AHMEDABAD: A Indigo flight travelling from Medina to Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency landing in Ahmedabad on Thursday following a suspected bomb threat, airport officials said.The flight had 180 passengers and 6 crew members, airport sources told news agency ANI.

The scare comes as lakhs of passengers across India face unprecedented flight delays and cancellations, primarily due to a pilot shortage at IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share.IndiGo has cancelled more than 200 flights a day this week, after days of triple-digit cancellations. On Tuesday, the airline’s on-time performance slumped to 35%, the lowest among all scheduled carriers in India. Some passengers have reported waiting up to 10 hours at airports.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has summoned IndiGo’s senior management, demanding an explanation for what it called “unprecedented disruptions”. Officials say the regulator is examining corrective measures for the peak travel season, when India is recording over five lakh domestic passengers daily.IndiGo said it had initiated “calibrated adjustments” — flight cuts expected to continue for at least 48 hours — to stabilise operations. Industry sources say new crew-duty rules introduced in November have intensified the airline’s staffing crunch, with 62% of last month’s 1,232 IndiGo cancellations attributed to “crew constraints”.Fares have surged sharply as a result. One-way Delhi–Bengaluru economy tickets for Friday and Saturday were listed between Rs 11,000 and Rs 43,000, while Mumbai–Kolkata fares ranged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 19,000.Major airports — including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru — have reported heavy congestion, with Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport alone expecting more than 30 outbound cancellations on Thursday. Passengers there have complained of being stranded for over 12 hours overnight, with repeated assurances of “crew coming soon”.Hyderabad airport authorities said delays were limited to IndiGo operations and that overall airport functioning remained normal.Meanwhile, security agencies in Ahmedabad continue to investigate the threat to the Madina–Hyderabad flight.

Saudi Arabia allows visitors from 48 countries to directly convert their driving licenses without a driving test/ Representational Image

Just touched down in Saudi Arabia and eager to get behind the wheel? Whether you’re planning to navigate Riyadh’s busy streets or take a leisurely drive through Jeddah, your first step is to figure out if your foreign driving license can be easily converted, or if you’ll need to start fresh.Whether you’re a new resident or a long-term expat, this guide breaks down the process of converting your license or applying for a new Saudi driving license. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know, so you won’t be left guessing.

Driving in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner: What you need to know

Foreigners are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia under certain conditions. If you hold a valid international or foreign driving license, you can legally drive for up to one year from your date of arrival in the Kingdom, or until your license expires, whichever comes first. After this period, or if you become a resident, you will need to obtain a Saudi driving license. If you’re from India, Europe, or any other country, you can drive in Saudi Arabia for up to one year using your home country’s driving license. However, you must carry both your original license and a translated International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is required by law for driving on a foreign license in Saudi Arabia, as it serves as an official translation of your original license. Keep in mind that driving without a valid Saudi or officially converted foreign license could result in fines or legal consequences, so be sure to get the necessary documentation in place before you hit the road.Key driving rules for non-Saudi residents:

If you’re planning to stay longer than a year, or you’re applying for certain services, you’ll need to convert your license or obtain a new one, depending on where it’s issued from.

Two paths to a Saudi Driving License: Conversion vs. new application

Saudi Arabia offers two different paths for obtaining a Saudi driving license, depending on where your original license was issued.If you’re eligible for direct license conversion, meaning you hold a valid license from one of the approved countries, you can convert it directly into a Saudi license without the need to take a driving test. This process is much faster and more straightforward.However, if your home country is not on the approved list, you won’t be able to convert your license directly. Instead, you’ll need to apply as a new driver, which involves enrolling in a Saudi driving school. You’ll need to complete both theoretical and practical driving tests and pay for training sessions, testing, and issuance fees.

Countries eligible for direct license conversion

If you hold a valid driving license from one of the 48 approved countries, including GCC countries, you’re eligible to convert it directly into a Saudi driving license, no driving test required. However, an application, translation, documentation, and medical check are mandatory.List of approved countries for license conversion:

If your license is from one of these countries, here’s how you can convert it.

Step-by-step – How to convert your foreign license

Your first task is to get your driving license officially translated into Arabic. Without this step, the conversion process will not proceed.

Use the official Absher portal (absher.sa) to book an appointment with the General Department of Traffic (Muroor).

Use your bank’s online app to access Sadad under Government Payments and select “Driving License Issuance.”

Visit an Efada-approved medical center for your health check, bringing:

Tests include:

On your appointment day, head to the designated Muroor office or traffic school with:

Make sure you have your Iqama and all original documents ready, as they are required to complete your license issuance.If everything is in order and your license is from an approved country, you’ll receive your Saudi license the same day, no tests required.

What if your country isn’t on the approved list?

If your home country is not listed, you will need to apply as a new driver in Saudi Arabia. That means:

This process is longer and involves multiple steps, including lessons and test scheduling, but is required for full legal driving eligibility in Saudi Arabia.Also read: How can foreigners obtain a Saudi driving license if they’re not eligible for direct conversion?

Summary: Eligibility, cost, and time breakdown

Virat Kohli raised his bat and acknowledged the roaring crowd. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: A Virat Kohli century turning into a losing cause has been among the rarest sights in modern cricket. But Raipur witnessed that rarity on Wednesday as India suffered a four-wicket defeat to South Africa despite Kohli’s 93-ball 102 — his second consecutive hundred in the series. The loss not only levelled the three-match ODI contest 1-1, it also revived an unwanted statistic that had remained dormant for nearly seven years.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The last time India lost an ODI despite a Kohli century was on March 8, 2019, in Ranchi, when India fell short by 32 runs against Australia despite his 123 off 95 balls. In fact, before Raipur, India had not lost any ODI in 2,462 days in which their former captain reached three figures (11 tons). Kohli’s tons usually win matches, which makes this defeat stand out even more.

Overall, Kohli now has nine ODI centuries in losing causes. Batting first, India rode on a 195-run stand between Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, the latter scoring his maiden ODI hundred (105), to post a formidable 358/5. Kohli’s knock featured seven boundaries and two sixes, marking his 53rd ODI century and 84th international ton overall, and also made him the first batter to hit seven or more ODI centuries against four different teams (Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia and now South Africa).

Just like Australia’s chase of 359 in Mohali in 2019, South Africa matched the joint-highest successful chase against India. Aiden Markram’s 110 off 98 balls, supported by runs from Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, ensured the visitors sealed the chase with four balls to spare. Corbin Bosch hit the winning boundary to finish unbeaten on 29.The defeat also marked the first time in eight years that India lost a match defending a total despite a Kohli century, the last instance being against New Zealand in 2017 at Wankhede.2025 has been one of his most prolific years in recent times, scoring 586 runs in 12 innings with three centuries and three fifties, and climbing to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings.

NEW DELHI: Mumbai’s Worli has emerged as the undisputed abode for India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Data from property consultancy firm ANAROCK and 360 One Wealth report shows over 30 homes priced at over Rs 40 crore each were sold in just 24 months, totalling over Rs 5,500 crores – “a transaction velocity that redefines India’s residential real estate pecking order.”ANAROCK Group chairman Anuj Puri said: “Forty per cent of India’s entire ultra-luxury apartment market is now Worli. That singular statistic captures the micro-market’s unprecedented dominance. Across the entire country – from Bangalore’s sprawling tech corridors to Delhi’s power pockets – Worli accounts for nearly half of all transactions exceeding Rs 40 crores. The momentum is only accelerating. 2025 alone witnessed one of India’s costliest apartment transactions — two duplexes sold for over Rs 700 crore. Over the past three years, Worli has seen over 20 residential deals individually priced above Rs 100 crore closed.”Premium tower apartments in Worli now command Rs 65,000 to over Rs 1,00,000 per square feet — India’s equivalent to New York’s Lower Manhattan.“The price-to-size breakdown tells the story: Below Rs 8 crore: Sub-1,000 sq. ft. units. Rs 8-16 crore: 1,000-2,000 sq. ft. apartments. Rs 16-24 crore: 2,000-3,000 sq. ft. apartments. Rs 24-32 crore: 3,000-4,000 sq. ft. apartments. Above Rs 32 crore: 4,000+ sq. ft. ultra-premium residences. Rather than mere real estate appreciation, this can be seen as wealth concentration becoming geographic,” ANAROCK said.“Worli today represents something larger than a luxury residential market. It is the physical manifestation of India’s wealth concentration – a 40% stranglehold on the nation’s ultra-high-net-worth residential transactions, commanding prices that rival global peers, supported by Rs 69,000+ crore infrastructure ecosystem, and fed by an incoming Rs 36,000+ crore pipeline,” it adds.

THANE: After Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s statement that both Mahayuti partners — the Shiv Sena and the BJP — must follow the alliance principles (Yuti Dharma) and refrain from poaching each other’s workers, the BJP on Wednesday once again inducted two Shiv Sena office-bearers, Vikas Desale and Abhijit Tharwal, into the party in Dombivli.Following the induction, Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh More held a press conference targeting BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. He accused Chavan of violating the principles of the Mahayuti alliance and strongly objected to the BJP’s continued acceptance of Shiv Sena members. More claimed that several BJP leaders and former corporators were willing to join the Shiv Sena, but the party had refrained from inducting them to honour the alliance dharma.During the same press conference, Shiv Sena Deputy District President Rajesh Kadam alleged that the BJP state president had been visiting the homes of Shiv Sena workers and offering them various inducements to switch sides.Soon after the Sena’s briefing, BJP Kalyan district president Nandu Parab responded with his own press conference. He accused Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde of being the first to violate the alliance principles in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency. Parab claimed that despite senior leaders of both parties recently agreeing to adhere to Yuti Dharma, the Shiv Sena again broke the alliance by inducting BJP office-bearer Roslyn Fernandes in Ambernath. He said Wednesday’s induction of two Shiv Sena leaders into the BJP was a direct response to that move.When a reporter asked Parab that the BJP had first inducted Shiv Sena’s former Ambernath corporator Surendra Yadav, Parab countered that the Shiv Sena had initially broken the alliance principles in Malvan through the actions of Nilesh Rane, and the chain of violations began from there.Parab added that he had now received instructions from the party president not to induct any more Shiv Sena office-bearers. However, he warned that if the Shiv Sena continued to poach BJP leaders, then for every BJP member taken, the BJP would induct two Shiv Sena office-bearers into their party.It is worth noting that over the past month, both parties have repeatedly targeted each other by inducting rival party functionaries in the Kalyan Lok Sabha region, escalating tensions to the point where top leadership from both sides has complained about repeated violations of the alliance principles.

Chennai and Tiruvallur district authorities have announced that all colleges and schools will remain closed on Thursday due to persistent heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The closure affects educational institutions in the city and surrounding areas, which have been experiencing intense rainfall and localized flooding for the past few days.Residents have been advised to exercise caution as low-lying areas in South Chennai continue to face water stagnation. The city corporation is actively engaged in draining water from several residential localities using pumps to reduce flooding and maintain road accessibility.

IMD issues warning for coastal and interior districtsThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rain over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts until early afternoon on Thursday. The depression, which developed from the remnants of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area. Despite weakening, the system continues to bring heavy showers across several coastal and interior districts.Interior regions such as Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai have also recorded repeated heavy rain with short intervals of relief. Authorities continue to monitor water levels in rivers and low-lying areas to prevent hazards and ensure public safety.University of Madras postpones exams due to rainfallThe University of Madras announced the postponement of all UG, PG, and professional degree theory examinations scheduled for Wednesday due to heavy rainfall. Registrar Prof. Rita John stated that revised dates for the examinations will be announced shortly, and students have been advised to follow official notifications for updates. However, there is no information yet about Thursday’s examinations.Transport and daily life affectedThe heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging on arterial roads, slowing traffic and disrupting public movement. Small traders and daily-wage earners have faced difficulties in carrying out routine business activities. Authorities have urged residents to avoid waterlogged streets and follow advisories issued by local administrations.Cultural activities continue amid rainDespite persistent rain, rituals at the Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai continued for the annual Karthigai Deepam festival. Devotees gathered early Thursday morning as priests lit the Bharani Deepam inside the sanctum, demonstrating the continuity of cultural traditions in the region.

The second Ashes Test between Australia and England kicks off on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at The Gabba in Brisbane as a day-night pink-ball clash running through December 8. Australia enter leading 1-0 after an eight-wicket victory in Perth, where Travis Head‘s explosive century sealed the opener, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle under lights at the iconic venue. With Usman Khawaja sidelined by a back injury, Head shifts to open alongside Jake Weatherald, while England replaces injured Mark Wood with Will Jacks for spin-bowling depth, aiming to level the series in this format where Australia boast an unbeaten pink-ball record at home against England.

Is Pat Cummins available for Brisbane Test?

Pat Cummins remains a potential participant in the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba, starting December 4, 2025, despite not being named in Australia’s initial 14-man squad announced on November 27 due to a lingering back injury.​

Cummins has been sidelined since July 2025 with a bone stress injury in his lower back, missing the Perth opener where Australia won by eight wickets under stand-in captain Steve Smith. Recent net sessions in Perth, Sydney,and Brisbane showed him bowling at full speed with the pink ball, prompting selectors to delay naming the playing XI until pitch inspection on December 3 afternoon or toss time on December 4. Smith noted Cummins “looks pretty good” and understands his body well, but match intensity differs from practice; inclusion would likely replace Brendan Doggett, with Josh Inglis favored over Beau Webster for Khawaja’s injury spot.​

A final decision hinges on fitness tests and Gabba conditions, keeping fans on edge as Australia eyes a 2-0 lead in this day-night pink-ball fixture.

Brisbane weather forecast for the pink-ball Test

Brisbane’s forecast promises mostly clear conditions early in the Test, favoring uninterrupted play and pace-friendly bounce on the Gabba pitch, though humidity and winds could influence swing under floodlights.

Day 1 (Thursday, December 4) features partly sunny skies with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C, just 25% rain chance, ENE winds at 17 km/h, and extreme UV index of 12.0—ideal for Australia’s seamers like Mitchell Starc to exploit in the evening session.​

Day 2 (Friday, December 5) stays partly to mostly sunny and breezy, peaking at 30°C/19°C with only 1% precipitation risk, NE winds at 17 km/h, and extreme UV, supporting steady batting but testing fielders in afternoon gusts.

Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: England unveils their playing XI for the Gabba Test, no place for Mark Wood

Day 3 (Saturday, December 6) offers plenty of sun and breezy conditions at 31°C/19°C, 1% rain odds, NNE winds at 19 km/h, RealFeel® 34°C, extreme UV—prime for aggressive strokeplay as the pink ball skids on.​

Day 4 (Sunday, December 7) turns very warm at 32°C/22°C with sun yielding to increasing clouds, 6% rain chance, breezy NNE winds at 20 km/h, and very high UV of 10.0, potentially slowing the surface and aiding spinners like Nathan Lyon late.

Day 5 (Monday, December 8) shifts dramatically to cloudy, humid weather at 30°C/21°C with 91% rain probability including soaking showers, NW winds at 11 km/h, , and moderate UV of 5.0— a major threat to any finish, reminiscent of past Gabba interruptions.​

This outlook underscores Australia’s pink-ball fortress advantage, but England’s bounce-back hopes hinge on exploiting early perfection before Monday’s deluge risks a truncated decider.

Also READ: No Steve Smith! England legend James Anderson names his all-time combined Ashes XI

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BENGALURU: A 45-year-old techie’s dream of building a house ended on a sad note as he died by suicide, accusing a family and officials of the erstwhile BBMP, now Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), of abetting his extreme act through harassment.Murali Govindaraju, a resident of Brookbong Layout in Whitefield, worked with a private software company at ITPL. The father of two minor girls was found dead in his under-construction house at Nallurahalli Wednesday morning.Police arrested Shashi Nambiar (64) and his wife Usha (57), on charges of abetting the suicide and are looking for their son, Varun. The couple was produced before a magistrate and remanded in 14-day judicial custody.

Police recovered a 10-page death note, which accused the Nambiars of abetting his suicide through harassment. According to the note, the family, along with a few GBA officials, tortured him, stating he violated the rules by not constructing the building according to the approved plan and repeatedly demanded Rs 20 lakh to hush up the matter.Murali’s mother, Lakshmi Govindaraju (61), filed a criminal complaint at the Whitefield police station against Shashi and Usha, accusing them of trying to extort Rs 20 lakh from her son, torturing him for refusing, and abetting his suicide.Lakshmi alleged the Nambiars encouraged GBA officials to harass Murali. Police booked Shashi and Usha under sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 308 (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Murali had purchased the land at Nallurahalli from a close relative of the Nambiars in 2018. “When my son began constructing a house on the land, Usha and Shashi started harassing and torturing him. They repeatedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from him. When my son refused, Usha complained to BBMP officials, who came near the construction site and harassed my son. My son told me that today (Wednesday) was the deadline to pay Rs 20 lakh. My son told me that Usha and Shashi were torturing him. Bearing this in mind, he left our house (Brookbong Layout) around 6am. He reached the under-construction house and hanged himself on the second floor. I seek legal action against Usha Nambiar and Shashi Nambiar for abetting my son’s suicide through harassment,” according to his mother’s complaint.GBA officials had issued a notice to Murali, directing him to appear before them Wednesday. “Investigations, so far, revealed that Usha approached BBMP, accusing Murali of violating the approved plan. Accordingly, BBMP, after making a spot inspection, issued a notice. The spat between Murali and the Nambiars dated back to 2018, when he purchased the land measuring 40×60 sqft. The Nambiars, for one reason or another, fought with Murali and made him run around the BBMP office, police station, and local court. The couple allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh to stop harassing him,” police said.A senior police officer said many locals accused the Nambiars of extorting money by filing cases against them in BBMP/GBA. “According to locals, many houses are constructed in and around Nallurahalli where Usha Nambiar plays the role of an activist. If someone is harassed or tortured by the Nambiars, we request them to come forward and file a police complaint,” he said.