Vikravandi bypoll | Nearly 13% voting registered as of 9 a.m.

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings with 727 points, overtaking Laura Wolvaardt, who faltered during a series against West Indies. The rankings saw significant changes after the second ODI, including South Africa's Tazmin Brits and West Indies' Qiana Joseph making notable advances, while spinners Afy Fletcher and Nonkululeko Mlaba improved their positions in the bowling rankings. Need More Context? 🔎

Indian grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna recently mimicked Magnus Carlsen's famous fist smash during an interview with FIDE, following Carlsen's emotional outburst after losing to 19-year-old Gukesh at the Norway Chess tournament. Harikrishna, part of Gukesh’s team, demonstrated the gesture while discussing the pressures of being a chess player, reflecting on the intense emotions involved in competitive play. Need More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of instigating a "forever war" and pushing the region to the brink of nuclear conflict during an ABC News interview. He emphasized the need to target Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, to end hostilities and warned that Iran poses a global threat, stating that military action is necessary to combat their nuclear ambitions. Need More Context? 🔎

US President Trump warned Tehran to evacuate amid rising tensions and nuclear concerns following an Israeli airstrike on Iran's state broadcaster, which severely damaged a uranium enrichment facility. While Iran seeks US intervention, Trump suggested a potential diplomatic deal after the G7 summit, contrasting with other leaders advocating for de-escalation. Need More Context? 🔎

In a significant development, ADGP H M Jayaram was arrested following a Madras High Court ruling regarding his alleged involvement in the abduction of a minor related to an inter-caste marriage, based on confessions from co-accused individuals. The court also mandated MLA Poovai Jagan Moorthy to assist with the investigation, emphasizing the judiciary's intolerance for public officials participating in criminal activities. More Context

Dinesh Karthik has expressed skepticism about Shubman Gill's readiness to captain India in the upcoming Test series against England, emphasizing the challenges he will face as the new skipper. While he acknowledges the vulnerability of the England bowling attack, Karthik urges caution, noting that many star-studded teams have struggled in similar situations. More Context