Sarfaraz "Not Even Being Allowed To Fail": Questions Raised On Selectors

Sarfaraz Khan's long absence from the Indian Test team has raised quite a few eyebrows. Several former players feel that the Mumbai batter, who has not played a Test since November 2024, deserves a chance in the squad. Former India player Aakash Chopra believes Sarfaraz has fallen victim to a perception battle. The 28-year-old has so far played six Tests, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10. He has three fifties and one century to his name.

"I think there is a clarity issue in the case of Sarfaraz. I think it is a case of perception and understanding. I am trying to think-they might have a perception that he may not do as well in swinging conditions or play fast bowling well. Maybe he is not our guy in SENA countries. So he did not get the chance. But even to make that perception, I have to allow him to fail. He is not even being allowed to fail. And now there is no place in the team as well," Chopra said on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel.

The former India star also spoke about Yashasvi Jaiswal not playing T20Is for India. With Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill being the first-choice openers, Jaiswal has not found a consistent spot in the XI. He said it was unfair. In 23 T20Is, the left-hander has scored 723 runs at an average of 36.15 and a strike rate of 164.31. He has one T20I century and five fifties.

"Jaiswal is a premier player in the Indian team as well. He will be there in the ODI and T20I teams in the near future too. You can cover the sunlight with some clouds for a while, but you cannot hide it. At this point in time, it is unfair to Jaiswal, I will agree (not being in the white-ball teams). I feel he will be in the T20 World Cup squad. I don't think the team playing now is the final team," he said.

He also suggested that Jaiswal should be made captain of the Rajasthan Royals. "You cannot ask for captaincy in your state team. It is not player-centric. But a franchise will have to be player-centric at times because it is a game of supply and demand. How many like Jaiswal are available? If you can maximise that asset and need to give him captaincy to do that, I would say please do it. As long as it is clear that the team will get better by that player becoming captain, give it to them even if they demand it," Aakash Chopra said.

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Viral Video Shows How This Scene From Ghajini Was Copied From A French Movie

Aamir Khan and Asin Thottumkal's Ghajini remains one of the most memorable Hindi films of 2008. A remake of the 2005 Tamil hit of the same name starring Suriya, the film itself was loosely inspired by Christopher Nolan's Memento. But beyond the widely known influences, a resurfaced clip has now revealed that one of Ghajini's most iconic moments may have been directly borrowed from another international film, the 2001 French masterpiece Amelie.

A scene from Amelie, featuring Audrey Tautou in the titular role, has been circulating online for its striking resemblance to a beloved sequence in Ghajini. 

In the French film, Amelie tenderly helps a blind man cross a busy street, narrating the world around him with sensory detail. She says, "We just passed the drum major's widow. She's worn his coat since the day he died. Careful. The horse's head on the butcher has lost an ear. That's the florist laughing and he has crinkly eyes. In the bakery window there are lollipops. Smell that! They are giving out melon slices. Sugarplum ice cream. We're passing the pork butcher. Now the cheese shop. Picodons are 12.90, cabecous 23.50. At the butcher's a baby is watching a dog that's watching the chickens roasting. Now we're at the newspaper kiosk by the metro. I'll leave you here. Bye."

Here's the new addition to my #WednesdayPlagiarism series:-

I've attached a sequence from the French movie #Amelie. A landmark Bollywood movie copied the scene beat-by-beat. Not just the essence, even some dialogues were merely translated into Hindi.

Guess the Bollywood movie? pic.twitter.com/UoeLudkvOx

— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) November 19, 2025

In Ghajini, Asin's character performs a nearly identical act of kindness. She guides a blind man across the road while describing the surroundings. She says, "Girls are playing in the street in their uniform; a woman is beating her husband; radio is being played at a tea shop. Now we are crossing the temple and now we are at the main road and here is the bus stop."

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A post shared by IWTKQuiz by Sai Ganesh (@iwtkquiz)

Fans have pointed out the similarities, suggesting that this moment in Ghajini was not simply inspired but closely modelled on the French original.

The Two Films

Amelie (2001) is a whimsical French romantic comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, while Ghajini (2008) is an action thriller directed by AR Murugadoss. 

ALSO READ: When Aamir Khan Was Paid Rs 16 Lakh For An Advert, More Than Double What Shah Rukh Khan Asked For

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Robbers In Bengaluru Pose As Tax Officers, Loot Crores From Cash Van

In a major daylight robbery in Bengaluru, a group of armed men posing as RBI officers intercepted an ATM cash-loading vehicle near the Ashoka Pillar and looted more than Rs 7 crores.

The CMS cash van was transporting money from the JP Nagar branch of HDFC Bank when a Toyota Innova suddenly blocked its way. The occupants of Innova approached the CMS staff and claimed they were from the RBI and said that they needed to verify documents.

Before the cash van staff could react, the suspects forcibly shifted them along with the cash into their Innova car. The gang then drove towards Dairy Circle, where they abandoned the CMS staff and fled with the money. Police said the van had Rs 7.11 crores.

South Division Police have formed special teams and launched an intensive search to identify and arrest the culprits. Preliminary investigations indicate the involvement of a well-organised gang.

The CMS cash van staff who were inside the Innova had delayed in informing the police about the incident. Four of them have been taken to the police station and are being questioned.

"We have information that about Rs 7 crores have been robbed. Checkpoints have been put up across the city, and multiple teams have been formed, who are working on and off the ground," said Bengaluru police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh.

"Three DCPs and one joint commissioner is handling the case, I can share exact details later, but we know that cash was shifted from this CMS vehicle to another, we are awaiting clear cut details, we are trying to ascertain why the security didn't use their weapons and also why they delayed in informing the police, we are looking into all these angles," he added.

 

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iPhone Air Designer Abidur Chowdhury Leaves Apple For AI Startup: Report

Abidur Chowdhury, a key industrial designer behind the ultra-thin iPhone Air, has departed Apple to join an undisclosed artificial intelligence (AI) startup, Los Angeles Times reported. His departure adds to a series of high-profile exits from Apple's design division, which is currently undergoing a significant reorganisation.

Chowdhury, who had been with Apple for over six years, gained prominence after being selected to present the iPhone Air's design in a video during the company's September launch event. Such a public-facing role is typically reserved for rising talents and key figures within the company's closely guarded design studio, and his exit has reportedly "made waves" internally.

His exit is reportedly unrelated to the iPhone Air's sales performance, which has been below initial expectations. The specific AI startup Chowdhury has joined has not been publicly disclosed, and his LinkedIn profile still lists Apple as his employer.

The iPhone Air has earned the title of the slimmest iPhone ever released. Designed with a focus on minimalism and cutting-edge engineering, the device boasts a sleek, ultra-thin profile. Despite its incredibly slim body, Apple has managed to pack in powerful features, including a high-performance chip, enhanced battery life, and an advanced camera system.

Who Is Abidur Chowdhury?

Abidur Chowdhury was born and raised in London, England, and is currently based in San Francisco, working as a designer. Chowdhury holds a Bachelor's degree in Product Design and Technology from Loughborough University, where he was recognised with several prestigious awards. These include the 3D Hubs Student Grant, the James Dyson Foundation Bursary, the New Designers Kenwood Appliances Award, and first place in the Seymour Powell Design Week competition. In 2016, he was also awarded the Red Dot Design Award for his "Plug and Play" concept.

He gained early industry experience through internships at Cambridge Consultants and Curventa in the UK before joining Layer design in London as an Industrial Designer. Between 2018 and 2019, he operated his own consultancy, collaborating with design agencies, start-ups, and companies to create products, experiences, and strategies.

In January 2019, Chowdhury joined Apple in Cupertino as an Industrial Designer. Since then, he has contributed to the development of some of Apple's most innovative products, including the recently launched iPhone Air.

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Deepika Padukone Reveals Why Rs 500 Crore Films No Longer Excite Her

After years of delivering blockbusters and headlining big-ticket productions, Deepika Padukone says she has consciously stepped away from roles and projects that no longer align with her personal or artistic values. In a candid conversation with Harper's Bazaar, she revealed that the markers that once defined success no longer appeal to her.

Shifting Priorities Beyond Fame And Box Office Numbers

Deepika, who has increasingly used her platform to advocate for fair working hours and equal pay in the industry, shared that her motivations have significantly evolved. 

"At this stage, it's not about that anymore. It's not about the Rs 100-crore films, or even the Rs 500-Rs 600 crore ones," she said.

In recent months, the actress reportedly stepped away from two major projects opposite Prabhas's Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD. Her decision, according to reports, stemmed from her insistence on fair compensation and an eight-hour working shift.

Expanding on her outlook, she added, "Anything that doesn't feel true to me doesn't cut it. Sometimes people offer a lot of money and think that's enough, but it isn't. And the reverse is also true-some things may not be commercially big, but I believe in the people or the message, and I'll stand by it."

Redefining Creative Purpose

Beyond her own acting career, Deepika is increasingly channelling her energy into uplifting newer creative voices. Having produced films like Chhapaak under KA Productions, she now feels more drawn to backing stories rather than merely leading them.

"What excites me is empowering other talent. My team and I are now focused on that-enabling storytelling and supporting other creative minds, writers, directors, and even new producers. That's what feels meaningful to me now," she shared.

Her stance accompanies a broader reflection on industry work culture, particularly the glorification of exhaustion. "We have normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you're healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one," she told Harper's Bazaar.

As one of India's highest-paid actresses, Deepika's shift away from monetary temptation signals a bold redefinition of success-from box-office figures to emotional honesty and long-term sustainability. 

ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone Reacts To Her 8-Hour Work Debate: "I Feel Strongly About How New Mothers Need To Be Supported"

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Pipeline Damage Cripples Mumbai's CNG Supply, Restoration Expected Tomorrow

CNG pumps in Mumbai witnessed long queues for refuelling on Monday after a major gas pipeline was damaged, disrupting supply and affecting thousands of autorickshaws, taxis and other CNG-run vehicles.

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) said compressed natural gas supply to pumps in the financial capital will be restored by Tuesday noon. It also said nearly 60 per cent, or 225 of the 389 CNG pumps supplying gas to the megapolis, are operational.

"Due to the stoppage of gas supply in CGS Wadala, and thereby the MGL pipeline network, a few CNG stations in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai are not operational," MGL said in a statement, which came after reports of widespread inconvenience to people in the city.

"The rectification work is in progress and the restoration of gas supply is expected by tomorrow, i.e. by 18th November 2025, noon," it added.

The utility reiterated that the piped natural gas supply to homes has been on.

Several CNG pumps in the city have remained shut since morning due to low gas pressure, a representative of a local petrol dealers' body, however, said.

A large number of autorickshaws and taxis, including those operated by aggregators like Ola and Uber, and some buses run by public transport undertakings in the city, rely on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supplied by MGL.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, MGL said the disruption occurred due to third-party damage to GAIL's main gas supply pipeline inside the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) compound, affecting flow to its City Gate Station (CGS) at Wadala, a key entry point for gas supply to Mumbai.

Mumbai has 130 to 140 CNG pumps, including MGL's own facilities. Many CNG pumps in the city have been non-functional since morning due to low gas supply pressure, Petrol Dealers Association (Mumbai) president Chetan Modi told PTI.

"I have kept my own pump shut since morning as there is no (gas supply) pressure," Modi said.

Anil Garg, leader of a school bus operator's body, also said their operations were hit due to the CNG shortage.

"Many school buses in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are facing problems in getting CNG," Garg said, adding that they have been forced to combine the school bus routes.

He claimed that around 2000 school buses have halted due to CNG unavailability, causing losses to operators as they are forced to use luxury buses from private contractors paying Rs 12000 for two trips of 10 kilometres.

The MGL said it has prioritised supply to residential consumers to ensure uninterrupted Piped Natural Gas (PNG) availability to households.

It advised industrial and commercial consumers in affected areas to switch to alternate fuel until restoration.

"Gas supplies across MGL's network will normalise once the damage is rectified and supply is restored to CGS Wadala," MGL said, while regretting the inconvenience caused.

Leaders of unions representing black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws claimed drivers spent a longer time in the CNG pump queues due to the outage.

Mumbai Taximen's Association leader DA Salian said, "Today some taxis were on the road as they had refilled CNG yesterday, but as they have exhausted it, the majority of taxis may remain off the roads on Tuesday." He said only a few pumps were operational in the city, but they were lacking the required pressure. Hence, drivers spent three times more time than normal in queues, he added.

Shashank Rao, leader of Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximens Association, wrote to Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and demanded that he direct MGL to pay compensation for drivers losing two days' income.

A petrol pump dealer said several cabs, especially those with Ola and Uber, were operated on petrol due to a shortage of CNG.

"However, most black-and-yellow cabs have had the petrol option removed to avoid extra maintenance costs. As a result, they were unable to bring their cabs on the roads in the absence of CNG," the dealer said.

Mumbai has around 398 CNG pumps spread in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Of these, 152 pumps are within the jurisdiction of Mumbai city.

Sucheta Utale, public relations officer of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, which has around 1,250 CNG buses in its 2,700-strong fleet, said operations were unaffected due to the CNG supply.

"There has been no impact of CNG on BEST bus operations," Utale replied in a text message on Monday evening, but did not give details.

Sources, however, said many BEST buses could not turn out of the depot on time and were also forced to cut short routes due to the affected CNG supply at some of the undertaking's depots.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Amit Shah Replies To Kerala MP In Malayalam Amid 'Hindi Imposition' Debate

For a party often accused in the south of pushing Hindi at the cost of regional languages, the Union Home Ministry's latest communication stood out. Amit Shah has replied to CPI(M) MP John Brittas in Malayalam, marking what is seen as the first instance of a Union Home Minister issuing an official response in the language.

The gesture comes as Kerala moves into election mode and at a time when the BJP is working to expand its footprint in the state after winning its first ever Lok Sabha seat there in the 2024 general election.

The choice of Malayalam also carries added weight because Brittas himself has been a persistent advocate for linguistic parity in parliament. He has earlier demanded translation devices for MPs who struggle with lengthy Hindi speeches during debates, arguing that true legislative participation requires equal linguistic access.

Shah's reply dated November 14 formally acknowledged Brittas' detailed representation of October 22 on the notification that makes chargesheeting grounds for cancelling Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration. In his letter, Brittas said the measure violates due process, erodes natural justice and exposes OCI cardholders to arbitrary action in the absence of a judicial finding.

He said the OCI scheme has long served as a bridge between India and its diaspora, symbolising openness, continuity and emotional connection.

Even though the Home Minister's letter was procedural, the inclusion of a full Malayalam version alongside Hindi was striking. It signalled a political recognition of the language in which the concerns were raised and came at a moment when debates on linguistic federalism are intensifying.

Brittas has maintained that the core constitutional objections remain unresolved and that the August 12 notification exceeds the scope of the Citizenship Act, 1955. But even as the legal questions persist, the language of the response has added a fresh layer to the political conversation in a region where identity and language remain central to political assertion.

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