India put up a commanding batting display in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, with Virat Kohli smashing a record-extending 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad delivering a superb hundred to push the hosts near the 300-run mark.

Kohli anchors India’s recovery after early wickets

After being asked to bat first, India stumbled early with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal departing at a score of 62. The situation changed once Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad joined forces for the third wicket.

The pair stitched a formidable 195-run partnership, stabilising the innings and then accelerating with precision. Kohli, who had already hit a century in the previous ODI, continued his rich form by reaching his 53rd ODI ton—also his 84th international century.

Gaikwad strikes his first ODI hundred

Ruturaj Gaikwad took time to settle but shifted gears beautifully, bringing up his maiden ODI century with a boundary. His 105 off 83 balls included strong strokes, including a six and four in a single over off Keshav Maharaj. He eventually fell to Marco Jansen while attempting to clear the boundary.

India surge past 280

Kohli remained firm at the crease, striking timely boundaries and even surviving a close chance off Corbin Bosch. KL Rahul supported him at the other end as India crossed 280 in the 39th over, building momentum for a possible 350-plus total.

A disturbing incident at a government primary school in Gwalior has triggered an official inquiry after a dead frog was found in food prepared under the Mid-Day Meal scheme. The discovery has renewed concerns over food safety standards in schools across Madhya Pradesh.

Viral image prompts swift action by district authorities

A photo circulating online showed a dead frog in a cooked vegetable dish reportedly served at the Government Primary School in Gokulpura. The incident came to light when teachers noticed the contamination before lunchtime. They recorded a video, alerted authorities and pointed out that complaints about foul smell, insects and poor-quality food had been raised earlier as well.

The uproar prompted immediate intervention from the District Panchayat. The Chief Executive Officer ordered a detailed probe, directing District Education Officer Hariom Chaturvedi to verify the video’s authenticity and review how the contamination occurred.

Separately, senior officials, including Collector Ruchika Chauhan, have sought reports from the school administration and the Mid-Day Meal provider. Authorities have stated that strict disciplinary action will follow if negligence is confirmed.

Renewed scrutiny of the Mid-Day Meal programme

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about hygiene and monitoring under the meal scheme, which is meant to improve child nutrition and encourage school attendance. Despite being a key welfare initiative, repeated lapses in food quality have been reported in the state, raising questions about oversight and accountability.

Three sisters of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan have alleged that they were manhandled by police outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail after they gathered to seek a meeting with the jailed leader. Their claim comes at a time when rumours about Khan’s death in prison have been circulating on social media, prompting renewed concerns over his health and the restrictions placed on his visitors.

Sisters claim denial of meeting, allege “brutal” assault

Khan’s sisters — Noreen Khan, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan — said they were not permitted to meet him for over three weeks, despite repeated attempts. According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), their supporters were also present outside the jail when police allegedly used force to disperse them.

In a letter to Punjab police chief Usman Anwar, Noreen Niazi said the group had gathered peacefully without blocking traffic or engaging in unlawful activity. She claimed that streetlights were switched off before police personnel moved in and assaulted those present.
She alleged she was dragged by her hair, thrown to the ground and injured, while other women were slapped and pulled away from the site. The sisters demanded immediate action against the officials involved.

PTI alleges isolation of the former PM in jail

Imran Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 in multiple cases, is currently held in isolation, the party claimed. PTI representatives said he is being denied access to books, essential items and even legal consultation. A lawyer from his legal team stated that meetings have been blocked for over a month, adding that even Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was denied permission despite several attempts.

Rumours of Khan’s death in custody, widely circulated online in recent days, have heightened concerns among supporters, prompting renewed demands for clarity on his well-being.