Gautam Gambhir’s record as India’s Test coach has hit a new low. In just over a year, India has lost nearly two out of every three Tests under him. This loss rate is worse than any modern coach, including Greg Chappell. India have suffered five home Test defeats under Gambhir, including sweeps by New Zealand and South Africa. His team has struggled abroad too, losing in Australia and drawing in England. Comparatively, previous coaches like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Ravi Shastri had far better records. Critics now call Gambhir India’s worst red-ball coach of the modern era. (PC: HT)

Haryana has suspended Rohtak’s District Sports Officer after two teenage basketball players died in separate pole-collapse accidents within 48 hours. The first death occurred in Bahadurgarh, followed by a similar incident in Rohtak. The 16-year-old Rohtak player, a national-level athlete, died after an iron pole fell on him during solo practice. State Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam has ordered a high-level review and strict inspections of all sports facilities. Officers must remove unsafe equipment, close risky buildings, and ensure personal accountability. The incidents have raised concerns over poor sports infrastructure and urgent reforms are expected in the coming days.

Severe flooding in southern Thailand has claimed at least 33 lives, as rain-swollen waters have displaced nearly 45,000 people across nine provinces. In the hardest-hit city of Hat Yai, the ground floor of a major hospital was submerged, forcing authorities to airlift critically ill patients—around 50 in intensive care—via more than 20 helicopters. The Thai navy even deployed its only aircraft carrier, the Chakri Naruebet, to assist in relief operations. Meanwhile, rescue teams are using boats to transport food, generators, and medical supplies as rain continues.

The Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court that about 99% of enumeration forms for Kerala’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have been distributed. The EC argued that there is no need to delay the SIR process, even though it overlaps with upcoming local body elections. Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that more than 96% of forms are with voters, and over half of them have already been digitized. Meanwhile, the state government had asked the Court to defer SIR, citing administrative concerns. 

The UK faces freezing weather as temperatures drop below 0°C in some areas. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds up to 75 mph, affecting northern Scotland and coastal regions. Heavy rain is expected, spreading across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Authorities warn of large waves, power cuts, and transport delays. The Environment Agency has flood alerts for the River Derwent and other rivers. Meteorologist Clare Nasir said cold weather is caused by a sudden ridge, bringing showers and blustery winds. The cold snap will continue into the weekend. (PC: X)

In a strategic move, the Union Cabinet has approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme to develop India’s manufacturing capacity for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). The plan targets the establishment of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum of integrated REPM production through a global competitive bidding process, with five selected beneficiaries. Of the budget, ₹6,450 crore is allocated as sales-linked incentives over five years, and ₹750 crore as capital subsidies. These powerful magnets are key in electric vehicles, wind turbines, defence systems, electronics, and aerospace. The scheme aligns with India’s push for self-reliance, reduced import dependence, and its Net Zero 2070 commitment. (PC: AP)

Kolkata has been named PETA India’s Most Vegan-Friendly City for 2025. The award was given to Mayor Firhad Hakim during World Vegan Month. PETA India said the city has many naturally vegan Bengali dishes, such as aloo posto, cholar dal, tomato khejur chutney and puchka. Vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants in the city are also growing. Many now serve plant-based milk, tofu dishes and dairy-free desserts. Kolkata also saw more vegan events this year, including a Durga Puja installation promoting animal-friendly choices. PETA India said Kolkata is setting a strong example by supporting sustainable and cruelty-free living.

India’s proud home Test record has collapsed after a 2-0 series loss to South Africa, following a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand. The defeats have raised questions about coach Gautam Gambhir’s decisions on pitches and team selection. Critics say India looked confused and lacked fight. South Africa won the second Test by 408 runs, exposing India’s weak batting and poor temperament. Players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant also struggled with basic errors. Analysts say young players were picked without enough domestic form, while key tactical calls backfired. India’s once-strong home advantage now looks lost. (PC: X)

A survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack has shared a painful account of the night she was shot by Ajmal Kasab. She said the memories of the killings at CSMT station remain as clear today as they were 17 years ago. The woman also recalled identifying Kasab in court despite attempts to confuse her. She said his face showed no fear, only joy while firing at people. The survivor spoke about her long struggle for government support and said many promises were forgotten. She finally received a house only after a court order. The attack killed 166 people. (PC: HT)

Music composer Palash Muchhal has been discharged from a Mumbai hospital after being admitted for chest pain and breathing issues. He was under treatment at SRV Hospital in Goregaon for three days. His health scare came soon after his wedding with cricketer Smriti Mandhana was postponed. The wedding was delayed after Smriti’s father suffered heart-attack-like symptoms. Family members said Palash was under emotional stress during this period, which may have affected his health. Doctors confirmed he is now stable. The families have not announced a new wedding date. Palash’s mother said the wedding will happen only after full recovery. (PC: X)