Asia Cup 2025: 5 players who could be dropped as selectors

Asia Cup 2025: 5 players who could be dropped as selectors

After the conclusion of the five-match Test series against England, all eyes are on the 2025 Asia Cup, which will begin from September 9 in the T20 format.

India will be without their senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to lead the side.

However, the biggest challenge now lies with the selectors, who will have to finalise the 15-member squad while striking a balance between recent performances, fitness and workload management. Some players may be rested or dropped from the squad depending on various factors.

Mohammad Siraj can be rested

After a stellar performance in the England Tests, Mohammed Siraj emerged as India's highest wicket-taker. His match-winning spell at the Oval was a memorable moment. Given his heavy workload during the IPL and the England tour, the selectors are busy

They might opt to rest Siraj to improve his fitness ahead of the event.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to take care of Mohammed Siraj after the pacer led his team to a thrilling six-run win over England in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Siraj, 31, took nine wickets in the series decider, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, as Shubman Gill's side levelled the five-match series.

Ashwin, who will retire from international cricket in December 2024, said Siraj has not been recognised for his efforts in the past and it is time the pacer gets all the recognition he deserves.

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj led the fast bowling attack very well and was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets.

"We didn't recognise Mohammed Siraj. It's time to recognise him. He raised his hand once again; he has given a great reason. Look at his celebration, it's like he's saying, 

This is not a trailer. This is the real picture.' He's saying, Consider me a match winner.' He's reminding us what a champion bowler he is.

His bowling action, his technique and his way of working is giving him an opportunity to play all five Test matches in a series,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

He further said, "He is also getting older. It is important for the team management to give him rest even from unimportant matches. He can be your No. 1 Test bowler. 

he can be your favourite Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akashdeep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. We have to build it around Mohammed Siraj and his experience."

Shubman Gill impressed with his captaincy in the England series, but his role in the T20 format is under question. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma already competing for top-order spots, it may be difficult for Gill to find a place in the playing XI.

The Indian cricket team is preparing for an important match against Australia in the fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. On Thursday, December 26, the prestigious Melbourne Cricket

The match, which will be played as the Boxing Day Test at the ground, is expected to be a thrilling contest.

As discussions about the final XI are gaining momentum, it seems that changes are likely in the visiting team. According to reports, captain Rohit Sharma is set to return to the team and he is set to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in this important match.

part from this change in the top order, KL Rahul is expected to come in at number three, which could create problems for Shubman Gill, who has been struggling to find his place.

 According to Cricbuzz, there is a heated debate about Gill's form ahead of the Test, raising questions about whether he will be able to retain his place in the playing XI.

Gill's troubles at the crease have been worrying. Ever since his blazing 91 in the last Border-Gavaskar series at the Gabba, the right-handed batsman has failed to convert good starts into big scores on foreign soil. 

His current series has not brought him any relief either, and his performances in his two matches so far have been extremely disappointing.

After missing the opening Test in Perth with a finger injury, Gill returned for the second match but struggled to capitalise on his good start, adding to the challenges he faces in overseas conditions.

In his previous outing at the Gabba, Gill got out cheaply in the first innings and unfortunately didn't get a chance to bat in the second innings as well due to rain. 

With speculations mounting, reports from the Times of India suggest that the team management is looking at including a second spinner, and Washington Sundar is being touted as a potential option.

If Sundar makes it to the team, then Shubman Gill or his fellow batsman Nitish Kumar Reddy may have to sit out of this important Test. This decision could be a big blow for Gill, who is considered by many as a key player in India's long-term batting lineup.

 There is speculation that only two of Gill, Reddy and Sundar will be able to make it to the final team for the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy likely to opt out of election

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is recovering from an injury, had a mediocre performance in the England Tests. His T20 International stats (90 runs and 3 wickets in 4 matches) weaken his claim. He may be out of this edition of the Asia Cup.

Team India has suffered another major setback ahead of the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who performed brilliantly in the third and tough match played at Lord's, has suffered a serious knee injury. A day after Cricbuzz reported the injury,

It has been confirmed that the all-rounder will not play in the remainder of the ongoing Test series in England.

This revelation comes a day after it was revealed that fast bowler Akash Deep, one of India's match-winners in the second Test at Edgbaston, could be ruled out of the Manchester Test due to injury.

He and fellow pacer Arshdeep Singh will miss the fourth Test to be held from July 23 to 27. The left-arm pacer has also been officially ruled out of the match in Manchester.

Sources had earlier told Cricbuzz that Nitish (22) has suffered a left knee injury, making his participation in the series doubtful. The exact nature of the injury is not yet clear, although it is believed to have been sustained during a mobility training session.

Cricbuzz has learned that Nitish underwent scans to ascertain the severity of the injury. On Monday (July 21), the BCCI confirmed his left knee injury and said he will return home.

On Sunday, the Indian team went to Old Trafford to meet Manchester United players and Nitish was one of those Indian players who could not make it to the famous football ground.

The obvious one was KL Rahul, but the India opener is fine and there are no concerns over his fitness.

With two more Test matches left in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the team management might have to rely on Shardul Thakur, who was preferred over Nitish in the first Test at Leeds, but the Andhra all-rounder regained his place in the next two matches.

Dhruv Jurel will face tough competition

Although Dhruv Jurel was in the squad for the home T20 series against England, his participation in the Asia Cup seems doubtful. With Ishan Kishan's possible return and Sanju Samson already being a frontrunner, Jurel seems unlikely to make it into the squad.

Amid the BCCI's decision to include N Jagadeeshan in the squad in place of Rishabh Pant, the Tamil Nadu cricketer will face tough competition from Dhruv Jurel.

However, the way things are going, it seems difficult to fit the batsman into the playing XI, with Jurel being the likely choice for this role, especially considering the nature of the match.

Team India has reached this milestone after achieving a brilliant draw in the fourth match of the five-match Test series against England. Now both the teams will face each other for the series decider in the fifth Test match.

 

Team India will miss its dashing batsman Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match. The left-handed batsman suffered a leg injury while facing Chris Woakes in the fourth Test.

Jagadeesan has no experience of English conditions yet, but he has been a strong player in the domestic circuit. On the other hand, Jurel cannot be called an experienced option for this role, as he has played only four Test matches for the team.

In a situation, where a win could help India level the series, the management

The third option for India would be in-form batsman KL Rahul, but the experienced batsman has been performing consistently well in the top order and the think tank would not like to change his position.

Moreover, after keeping wicket for so many overs, it will be tiring for Rahul to once again open the innings for the Shubman Gill-led side. The biggest concern for Gautam Gambhir & Co. will be the fitness of their main pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Earlier, the fast bowler was advised not to play consecutive Test matches in view of his workload management. Following this advice, the management gave him a chance to play three matches of the series, but now the visiting team is in a situation where Bumrah's presence can prove to be ideal for victory.

If he remains out of the match, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep are the two options available for the final match. Arshdeep Singh, who has performed brilliantly for the team in the white ball format, has not yet made his Test debut. He was not available for selection for the fourth Test due to injury.

Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi in danger

Washington Sundar failed to impress in the recent T20 series, taking only three wickets and not doing much with the bat either. Similarly, Ravi Bishnoi may also be dropped from the team due to poor form. Due to the conditions in the UAE, the selectors may prefer Yuzvendra Chahal, who has experience of playing in these conditions.

Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has said that Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar may not get a chance to play in the first T20 match against Afghanistan. India is all set to take on Afghanistan at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

India will play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan at their home ground. India have an impeccable record against Afghanistan in the shortest format of the game, where they have won four out of five matches and one match was a draw.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra discussed India's bowling options for the first T20I and backed Axar Patel over Sundar as the spin all-rounder. Sundar has played 40 T20Is for India, scoring 107 runs and taking 31 wickets.

 

Chopra said, "Axar will definitely play. Axar is also a left-handed batsman. If you want to play Washington Sundar by mistake, you can play another left-handed batsman. However, I don't think Washington Sundar will be able to play. I think if Axar is at number seven, then you will have to play only one spinner at number eight and that will be Kuldeep Yadav."

He further said that Bishnoi and Sundar may not be able to play in the first match of the series. Bishnoi is the second-ranked bowler in T20 international cricket.

Chopra further said, "If Kuldeep plays at number eight, then India will have to go with three fast bowlers because given the fog here, I think there can be a lot of dew. So I think there should be three fast bowlers and two spinners. There may not be room for Ravi Bishnoi and Washi."

Mohammed Siraj fulfilled his promise to Jasprit Bumrah, saying, 'Jassi bhai, who should I target after taking 5 wickets?'

Mohammed Siraj fulfilled his promise to Jasprit Bumrah, saying, 'Jassi bhai, who should I target after taking 5 wickets?'

Mohammed Siraj fulfilled his promise made to Jasprit Bumrah at the beginning of the 5th India vs England Test at The Oval, taking a magnificent five wickets in India's dramatic comeback victory on the final day.

Bumrah, who was rested from the final Test of the series, was released from the team on July 31. Siraj took nine wickets in the match (4/86 - first innings and 5/33 - second innings), which helped India level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 by beating England by 6 runs.

Siraj revealed that when Bumrah was leaving the team before the game, the Hyderabadi asked him to stay, saying that if he wouldn't hug his Jassi brother, then who would he hug after taking five wickets.

"Just as I told Bhai, 'Bhaiya, why are you leaving? When I take 5 wickets, whom will I hug?' He said, 'I am here, just go and take 5 wickets.' (I asked Jasprit, 'Brother, why are you leaving? When I take 5 wickets, whom will I hug?' He just said, 'I am here, you go and take 5 wickets')" Siraj revealed in a video on BCCI.tv after the day's play.

And on the final day, when England needed 35 runs to win with four wickets remaining, Siraj and Prasidh Krishna ramped up the pressure to dismantle England's lower order. Siraj took out the dangerous Jamie Smith in the second over of the day and then sent Jamie Overton back as well, ultimately dismissing Gus Atkinson.

Concluded with a spectacular Indian victory. List of major records broken during the 5th Test between India and England at the Oval.

 

The fifth and final Test of the five-match series between India and England ended on Monday (August 4) with India's victory by six runs. Ollie Pope's team failed to chase the target of 374 runs at The Oval. 

Mohammad Siraj took five English batsmen for 104 runs in 30.1 overs, and Pradeep Krishna took four wickets for 126 runs in 27 overs. With India's win in the fifth Test, the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy edition ended at 2-2. During the fifth and final India-England Test, players from both teams broke several batting, bowling, and fielding records.

Here is a look at the major broken records during the 5th Test between India and England at the Oval:

• The victory by six runs at The Oval is India's narrowest win in Test cricket by runs. The previous smallest win by runs for India in Tests was by 13 runs against the Australian team at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in November 2004.

• Joe Root became the first player in the world to score 6000 runs in the World Test Championship.

• Root has become the first player in the world to score 500+ runs three times in a Test series against India. During his playing days, Everton Weekes, Gary Sobers, Zaheer Abbas, Ricky Ponting, and Younis Khan had scored 500+ runs twice in a Test series against India.

• Root has become the first player in the world to score 24 centuries in domestic Test matches. Ricky Ponting, Jack Callis, and Mahela Jayawardene are tied for second place with 23 centuries in domestic Tests.

 • Root has become only the second batsman to score 2000+ runs in home Tests against the same team. Bradman ended his career with 2354 runs in 18 Tests against England in Australia, while Root has scored 2111 runs in 20 Tests against India in England.

Root has become the first English batsman to score 13 Test centuries against the same team. During his playing days, Jack Hobbs made 12 Test centuries for England against Australia. Now only Don Bradman has scored more Test centuries (19 against England) against

 the same team than Root. Root has 7329 runs in 84 Tests played to date in England, which is more than Sachin Tendulkar's 7126 Test runs in India. Only Ponting (7578 runs in 92 matches) has scored more runs than Root in home Tests.

• Shubman Gill broke Graham Gooch's record for most runs scored in the Test series played between India and England. Gill scored 21 and 11 runs in the two innings of the Oval Test, bringing his total runs to 754. Gooch played three Tests against India in 1990 and scored 752 runs.

 During his innings of 21 runs in the first batting, Gill broke Sunil Gavaskar's record for the most runs scored by an Indian captain in a Test series. Gavaskar played six Test matches against the West Indies in 1978-79 and scored 732 runs.

 Ravindra Jadeja scored 53 runs off 77 balls in the second innings of the Oval Test. Jadeja concluded the series with six 50+ scores in five matches. He is the first player to record six 50+ scores in a Test series played between India and England.

        

India scored 224 runs in the first innings and 396 runs in the second innings of the fifth Test. A total of 620 runs at The Oval brought the Indian team's total score to 3809 runs, which is the highest runs scored by any team in a five-match Test series. Only Australia has scored more runs (3877 in the six-match Ashes series of 1993).

In the second innings, during his innings of 53 runs, Jadeja surpassed a total of 500 runs in the ongoing series. For the first time in history, three Indian batsmen have scored more than 500 runs in a Test series.

Siraj took four English batsmen out in the first innings and five in the second. He is the first Asian bowler to dismiss at least four batsmen seven times in Test matches played in England.

         

Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett added 92 runs for the first wicket in the first innings and 50 runs in the second innings. They have now added 50+ runs for the first wicket against India nine times in Tests, which is one more than the score of 8 by Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge.

           

Crawley and Duckett became the second opening pair after Hens and Greenidge to add over 1000 runs as openers against India in Test matches.

        

Akash Deep scored 66 runs for India in the second innings batting at number 4 as a nightwatchman. He is the third Indian, after Syed Kirmani (101* against Australia in 1979) and Amit Mishra (50 against Bangladesh in 2010, 84 against England in 2011), to score fifty runs as a nightwatchman.

Famous for friendship

 Famous Krishna also acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah's role, stating that the mutual relationship during the game built a foundation of trust in the matches. Famous spent a considerable amount of time with Bumrah during their rehab at NCA in 2023. 'Booms (Bumrah) has been a big part of it. 

I think it's very important for us to enjoy each other's success; there should be conversations off the field so that when you are on the field, while talking to each other, you have a connection between you.'

            

Have faith. That is the only thing that will make the team better,” Praseed said. Pacers.

         

India played a leading role in winning an exciting match at the Oval.

On a small but exciting day at the Oval, 5 helped India take the last four wickets, bringing the series to a tie at 2-2.

Both teams entered Day 5 clearly seeing victory in sight - England needed just 35 runs, while India required 4 wickets. Jamie Overton quickly attempted to change the momentum, putting pressure on India with two rapid boundaries. However, Mohammad Siraj made a brilliant comeback, dismissing Jamie Smith and providing India with the much-needed breakthrough.

Siraj then spectacularly trapped Jamie Overton, getting him out LBW and strongly shifting the momentum in favor of India. Soon, Prasidh Krishna also joined the action with a fast yorker that bowled Josh Tongue, bringing India closer to a famous victory.

Chris Woakes battled valiantly despite a shoulder injury, taking to the field and keeping England's hopes alive. Atkinson hit a six against the flow of the game, reducing the target to just 11 runs. Ultimately, Mohammed Siraj knocked back Gus Atkinson's off-stump, securing a memorable win for India by a very narrow margin - just 6 runs - and excitingly leveling the series at 2-2.

 

PM Modi met with President Murmu.

 PM Modi met with President Murmu.

New Delhi, August 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu here at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday. Details of the meeting were not immediately available. The Rashtrapati Bhavan posted on X, "Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan." 

This meeting took place amid a stalemate in Parliament over the opposition's demand for a discussion on a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar. Since the start of the monsoon session on July 21, there has been little action in Parliament apart from discussions on Operation Sindoor in both houses.

The Prime Minister's meeting with the President took place a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on exports from India and unspecified penalties due to New Delhi's purchase of military equipment and oil from Russia. Making the invisible visible.

 When Ila Bhatt founded SEWA in 1972, she was facing a problem that policymakers had hardly acknowledged: millions of women working in India’s informal economy were completely invisible to the formal financial system. These women—caterers, fruit vendors, tailors, domestic workers, and construction laborers—were

 the backbone of local economies yet had no access to credit, insurance, or business support. "We were nobody," recalls Kamalaben, a 58-year-old member who now runs a successful textile cooperative. "Banks did not talk to us. Government schemes were not for us. 

We were working and earning, but we did not exist." Today, SEWA represents nearly two million workers spread across 12 states, making it one of the largest trade unions for informal workers. But its true innovation lies in the fact that these women were not just laborers: they were entrepreneurs waiting for their moment.

Not just jobs, but creating businesses.

Unlike traditional microfinance organizations that only provide loans, SEWA has created a comprehensive ecosystem for women's entrepreneurship. This organization operates through an integrated model that combines union advocacy, cooperative formation, capacity building, and financial services. 

Take childcare, for example. SEWA's childcare cooperatives have helped over 400 women find regular work as caregivers. But it's not just about employment - it's about creating sustainable businesses that meet the real needs of the community while generating income. 

SEWA quickly realized that women needed more than just loans. They need skills, markets, support systems, and most importantly, they need to see themselves as entrepreneurs, not just workers.

Cooperative Revolution

The Service Cooperative Federation now empowers 112 women's groups in various sectors, ranging from traditional crafts and food processing to transportation and technology. These are not charity projects; they are legitimate businesses competing in real markets. Suman Devi's story reflects this transformation.

 There was a time when she depended on daily wage labor, and now she owns and operates an e-rickshaw service, providing employment to other women. Through the integrated support system of the federation, she transitioned from employee to employer, receiving training, financing, and ongoing business guidance.

"The difference is in dignity," Suman says. "When you work for someone else, you always ask for permission. When you own your business, you make the decisions."

Breaking banking barriers

Perhaps the most important achievement of SEWA is to prove that poor women are excellent credit risks. The Women’s SEWA Urban Cooperative Savings and Credit Committee, 

which was established after years of bureaucratic struggles, has maintained repayment rates of over 95%. This success challenges fundamental assumptions about lending in the informal and microfinance sectors. Women are seen as partners rather than mere borrowers.

Assuming, SEWA has shown that financial inclusion can be both beneficial and empowering.

Beyond personal success

Its impact is far broader than just individual entrepreneurs. When women achieve economic independence, they make significant investments in their families' health, education, and nutrition. 

This creates a multiplier effect that strengthens entire communities Government data shows that women-owned MSMEs account for 20% of registered enterprises, although this likely underrepresents the actual participation as many women entrepreneurs operate informally. SEWA's model provides a pathway to formality without stripping away the flexibility required by workers in the informal sector.

Wave effect

SEWA's approach is empowered by its recognition that economic empowerment and social change are not separate. When women are organized into cooperatives, they do not just create businesses: they create platforms to challenge traditional gender roles and claim economic rights.

provides employment to those who were completely dependent on their husbands before. Meera Patel's pickling unit is an example of this significant change. Her business employs those women.

A model for the future

As India's economy develops, the SEWA model provides important insights for policymakers and development practitioners. The organization's success demonstrates that sustainable MSME development requires not only financial support but also the creation of an ecosystem that addresses social, economic, and political barriers.

Five decades after its establishment, SEWA has consistently proven that India's economic transformation is not just about billion-dollar unicorns. It's about millions of women like Meera who are turning street corners into boardrooms with every small business. 

In a country where women's economic participation is constrained by deeply embedded barriers, SEWA's quiet revolution offers hope that inclusive development is not only possible but also profitable.

 Prime Minister Modi summoned President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu after visiting Varanasi, where he released ₹20,500 crore for 97 million farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme.

New Delhi [India], August 3 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Sunday. On Saturday, PM Modi visited Varanasi, 

where he released the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring more than Rs 20,500 crore into the bank accounts of 97 million farmers.

 With this release, the total distribution since the beginning of the scheme has exceeded 3.90 lakh crore rupees.

The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme that was launched by the Prime Minister in February 2019 to meet the financial needs of landholding farmers. 

Under this scheme, a financial benefit of ₹6,000 is transferred annually in three equal installments through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode into the bank accounts linked to the farmers' IDs. He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects worth around ₹2,200 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

During his visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi for the 51st time, PM Modi inaugurated the widening and strengthening of the Varanasi-Bhadohi road and the Chittouni-Shool Tankeshwar road, along with the railway overbridge in Hardattpur, to reduce traffic congestion.

Mohan Sarai-Adalpur Road.

They laid the foundation for extensive road widening and strengthening for several rural and urban streets, including Dalmandi, Lahatara-Kotwa, Gangapur, Babatpur, among others, and built railway overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard.

While strengthening the energy infrastructure in the area, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for various works under the smart distribution project and underground works of the electricity infrastructure costing more than 880 crore rupees.

Promoting tourism significantly, the Prime Minister inaugurated the redevelopment of eight riverfront ghats, development works at Kalika Dham, beautification of Rangildas Kutia and ponds and ghats in Shivpur, and

 the restoration and water purification of Durga Kund. He laid the foundation stone for the restoration work at Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, developed the birthplace of several freedom fighters in Karkhiyan, established a city facility center in Sarnath, Rishi Mandavi, and Ramnagar zone, redeveloped

 the ancestral home of Munshi Premchand in Lamahi and upgraded the museum, along with undertaking other projects. He also laid the foundation stone for the development of urban Miyawaki forests in Kanchanpur and the redevelopment and beautification of Shahid Udyan and 21 other parks. (ANI)

The public broadcasting corporation will be shut down after funding is cut by Congress, according to Trump's target.

The public broadcasting corporation will be shut down after funding is cut by Congress, according to Trump's target.

Summary

The corporation will close down for public broadcasting. The Congress has cut its funding. This marks the end of a long era of public media support. President Trump has targeted this organization. The closure will affect local radio and television. Major programs like 'Sesame Street' have benefited. Funding has been withdrawn. The final effort to save it has failed. Most employees will leave soon.

The Public Broadcasting Corporation, which has been a cornerstone of American culture for three generations, announced on Friday that it will begin its own shutdown process after being budgeted by Congress - marking the end of an era of nearly six decades during which it has promoted the production of renowned educational programs, cultural content, and even emergency alerts.

The death of the corporation known as CPB is a direct result of President Donald Trump's targeting of public media, which he has repeatedly stated spreads the political and cultural ideas that America should embrace. This closure is expected to have a profound impact on journalism and the cultural landscape - particularly on public radio and television stations in small communities across America.

CPB helps fund both PBS and NPR, but most of its money is distributed to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations across the country.

The corporation has deep ties to some of the country's most well-known programming, such as NPR's 'All Things Considered' and historically 'Sesame Street,' 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' and Ken Burns' documentaries.

The corporation stated that its end, 58 years after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law, will occur in a 'systematic manner.' In a statement, it said that the decision was made after a package was passed through Congress that rescinded funding for its successor...

"Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and persuaded Congress to maintain federal funding for the Center for Public Broadcasting (CPB), we are now faced with the hard reality of shutting down our operations," said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the corporation.

In a last-minute attempt, Nidhi's effort failed as Democratic members of the Senate Appropriations Committee made a final effort this week to save the funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

During the discussion of the committee on Thursday, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., introduced an amendment to restore CPB funding for the next budget year but then withdrew it. She said she still believed that 'there is a way to fix it before there are devastating consequences for public radio and television stations across the country.'

"It's hard to believe that we are in the situation we are in," she said. "And I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve it."
But Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., took a less optimistic tone.

our concerns, but we all know that we filed a lawsuit about this two weeks ago. Adopting this amendment would be contrary to what we have already voted on.

CPB said it informed employees on Friday that most staff positions will end on September 30. It stated that a small transition team will continue to work until January to complete any remaining tasks - which, it said, includes 'ensuring continuity for the necessary music rights and royalties for the public media system.'

“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunities, emergency information, civic dialogue, and cultural connections in every corner of the country,” Harrison said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving the American people.”

Its impact will be widespread, as NPR stations have used millions of federal dollars to pay for music licensing fees. Now, many will need to renegotiate these deals. This could particularly affect those outlets that build their programming around music discovery. NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher recently estimated, for example, that approximately 96% of all classical music broadcast in the United States is on public radio stations.

Federal funding for public radio and television has traditionally been allocated to the Public Broadcasting Corporation, which distributes it to NPR and PBS. Approximately 70% of the funding goes directly to 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations spread across the nation, although this is just a brief description of its potential impact.

Trump, who has called CPB "monstrous", has long claimed that there is an extreme liberal bias in public broadcasting, which has helped generate a contradictory wave against public broadcasting among his supporters in recent months, spreading across Congress and the country. This is part of a larger campaign in which he has targeted those institutions - particularly cultural institutions - that produce content or support views he considers "un-American". The downfall of CPB represents a political victory for those efforts.

His influence on the media is deepening. He has also attacked those media outlets of the US government that had charters of freedom, including the prestigious Voice of America, which ended the operations of that media

 Trump also dismissed three members of the corporation's board of directors in April. At that time, in legal action, the dismissed directors claimed that their termination was a government overreach targeting an entity whose charter guarantees it freedom.

PM Modi inaugurated and launched development projects worth ₹4,900 crores in Tamil Nadu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening for a two-day visit, which is a significant boost for infrastructure and development initiatives in the state. "PM Modi launches ₹4,900 crore development projects in Tamil Nadu"

 

After concluding his trip to the Maldives, Prime Minister Modi arrived at Tuticorin Airport at 7:50 PM by special aircraft. He was welcomed at the airport by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Governor R.N. Ravi, and Union Ministers L. Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu, among others

Immediately after his arrival, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly developed terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, which cost ₹452 crore. Later, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu. These projects span key areas such as energy, transportation, and logistics.

Key initiatives include infrastructure projects costing Rs 550 crore in Tuticorin, power transmission works related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, electrification of the Madurai–Bodinayakkanur railway line, power distribution system for Kudankulam Units 3 and 4, doubling of the railway line between Arivumadhi and Nalker Koil

doubling of the Nallai-Melepalayam railway section costing Rs 283 crore, four-lane road development project on the Sethiyathoppu-Cholapuram section, inauguration of the third northern cargo logistics terminal at V.O. Chidambar Anar Port in Tuticorin costing Rs 285 crore, doubling of the Nalker Koil City-Junction-Kanyakumari railway line, and railway projects costing Rs 1,030 crore.

This tour highlights the focus on enhancing connectivity, energy infrastructure, and promoting economic development in southern Tamil Nadu of the center.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in various programs on Sunday, including the celebration of the millennium of the maritime expedition of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I at Gangai Konda Chola Puram.

These projects have expanded key areas, including airports, highways, railways, ports, and energy. Among the inaugurated projects is a new state-of-the-art terminal building spread over 17,000 square meters at Tuticorin Airport, aimed at enhancing air connectivity in the southern state.

They described the railway as the "lifeline of industrial growth and self-reliant India" and stated that significant work has been done in the sector over the past decade. "The focus has been on its modernization in the last 11 years," they said."PM Modi launches ₹4,900 crore development projects in Tamil Nadu"

Remembering the proud legacy of the state's freedom struggle, Modi paid tribute to renowned Tamil icons. 'When I am in Tamil Nadu, I feel proud of this great land. In Tuticorin, I remember freedom fighters like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Azhagu Muthukum,' the Prime Minister said.

 

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK. He stated, 'The FTA with the UK accelerates our vision of a developed India and developed Tamil Nadu,' and added that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups would greatly benefit from such agreements.

Highlighting the NDA government's national infrastructure achievements, he said, "We have built the Atal Setu, the Sonmarg Tunnel, and the Bogibeel Bridge. These have created thousands of job opportunities.""PM Modi launches ₹4,900 crore development projects in Tamil Nadu"

 

The Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thangam Thennarasu, participated in this program, who presented a replica of the prestigious Valluvar Kottam in Chennai to the Prime Minister. Social Welfare Minister P. Geethajithwan, DMK MP Kanimozhi, and senior officials were also present.

 

The development initiative has come ahead of the 2026 assembly elections and is seen as part of the efforts of the BJP-led NDA to strengthen its presence in South India.

 

Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented a symbol of the prestigious Valluvar Kottam in Chennai to the Prime Minister on this occasion. Social Welfare Minister P. Geethanjali, Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, and senior officials participated.

FAQs on PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu Visit and ₹4,900 Crore Development Projects

Q1. What is the total worth of development projects inaugurated by PM Modi in Tamil Nadu?
PM Modi inaugurated and launched projects worth around ₹4,900 crores in Tamil Nadu.

Q2. What sectors are covered under these development projects?
The projects focus on infrastructure, road connectivity, railways, ports, and industrial growth to boost Tamil Nadu’s economy.

Q3. Why are these projects important for Tamil Nadu?
These projects will create jobs, improve transport facilities, and strengthen industrial growth, helping Tamil Nadu emerge as a hub of economic activity.

Q4. When did PM Modi inaugurate these projects?
The projects were inaugurated during PM Modi’s official visit to Tamil Nadu in September 2025.

Q5. How will these projects impact common people?
Better connectivity, employment opportunities, and access to modern infrastructure are expected to directly benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s inauguration and launch of ₹4,900 crore worth of development projects in Tamil Nadu mark a significant step toward boosting the state’s infrastructure and economy. These initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and generate employment opportunities, making Tamil Nadu a stronger player in India’s growth story. With a focus on long-term development, the projects reaffirm the government’s commitment to balanced regional progress and economic empowerment.

₹4,900 crore development projects Tamil Nadu

Elon Musk’s Tesla refunds early India bookings, leases office space: Signs of India entry soon?

 Elon Musk’s Tesla refunds early India bookings, leases office space: Signs of India entry soon?

Elon Musk’s Tesla refunds early India bookings, leases office space: Signs of India entry soon?

Elon Musk’s Tesla to enter India soon? Tesla Inc. is returning reservation fees to Indian customers who had pre-booked its Model 3. This action suggests the Elon Musk-led US electric vehicle manufacturer is preparing to enter India's automobile market, which ranks as the third-largest globally.

According to a Bloomberg report, the company's correspondence to customers who placed bookings in 2016 says: "We would like to return your reservation fee for the time being. When we finalize our offerings in India, we will reach out in the market again. We hope to see you back with us once we are ready to launch and deliver in your country."

Tesla is processing refunds for these long-standing reservations as the earlier version of the Model 3 is being discontinued.

These communications, sent from official Tesla email addresses, indicate the manufacturer's intention to commence operations in India, following years of discussions regarding the country's substantial import tariffs, the report said.

 Elon Musk recently announced on X his plans to visit India this year, coinciding with ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, which could potentially result in reduced automobile tariffs.

A revised tariff framework might influence Tesla's strategic outlook. The company experienced its first decline in global vehicle deliveries in over ten years, whilst facing significant competition from BYD Co.

The presence of Tesla vehicles in India would appeal to the growing affluent middle-class segment, though it could potentially impact local automobile manufacturers who provide employment to numerous workers in their production facilities.

Meanwhile, in another significant development Tesla has secured a private office space in Mumbai's Kurla area, adjacent to the Bandra-Kurla Complex business district, demonstrating its commitment to expand operations in India.

Tesla has obtained a 30-seat workspace within a co-working facility at Phoenix Market City with a monthly payment of Rs 3 lakh, according to an ET report.

 The company has agreed to a one-year tenancy with a three-month lock-in clause, offering short-term adaptability whilst Tesla develops its India strategy. The arrangement between Tesla India Motor & Energy and the co-working provider EFC was finalised earlier this month.

"The new office is likely to support early-stage functions such as local hiring, regulatory coordination, vendor meetings, or backend support for its anticipated entry into the Indian EV market," according to a source familiar with the situation.

 Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has stirred fresh debate about the future of medicine with a bold prediction: robots will outperform the world’s best surgeons within five years.

The comment came in response to a post by influencer Mario Nawfal on X, where Musk highlighted the capabilities of advanced robotics in surgery. Citing Neuralink’s surgical robot, which is used to implant ultra-precise brain-computer interface electrodes, Musk wrote, “Robots will surpass good human surgeons within a few years and the best human surgeons within ~5 years. @Neuralink had to use a robot for the brain-computer electrode insertion, as it was impossible for a human to achieve the required speed and precision.”

 Nawfal had shared a report spotlighting Medtronic’s Hugo robotic system, which was tested in 137 real-world procedures, including prostate, kidney, and bladder surgeries. The results were impressive: “Complication rates were notably low... Hugo achieved a 98.5% success rate, well above the 85% target,” the report noted.

While the study acknowledged that robots are still tools guided by surgeons and not replacements, it suggested a growing role for robotics in operating rooms. Musk’s confident prediction, however, drew mixed reactions.

One user challenged Musk’s statement, questioning how he could advocate for population growth while simultaneously promoting automation that could potentially eliminate jobs. Dr Sankar Adusumilli, a veteran surgeon with extensive experience in robot-assisted procedures, also joined the conversation, calling the claim “misleading”. “Robots are Not actually doing the Surgery, Surgeon is doing it with console using the robot as sophisticated tool,” he explained.

 “Surgeon makes every move, robot extends that move and refines it. They are Great Tools, But Not Surgeons !! I have done more than 2400 Robot assisted surgeries for complex GI diseases. I cannot let Robot to make intricate decisions- since Every patient is different!!” he added.

“Think of the lives that could be saved with mass produced, high quality robotic surgeons bringing down the cost of healthcare and labor limitations,” another user reacted.

Neural ink is Musk’s brain-implant startup, valued at $5 billion in 2023, and is currently conducting human trials aimed at assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries. According to a report in NewsBytes, the billionaire envisions a future where Neuralink’s brain chip could benefit both people with disabilities and healthy individuals, offering rapid, minimally invasive procedures at local clinics.

Brilliant Suryavanshi makes a prodigal impression

 Brilliant Suryavanshi makes a prodigal impression

It took all of one ball in the IPL for the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi to reveal something essential about him. His lofted drive inside-out for a six was not only an announcement of his arrival in the big league but also a testament to his unfazed and fearless approach to batting, leaving no respect for the bowler irrespective of their reputation.

The audacity under the lights was visible. But it was the question of who Suryavanshi was beyond the spectacle: in training sessions, around big, established cricketers who know their drills, habituated to the pressures and limelight, aware of what's expected of them and what the opposition has to offer?

Despite scoring a record century, the 'too-young' Suryavanshi wasn't sent to explain his side of the story. On Monday, following the win against Gujarat Giants, Vikram Rathore, the batting coach of Rajasthan Royals, turned up to present his version instead.

"He's been exactly like what you've seen him on the pitch," confessed Rathore. "He isn't intimidated by anyone in the nets. He takes on Jofra, who is one of the toughest bowlers to face in the nets; awkward and quick.

"But he really takes him on. Again." Just as Rathore was completing his explanation, the lights and sound went off. Call it cosmic intervention if you must, but no one was, by design at least, taking the spotlight away from Suryavanshi on April 28, 2025. Ask Sai Sudarshan who bagged the Orange Cap. Ask Shubman Gill, who stroked another majestic half-century. Ask Jos Buttler, who sent a reminder about what Rajasthan Royals lost. Ask Yashasvi Jaiswal, who himself dazzled with an unbeaten half-century in a successful run chase.

Under Jaipur's floodlights, Suryavanshi, the boy from the "clan of the sun" lived up to the name, shining the brightest among all the stars.

In pursuit of a target, which opponents Gujarat Titans believed was above par, Suryavanshi took little time to dictate the terms of the play, getting off the mark by despatching Mohammed Siraj for a 90-meter six over long on.

He was unafraid to hit over the in-field even when obvious traps were laid out. Even though the blueprint to thrive on the Jaipur surface was already provided by Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler earlier in the game, en route their respective brisk half-centuries, Suryavanshi designed one of his own.

As he unleashed his big bat-swing, not everything hit the middle of his bat. In fact by the time he had touched the half-century mark in the fifth over, 38 percent of his attempted shots were false strokes. Much of it didn't matter.

In the over preceding that, bowled by Ishant Sharma, two edges ran past the ropes and one over it. The edges that delivered those boundaries for Vaibhav were merely salt added to the wounds of the experienced pacer. Just a ball before he was lured to slash outside off, a delivery on his pads was nonchalantly flicked into the roof of the stands, with a no-look follow-up.

Ishant went for 28 in that over. Washington went for 21 in the next. A couple of overs later, Prasidh was blasted for 17 and Karim Janat for 30.

His record-breaking innings was replete with ample luck as it was with emphatic strokeplay. If we were to borrow Albert Greenfield's theory, luck happens to the competent. While there were ample cuts and pulls that took the top edge, there were also many more unfazed pulls, thunderous drives, powerful flicks and audacious chips over the in-field which forced bowlers to alter their lines.

Suryavanshi has the range, and the skills - both tested, and now displayed. To explain it in technical language, Sachin Tendulkar put down Suryavanshi's success to his 'fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and the energy behind the ball.' Rathore summed it up in two words: great downswing.

Rathore testified that the Royals coaching staff wasn't surprised by what Suryavanshi produced on Monday. They had seen enough evidence of that over the last four months. What impressed them was that he could do that at the biggest stage, against the best bowling attack of the tournament this season.

On the surface, all of this seems like any other high-scoring IPL game of the Impact Player era, where the bowlers are hapless spectators to surfaces made for boundary fests, the kind of which has subdued the fascination of fast-scoring centuries. On the surface, Suryavanshi could be just another talented young cricketer joining the already long beeline of youngsters who continue to show the rich wealth of talent that resides in the near obscurity of Indian domestic cricket and deeper. Like Ayush Mhatre. Like Priyansh Arya.

What makes this innings exceptional, though, according to Rathore, is that Suryavanshi is only 14 years old.

That age indeed becomes significant to understand the magnitude of what played out on Monday evening at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. To offer perspective, Ishant had started playing international cricket nearly four years before Suryavanshi was born.

The context of age remains also critical in understanding why unlike many other blazing knocks played in the IPL, this one would especially be remembered. Not just because it's the fastest IPL century by an Indian, and the second fastest ever in the history of the tournament, but because no one in any part of the world has registered a T20 century at an age younger than Suryavanshi's 14 years and 32 days.

That Suryavanshi has achieved something that no one his age anywhere in the world could, deepens the wonder. Turn age-agnostic and the story takes a different turn.

Rathore, in his limited vocabulary, ran out of adjectives to explain Suryavanshi's performance. Exceptional. Spectacular. Special. But in all extreme expressions offered to the innings, he was mindful to caution against going overboard with comparisons and expectations. "He's just starting out," Rathore warned. "He's a special kid and a special talent. If he keeps working hard, he'll go a long way."

As Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the last international cricketer who played for Bihar, heads into the sunset of his career, another ray of hope has emerged from the state. His batting style, as explained by Tendulkar and Rathore - fearless, powerful and a great downswing. Deja vu?

In Suryavanshi's career lie many threads of interest. The road stretches out before him. Already, without seeking it, he has stepped into the light.

IPL 2025 Orange Cap, Purple Cap updated list, points table after MI vs LSG and DC vs RCB on Super Sunday; Full details

IPL 2025 Orange Cap, Purple Cap updated list, points table after MI vs LSG and DC vs RCB on Super Sunday; Full details

Royal Challengers Bengaluru jump to the top

 Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to the top of the table with a win against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. Mumbai Indians moved to third in the points table after their big win against Lucknow Super Giants. Gujarat Titans are at the 2nd place and have played only 8 games compared to RCB's 10. 

Virat Kohli takes the orange cap

Virat Kohli, the winner of orange cap in 2016 and 2024 is back on track to win the orange cap for the third time in his IPL career. Mumbai Indians star Suryakumar Yadav briefly held the cap after scoring 54 runs against Lucknow Super Giants. Gujarat Titans' young opener Sai Sudharsan has 417 runs from 2 fewer innings compared to Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Sudharsan will be in action on Monday when Gujarat Titans play Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.

Josh Hazlewood gets the purple cap

RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood grabbed the purple cap from Gujarat Titans pacer Prasidh Krishna. Hazlewood took 2 wickets against Delhi Capitals. Prasidh Krishna will be eager it get it back on Monday. MI pacer Trent Boult and RCB's Krunal Pandya move to the top five.

 Stay updated on all the action from the IPL 2025. Check the IPL 2025 Schedule, track the latest IPL 2025 Points Table, and follow the top performers with the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.