Rohit Sharma with head coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called on head coach Gautam Gambhir to provide Washington Sundar with clear direction ahead of the third and final ODI against South Africa in Vizag. The three-match series has seen Sundar struggle to make any meaningful impact, raising fresh concerns over how the team management intends to use him. Sundar has been shuffled around the batting order in the first two games, walking in at No.5 in the series opener before being pushed down to No.6 in the second match. The uncertainty has been reflected in his returns: scores of 13 and 1, and a combined seven overs with the ball, without a wicket. His limited involvement has added to the debate surrounding his place in the XI.

Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Sundar needs to be handled as a primary bowler who can contribute with the bat, not the other way around. “Once you decide to play Washington Sundar, you must treat him as a bowler who can bat,” Ashwin said. “He needs to get his full set of overs. Only then will he think like a bowler who can bat. If he’s just batting and bowling a few overs, he’ll keep searching for who he is. Don’t leave him in that space. Give him proper role clarity.” Ashwin also highlighted India’s lack of finishing power with the bat. Despite being 284 for 4 after 40 overs in the second ODI, India ended with only 358. He questioned whether the team might be better served with a fast-bowling all-rounder such as Nitish Kumar Reddy in Sundar’s place. “India haven’t finished well in both games,” he said. “Without someone like Hardik Pandya, why wasn’t a powerful finisher like Nitish Kumar Reddy tried? I’m not sure if they see Rishabh Pant as a finisher. India are missing that punch at the end. Should a fast-bowling all-rounder play instead of a spinning one?” Ashwin added that, with India’s bowling resources depleted, this team may regularly need an extra 30–40 runs to feel safe, particularly if Jasprit Bumrah is not available. “We’ve lost many experienced bowlers in Tests and white-ball cricket,” he said. “The X-factor is Bumrah. If he isn’t a full-time part of the squad, India must score 30 to 40 extra every match.

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ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or Juice, has recently captured striking new observations of Comet 3I/ATLAS. In November 2025, the spacecraft employed five of its scientific instruments to study the comet, collecting crucial information about its activity, structure, and composition. These measurements are helping scientists understand the behaviour and characteristics of this interstellar visitor. Alongside these instruments, Juice’s Navigation Camera, NavCam, provided an initial visual glimpse of the comet, revealing its shape and surface features. This early imagery gives researchers a preliminary view and helps guide expectations for the more detailed data collected by the other instruments. Juice’s observations mark an exciting step in studying distant comets.

Comet 3I/ATLAS captured in stunning detail by Juice’s navigation camera

Juice was originally designed to explore Jupiter’s icy moons, with its NavCam intended primarily for navigation rather than high-resolution scientific imaging. However, the spacecraft turned its attention to Comet 3I/ATLAS in November 2025, capturing images and preliminary data. The observation was made in the days leading up to Juice’s closest approach to the comet, which occurred on 4 November at a distance of approximately 66 million kilometres.Although the detailed measurements from Juice’s scientific instruments will not reach Earth until February 2026, the mission team was able to extract a quarter of a single NavCam image to provide an early look at the comet. This preview revealed the comet clearly, surrounded by signs of activity, much to the surprise and excitement of the scientists. The NavCam image shows the comet with a glowing halo of gas, known as its coma, which is a key indicator of cometary activity. There is also evidence of two distinct tails. The plasma tail, composed of electrically charged gas, extends towards the top of the frame, while a fainter dust tail, made of tiny solid particles, stretches to the lower left. These features are typical of comets as they heat up when approaching the Sun, releasing gas and dust into space.This observation occurred shortly after the comet’s closest approach to the Sun, meaning 3I/ATLAS was in a highly active state. Scientists anticipate that the data from Juice’s scientific instruments will reveal these processes in even greater detail, including the composition and behaviour of the cometary material.

Juice’s five scientific instruments and data transmission challenges

Juice is equipped with five instruments that were activated to study 3I/ATLAS:

These instruments will provide a comprehensive dataset, including images, spectrometry readings, and particle analysis, giving scientists new insight into how Comet 3I/ATLAS behaves as it travels through the inner Solar System.Due to Juice’s current orientation, its main high-gain antenna is being used as a heat shield to protect it from the Sun. As a result, the spacecraft must rely on its smaller medium-gain antenna to transmit data back to Earth. This limitation significantly reduces the transmission rate, which is why the full dataset from the scientific instruments will only arrive on 18 and 20 February 2026.

Early NavCam observations reveal comet activity and Juice’s scientific versatility

Despite the limited preview from the NavCam image, scientists are already excited by the visible signs of activity in Comet 3I/ATLAS. The presence of both plasma and dust tails, along with the bright coma, indicates a dynamically active comet. When the full scientific data arrives, researchers expect to gain unprecedented detail about the comet’s composition, outgassing behaviour, and interaction with the solar wind.Juice’s observations of Comet 3I/ATLAS demonstrate the spacecraft’s versatility, showing that even instruments designed for navigation can provide valuable scientific insights. These early findings promise to deepen our understanding of comets and the complex processes that shape their behaviour.Also Read | ESA discovers butterfly-shaped crater on Mars revealing impact, volcanic activity, and possible water

Silver soars to a record high, Indians rush to cash in!The India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) estimates that about 100 tonnes of old silver were sold in just one week, a volume that typically takes several months to surface. Under normal circumstances, the domestic market receives only 10–15 tonnes of old silver in an entire month.The sudden spike in supply has been driven by soaring prices, which touched a record Rs 1,78,684 per kilogram on Wednesday, according to IBJA’s retail data. Although prices eased slightly to Rs 1,75,730 on Thursday, they remain nearly 20% higher than recent lows, prompting many families to turn metal into cash.IBJA national secretary Surendra Mehta said profit-taking has played a major role, alongside rising household needs during the festive period. He added that the wedding season and holiday travel have pushed up the need for liquidity, leading many people to sell off their reserves. Most of the inflow comprises scrap silverware and utensil pieces, according to him.“During Diwali and Dhanteras, silver hit Rs 1.78 lakh per kilo, then slipped to Rs 1.49 lakh. Now that prices are rallying again, people are offloading the metal to generate cash,” Mehta told ET.Silver has been a star performer this year , with its price more than doubling from Rs 86,005 per kg in 2024, overshadowing returns from other asset classes. Gold, in contrast, has seen a gain of roughly 60% during the same period. Analysts expect the appetite to book profits to strengthen further if prices continue their climb, with many seeing the Rs 2 lakh-per-kg milestone within reach.Naveent Damani, head of commodities research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, believes the current uptrend is far from over as the supply gap widens. He forecasts silver to touch Rs 2 lakh per kg in the first quarter of 2026 and Rs 2.4 lakh by the end of next year, adding that dollar-denominated prices could move up to $75 an ounce, ET reported.Behind the price rally is a persistent shortage. Data from the Washington-based Silver Institute shows that global demand has outpaced supply every year since 2020. Most of the white metal is not mined directly but produced as a by-product of gold, lead or zinc mining, which limits the possibility of sudden expansion in output.For 2025, mined silver production has been flat at 813 million ounces. Higher contributions from Mexico and Russia have been offset by reduced output in Peru and Indonesia. Primary silver production in 2025 is expected to increase by only 3 million ounces to 227 million ounces, while total supply, including recycled silver, is projected at 1.022 billion ounces. That falls short of the estimated 1.117 billion ounces of global demand, leaving the silver market in a continued deficit.

Swaraj Kaushal (Image/X@BansuriSwaraj)

NEW DELHI: Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram governor and the husband of late union minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Thursday at the age of 73.He was rushed to AIIMS after complaining of chest pain in the afternoon, where doctors declared him dead, a BJP leader said. The Delhi BJP in a statement, said: “We are sorry to inform the sudden demise of former Governor of Mizoram, senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal.”

Kaushal is survived by his daughter, New Delhi BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj. He will be cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium, according to a statement issued by the Delhi BJP.In an emotional post on X, Bansuri Swaraj paid tribute to her father, remembering his values and expressing her grief. She wrote: “Papa Swaraj Kaushal ji, your affection, your discipline, your simplicity, your patriotism, and your boundless patience are the light of my life that will never dim.In her post, she added, “Your departure has descended upon me as the deepest pain of the heart, but the mind holds onto this belief that you have now reunited with Mother, in the presence of God, in eternal peace. Being your daughter is the greatest pride of my life, and your legacy, your values, and your blessings will be the foundation of every journey ahead.”An official press release was issued by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). According to the release, the statement: “Shri Swaraj Kaushal, former Hon’ble Member of Parliament and former Hon’ble Governor, was brought to the AIIMS Delhi Emergency Department on December 4, 2025, at 10.45 am in critical condition. The emergency medical team immediately initiated resuscitative measures. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 1.50 pm.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of Swaraj Kaushal and paid tribute to his public service in a post on X.PM Modi wrote: “Pained by the passing of Shri Swaraj Kaushal Ji. He distinguished himself as a lawyer and a person who believed in using the legal profession to improve the lives of the underprivileged. He became India’s youngest Governor and left a lasting impression on the people of Mizoram during his gubernatorial tenure. His insights as a Parliamentarian were also noteworthy. My thoughts are with his daughter Bansuri and the other family members in this sad hour. Om Shanti.” Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta also condoled Kaushal’s death and paid tribute to his public service. In a post on X, she wrote: “The news of the passing of Shri Swaraj Kaushal Ji, former Governor of Mizoram and senior advocate, is heartbreaking. Shri Swaraj Kaushal Ji’s contributions to public life and the field of law will always be remembered. His service to the nation and society is unforgettable. In this hour of grief, my deepest condolences are with Member of Parliament Smt. Bansuri Swaraj Ji and all their family members. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to their family during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”Born on July 12, 1952, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Swaraj Kaushal was appointed the governor of Mizoram in 1990 at the age of just 37. He was also a senior advocate and had a long career in public life and law.Kaushal was the husband of senior BJP leader and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who passed away in August 2019 following a massive cardiac arrest at the age of 67.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is shaping up to be a fascinating battle of strategy and budget management. With several top franchises facing leadership voids and seeking settled top-order batters, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Australian veteran Steve Smith. Set at a manageable base price of INR 2 crores, the former Australian captain brings a wealth of experience, tactical acumen, and a reliable batting technique. His proven track record of stabilizing an innings and his previous stint as an IPL captain make him a high-impact, low-risk target. Let’s have a look at some franchises that are strategically placed to secure Smith’s services.

5 teams that can target Steve Smith in IPL 2026 auction

1. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

• Purse Remaining: ₹16.05 crore | Overseas Slots: 1

Rajasthan Royals are perhaps the most natural fit for Smith’s return. Having previously led the side, Smith is familiar with the franchise’s culture and strategy. Crucially, with the hypothetical departure of key player Sanju Samson, RR has a gaping hole in their top-order batting lineup. They desperately need an experienced, reliable anchor and a potential captaincy figure. With only one overseas slot to fill, Smith represents the perfect, high-value acquisition to stabilize their batting and provide on-field leadership, fitting well within their moderate purse.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

• Purse Remaining: ₹64.30 crore | Overseas Slots: 3 (Highest Purse)

KKR enters the mini-auction with the deepest pockets, boasting the highest remaining purse. This financial firepower gives them the confidence to engage in a bidding war if necessary. Much like RR, KKR is looking for a settled, consistent top-order batter. The team has historically valued experienced leadership, and Smith fits this requirement perfectly. With three overseas slots available, KKR can afford to bring in Smith as an established pillar around which they can build their batting unit for the next phase of the tournament.

3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

• Purse Remaining: ₹22.95 crore | Overseas Slots: 4

Despite retaining several strong overseas players like Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, and Mitchell Marsh, LSG understands the necessity of having quality backups for the high-octane tournament. With four overseas slots open, they have the flexibility to invest in experienced depth. Smith provides an elite-level alternative or a supplementary top-order option, ensuring the team’s balance is not compromised by injuries or poor form among their retained stars. His inclusion would elevate the overall quality and resilience of the squad.

4. Delhi Capitals (DC)

• Purse Remaining: ₹21.80 crore | Overseas Slots: 5

The Delhi Capitals possess a moderate purse, suggesting a strategic focus on acquiring high-impact players who can immediately slot into and complete their playing XI. Smith, a former DC player, is a known quantity who delivers consistent performances. Given DC’s need to solidify their core group of overseas players, Smith represents a proven, high-calibre option who can fulfill both the batting and mentorship roles required to push the team toward a playoff spot.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Jacob Duffy in the mini-auction

5. Gujarat Titans (GT)

• Purse Remaining: ₹12.90 crore | Overseas Slots: 4

The Gujarat Titans face a different challenge: they have a relatively small purse yet need to fill four overseas slots. This dictates a budget-conscious, highly tactical approach. While they have retained core Indian stars like Shubman Gill and overseas talent like Jos Buttler, GT still needs players who can manage their middle-order effectively and act as backup stars. Smith’s low base price of ₹2 crores makes him an extremely attractive, high-quality, and cost-effective option who can anchor the middle overs and guide lower-order batsmen.

Valuable numbers in IPL

Smith’s IPL pedigree makes him a valuable asset. Across 103 matches, he has accumulated 2,485 runs, including one century and eleven fifties, with a highest score of 101. These statistics underscore his capability to deliver match-winning performances and provide the crucial stability that many franchises are currently lacking. His availability at a modest base price ensures that he will be one of the most hotly contested names when the bidding war commences.

Also READ: KKR veteran Andre Russell reveals why he decided to retire from the IPL

MUMBAI: Home loan rates are set to drop to levels last seen before the global financial crisis in 2008, with the RBI’s monetary policy committee reducing the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%.Several banks — Union Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra and Indian Overseas Bank — currently offer home loans at 7.35%. Borrowers at this rate will see their interest rate decline to 7.1%, which is also the deposit rate offered by some private banks. On a Rs 1 crore home loan for 15 years, a 0.25 percentage-point reduction in the rate reduces the EMI by roughly Rs 1,440 per month.

Bankers say that for home loans to be priced at 7.1% for new borrowers, lenders will have to sharply cut deposit rates or revise the spread over the benchmark rate. If this happens, new borrowers could end up paying more interest than existing floating-rate borrowers.While banks will see a compression in net interest margins until deposit rates fall, non-banking finance companies will benefit immediately because of lower funding costs. “For the NBFC sector, and specifically for last-mile financiers like Shriram Finance, this policy is a significant enabler. The continued neutral stance, combined with the Rs 1 lakh crore OMO purchase announcement, ensures that liquidity remains congenial. This will facilitate the faster transmission of rate cuts to the grassroots level, benefiting the small truck operator, the rural entrepreneur and the MSME borrower, who are the engines of this 8.2% growth,” said Umesh Revankar, executive vice-chairman, Shriram Finance.Bankers said the reduction in lending rates will push lenders toward greater granularity in credit, chasing small-business loans that offer higher returns. “Most large corporates are already raising funds from outside the banking system through equity and bonds. If you look at RBI credit numbers, it is the MSME and retail segment that is driving credit growth,” said the head of credit at a private bank.Although lenders are seeking higher-yielding loans, they remain wary of defaults. RBI data on sectoral deployment of bank credit shows that banks are shifting toward secured loans such as gold and auto loans and away from unsecured personal loans.

Mumbai’s crackdown on fraudulent overseas job placements led to the closure of nine entities in Nagpada, with two people taken into custody. Allegations point to these operators taking money from hopeful job seekers without valid credentials, causing significant financial loss. A trove of passports and counterfeit paperwork was seized in the raid.

MUMBAI: The office of the Protector of Emigrants (PoE) and the Crime Branch, in a joint operation on Wednesday, sealed nine entities in the Nagpada area for allegedly running illegal overseas recruitment operations and arrested two persons.According to officials, several agencies in the locality were promising foreign jobs and collecting money from aspirants despite not possessing the mandatory registration or licence required under the Emigration Act, 1983. These unauthorised operators were allegedly defrauding citizens by offering overseas employment through illegal means. Officials said the team recovered 238 Indian passports belonging to prospective emigrants and several other documents, including employment offer letters, logbooks, fake visiting cards, and rubber stamps, used to process foreign employment through fraudulent channels. A press release issued by the PoE has advised aspirants to verify details of authorised agents and emigration procedures on https://emigrate.gov.in.Later in the day on Wednesday, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of the 37th Court, Esplanade, Vinod Patil, released the two accused. “The offence is related to cheating. However, the FIR does not disclose the name of the victim whom the accused cheated. It is not the case of the prosecution that the police station concern ed has received the complaint regarding the cheating. If the act of cheating has been done by the accused, for that purpose, the investigating officer has to conduct a preliminary inquiry in that regard. However, he has not done so,'” the magistrate observed.The magistrate, quoting a Supreme Court judgment, said it is mandatory for the investigating agency to do a preliminary inquiry. “The arrest of the accused is not essential for investigation purposes. The arrest has been made in an arbitrary manner.”