Newly appointed India women’s captain Smriti Mandhana paid tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur following her decision to step down as captain across all formats. Mandhana praised Harmanpreet’s 10-year leadership journey, calling it “fantastic” and highlighting the former captain’s contribution to Indian women’s cricket. Harmanpreet’s tenure included India’s historic maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025 and two consecutive Asian Games gold medals. She also led India in 155 T20Is, 51 ODIs and five Tests. Mandhana said the team would aim to achieve more success together. Harmanpreet will continue representing India as a player under the new leadership. (PC: ANI)

Former India batter Suresh Raina has welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I squad, describing the veteran pacer’s comeback as thoroughly deserved. The 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar has been recalled nearly four years after his last international appearance in November 2022. His consistent performances in recent IPL seasons, including playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns, helped earn him another opportunity with India. Raina praised Bhuvneshwar’s discipline, hard work and resilience throughout his career. The experienced seamer will feature in India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning October 22. (PC: AP)

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces attacked Aden International Airport with ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones on Wednesday, escalating fighting with Saudi-backed government forces. One missile landed near the runway shortly before a Cairo flight was due to arrive, forcing authorities to divert the aircraft to Jeddah. No casualties were immediately reported. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh and vowed to target its launch platform. The attacks came as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a counteroffensive to retake territory near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea coast, threatening renewed regional instability. 

Around 300 INDIA bloc MPs are set to protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted a lunch for Opposition MPs at Sagar Ratna in central Delhi. Rahul Gandhi said the leaders decided to continue their protest after they were not allowed to meet the Election Commission on Tuesday. The Opposition has accused the poll panel of electoral irregularities and raised concerns over voter-list revisions. Delhi Police have deployed personnel and strengthened security around central Delhi as the protest is expected to draw a large gathering.

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker caught fire in the Black Sea off Russia’s resort city of Sochi after reportedly being attacked by naval drones on Tuesday evening. Russia’s Transport Ministry said crude oil was burning openly in the sea, creating a huge blaze and a thick cloud of black smoke visible from the coastline. All 23 crew members, who were Indian nationals, were rescued, with no casualties reported. Russian authorities temporarily restricted access to beaches and coastal areas. Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident comes amid escalating Russian and Ukrainian strikes against maritime and energy targets. 

Virat Kohli has rejected claims that Rs 5 crore was paid to bring him to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan. Kohli’s spokesperson called the allegation “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect”. The claim was made by Falahari Maharaj, also known as Dinesh Sharma, amid controversy surrounding the death of a disciple at the ashram. Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, have been regular visitors to the Radha Keli Kunj Ashram since 2023. Kohli’s team said his visits were driven by “deep faith and reverence” and urged media organisations to verify such claims before reporting or amplifying them. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he was ready to face more FIRs over the Opposition’s protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission. “45 FIRs have been registered against me; I want 100 FIRs to be registered against me. Every FIR is like a medal for me,” Gandhi said in Delhi. The Opposition has intensified protests over allegations of “vote chori” and electoral roll revision. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc leaders were detained on Tuesday after a protest near the Election Commission office. The AAP is also set to join a fresh protest in Delhi. (PC: India Today)

France has suspended the use of stun grenades during student protests after a 15-year-old boy lost his hand in an incident in Lens on Monday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered the pause until investigations clarify what happened. Authorities said the teenager picked up the grenade before it exploded, while students claimed he was hit directly by police. The protests have spread across France, with more than 500 schools disrupted on Wednesday. Police arrested 488 people during Tuesday’s demonstrations, while 43 security officers were injured. Police watchdog IGPN has opened 18 investigations into whether officers used proportionate force during the protests. (PC: BBC)

The United States has lost or suffered damage to at least 81 military aircraft and drones since the Iran war began, according to a new Congressional Research Service report. The losses are estimated at nearly $3.3 billion. The affected equipment includes 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, 1 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones and 2 A-10 attack aircraft. Three F-15Es were shot down in friendly fire over Kuwait, while another was lost over Iran. Eight more F-15Es were damaged in Iranian strikes on a Jordan air base. The report said some damaged aircraft may return to service. (PC: NDTV)

Lionel Messi’s Argentina story has ended after a career that transformed him from an “international failure” into the country’s undisputed leader. Early in his career, Messi faced criticism for Argentina’s repeated defeats in major finals, despite reaching the 2014 World Cup final and Copa America finals. He briefly retired from international football in 2016 before returning. Messi later led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup and another Copa America title. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists in 7 matches. His Argentina career ends with 126 goals and a lasting legacy. (PC: BBC)