NEW DELHI: The Indian selectors on Saturday announced the squad for the T20 World Cup, dropping Shubman Gill from and recalling wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan along with Rinku Singh, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav, despite a recent dip in form, said he remains confident of rediscovering his best with the bat. PM Modi in Assam defended SIR and hit out at INDIA bloc for opposing it terming it as an attempt to protect infiltrators, calling them “ deshdhrois.” Meanwhile, Sonai Gandhi attacked PM Modi over the VB-G RAM G Bill, which she says undermines the rural employment guarantee scheme. The government has pushed back, calling the new law a reform measure, even as the bill’s passage sparked protests in Parliament. In Kerala, the killing of a Dalit migrant worker in Palakkad has triggered outrage, with police arresting five people as they probe a case of suspected mob violence that has raised concerns over migrant safety. Whereas, in the US questions were raised over transparency after the justice department released thousands of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, with many documents still redacted or withheld despite a congressional deadline.

Here are your top five stories of the evening:

T20 World Cup squad: Captain Suryakumar speaks up on his form after Gill’s omission

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, the selectors have left out Shubman Gill. Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh have been recalled to the squad, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav, despite a recent dip in form, said he remains confident of rediscovering his best with the bat. As the defending champions gear up for the tournament, the team will be banking on a strong turnaround from their captain to lead the title defence. Read full story

‘Deshdrohis trying to protect infiltrators’: PM Modi defends SIR at Assam rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday defended SIR in Assam and hit out at INDIA bloc for opposing it terming it as an attempt to protect infiltrators. He also criticized the previous Congress government for neglecting Assam and the Northeast’s development. He said the Modi government is rectifying past mistakes and is committed to the region’s progress. Read full story

‘Attack on poor’: Sonia Gandhi slams PM Modi over VB-G RAM G Bill, criticises repealing of MGNREGA

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on PM Modi, alleging that the newly introduced VB-G RAM G Bill aimed at replacing MGNREGA will adversely impact the poor. The government, however, has defended the legislation, saying it seeks to strengthen and improve MGNREGA, which it claims was riddled with corruption. The bill’s passage in Parliament triggered protests from opposition parties. Read full story

‘Mistaken for Bangladeshi national’: Dalit man beaten to death in Kerala

A Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh, Ramnarayan Baghel, was killed in a suspected case of mob violence in Kerala’s Palakkad district. Preliminary reports indicate he may have been wrongly identified as a Bangladeshi national and suspected of theft following a local incident. Police have arrested five people in connection with the case and are continuing their investigation. Read full story

Epstein files opened: From steamy photos to call logs – What’s all in it

The US department of justice has made public thousands of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, though a large number of records have yet to be released. Congress had set a December 19 deadline for disclosure, and while some files are now available, many are either heavily redacted or were already in the public domain. The limited release has prompted criticism from lawmakers who say the disclosure falls short of expectations. Read full story

NEW DELHI: Bihar governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday defended chief minister Nitish Kumar, who is facing criticism for removing a woman doctor’s “hijab” (veil), saying Kumar considers female students as his own “daughters.”Also Read | CM Nitish Kumar pulls down woman’s hijab at event; Cong, RJD slam ‘vile act’“This man (Nitish) considers female students as his daughters. It pains me to hear the word ‘dispute’ in this case. Can there be any row between a father and a daughter?” Khan asked.The governor also expressed his “pain” that the incident had turned into a controversy and blamed the media for it.“What have you people made out of it?” he asked reporters.Khan was referring to a video clip which sparked a major political row. The incident took place on Monday in Patna at the chief minister’s secretariat, where Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her veil, asked “what is this” and then removed the veil.Will the woman doctor report for duty?Meanwhile, Mahfoozur Rahman, principal of Patna’s Government Tibbi College and Hospital, said the doctor’s family wanted to avoid “media attention” and that she would “reconsider” whether to join.Also Read | Nitish Kumar hijab row: SP neta files complaint against Bihar CM, UP ministerAlthough Saturday is the last date for joining, he noted that the government and the department may consider extending the deadline, calling it a “special case.”“Ultimately, it is up to her,” Rahman said, adding that she could also opt for higher studies instead of taking up the posting.According to the principal, the doctor’s family maintained that if she joins, she would do so with her “privacy intact.”“Her husband told us the family is disappointed by the row peddled by the media and has denounced reports of their travel to Kolkata as false,” he stated.He added that the family is “not angry” with Nitish Kumar or the Bihar government.(With PTI inputs)

A California-based nonprofit advocacy group, the Declaration of Consciousness Movement (DoCM) (signdc.org), has announced a proposal to nominate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his leadership in diplomacy, climate action, digital inclusion and inclusive development. The announcement reflects a growing global discourse around what the organisation describes as “consciousness-based governance” — a framework that places ethical leadership, collective wellbeing and inner awareness at the centre of public policy and global cooperation.Members of the public who wish to express their support for the nomination of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize are invited to visit https://signdc.org/ and add their voice to this global declaration.The DoCM principles consist of the following principles:

1. Humanitarian Solidarity Across 150+ Countries
2. Operation Sindoor & Peaceful Diplomacy
3. Environmental Stewardship & Climate Leadership
4. Economic Development & Poverty Alleviation
5. Women’s Empowerment & Naari Shakthi
6. Digital Public Infrastructure & Governance Transformation
7. Cultural Diplomacy, Yoga & Soft Power
8. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
9. Democratic Mandate & People’s Trust

Together, these principles are the foundation and guiding seeds of wisdom upon which DoCM functions and moves towards conscious progress in unity.

The proposal was unveiled at a press conference in Chennai, where DoCM leaders outlined their rationale for the nomination and their broader vision for peace-led global governance. While Nobel Peace Prize nominations are submitted confidentially by qualified individuals and institutions and are not publicly confirmed by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, DoCM said its proposal is intended to spark dialogue on alternative leadership models at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and social polarisation.DoCM was founded by Adhipen Bose Nandhiji, a proponent of values-based leadership and societal transformation. The organisation describes itself as a global nonprofit working across governance, education and civic life, blending traditional contemplative practices with contemporary behavioural and social research. According to DoCM, its work focuses on translating inner awareness and ethical intent into measurable social and institutional outcomes.

Explaining the basis for its proposal, the organisation said Prime Minister Modi’s leadership aligns with several principles it advocates, including peace-oriented diplomacy, environmental responsibility, digital empowerment and inclusive growth. DoCM argues that these elements reflect a governance style rooted in compassion, ethical action and collective upliftment — values it believes are increasingly essential in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality and conflict.A key element of DoCM’s initiative is its proposal for the establishment of a World Consciousness Day, envisioned as a global observance inspired by India’s philosophical and spiritual traditions. The organisation noted that the idea builds on existing international observances such as World Yoga Day, which has gained widespread global recognition, as well as the growing international awareness of Maha Shivratri. According to DoCM, such observances symbolise introspection, clarity and compassionate engagement, which it considers foundational to sustainable peace.Central to DoCM’s framework are nine guiding principles that it describes as the foundation of an ethical global society. These include nonviolence, equality, freedom, women’s rights, children’s rights, respect for elders, ethical and conscious institutions, environmental responsibility and unity beyond cultural or ideological divisions. The organisation says these principles are designed to transcend religious, political and national boundaries, offering a shared moral compass for societies navigating rapid technological and social change.To operationalise these ideals, DoCM works through four international programmes focused on peace dialogue and diplomacy, education and cultural transformation, consciousness research, and planetary awareness. The organisation has stated its intention to encourage national adoption of its Declaration in India, with the longer-term goal of seeking consideration of the framework as a resolution at the United Nations.

DoCM leaders emphasised that their proposal should be viewed within a broader context of evolving global leadership paradigms. In a world marked by climate uncertainty, social fragmentation and escalating geopolitical risks, the organisation argues that conventional approaches to governance may no longer be sufficient. Instead, it calls for leadership that integrates awareness, cooperation and ethical responsibility into decision-making processes at both national and international levels.While the Nobel Peace Prize process itself remains confidential and independent, the proposal has added to ongoing discussions about India’s growing role in shaping global narratives around peace, sustainability and inclusive development. For DoCM, the initiative represents not just a nomination, but an attempt to foreground consciousness-led governance as a viable framework for addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. As the organisation’s guiding philosophy suggests, lasting peace, it argues, begins with an elevation of collective awareness.Learn More of the nine citations of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji for the Nobel Peace Prize.https://signdc.org/Disclaimer: Content Produced by Declaration of Consciousness Movement

NEW DELHI: Government has ordered a probe into the case of an Air India Express pilot beating up a passenger at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 on Friday. The two had a verbal spat between the two before Captain Virender Sejwal assaulted the passenger, Ankit Dewan. Why no one, including CISF personnel posted at entrance, intervened in time and the matter escalated to such an extent is being examined.“The ministry of civil aviation has taken serious cognisance of the incident and directed the airline to ground the pilot with immediate effect. A formal enquiry has been ordered. Detailed reports have been sought from Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Central Industrial Security Force,” the ministry said on X Saturday. No police complaint has been lodged so far in this case.The Air India Express was “dead heading” to Bengaluru — travelling as a passenger to another place to operate a flight from there — on IndiGo. Dewan was travelling with his family on SpiceJet. After the fight, they went to their destinations. AI Express grounded Captain Sejwal and he didn’t operate the flight he was rostered to from Bengaluru.What allegedly happenedThey were at the staff entry gate of T1, where the pilot cut the queue to go ahead of other passengers since staff get priority at this entrance. Sources say this infuriated Dewan and he allegedly mouthed some profanities. On hearing the same — “especially foul language used for his ailing mother,” — Captain Sejwal allegedly hit him. Security personnel intervened and the pilot flew to Bengaluru. On learning of this issue, AI Express has grounded him pending an inquiry and he did not operate a flight that he was rostered to from Bengaluru.Dewan, “a credit card & miles enthusiast”, said on X Friday night: “…one of (AI Express) pilots, Captain Virender Sejwal, assaulted me physically at T1, Delhi Airport. Me & my family were guided to use the security check that the staff uses, because we had a 4 month old baby in a stroller. The staff was cutting the queue ahead of me. On calling them out, Captain Virender, who himself was doing the same thing, asked me if I was anpadh (uneducated), and couldn’t read the signs that said this entry was for staff. A verbal scuffle broke out. Not able to exercise restraint, the AI Express pilot proceeded to physically assault me, leaving me bloody.”Dewan added that he had to “see a doctor” and that his “7-year-old daughter, who saw her father get assaulted brutally, is still traumatised & scared.” “I have no clue how DGCA and Air India Express can allow such pilots to fly. If they can’t keep their cool in a scuffle, can they be trusted with the lives of hundreds of people in the sky? How can Delhi Airport get away with such mismanagement, combining staff entry with passengers carrying infants, creating chaos at a sensitive security area? I thought airports were safe places!”An AI Express spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at Delhi Airport involving one of our employees, who was travelling as a passenger on another airline, and had an altercation with another passenger. We unequivocally condemn such behaviour. The employee concerned has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending investigation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated based on the findings of the inquiry. Air India Express upholds the highest standards of conduct and professionalism, and remains committed to ensuring that its employees act responsibly at all times.”Dewan added on X: “I was forced to write a letter stating that I will not pursue this matter further. It was either write that letter, or miss my flight and throw the 1.2 lakh holiday bookings down the drain. Delhi police, why can’t I file a complaint after coming back? Must I sacrifice my money too, to seek justice? Will the CCTV footage disappear in the two days till I make it back to Delhi?”

NEW DELHI: In stark contrast to politicians and activists using Article 32 rights to approach the Supreme Court directly, the SC acted promptly to respond to the tearful pleas of a poor young advocate, who lost her father in her childhood, tormented by her paternal uncle eyeing her share in ancestral property.She was incoherent when she interjected into a proceeding on Thursday afternoon before a three-judge bench led by CJI Surya Kant, who calmed her down and told her to place her grievances in Hindi. Tearfully she narrated how her uncle has slapped false cases on her and her widowed mother and is attempting to alienate her share in the ancestral property.What forced her to unceremoniously appear before the court was the police of Bulandshahr, allegedly hand-in-gloves with her monied uncle, issuing a bailable warrant in a case accusing her of throwing acid on him and his family members.CJI Kant asked the SC Legal Services Committee to immediately assign a competent lawyer to help her draft a petition overnight and ordered that the petition be listed for hearing on Friday. Her advocate Dushyant Parashar told the court that her father passed away in 2002 and since then her father’s younger brother has been attempting to deprive her and her mother of their share in the ancestral property by foisting cases on them.“Both were arrested sometime ago and had spent a month in jail. The local lawyers came to their rescue. After they were out on bail, she pleaded with the local SHO and Bulandshahr Superintendent of Police to provide her protection, but to no avail. She was abducted once,” Parashar said.The bench of CJI Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi directed the local police SHO and Bulandshahr SP to ensure that the young woman and her mother do not come to any harm and provide them with security if need be. It directed the UP police not to register any fresh FIR or take coercive action against the daughter-mother duo without SC’s prior permission.It restrained the girl’s uncle and his family members not to alienate the ancestral property and passed pre-emptive restraint orders. It asked the Bulandshahr SP to investigate into the matter and file a report on the genesis of the family dispute and the allegations of the young advocate.When asked what motivated him to entertain oral pleas of the young advocate, CJI Kant told TOI, “Poor have the first right over judicial time, and the courts must listen to their grievances on priority. Article 32 is meant to help mitigate the woes of the poor.” The case epitomized Dr Ambedkar’s words – “Article 32 is the heart and soul of the Constitution.”Before parting, the CJI told the young advocate – “Patience and perseverance is key to success in the legal profession.”