Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli practiced together in the nets ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Perth. A viral video showed the two batting side by side, thrilling fans eager to see them back in action. The series is crucial for both as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With team management focusing on younger players, their performances could decide their future in the format. Both senior stars looked in fine touch, sending a strong message of determination and unity before the high-stakes series. 

Comedian Kapil Sharma's Kaps Cafe in Surrey, Canada faced its third shooting in four months Wednesday night, with Lawrence Bishnoi gang members Goldy Dhillon and Kuldeep Sidhu claiming responsibility. Video footage showed multiple handgun shots shattering a window; no casualties reported. The gangsters warned the "general public" to stay away and threatened those "who speak against religion in Bollywood" that "bullets can come from anywhere." Previous attacks occurred August 8 (25 shots fired) and July 10 (10 bullets struck windows). Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi claimed the first attack, citing offense over remarks about Nihang Sikhs at Sharma's show. Mumbai security was increased following threats.

   The British Library has reissued a reader’s card to Oscar Wilde, 130 years after it was revoked over his conviction for homosexuality. Wilde was banned from the library’s reading room in 1895 after being jailed for “gross indecency.” The new card, expiring on the date of his death, 30 November 1900, will be received by his grandson, author Merlin Holland. The library said the move honours Wilde’s legacy and recognises the injustice he suffered. Holland called it a “lovely gesture of forgiveness” and said Wilde’s spirit would have been “touched and delighted.” (PC: BBC)

   India rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs said there was no phone call between the two leaders. Trump had said during a media briefing that Modi promised to cut Russian oil imports, calling it a “big step.” India said its energy decisions are guided by consumer interests, stable prices, and secure supplies. India continues to import Russian oil while diversifying its energy sources. The dispute comes amid US pressure and tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: India Today)

India's MEA responded Thursday to Pakistan blaming New Delhi for Afghanistan border tensions, stating it's Islamabad's "old practice" to blame neighbors for internal failures. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined three clear points: Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors activities, habitually blames neighbors for its own failures, and is infuriated by Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its territories. India reaffirmed full commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The statement follows deadly clashes erupting twice weekly along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing dozens of troops and civilians. Both countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, each claiming the other requested it. Fighting intensified after Afghanistan launched revenge strikes following a Kabul attack blamed on Pakistan.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended allowing adult content in ChatGPT, declaring his company isn't the "elected moral police of the world." He announced verified adult users will access "erotica" in upcoming updates while prioritizing safety over privacy for teenagers. Altman emphasized treating adult users like adults, comparing policies to R-rated movie boundaries. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation criticized the move, warning about mental health harms from synthetic intimacy without credible safeguards. Executive Director Haley McNamara cited documented risks including simulated child abuse themes and sexually violent content. Altman maintained OpenAI won't allow content harming others and will protect users experiencing mental health crises, emphasizing user freedom as central to their mission.

Amid escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined three clear positions: Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors activities, habitually blames neighbors for internal failures, and resents Afghanistan asserting sovereignty over its territory. India reaffirmed unwavering commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence while closely monitoring the situation. Jaiswal announced India's technical mission in Kabul will transition into a full-fledged embassy soon, marking a significant diplomatic upgrade. The statement comes as cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue following Pakistani airstrikes and Afghan retaliation. India's position emphasizes support for Afghan autonomy while directly criticizing Pakistan's longstanding practice of harboring terrorist groups and deflecting responsibility onto neighboring nations.

The US has downplayed threats to the Gaza ceasefire after Hamas said it needs more time to recover the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages. Under the first phase of the peace plan, Hamas returned 20 living hostages and nine bodies. Two bodies handed over Wednesday night were identified by Israel as Sergeant-Major Muhammad al-Atarash, 39, and Inbar Hayman, 27. Senior US advisers described talks with mediators as “positive” and said Hamas intends to honour the agreement. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to open the Rafah crossing for civilians, though aid continues to enter through other checkpoints. (PC: BBC)

Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district have issued a search warrant against celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son, Anos Habib, in a multi-crore cryptocurrency fraud case. The two are accused of cheating over 100 investors by promising high returns through fake Bitcoin and Binance coin schemes under the company name Follicle Global. A police team searched Habib’s Delhi residence in New Friends Colony but did not find him there. His brother told police that Habib no longer lives at the address. Authorities said further investigation is underway to trace the suspects and recover investors’ money. (PC: India Today)

Australian legend Matthew Hayden was left stunned after 14-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma “10 rows back” during an IPL match in Jaipur. Former India coach Ravi Shastri recalled Hayden’s disbelief while commentating on the game, where Suryavanshi scored a record 35-ball century. Suryavanshi has since continued his brilliant form with centuries against England and Australia Under-19 teams. Shastri praised the young star but warned that the next few years will be crucial for his growth. He said Suryavanshi needs the right guidance to handle fame and expectations at such a young age. (PC: HT)