Firstpost Editor's Picks: Hardik Pandya's arrogance, Rajinikanth's return, Sabarimala redux; today's must-read stories

Hardik Pandya episode underscores the need for sports federations to train athletes in public conduct and handling fameIf anything, the thoughtless natter over Hardik Pandya's sexual conquests and the testosterone-driven arrogance on display is also an indictment of the celebrity status being taken to ridiculous lengths. While it does not excuse bad behaviour, the overnight leap from anonymity and social obscurity into the glare of fame and fortune can be blinding.Politicos, Assam civil society decry sedition case against Sahitya Akademi winner Hiren GohainThe slapping of sedition charges against Sahitya Akademi awardee Assamese litterateur Hiren Gohain, senior journalist Manjit Mahanta and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi in Assam on Thursday has evoked sharp reactions from all corners in the state.Rajinikanth returns to form with trademark style yet plays his age with grace in PettaRajinikanth, who is in almost every frame, is in terrific form. He has proved once again that he is a superstar who can hold the audiences in awe with his style and panache. Among the other actors, Nawazuddin has more screen space and in the post-interval, Valakkappu (baby shower) scene, he is fantastic.Sabarimala redux in Kerala? Tribal groups resist women's participation in trek to revered Agasthya Hill siteWomen have been preparing to trek the Agasthya Hill, the resting place of Agasthya Muni, the deity of the Kani tribal community, following a 30 November 2018 high court verdict lifting the gender-based restrictions in climbing the 1,868-metre mountain located at the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram district.Winter Session logs abysmal productivity report card: Parliament only sat for third of total scheduled timeFrom the Rafale deal to the heated debate over triple talaq — and the Sabarimala row in between — several other disruptions over political statements and the results of the five state Assembly elections saw Parliament witness constant and spirited debate. However, in the process, the listed business in both Houses never went on as planned.