India’s team management said Axar Patel’s absence against South Africa was a tactical call based on balance. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the think tank had “spent so much time deliberating about the 11.” He said the choice was between Axar and Washington Sundar. “The decision was purely around match-ups and power-play plans,” he added. India wanted an extra batter in Rinku Singh and a bowler who could operate early. “It’s not to take anything away from Axar and his leadership,” he said. South Africa scored 187/7 and bowled India out for 111, winning by 76 runs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team of Manipuri film Boong after it won Best Children’s and Family Film at the British Academy Film Awards.   In a post on X, he said, “Congratulations to all those associated with this film. This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation.”   The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. It tells the story of a young boy searching for his father. The award ceremony was held in London. 

Star Sports removed its ‘Cupcake’ promo after India’s heavy loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match in Ahmedabad.   The ad had mocked South Africa’s past record and suggested India would win comfortably. However, India were beaten by 76 runs.   The promo was later deleted from digital platforms. The move has sparked discussion over the tone of cricket promotions before major matches.   Viewers questioned whether such campaigns assume victory too early and show little respect for the opposition.

Violence broke out in several parts of Mexico after drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed during an army operation in Jalisco state.   The Mexican defence ministry said four cartel members were killed and three soldiers were injured in Tapalpa. After his death, suspected members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel set up roadblocks and burned vehicles in at least a dozen states.   About 250 roadblocks were reported across the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “absolute co-ordination” between authorities and urged people to stay calm. The US had offered a $15m reward for information on El Mencho. (PC: BBC)

Rahul Gandhi met Kotdwar gym trainer Mohammad Deepak Kumar weeks after a Republic Day dispute over a shop name triggered tensions.   The row began on January 26 when some people allegedly asked a shopkeeper to change his shop’s name. Deepak said he objected when the group argued with the owner. Police later filed FIRs from both sides.   After meeting Gandhi, Deepak said, “He told me not to be afraid. He said I have not done anything wrong.” He added, “He said he will come to Kotdwar and join my gym.”   Deepak said his gym membership dropped from 150 to 12–15 daily. (PC: X)

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus of trying to remove him in an unconstitutional way. In an interview with Kaler Kantho, he said there were efforts to “destroy the peace and order” and create a constitutional vacuum.   He claimed Yunus did not follow constitutional rules. “He travelled abroad 14 to 15 times, but not once did he inform me,” the president said. He also alleged he was made a “palace prisoner” and that his planned visits to Kosovo and Qatar were blocked.   Shahabuddin said the Army and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party supported him during the crisis. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian tech reviewer has claimed he and his parents faced racist behaviour at a five-star resort in Mauritius. Posting on X, he said he paid ₹3.5 lakh for the stay. The trip was to celebrate his new job.   He said the incident took place on Easter. Around 1 pm, he called reception to book lunch and was asked to wait. By 1:45 pm, no one responded. When the family went to the restaurant, they were not guided to the Easter buffet.   “My mom literally begged if we can have lunch somewhere,” he wrote. He also claimed fries were refilled for a European guest but not for him. (PC: HT)

The winners and nominees of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards have been announced. One Battle After Another won six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for I Swear. Jessie Buckley took Best Actress for Hamnet, which also won Outstanding British Film. Sentimental Value won Best Film Not in the English Language. Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another. Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for Sinners. Zootropolis 2 was named Best Animated Film. Robert Aramayo also received the Rising Star award, voted for by the public. Mr Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary. (PC: Sky News)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced criticism after the team’s 76-run loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad questioned the team selection and said the playing XI was not balanced. He pointed to Kuldeep Yadav being left out and said, “India's bowling attack is not complete; they still aren't playing Kuldeep Yadav.” Shehzad added, “Gautam Gambhir is the one who is doing all the planning. So I think they need to reconsider their strategy.” South Africa made 187 for 7. David Miller scored 63. Marco Jansen took four wickets as India were bowled out for 111. (PC: X)

Actor Alia Bhatt made her debut at the 2026 BAFTAs in London and began her speech with a warm “Namaskar.” She presented the award for Best Film Not in the English Language at the Royal Festival Hall. Starting in Hindi, she said, “Namaskar. Agla award ek aise film ke liye hain, jo angrezi me nahi hai.” She then joked, asking the audience to “not switch to the subtitles yet.” Alia said, “While films speak in countless voices, what we always celebrate is the language of cinema.” Norwegian drama Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, won the award. Fans in India praised her speech on social media.