Congress to go solo in BMC
A day after the INDIA bloc’s poor showing in Bihar Assembly polls, the Congress announced it will contest all 227 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seats independently, bypassing its alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and other allies in the State. AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala cited party workers’ desire to go solo, while Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad emphasised Congress’ refusal to align with Raj Thackeray-led MNS, known for anti-North Indian migrant campaigns. The Congress-NCP (SP) alliance remains intact, though Sharad Pawar deferred local poll alliance decisions to district leaders.
Trump plans BBC lawsuit
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to sue the BBC for between $1 billion and $5 billion, despite the broadcaster apologising for editing his January 6, 2021, speech in its 2024 Panorama documentary. Trump claims the edit misrepresented his words, giving the false impression that he called for violence, and insists legal action is necessary to prevent similar misrepresentation in the future. The BBC acknowledged that the edits created a misleading impression and issued apologies from its Indian-origin chair Samir Shah, but it has ruled out financial compensation. The controversy over the documentary led to the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness. While the BBC regrets the error, it maintains that there is no legal basis for a defamation claim.
Jadeja spins India domination
Ravindra Jadeja’s masterful spin bowling dominated the second day of the opening Test at Eden Gardens, leaving South Africa reeling at 93/7, chasing a lead of 63. Jadeja’s 4/27 in a 13-over spell dismantled the middle order, supported by Kuldeep Yadav (2/12) and Axar Patel (1/30), while Washington Sundar bowled minimally. The deteriorating track offered variable bounce and turn, amplifying the spinners’ effectiveness. Earlier, Jadeja contributed 27 with the bat, joining the elite club of 4,000 Test runs and 300 wickets. India’s lower-order collapse to 189, triggered by Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen, set the stage for a potential third-day finish.
Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant orchestrated the spin attack brilliantly, recognizing the track’s demands. South African resistance, led by Temba Bavuma, appears unlikely to reach the 125 runs required to extend the match. Eden Gardens’ crumbling surface, coupled with India’s spin quartet, suggests the series opener may conclude rapidly, demonstrating the spinners’ decisive control over the game.
