Ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar said Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket, would've made a "fine captain" for India. "But he was denied even the honour of being vice-captain," he added. "There was an opportunity to give him...belated honour even if it was for a token Test...and a limited-overs bilateral series...but that also was denied to him," Gavaskar stated.

Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, his daughter Pia Benegal told The Indian Express. He was reportedly suffering from kidney-related issues. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991, Benegal is known for several films like Manthan, Zubeidaa, Ankur and Mandi among others.

The Ministry of External Affairs has reacted to Bangladesh's diplomatic note seeking former PM Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India. "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale (diplomatic note) from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter," the ministry said.

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed retired Supreme Court judge V Ramasubramanian as the new chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). To select the new chairperson of NHRC, a high-powered committee led by PM Narendra Modi held a meeting on December 18, which also included Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

The BCCI on Monday shared medical update of pacer Mohammad Shami, who hasn't played international cricket since November 2023. The BCCI stated Shami has recovered from heel injury, however, his left knee exhibited minor swelling during domestic matches he played this season. The BCCI said Shami hasn't been deemed fit for consideration for remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.