Tue Dec 31 07:01:40 UTC 2024: ## India-Australia Cricket Series, Kumbh Mela Preparations, and Other News
**Sydney, Australia/New Delhi, India –** The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is reaching a critical juncture, with the final Sydney Test match significantly impacting the World Test Championship (WTC) Final qualification. Australia’s victory in the fourth test puts them in a strong position, needing only a win or a draw in Sydney to secure their place in the final. However, Sri Lanka remains a dark horse, their chances dependent on a Sydney draw and subsequent wins in their home series against Australia. A Sydney win for either India or Australia eliminates Sri Lanka from contention.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela are underway, with a focus on stringent security measures, including a special commando deployment. The event is being promoted as a significant display of Sanātana Dharma.
Other news headlines include:
* **Cold weather continues in Delhi:** A cold weather alert is in effect for Delhi and several other northern Indian states.
* **Protests in Dhaka:** Students continue protests at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, sparking speculation about potential changes to Bangladesh’s name and constitution.
* **Pat Cummins close to historic achievement:** Australian captain Pat Cummins is one win away from securing his fourth major title in two years.
* **Missing Bollywood actor:** Vikram Kapoor, known for his role in “Mohabbatein,” has been missing for 11 years.
These are just a few of the major news stories currently dominating headlines. Further updates will follow as the situations develop.
First Piper 