As India prepares to face South Africa in the opening Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, captain Shubman Gill highlighted the pivotal role spinners are expected to play in determining the outcome of the match. The pitch at Eden Gardens is anticipated to favor batsmen during the initial days of the Test, which begins on Friday, before gradually assisting spin from the third day onward. However, Gill noted that early morning moisture could provide opportunities for fast bowlers to make an impact. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the lineup, India will rely on their ability to exploit reverse swing. ‘Generally, fast bowlers get a little help in the morning and evening,’ Gill remarked during a pre-match press conference. ‘But in India, spinners usually decide the game. The better the quality of your spin attack, the higher your chances of winning.’ India’s spin arsenal includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, offering a variety of options for the team. Gill also reflected on India’s recent Test performances, including a 2-0 whitewash against the West Indies and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. A series win against South Africa, the reigning World Test champions, would significantly bolster India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. ‘These two Tests are crucial for our WTC ambitions,’ Gill emphasized. The 26-year-old captain, who excels across all three formats, acknowledged the mental challenges of leading the team but expressed confidence in his physical readiness. ‘It’s a good challenge and a learning curve for me,’ he concluded.
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Restaurant bombed off famed Las Vegas Strip by suspect on a scooter
An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated early Thursday morning, causing damage to Piero’s Italian Cuisine, a restaurant located near the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. The explosion occurred in the unoccupied building, situated across from the city’s renowned convention center. A cleaning crew discovered the damage approximately eight hours later and immediately alerted authorities, prompting an investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD).
According to LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill, two unidentified male suspects, dressed in black, arrived at the scene on a scooter. They approached the restaurant’s front door, placed the explosive device, and fled. The IED ignited and detonated after a few minutes, causing structural damage to the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Sheriff McMahill assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety. The investigation is being conducted by the LVMPD’s all hazards team, in collaboration with the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and a counterterrorism unit. Authorities are actively working to identify and locate the suspects.
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TSA agents with exemplary service to get $10,000 bonuses, Noem says
In a significant gesture of recognition, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced substantial bonus payments to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who demonstrated exceptional service during the recent 43-day US government shutdown. Speaking at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, Noem personally handed out envelopes containing $10,000 (£7,581) bonuses to nearly two dozen agents, praising their dedication and resilience. The bonuses, funded by leftover taxpayer dollars from government savings, aim to compensate officers for their unpaid work and extra shifts during the shutdown. Noem emphasized that these officers upheld the mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by ensuring the safety of American travelers despite immense challenges. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a funding impasse in Congress, officially ended on November 13. During this period, air travel faced nationwide disruptions, exacerbated by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA agents. Many agents worked without pay, took on additional shifts, and endured significant hardships. Noem stated that DHS would evaluate every employee who contributed during the shutdown and reward those who performed exceptionally. The exact criteria for bonus eligibility remain unclear, but the initiative highlights the administration’s efforts to acknowledge the sacrifices of federal workers. Representatives for DHS and the TSA labor union have yet to comment on the announcement.
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Syria ‘does not have a sectarian problem’, says foreign minister
Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, has asserted that Syria does not face a sectarian problem, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a pluralistic, election-based state. Speaking at Chatham House in London after meetings with British officials, Shaibani highlighted the need for trust and confidence-building following 13 years of devastating conflict. He envisions a Syria where the state is inclusive and embraced by its people, rather than estranged from them. Responding to concerns about minority rights, Shaibani cited a conversation with a visiting official in Damascus, underscoring Syria’s historical diversity and coexistence. However, the transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has faced significant challenges since assuming power in December, including internal unrest, Israeli attacks, and strained relations with former allies and adversaries. The recent parliamentary elections, criticized for their lack of inclusivity, bypassed key regions like Sweida and Kurdish-held areas, leaving 32 seats vacant. The government argues that popular elections are unfeasible in the aftermath of the war, which has displaced millions and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Despite these hurdles, Shaibani expressed optimism about developing a politically active civil society and establishing a foundation for future participation. Meanwhile, reports of a new political party led by Sharaa and Shaibani have raised concerns about a return to one-party rule. Sectarian violence in regions like Latakia and Sweida has further complicated efforts to reduce tensions, with government forces accused of summarily executing Druze civilians. Shaibani also confirmed ongoing direct negotiations with Israel, aiming for a security agreement and de-escalation, despite Israel’s historical annexation of Syrian territories.
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England takes 9-win streak into All Blacks clash and Ireland hosts wobbling Wallabies
In a dramatic showdown at Twickenham, England narrowly lost to New Zealand 24-22 last year, with George Ford bearing the brunt of the crowd’s frustration. Ford missed two crucial opportunities in the final moments, hitting the post with a penalty and narrowly missing a drop goal. Coach Steve Borthwick also faced criticism for his substitution strategy, replacing the in-form Marcus Smith with Ford, who was returning from a five-week break. Despite the backlash, Borthwick and Ford remain key figures as England prepares to host the All Blacks this Saturday, aiming to cap off a year of redemption. Ford, who made way for Fin Smith during the Six Nations, later co-captained England to a series victory in Argentina and celebrated his 100th test. Borthwick has led England to nine consecutive wins, their longest streak in eight years, and has earned praise for bold selections, including a bench stacked with six British and Irish Lions. Borthwick has even predicted that Ford could become a future England coach, citing his deep understanding of the game. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of history and learning from past performances. Australia, on the other hand, faces a challenging European tour, with second-year coach Joe Schmidt lamenting recent results and preparing to hand over the reins to Les Kiss next year. Elsewhere, South Africa, France, and Wales are gearing up for crucial matches, with the Wales-Japan game potentially impacting the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw. Scotland will also face Argentina on Sunday, as the rugby world anticipates a weekend of high-stakes action.
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Watch: Blue Origin sends satellites to Mars in historic launch
In a groundbreaking achievement, Blue Origin has successfully launched satellites destined for Mars, marking a historic moment in space exploration. The mission, powered by the New Glenn rocket, showcased advanced engineering as the booster separated from the upper stage and executed a precise landing back on Earth. This event not only highlights Blue Origin’s technological prowess but also signifies a significant leap forward in interplanetary satellite deployment. The successful launch and recovery of the booster underscore the company’s commitment to reusable space technology, paving the way for more cost-effective and sustainable space missions. This milestone is expected to accelerate advancements in Mars exploration and deepen our understanding of the Red Planet.
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Trump administration says it has trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala
The Trump administration announced on Thursday the establishment of preliminary trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. These agreements aim to enhance the ability of U.S. companies to export industrial and agricultural products to these nations. A senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the frameworks focus on reducing non-tariff barriers, eliminating tariffs on American-made goods, and preventing the imposition of digital services taxes on U.S. firms. Additionally, select products from these countries will receive tariff relief, and import licenses will be streamlined. Intellectual property rights issues will also be addressed. The agreements are expected to be finalized and signed within approximately two weeks. This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to reshape global trade dynamics through the use of tariffs. Argentine President Javier Milei praised the agreement as a significant milestone, marking Argentina’s first bilateral trade framework with the U.S. in nearly a decade. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo also welcomed the deal, noting that 70% of Guatemalan exports to the U.S. would face zero tariffs under the framework. The U.S. currently imposes a 10% tariff on goods from Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala, and a 15% tariff on Ecuadorian products. The administration has indicated that tariffs on commodities like coffee, cocoa, and bananas could be reduced, addressing affordability concerns for U.S. consumers.
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Fight demogorgons, unlock portals at Stranger Things: The Experience in Abu Dhabi
Fans of the hit Netflix series *Stranger Things* can now step into the show’s eerie universe at *Stranger Things: The Experience* in Abu Dhabi. This immersive attraction allows visitors to battle Demogorgons, unlock portals, and harness telekinetic powers, just like the show’s beloved characters. The experience begins at Hawkins Lab, where guests are divided into teams and tested for telekinetic abilities. Using gestures, participants can seemingly crumple soda cans and make objects fly, creating the illusion of superpowers. The adventure continues in the systems analysis room, where the main cast appears on screens to guide teams in opening a portal to the Upside Down. As Demogorgons attack and bloodstains appear, the tension builds. Once the portal is unlocked, guests enter the dark dimension of the Upside Down, wearing 3D glasses for added realism. A live actress portraying Eleven leads the fight against Vecna, the show’s main antagonist, culminating in a dramatic rescue mission. The experience concludes with a walk through iconic settings from the series, such as ‘Scoops Ahoy’ and Will Byers’ living room. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, revealed that the setup took three weeks, and the attraction will run from November 14 to February 15, coinciding with the premiere of the show’s final season on November 26.
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Top economists call on world leaders to set up an international panel on inequality
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a significant move, hundreds of prominent economists and experts, including former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have issued a compelling call for the establishment of an independent international panel to address income and wealth inequality. This appeal was made in an open letter released on Friday, just ahead of the Group of 20 (G20) summit scheduled for November 22-23 in South Africa. The summit is expected to feature a groundbreaking report on global inequality, chaired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, which will be presented to world leaders. The report, published earlier this month, highlights a dual crisis of inequality and climate change, warning of increased political instability, conflicts, and a decline in democratic trust. It reveals that between 2000 and 2024, the wealthiest 1% captured 41% of all new global wealth, while 2.3 billion people—approximately one in four globally—face moderate or severe food insecurity, a figure that has surged by 335 million since 2019. The report advocates for the creation of an International Panel on Inequality, modeled after the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to guide governments in addressing this pressing issue. The letter, signed by Nobel laureates and former senior officials from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, emphasizes that extreme wealth concentration undermines democratic governance, erodes societal trust, and fuels political polarization. South Africa, the G20 host and the world’s most unequal country according to the World Bank, has prioritized global inequality as a key summit agenda item.
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Dubai: Nearly 30,000 taxi, limo violations caught; speeding, phone use top offences
In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has officially unveiled the commencement of commercial operations for fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the realm of transportation technology. This initiative positions the UAE capital as a global leader in the adoption of cutting-edge mobility solutions. The driverless vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and advanced sensor systems, are set to revolutionize urban transport by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The launch underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and its vision for a smart, connected future. Meanwhile, in the sports arena, Luanzinho emerged as a national hero, securing a hard-fought draw for the UAE in a crucial World Cup playoff match against Iraq. His stellar performance not only salvaged the game but also reignited hopes for the team’s World Cup aspirations.