Pioneer in short
Eight elephants killed in Assam
At least eight elephants were killed, and one was injured, after a herd of jumbos was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam’s Hojai district early Saturday. Five coaches and the train’s engine also derailed. Initially, all eight elephants were reported to have been killed, though later it was said that one of the calves was found injured. No passengers were injured in the accident, which occurred at 2.17 am, officials said.
Epstein files refer to massage techniques
The newly released Epstein files have references to what they described as “massage techniques” and Ayurveda from India. The US Justice Department on Friday released thousands of files related to convicted sex offender, late Jeffrey Epstein, after US President Donald Trump signed a bill last month mandating their release within 30 days. The issue is politically sensitive in nature, with a massive campaign by the Democrats calling for the release of the files related to the wealthy financier known for his connections to some of the world’s most influential people.
Gill dropped from T20 World Cup
Taking a bold call to maximise impact over reputation, the Indian selectors on Saturday dropped Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad and brought back wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, along with Rinku Singh. Gill’s omission is the most interesting decision of the selection meeting in Mumbai, although given his form, it wasn’t very surprising.
In his place, Axar Patel is the new vice-captain of the side. Despite being one of India’s most consistent batters across Tests and ODIs, Gill has struggled to nail down a fixed role in T20Is, particularly as an opener, where India are now prioritising high-impact starts over accumulation. His strike-rate concerns in power plays and the emergence of more explosive options appear to have weighed against him.
