Captain Virat Kohli has called on his players to be "ruthless" after the crushing one-day series win over Australia took India top of the world one-day rankings to add to their number one Test status.
A five-wicket win in the third game of the five-match series on Sunday (24) gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead over Steve Smith's Australia.
It also stretched India's winning streak to a record 12 matches across all formats.
Kohli's side have been on a roll for the past year since regaining the number one Test spot with a 3-0 home whitewash of New Zealand.
The in-form captain has led from the front with 1,137 runs in 21 50-over matches this year, ahead South Africa's Faf du Plessis as the highest one-day scorer in 2017.
Kohli praised his team after the latest win against the once mighty Australians, who have been outplayed in India. Smith's team also lost a Test series 2-1 in India this year.
"Credit to the whole squad for the series win, but the journey stops only after the final game," said Kohli, the top ODI and T20 batsman in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ratings.
"We may give opportunities for people from now, but all 15 guys know that we got to be ruthless once we step onto the field," Kohli added.
The series has seen new Indian stars emerge, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav making an instant impact.
While Pandya's crucial 78 led the team's run chase in Indore, Yadav impressed with his maiden hat-trick in the second international.
However legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi believes India have not been tested by opposition teams, barring the Champions Trophy final in June against Pakistan which they lost by 180 runs.
India won 10 of their 13 Tests on home soil in the 2016-17 season and then went on to rout hosts Sri Lanka over nine games in all three formats.
"Realistically speaking Indians are not even fielding their best XI and beating the opposition hands down, whether it is Sri Lanka or Australia," Bedi said.
"We are loving the ratings, but if we are a little more pragmatic then you will realise that the Indian team in the last year or so haven't been stretched by the opposition.
"Just that one game in the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, other than that we have not seen them in a tight situation.
"We will get to know the character of the team when they come out of a tight situation," Bedi added.
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel returns to the Indian squad in place of Ravindra Jadeja for the final two ODIs that will be played in Bangalore and Nagpur on Thursday (28) and Sunday (1).
Patel, who sprained his ankle at the start of the series, will join Chahal and Yadav as the third spinner in the 15-man squad.
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of committing a criminal sexual act against one woman in his New York retrial. The 73-year-old was acquitted of another count of the same charge relating to a second woman.
The jury did not reach a verdict on a third charge of rape involving a third woman. Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to all three charges, maintaining that all sexual encounters were consensual and denying any assault.
Conviction follows overturned 2020 verdict
The retrial followed a decision by a New York appeals court to overturn Weinstein’s 2020 conviction last year. Prosecutors presented three charges during the retrial—two of which were from the original trial, and a third added last year, accusing him of forcing oral sex on a separate woman.
The charges related to incidents in 2013, including the alleged rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in a New York hotel room and sexual assaults against two other women.
Courtroom tension as jury deliberates
The partial verdict came after a tense day in court. The jury foreperson asked to speak to the judge privately about an unspecified “situation”. Earlier in the trial, the same juror had raised concerns about pressure within the jury room and discussions straying beyond the scope of the charges.
The 73-year-old was acquitted of another count of the same charge relating to a second womanGetty Images
Weinstein addressed the court directly before any verdict was announced, pleading: “My life is on the line and you know what? It's not fair... It's time to say this trial is over."
This week also saw calls for a mistrial from Weinstein’s legal team after a juror complained another was being treated unfairly. The judge denied the request.
Weinstein is already serving a California sentence
Weinstein is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence in California after being convicted of rape in 2022. He also denied those charges.
The former film producer became a central figure in the #MeToo movement after multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct nearly eight years ago. Some of these allegations led to criminal convictions on both US coasts.
Weinstein faces further sentencing in relation to the latest New York conviction.
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Keir Starmer. (Photo by JORDAN PETTITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer on Thursday (12) expressed his anguish following a plane crash involving a London-bound Air India flight with 53 British nationals among 242 on board, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said in a statement.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he said.
Foreign secretary David Lammy took to social media to express his support to those affected."Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected.
The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” he said.
People gather near a damaged building and trees as firefighters work at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved.
It issued a contact number for consular assistance.“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” the FCDO’s travel advisory notes.
“British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000,” it adds.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, was due to land at London Gatwick Airport at 1825 local time. The flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff near the Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday.
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FILE PHOTO: Officials inspect the wreckage of an Air India Express jet at Calicut International Airport in Karipur, Kerala, on August 8, 2020. (Photo by ARUNCHANDRA BOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
INDIA has witnessed several major air disasters over the decades, reflecting both the challenges of aviation safety and the complexities of its growing air traffic. While many flights operate safely each day, a few tragic incidents have left lasting impacts on the nation’s aviation history. Below is a list of some of the most significant plane crashes that have occurred in India.
1. Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision (Nov 12, 1996) A Saudi Boeing 747 and a Kazakh IL-76 cargo plane collided mid-air near Delhi due to communication failures. All 349 people on both aircraft died, making it the deadliest air disaster in Indian airspace.
2. Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka bombing) (Jun 2, 1985) The Boeing 747 exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb detonated on board. All 329 people were killed in the terrorist attack, which remains the worst aviation-related act of terrorism involving Air India.
3. Air India Flight 855 ("Emperor Ashoka") (Jan 1, 1978) Shortly after take-off from Mumbai, the Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea due to instrument failure and pilot disorientation. All 213 passengers and crew were killed.
4. Air India Express Flight 812 (May 22, 2010) The aircraft overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore airport and crashed into a valley. 158 of the 166 people on board lost their lives.
5. Air India Express Flight 1344 (Aug 7, 2020) Attempting to land in heavy rain at Kozhikode’s tabletop runway in Kerala, the plane skidded off and broke into pieces. 21 people died, while many others were injured.
6. Indian Airlines Flight 605 (Feb 14, 1990) The Airbus A320 crashed short of the runway while landing at Bengaluru airport. 92 of the 146 people on board were killed.
7. Alliance Air Flight 7412 (Jul 17, 2000) While approaching Patna airport, the plane crashed into a residential area after engine issues and loss of control. 60 people, including some on the ground, died.
8. Air India Flight 403 (Jun 21, 1982) The Boeing 707 crash-landed at Mumbai during a monsoon storm. 17 people were killed in the accident.
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Join Jasbinder at Barnes Children’s Literature Festival
Readers and families in London are in for a culturally rich, story-filled experience as Jasbinder Bilan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed children’s authors, headlines an exciting event at the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at the Barnes Green Centre on Church Road, London SW13 9HE, the event will offer young audiences the exclusive opportunity to meet the Costa Children’s Book Award winner and hear about her latest novel, Naeli and the Secret Song. Known for blending adventure, history, and folklore into captivating tales for young readers, Bilan’s newest book promises to enchant and empower children with themes of identity, bravery, and the magic of self-discovery.
Organised as part of the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, the interactive session will be tailored for children and families, giving them the chance to connect directly with the author. Jasbinder will introduce Naeli and the Secret Song, a beautifully written historical adventure set against a richly imagined landscape, infused with cultural heritage, ancient songs, and mysterious secrets. Young readers will not only get to hear excerpts from the book but also take part in a vibrant Q&A and creative activities designed to ignite their imaginations and deepen their love of storytelling.
Bilan, who first gained national recognition with her bestselling debut Asha & the Spirit Bird, continues to draw on her Himalayan roots to craft stories that reflect diverse voices and underrepresented narratives. Naeli and the Secret Song continues this tradition, following a courageous young girl who must unlock the secrets of her ancestry while navigating a journey of self-belief and resilience. Her work has been praised for its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and authentic representation of South Asian heritage — qualities that have resonated with readers, educators, and literary critics across the UK.
This event is ideal for parents, teachers, and young readers looking to experience literature that reflects multicultural Britain and introduces children to worlds that are both fantastical and emotionally real. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for budding writers and readers to learn about the writing process, character development, and the role of cultural identity in fiction.
The Barnes Children’s Literature Festival continues to be a major highlight of the capital’s cultural calendar, championing creativity, learning, and inclusivity through books. The festival has become known not only for its star-studded line-up of authors and illustrators but also for its dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading among children of all backgrounds.
Tickets for Jasbinder Bilan’s event and the full festival programme can be booked via Eventbrite. Early reservation is recommended due to high demand and limited seating.
Don’t miss this magical afternoon of stories, imagination, and inspiration with one of Britain’s most powerful literary voices in children’s fiction. Whether you're a fan of her previous novels or discovering her work for the first time, this is an unmissable event that promises to be as meaningful as it is memorable.
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Protect yourself and others during the warmer months
Colds and respiratory viruses are usually associated with winter, as colder weather drives people indoors and lowers the body’s natural defences. However, illnesses are still affecting people during the warmer months — and this summer, it could be down to a common virus or a new strain of Covid-19 now being monitored in the UK.
So, what’s behind that runny nose or sore throat, and how can you tell the difference?
New Covid strain under watch in the UK
A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is currently being monitored by health authorities. First detected in China in January, the variant is now being tracked by the World Health Organization due to mutations that may allow it to partially evade immune responses.
Dr Lindsay Broadbent, assistant professor in virology at the University of Surrey, said early data suggests the variant might have a slightly increased ability to bypass antibodies, although it does not appear to cause more severe illness. “People don’t need to be overly concerned,” she said.
According to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, 5.2 per cent of patients tested by GPs were positive for Covid-19, up from 4.5 per cent the previous week. Since NB.1.8.1 was first identified in the UK in January, 13 cases have been confirmed — 12 of which were reported in April and May. Around 50 positive tests are currently being sequenced weekly to determine the variant.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director at UKHSA, noted that international data suggests NB.1.8.1 is growing in proportion globally, but there is no indication that it causes more severe illness or that current vaccines are less effective.
Summer colds still spreading
Although winter is typically associated with colds, certain viruses circulate more widely in summer. According to Prof Fidelma Fitzpatrick, head of clinical microbiology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, viruses such as parainfluenza Type 3 and enteroviruses are more common in warmer months.
Other viruses, including adenoviruses and rhinoviruses — the typical causes of winter colds, can also continue to circulate in summer. “The risk of exposure depends on behaviour, the environment, and how widespread these viruses are at the time,” Dr Broadbent explained.
How can you tell the difference?NHS
Summer social activities, such as weddings, festivals, and holidays, increase the risk of virus transmission. People are often in close contact with others from different households and regions, raising the chance of catching something.
Lifestyle factors associated with summer — such as alcohol consumption, irregular sleep, and processed foods — can also weaken the immune system. Additionally, air conditioning may dry out the nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to infect.
It’s unclear whether summer colds are increasing, as the UKHSA does not track all cold-causing viruses. However, data shows a slight drop in parainfluenza cases in the week to 1 June.
Similar symptoms make diagnosis tricky
Both Covid-19 and summer colds typically cause mild symptoms. Prof Fitzpatrick said that most people infected with Covid will have cold-like signs, including a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, tiredness, and headaches.
Those with underlying health conditions may experience more severe symptoms or a longer illness. Unfortunately, symptoms of summer colds are almost identical, making it hard to tell the difference without testing.
Covid-19 tests remain available in pharmacies, starting at around £2. While there are no formal restrictions, public health advice recommends staying at home if you test positive.
How to reduce your risk of infection
There is no guaranteed way to avoid viruses entirely, but good hygiene and healthy habits can reduce the risk.
“Advice for avoiding summer colds is the same as at other times of year,” said Dr Broadbent. She recommends regular handwashing and good respiratory hygiene, including using tissues.
Prof Fitzpatrick advised staying well hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and sanitising shared surfaces, such as gym equipment and aeroplane trays. Maintaining a strong immune system through sleep, balanced meals, and managing stress can also help.
Taking vitamin D supplements and drinking plenty of fluids may offer additional support. If you catch a cold, it’s best to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, including older adults and those with lung or heart conditions.
Managing symptoms at home
Most people can recover from both Covid and summer colds at home. Prof Fitzpatrick recommends rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol to relieve fever, aches, and headaches.
Decongestants and throat lozenges can ease nasal and throat discomfort. However, antibiotics are not effective for viral infections like Covid or colds.
Medical help should be sought if symptoms worsen or include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, especially for individuals with existing health issues.
Whether it's a summer cold or a new Covid variant, symptoms are often mild but still unpleasant. Understanding the cause and taking basic precautions — including testing if needed — can help protect yourself and others during the warmer months.