Firstpost Editor's Picks: Virat Kohli's captaincy, farmers face water crisis, Sonia's Sabarimala hypocrisy; today's must-read articles

India vs Australia: Bowlers’ collective effort and Virat Kohli’s astute captaincy prove India has an all-condition attack The Indian skipper has been criticised in recent times about his strategy in the field, but on a benign pitch, Kohli knew exactly what had to be done to create an opportunity. He constantly spoke with the fast bowlers and spinners. The idea was simple: Place in-out fields and play on the virtue of patience. He urged them to make the batsmen drive. Sonia Gandhi’s command to Congress MPs on Sabarimala exposes party’s perverted ideology on gender justice Sonia has no problem letting the party continue its protests in Kerala against the temple entry of women to suit the state’s “local politics”. So the Congress dances to the tune of Hindus who are angry with the violation of a tradition in Kerala, and also to the tune of those singing the song of gender justice in the rest of India. Maharashtra farmers face severe water crisis as winter rains play truant, damage prospects of rabi crops Farmers across the country are fighting with their backs to the wall. They had pinned their hopes on the winter rains for the rabi season. However, unfortunately, the rainfall deficit across large swathes of the country has come as a setback. Hyderabad's famed courtesan and patron of the arts Mah Laqa Bai has been forgotten by history Born Chanda Bibi (to a courtesan) and brought up by her step-sister in the women’s quarters (zenana), she received the best of education in aesthetics and the arts. A gifted student, she mastered the unique Deccani Kathak, became a doyenne of classical music, wrote poetry and was also trained in military arts like javelin throw and archery. As her fame grew, she attracted the attention of the prime minister. After Congress claims vindication in National Herald tax case, CBDT withdraws circular that may have helped AJL The withdrawn circular stated that the provisions of Section 56(2)(vii)(a) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 were not applicable on shares received by a company as a result of fresh issuance of shares by the said company. In essence, this would have meant that fresh issuance of shares would not have been taxable.