J&K | Over 500 Centenarians Among 17 Lakh Voters In Baramulla To Decide Fate Of Omar, Sajad Lone

SRINAGAR, May 19: More than 500 centenarians are among the 17.37 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, with political observers expecting a high turnout on the back of the huge crowds that thronged election rallies and roadshows. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The first major political battle post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 will decide the fate of Omar Abdullah, the National Conference vice-president and a former [] The post J&K | Over 500 Centenarians Among 17 Lakh Voters In Baramulla To Decide Fate Of Omar, Sajad Lone appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Bevy of high-profile candidates to test their luck in 7 south Bengal LS seats on Monday

Bevy of high-profile candidates to test their luck in 7 south Bengal LS seats on Monday A bevy of high-profile candidates, from ministers to actors, would test their luck in the hustings on Monday as seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the southern part of West Bengal go for polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. A total of 1,25,23,702 voters 63,51,320 men, 61,72,034 women and 348 third-genders are eligible to exercise their franchise in 13,481 polling stations across the seven constituencies. The EC has identified over 57 per cent of the polling booths as sensitive and decided to deploy over 60,000 central forces besides 29,172 state police personnel for this phase, according to an official. Reopening of closed industries, poor health of jute mills and demand for jobs are the main demands of the electorate in Howrah, Hooghly, Serampore and Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituencies, situated on both sides of the banks of River Hooghly. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is the bone of contention between the BJP and the TMC in Bangladesh-bordering Bangaon constituency, where winning the hearts of the Matua community, many of whom migrated from the neighbouring country, holds the key to ensuring a victory in the polls. Uluberia and Arambagh are the other two constituencies in Bengal which are going to polls on Monday. With the elections having come down to the high-strung constituencies in south Bengal in the fifth phase, the Election Commission has declared over 57 per cent booths as sensitive in Monday's polls, deploying the maximum number of security personnel among the first five phases to ensure peaceful polling. BJP's Arjun Singh, who has been in and out of the saffron party and the Trinamool Congress on four occasions in the last five years, is taking on West Bengal minister Partha Bhowmick in Barrackpore in a bid to retain the seat he won in 2019. Actor Rachana Banerjee has been fielded by the TMC to stop BJP's actor candidate Locket Chatterjee from winning for a straight second term from Hooghly. In Serampore, BJP's Kabir Shankar Bose and CPI(M)'s student leader Dipsita Dhar are taking on TMC's sitting MP Kalyan Banerjee, who is contesting to win this seat for a fourth consecutive term. Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur of BJP is fighting to retain the Bangaon seat against TMC's Biswajit Das, who had switched to the Mamata Banerjee-led party after winning the 2021 assembly polls as a saffron party candidate from Bagdah, which is situated within this Lok Sabha constituency. In Howrah, once known as the Sheffield of the East for its numerous factories, footballer-turned-politician Prasun Banerjee is seeking to retain the seat for a third time on a TMC ticket. He is being given a tough fight by BJP's Rathin Chakraborty, a former TMC leader and mayor of Howrah Municipal Corporation, apart from CPI(M)'s lawyer candidate Sabyasachi Chatterjee. BJP's Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary is fighting to stop TMC's Sajda Ahmed from winning a third consecutive term in the Uluberia constituency. In Arambagh, TMC has put up Mitali Bag, replacing its two-term MP Aparupa Poddar, to take on BJP's Arup Kanti Digar and CPI(M)'s Biplab Kanti Moitra.

High airfares remain a challenge, says Thomas Cook India's Madhavan Menon

Thomas Cook India's Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon highlighted high airfares and limited airline capacity as significant challenges affecting both leisure and business travelers in India. Despite an increase in scheduled flights, the demand-supply constraints are expected to ease only in the long term with the introduction of new aircraft. Menon outlined the company's plans to expand its physical network through owned and franchise outlets and enhance its digital presence.

Phase five LS polls: EC asks city dwellers to turnout in higher numbers

Phase five LS polls: EC asks city dwellers to turnout in higher numbers On the eve of phase five of Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission on Sunday pointed out that Mumbai, Thane and Lucknow have shown apathy towards voting in the past and asked these city dwellers to turnout in higher numbers. The poll authority noted that in the past these cities have ''suffered'' from urban apathy in voting. ''The Commission specially calls upon these city dwellers to erase the stigma by turning out in higher numbers,'' it said. On May 3 too, while referring to voter turnout in phase two, the Commission had said it was ''disappointed'' with the turnout level in some metropolitan cities. The EC had last month assembled many metro Commissioners here to work out a strategy to fight urban apathy. Urban and youth apathy is described as a phenomenon when young voters and those living in metros fail to turn up at polling stations on election day. So far, the last four phases have registered a voter turnout of 66.95 per cent. Around 45.1 crore electors have exercised their franchise in the last four phases. As in February this year, the total number of voters stood at around 97 crore. Polling for 23 states and union territories, and 379 seats has been completed so far. The EC said 49 seats in eight states and union territories, including Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will go for polls in phase five on Monday. Besides Lok Sabha, 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha will also go to polls on Monday. Around 9.47 lakh polling officials have been deployed across 94,732 polling stations. Over 8.95 crore people, include 4.69 crore male; 4.26 crore female and 5409 third gender electors are eligible to vote.

RCB vs CSK: Virat Kohlis yorker nahi, slower ball daal advice sparks Dhoni collapse

Bengaluru: Yash Dayals last-over heroics against Chennai Super Kings was labelled as a redemption act. A year after being smashed for five straight sixes in a similar situation for Gujarat Titans, which led to him losing a spot in the playing XI, falling ill and later being released by the franchise, Dayal rose from [] The post RCB vs CSK: Virat Kohlis yorker nahi, slower ball daal advice sparks Dhoni collapse appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Shah holds 1.5km roadshow in Ranchi with mix of culture & religion, draws thousands

Union Home Minister Amit Shah rode in an open SUV through a crowd of BJP workers and supporters in Chutia locality, Ranchi, canvassing for BJP's candidate Sanjay Seth. The roadshow blended local culture and religion to consolidate votes for Seth aiming for a second stint in the Lok Sabha.

'I can be the impact player': Gayle jokes about playing for RCB

Former RCB opener Chris Gayle humorously suggested serving as an impact substitute for the team and fondly recalled his time with the IPL franchise. Gayle was at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium when RCB secured a 27-run victory against Chennai Super Kings, clinching a playoff spot after winning only one of their initial seven matches.

Will MS Dhonis experience be needed for another season to mentor young CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad?

Dhoni asked to stay for another season to mentor young CSK captain Gaikwad While Chennai Super Kings' campaign in IPL 2024 ended with a loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore, questions have been raised over the future of the franchise's iconic skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Speculations are rife about whether the 2024 edition was the last [] The post Will MS Dhonis experience be needed for another season to mentor young CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad? appeared first on Northlines .

Andhra Pradesh: Govt staff raise concern over high invalidation rate of postal ballots

VIJAYAWADA: Even after the end of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, employees are voicing out their concerns over the complexities of the postal ballot process, which they believe is causing a significant number of ballots to be invalidated. They are increasingly worried about their votes being not counted, as evidenced by the high invalidation rate in previous elections with 16% in 2014 and 20% in 2019. Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the State with the highest voter turnout in the general elections so far, with a cumulative polling percentage of 81.86 and the winning chances of the candidate may be with slender margin votes. Hence, the postal ballots whose turnout is nearly 95 per cent, is expected to play a key role in determining the fortunes of candidates. Leaders of various employee unions, during the exercise of their franchise through postal ballots, pointed out that the existing system, unchanged since 1956, requires employees to follow a lengthy and intricate procedure involving multiple steps and stringent verification process. This includes having the postal ballot recognised by a gazetted officer, filling of declaration form, and properly sealing the ballot in multiple covers, all of which contribute to frequent errors and subsequent invalidation of votes. Despite being called a postal ballot, employees cast their votes at designated polling booths. Speaking to TNIE, Municipal Teachers Federation of Andhra Pradesh State president Somarouthu Ramakrishna emphasised, The current method, which has been in use for decades, poses significant difficulties for our employees who actively participate in the election process. In the 2019 Assembly elections, 59,000 votes out of 2,00,000 postal ballots were declared invalid due to the cumbersome procedure. According to the Election Commission, 4,97,718 postal ballots were cast in the State. The deadline for these ballots to reach the Election Commission through the postal department is June 3. As of May 9 (the last date for employees on election duty), as many as 4,44,218 votes were cast by State government employees, 13,700 by senior citizens above 85 years old, 12,700 by voters with special needs, and 27,100 by other emergency service workers. The union urged the Election Commission of India by writing a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner to simplify the postal ballot process by considering the vote in the small cover as a valid postal vote and extending the deadline for casting postal ballots till June 3. Postal ballot will be rejected in case of... Non-signing of the declaration form by the employee Not entering the serial number of the ballot paper in the declaration form Absence of attestation by a gazetted officer on declaration Form-13B Improper sealing of the voted postal ballot Putting both the postal ballot and the declaration form in the same cover Marking either above or below the candidates symbol instead of on the symbol

High women turnout raises victory hopes of YSRC in Manyam district

PARVATHIPURAM-MANYAM: Despite anti-incumbency, the huge turnout of women voters in the just concluded elections has raised the victory hopes of several sitting YSRC MLAs in Parvathipuram-Manyam district. Kurupam MLA Pamula Puspha Sreevani, Parvathipuram MLA Alajangi Jogarao, Palakonda MLA Viswasarayi Kalavathi and Salur MLA Peedika Rajanna Dora are hopeful of getting re-elected as they are of the view that the women must have voted for the YSRC, acknowledging the commitment of the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government to the peoples welfare and development. Parvathipuram-Manyam Agency was once a Congress bastion. Later, the YSRC has established its hold on it. Rajanna Dora won from Salur Assembly constituency in 2009, 2014 and 2019. He became Salur MLA after the Supreme Court of India had disqualified Rajendra Pratap Bhanj Deo as an MLA over a caste dispute. He has been representing Salur since 2006. Similarly, Sreevani has been representing Kurupam for the past one decade. Both served as the Deputy Chief Ministers (Tribal Welfare) in Jagans cabinet. Kalavathi has also been a two-time MLA from Palakonda. Jogarao was elected from Parvathipuram (SC reserved) constituency in the last election on YSRC ticket. Political analysts are of the view that the winning chances of the sitting YSRC MLAs are bleak due to anti-incumbency and their failure to strive for the development of their respective constituencies in the last five years. There are also allegations that some of the sitting YSRC MLAs have indulged in large scale corruption. In all the four Assembly constituencies, the number of women voters is more than men. Of the total, a majority of women voters exercised their franchise in the elections in the four Assembly segments. As Jagan has taken several initiatives for the empowerment of women in the last five years, besides implementing several welfare schemes, party circles are of the view that they must have given their mandate to the YSRC.

Campaign ends for State's Ph-II poll, 102 CAPF units to be deployed

BHUBANESWAR: Curtains came down on the high-pitched campaign for five Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 Assembly segments that will go to polls in the states second phase on May 20. Voting will be held in Aska, Bargarh, Balangir, Kandhamal and Sundargarh Parliamentary constituencies and the Assembly seats under them. This round will also seal Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks fate in two constituencies of Hinjili under Aska and Kantabanji under Balangir Lok Sabha seats. Keeping in view the pre-poll violence reported from several parts in the last few days, the Election Commission of India has ordered deployment of 102 companies of central armed police forces (CAPFs) for the phase. Chief electoral officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal said around 20 per cent of the 9,162 polling booths in phase two have been identified as critical while there is provision of web-casting in 60 per cent of the booths. Accordingly, 22 companies of CAPFs will be deployed in Maoist-affected Kandhamal district, while 20 will guard Ganjam. This apart 16 companies will be deployed in Sundargarh, 14 each in Bargarh and Bolangir, five each in Jharsuguda and Boudh, four in Sonepur and two in Nayagarh, he said. The pre-election violence in Ganjam district is a matter of concern. Police have already registered a case and apprehended some of the accused, while hunt is on to arrest the remaining persons. Clear instructions have been issued to police to act fast and restore normalcy at the earliest whenever such incidents occur, Dhal said. He said an additional DGP rank officer has already been appointed to oversee law and order arrangements in Ganjam, especially Aska Parliamentary constituency in view of pre-poll violence in Khalikote. A total of 79.69 lakh voters, including 40.33 lakh men and 39.35 lakh women, will exercise their franchise at 9,162 polling stations in the second phase to decide the fate of 265 MLA and 40 MP candidates. Around 1,541 will be model polling stations, while 1,041 will be managed by all-women personnel and 25 by differently-abled staff and officials. The ECI has appointed 10 general observers, 15 expenditure observers and three police observers for the phase. An air ambulance will be kept on standby at Balangir for emergency. With IMD predicting rise in temperature on May 20, the CEO said adequate drinking water, ORS and essential medicines will be made available at each polling station. Besides, paramedical staff, ASHA workers, ambulances and mobile health units will also be deployed, he said. In 2019, Bargarh Lok Sabha seat had recorded 77.87 per cent turnout, followed by Sundargarh at 71.67pc, Balangir at 74.75pc, Kandhamal 72.90pc and Aska 65.53pc. This time too we are taking various steps to ensure maximum voter turnout in these constituencies, the CEO said.

RPF rescues baby stolen from Ranchi, five held

CUTTACK: Railway Protection Force (RPF), Cuttack rescued a nine-month-old baby boy who was kidnapped from Ranchi in Jharkhand and arrested five persons. The accused are Amit Sanatan Pal (36), Radha Sahoo (38) and Sunil Mishra (18) of West Bengal, Nusrat Jahan (37) and Sohana Begum of Kalapancha within Charichhak police limits in Puri. Cuttack RPF IIC Anil Kumar Singh said one Pradeep Lohra of Dhagar Tola in Latehar district of Jharkhand had lodged a complaint with Chutia police station in Ranchi alleging his nine-month-old baby boy was stolen from his wife while she was taking rest near the ticket counter at Ranchi railway station on May 12 night. Pradeep and his wife had come from Agartala along with the baby in a train and decided to spend the night near Ranchi railway station as there was no communication to their native Latehar district. A little later, Pradeep left to buy some food for his wife and son. In his absence from the spot, two men and a lady offered tea to his wife which she drank only to be rendered unconscious. When Pradeep returned he found his wife in a semi-conscious state with his baby boy missing. Chutia police verified CCTV footages near Ranchi railway station basing upon which a team from the police station visited different locations including Cuttack. We investigated the case with Chutia police and found a family comprising two male and a female staying in a rented house at Jobra to have been missing from the locality for the last few days. We then arranged the contact number of the family and obtained the mobile location around Khurda railway station leading to the arrest of Pal, Sahoo and Mishra who confessed to have sold the baby to Nusrat Jahan, said Singh. During interrogation, Nusrat Jahan confessed to have sold the baby to Sohana Begum for Rs 58,500 for a commission of Rs 20,000. While the baby was handed over to his parents, Ranchi police took all the five accused on transit remand after producing them in Nimapara court for further investigation, informed Singh.

Campaign reaches crescendo 48 hrs before polls in Bargarh

BARGARH: With the Bargarh Parliamentary constituency going to polls in next 48 hours, candidates from various political parties left no stone unturned to woo voters before campaigning came to a close on Saturday. A charged yet chaotic atmosphere prevailed in the district as parties were seen making last ditch efforts to win the election scheduled on May 20. To avoid last-minute confusion, Congress had organised a well-coordinated rally on Friday evening aimed at leaving a lasting impression on the voters. The event saw a significant turnout, with party workers and supporters thronging the streets in a show of support for the MLA candidate Nipon Dash. BJP, too, held a massive roadshow with participation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan whose presence attracted a large number of supporters to the event. Addressing the crowd, Pradhan urged them to exercise their franchise in favour of MP and MLA candidates Pradeep Purohit and Ashwini Sarangi respectively. The rally was a blend of fervent speeches, music and a display of party strength, all aimed at galvanising voter support. The BJD, meanwhile, kick-started its campaigning spree on Saturday morning with a massive rally in Bargarh town. BJD MLA candidate Debesh Acharya and MP candidate, Parineeta Mishra were seen engaging with voters and seeking their support and blessings. The rallys scale and energy underscored the partys determination to retain its influence in the region. Later in the day, the party workers moved across the town campaigning door-to-door in different localities. The district administration too, on its part, geared up to ensure the polling process is conducted in a fair and peaceful manner. There are 1,297 polling booths in the district including 140 model booths, 82 Sakhi booths, 5 PwD managed booths, 25 youth managed booths and 14 eco-friendly booths.

Not Dhoni, This Ex-India Star Was First-Choice Captain For CSK In IPL 2008

MS Dhoni led CSK to record-equalling five IPL titles. Be it from the CSK franchise or its fans, the player has earned immense love and respect.

Former V-P, ex-PM, Lutyens seniors cast votes from home

NEW DELHI: The latest exercise of home voting by the Delhi poll body for the Lok Sabha elections has generated an interest, with many political stalwarts opting to cast their votes from the comfort of home. Former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Union Ministers Murli Manohar Joshi and Lal Krishna Advani have availed this facility and casted their votes from their residences in the New Delhi constituency. The exercise, which started from Thursday, has seen participation of nearly 3,000 voters. The facility is extended to all those who are over 85 years of age and those with more than 40% disability. So far, 2,956 voters have opted to been excercise their franchhise under the initiative with the highest participation witnessed in the West Delhi constituency with 871 votes polled. On the first day, when 1,482 voters exercised their franchise from home, the second day of home voting saw 1,409 voters cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes. However, according to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, only 3.1% of the electorate above the age of 85 years and those categorized under Persons with Disabilities (PwD) eligible for home voting have registered themselves for the facility dispensed by the Election Commission. The number of such voters in the seven seats of Delhi is 1,75,303, out of which only 5,472 voters have registered themselves for voting from home, according to the official data. The total number of elderly voters in the seven constituencies in the national capital is 97,823 while there are 77,480 PwD voters in the city. Home voting facility has been made available for the first time in this edition of the Lok Sabha polls and will remain available till May 24. The exercise was undertaken previously in the 2020 Delhi assembly elections. Poll officials said the drastically low registration may indicate less voter turnout on the main voting day as well. Though conclusions can not be drawn since its happening for the first time in a parliamentary elections, but it remains a point of worry, the official added.

Voter turnout less than my expectations in Central Kashmir: JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah

Voter turnout less than my expectations in Central Kashmir: JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Farooq Abdullah expressed concern over the low voting percentage in Central Kashmir, saying that he expected around 70 per cent polling percentage in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, the JKNC chief said, I expected the percentage to be 70 per cent. I don't know the reason why it was so low. People are so eager to express themselves and send their representatives to the Parliament. Our children are taking drugs. An entire generation is in danger. The percentage is less than my expectations. It should have been 70 per cent, Abdullah further said. Jammu and Kashmir recorded low voter turnouts at 38.49 in the recently concluded fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls. The fourth phase of polling for Lok Sabha polls on May 13 in 96 constituencies saw a voter turnout of 69.16 per cent, the Election Commission said on Friday. It said 69.58 per cent of male voters, 68.73 per cent of female voters, and 34.23 per cent of third-gender individuals exercised their franchise. Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest voter turnout, with a total voter turnout of 80.66 per cent. West Bengal recorded the second-highest voter turnout at 80.22 per cent. Apart from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also recorded relatively low voter turnouts at 58.22, and 58.21 per cent, respectively. Voting was held in 96 Lok Sabha seats in the fourth phase, out of which 25 were from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir. The voting in Baramulla is set for May 20 while the Anantnag-Rajouri seat will vote on May 25. In the electoral battleground of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections for Phase 5 present a compelling tripartite contest. Omar Abdullah, representing the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), faces off against Fayaz Ahmad Mir of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Sajjad Gani Lone from the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC), allied with the NDA. Notably, the BJP is not contesting from any of Jammu and Kashmir's three Lok Sabha seats--Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had six candidates in the fray in Jammu and Kashmir but failed to win a single seat in Kashmir. Voting for the Udhampur and Jammu seats concluded on April 19 and 26 respectively while in Srinagar, voting was concluded on May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)

Sahara India hits out at makers of Scam series

Sahara India hits out at makers of Scam series New Delhi: Sahara India Pariwar has hit out at the makers of the Scam web series amid reports that the next part of the franchise will follow the life of Sahara India founder Subrata Roy, who passed away in November 2023. The upcoming series, titled [] The post Sahara India hits out at makers of Scam series appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

IPL 2024 | Who knows whats going to happen: Mark Boucher

MI head coach Mark Boucher clueless about Rohit Sharmas future with the franchise following teams wooden spoon finish; former skipper top-scores with 68 during loss to LSG at Wankhede

IADVL sets record for derma awareness

Six held in two child theft cases

City schools organise summer camps for kids

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Fire services bursts at seams to meet poll requirements

Bokaro sports camp begins

Unsuccessful Palamu inter students caught between dates

JEPC to hold health camps for differently-abled children

Schools blame students yen for coaching for poor exam scores

Wives of Chatra candidates seek votes for their hubbies

Minor girl among two dead in Giridih mica mine collapse

Chatra cops seize over 21.7 crore drugs in 2 months

Unemployment emerges as key issue in Chatra constituency

Workers of closed copper mines pin hopes on Modi

Fire engulfs JSR timber store

Villagers reluctant to vote after violent clash

Prohibitory orders in Ranchi till June 4

Du Plessis: 'I dedicate the Man of the Match to Yash Dayal'

RCB's captain also said the Chinnaswamy pitch 'felt like a day-five Test match in Ranchi' after the rain interruption early in their innings

The Christmas Chronicles 3: Potential release date, cast updates, and speculations

Enthusiastic fans of the cherished Christmas franchise, The Christmas Chronicles, have been eagerly awaiting updates on a possible third installment.

I dedicate Man of the Match award to Yash Dayal: Faf du Plessis

I dedicate Man of the Match award to Yash Dayal: Faf du Plessis Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Faf du Plessis on Saturday dedicated his player-of-the-match award to pacer Yash Dayal, who kept his cool in the final over to seal a 27-run win over Chennai Super Kings in the battle for the final IPL play-off spot. Du Plessis was adjudged the player-of-the-match for his 54 off 39 balls which along with Virat Kohli's 47 set the foundation as RCB posted a solid 218 for five on Saturday night. CSK needed to score 200 plus to qualify and they came agonisingly close to sealing the berth with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja going hammers and tongs towards the end. CSK, in fact, needed 17 off the final over but Dayal held his nerves despite being hit for a towering six by Dhoni in the first ball to seal it in the end for RCB. ''I dedicate the Man of the Match (award) to Yash Dayal! I said to him pace off on this wicket is the best option,'' Du Plessis said during the post-match presentation ceremony. ''What a night! Such a great atmosphere. Just a pleasure to finish the season in front of the home fans. There was a lot of rain falling on the pitch, and you don't want that moisture. It felt like a day-five Test match in Ranchi!'' Rain threat was looming on the match and there was a 40-minute rain interruption too but it didn't matter in the end. ''The contributions from many batters at good strikes, I'm really proud. We were defending 175 (and neither 201 nor 218)! We tried to get the ball changed tonight. ''It's crazy; even when we weren't winning, we had the fans here. It was set up perfectly - CSK vs RCB! Incredible.'' CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said missing out on key players made a huge difference as they finished fifth in the standing. ''I think it was a good wicket to be honest, it was spinning and gripping a little bit, but I think 200 on this ground was gettable. We kept losing wickets at regular intervals, it was a matter of one or two hits, sometimes that can happen in a T20 game,'' he said. ''Pretty happy with what the target was, to sum up the season, I am pretty happy to have seven wins out of 14 games. Just couldn't get over the line in the last two balls. ''With the kind of injuries we had, missing out on two frontline bowlers, not having (Devon) Conway at the top of the order as well, I think missing out on three key players made a huge difference.'' Talking about the spate of injuries which affected the team, Gaikwad said: ''There were many challenges for us right throughout the first game. Injury to Fizz (Mustafiur Rahman), then injruy to (Matheesha) Pathirana as well, he came back and then again Pathirana missed out. When you have injuries around, you have to get that balance in the team and pick it (the team) for every game. ''I think this season sums up well where we had to tinker around with our playing XI, considering the injuries and all the illness (of the players) as well. Happy with the seven wins, couldn't get over the line though. Happy with it. ''We got 10 from the last 2 balls in our last knockout game last year so this was a similar situation, things didn't go our way (this season) though,'' he added. Gaikwad has been one of the top run-scorer this season but he said it doesn't matter as he couldn't take the team to the play-offs. ''For me, personal milestones don't really matter a lot, after all the ultimate goal is to win. If you are not getting there it's a disappointment. Doesn't matter if you score 100 runs or 500-600 runs in a season. I am disappointed,'' he said.

Once I got my fifty, Virat said....: RCB's Will Jacks on century against Gujarat Titans

Once I got my fifty, Virat said....: RCB's Will Jacks on century against Gujarat Titans England all-rounder Will Jacks, who had a memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) debut season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), opened up on his remarkable century against Gujarat Titans (GT), his admiration for star batter Virat Kohli and the love he has received from the fans. Notably, Will Jacks along with England players Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone and Reece Topley has left their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to join the national senior's side for the T20 series against Pakistan starting from May 22 onwards. In eight matches for RCB, Jacks scored 230 runs at an average of 32.85 and a strike rate of over 175, with a century and fifty. His best score is 100*. He also took two wickets for his side. He was brought by RCB ahead of the 2023 season, but could not feature back then due to injury. A very big moment of his IPL career so far was the carnage he unleashed on Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 28. Chasing 201 to win, Jacks reached his half-century in 31 balls. Within the span of the next 10 balls, Jacks raced to his maiden IPL ton, achieving the fastest-ever acceleration for a century in the tournament's history. Jacks' scored an unbeaten 100* in 41 balls, with five fours and 10 sixes and had an explosive 166-run stand with star batter Virat Kohli, who himself scored an unbeaten 70* in 44 balls in a successful run-chase. Speaking about his century, Jacks revealed that once he reached his half-century, Virat signalled him that he did not want to face any balls and encouraged him to keep going. As soon as I hit that last one, I knew it was going miles. It snuck up on me. I only got to my fifty the over before. I was just trying to get there as quickly as possible and win the game. Once I got my fifty, Virat was like, 'I do not want to face any balls - keep going, he said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. When Mohit Sharma came on [in the 15th over], that was my match-up. I was going to take him down there, because I had faced him for three or four balls before and I had got a good eye of him. I knew that was my time, and after that there was no reason to stop. I did not realise I could have got a hundred until we needed seven to win. Obviously a big celebration, a hug from Virat, and then I realised what I had done. It was amazing. I just thought, 'I am 100 not out in an IPL game - and two weeks ago, I was not even playing.' There has been a lot of attention since but I have loved the experience, he said. Jacks said that he has saved a picture of Virat's reaction on a six that took him to 94 in the favourites folder of his phone gallery and aims to get it printed. He said though nothing has changed for him, Virat hyping him up from the non-striker's end stays really special for him. Nothing has changed realistically: I have just scored some runs. I have always known I have been good enough, but to really dominate like that just lets everyone else know what I can do. But to do it with Virat, and have him hyping me up like that? It is special, said Jacks. They (GT) do have three high-quality spinners [Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed and Sai Kishore] and I did not face a ball of seam until my 17th ball. I just needed to settle in, and Virat really helped me with that. He took ownership of the partnership and the risks while I was getting going, and made sure that we did not fall behind - and that I did not have to do something really unnecessary, he added. Jacks, who had spent 10-plus years watching IPL on his TV, was taken aback by the support shown for RCB by fans. He also said that meeting Virat for the first time was surreal. Everyone told me their fans were the best but now I have seen how crazy it is... I kind of expected it, but it obviously still takes you by surprise, he said. The same is true of the adulation for Kohli, and adjusting to calling him a team-mate. When he first walked in and I first met him, that was surreal. Seeing his aura, how people look at him, the following... even if you see a footballer in public at home, it is not like that. It is eye-opening. Everywhere we go - all the airports, every street - the support is incredible, he added. At 25 years of age, Jacks said that his debut IPL came at a perfect time and had it came earlier, he would not have been ready. He also said that everyone in the team is very great and share their experiences and opened up on his closeness to Australian stars Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. It would have been good to come earlier, but I would not have been ready. I went to the Big Bash when I was 20 and it was great, but my game was not ready. I did not know what I was doing, and I did crap. I am happy where I am now: I can come in and try to dominate, instead of just going, 'Well, I'll try to get some runs, he said. I cannot speak highly enough of it [the team]. Everyone is willing to share their experiences. He (Maxwell) been outstanding with me. He has given me loads of his time, said Jacks about Maxwell. Jacks and Green were sitting next to one another in the team bus when their respective sides selected them for the T20 World Cup. He got called by George Bailey, then I got called by Motty [Matthew Mott] about ten minutes later, Jacks says, laughing. They might face one another on June 8 in Barbados. This will be Jacks' first World Cup and he admitted being disappointed to miss out on the 2022 T20 WC and 2023 50-over WC. I thought I was close but obviously it is tough to get in, which is understandable. My biggest goal for the year was to play in the World Cup - and hopefully win it, obviously - and this has given me confidence that I belong there. I know I am ready for it, he said. (ANI)

Jharkhand: 5 arrested for kidnapping, selling 9-month-old boy

Jharkhand: 5 arrested for kidnapping, selling 9-month-old boy Five people, including three women, were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and selling a nine-month-old boy at Rs 58,500, police said on Saturday. The kidnapping had happened on May 12 at Ranchi Railway Station when three persons, including a woman, had allegedly stolen the boy from his parents. They sold him at Puri in Odisha on May 13, he said. Ranchi senior superintendent of police (SSP) Chandan Kumar Sinha, in a press conference, said that the child was rescued from Puri and five people involved in the crime were arrested. According to a police statement, Pradip Lohra, along with his wife, child and a friend, had returned from Agartala in Tripura where they worked as labourers. They arrived at Ranchi Railway Station at 4.30 pm on May 11. ''Since they are residents of Ghagar in Latehar district and found no communication to reach the destination, they decided to stay there. They slept at the railway station that night,'' the statement said. ''The next day, two men and a woman came and befriended them,'' it said. At an opportune moment, the trio kidnapped the little boy and fled. They then sold the baby boy to a woman in Puri in Odisha, it stated. After the child's father registered a complaint, the Ranchi police set up a special team and solved the case, the statement said.

Chronicle of a team foretold: Loving RCB is like running into a computer problem again and again

In recent times, if you want to see the real path of love you need to be a fan of the IPL cricket franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). For most part of the last 16 years, since the IPL started, RCB have resembled a UPSC aspirant who makes it to the interview stage but doesnt get selected.

Campaigning Ends for Baramulla Lok Sabha Seat

SRINAGAR: The blazing campaign trail in the prestigious Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency ended on Saturday, setting the stage for more than 17.32 lakh eligible voters to exercise their franchise in the fifth phase of the general elections on May 20. The first major political battle post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 will decide [] The post Campaigning Ends for Baramulla Lok Sabha Seat appeared first on Kashmir Life .

IPL 2024: Kohli, Du Plessis' knocks propel RCB to 218/5 against Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2024: Kohli, Du Plessis' knocks propel RCB to 218/5 against Chennai Super Kings Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis' blitzkrieg knocks helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) score 218/5 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. After winning the toss, Ruturaj Gaikwad's CSK sent RCB to bat in the first inning. Virat Kohli (47 runs from 29 balls, 3 fours, and 4 sixes) and Faf du Plessis (54 runs from 39 balls, 3 fours, and 3 sixes) helped RCB get off to a great start. CSK pacer Tushar Deshpande started the attack in the first inning and gifted only two runs. However, in the second over, CSK's Shardul Thakur gave 16 runs as RCB batters hammered boundaries. The opening duo of Kohli and Du Plessis had a great start to the inning. But rain played a spoilsport in the third over, following which RCB lost momentum in the game. The game started again after a few minutes, but CSK bowlers kept a check on the run rate on Saturday. In the 10th over, Kohli smashed a six over the mid-wicket against Santner. But in the next ball of the over, Kohli tried to smash the ball over the long-on, but Daryl Mitchell made no mistake to grab the ball. Kohli made 47 runs from 29 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes. Rajat Patidar replaced Kohli on the field and tried to make a partnership with RCB skipper Du Plessis. In the 11th over, Ravindra Jadeja gave away 20 runs as Du Plessis hammered one four and six fours. Sooner, Patidar (41 runs from 23 balls, 2 fours, and 4 sixes) started to set on the crease as he hammered a six in the 12th over against Theekshana. The RCB skipper displayed stupendous skill on the crease; he hammered a 35-ball fifty in the 12th over. In the 13th over, Du Plessis was unlucky as he was runout by Santner. Cameron Green replaced the skipper on the crease and did not make Du Plessis' absence felt on the field. The duo of Patidar and Green played a 50-run partnership in the 17th over, and helped RCB get an upper hand in the game. Patidar was unlucky, as he was dismissed in the 18th over by Shardul Thakur. The RCB batter tried to smash the ball over the long-on, but it landed on Mitchell's hand. Thakur gave away 16 runs and picked up one wicket in the 18th over. In the 19th over, Dinesh Karthik (14 runs from 6 balls, 1 four and 1 six) found an edge and was taken by CSK wicketkeeper MS Dhoni. Glenn Maxwell (16 runs from 5 balls, 2 fours, and 1 six) replaced Karthik on the crease and smashed a four after smashing it over the keeper in his first ball on the field. Maxwell had a great start in the final over and slammed a six and four in the third and fourth balls. But on the fifth ball, Thakur removed Maxwell from the crease. In the last ball of the first inning, no runs were scored, and RCB finished at 218/5, while CSK need 219 runs to win the match. During the run chase, the Chennai-based franchise need to score 201 runs to qualify for the play-offs. Shardul Thakur led the CSK bowling attack as he picked up two wickets in his four-over spell. While Deshpande and Santner took one wicket each in their respective spells. Brief score: Royal Challengers Bengaluru 218/5 (Faf du Plessis 54, Virat Kohli 47, Rajat Patidar 41; Shardul Thakur 2/61) vs Chennai Super Kings. (ANI)

Virat Kohli becomes first Indian batter to have two IPL seasons with 700-plus runs

Virat Kohli becomes first Indian batter to have two IPL seasons with 700-plus runs Star Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli achieved a new record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first Indian player to have two seasons with 700-plus runs. Virat accomplished this milestone against RCB's match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru. In the game, Virat scored 47 runs in just 29 balls, with three fours and four sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 162.06. In 14 games this season, Virat leads the run-scoring charts with 708 runs at an average of 64.36 and a strike rate of 155.60. This is his highest strike rate in an IPL season. Virat had crossed the 700-run mark in 2016 as well, scoring 973 runs in 16 matches at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of over 152, with four centuries and seven fifties. Virat is the second player overall to reach 700-run mark in a single IPL edition on two or more occasions, with Chris Gayle doing so twice as well. The West Indies legend scored 733 runs in IPL 2012 and 708 runs in IPL 2013. Virat also ended the league stage of IPL 2024 with 37 sixes, the most by a batter this season. Virat's all-time high tally of sixes in an IPL season was 38 maximums back in 2016. Virat also continued his fine run of form in the IPL on May 18, a date which has been special for RCB and Virat, since they have won every game ever played on this date. With scores of 56*(29) vs. CSK, Bengaluru (2013), 27*(29) vs CSK, Ranchi (2015), 113(50) vs. Punjab Kings Bengaluru (2016), and 100 (63) against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hyderabad (2023) on this date, in five innings, he has scored 343 runs at an average of 85.75, with two centuries and a fifty. Coming to the match, CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Daryl Mitchell, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (Wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh, Maheesh Theekshana. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (Wk), Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj. (ANI)

Performance is my only currency, I don''t need anyone''s approval or assurance: Virat Kohli

Performance is my only currency, I don''t need anyone''s approval or assurance: Virat Kohli Virat Kohli says he doesn't need either approval or assurance from anyone on his capability as India's premier batter responded to the criticism and debate over his strike rate, asserting that he knows what he can do on the ground. While Kohli has led the batting charts this year in the IPL, his strike rate has also attracted criticism which also includes comments from legendary India batter and former captain Sunil Gavaskar. (I) dont need to react. I know what I can do on ground. I dont need to tell anyone what kind of player I am or what my ability is,'' Kohli said in a recent video released ahead of RCB's crucial IPL encounter against Chennai Super Kings when asked how he deals with external noise. ''Ive never asked anyone how to win a match. Ive learnt this by figuring it out myself in the middle of the ground by failing from experience.'' ''Its not a by-chance thing when you are repeatedly winning matches for the team. For someone to see and analyse a moment and for another player to experience that moment in the middle are two completely different things,'' he added. Kohli said he does not believe in asking someone to stop saying certain things about him. ''I have never felt that I should go and tell someone not to say certain things about me. I know what I can do out there. I dont need anyones approval, or assurance that I played well. I dont need these things. ''I have learnt this from my father very early on. I could have played for the state very early in my career through other means, but my father said only if youre capable you will make it. Performance is my only currency,'' he said. Meanwhile, echoing India skipper Rohit Sharma's sentiments over the impact player rule in IPL, Kohli said it is ''disrupting the balance'' of the game. The mid-innings substitution rule, adopted last IPL, has sparked a row with Rohit expressing his displeasure in a podcast last month. Kohli has urged for a rethink of the rule. ''I agree with Rohit. Entertainment is one aspect of the game but there is no balance,'' Kohli said on Jio Cinema. ''I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me,'' he said. Rohit in the podcast had said, ''I'm not a big fan... It's going to hold back all-rounders. Cricket is played by 11, not 12 (players).'' Punjab Kings set the record for the highest successful chase in T20 history when they overhauled Kolkata Knight Riders' 262 with eight balls to spare. Sunrisers Hyderabad also smashed the record for the highest-ever total in franchise cricket by posting 287/3 against RCB. This edition alone has witnessed eight 250-plus totals and Kohli felt the bowlers' pain. ''Bowlers are feeling like what they should do,'' Kohli said. ''I have never experienced anything like it where bowlers think they will concede four or a six on every ball. Not every team has a (Jasprit) Bumrah or the mystery of Rashid Khan,'' he said. ''With one extra batter, there is a reason I am playing with 200-plus strike rate in the powerplays. I know there is a batsman waiting at No 8 as well. We are playing a high level of cricket and it should not be that dominant in my opinion. There is a beauty about having an equal balance between bat and ball,'' Kohli added. Earlier this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said the rule was implemented as a 'test case' and that it also allows two Indian players with opportunities to play in a game. He also said the board and all key stakeholders would deliberate over its continuity. ''I am sure Jay (Shah) bhai has mentioned it already that they will review it and I am sure that they will come to a conclusion which brings the game into balance,'' said Kohli. ''As a batsman, I can say this rule is good but the match should be exciting. Only fours and sixes are not exciting in cricket. Exciting is that you can defend 160 as well, Kohli said.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 RO Baramulla PC briefs press, urges every voter to exercise their franchise on May 20

BARAMULLA, MAY 18: The Returning Officer (RO), 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa today called a press conference and briefed the press regarding the arrangements put in place by the administration for successfully conducting the Lok Sabha elections in 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.During the press briefing, the RO assured the media that the administration has meticulously made [] The post Lok Sabha Elections 2024 RO Baramulla PC briefs press, urges every voter to exercise their franchise on May 20 appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Jolly LLB 3: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi go on a bike ride covered in blood as schedule comes to a wrap in Rajasthan, watch

Jolly LLB is getting another installment. Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, who delivered memorable performances in the earlier films, are back to grace the screen. Joining them once again is Saurabh Shukla, whose portrayal of a judge in the series has become a fan favourite. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the Jolly LLB 3 team has now wrapped the first schedule. On May 18, a video surfaced online showcasing Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi celebrating the filming wrap in Rajasthan with a jolly bike ride. The lighthearted video serves as a reminder of the franchise's signature blend of humour and legal drama. The shoot began three weeks ago in Rajasthan. Akshay wrote on Instagram, And thats a schedule wrap! As you can see both the Jollys had a jolly good time in Rajasthan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) The first film, released in 2013, garnered critical acclaim for its humourous yet poignant take on the Indian legal system. The 2017 sequel further solidified the franchises reputation for captivating courtroom drama. While plot details for Jolly LLB 3 remain under wraps, speculation suggests that Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi will find themselves on opposing sides in court, creating a fascinating dynamic for viewers. Jolly LLB 3 is gearing up to deliver another courtroom battle royale. ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsis Jolly LLB 3 faces legal trouble over alleged judicial mockery

Lok Sabha polls: 889 candidates to contest elections in phase 6 on May 25

Lok Sabha polls: 889 candidates to contest elections in phase 6 on May 25 The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Saturday said that a total of 889 candidates from eight States and Union Territories (UTs) will contest elections in phase six of the Lok Sabha elections that will be held on May 25. This includes 20 candidates for the adjourned poll in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency (PC) of Jammu and Kashmir, the poll body said. According to the election commission, 1,978 nominations were filed for 57 parliamentary constituencies across the seven States and UTs (excluding the adjourned poll in PC 3-Anantnag-Rajouri of J-K). The last date for filing nominations for phase 6 for all 07 States and Union Territories (excluding adjourned polls in PC 3-Anantnag-Rajouri of Jammu and Kashmir) was May 6. After the scrutiny of all nominations filed, 900 nominations were found to be valid. In 3-Anantnag-Rajouri, a total 28 nominations were filed in Phase 3 and 21 nominations were found to be valid, it added. In phase 6, Uttar Pradesh had a maximum of 470 nomination forms from 14 parliamentary constituencies, followed by Haryana with 370 nominations from 10 PCs. The poll body further mentioned that the average number of contesting candidates in a parliamentary constituency for the sixth phase is 15. Ranchi parliamentary constituency in Jharkhand received the maximum number of nominations with 70, followed by North East Delhi PC in the national capital territory of Delhi with 69 nominations, it added. Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases till June 1. Polling for four phases has already been concluded. The counting of the votes will take place on June 4. (ANI)

LPL 2024: Colombo Strikers Pick Shadab Khan, Thisara Perera, And Glenn Phillips To Bolster Squad

The New York Strikers: The Colombo Strikers have bolstered their squad by picking some notable names, preparing for an impactful comeback in the fifth edition of the Lanka Premier League 2024 (LPL 2024). The Colombo Strikers, owned by Sagar Khanna, with support from coaches Simon Helmot, Carl Crowe, and Chaminda Vaas, significantly enhanced their performance through strategic signings to carry forward this success into the upcoming LPL season. In a bid to strengthen their squad, the Colombo Strikers have made direct signings of some noted names like Shadab Khan, the Pakistani all-rounder known for his dynamic leg-spin and aggressive batting; Glenn Phillips, the New Zealand powerhouse who brings a wealth of experience and explosive batting prowess; Thisara Perera, a seasoned Sri Lankan all-rounder who adds depth with his big-hitting abilities and reliable medium pace; and Sadeera Samarawickrama, the wicketkeeper-batsman who has been a consistent performer in Sri Lankan cricket. They have also retained key players such as Chamika Karunaratne, who was instrumental in securing many wickets in the previous edition of the Lanka Premier League, and Nipun Dhananjaya, a young and talented batsman known for his solid technique and anchoring abilities. Reflecting on the signings, Sagar Khanna, the owner of Colombo Strikers, said, We believe in assembling a team that embodies excellence and resilience. The retention of legendary icons such as Chamika and Nipun aligns perfectly with our vision of clinching victory and bringing glory to our franchise. Coach Simon Helmot, highlighted the strategic essence behind the recent signings, stating, At the core of our strategy lies the commitment to nurture a winning ethos. Through the inclusion of these cricketing stalwarts, we're poised to deliver exceptional performances on the field, leaving an indelible mark on the league. Also sharing on the Colombo Strikers' remarkable journey in the previous Lanka Premier League season, Khanna expressed confidence in their ability to maintain a competitive edge in LPL 2024, saying, Our team's adaptability across formats has set the bar high, and we're eager to meet the expectations this season. The Colombo Strikers' return in the fifth edition of this prestigious league is a remarkable testament to the prowess and determination of the New York Strikers franchise. From inaugural finalists to reigning champions, the New York Strikers are set to mark their participation in the upcoming Lanka Premier League, Lanka T10, and Abu Dhabi T10 later this year. Coach Carl Crowe emphasised the importance of carrying forward that momentum into the LPL. He remarked, The new signings bring a wealth of experience, which is crucial for our success this season. I am confident that these additions will enable us to play the exciting brand of cricket the Strikers fans expect from us. Each of our new signings exemplifies the balance and skill needed to make a significant impact in the league. Coach Chaminda Vaas, commenting on the recent signings, said, The strategic acquisitions made by the management reflect our commitment to building a formidable squad. Definitely, with the signings for Colombo Strikers, we aim to elevate our performance and leave a lasting impression in the upcoming season. The New York Strikers have been a destination for cricketing luminaries, including the iconic Babar Azam, who played for the Colombo Strikers when he was the number-one ODI batsman in the world. Babar Azams quick-fire century in the Lanka Premier League 2023 marked a historic moment as he ventured outside Pakistan for the first time to compete in an international league. As the pre-draft excitement builds, the Colombo Strikers are poised to deliver another memorable season, delighting fans with their competitive spirit and high-quality cricket. Fans can expect nothing short of a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the team gears up to dominate the field and etch their name in the annals of cricketing history.

Music for Democracy: Central Election Observer Strikes a Chord in Bhiwandi

Music for Democracy: Central Election Observer Strikes a Chord in Bhiwandi A central election observer deputed to Maharashtras Bhiwandi Lok Sabha constituency, which goes to polls on May 20, is using the power of music to urge voters to cast their ballots. At a function held here to galvanise voter participation, Chittaranjan Dhangada Majhi ventured beyond his observers role with the rendition Apna ye vote hai apni ye pehchan hai, said the Thane district administration in a release on Saturday. The song, composed by Chinar-Mahesh, urges citizens to exercise their franchise on polling day, it said. Majhi, a 2010 IRS officer, recently released a song titled Vande Bharat on YouTube, the release said, adding that Collector and District Election Officer Ashok Shingare was among those who attended the function. Bhiwandi and 12 other Lok Sabha seats, including six in Mumbai, will vote in the fifth phase of general elections on May 20. It will also mark the conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra.

Venom 3: Will it be the final installment of Tom Hardys movie? All about it

Sony Motion Pictures Group chairman Tom Rothman has confirmed long-standing speculations about the future of Tom Hardy's Marvel movie franchise. The upcoming Venom: The Last Dance will focus on Hardys iconic character, Eddie Brock.

The Fall Guy to Megalopolis: is 2024 the year of the box-office megaflop?

Last years Barbenheimer was hailed as saving cinema. Now takings are down and even franchises are falling flat. Can Hollywood manoeuvre itself out of this disaster zone? In Hollywood, the first weekend of May is traditionally seen as the official kick-off of the summer movie season: an auspicious blockbuster date that has, of late, become rather a boring one. Since 2007, when Spider-Man 3 (three full cycles ago in that deathless franchise) topped the box office and barring two years where the global pandemic threw the mainstream release schedule into disarray that weekend has been the exclusive domain of Marvel superhero adaptations, through to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 claiming the No 1 spot last May. That stranglehold was set to continue this year, with the legacy-milking superhero mash-up comedy Deadpool & Wolverine scheduled for a 3 May release. It doubtless would have creamed the competition, too, had last years Hollywood strikes not delayed it to July. Continue reading...

I'm as hungry as ever...do not need validation from anyone: Virat Kohli

I'm as hungry as ever...do not need validation from anyone: Virat Kohli Star India batter Virat Kohli said on Saturday that he is hungry as ever and expressed confidence that India will be having a fine campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup that will be held in West Indies and USA next month. India are placed in Group A of the ICC tournament alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA. India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue. India will then play the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15 respectively. I can say I am as hungry as ever. Once there is no hunger, you will not see me in any tournament. If I do not have that mindset, I cannot play. There is an energy in such tournaments and once there is a good atmosphere within the team, it is a beautiful journey. We had one in the last World Cup (50-over World Cup). We really enjoyed the World Cup. I'm sure we will have a really good tournament this time as well, Virat said on JioCinema. Virat also said that he does not need approval or validation from someone and performance remains the top priority. There has never been a point where I have felt that I should go to someone and ask them not to speak about me. I know what I can do. I do not need approval from anyone. I do not seek validation either. I learnt it from my father in my childhood. There was a time when I was getting a chance to play state cricket in an unfair way. My father said that if he works hard and gets selected, it is fine, otherwise, let it be. For me, performance is everything. Nobody is going to let you play just like that for 16 years, he said. I do not need to react; I know what I can do on the ground. For that, I do not need to prove myself to anyone. I have not asked anybody how to win matches. I have learnt it from being there in such situations and by failing. You can win one or two matches by chance, but if you have done it consistently, it cannot be by chance, he added. Virat's franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be in action against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday at Bengaluru. With RCB in seventh place with six wins, seven losses and 12 points and CSK in fourth place with seven wins, six losses and 14 points, this match is a knockout match that will decide which team gets to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the playoffs. (ANI)

West Bengal Gears Up for Fifth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections with Heavy Security

West Bengal Gears Up for Fifth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections with Heavy Security Campaigning for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections to seven parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal ended at 6 pm on Saturday, a poll official said. Voting will be held in Bangaon, Barrackpore, Howrah, Uluberia, Serampore, Hooghly and Arambag Lok Sabha seats on Monday from 7 am till 6 pm. A total of 1.25 crore voters, including 63.51 lakh men, 61.72 lakh women and 348 persons of the third gender, are eligible to exercise their franchise in 13,481 polling stations. The poll body has identified over 57 per cent of the polling stations as sensitive and decided to deploy over 60,000 personnel of central forces, besides around 30,000 personnel of the state police, he said. The number of security forces deployed for this phase is higher than any of the four earlier phases in the state. Also, the percentage of polling stations identified as sensitive is much higher than the corresponding figure of 23.5 per cent in the fourth phase, he said. A total of 88 candidates are in the fray in the fifth phase, with the highest of 15 in Bangaon, where Union minister Shantanu Thakur is contesting against TMC's Biswajit Das for the second term. In Barrackpore, BJP candidate Arjun Singh is contesting against TMC's Partha Bhowmick and CPI (M)'s Debdut Ghosh. A total of 14 candidates are in the fray in Howrah, where TMC's Prasun Banerjee is fighting against BJP's Rantidev Sengupta. In neighbouring Uluberia, TMC's Sajda Ahmed is contesting against BJP's Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary and Congress's Azahar Mollick. In Serampore, TMC's sitting MP Kalyan Banerjee is fighting against BJP's Kabir Shankar Bose. In Hooghly, actor-turned-politician Locket Chatterjee of the BJP has locked horns with fellow member of the film fraternity, Rachana Banerjee of the TMC. Star campaigners, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and her nephew and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, have held rallies for their respective party candidates.

889 candidates from 8 States and UTs to contest phase-6 Lok Sabha polls

New Delhi: As many as 889 candidates from eight States and Union Territories (UTs) to contest elections in Phase-6 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 25, according to Election Commission of India (ECI). This includes 20 contesting candidates for the adjourned poll in Anantnag-Rajouri Parliament Constituency (PCs) of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 1978 nominations were filed for 57 PCs across the seven States and UTs going for polls in this phase. The last date for filing nominations for phase-6 for all seven States and UTs excluding adjourned poll in PC Anantnag-Rajouri of Jammu & Kashmir was May 6, 2024. After the scrutiny of all nominations filed, 900 nominations were found to be valid. In Anantnag-Rajouri, total 28 nominations were filed in phase-3 and 21 nominations were found to be valid. In phase-6, Uttar Pradesh had a maximum of 470 nomination forms from 14 PCs followed by Haryana with 370 nominations from 10 PCs. Ranchi PC in Jharkhand received the maximum of nominations with 70 forms filed followed by North East Delhi PC in NCT of Delhi with 69 nomination forms. Average number of contesting candidates in a PC for 6th Phase is 15.

Had packed my bags in April itself...: Virat Kohli on RCB's poor first half in IPL 2024

Had packed my bags in April itself...: Virat Kohli on RCB's poor first half in IPL 2024 Star India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli said it is amazing to see his franchise in the playoffs race after he had packed his bags in April itself seeing the franchise's horrid run in the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be in action against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday at Bengaluru. With RCB at seventh place with six wins, seven losses and 12 points and CSK in the fourth place with seven wins, six losses and 14 points, this match is a knockout match that will decide which team gets to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the playoffs. RCB, however, had a horrid start to their season, winning just one out of their first eight games. However, the month of May marked a comeback for the Red and Gold franchise as they won five games successively to stay alive in the playoffs race. Speaking to JioCinema about RCB's poor first half, Virat said that though he had given up at one point, it felt amazing to see his franchise in the playoffs race at this point, I had packed my bags in April itself, thinking there was no chance of us qualifying. See where we are standing now. It is amazing how this game can turn, and what is the explanation for that? There is no explanation. You are playing instinctively, having fun, and you have come to this situation. One should never assume that something else is going to happen, he added. Speaking on his loyalty to RCB, a franchise with which he has been associated since the league's inception in 2008, Virat said experiencing this longevity with a team is a rarity for a player and not everyone gets this privilege. Things that are special are the connection you have with the fans, the franchise, or your camaraderie with the players. Experiencing these things for such a long time is special in itself. Not everyone gets this. There is always a chance of the franchise not retaining you, or you asking for your release, he said. (ANI)

After Manmohan Singh, Ansari, LK Advani votes from home in Delhi LS polls on May 18

NEW DELHI: Former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, former deputy prime minister LK Advani and former Union minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi have cast their votes using the home voting facility, the Delhi poll body said. The office of the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Delhi on Thursday kicked off the home voting facility for elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PwDs) and it will go on till May 24. According to the data shared by the office, 1409 voters cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes across all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi on Friday, which was the second day of the facility being started. The West Delhi constituency reported the highest number of home votes, with 348 voters participating. Among them, 299 were elderly individuals. With the completion of the second day, a total of 2,956 voters have exercised their right to vote from home, the CEO office said. Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and former Union minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi successfully cast their votes on May 17 from their home availing home voting facility in the New Delhi parliamentary constituency, the office said. Former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari cast his vote on Thursday, it added. Former deputy prime minister LK Advani cast his vote on Saturday, sources said. On the first day, 1,482 voters exercised their franchise from home. A total of 5,406 voters across Delhi -- elderly individuals and PwDs -- have filled out Form 12D to avail of the home voting facility in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This initiative ensures these voters can participate in the electoral process with ease and dignity, eliminating the need to visit polling stations. Delhi will go to polls on May 25.

'I Was An Architect By Profession': Varun Chakaravarthy And Suyash Sharma Discuss Their Cricketing Journey And Meeting SRK

Kolkata Knight Riders: In an episode of the Knights Dugout, the spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and young breakout star, Suyash Sharma got together to discuss their pasts, respective journeys, and how it was like meeting Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. I was an architect by profession. However, after my business didnt work, I decided to switch my career and play professional cricket. I started playing professionally at the age of 26 and it has worked out well till here, said Chakravarthy He also shared an interesting story about him being in a Tollywood film. Back then, I actually wanted to be an assistant director in that film but ended up being a side actor. But it was huge for me back then to be a part of such a big film, he added. Initially I wasnt sure if I would be picked as a player, but I was confident that I would be picked as a net bowler. On the auction day, my name didnt come up for a long time and Id given all hope. However, It was a pleasant surprise to be picked by KKR. I didnt expect to be picked by them, but the feeling was amazing. I was flooded with messages. I had the confidence in myself that one day I would play at the IPL, but I wasnt expecting it to be this early, said Suyash Sharma. The two spinners might have some healthy competition between them but there is no doubt with regards to who is the best spinner in this KKR side. Currently, Sunil Narine is sitting on 500 wickets in T20 cricket so theres absolutely no competition about who is the best spinner in KKR, said Varun. Varun and Suyash, both speak fondly about their first meeting with SRK, one of the biggest stars in India and also the majority stake owner in the Kolkata-based franchise. In IPL 2020, my first year at KKR, I picked up a fifer against DC in a crucial game. After the game, Shahrukh sir called me and congratulated me on my performance and it felt amazing, added Varun. Shahrukh sir had come to see my debut game for KKR. After the match, he came and spoke to me and told me that he would be praying for me that I play for India soon and it was an incredible moment, concluded Suyash.

PVR Inox looks to grow pre-ticketing F&B biz post its JV with Devyani

PVR Inox has partnered with Devyani International to expand into the food and beverage sector. Devyani will hold a 51% stake, while PVR will have 49%. This joint venture aims to boost pre-ticketing F&B revenue through branded food courts adjacent to cinemas. In FY24, PVR Inox's F&B sales rose 21% to Rs 1958 crore. The company plans to open 5-6 food courts initially. PVR Inox is also shifting to a capital-light model, reducing capex and adding new screens through a franchise model.

IPL 2024: 'We Will Play Fearless Cricket To Win,' Says PBKS Skipper Jitesh Sharma Ahead Of Final Game

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: With Sam Curran returning home to England for international duties and Shikhar Dhawan still not fit, Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma will don the captain's hat for their final game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday. While Punjab has not been able to progress further in the competition, Jitesh insisted that his side will display fearless cricket on Sunday and will aim to finish off the season with a victory. The mood is more positive in the dressing room than before because we have nothing to lose now. The season has been inconsistent for us. But we played really good cricket and we had many positives throughout the season. The way Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have played was excellent, and Harpreet Brar and Prabhsimran Singh have also been in good form throughout the season. In cricket, things can change in an instant. We just missed out on some luck, Jitesh summed up the season for his side at the pre-match press conference. Punjab Kings is famous for fearless cricket and we will be more fearless in the last game. Everyone will play with correct intent and we will be playing to win, the 30-year-old added. Along with Curran, explosive opener Jonny Bairstow has also returned to England while Liam Livingstone, who suffered a knee niggle during the season, and speedster Chris Woakes, who left the season early due to personal reasons, will also not be available for the final game. But Jitesh believes the absence of England players will not affect his side's morale against Hyderabad. We have selected a few players for different reasons and have a good bench. It's a good opportunity for us and Punjab Kings to test our ability and our talent. There is no loss or anything bad that English players are not there. Punjab Kings have had tough Power-play sessions with the bat this season, as the franchise lost early wickets in a few games. But Jitesh defended the top order and said that he is proud of the batting unit for always showcasing the right intent. I do not believe in numbers. I believe in good intent. The openers have shown good intent in each game. It's fine that the top order could not score more runs. But whenever they came to bat, they came to bat for the team, and not for themselves. You can see clearly, that they tried to give us a good start. That is more important, Jitesh said. On being asked to sum up his season, the right-handed batter said that he has learned a lot and is confident of showcasing improvement in the coming years. I am such a player who is never happy. But I love it when the team wins. I agree that I have had ups and downs this season. My intent was good. I want my team to win. Personal goals are different for me. I had a very good learning his year. Now I have seen this phase, it will be better in the coming years, Jitesh signed off. Punjab Kings will play their final game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

Kane Williamson, Kavya Marans video from Uppal stadium trends online

Hyderabad: Former SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) star Kane Williamson shared a warm hug with SRH owner Kavya Maran. The emotional encounter occurred after the IPL 2024 match between SRH and Gujarat Titans (GT) was washed out without a ball being bowled due to rain. Williamson, who represented SRH for seven seasons, including captaining the franchise, greeted Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Hamirpur Cyclothon Boosts Voter Awareness and Participation

Hamirpur Cyclothon Boosts Voter Awareness and Participation In order to create awareness among people regarding the importance of voting and to motivate them to exercise their franchise, a cyclothon was organised in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur on Saturday. The cyclothon was organised under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation 'SVEEP', the Election Commission's voter awareness programme. Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena flagged off the cyclothon from the deputy commissioner's (DC) office here on Saturday morning, and also launched 'Fit Voter, Creator of the Country's Destiny' programme. This cyclothon started from the deputy commissioner's office complex and passed through Gandhi Chowk, Bhota Chowk, Bypass Road, Nalti Chowk, Government ITI and Nadaun Chowk and culminated at the DC office complex. A large number of youths participated in the cyclothon and spread the message of voting. The chief secretary expressed confidence that 'SVEEP' in the Hamirpur district will yield remarkable results and the voters of the district will exercise their franchise in maximum numbers in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Saxena also held a meeting with senior district officials and reviewed the necessary arrangements related to the Lok Sabha elections and assembly by-polls slated for June 1. Plans related to the availability and deployment of officers, employees, police and security forces for polling duty were also reviewed. It was informed that electricity, water, toilets, ramps and other necessary facilities have been made in all 532 polling stations of the district.

IPL 2024: It's Very Heartening To Watch Rohit Bat The Way He Did Against LSG, Says Sunil Gavaskar

Star Sports Cricket Live: Mumbai Indians lost their last game of the IPL season by 18 runs against Lucknow Super Giants. Following the game, former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Rohit Sharmas 38 ball 68 runs innings, calling it very heartening. The match between Mumbai and Lucknow was a dead rubber clash as both sides had already been eliminated from playoff contention. Lucknow put up a total of 214/6 on the back of a blistering innings from Nicholas Pooran who scored 75 runs off 29 deliveries. Well, that was such a nice thing to see. Because look, we know that Mumbai Indians can't qualify, but to see Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain for the T20 World Cup starting in about 15 days' time, batting the way that he has, it's very heartening. That's exactly what you want. You want Rohit Sharma to be setting the team off to a good start, so that the lower-order batters can come in and finish it off, potentially getting 200-plus every time they play, said Gavaskar while Speaking to Star Sports Cricket Live. Despite the huge total, it was the former MI captain, Rohit Sharma, who gave the five-time champions a great start to the encounter. Sharma came to bat as an impact player and scored 68 runs off 38 deliveries to give his side the perfect start to the game despite them going on to lose by 18 runs. Rohit Sharma will now head to the United States of America on June 24 with the first batch of players who will be representing the country at the T20 World Cup starting on June 1 (June 2 as per IST). The second batch of players will be the ones who are representing their respective franchises during the playoffs of the IPL. The second batch will be joining the squad after the conclusion of the tournament on May 26.

Home voting: 1409 voters use facility on second day in Delhi

Home voting: 1409 voters use facility on second day in Delhi 1409 elderly voters Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) cast their ballots using the home voting facility across all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi on the second day of the exercise on Saturday, said an official statement. The home voting facility which started on May 17 will be available till May 25. The West Delhi constituency reported the highest number of home votes, with 348 voters participating. Among them, 299 were elderly individuals. With the completion of the second day, a total of 2,956 voters have exercised their right to vote from home, The office of Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi said in a statement. Delhi will go to the polls on May 25. In a noteworthy example of the initiative's impact, former Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and former Union Minister, Murli Manohar Joshi successfully cast their votes on May 17, from their home availing of home voting facility, the release stated. The statement added: Following the successful launch of the initiative on the first day, where 1,482 voters exercised their franchise from home. The West Delhi constituency led on the first day with 406 home votes, including 338 elderly voters. Notably, among those who cast their vote from home on the first day former Vice President of India, MH Ansari, highlighted the importance and acceptance of this initiative. A total of 5,406 voters across Delhi, elderly individuals, and PwDs have filled out Form 12D to avail of the home voting facility in the 2024 elections, the release added. The home voting facility, designed to accommodate voters aged 85 and above as well as PwDs, started on May 16 and will be available until May 24. This initiative ensures these voters can participate in the electoral process with ease and dignity, eliminating the need to visit polling stations. (ANI)

Has the IAS failed the nation? D. Subbarao shares his views

Can anyone compress a whole lifetime, especially a busy and eventful one, into a single book? Not really. But former bureaucrat and RBI governor, Duvvuri Subbarao, takes a good shot at it in his scintillating and heart-warming autobiography titled Just a Mercenary? Notes from my Life and Career. The former Indian Administrative Service officer turned central banker has lived an astonishingly successful life, coming out of a mofussil town in the Andhra heartland to become one of the most important officials in the Indian bureaucratic hierarchy, and finally an equally successful academic abroad. The narrative is straightforward, guileless, compassionate and full of insights. The writing reflects the writer. And as one follows the events in the book it becomes clear that Duvvuri Subbarao is as luminous as his writing. While ruminating on his early career as an IAS officer, Subbarao cannot but ask whether the IAS has failed the nation. In the mid-1970s when I was a fresh entrant into the service, if the government was being attacked by the Opposition on a scam or a scandal all that the chief minister had to do was to stand up in the Assembly and announce that he would appoint an IAS officer to inquire into the matter. That was enough to shut down the debate. Today if a chief minister were to say that, she is likely to be booed. A chief minister once told me that of the IAS officers at his disposal, about 25 per cent were callous, corrupt or incompetent, the middle 50 per cent had happily turned into sinecures and he had to depend on the remaining 25 per cent to get all his work done, the author recalls, adding: I am deeply conscious that there are hundreds of young IAS officers out there in the field performing near miracles under testing circumstances. Sadly, my generation of civil servants and subsequent cohorts have bequeathed a flawed legacy to these unsung heroes. The author admits to have made mistakes in his career but stresses that he learnt from most of them. During one of his early postings in the districts, the author miscalculated in going by the book and disenfranchising hundreds of non-tribal farmers who had purchased land reserved for tribals. He later learnt, the non-tribals, most of whom were small farmers, had bought the land from tribals in a fair and market-determined manner and stood to lose everything once evicted from their farms. He admits acting in haste. I should have taken a little longer to study the problem and understand the sociology of the place before launching into action. Many of the subordinate revenue staff, having operated on the frontline for years, had a good understanding of the ground situation. Had I solicited their advice, at least some of them would have advised temperance Because of my inexperience and over enthusiasm, I lost the battle as well as the war. Subbarao was not one to forget his mistakes and as he went on to more important positions in government, he remembered those lessons. One of the lessons he seems to have learnt is the importance of independent thinking. He writes that every institution would do well to internalise what the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo reportedly said: I dont want you to think like me, I want you to think. The book is also about the many insights the author acquired during his career on the workings of the great Indian bureaucracy and the larger system of governance involving politicians and the public. One of the many areas which appear to have greatly dismayed him is the erosion of checks and balances in the system. He feels that financial management at the state level has deteriorated markedly in the thirty years since I left state finances. Political expediency has made ad hoc tampering with budgets, appropriating funds of public enterprises, of budget borrowing and hiding contingent liabilities commonplace practices. The author is particularly concerned about the growing tendency of states and the centre to borrow funds not only to fund development projects but also day to day expenditure. As a result, the indebtedness of the government is growing. Our growth prospects and hence our debt sustainability depends critically on private investment pouring in. For that to happen, we need a lot more things to fall in place than just a well-crafted and well-intentioned budget. If todays debt financed spending does not generate rapid growth, the burden of debt repayment will pass on to our children through higher taxes. We dont want to sin against our children! In another section, the author writes that farm loan waivers exemplify a larger problem of asymmetric incentives that drive public policy choices. The 2009 Mega Farm Loan Waiver was touted as a lone waiver to end all loan waivers. It turned out to be the exact opposite by setting off a series of loan waivers That the farm sector continues to be distressed despite repeated loan waivers is clear evidence that loan waivers are not a solution but, in fact a problem. The authors last appointment was as governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) where his greatest challenge was to manage the Indian currency. He hung up his boots in 2013 and moved to academia. This book was completed in his apartment on Chapel Street on the edge of the Yale campus in Connecticut, USA. Before signing off, he concludes: We are all prone to complaining about our country how it is unfair, unjust and unequal. I complain too. But when I look back on my life and career without any bias, I realise that this country has given me so muchwarts and all, there are still opportunities for merit in our country. Just a Mercenary? Notes from My Life and Career By Duvvuri Subbarao Penguin India pp. 336; Rs 799

Microsoft Said to Plan Release of Next Call of Duty Game on Xbox Game Pass Subscription Service

Microsoft could release its next Call of Duty game to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service at launch, instead of selling the title independently. The company is likely to announce the move at its annual Xbox showcase, scheduled for June 9. Microsoft bought out Activision Blizzard last year, which closed gave the company access to the Call of Duty franchise.

Ratan Tata urges Mumbaikars to 'vote responsibly' ahead of fifth phase polling on Monday

Commissioner of Police, Mumbai Vivek Phansalkar also urged the residents of Mumbai to come out and vote on Monday. In a post on X he said, There are over 10 long weekends in 2024. But the opportunity to vote comes just once in 5 years! Food for thought? Meanwhile, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has made a strong pitch for people to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he does not miss exercise any day of the year and will not miss the opportunity to vote on May 20.

'The Garfield Movie' review: Generic plot and lively animation serve up a moderately fun watch

'The Garfield Movie' is a harmless, enjoyable ride. It is almost nostalgic for how it is reminiscent of the feeling we experienced when we watched television cartoons in the evening after school. We would be amused by the wacky adventures and goofy humour of these animated characters, so engrossed that we still wouldnt have changed out of our school uniforms. On such occasions, the adults who pass by might take a gander at the screen and find themselves chuckling, forgetting the broad notion that, animation is for the children. This is the kind of warm, comforting feeling that 'The Garfield Movie' goes for, and almost succeeds at. The film is old-school in its story treatment, the one-liners, and even in how there are animated characters chasing each other. However, the film still manages to win us over, leaving you with a warm cushy feeling that lingers even after you leave the cinema halls. 'The Garfield Movie' has the charm of the Toy Story franchise, in both the style of animation and the visual gags. The premise is familiar and straightforward, like a classic cartoon. The Monday-hating, Lasagna-loving, eponymous feline (Chris Pratt) has set out on an adventure with his father, Vic (Samuel L Jackson), and their pet, Odie (Harvey Guillen)-The house cat is out in the world! There are a number of possible ways the story could go from here, and the film takes almost all of these predictable routes. However, the execution makes up for the predictability. Garfields famous fourth-wall-breaking is a refreshing touch, that helps the film stand above the classic cartoons it was trying to replicate. As the writing is so comfortable being generic, it ends up disconnecting the audience. It fails to strike any emotional resonance with the characters, The film also does not provide a satisfying arc to the characters. For instance, the antagonist, a female cat named Jinx (Hannah Waddingham), seems to have been added just for the sake of having an antagonist, as the plot couldnt bring out a conflict that could fit well with the initial premise. The stakes for characters like Roland (Brett Goldstein) and Nolan (Bowen Yang), who are Jinxs henchmen, havent been clearly explained, so the villainy doesnt come across effectively; it feels like its there just for the sake of it. However, it is not that the film limps entirely on the emotional aspect. The writing, despite being functional, has incorporated some effective moments. The scenes featuring Jon(Nicholas Hoult) and the pets and Garfields final interactions with the Vic are delightful to watch. These moments significantly contribute to the much-desired emotional impact that we were anticipating. The one-liners and the humour work effectively. Characters like Bull, Otto (Ving Rhames) or the Animal Control officer, Marge (Cecily Strong), give the directionless plot a sense of purpose. The story becomes more predictable as new challenges are thrown at 'Garfield'. The feline will, of course, emerge victorious in the end. To rescue such a predictable scenario, animation comes into play. While not stellar, the animation still pulls our focus away from a dull screenplay. In one of his fourth-wall-breaking conversations, Garfield says, Tom Cruise and I do our own stunts. Chris Pratt and Samuel L Jackson have done a commendable job with their voice acting. However, its Hannah Waddinghams portrayal of Jinx that stands out Despite the flaccid screenplay and a familiar storyline, the voice-acting, the charming animation, and the nostalgic warmth with which the story is executed make sure that the film leaves a warm memory in our minds. Something we could hold on to, to keep our spirits high, as we get ready to face another Monday. Director: Mark Dindal Cast: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong Rating: 2.5/5

Hours of net batting, power hitting irrespective of formats during Andhra camp: Reddy's mantra for success

HYDERABAD: All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a revelation for the Sunrisers Hyderabad this season. The 20-year-old from Andhra turned out to be a vital cog for the 2016 champions in their resurgence. He has played a couple of brilliant knocks to steer the team to safety after the early fall of the wickets on a few occasions. His 37-ball 64 against Punjab Kings and a quickfire 76 off just 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals helped the Pat Cummins-led side to win the matches despite being in trouble at the early stage. Reddy might have rescued SRH with the bat when they were in trouble but he himself was in trouble and in dire need of a quick turnaround when the season started. After making his IPL debut in 2023, where he didn't get the opportunity to bat in two matches he played, his performance with the ball was below par as he leaked 54 runs from five overs he bowled across the two outings. He was fortunate that the Hyderabad franchise decided to retain him but needed to prove his worth. Knowing the situation, Reddy started working on his game at the commencement of the 2023-24 domestic season with Andhra head coach N Nirmal Kumar. The fact that he trained under Kumar for three seasons during his under-19 days worked in his favour. He has always been a batting all-rounder. In fact, in his first U-19 season with Andhra, he used to open the batting and bowling. I changed that the next season as I knew India U-19 team has so many specialised opening batters and bowlers. Since then, he has picked up both with the willow and ball, coach Kumar told this daily. Nitish Kumar Reddy Reddy's last domestic season with Andhra can be termed satisfactory if not excellent as he played quite a few good innings in both the Ranji Trophy and limited-overs tournaments. Since the early days, Reddy has been a free-flowing batter but the same was not getting translated on the field. Kumar knew that and he decided to give him a free hand no matter which format he was playing. I asked him to play his natural game irrespective of the formats. We treated him as a specialised batter when it comes to training in the nets in the last season. He used to bat for at least an hour in the nets alongside our pure batters every day. I made him face all kinds of bowlers to give him that confidence and practice, added Kumar. There were areas where Reddy needed to improve. The incoming deliveries from the left-arm spinners were troubling him. Similarly, his downswing speed of the bat was just not proving enough for the perfect execution of the shots. Kumar, who has been working with various Andhra teams for the last 25 years, found out the flaws and decided to work on them. He was stretching a lot while facing the left-arm spinners. The wide gap between two legs meant it was his pad which was coming first so he was getting trapped in front of the wickets. I asked him to reduce the gap between the legs. This change helped him bring the bat first while defending. Similarly, we worked on his downswing of the bat with the trainer. To get the requisite speed, we asked him to have a backlift so as to get the speed for downswing to execute the shots perfectly. These minor changes did wonders for Reddy as he looked like a different batter this season. In nine matches so far, he has scored 239 runs with an average of 47.80 and a strike rate of 152.22. He has scored two half-centuries hitting 12 fours and 17 sixes. Kumar credited the hard work his ward did during the camps for the success. We focussed completely on power hitting during the camps. While others were given the practice according to the formats, instructions to him were clear. Focus on power hitting and try to be as natural as he can be irrespective of the formats, said the coach. Kumar is happy with Reddy's show so far. He was quite eager to perform when the IPL started. We spoke on a few occasions but exchange messages quite regularly. After every match, I message him explaining what went well and what areas he needs to improve. For me, it's just the beginning as given his potential, he will only improve from here onwards, signed off the coach.

lite 8: How Joel and Omar's Relationship Could Impact the Truth About Ral's Death

lite 8: How Joel and Omar's Relationship Could Impact the Truth About Ral's Death The Spanish teen drama lite is set to conclude with its eighth season, marking the final return to Las Encinas. Series creator Carlos Montero confirmed the bittersweet news, expressing both pride and regret over the decision to end the series. As fans prepare for the final chapter, the burning question remains: How could Joel and Omar's relationship impact the truth about Ral's death? Omar's Return to Las Encinas and Struggle with Samuel's Death In Season 7, Omar returned to Las Encinas, still reeling from Samuel's tragic death. Two weeks after the previous season's events, Omar begins an internship at the school while dealing with deep-seated depression. Samuel's death, which occurred a year earlier, has left a lasting impact on him. His relationship with Joel, who also starts attending Las Encinas, adds another layer of complexity to his emotional journey. Omar's return to Las Encinas and his internal struggle with grief set the stage for a dramatic and emotional final season. Omar's depression has been a significant part of his character arc. The weight of Samuel's death and the unresolved emotions surrounding it have made it difficult for him to move on. His decision to take an internship at Las Encinas, the place where so much of his past is rooted, reflects his desire to confront his pain and find closure. This internal battle makes Omar's actions and decisions critical to the unfolding drama in Season 8. New Arrivals at Las Encinas and Their Impact on Existing Dynamics The new season introduces several new characters who will shake up the dynamics at Las Encinas. Patrick, Ari, and Menca relocate from Madrid, bringing their own set of challenges and histories. Ivn is recovering from an accident, adding another layer of complexity to his interactions with the other students. Isadora faces challenges in her relationship with Didc, and Sara struggles with her toxic connection to Ral. New students Chloe and her enigmatic mother Carmen arrive, and Nico's cousin Eric enrolls at the school. The arrival of these new characters adds fresh drama and tension, impacting the relationships and events at Las Encinas. Patrick, Ari, and Menca's move from Madrid introduces new tensions and dynamics. Their integration into the existing social fabric of Las Encinas will likely create conflicts and alliances that drive much of the season's drama. Ivn's recovery process and its impact on his relationships will also be a significant storyline, as he navigates the physical and emotional aftermath of his accident. The Climactic Confrontation Between Carmen and Ral Season 7 ended with a tense confrontation between Carmen and Ral. After Sara warns Carmen about Ral's abusive behavior towards Chloe, Carmen confronts Ral at the apartment. The situation escalates, leading to Carmen pushing Ral off the balcony, resulting in his death. Carmen and Chloe attempt to frame the incident as a suicide, setting the stage for a high-stakes cover-up. This dramatic event is a pivotal moment that drives the plot forward into Season 8. Carmen's actions and the subsequent cover-up form the crux of the season's central conflict. Her decision to confront Ral stems from a protective instinct towards Chloe, but it quickly spirals out of control. The cover-up not only implicates Carmen and Chloe but also creates a ripple effect that touches everyone at Las Encinas. Dalmar's Secret Footage and Moral Conflict Joel and Omar's flatmate, Dalmar, unknowingly captures Ral's death on camera. He doesn't show the video to the police but is conflicted about what to do with the evidence. Dalmar's secret footage and his moral dilemma become central to the plot in Season 8. Will he reveal the truth and turn Carmen in, or will he help cover up the murder? Dalmar's decision will have significant consequences for all the characters involved. Dalmar's footage is a ticking time bomb that threatens to unravel the carefully constructed cover-up. His internal conflict over whether to expose the truth or protect his friends adds a layer of tension and suspense to the story. The footage serves as a catalyst for many of the season's pivotal moments, forcing characters to confront their own morals and loyalties. The Relationship Dynamics Between Omar and Joel Omar's relationship with Joel, who also attends Las Encinas, adds another layer of complexity to the story. Their relationship is tested as Omar grapples with his depression and the pressure of keeping Dalmar's secret. Joel is supportive of Omar, but the stress of the situation strains their relationship. Joel's perspective on handling the situation with Carmen and Ral adds emotional depth to the plot. Omar and Joel's relationship dynamics will play a crucial role in the unfolding drama. Joel's role in supporting Omar through his depression and the moral quandary posed by Dalmar's footage creates a complex dynamic between the two. Their differing views on whether to reveal the truth about Ral's death will test their relationship. Joel's struggle to balance his love for Omar with the need to do the right thing adds emotional weight to the narrative. Sara's Role and Her Warning to Carmen Sara, entangled in her toxic relationship with Ral, plays a significant role in the events leading up to his death. Her warning to Carmen about Ral's abusive behavior triggers the fatal confrontation. Sara's involvement and her perspective on the situation provide insight into her character and motivations. Her actions have far-reaching implications for the characters and the plot's development. Sara's warning to Carmen sets off a chain reaction that culminates in Ral's death. Her struggle with the guilt and responsibility of having indirectly caused such a drastic outcome will be a significant aspect of her character arc in Season 8. Sara's interactions with Carmen, Chloe, and the other students will reveal deeper layers of her personality and her own battle with her past. The Introduction of Emilia and Hctor Pipiskin Season 8 introduces new characters Emilia, played by Ane Rot, and Hctor Pipiskin, portrayed by Nuno Gallego. Their roles and how they will influence the existing characters and storylines remain to be seen. These new additions promise to bring fresh intrigue and complications to the final season. Emilia and Hctor's interactions with the main characters will be pivotal in shaping the plot and the series' conclusion. Emilia and Hctor Pipiskin's introduction adds new dimensions to the already complex social structure at Las Encinas. Their backgrounds, motivations, and how they integrate or disrupt the existing dynamics will be critical to the season's storyline. Their interactions with characters like Omar, Joel, and the others will provide new angles to the ongoing drama. Carmen and Chloe's Desperate Cover-Up After Ral's death, Carmen and Chloe's desperate attempt to frame it as a suicide becomes a central plot point. Their actions and the lengths they go to cover up the truth add tension and suspense to the story. The mother-daughter duo's relationship and their involvement in the cover-up provide a deeper understanding of their characters. Their dynamic and the repercussions of their actions will be explored in depth. Carmen and Chloe's cover-up is fraught with tension and danger. Their desperation to keep the truth hidden leads them to make increasingly risky decisions. The pressure of maintaining their deception will strain their relationship and create suspense as the season progresses. The fallout from their actions will have far-reaching consequences for everyone at Las Encinas. The Future of the lite Franchise While Season 8 marks the end of lite, the show's impact and the possibility of future spinoffs or new series exploring different aspects of the lite universe remain. Carlos Montero expressed pride in the series' success and its role in launching many actors' careers. The legacy of lite and its influence on the teen drama genre ensure that its impact will be felt long after the final season airs. The success of lite has left a lasting mark on the teen drama genre, and its influence will likely continue through potential spinoffs or new series. The rich, complex world of Las Encinas offers many avenues for further exploration. Whether through new storylines or deeper dives into existing characters' backstories, the lite universe has the potential to expand and evolve even after the main series concludes. Also Read: Cobra Kai Season 6: Can Johnny and Daniel's Dojo Conquer the Sekai Taikai?

What's next for Rohit, 'master of his own destiny'?

Rohit Sharma is the master of his own destiny and Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher isn't exactly aware about the franchise's most successful former skipper's plans ahead of the mega auctions for the next edition of the IPL.

Opposition is telling lies, says Naveen Patnaik

SAMBALPUR/ANGUL: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday visited Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal districts urging people to exercise their franchise in favour of BJD candidates from the areas during the polls. In Sambalpur, the chief minister, bolstering his support for BJD organisational secretary and MP candidate from Sambalpur seat Pranab Prakash Das along with MLA candidates from Sambalpur and Rengali, Rohit Pujari and Sudarshan Haripal, appealed to the people to vote for Jodi Sankha. Addressing a gathering at PHED colony in the city, Naveen highlighted the government welfare schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mission Shakti, LAccMI bus service, 5T school transformation, Kalia, Mamata, Madhu Babu pension scheme, and sought feedback from the people who responded in the affirmative. The chief minister was accompanied by his close aide and BJD leader VK Pandian. Addressing the gathering, Pandian launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by putting forth a set of questions for the latter. As the Union minister is contesting from here, I have a few questions to ask him. Sambalpuri/Koshali language is the identity of this area. Even though our CM has written letters to include the language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, at least five times, what have you done for the Sambalpuri Asmita in the last 10 years as a Union minister? Pandian asked. Cabinet approves fund outlay for EKAMRA, SAMALEI projects Accusing Pradhan of attempting to hinder the SAMALEI Project, Pandian said the Union minister had even moved the Supreme Court in this connection. Later, the CM campaigned at Rairakhol for their candidate and former minister Prasanna Acharya. In Angul and Dhenkanal, Naveen addressed two election meetings where he accused the Opposition of telling lies and shedding crocodile tears. There will be no electricity bill from July, he told the gathering. Among others, Dhenkanal Lok Sabha candidate Abinash Samal also spoke at the meetings.

'I Don't Need Anyone's Approval...',: Virat Kohli's Defiant Response To Critics Ahead Of RCB vs CSK In IPL 2024

His unwavering commitment to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise stems from the deep connection he shares with the fans and the camaraderie within the team.

Two more equal seats have a striking common ground in Odisha

A distance of 335 km between two places can change many things. Two different geographies could mean different lives, livelihood, dialects, climate, cultural practices, food and a lot more. But, between Hinjili and Kantabanji, there are dissimilarities and equally, a common ground. Hinjili, for all the attention it garnered over the last two decades and a half, is like a reluctant celebrity. A quaint little semi-urban place, it has grown over the years into a municipal area with modern amenities. But life moves at its own pace and no one seems to be in a hurry. The cacophony of the modern day poll campaign is absent too, so muted is the election buzz in the Assembly constituency that has elected Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik five times since 2000. It has never been loud in Hinjili, says Dibya Ranjan Sahu, a banker who has lived there all his life. Sahu believes Naveens quiet dignity captures Hinjilis spirit. His constituency and constituents have reciprocated that sentiment. As you head into Sheragada block, driving past the sun-dried farm fields on the serpentine road, shepherds in the far horizon catch your eye. Vegetable farms and poultry rearing units do appear but they are few and far between. At Brahmanchhai gram panchayat, a small, dilapidated shop greets you right at the entry to the village. Shop-owner Krushna Pradhan is 70 and an affable man. Of his two sons, the younger one lives here and drives an auto-rickshaw for a living. The elder one works in Surat. Brahmanchhai has about 1,000 families. Many households have a member or two who have migrated to Surat, Bengaluru and Mumbai in search of work and livelihood. Twenty-nine-year-old Bauri Mallick belongs to one such family. He works in Bengaluru where he makes a decent Rs 25,000 as a loader. There is no shortage of work there. I came home for Dandakaali Jatra but stayed back for the elections. During these times, the employer offers higher wages to retain us, he says. Krushna is happy with the BJD government schemes, allowances and has no qualms about family members migrating outside the state for work. Our children will go where they find good opportunities. What matters to me is Naveen Babu is a good man, he says. Bauri likes it in Bengaluru though. He can bargain up to Rs 30,000 from his employer when demand for work is higher. Someswar Sahu studies MBA and works part-time. He was born in Hinjili around the time Naveen first came to contest from the Assembly seat and has since grown up with the tales of the BJD supremo. He adores the chief minister but wants better prospects in commensurate with his qualifications and generational aspirations. Only Bhubaneswar has grown and bears potential while the rest of Odisha does not. That must change, he says pointing at the global IT and consulting firms which have set up shop in the state capital. Over 330 km away, Banmali Palace is a plush hotel property on the edge of Kantabanji town of Balangir district. Over the last couple of years, it has acquired some reputation for playing host to destination weddings and attracts affluent families from across western Odisha. It represents Kantabanjis paradox. A 20-minute drive from the hotel takes you to Karuanmunda, a small village in Turekela block. Once there, knock on any door and you find a son, husband or brother away in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, working to provide for his family. Four months back, Tapan Chhura and his wife Tura left three of their teenage children back in the village and headed to Tirupati. Their eldest son, Khira (16) and youngest daughter Ria, all of six, have accompanied them to the brick kiln. Tapan wants to come back for the elections but cannot get away from his employer. Seven of us are in Tirupati. Could you help take us back home for the elections? he called over the phone one morning a few days back. He seems desperate but its unlikely he can come home to exercise his franchise. Thousands like him - some records put the total migrant's figure at 2.5 lakh in the western region - may not get to take part in the biggest democratic festival of the world this time. For all their geo-sociological dissimilarities, both Hinjili and Kantabanji are bound by the migration problem. In some parts of Ganjam, it might have been aspirational in nature but across the arid western belt, it is distress migration. Now these two Assembly constituencies have one more thing to share - Naveen Patnaik. After the BJD boss chose Kantabanji to be his second Assembly seat, his decision triggered a wave of speculations, political and otherwise. Opposition parties like BJP and Congress, have been using migration as a political weapon against Naveen and the BJD, and the CMs Kantabanji decision came at an opportune time. For voters like Tapan Chhura, Naveen brings some hope of deliverance from the vicious cycle of distress migration. Elderly villagers in Karuanmunda expect change to happen under Naveens watch. However, opponents want answers. Santosh Singh Saluja, who as Congress MLA has represented Kantabanji four times since 1995, says the BJD must explain what it has done for the region. Kantabanji has one of the highest BPL rates while the Turekela block embodies distress migration. Look at the irrigation coverage. The BJD is answerable for this regions prolonged impoverishment, he says before heading out for campaigning under the blistering sun. Kantabanji has long been a Congress bastion. Of the last 10 Assembly polls, it has gone to the grand old party six times, including the 2019 election which Saluja had won by just 128 votes, beating BJPs Laxman Bag. Bag, who has risen from a very modest background, appears confident about crossing the bridge this time. For him, the prime issue of unemployment and livelihood resonates with the voters of Kantabanji. There are no industries in this region, educated and skilled youth are forced to migrate. In absence of irrigation, farmers head out in search of livelihood in other states, he says. In a region which enjoys BJPs sway, Bag remains optimistic. However, Naveens entry might upset the whole electoral balance. In fact, the BJD decision to field him from Kantabanji is seen as a strategy to leverage the BJD supremos popularity in western Odisha. The Assembly constituency is almost the mid-point from Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh. If he can do an encore of Bijepur in 2019, the BJD would stand to gain from a stronghold of both BJP and Congress. Karuanmundas Tapan Chhura would be happy to know if it turns out to be much more than an electoral strategy. Siba Mohanty Resident Editor, Odisha sibamohanty@newindianexpress.com

In a 1st, 2 OBC candidates lock horns in Hazaribagh

RANCHI: For the first time in Hazaribagh Lok Sabha seat, two candidates of backward caste (OBC) have locked horns against each other making the contest interesting besides making it unpredictable also. Hazaribagh LS seat, a BJP stronghold with former Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and his son Jayant Sinha winning the seat on BJP ticket for the last three terms, has become difficult for the party this time as the contest is primarily between the two backward (OBC) candidates Hazaribagh (Sadar) MLA Manish Jaiswal of BJP and Mandu MLA Jai Prakash Bhai Patel of Congress party. Congress had won the seat last time in 1984 when Damodar Pandey had defeated CPI candidate Bhubneshwar Prasad Mehta. In 2004, Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Bhubneshwar Prasad Mehta had defeated Yashwant Sinha by more than 1.5 lakh votes. Since 2009, Hazaribagh has been represented by the BJP and it is considered a stronghold of the saffron party. In 2009, Yashwant won the seat and his son Jayant Sinha won it twice in 2014 and 2019. In 2019, the winning margin was huge as Jayant Sinha defeated Congress candidate Gopal Prasad Sahu by 4, 79,548 votes by securing 7, and 28,798 votes with 67.42% vote share. Interestingly, both are sitting BJP MLAs and are contesting Lok Sabhs polls for the first time; Patel, however, shifted to Congress to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Manish Jaiswal has been elected MLA for two consecutive terms, while Jai Prakash Bhai Patel was elected thrice. Another similarity between the two is that both of them carried forward the political legacy of their fathers Brajkishore Jaiswal and Teklal Mahto respectively. According to locals who have been putting a tab on political pulse of the constituency, believe that for the first time the both the candidates have equal chances of winning the seat. With Congress candidate Jai Prakash Bhai Patels brother in law Shivlal Mahto joining the BJP, the contest has become interesting making it more difficult for the Congress to sail through easily. In addition to that, Kayastha community has openly said that they will not supporters the BJP candidate as Jayant Sinha, a Kayasth, was denied ticket from Hazaribagh, said a local pharmacist Sushant Ranjan. JMM workers on the other hand, are not very keen to support the Congress candidate as they do not trust Jai Prakash Bhai Patel as he has a track record of changing sides ahead of the every elections, he added. Another local, a teacher by profession, believes that whoever wins the election, will be winning the seat by a narrow margin as both the candidates lack public appearance. BJP candidate is as strong in his Assembly constituency as the Congress candidate, but beyond that they lack interaction with the voters, said a teacher.

IPL 2024: RCB V CSK Overall Head-to-head, When And Where To Watch

Lockie Ferguson Swapnil Singh: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Chennai Super Kings (CSK) In Match 68 of the IPL, here at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. RCB are on a five-match winning streak after outclassing Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in their previous game. Despite the forgettable start, the Bengaluru-based franchise gained momentum in the middle of the season to stay alive in the title race. With 12 points in 13 matches, RCB are placed sixth in the standings. RCB must win the match against CSK to bolster their hopes of a title finish. It is not just a win but by a certain margin to better their net run-rate than the defending champions. On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai hold 14 points in 13 games and currently occupying fourth spot in the points table. A win against RCB will make them the final team to progress to playoffs. However, they can still qualify even after losing the match on the basis of net run rate (NRR). CSK need to minimise the losing margin to keep their NRR intact. Bangalore and Chennai have faced each other in 32 matches in IPL. Out of these 32 games, Bangalore have won 10 whereas Chennai have come out victorious on 21 occasion. 1 match ended without a result. RCB v CSK head-to-head: 32 Chennai Super Kings: 21 Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 10 No result: 1 RCB vs CSK match time: The match starts at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) with the toss taking place half an hour before the match i.e., 7:00 PM (1:30 PM GMT) RCB vs CSK match venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru RCB vs CSK Live broadcast on television in India: The RCB vs CSK match will be broadcast live via Star Sports Network. Live stream in India: The live streaming of RCB vs CSK is available on JioCinema Probable XIIs: RCB: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Mahipal Lomror, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Yash Dayal, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson Swapnil Singh CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh

25K Displaced KPs across India eligible to vote for Baramulla LS seat

Jammu Tawi, May 17: More than 25,000 displaced Kashmiri Pandits voters from across the country are eligible to exercise their franchise in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla constituency on May 20. The constituency is gearing up for an intense electoral showdown for the fifth phase of elections [] The post 25K Displaced KPs across India eligible to vote for Baramulla LS seat appeared first on Northlines .

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From If to Billie Eilish: a complete guide to this weeks entertainment

John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds go family-friendly in their new imaginary-friends comedy, while the singer swaps introspection for lust on her long-awaited new album If Out now In what has to be one of the more enviable showbiz lives, John Krasinski has played Jim in The Office, married Emily Blunt, and written and directed acclaimed horror franchise A Quiet Place. Now he turns his hand to family entertainment, writing and directing this part-animated fantasy about imaginary friends made visible with a little help from Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carell. Continue reading...

Bandhan Bank's Q4: Profit Dips Despite Improved Asset Quality

Bandhan Bank's Q4: Profit Dips Despite Improved Asset Quality Bandhan Bank on Friday reported a decline in net profit to Rs 55 crore in the quarter ended March as against Rs 808 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. The fall in the bottomline was due to higher provisioning during the January-March quarter at Rs 1,774 crore compared with Rs 735 crore in the year-earlier period, MD and CEO of Bandhan Bank, Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, said. Ghosh said the bank had written-off Rs 3,852 crore in the fourth quarter, while fresh slippages stood at Rs 1,017 crore. ''A major portion of the slippages were from micro-finance advances. Recovery and upgradation during the fourth quarter of the last fiscal stood at Rs 516 crore, he said. The Kolkata-based lenders operating profit was Rs 1,838 crore in the reporting quarter, marginally higher from Rs 1,796 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. Ghosh, who is retiring as MD and CEO from July, said going forward, ''we expect the growth momentum to continue and also build a strong retail franchise''. He said after retirement, he will play a strategic role in the holding company, Bandhan Financial Holdings. Executive search firm Egon Zehnder has been appointed to find a suitable successor to Ghosh. Bandhan Banks deposits at the end of the fourth quarter stood at Rs 1.35 lakh crore, while gross advances grew 14.5 per cent to Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The lender also reported an improvement in asset quality in January-March. The gross non-performing assets came in lower at 3.8 per cent in the quarter to March as against 4.9 per cent a year ago, while net NPA stood at 1.1 per cent. Net interest margin was at 7.6 per cent in the reporting quarter. CASA deposits of the bank stood at Rs 50,151 crore, while the CASA ratio was 37.1 per cent. The collection efficiency ratio for micro-credit was 99 per cent in the fourth quarter, and capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.3 per cent.

Amit Shah's Electrifying Roadshow Rocks Ranchi Streets

Amit Shah's Electrifying Roadshow Rocks Ranchi Streets Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a colourful roadshow in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Friday evening, amid tight security arrangements. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the 1.5-km stretch, with flags, lotus symbols and cut-outs, to greet Shah. Standing atop a decorated vehicle, the senior BJP leader greeted people and flashed the victory symbol along with the party's Ranchi Lok Sabha candidate, Sanjay Seth. Shah was seen showering flower petals on the crowd, a section of which danced to the tunes of traditional musical instruments. The roadshow that started from Indira Gandhi Chowk will culminate at Saraswati Shishu Mandir. Later, Shah in a post on X said: Johar (greetings) Jharkhand! The huge crowd at the Ranchi roadshow shows that people are going to defeat the corrupt, and elect an honest and transparent government once again. Meanwhile, sitting Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth posted on X: ''Along with 'Abki Baar Char Sau Paar', entire Ranchi is ready for 'Fir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar'. Ranchi, along with the entire country, will give a historic mandate on 'Modi ki Guarantee'''. Shah had earlier landed at the Birsa Munda Airport in a special helicopter from Odisha after holding a public rally there. The Ranchi administration has made elaborate security arrangements for the roadshow, including the use of drones and CCTV cameras at strategic locations, SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha said. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in Jharkhand in four phases. The first round of voting took place on May 13. Ranchi will go to polls on May 25.

People Going To Defeat Corrupt: Amit Shah Holds Roadshow In Ranchi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a colourful roadshow in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Friday evening, amid tight security arrangements.