The abrupt postponement of singer-composer Palaash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana’s November 23 wedding continues to trigger fresh waves of speculation, especially after the event management company handling the high-profile ceremony entered the conversation with a cryptic public post.

Event company’s cryptic message reignites buzz

The agency in charge of the Sangli celebrations, shared an enigmatic Instagram message shortly after the wedding was halted. Their post read, “We don’t cross the finish line in every match of Life that we play, but it’s always the sportsman Spirit that counts..Our team played hard, with Joy & Pride, and they all certainly deserve a Mention! Will see you soon Champion.”

The message, posted a week ago, has gone viral in the wake of intensified chatter around the postponed nuptials, leaving fans guessing about the real reason behind the sudden halt.

Reports claiming Smriti Mandhana and Palaash Muchhal had reset their wedding for December 7 triggered fresh speculation on Tuesday. Smriti’s brother Shravan Mandhana dismissed the rumour, saying the wedding “is still postponed” and calling the new date “misinformation.”

Why the November 23 wedding stopped

The November 23 ceremony was halted after Smriti’s father Shrinivas Mandhana suffered a major medical emergency and was rushed to hospital. Palaash, stressed by the situation, was also briefly hospitalised and put on IV support.With no official statement from either family, cheating rumours erupted online after alleged screenshots circulated. Smriti’s deletion of her engagement posts and proposal video added to the chatter.Choreographers Nandika Dwivedi and Gulnaaz Khan, dragged into the gossip, publicly denied any involvement, calling the claims “fabricated” and “baseless.”

Families urge an end to speculation

Palaash’s mother Amita Muchhal stressed that the postponement was solely due to Smriti’s father’s condition, adding that Palaash had himself suggested delaying the event. She assured the wedding would happen soon. Neither Smriti nor Palaash has addressed the allegations directly. Their only visible response is an evil-eye emoji added to both their Instagram bios.

England’s premier batter Joe Root finally ended his long-standing wait for a Test century on Australian soil, producing a classy hundred on day one of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Root reached the landmark from 181 balls, bringing up his 40th Test hundred – but incredibly, his first in 30 innings in Australia, despite previously notching up 10 fifties and a best of 89.

The milestone sent a wave of emotion through the ground and across social media, with England fans celebrating the moment they had waited nearly a decade to witness.

Walking in with England at 5/2, Joe Root masterminds a rescue act

Root arrived in a high-pressure situation after Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in the same over, leaving England rattled early at 5 for 2. What followed was a masterclass in patience, footwork and game awareness.

The 34-year-old steadied the innings alongside Zak Crawley, sharing a vital century partnership that halted Australia’s momentum under the pink ball. As wickets continued to fall at the other end against the pace trio of Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser, Root held England together, guiding them towards a competitive total in tricky twilight conditions.

His innings, studded with 11 fours, showcased flawless control against seam, swing and bounce. It was the type of composed, high-quality knock that has defined his career – and one that England desperately needed.

Fans, former players celebrate Root’s “career-completing” moment

Root’s century instantly became one of the crucial moments of the series. Within minutes, social media erupted with celebratory messages, tributes and emotional reactions from supporters thrilled to see him cross the one major hurdle that had eluded an otherwise glittering Test career.

Many fans called it “the moment of the Ashes”, while others labelled Root “England’s greatest modern batter” – a title strengthened by yet another big-occasion performance.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who had jokingly vowed to run around the MCG naked if Root failed to score a Test ton this tour, even sent a warm congratulatory message. Hayden admitted with humour that “no one had more skin in the game” when it came to Root getting the long-awaited hundred.

Root’s career in Australia has been rich with fluent fifties but barren in centuries – until now. This hundred not only fills the most glaring gap in his Ashes record but also cements his place among the great overseas performers of the modern game.

Here’s are the reactions on Root’s terrific hundred:

HE’S FINALLY DONE IT!

Joe Root has his first #Ashes century in Australia.

Live blog: https://t.co/2htO3lMX8d pic.twitter.com/9uZ26zQnPp

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2025

🚨 HE’S DONE IT! 🚨

No doubt before. No doubt now.

A true great of the game 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TpZex7RpaL

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 4, 2025

Joe Root’s International hundreds in each Country

34 in England (248 Inns)
7 in West Indies (30 Inns)
5 in New Zealand (36 Inns)
4 in Sri Lanka (22 Inns)
3 in South Africa (24 Inns)
3 in India (57 Inns)
2 in Pakistan (13 Inns)
1* in Australia (47 Inns)
0 in U.A.E. (12 Inns)
0 in… pic.twitter.com/VB0xLEQIVC

— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45) December 4, 2025

Joe Root hit his first Ashes century while the rest of England’s batters disappeared faster than their shot selection. 🔥🏏#JoeRoot#Ashes pic.twitter.com/0oNbOmmEcO

— MukeshAswin🌟 (@mukeshaswin7) December 4, 2025

Joe Root is such a lovely island of brilliance in my sea of sporting debacles this year. What a player, what composure 🏏

— Callum Hansey (@Callelujah) December 4, 2025

Joe root the make a beautiful century and test career achievements 40th number of 💯
In his 30th Test innings down under, Joe Root reaches three figures for the first time on Australian soil pic.twitter.com/Id2sWY1Jdr

— J.K.Limba (@jklimba9) December 4, 2025

Fab 4 Test hundreds:

Joe Root – 40*.

Steven Smith – 36.

Kane Williamson – 33.

Virat Kohli – 30 (RETIRED). pic.twitter.com/AnXtjI90LN

— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) December 4, 2025

MATTHEW HAYDEN ON JOE ROOT’S FIRST HUNDRED IN AUSTRALIA. 👌😀 pic.twitter.com/qJJ5LVLyMD

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) December 4, 2025

Joe Root is just pure class. I don’t understand why the rest of the team keep playing crazy shots off Starc though. Just see his overs out.

— John Collinge (@JC_1987) December 4, 2025

Chills! Joe Root’s ice-cold “Hundred” celebration after that masterclass knock in the Ashes 🥶🔥

Who’s got the nerve to bowl to this man next? England on top! #Ashes2025 #JoeRoot #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/k8O7qp8DzF

— Adarsh (@Adarshkumar_05) December 4, 2025

Joe Root 🐐 pic.twitter.com/xSl8C2ftOf

— Cold Cricket Pictures (@ColdCricketPix) December 4, 2025

It was just a matter of time. He’s too good a player to not have a hundred in Australia.

Joe Root is special because he continues to deliver in the toughest format of the game #Ashes

— Parth MN (@parthpunter) December 4, 2025

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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.

Representative image (AI)

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.

After Shinde’s Warning, Poaching War Erupts Again Between BJP and Shiv Sena

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.