Half the harvest gone, Kashmir cherries still rule countrys markets
Fetch Rs 200 per kg despite 50% loss due to erratic weather 300 tonnes to be dispatched next week 25 tonnes to reach Jammu daily Italian variety premium Growers urge crop insurance Abid Bashir Srinagar, May 16: Even as Kashmirs cherry growers grapple with nearly 50 per cent losses due to prolonged cold temperatures and erratic weather conditions, the Valleys famed ruby-red fruit continues to command premium prices in markets across the country, bringing cautious optimism to thousands of orchardists dependent on the crop. With the cherry season gathering momentum, nearly 300 tonnes of premium cherries are expected to be dispatched from Kashmir to various Indian markets beginning next weekthroughrail and road networks. Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Association, Bashir Ahmad Basheer,said two railway bogies have already been booked from Srinagar to Jammu to facilitate large-scale transportation of cherries from the Valley. From next week, nearly 25 tonnes of cherries will reach Jammu daily through railway services. Besides rail shipments, truckloads of cherries have already started moving to markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Punjab and several other cities, he said. Basheer said Kashmiri cherries continue to enjoy strong demandin marketsacross the country despite the significant decline in production this year.Unfavourable weather conditions, especially prolonged cold during the flowering stage,badlyaffected fruit setting and reduced production by almost 50 per cent. However, the quality of the available produce is excellent, and the demand in markets is very encouraging, he added. Kashmir annually produces around 12,000 to 14,000 metric tonnes of cherries and remains Indias leading cherry-producing region. The fruit is cultivated extensively in Srinagar, Tangmarg, Shopian, Ganderbal, Baramulla and several other areas of the Valley. Growers said Kashmir is known for multiple cherry varieties that fetch premium prices due to their taste, texture and appearance. Among them, the premium Italian variety has emerged as the costliest this season, fetching nearly Rs 200 per kilogram in wholesale markets because of its larger size, sweetness, attractive colour and longer shelf life. The locally popular Awal Number or Number 1 variety is selling at around Rs 100 per kilogram, while the glossy and soft Makhmali variety is fetching between Rs 90 and Rs 100 per kilogram. Buyers from outside Kashmir specifically demand Italian cherries because of their superior quality and shine. Even though the production is less this year, the market rates are comparatively better, said Abdul Rashid Mir, a cherry grower from Tangmarg. Farmers across Kashmir said changing weather patterns are increasingly emerging as a major threat to horticulture, especially delicate crops like cherries and strawberries. This year, the crop suffered because of unusual cold conditions during the flowering stage. Many orchards witnessed poor fruit setting, while continuous rains in some areas further damaged the fruit, said Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a grower from Shopian. He said the situation has become highly unpredictable over the last few years.Earlier, farmers could estimate the crop well in advance, but now sudden frost, untimely rains, hailstorms and temperature fluctuations aredamaging orchards repeatedly,Bhat added. Another orchardist from Ganderbal, Fayaz Ahmad, said cherries remain one of the most important early-season cash crops for farmers before the apple harvesting season begins later in the year. Cherry gives quick returns to growers. The fruit is harvested in the morning, packed immediately and dispatched to outside markets within hours. Even with lower production, farmers are hopeful that better prices will compensate for some of the losses, he said. Fruit traders at Srinagars Parimpora Mandi said faster rail connectivity ishelping improve transportation and reducedelays for the highly perishable fruit. Cherries are extremely delicate and require quick transportation. Rail movement is proving beneficial because it allows the fruit to reach Jammu and other markets faster and in better condition, said a fruit dealer at the mandi. Growers, however, expressed concern over forecasts of fresh rains in the coming days, saying any further wet weather could affect harvesting and damage the remaining crop. If the rains continue during the peak harvesting period, the fruit can crack and lose quality. Farmers are already under stress because production has fallen sharply this year, said Mushtaq Ahmad, another grower from Baramulla. Horticulture experts and growers have urged the government to strengthen cold storage facilities, introduce climate-resilient farming practices and expand crop insurance schemes to help orchardists cope with mounting weather-related losses. Despite the difficult season, Kashmiri cherries have once again started making their way to markets across India, with traders and consumers eagerly awaiting the Valleys prized summer fruit known for its sweetness, colour and unmatched taste.
India rejects Hague tribunal's arbitration award; says Indus Waters Treaty is in abeyance
India has rejected a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration concerning hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi stated that the court was illegally constituted and its awards are null and void. India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in effect.
Captagon, drug used by IS operatives, seized in Delhi; Syrian held
In a groundbreaking operation, India's Narcotics Control Bureau has successfully dismantled an extensive international drug trafficking network, seizing an astonishing 227.7 kg of captagon, a dangerous psychotropic substance often referred to as the 'jihadi drug'.
India-Bdesh ties will depend on water treaty renewal: BNP
Dhaka, May 16: Bangladeshs ruling BNP on Saturday said the countrys relations with India will depend on a new Ganges Water Sharing Treaty as it sought immediate talks with New Delhi for an agreement in line with Dhakas expectations and needs. The Indo-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed in 1996, is due to expire in []
Netherlands hands back Chola dynasty copper plates to India
NEW DELHI, May 16 : The Netherlands on Saturday handed back 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India, in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten, signifying the strengthening of ties between the two countries. PM Modi, who arrived in the Netherlands on Friday after a brief stopover in the UAE on the second leg of his five-nation tour, described the occasion as a joyous moment for every Indian. India has been pursuing [] The post Netherlands hands back Chola dynasty copper plates to India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jasrotia meets Dr Jitendra, seeks early approval of Rs 571.83 cr Ravi Project
Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, May 16: In a significant initiative aimed at accelerating developmental works in his constituency and adjoining areas of Kathua district, BJP MLA from Jasrota constituency, Rajiv Jasrotia on Saturday met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr Jitendra Singh here, today and projected several key demands related to irrigation infrastructure, education and public welfare for favourable consideration. During the meeting, Jasrotia submitted detailed representation to the Union Minister and sought his intervention for early approval and [] The post Jasrotia meets Dr Jitendra, seeks early approval of Rs 571.83 cr Ravi Project appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bangladeshs ties with India will depend on Ganges water treaty renewal: BNP
DHAKA, May 16: Bangladeshs ruling BNP on Saturday said the countrys relations with India will depend on a new Ganges Water Sharing Treaty as it sought immediate talks with New Delhi for an agreement in line with Dhakas expectations and needs. The Indo-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed in 1996, is due to expire in []
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | CONNOLLY BECAME YOUNGEST OVERSEAS IPL CENTURION WITH 107* VS SRH MATCH TODAY RCB VS PBKS AT 3:30 PM | DC VS RR AT 7:30 PM New Delhi, May 16: Vaibhav Sooryavanshis audacious strokeplay will come up against seam-and-swing master Mitchell Starc as Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals lock horns in []
CBSE makes three-language study compulsory in Class 9 from July 1
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Biology lecturer, part of NTAs paper-setting committee for NEET-UG, arrested
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Delhi Capitals runs into Rajasthan Royals in a must-win game
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Pak must decide whether to be part of geography or history: Army Chief
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India rejects Hague tribunals arbitration award
Says Indus Waters Treaty is in abeyance New Delhi: India on Saturday trashed a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague regarding certain hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir which Pakistan had objected to under the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty. New Delhi, rejecting the award, said its decision to hold []
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From caste names to Don tags: The rise of the illegal, fancy number plate in Delhi
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Chola-era Anaimangalam Plates, in possession of Leiden University since 1862, returned to India
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IPL 2026: You Dont Captain When You At-bat, Says Sangakkara As He Decodes Roles Of Fit-again Parag
Indian Premier League: In the high-stakes ecosystem of the Indian Premier League (IPL), managing young talent burdened with multi-faceted responsibilities is one of the toughest challenges for any modern coach. Ahead of the Rajasthan Royals crucial game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kumar Sangakkara, RRs head coach and director of cricket, provided an expansive masterclass into how the franchise navigates the development of its young captain, Riyan Parag. In a major boost for the inaugural champions as they look to solidify their playoff credentials, Sangakkara confirmed that the team expects Parag to be fully fit from a hamstring niggle and be ready to lead the side from the front. Parag was back batting in the nets after a hamstring niggle ruled him out of RR's last game against the Gujarat Titans, which they lost by 77 runs. Parag has averaged just 23, and his one good knock, ironically, came against DC, when he cracked 90 in Jaipur. We were expecting him to be fully fit and ready. I think Riyan has three roles. One is captain, leader, and batter. Every single time, he's got to separate the three a little bit. Captaincy and leadership go a little bit more hand-in-hand, whereas batting, he just has to enjoy his batting as Riyan Parag, the batter. You saw in the Kings game and then in the game after that against DC how well he did in terms of his execution, his real short skill, and situational awareness. Those are three key things for a batter. Unfortunately, he had a little hamstring niggle after that game, so he couldn't really continue that momentum. But every game is an opportunity for him to do that, and he's one of our best batters by far. So I have no issues with his skill, and the conversation is all about just making sure that you are batting as Riyan Parag, the batter. You don't captain when you bat. I thought his captaincy this season has been excellent - very, very good. He's learning very quickly. He's making some good, great decisions out there, said Sangakkara in the pre-match press conference. Stepping into RRs captaincy brings intense scrutiny, but Sangakkara revealed that Parag has displayed an exceptionally mature appetite for self-improvement. But also, he's got a process for when plans are set, and how to follow them. He has a lot of time with the players and the bat group staff to try and get his plans right. Then, in his leadership role, he has spent quite a good time with the players, the overseas, the Indians, just talking to them, understanding them a little bit more. I think he's been in those roles, and he's been very, very good. So I think he just needs to keep believing in himself and go out there, and when he bats, just have some fun with a smile because everyone knows what he can do. Then do the other two roles as well as he's been doing so far, he added. Sangakkara also described the team's itinerary as weird, characterised by a rapid succession of back-to-back games followed by twin eight-day breaks. It's not too difficult. Sometimes you do tend to think too far ahead. So we have these little conversations with the players about keeping their focus, taking it ball by ball. They've been pretty good. You can't really shy away from the fact that you've got to keep winning each game, and that's a good challenge for these guys. The real key is to be consistent in your standards. We've had really good days with both bat and ball. Some days with the ball, not so much with the bat, and that happens in T20 cricket. We've had a kind of weird schedule. We've had quick games one after the other, then an eight-day break, one game, another eight-day break. So sometimes it's good, sometimes it's counterproductive. The primary antidote, as per Sangakkara, to be fresh in a staggered schedule is psychological freshness. But the whole point is, once you know the schedule, just kind of keep your standards up. You practice really with purpose, you don't have to overtrain, and then you just have to keep believing that we have the skills as a unit to really go out there and compete against and beat any side. The real proof of preparation is being able to execute properly in a game. Once you're executing well, the result can go whichever way to the side that plays a little bit better and smarter in those big moments. So those big moments are what we're trying to win and really set up games for us to take advantage of. The guys have been in a good space. They know when things go right, they know when things don't go so well. So you don't really have to beat them over the head with it. Just keep supporting them and just lead them down to kind of the right focus, and then it's just skill versus skill after that. Sometimes, during breaks, just over-training is a problem. So we are here to practice and just to play. So we will have different sessions, but a lot of these breaks have been about refocusing, refreshing, keeping those guys having fun and having them really love being together as a group, and then you train in the last three days. RR, suffering five defeats in their last seven outings, has sparked fears of them entering a chronic second-half wobble, a trend that proved fatal for the franchise in the last two seasons. RR once looked invincible after four successive wins, but now finds itself on a slippery slope and at fifth spot on the points table, with Sangakkara remaining pragmatic about the highs and lows of the league. I think we've had a few close games. We had a 224 game that was chased down. We had a few fielding mistakes in the SRH game. Then, we were not really disciplined in terms of execution in the DC game. I mean, I have no problems when teams have done as much as they can to execute well, give their best effort on the field, and then you walk out and say, 'We got beaten by a better side.' RR, suffering five defeats in their last seven outings, has sparked fears of them entering a chronic second-half wobble, a trend that proved fatal for the franchise in the last two seasons. RR once looked invincible after four successive wins, but now finds itself on a slippery slope and at fifth spot on the points table, with Sangakkara remaining pragmatic about the highs and lows of the league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Every side goes through the IPL in the same way. Highs, lows, highs, lows, good starts, good middle overs, good ends, bad ends, bad middles - that's the nature of the game. So you've got to keep focusing on the next game, just getting your training right, your focus right. You can't change the past. You don't know what tomorrow will bring, but all you can do is just be ready for it. Article Source: IANS
NCB seizes first-ever consignment of Captagon drug worth Rs 182 crore
New Delhi, May 16: The Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in the trafficking of Captagon and seized approximately 227.7 kg of the jihadi drug worth Rs 182 crore, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday. The success was announced by Home Minister Amit Shah on X. He lauded the agency for seizing the first-ever consignment of Captagon. Captagon is the street name historically linked to fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant developed in the 1960s which earned the sobriquet of the jihadi drug due to repeated allegations and intelligence inputs linking its abuse and trafficking with extremist and conflict-zone networks operating in parts of West Asia, sources said. The terminology emerged because the stimulant effects of the drug allegedly enabled users to remain awake for extended periods, suppress fear and exhaustion, increase aggression and risk-taking behaviour, and sustain prolonged combat-like activity under stressful conditions. In his post on X, Shah said the Modi government has resolved to make a Drug-Free India. Glad to share that through 'Operation RAGEPILL', our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called 'Jihadi Drug', worth Rs 182 crore, Shah said. The busting of the drug consignment destined for the Middle East and the arrest of a foreign national stand out as shining examples of our commitment to zero tolerance against drugs, he said. I repeat we will clamp down on every gram of drugs entering India or leaving the country using our territory as the transit route. Kudos to the brave and vigilant warriors of the NCB. @narcoticsbureau, the minister said. Sharing the details of the operation, the MHA said in a statement that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) received the information from a foreign drug law enforcement agency that India is being used as a transit route for the trafficking of Captagon. A house was identified in Neb Sarai, New Delhi, and searches were conducted on May 11, which led to the recovery of about 31.5 Kg Captagon tablets carefully concealed in a commercial chapati-cutting machine. Preliminary investigation suggests that the machine was intended for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the statement said. The said house in Neb Sarai had been rented by a Syrian national, who had entered India on a tourist visa on November 15, 2024. His visa expired on January 12, 2025, and he was illegally staying in India, the MHA said. His questioning led to the recovery of about 196.2 kg of Captagon powder from a container in the Container Facilitation Station (CFS) at Mundra, Gujarat, on May 14. The container was imported from Syria with sheep wool as the declared consignment. A thorough search of the container led to the recovery of 3 bags containing 196.2 kg of Captagon powder, the statement said. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the seized consignment was intended for transshipment to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, where Captagon abuse has emerged as a serious law enforcement and public health concern, it said. The MHA said a total of 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder were seized under Operation Ragepill, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 182 crore in destination markets across the Gulf and Middle East. According to the statement, Captagon mainly contains fenetylline and amphetamine, both of which are psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Liquor Ban Possible Within Minutes if Delhi Wants, Says Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan
SRINAGAR: Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and Rajya Sabha member Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan on Saturday said that all major laws implemented in Jammu and Kashmir originate from New Delhi, and asserted that liquor trade in the Union Territory could be stopped within 10 minutes if the Centre so desired. Speaking to reporters on []
Flights From Delhi May Get Cheaper As Tax On Aviation Fuel Slashed
The decision, approved by the Delhi Cabinet on Friday, is expected to reduce fuel costs for airlines operating out of the national capital.
Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway: A new six-lane expressway connecting Lucknow and Kanpur is set to open soon. This project will drastically cut travel time between the two cities, from over two hours to just 45 minutes. The expressway is expected to boost regional economic activity by improving freight movement and supporting industrial growth.
Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Ian Bell drew glowing parallels between wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and England batting greats Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, praising the Indian batters relentless work ethic and intelligence in evolving as a modern T20 batter ahead of Sundays Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rahul, who has been the linchpin of DCs misfiring batting line-up this season, has endured a lean patch since smashing a record-breaking, unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings last month. The elegant right-hander has crossed the 30-run mark just once in his last five innings. Overall, Rahul remains DC's top scorer this season with 477 runs from 12 matches at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 178, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 152. It's been amazing to work with KL, to be honest with you. Again, I didn't have to say too much. He's a smart cricketer. He knows what he needs to do to keep evolving his game. Again, if he wants to get back in the India T20, he knows where that game has gone in the power play and where you have to be. So I think he's a really intelligent cricketer, which, again, as a coach and working alongside. Again, when I've been fortunate enough to play with great players, Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, they're very similar. They work extremely hard away from the cameras. They know what they're doing. They come to training with a purpose. So he's been really great to work with, really, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. DC will be desperate for Rahul to find his groove as he faces a challenging battle against RRs pace spearhead Jofra Archer. Historically, Rahul enjoys an exceptional record against RR, aggregating 826 runs from 18 innings at an average of 51.62 and a strike rate of 135, featuring eight half-centuries. His last five scores against the Royals read a consistent 75, 38, 76, 58, and 39. I've picked his brains a lot as well, which has been great for me as well. But he's great, again, around the group with the younger batters. But I think for his own game, he knew what he wanted to do coming to this club. We know he can score a volume of runs. But can he then slightly take that more to where the game is going now? I think he's proven to everyone he can do that. Hopefully this is the, like I said, for the next few years, that's where it's going, and who knows where it can go after this, and I think that's the impressive thing. The same is true when you watch Virat as well. I think players who've played so much cricket and get to that stage in their career, if you are willing to improve and get better, I think that shows hunger and desire. KL, as I said, around the group, shows that every day, added Bell, who played 118 Tests and 161 ODIs for England. While Rahul has spearheaded DC batting, Bell emphasised the need for individual ownership within the wider batting order, especially while batting first. I think there's no doubt about the way the game is going in T20 cricket. We've seen the scores this year. I mean, we've managed ourselves to score 265 and then not defend it. So we know where the game's going and plan A is to be ultra aggressive, but we've also seen here in Delhi where the wicket can be a little bit different, and you've got to use different skills. If the ball's turning and it's a bit tacky, then you have to adapt. You've got to be able to play the likes of Narine differently. You've got to find your options as well as using your power game. So I think there's a part of play when the surface isn't absolutely true. But again, I think for us here, we still want to give the guys absolute clarity and license to be as aggressive as possible. We know that you're not going to win T20 cricket anymore by playing safe and building a foundation. But I think the best teams can adapt. I think that's where we have to be, certainly here at home, and we've got to be better at doing that by adapting to when the wicket is really good, to when the wicket maybe is holding a little bit and finding what is a match-winning score if we bat first. Bell also strongly voiced his backing for skipper Axar Patel, who has faced turbulent form this season. Axar has managed just 100 runs from nine batting innings at a disappointing average of 12.5 and a strike rate of 112. Barring a 30-ball 56 against the Punjab Kings, Axar has registered single-digit scores in seven of his other eight outings. Statistically, this is Axar's third-worst season with the bat in tournament history, only slightly ahead of his averages in 2021 (8) and 2014 (10.3). His primary struggle has come against spin, where he averages a meagre 9.5 with a sluggish strike rate of 70, compared to an average of 13.5 and a strike rate of 131 against pace. On the bowling front, Axar has fared better but has lacked his trademark penetration, picking up 10 wickets from 11 innings at an economy rate of 8.10. Furthermore, while he has been restrictive against right-handers this season - yielding seven wickets at an economy of 7.2, he has been taken to the cleaners by left-handed batsmen, conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 12. I think it's been really important to really support him and get around him. It's not easy - he's an important player not just for this franchise, but for India as well in T20 cricket. As somebody who can bat and field, they're so important to your team. He's obviously disappointed, as more than probably anyone. I know that people on the outside, supporters, want him and individuals like him who work hard at the game. He's desperate to do well for this franchise and for himself as well. It was great to see the way he played the other day. He put the positive option, I think the first boundary, on a seamer-friendly pitch. He advanced down and really took the momentum back to our side in that game, and hopefully, he can finish on a real high. We know what he can do at his best, and we've got to keep supporting him through that, and it happens to all cricketers. We've all been there when, unfortunately, cricket is a tough game, and sometimes you have to ride it; you've got to keep backing yourself. You've got to keep putting yourself out there in pressure situations, and it will all come good. He works hard, is respected and supported by the playing group, and we hope that he can come through. He's a great character in that dressing room, as we know. In all the teams he's played for, he's the kind of person you want in your dressing room, and we want to help him as the leader of that team. Hopefully, the other day was just the start of him finishing on a high at the back end of this competition, explained Bell. Turning his attention to their immediate opponents, RR, Bell openly acknowledged the threat posed by their young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, branding him the ultimate prized wicket that DC must take out early. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century. Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile chasing pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. So the guys would have done a lot of work. I'm sure he's chomping at the bit as well because we got him out early last time, so he'll be desperate to, I suppose, put that right, as all top players want to do. So, it's really important to take him out quickly. I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I know Trevor Penney and Kumar Sangakkara well. He's got some amazing people there that can guide him well, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we see him with India as well, but he's a scary talent, really. It's amazing to watch. So, we'd love to get him out early tomorrow, but I suppose from a neutral point of view, when he's playing against other teams, it's nice to watch him bat, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS
SC Delhi aims to bounce back at home against Inter Kashi
IPL 2026: We Cant Win Competitions Being This Inconsistent, Says DC Assistant Coach Bell
Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell admitted that chronic inconsistency on their home turf has plagued their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign and that one can't win competitions with those extremes the side has displayed this season. But Bell asserted that DC is highly motivated to finish their home leg on a high note for its fans when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening. After acing a sensational run-chase against Punjab Kings, DC face a must-win situation against RR to retain their mathematical, albeit bleak, chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs. But a defeat will officially eliminate DC from the tournament's Playoffs race. Desperate to finish their home leg on a high, DC will look to arrest a harrowing slump at their base venue, where they havent been able to grasp the varying behaviour of the pitches. Despite kicking off their season with a comfortable home victory against the Mumbai Indians, DC have suffered five consecutive defeats in their backyard and hold a dismal 17 percent win record at home this season. I think just being very inconsistent is one thing. I know there's been a lot of talk about the wicket, but I think, again, you can't use that as an excuse too much. It's the same for both teams. I think we have to accept, and it has been a crazy season for the fact that we scored 265 here, followed that up by being bowled out for 75 - you can't win competitions if you're that inconsistent, and I think we have to accept that reality. I think the guys are working extremely hard, and there's no doubt in front of your home fans that you want to make this a fortress. But we know, I mean, history probably tells, it's not just this season, but in years gone by, it's not been an easy venue to win games for Delhi, so I think that's something that needs to be addressed. We had a really good chat today about that, and we want to finish on a real high here at home, as we did in the last two games. I think it's really important that tomorrow is a performance that people can go away with excited and proud of the team, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. A volatile top-order and a lack of consistency in top-order batting roles have severely hampered DCs ability to maximize the powerplay overs. The franchise's search for a settled combination has seen it experiment extensively at the top. The pairing of KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel was the third different opening combination deployed by DC this season, while the critical number three slot has evolved into a revolving door, with Sahil Parakh becoming the fourth batsman to occupy the position. This frequent shuffling of roles has directly dented the team's ability to gain early momentum. Statistically, DCs opening partnerships this season have yielded 388 runs across their outings at a modest average of 32.3. While the dynamic stands at a healthy strike rate of 161, comprising two half-centuries, one century, and a best partnership of 110, the lack of stability has prevented DC from getting off the blocks consistently. It's, again, a good question and something that's been discussed a lot. You're right - I think when you look at the top four teams at the moment, there's a lot of consistency in the batting lineup, certainly the top four, and the combinations haven't quite worked for us, and it's something probably, over a period of time now, not having that stability in the batting lineup is something that, obviously, we're working towards, and guys have to take those opportunities as well and turn them into matchwinning performances. I suppose if we look statistically, KL's, again, had a fantastic year. He's increased his strike rate, which is what a lot of people have asked him to do. But we need other people to step up as well and be more consistent, and as you said with Ashu (Ashutosh Sharma) as well, we know what he can do. Personally, in this format of the game, you want your most aggressive players out in the park, so it's been great to have him in the team now, and the likes of him and Miller together is a really dangerous thought for any opposition team. So, great that he's playing now, and what I personally look at a lot of the other teams is a lot more stability, but again, I think that's down to players taking their opportunity as well. That's really important as well, not just about selection, but when you get your chance at this level and in any franchise, especially here, you have to grab it with both hands, and I don't think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that's important as well. I think any coaching staff wants to give clarity and confidence in selection, but players have to be able to take the opportunity. We see that, and it's about putting in performances for the franchise of winning games of cricket, explained Bell. Bell insisted the team environment remained positive despite results, adding that the squad's motivation remains simple: playing for a win at home for everyone involved with the team. No, it's been easy. I think when we're representing the Delhi Capitals, we have a responsibility to go out there and put the best performance we have, not just for the individuals in the team, but for the supporters and owners. That's really important as well, not just about selection, but when you get your chance at this level and in any franchise, especially here, you have to grab it with both hands, and I don't think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that's important as well. I think any coaching staff wants to give clarity and confidence in selection, but players have to be able to take the opportunity. We see that, and it's about putting in performances for the franchise of winning games of cricket, explained Bell. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But the important thing is putting in a performance tomorrow, firstly, and just making sure we win the game tomorrow, and it's a good performance, whether we bat first, bowl first, we put in a good performance. We can't control the results, and then we'll move on to the last game, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS
Not Having Stability In The Batting Line-Up Has Not Helped Us: Delhi Capitals Coach Bell
KL has again had a fantastic year. He has increased his strike rate, which is what a lot of people asked him to do: Ian Bell
Bangladesh's ties with India 'will depend on' Ganges water treaty renewal: BNP
Bangladesh's ruling BNP has stated that relations with India hinge on a new Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. The party seeks immediate talks with New Delhi for an agreement that meets Bangladesh's expectations. The current 30-year treaty expires in December. Bangladesh recently approved a mega project for a barrage on the Padma river.
Top IS commander Abu Bilal Al-Minuki killed, says Trump
New Delhi, May 16: In a daredevil operation, global leader of the Islamic State (IS), Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, was killed in a joint operation conducted by the United States and Nigerian security forces last night. American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and highly complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield, President Trump said. He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan operations targeting Americans, Trump added. With his removal, ISISs global operation is greatly diminished. Trump thanked the government of Nigeria for its partnership in the operation, while not disclosing the exact location where it took place. The U.S. State Department described Al-Minuki as a Sahel-based IS senior leader and part of the groups General Directorate of Provinces, the administrative body that provides operational guidance and funding worldwide. IS has radically shifted in recent years, with around 90% of its attacks now taking place in sub-Saharan Africa. Its Nigeria-based branch is by far the most active. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said the two countries had carried out a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to IS. Al-Minuki was declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by Washington in 2023. He had reportedly been promoted to Head of the General Directorate of States, making him one of the most senior figures within the global IS hierarchy.
IPL 2026: Dropped Catches, Dip In Catching Efficiency - Fielding Issues Raise Huge Alarms
Indian Premier League: On the eve of taking on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the social media accounts of Rajasthan Royals (RR) posted an interesting 20-second clip of its fielders taking catches at practice with both hands and Ravi Bishnoi completing a grab with his right hand. More than the video, the caption caught the eye, as it said Dont drop your catches, along with laughter and folded hand emojis attached. If one were living under a rock, then that line would have been seen as another attempt by RRs social media admins to generate quirky laughter. But if one digs deeper, then that caption also points towards a trend which has been a nagging concern of dropped catches and a dip in catching efficiency, raising huge alarms in the ten-team competition. The cricketers in 2026 are faster, fitter, and more athletic than any generation before them. The way they dive, slide, and leap to complete acrobatic catches would have seemed extraordinary even a decade ago. IPL 2026 is shaping up as the most telling reminder yet that athleticism and catching proficiency are two very different things. The data from CricViz tells the story in cold, unforgiving numbers. After 59 matches in IPL 2026, fielding sides have held 541 catches and dropped 153 - a catching efficiency of 77.9 per cent. Six of the 10 franchises are operating below the 80 per cent threshold. The scale of the problem is not lost on the game's insiders, and its consequences in a format where 200-plus totals are now routine, and the Impact Sub rule has tilted the balance further toward batters have been severe. No team better illustrates the crisis than the Delhi Capitals. With a catching efficiency of just 65.4 per cent - the worst in the competition - DC have squandered 19 out of 36 chances. Think of how many times Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao was left ruing about dropped catches costing them crucial runs after losing matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad have dropped 24 catches the most by any side this season but their catching efficiency percentage is slightly better at 72.7 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, Kolkata Knight Riders lead the standings by holding 56 catches and dropping just eight chances at a healthy 87.5 per cent in ten matches and have conceded only one difficult drop all season. Rajasthan Royals (83.8 percent), Lucknow Super Giants (82.5 percent), Gujarat Titans (82 percent), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (81.6 percent) have also shown what a cohesive fielding unit can achieve. Punjab Kings, with a catching efficiency percentage of 73.5, have encapsulated the paradox of the modern fielding unit - captain Shreyas Iyer produced one of the catches of the tournament - a breathtaking mid-air relay against the Mumbai Indians to dismiss Hardik Pandya. Holding his balance in flight, Iyer tossed the ball back to teammate Xavier Bartlett before crossing the boundary rope. It was the kind of moment that makes highlight reels for years. Yet Iyer's brilliance has not been reflected in the unit around him his teammate Shashank Singh has had a tournament to forget in fielding by dropping six catches, including spilling three chances in a single innings against Lucknow Super Giants. As per CricViz data since 2020, overall catches have grown significantly from 459 in 2020 to a peak of 645 in 2024, suggesting that high-scoring matches have occurred in the tournament. The catching percentage peaked in 2023 at 81.5 percent, but has declined since then, to 75 percent in 2025 and 77.9 percent so far in 2026. Drops have risen sharply - from 129 in 2020 to hitting a peak of 207 in 2025, and with 153 dropped catches in 59 matches, IPL 2026 is on pace to reach a similarly high metric. Raw drop counts tell only part of the story. Cricket-21's runs-saved and runs-missed metrics put a harder number on the damage, and the figures are sobering. Naman Dhirs eight drops have not merely handed batters second lives, but cost Mumbai Indians 27 runs - the highest by any individual fielder in IPL 2026. Shashanks struggles in fielding acquire an even grimmer dimension through this lens: his dropped catches have cost Punjab Kings an estimated 22 runs in the field this season. What also makes for a grim reading is that not a single one of Shashanks six drops are classified as a difficult chance. According to Cricket-21 data, all of them were classified as easy or medium, as Shashanks catch efficiency stands at a near-indefensible 14.3 per cent. SRH have leaked 128 runs through fielding lapses this season - the worst figure of any franchise - while saving only 57. That net deficit of 71 runs is not an abstraction - in a format where margins between winning and losing a game can be as thin as 10 or 15 runs, it is the difference between finishing at the top spot and ending up at number four. Chennai Super Kings compound the picture further with 16 missed run-out opportunities, the most for any side. LSG, despite being at the bottom of the points table, emerges as the standout team when runs saved are the currency. Their fielders have saved 133 runs this season, the most for any franchise. In terms of individual catching, by combining all keepers and fielders, Jos Buttler leads outright with 17 catches. Jitesh Sharma stands out for efficiency - 12 catches and a stellar percentage of 92.3. Rishabh Pant has saved 26 runs, which makes him the most valuable fielder on either side this season, while Nicholas Pooran, Anukul Roy, Pathum Nissanka, Dhruv Jurel, and Noor Ahmad have saved 17 runs. Those inside the system are not surprised to see fielding and catching being an issue in IPL 2026. A senior fielding coach, who has worked at the highest level, spoke to IANS on the condition of anonymity on the roots of the malaise in catching and fielding. There are many reasons behind it: number one, hard hands. Number two, they don't get under the ball. Instead, they try to reach out to the ball. Number three, they want to make it a little glamorous. I havent seen someone running, nicely pausing, and taking a catch. Instead, someone has run and made a slide and taken the catch. But what I can see is, the easy catch, they make it look difficult and glamorous, and that's maybe one reason why so many dropped catches are happening on the field, said the fielding coach. The coach did not spare the culture around practice. Whatever is there has to be caught; it's simple. One doesn't have to think too much. It should be treated like a routine - waking up in the morning, taking a bath, and having breakfast. It should be deeply embedded in the routine of all players so that those chances arent missed. Another fielding coach, a regular in the cricketing circuit, told IANS that pressure and constant travel are also leading to catches being dropped regularly. Everyones talking about dropped catches, and rightly so, as fielding decides the outcome of games. But sometimes we forget that constant travel and the high pressure of playing matches are always around. It needs to be seen if players are getting enough sleep, and whether they are fresh mentally and physically for giving it their all on match day? As per my view, most catches are going down on the square boundaries. Are those exact-match scenarios being replicated in practice by coaches? Also, are your best fielders in the hot zones on match days? We also saw that new LED lights were installed in Jaipur, which took some time for RR fielders to adjust. Another fielding coach, a regular in the cricketing circuit, told IANS that pressure and constant travel are also leading to catches being dropped regularly. Everyones talking about dropped catches, and rightly so, as fielding decides the outcome of games. But sometimes we forget that constant travel and the high pressure of playing matches are always around. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The athleticism is not in doubt, as the IPL has always showcased that. The question heading into the business end of the season is a simpler and older one: when the ball comes to you, do you hold it? Right now, for far too many players and teams in IPL 2026, the answer is no. One can just hope that teams like RR will hope that the efforts done in practice and showcased on social media are executed on the field to arrest the great fielding and catching slide. Article Source: IANS
Gold Bars Worth Rs 5.5 Crore Hidden In Pants, US Man Caught At Delhi Airport
Gold was fitted into the inner pockets of his trousers in such a manner that it would be difficult to detect during a routine check.
Delhi cuts VAT on aviation fuel from 25% to 7% amid global fuel uncertainty
The move comes amid global fuel uncertainty triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict and is expected to provide relief to airlines and benefit passengers through lower operational costs.
Rent of industrial-warehousing space rises 30pc in 5yrs at Farukh Nagar, NH48 in Delhi-NCR
Rental costs for industrial and warehousing spaces in Delhi-NCR's Farukh Nagar and NH 48 have surged by approximately 30 percent over the past five years. Experts predict continued rental increases. This trend is fueled by a growing demand for high-quality spaces and ongoing infrastructure development. India's industrial and warehousing sector is experiencing significant growth, with key clusters driving market momentum.
Centre Appoints Two Joint Secretaries, Joint Directors In National Testing Agency
NEW DELHI, May 16: The Centre on Saturday appointed two each joint secretaries and joint directors in the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is under the heat over the NEET-UG paper leak. Anuja Bapat, a 1998-batch officer of Indian Statistical Service, and Ruchita Vij, a 2004-batch officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes), will be new joint secretaries in the NTA for five years, an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said. Akash Jain, an Indian Revenue Service [] The post Centre Appoints Two Joint Secretaries, Joint Directors In National Testing Agency appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre Modernising 736 Dams Under Rs 10,211-Crore Rehabilitation Programme
NEW DELHI, May 16: India is implementing one of the worlds largest dam-rehabilitation programmes under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP), with rehabilitation proposals worth Rs 5,053 crore for 191 dams already approved and major physical-rehabilitation work completed at 43 dams till March 31, 2025, according to the Jal Shakti Ministry. The ministry said the second and third phases of the DRIP, operationalised in October 2021, together cover 736 dams across 19 states and three central agencies the [] The post Centre Modernising 736 Dams Under Rs 10,211-Crore Rehabilitation Programme appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In a significant crackdown, customs agents at Delhi's IGI Airport intercepted an American of Indian descent, discovering a staggering 115 gold bars concealed in his trousers, valued at over Rs 5.5 crore.
Delhi cuts VAT on aviation turbine fuel to 7% from 25%
The Delhi government has significantly cut the Value Added Tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel. The tax on ATF will now be 7 percent, down from 25 percent. This decision aims to lower airline operating expenses. It is expected to boost Delhi's standing as a major aviation center. Airlines operating from the national capital will benefit from this tax reduction.
New Delhi rejects Indus Water Treaty arbitration award, calls tribunal illegal
New Delhi, May 16: New Delhi on Saturday rejected the latest award issued by the so-called Court of Arbitration on the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with Pakistan, asserting that the tribunal itself was illegally constituted and that all its proceedings and decisions were null and void. Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the tribunal had issued what it termed an award on maximum pondage supplemental to the award on issues of general interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty on May 15. The illegally constituted so-called Court of Arbitration (CoA) has, on 15 May 2026, issued what it termed an award concerning maximum pondage supplemental to the award on issues of general interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty, spokesperson said. India categorically rejects the present so-called award, just as it has firmly rejected all prior pronouncements of the illegally constituted CoA, he added. Reiterating Indias long-standing stand on the matter, the MEA spokesperson said, India has never recognised the establishment of this so-called CoA. Any proceeding, award, or decision issued by it is null and void. Indias decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, governs the sharing of waters of six rivers of the Indus basin, Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The Permanent Court of Arbitration, headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, had constituted the Court of Arbitration to examine disputes linked to the treaty. However, New Delhi has consistently refused to participate in the proceedings, arguing that the arbitration mechanism violates the dispute resolution framework of the treaty. New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that any pronouncement made by the tribunal lacks legal validity and is not binding on India.
India rejects Court of Arbitration ruling on Indus Waters Treaty
India has firmly rejected a recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. New Delhi stated that the court is illegally constituted and its decisions are null and void. India has never recognized this arbitration body. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that any proceedings or awards from this court lack legal validity.
Jor Bagh not renamed 'Anupam Colony': Clarifies NDMC VC
Jor Bagh has not been renamed Anupam Colony. The New Delhi Municipal Council clarified this is a sustainability tag for colonies achieving high standards. This recognition highlights Jor Bagh's progress in waste management and self-sustained living. The initiative aims to encourage more colonies to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Delhi University has opened registrations for its 2026-27 postgraduate admissions, exclusively through CUET-PG scores. A new auto-integration system will streamline candidate data. Students in their third or fourth year of undergraduate studies are now eligible. The university is also introducing one-year master's programs under the NEP framework, with mid-entry options available
Delhi Police bust 128 crore GST fraud racket, arrest six accused
Investigators said the syndicate created nearly 250 shell firms for bogus GST invoices and fake ITC claims.
Delhi Sets 2027 Deadline To Clear Ghazipur, Bhalswa, Okhla Garbage Mountains
Delhi has set a fresh deadline to flatten its giant garbage mountains, a promise residents around Ghazipur, Bhalswa and Okhla have heard before.
Remembering Pt. Chatur Lal, a pioneer who introduced the tabla to the world
On his birth centenary, a grand celebration at Delhis Safdarjung tomb honoured not only his short, luminous life but also served as a poignant reminder of Pt. Chatur Lals musical genius.
Delhi moves from 'Achiever' to 'Exemplar' category in LEADS 2025
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the national capital has secured a place in the highest 'Exemplar' category in the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 Index, marking a major jump from its earlier 'Achiever' status.
CJI Surya Kant clarifies 'parasites' remarks, says 'pained' over media reports
New Delhi, May 16: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday issued a strongly worded clarification on his 'parasites' remarks, saying he was pained by media reports that suggested he criticised youth. I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday, the CJI said in a statement. Kant emphasised that his remarks were specifically directed at individuals entering the legal profession through fake and bogus degrees and were misquoted by a section of the media. The clarification follows a controversy during a hearing on Friday, when the CJI used words like parasites and cockroaches while pulling up a lawyer for his plea seeking senior designation. What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites. It is totally baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation. Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me. It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian youth have great regard and respect for me, and I too see them as the pillars of a developed India, the chief justice said about his remarks.
Mohsin Naqvi invited to attend ICC meeting and IPL final in India: Report
New Delhi, May 16: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has received an invitation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to attend its Board meeting and the Indian Premier League (IPL) final scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad later this month, Geo TV reported. According to the report, Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed receiving the invitation to attend the ICC Board meeting and the IPL final in India. Jay Shah is currently serving as Chairman of the ICC after officially taking over the post on December 1, 2024, following his unopposed election. The ICCs upcoming quarterly meetings are being held in Ahmedabad, though it has not yet been confirmed whether Mohsin Naqvi will travel to India to attend them. The ICC is scheduled to hold a virtual Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meeting on May 21, followed by in-person Board meetings on May 30 and 31 during the IPL 2026 final weekend in Ahmedabad. The meetings were originally planned for Doha, Qatar, but were shifted to India due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. According to the report, a final decision regarding Naqvis participation will be taken by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Compulsory In Classes 9-10, Exempts Third Language From Board Exam
New Delhi, May 16: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the study of three languages compulsory for students from Class IX beginning July 1, while clarifying that there will be no Board examination for the third language (R3) in Class X. In a circular issued on May 15, the CBSE said that at least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum [] The post CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Compulsory In Classes 9-10, Exempts Third Language From Board Exam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rupee fall reflects sentiment-driven weakness, not macro fundamental deterioration: N ArunaGiri
NEW DELHI, May 16: Rupee breaching one level after another is more a reflection of sentiment-driven weakness than any serious deterioration in macro fundamentals, said N ArunaGiri, CEO of TrustLine Holdings. He warned that the real risk is that, if left unchecked, this loss of confidence can turn into a self-fulfilling vicious cycle, triggering further pressure on the rupee that is not warranted by underlying fundamentals. If one looks at Indias macro position today, the situation is far from alarming. [] The post Rupee fall reflects sentiment-driven weakness, not macro fundamental deterioration: N ArunaGiri appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
TCS aims to be worlds largest AI tech firm; 130 top AI clients onboarded: CEO Krithivasan
NEW DELHI, May 16: The countrys largest IT firm TCS aims to become the worlds largest AI-led technology services company, with 130 of its top 139 clients already choosing it as their AI services partner, CEO and Managing Director K Krithivasan said. In his letter to shareholders in the companys Annual Report for 2025-26, Krithivasan noted that FY26 marked an inflection point for enterprise AI, as customers decisively moved from experimental pilots to scaled deployments. To realise the opportunities offered [] The post TCS aims to be worlds largest AI tech firm; 130 top AI clients onboarded: CEO Krithivasan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Housing sales dip 2pc in Jan-Mar in top 8 cities to 96,000 units: PropTiger
NEW DELHI, May 16: Housing sales in January-March fell 2 per cent annually to nearly 96,000 units across eight major cities amid slowdown in demand and less fresh supply of low-cost homes, according to PropTiger. On Saturday, real estate consultant PropTiger, which has recently been acquired by listed entity Aurum PropTech Ltd, released Real INSIGHT Residential Q1 2026 report that tracks eight key cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, MMR (Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane) and Pune. [] The post Housing sales dip 2pc in Jan-Mar in top 8 cities to 96,000 units: PropTiger appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Dr Reddys launches generic Semaglutide injection in Canada
NEW DELHI, May 16: Dr Reddys Laboratories on Saturday said it has launched its generic version of Semaglutide injection used in treatment of type 2 diabetes in Canada. The company is among the first firms to introduce a generic Semaglutide injection in the Canadian market, following the Notice of Compliance (NOC) received from Health Canada on April 28, 2026, Dr Reddys said in a statement. Canada is the first G7 country to grant market authorisation for Semaglutide injection, it added. [] The post Dr Reddys launches generic Semaglutide injection in Canada appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
New Delhi , May 16 : Star batter Virat Kohli opened up on the emotional moment when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended their 18-year wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, saying the feeling of winning the trophy after years of heartbreak was far more special than it would have been in the franchises early years. RCB lifted their maiden IPL crown in 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final, ending years of disappointment and near misses for one of the leagues most followed franchises. Kohli, who has represented the Bengaluru franchise since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, was visibly emotional after the historic triumph. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli recalled the emotions he experienced during the closing moments of the final when pacer Josh Hazlewood bowled the last over with PBKS needing 29 runs.I felt very thankful, and I feel grateful every day of my life, to be honest. I have nothing to complain about. But that night, especially, and I still say its very difficult to explain to people in words how I felt in the last four balls of the last over, Kohli said.When you see from the outside what has happened to the franchise, how RCB has been looked at for so many years as a big team, big franchise thats never won, you know, the almost champions, the ones that have come close but never really won the trophy. And for that pressure to build over so many years, like season after season, and theres one thing to observe it, and theres one thing to live it. And I have lived through all of those seasons, he added. Reflecting on why the triumph felt uniquely special, Kohli admitted the prolonged wait made the achievement even more meaningful.I can with absolute honesty and clarity say that it wouldnt have been five per cent of the feeling I had, had we won it in the earlier years. And the accumulation of all that stress and all that pressure. And for it to happen after 18 years, there couldnt have been a better experience for me in my cricketing journey, apart from all the other things that Ive experienced playing for India as well. This was very, very special, the batter said.Kohli has been the face of the franchise for nearly two decades and remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history with 9,145 runs, including a record nine centuries in the tournament. The former RCB captain reflected on his long journey with the franchise and the trust shown in him during a crucial phase of his career when he was the only retained player for Bengaluru ahead of the 2011 season.I started my journey with RCB very young, as everyone knows. Then I was retained at a very important juncture in my career, to be fair, with the conversation back and forth. RCB agreed to the perspective I had for my own career, for my own game, because I was also playing for India. They showed trust in me. I was the only retained player in 2011. And they kind of built the team around, he said. Kohli also spoke about the emotional attachment several legendary overseas players developed with the franchise, mentioning icons like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.Then the involvement of like AB, Chris Gayle, all the iconic players that have played for so many years, very naturally, they also started feeling all those pressures and all the expectations. And hence, the care comes from the fact that when you have kind of given so much of yourself, you know, to one team, because its demanding so much out of you, to be honest, like the expectations have been sky high always. So when people give so much of their own being to something, there is a very genuine and natural care and an emotional connection, Kohli stated. He further described how the franchise and its fanbase impacted players deeply over the years.I felt that impact probably more than anyone over the course of 18 years, till the last year we won the trophy. And I think all those emotions, all those feelings came out in a form of just being on my knees and just holding my hands and saying, thank you, that I could experience this before I stopped playing, he said. RCB, the defending IPL champions, are currently enjoying another strong campaign in the 2026 season. The Bengaluru side sits at the top of the points table with eight wins from 12 matches, while Kohli has once again led from the front with 484 runs at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 165. (ANI)
Southwest Monsoon Advances Into Parts Of Arabian Sea, Bay Of Bengal, Andaman And Nicobar: IMD
NEW DELHI, May 16: The southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, the entire Nicobar Islands and parts of the Andaman Islands, including Sri Vijaya Puram, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. It also stated that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance further into some more parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal during the next three-four days. [] The post Southwest Monsoon Advances Into Parts Of Arabian Sea, Bay Of Bengal, Andaman And Nicobar: IMD appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NEET-UG paper-setter biology lecturer arrested by NTA committee
New Delhi: The CBI on Saturday, May 16, arrested a biology lecturer who was part of the National Testing Agencys (NTA) paper-setting committee for NEET-UG held on May 3, officials said. The arrest was made on the basis of questioning of alleged kingpin P V Kulkarni and other accused in the paper leak case, they 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 .
Army Chief Wants To Open A Cafe A Place To Relax For The Overworked
New Delhi, May 16: In a candid interaction with a group of youths here, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday not only offered leadership lessons to them, but also shared a personal dream to open a cafe named Ahista Zindagi, which will serve as a retreat for the senses in a fast-paced life. The general officer said this cafe, which he has planned to set up in his native state of Madhya Pradesh, will aim to serve as [] The post Army Chief Wants To Open A Cafe A Place To Relax For The Overworked appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi Govt to soon notify city logistics plan: CM Rekha Gupta
The Chief Minister said the national capital has secured a place in the highest Exemplary category in the country's Logistics Ease Across Different States 2025 Index
Need of the hour is Pariksha ki Samiksha: Congs dig at govt amid NEET row
New Delhi: Amid the NEET cancellation row, the Congress on Saturday, May 16, claimed that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan doesnt appear to be cut out for the task and said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives great publicity to his annual Pariksha pe Charcha extravaganza, what is needed is Pariksha ki Samiksha (review of 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 .
Revanth Reddy Leaves for Delhi, to Attend Wedding Reception of HC CJ's Son
Revanth Reddy is expected to return to Hyderabad either by Saturday night or Sunday morning
Delhi gang-rape case takes a new twist as accused claim money dispute. Here's what we know so far
A woman alleged gangrape on a bus in Outer Delhi, claiming sexual assault by the driver and conductor. The accused, however, contend it was a monetary dispute, with police investigating the sequence of events. The victim's statement has been recorded, and the bus seized for forensic examination with the cops saying that the matter is under investigation.
Police Issue Lookout Notice Against Bandi Sai Bageerath
Officials have formed five special teams to search for Bageerath. Searches are underway in Hyderabad, Karimnagar, and Delhi. Police are also checking his residence in Banjara Hills.
Delhi govt to soon notify city logistics plan : CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi is set to unveil a new city logistics plan aimed at boosting industrial investment. The national capital has achieved the highest 'Exemplary' ranking in the LEADS 2025 Index. This recognition highlights the government's efforts in improving logistics infrastructure and ease of doing business. The plan will be integrated into the upcoming Warehousing and Logistics Policy 2025.
NEET paper leak row: Youth Congress protests in Delhi, chief Uday Bhanu Chib detained
The protesters alleged that the education system had collapsed under the BJP-led NDA government
Youth Congress protests NEET paper leak in Delhi, IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib detained
NEW DELHI, May 16: The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Saturday staged a protest in the national capital, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over an alleged question paper leak in the NEET-UG this year. Holding posters, banners and party flags, IYC activists took out a protest march from Teen Murti Circle towards the education ministers residence before being stopped by police. Several members, including IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib, were detained during the protest. The NEET-UG [] The post Youth Congress protests NEET paper leak in Delhi, IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib detained appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Experts Flag Cardiac Dangers Linked To Extreme Workouts, Unsupervised Supplement Use
New Delhi, May 16: The growing obsession with muscular physiques and rapid body transformations among the urban youth in India is fuelling dangerous misuse of steroids, stimulant-heavy pre-workout powders and unregulated gym supplements, with cardiologists warning of rising risks of arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac events in seemingly healthy young men. The trend, amplified by social media fitness culture and online supplement marketing, is pushing many gym-goers towards products and exercise regimens that may severely strain the heart, said [] The post Experts Flag Cardiac Dangers Linked To Extreme Workouts, Unsupervised Supplement Use appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Plea moves in Supreme Court seeking dissolution of NTA after NEET-UG 2026 leak
New Delhi , May 16 : The United Doctors Front (UDF) has moved the Supreme Court of India seeking dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in its present form following the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and subsequent cancellation of the examination. The petition has been filed by the petitioner United Doctors Front (UDF), a registered organisation, under Article 32 of the Constitution, alleging systemic and catastrophic failure in the conduct of NEET-UG 2026 and seeking structural reforms in the examination system. Filed through Advocate-on-Record Ritu Reniwal along with Advocate Mahendra Kumawat, the plea seeks a writ directing the Union Government to dissolve the NTA as presently constituted under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and replace it with a statutory national testing body created through legislation passed by Parliament. The petition further seeks directions to the Union of India to introduce a law establishing a statutory testing authority with defined legal powers, transparency norms and direct accountability to Parliament. It has also prayed for the constitution of a court-monitored committee to supervise the transition of upcoming national examinations and ensure zero-leak integrity. According to the petition, NEET-UG 2026, conducted on May 3 for nearly 22.7 lakh candidates, was compromised through an organised guess paper racket allegedly spread through WhatsApp and Telegram groups across multiple states. The plea refers to investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and the subsequent CBI FIR to contend that the sanctity of the examination stood compromised at a systemic level. The plea alleges that despite safeguards such as biometric verification, GPS tracking and AI-assisted CCTV surveillance, examination material was leaked nearly 42 hours before the exam. It claims the subsequent cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 amounted to a tacit admission by authorities that genuine candidates could no longer be segregated from beneficiaries of the leak.UDF has argued that the NTAs status as a registered society creates an accountability vacuum as it is not directly answerable to Parliament in the manner of constitutional or statutory bodies like the UPSC or SSC. The petition contends that repeated leaks violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution by undermining merit-based selection and causing severe mental trauma and uncertainty to students. The petition also relies upon the Supreme Courts observations in the 2024 NEET controversy and the recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee, which had reportedly suggested stronger safeguards, reduced outsourcing and transition towards computer-based examinations. (ANI)
First-Ever Consignment Of Captagon Drug Worth Rs 182 Crore Seized: Amit Shah
NEW DELHI, May 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau has seized the first-ever consignment of Captagon, the so-called Jihadi Drug, worth Rs 182 crore. In a post on X, he said the Modi government has resolved to make a Drug-Free India. Glad to share that through Operation RAGEPILL, our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called Jihadi Drug, worth Rs 182 crore, Shah said. The busting of the drug [] The post First-Ever Consignment Of Captagon Drug Worth Rs 182 Crore Seized: Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
