Here's a comprehensive overview of the latest developments across three major news stories: the India vs. England Test match, the family dispute within the Maran family over Sun TV, and the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
India vs. England Test Match
The five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test series between India and England has begun at Headingley, marking the start of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. England won the toss and chose to bowl first, aiming to exploit the anticipated early seam movement. Both teams observed a minute's silence and are wearing black armbands to honor the 274 victims of the recent Ahmedabad air disaster, in which a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of both Indian and British citizens.
India is led by Shubman Gill, stepping in as Test captain for the first time, while Rishabh Pant serves as vice-captain. The team is without experienced players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. B Sai Sudharsan is making his Test debut, filling the No. 3 slot, while Karun Nair has returned to the middle order. Shardul Thakur is the pace all-rounder.
The Indian team comprises Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah. England's playing XI includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir.
Former England bowler Stuart Broad noted the pitch conditions, predicting early seam movement and potential spin later in the match. At the end of the first few overs, India made a cautious start.
Maran vs. Maran Over Sun TV
A dispute has emerged between brothers Dayanidhi Maran and Kalanithi Maran regarding the control of Sun TV Network, a major media organization in Tamil Nadu. Dayanidhi Maran has accused his brother, Kalanithi Maran, of fraudulently gaining control of the company following their father Murasoli Maran's death in 2003. According to Dayanidhi, Kalanithi allegedly allotted 1.2 million equity shares to himself without proper valuation or consent from other shareholders. He seeks to restore the company's shareholding structure to its pre-September 2003 status.
Sun TV Network has denied these allegations, stating that all actions were in accordance with legal obligations and vetted by concerned intermediaries before the company's public issue. The company has dismissed media reports of a family feud as "incorrect, misleading, speculating, defamatory and not supported by facts or law.”
Dayanidhi Maran has reportedly sent a legal notice, seeking a probe by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office. The stock price of Sun TV Network experienced a decline following these reports. Sources suggest that the DMK party, currently in power in Tamil Nadu, is unlikely to intervene, viewing it as a family matter.
Iran-Israel Updates
Tensions between Israel and Iran remain high, with ongoing exchanges of fire. Israeli's defense chief has accused Iran of war crimes after an Iranian missile struck a hospital in southern Israel, injuring dozens. Israel has vowed to intensify attacks on Iranian military and government targets, and has struck numerous targets in Iran including sites related to its nuclear program. Iran, in turn, has launched missile barrages targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Beersheba.
President Trump has announced that he will make a decision within two weeks on whether the U.S. will intervene, allowing time for potential peace talks. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany are meeting with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva to try to de-escalate the crisis and find a negotiated solution.
The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides. Reports indicate that hundreds have been killed and thousands wounded in both Iran and Israel. Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Javad Hosseini said that Iran is cooperating with India to bring back approximately 1,000 Indian nationals via special flights.
