Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has broken her silence on last year's religious conversion controversy involving her family. The incident occurred on October 24, when her Bombay Gymkhana membership was cancelled after her father was accused of misusing facilities to book a hall for religious meetings. Rodrigues firmly denied all accusations, stating her family acted within regulations and had proof. The controversy emerged after India's disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup exit, deeply affecting her emotionally. She described receiving hurtful messages about her family and church. Remarkably, exactly one year later, Rodrigues played crucial innings against New Zealand (74) and Australia (127*), helping India win their first Women's Cricket World Cup. (PC: Instagram)

Counting for the 243-seat Bihar assembly begins today at 8am after two phases of voting. The NDA hopes to retain power under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, backed by PM Modi’s campaigning. The Mahagathbandhan’s Tejashwi Yadav says he will win with a “thumping majority” and has pitched major job promises. Exit polls give the NDA an edge, though past polls in Bihar have been wrong. The Election Commission has placed strong security at all counting centres. Bihar recorded its highest-ever turnout, raising chances of a surprise result. Both alliances accuse each other of pressure tactics as tension builds before the final numbers. (PC: HT)

The probe into the Delhi car blast that killed 13 people has found a link to Dubai. Investigators questioned accused doctor Adil Ahmed Rather, who said his brother travelled to Pakistan and then to Dubai two months ago. Officers suspect he arranged funds for the terror plan and had links to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Police also confirmed that Dr Umar Mohammad drove the i20 car that exploded near Red Fort. His DNA matched remains found in the vehicle. Investigators say the group planned blasts at six locations on December 6. A huge explosives recovery in Faridabad likely stopped a bigger attack. (PC: NDTV)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the Delhi terror attack that killed 13 people and called it “an attack that takes so many innocent civilian lives.” He urged investigators to find the culprits but warned against blaming the wider Kashmiri community. “Stop treating all of us as suspects,” he said. Abdullah stressed that “the entire Kashmir community is not radicalised” and asked why Kashmiri Muslims must “prove our patriotism” after every incident. He also questioned failures in past cases, asking, “If you had clear-cut evidence of terror links, why was no prosecution brought about?” (PC: India Today)

A newly released email from Jeffrey Epstein appears to confirm that Prince Andrew was photographed with Virginia Giuffre. Epstein wrote in 2011 that Giuffre “was on my plane” and “had her picture taken with Andrew.” This goes against Andrew’s long claim that he never met her and that the photo could be fake. The email is part of thousands of documents released by US lawmakers. The files also show Andrew and Epstein stayed in contact months after Andrew said their friendship had ended. Andrew denies all allegations. Giuffre had accused him of having sex with her when she was a teenager. (PC: BBC)

Survivors of the Red Fort blast are still in pain and shock three days after the deadly explosion. Ten people were killed and over twenty were injured when a car blew up near the Lal Qila Metro Station. Many victims are being treated at LNJP Hospital for hearing loss, burns and serious injuries. Doctors say loud blasts can cause long-term ear damage. First responders said the scene was horrifying, with bodies and debris everywhere. Locals rushed victims to ambulances. Many rescuers say they cannot sleep after what they saw and are still struggling with the memories. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court adopted a cautious, probing stance toward petitions challenging Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, signaling tough times ahead for petitioners. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi emphasized rectification over suspension, questioning whether objections represent genuine disenfranchisement concerns or political interests. Petitioners, including DMK's RS Bharathi and Trinamool's Dola Sen, cited monsoon disruptions, festive periods, and connectivity issues. However, the Court backed Election Commission's mandate and discretion, drawing confidence from Bihar's successful SIR experience where 65 lakh voters were removed yet record 66.9% turnout occurred. The bench stressed enabling easy participation while respecting constitutional authority. (PC: The Indian Express & The Federal)

Thirty-two cars were being prepared for a coordinated six-phase terror attack targeting multiple Delhi locations on December 6 marking Babri Masjid demolition anniversary, sources told NDTV. The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed plot involved vehicles including a Hyundai i20 that exploded prematurely Monday at Red Fort, killing 13. Investigators discovered a Maruti Brezza at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad, a Ford EcoSport abandoned with an unidentified man sleeping inside, and a Dzire containing assault rifles. Nearly 3,000kg of explosives were stockpiled at Al-Falah Hospital and Anantnag's Government Medical College. Terrorist Umar Mohammed's DNA confirmed his death in the blast. The cell operated using doctors as cover, exposed after CCTV caught poster activities in Nowgam. (PC: Asianet Newsable & India Today)

Bangladesh's interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Thursday that the country will hold a national referendum on the 'July Charter' for state reform alongside national elections in February 2026. The charter, containing over 80 reforms, was drafted following discussions with various political parties. The Council of Advisers approved holding both votes simultaneously on the same day. Supporters view the charter as a foundational framework for institutional reform in Bangladesh. This significant decision marks a crucial step in the nation's political transition, allowing citizens to vote on comprehensive state reforms while simultaneously electing their national government. The dual-voting approach aims to streamline the democratic process and expedite reform implementation. (PC: NDTV) 

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir assured Sri Lankan Defence Minister that cricketers touring Pakistan would receive "foolproof security" after several players requested to return home following a deadly suicide blast. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed army and paramilitary deployment to protect the visiting team after Tuesday's Islamabad court bombing killed 12 and injured 27. At least eight Sri Lankan players expressed serious security reservations, with their stadium and hotel located within 10km of the blast site. The attack coincided with militants storming a military-run school in Wana, killing three. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake personally encouraged cricketers to continue the tour, successfully addressing their concerns. (PC: NDTV Sports)