. The repeat offender, Dhaval Trivedi, was already serving a life sentence for a similar past crime and committed the offense again while out on furlough.
India has offered the Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems to France, stressing it would enhance bilateral defense ties. Prime Minister Modi also discussed the acquisition of Rafale-Marine fighters and collaboration on Scorpene submarines with President Macron, underscoring ongoing defense partnerships between the countries.
Canadian Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland's shocking resignation throws Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government into turmoil amidst economic woes and US trade threats. Freeland's scathing criticism of Trudeau's fiscal policies, coupled with looming tariffs from the US, leaves Canada vulnerable. Trudeau's weakening grip on power, reflected in declining poll numbers and cabinet exits, raises questions about his political future.
The RBI has eased restrictions on lending to non-bank finance companies and microfinance institutions by lowering risk weights for bank credit. This move aims to boost lending capacity and support economic growth, reversing the slowdown observed after previous regulatory measures.