An old interview of India head coach Gautam Gambhir has gone viral after Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. In the clip, Gambhir spoke about losing vice-captaincy to Virat Kohli during MS Dhoni’s captaincy. “Has it ever happened before that only the vice-captain is changed while the captain remains?” he said. The comment drew fresh attention as Gill, India’s vice-captain before the South Africa series, was dropped. The timing has added to the debate around selection calls and leadership decisions. (PC: PTI)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday expressed surprise over Shubman Gill being dropped from India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Gill was also removed as vice-captain. Gavaskar said Gill struggled in a few recent matches but stressed that “class is permanent, form is temporary.” He added that Gill lacked rhythm after a long break from T20 cricket. The decision was taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of the tournament. Gavaskar said Gill remains a quality batter despite his recent dip in form. (PC: AFP)

Delhi recorded its first cold wave of the season on Saturday, with the maximum temperature dropping to 16.9°C, officials said. The India Meteorological Department said this was the coldest December day so far. Dense fog and grey haze reduced visibility and disrupted air travel. At least 129 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport, including arrivals and departures. The minimum temperature fell to 6.1°C. Air quality also worsened, with the AQI touching 401 in the evening, entering the severe category. Authorities warned that fog and poor air quality may continue on Sunday. (PC: India Today)

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday warned of strict action against polluting industries and construction work violating curbs. He said all polluting units in Delhi will be sealed from Sunday. Sirsa added that construction work is banned under GRAP Stage 4 and violators will face legal action. His warning came as Delhi’s AQI touched 398, close to the severe mark, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The India Meteorological Department predicted cold day conditions and dense fog on Sunday. Sirsa urged people to cooperate to protect public health. (PC: ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may brief US President Donald Trump on possible strikes on Iran during a meeting later this month, a media report said. The two leaders are expected to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu is likely to warn that Iran is expanding its ballistic missile programme. Israeli officials see missiles as a more urgent threat than nuclear weapons. They fear Iran is rebuilding damaged nuclear and military sites. The White House said earlier US strikes had destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The meeting comes amid renewed tensions in the region. (PC: AFP/ File)

The United States carried out a “massive strike” against the Islamic State in Syria, the US military said on Saturday. US Central Command said fighter jets, helicopters and artillery hit over 70 IS targets across central Syria. The strikes followed a December 13 ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. US President Donald Trump said the strikes were “very strong.” Aircraft from Jordan also joined the operation. US officials said the action aimed to destroy IS bases and weapons. (PC: US Air Force/Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Trinamool Congress of pushing West Bengal into what he called “Maha Jungle Raj.” Modi addressed a BJP rally in Ranaghat virtually after fog stopped his helicopter from landing. He said TMC politics is anti-development and blocks welfare schemes. Modi also accused the party of protecting illegal infiltrators. “Infiltrators go back,” he said, promising strict action if BJP forms the government. He highlighted new road projects and urged voters to support a “double-engine” BJP government ahead of elections. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Built at a cost of ₹4,000 crore, it is India’s first nature-themed airport terminal. Modi said the project opens “new opportunities” and marks “a new chapter in Assam’s development.” The terminal can handle over 13 million passengers each year, making it the largest in the Northeast. The airport is named after Assam’s first chief minister, whose statue was also unveiled. The terminal was developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited and uses bamboo-inspired designs.

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Dhaka on Saturday for the funeral of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who died from gunshot wounds earlier this month. Mourners filled areas near Parliament, waving national flags and raising slogans. Heavy security was deployed across the city. “Brother Hadi’s blood will not be allowed to go in vain,” people shouted. Hadi’s brother, Abu Bakar, led the prayers. The burial took place at University of Dhaka, near poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s mausoleum. Police said suspects may have fled abroad. The funeral comes ahead of February elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is meant to ensure that “infiltrators are kept out of the electoral process.” Addressing a rally in Assam’s Guwahati, Modi accused the Congress of protecting infiltrators and ignoring the Northeast for decades. “The Centre is taking strict steps to stop infiltration,” he said. Modi added that past Congress governments harmed Assam’s security and unity. He claimed violence has reduced in the last 10–11 years and affected districts are now developing. (PC: File/PMO)