Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma won’t travel with the team to Australia ahead of the first Test on November 22 in Perth. According to RevSportz, Rohit is staying back for personal reasons, though details are unconfirmed. The rest of the team will depart in two batches on Sunday and Monday. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to provide updates in a press conference on Monday. Meanwhile, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Jasprit Bumrah, vice-captain, is ready to lead if needed, though he acknowledges captaincy can be challenging for a bowler.

The UK has been under “anticyclonic gloom” for over a week, with barely any sunshine, especially in southern England, which saw only an hour of sun on average this month. The Met Office reported that the high-pressure system trapped moisture, creating a dull, cloudy atmosphere. ITV weather presenter Becky Mantin noted that some areas, like Odiham in Hampshire, recorded zero minutes of sun so far in November. Forecasters predict a shift starting Sunday, bringing rain to parts of Scotland and clearing skies across the UK. By Monday, most regions should see brighter, drier weather with some much-needed sunshine.

Ukraine and Russia launched major drone strikes against each other over the weekend. Russia intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones near Moscow, causing flight delays and fires in Ramenskoye, where five people were hurt. Meanwhile, Ukraine faced 145 Russian drones, with many targeting Odesa, injuring two people. The attacks mark the largest drone exchanges since the war started. Amid rising violence, US president-elect Donald Trump has pledged to pursue peace but hasn't revealed his approach. Ukrainian President Zelensky, who recently spoke with Trump, has warned that Ukraine needs US support to avoid defeat in the ongoing conflict.

October was the deadliest month for Russian troops in Ukraine, with 1,500 soldiers killed or injured each day, said UK Defence Chief Tony Radakin. The high toll marks Russia’s heaviest losses since the invasion began in February 2022. Radakin noted that Russia is enduring immense pain, with nearly 700,000 casualties reported so far. He added that Moscow’s efforts are costly, with over 40% of the state budget spent on defense. Despite minor gains, Radakin emphasized that the UK will back Ukraine “as long as it takes.” UK support includes billions in military aid and training for Ukrainian troops.

Shiv Kumar, the man who shot former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday while attempting to escape to Nepal. Police say Kumar admitted he acted on orders from Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi. Three men, including Kumar, allegedly attacked Siddique on October 12 outside his son’s office in Bandra East, Mumbai. Four others were arrested for sheltering Kumar. The police report that Anmol Bishnoi coordinated with the shooters through Snapchat. Bishnoi is also wanted for other crimes, and authorities have announced a reward for his capture.

A man was killed, and two others were injured in a shooting on Wells Park Road, Sydenham, in south London on Sunday morning. Police arrived around 10:10 a.m. and found a man with fatal gunshot wounds. A woman with leg injuries was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive. A third person later sought treatment for gunshot wounds, and their condition is unclear. Commander Peter Stevens called it a "senseless act of violence" and promised justice. Police have set up cordons and are increasing patrols in the area. No arrests have been made yet.

Downing Street’s Diwali celebration sparked controversy for offering alcohol and meat, causing discontent among Hindu attendees who traditionally observe vegetarianism and abstain from alcohol during the festival. The event, attended by Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, aimed to strengthen Labour’s ties with British Indians. However, many guests found the menu, which included wine, beer, and lamb kebabs, culturally insensitive. The irony was noted, as Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Critics argue that the oversight could harm Labour’s outreach to the British Hindu community. Downing Street declined to comment.

A tragic accident at Bihar’s Barauni Junction station claimed the life of 25-year-old railway worker Amar Kumar during a shunting operation. Kumar was crushed between the buffer of an engine and a coach while working on the Lucknow-Barauni Express at platform 5. His family accused railway staff of negligence, refusing a post-mortem until those responsible were held accountable. Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Bhushan Sood assured them that a high-level inquiry is underway, with strict action promised if any lapses are found. The East Central Railway confirmed operational guideline violations may have contributed to the incident.

The Kremlin has expressed cautious optimism about U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, noting "positive signals" from his campaign statements. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, emphasized that Trump’s approach to foreign policy through negotiation and deals could potentially lead to peace in Ukraine. However, Peskov cautioned that it was difficult to predict whether Trump would adhere to his campaign rhetoric once in office. The remarks reflect Moscow’s hope for a shift in U.S. policy but also uncertainty regarding how Trump will handle the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, from the Army’s elite 2 Para (Special Forces), was killed, and three commandos were injured in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Sunday. The joint operation by the Army and J&K Police occurred near Bhart Ridge, where two Village Defence Group members were found dead days earlier. Security forces launched the operation following intelligence about terrorist presence in the forested area. The Army’s White Knight Corps commended Kumar’s bravery and expressed condolences to his family. Search operations are ongoing to locate remaining terrorists in the Kuntwara and Keshwan regions.