Wed Dec 31 07:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

Headlines:

  • Sarfaraz Khan’s Blistering Century Powers Mumbai, Goa Villagers Accused of Witchcraft Burn Couple Alive, Israel Revokes Aid Group Licenses

Mumbai, Assam, and International Desk:

Wednesday brought a mix of sports triumph, tragic violence, and international controversy.

Cricket: Sarfaraz Khan’s explosive innings of 157 runs off just 75 balls, including 14 sixes and 9 fours, propelled Mumbai to a mammoth score of 444/8 against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 46 runs, and Musheer Khan added a valuable 60. Goa’s Darshan Misal took 3 wickets. In response, Goa is currently at 87/2 in 15.4 overs, chasing a target of 445.

Assam Horror: In a shocking incident in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, a couple was allegedly burned alive by villagers who suspected them of practicing witchcraft. The victims, identified as Gardi Biruwa (43) and Meera Biruwa (33), were reportedly targeted due to widespread superstition in the area. Police suspect the couple was killed before being burned. An investigation is underway, but no arrests have been made yet. The incident highlights the persistent problem of witch-hunting despite existing laws against the practice.

International Aid Restrictions: Israel has decided to revoke the licenses of 37 organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank, citing their failure to meet new registration requirements. Prominent organizations such as ActionAid, International Rescue Committee, and Norwegian Refugee Council are affected. The licenses are set to be suspended on January 1, and the organizations will have 60 days to cease operations. Israel claims that the organizations did not provide ‘complete’ personal information about their employees. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from foreign ministers of 10 countries, including the UK, who have labelled the new rules as “unacceptable.”

Other Developments:

  • Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka.
  • China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi claimed that China mediated tensions between India and Pakistan, a claim disputed by India.
  • Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn is in a coma after being hospitalized with meningitis.
  • Assam police arrested 11 members of a Bangladeshi extremist group, Imam Mahmudur Kafila (IMK).
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi on winning a bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship.
  • The funeral prayers for former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will be held today at the South Plaza of the Parliament Building.
  • Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled nine leaders from the party.
  • Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has stated that the election schedule will not be changed due to the death of Begum Khaleda Zia.

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