India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant formally apologised to fans following his side’s heavy 0-2 loss to South Africa, including a 408-run defeat in the Guwahati Test, where he led in Shubman Gill’s absence. Pant managed only 49 runs across four innings (average 12.25) and acknowledged the team “didn’t play good enough cricket over the last two weeks.” He said representing India is “the greatest honour” and promised the squad will “work hard, regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger.” (PC: AP)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed that the Election Commission of India is constitutionally and legally empowered to carry out the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, refusing to halt the process. It noted that the court may intervene later—extending deadlines or ordering corrections—if a “fit case” arises. Petitions from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala challenging the SIR were segregated for separate hearings, with the Court seeking responses from the EC and the respective state governments. The ruling underscores that electoral roll revision remains primarily the EC’s domain while judicial scrutiny remains open. (PC: PTI)

A year after a ceasefire, southern Lebanon remains under attack by Israel. Air strikes continue almost daily, targeting areas Israel says are linked to Hezbollah. Residents in villages like Froun and Yaroun live in fear, with homes destroyed and many displaced. Despite the truce, Israel has killed hundreds, while Hezbollah denies breaking the ceasefire south of the Litani River. Locals say they want peace and stability, tired of the conflict. Lebanese authorities have not fully disarmed Hezbollah, fearing a civil war. The situation leaves thousands uncertain about returning home, with life overshadowed by drones and air strikes. (PC: BBC)

OpenAI has confirmed that some user data on its API platform was exposed after a data breach at Mixpanel, a third-party analytics provider. Hackers accessed information like account names, email addresses, organisation IDs, browser and operating system details, and coarse location. OpenAI’s systems were not hacked, and sensitive data such as passwords, API keys, payment details, and chat content were safe. The company is notifying affected users and has stopped using Mixpanel. OpenAI also advises customers to be cautious of phishing emails and enable multi-factor authentication to secure their accounts. (PC: The Indian Express)

Karnataka is in a political stir as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar face a leadership battle. Home Minister G Parameshwara said he would support Shivakumar as Chief Minister if the Congress decides on a change. But Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said Siddaramaiah’s post is not empty and he will stay. Shivakumar’s supporters flew to Delhi to urge the party leaders for a transition. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will meet both sides to resolve the crisis. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are ready to attend. The feud is creating confusion and affecting the party’s image. (PC: India Today)

In Bangladesh, 'baul' singers continue to face attacks by radical Islamist groups. On Wednesday, three baul artists were injured in an assault near Thakurgaon district court. A video shows the mob, linked to Tawhidi Janata, calling for their killing. The attacks come after baul singer Abul Sarkar was arrested for alleged blasphemy during a performance. The interim chief, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has not commented. BNP condemned the violence, calling it "heinous" and unacceptable. Bauls are known for their music, poetry, and dance, blending Hindu and Sufi traditions. Civil society protests the rising attacks. (PC: NDTV)

Jemimah Rodrigues will not return to play for Brisbane Heat in the 2025 WBBL season. The team confirmed that she asked to stay in India to support Smriti Mandhana after Mandhana’s wedding was put on hold due to health issues in the family. Rodrigues had already missed games to attend the wedding but will now skip the rest of the season. Brisbane Heat said it was a difficult time for her and agreed to release her. Mandhana’s father and fiancé were both hospitalised, forcing the wedding to be postponed. The Heat have lost all six matches so far this season. (PC: X)

A massive fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartment complex has killed at least 55 people, with nearly 300 still missing. The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon and burned for more than 15 hours across several 32-storey towers in Tai Po. Firefighters worked through the night to reach people trapped on upper floors. Police arrested two company directors and an engineering consultant for suspected manslaughter. Officers said unsafe scaffolding and foam-sealed windows may have helped the fire spread. At least 45 people are in critical condition. This is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II. (PC: BBC)

Adiala Jail officials have denied rumours claiming former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan died in custody. The administration said Imran is “healthy” and still inside the jail, receiving full medical care. The rumours triggered violent protests outside the prison, led by Imran’s sisters and PTI workers, who said they were not allowed to meet him despite court orders. Thousands gathered, and some tried to storm the jail. Officials later assured his family that a meeting would be arranged. Imran’s relatives say he is held in harsh solitary confinement, while the government claims he has access to TV, exercise gear and special meals. (PC: India Today)

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically injured. Police say he came around a corner and began firing at the troops before being stopped by other Guard members nearby. Lakanwal was shot but is expected to survive. He entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme that brought thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces. Relatives say he served in the Afghan army and worked with US Special Forces. The motive for the attack remains unknown. (PC: HT)