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Ricky Ponting has explained Punjab Kings' decision to release several major overseas players ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. The PBKS head coach outlined the franchise's strategy, the reasoning behind the exits, and how these moves fit into the team's long-term auction planning.
Punjab wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora has grabbed attention with a blistering 39-ball hundred in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, just days before the IPL 2026 Auction. His explosive knock has intensified buzz around his prospects and elevated his profile among franchises.
Ernakulam all set to count votes as 7,374 candidates await peoples mandate
The district recorded 74.57% of voter turnout as 19,89,428 of the total 26,67,746 electors exercised their franchise
IPL 2026 auction: Ashish Nehra discloses Gujarat Titans' roadmap for squad building
Ashish Nehra has outlined Gujarat Titans' strategy for the IPL 2026 auction, offering insights into the franchise's priorities, squad-building plans, and areas of focus. His revelations shed light on how GT aims to strengthen its core and prepare for the next IPL cycle.
IPL 2026 auction: 5 Indian batters in focus
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set for Abu Dhabi on December 16. 359 players are available as franchises rebuild their squads. Teams are targeting batters to strengthen their lineups. Key Indian batters like Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Tripathi, Prithvi Shaw, Abhinav Manohar, and Venkatesh Iyer are expected to attract significant interest and high bids. The auction promises intense bidding wars.
Crackdown On Trafficking Of Codeine-Based Cough Syrup: ED Raids To Expose Rs 100-Crore Racket
The ED conducted early morning raids on Friday at 25 locations across Lucknow, Ranchi, Ahmedabad and several other cities.
ED raids Jharkhand-based traders residence over alleged money laundering through coal trade
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided the official and residential premises of Dhanbad-based coal trader Manoj Agrawal at Bhelatand and Dhansar. The action is said to be part of an investigation into alleged money laundering through illegal coal trade. According to local sources, the ED teams arrived at both locations simultaneously at around 7 am and cordoned off the premises before they entered the residence and started the search. On November 21, ED teams from Kolkata had conducted similar raids at the residences and offices of five coal traders and transporters in the district. This action reportedly is based on documents and financial activity obtained during a major raid conducted at approximately 18 locations in Dhanbad last month. The ED team has been conducting searches for the last several hours and action is expected to continue further. Last month, the ED simultaneously raided the premises of Dev Prabha Company, which handles outsourcing work for BCCL, its owner, LB Singh, his brother Kumbh Nath Singh and several other locations in Jharkhand. During the raid on November 21, the ED team had recovered cash worth Rs 2.2 crore and seized over 120 land-related documents from Jharkhand. The ED had also seized cash and jewellery during the raid from the locations of the coal mafia. According to information, EDs investigation is being conducted into the matters related to black coal trade, irregular contracts and illegal financial transactions. The ED, during the raids conducted at 44 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, had recovered cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore, along with a substantial amount of incriminating evidence. According to the ED, the action, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was linked to a sprawling illegal coal mining, theft, transportation and sale racket that has allegedly been operating across the two states for years. Officials also found various property deeds tied to the coal syndicate, agreements related to land transactions, digital devices and books of accounts belonging to entities allegedly controlled by the accused. According to the ED, raids were conducted at 20 locations spread across Dhanbad and Dumka in Jharkhand. These locations are linked to individuals, including Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and several others associated with their companies and entities. Whereas in West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 premises at Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, which included residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants reportedly connected to Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, Nirad Baran Mondal, and others. The crackdown stems from multiple FIRs filed by West Bengal and Jharkhand Police regarding an organised coal smuggling racket operating between the two states. The FIRs suggest that a vast network has been transporting coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Seized documents, diaries, registers, and digital data have reportedly corroborated allegations of large-scale illegal supply chains and the involvement of local authorities. According to the ED, the syndicate was highly active in border districts, generating huge proceeds of crime. Several registers detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists have also been recovered, offering deep insights into the financial trail of the smuggling network, it said. The investigation is still on and more developments are expected as scrutiny of seized materials progresses.
ED raids in multiple states in UP illegal cough syrup case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations across several states as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged illegal cough syrup trafficking racket in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The searches, which began around 7:30 am, are being conducted at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The ED has registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the illegal manufacturing, trade and transportation of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), including suspected cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh. Locations linked to the absconding main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his alleged associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh, along with certain cough syrup manufacturers and Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal, are being searched, the officials said. The agencys action is based on around 30 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police after the state government took cognisance of widespread misuse and illegal circulation of CBCS. The estimated proceeds of crime in the case amount to about Rs 1,000 crore, according to ED officials. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai, while his father has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. A total of 32 people have been taken into custody so far, and the state police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a podracing game set for 2026
Why have one Star Wars game announcement at an edition of The Game Awards when you can have two? Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a podracing (and speeder racing) game from Fuse Games , a studio established in 2023 by former Burnout and Need for Speed developers. It's scheduled to hit PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2026. The action here is set after the fall of the Empire. With the galaxy in rebuild mode after dealing with that whole mess, an unsanctioned, underground racing circuit called the Galactic League comes into being in the Outer Rim. Here, according to the game's Steam page , syndicates bankroll chaos and champions are forged. Star Wars: Galactic Racer is run-based, so if your podracer blows up, it might be game over. The action takes place across well-known Star Wars planets in addition to some new ones. The races have branching routes and you'll unlock new abilities on each run. There's a story-driven, single-player campaign, as well as PvP modes. The vehicles are customizable too. Dig it. Where do I sign up, Watto? This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/star-wars-galactic-racer-is-a-podracing-game-set-for-2026-035508891.html?src=rss
Ranchi Diary | New SOP to tackle stray dog menace in state
Amid the debate over stray dogs, the Jharkhand government has drawn up an action plan to tackle the canine problem and released a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide its implementation. Urban local bodies have been instructed to sterilise and vaccinate 70% of stray dogs within their jurisdictions. The SOP also makes it mandatory for pet owners to register their dogs with municipal or panchayat bodies. The cost of treatment in the event of a bite by a pet dog must be borne by its owner, who will also be responsible for legal liabilities arising from the incident. Rare bird sighted at Udhwa sanctuary Birdwatchers are excited over sighting of a rare bird at Udhwa bird sanctuary in Sahibganj. The migratory bird, Pallass Gull, has been spotted there after a long time. The last recorded sighting of this species was in 2015. Its return after nearly a decade is considered a positive sign for the biodiversity of Udhwa Lake. This species breeds in colonies in marshes and on islands from southern Russia to Mongolia. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the eastern Mediterranean, Arabia, and India. This gull nests on the ground and lays two to four eggs. According to officials, sighting of the Pallass Gull indicates that the lakes habitat is safe, favourable and attractive for migratory birds. Panel formed to revive lost glory of Ranchi The Jharkhand HC, expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of Ranchi city, has directed the government and departments concerned to take steps to revive its lost glory. Hearing a PIL seeking development of the capital and restoration of its lost glory, the HC stated that all stakeholders should be brought together on a platform to address the problems of the city. The court has constituted a committee headed by the states advocate general Rajiv Ranjan. The next hearing will be held on December 12. The PIL was filed by Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association exposing the deteriorating condition of the capital and seeking immediate action. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Capcom's Pragmata is coming your way on April 24
Capcoms long, long-delayed sci-fi shooter Pragmata finally has a release date. Its headed your way on April 24, 2026 on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and as Capcom confirmed in a trailer at The Game Awards Nintendo Switch 2. You dont have to wait another four months to try it out, though. A gameplay demo is out now on Steam . It will be available for consoles at a later date. Pragmata first emerged all the way back in 2020 and Capcom initially planned to release it in 2022. After multiple delays , the game will arrive four years later than the company anticipated. This is the first entry in a new franchise from Capcom, so taking extra time to get things right is not exactly a bad idea. Pragmata, which is set in a dystopian near-future, features the dual protagonists of Hugh Williams (a heavily armored fella) and Diana (an android with special powers). The two have to work together if they want to escape from a lunar research station thats filled with malevolent robots. To defeat these clankers, Diana has to hack them to disable their defense systems and make a weak point available for Hugh to attack. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/capcoms-pragmata-is-coming-your-way-on-april-24-010826258.html?src=rss
Amazon's AI-generated recap tool didn't watch Fallout very closely
Amazon's plan to offer AI-generated recaps of Prime Video shows isn't off to a great start. The company's recap of the first season of Fallout features multiple errors, GamesRadar+ writes , including basic facts about the plot of the show. You can watch the recap yourself in the Extras section of Amazon's Fallout season two listing in Prime Video. Besides being somewhat dry, the AI-generated recap incorrectly identifies the time period of the show's Los Angeles-set flashbacks as being the 1950s, when they're actually 2077 (the Fallout franchise is set in an alternate history that diverged from our real one after 1945). As Gizmodo notes , the recap also seems to misunderstand the ending of the first season, which sets up season two's partnership between vault dweller Lucy and The Ghoul, an irradiated wastelander with a personal connection to the mystery at the heart of the first season. While the recap suggests Amazon's AI system can successfully combine clips, music and dialogue into a coherent video, it apparently lacks an understanding of the details. The inaccuracies in this recap won't prevent anyone from enjoying the second season of the show, but they don't exactly inspire confidence in Amazon's tool either. It also seems like a problem that could have been easily solved by having a human employee who's watched the show review the video before it was uploaded. Unfortunately, Amazon's lack of AI quality control extends beyond recaps of its shows and into the dubs for the shows themselves. The company pulled AI-generated voiceover tracks for Banana Fish and other anime because of how bad they sounded earlier this week. It wouldn't be surprising if this recap gets pulled, corrected and re-uploaded, too. As Amazon adds more AI-generated content to its platform, users are bound to discover more ways it comes up short. The company's audience is too big, and AI is apparently still too unreliable for it to be avoided. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazons-ai-generated-recap-tool-didnt-watch-fallout-very-closely-215712958.html?src=rss
Nalgonda, Yadadri, Suryapet Record Strong Turnout in GP Elections
Polling was held for 318 Grama Panchayats across 14 mandals in Nalgonda district. Of the 4,51,007 registered voters, 4,08,316 exercised their franchise.
2nd T20I: De Kock, Baartman Star As South Africa Level Series With 51-run Win Over India (ld)
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Riding on Quinton de Kocks blazing 90 and a 4-24 by Ottniel Baartman, South Africa levelled the five-game series with a resounding 51run win over India in the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday. De Kock set the tone for South Africa, posting 213/4 with clean hitting at the top and dazzling shots hit square of the wicket through the leg-side, as his 46-ball 90 was laced with five fours and seven sixes. He also shared a partnership of 83 with skipper Aiden Markram for the second wicket, something which will keep IPL franchises interested in roping him at next weeks auction. India briefly clawed back with scalps, with Varun Chakaravarthy taking two of them. But South Africa regained control in the closing stages, as David Miller (20 not out) and Donovan Ferreira (30 not out) added 53 runs off just 25 balls to push South Africa past 210. In reply, Indias chase faltered early and never recovered from the blows of losing Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav. With Axar Patels puzzling promotion to number three failing to pay off, Tilak Varma was the only Indian batter to find rhythm and show some enterprise by scoring 62 off 34 balls. But he lacked support from the other end as wickets tumbled around him, and Varma was the last man to fall as India were bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs. South Africas bowlers maintained pressure throughout, used their cutters well, and conceded only five extras, including three wides, in tough bowling conditions, where India conceded a whopping 15 extras seven of which came from Arshdeep Singh. Apart from Baartman, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Lutho Sipamla took two wickets each. Inserted into batting first, de Kock gave South Africa a flying start by carting an erring Arshdeep for two sixes and a four in the third over. De Kock and Reeza Hendricks feasted on the short ball by getting a pulled six each off Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth over. India turned to spin in the fifth over, and Chakravarthy got the first breakthrough by castling Hendricks with a quicker delivery that skidded through the pitch. The dismissal extended Chakravarthys dominance over Hendricks, with him having removed the batter three times in just seven balls in T20Is. Despite that, South Africa maintained momentum as de Kock targeted Axar Patel in the sixth over - pulling him for a towering six, before punching and glancing off Hardik Pandya and Chakaravarthy for a brace of boundaries. While Markram was yet to find fluency, de Kock reached his half-century off 26 balls with a leg-side whip off a full toss from Pandya, before dancing down the pitch to thump Axar for a maximum and launching an off-colour Arshdeep, who gave a staggering seven wides in an 18-run 11th over, down the ground for another six. It felt Markram had found his groove by smacking Chakaravarthy over long-on for consecutive sixes. But attempting to hit another six, Markram holed out to deep mid-wicket, giving Chakaravarthy his second scalp. De Kock continued to dazzle by smashing Pandya for boundaries before an attempt to dab into the off side ended in his dismissal as wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma moved sharply to his left, parried the ball between gloves, and broke the stumps. One brought two for India as Axar cramped Dewald Brevis for room, and the top-edge on pull was caught by longon sprinting in to complete a diving low catch. With conditions being tough for bowlers, Miller and Ferreira hit six boundaries between themselves in the last three overs to lift South Africa past the 210-run mark. Indias chase began in disarray as Gill was undone by a terrific delivery from Ngidi that straightened off a good length, squaring him up and finding the edge to slip, as he fell for a golden duck. Abhishek, who had already cleared the boundary ropes twice, was completely squared up as Jansen got one to straighten over the middle stump to draw an outside edge to the keeper and dismiss him for 17. Axar walked in at number three, but soon saw Suryakumar depart as he went after a back-of-a-length ball from Jansen and edged behind to de Kock. Varma offered some resistance by hitting three boundaries, with a whipped six off Sipamla being the standout. But South Africa continued to chip away as Axars attempt to break free ended in chipping a drive to give cover a low catch off Baartman. Varma brought out the pull and switch hit to collect sixes, before bringing up his fifth T20I fifty in 27 balls by slog-sweeping Ngidi for another maximum. But South Africa continued to chip away as a struggling Pandya holed out to deep mid-wicket off Sipamla, just a ball after being dropped by long-on. Despite more lofty hits coming from the willows of Varma and Jitesh Sharma, who smashed 27 off 17 balls, the result was a foregone conclusion in South Africas favour as the visitors secured a superb series-levelling win. Varma brought out the pull and switch hit to collect sixes, before bringing up his fifth T20I fifty in 27 balls by slog-sweeping Ngidi for another maximum. But South Africa continued to chip away as a struggling Pandya holed out to deep mid-wicket off Sipamla, just a ball after being dropped by long-on. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa 213/4 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 90, Donovan Ferreira 30 not out; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-29, Axar Patel 1-27) beat India 162 all out in 19.1 overs (Tilak Varma 62, Jitesh Sharma 27; Ottniel Baartman 4-24, Marco Jansen 2-25) by 51 runs Article Source: IANS
2nd T20I: Unchanged India Elect To Bowl First; South Africa Bring In Reeza, Baartman And Linde
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: An unchanged India have won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa in the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday. The stadium is hosting its first mens international cricket match and becomes the 55th venue in India to join this bandwagon. India are currently leading the five-game series 1-0, and a win on Thursday will help them make it 2-0. This has always been a wonderful ground. When we played here during franchise cricket, and recently saw a womens game also happen here, it was wonderful, and it's the first mens game, I heard, that's happening here -- international, so very excited for it. Im sure the crowd are also excited. Its really important for the boys to understand their responsibilities and see what the team demands in that situation. They batted perfectly, looking at the situation. 175 on that wicket was a little over par. The way we bowled, I think it was a lovely effort, said India skipper Suryakumar Yadav. He also heaped praise on seam bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandyas match-winning efforts in the first T20I in Cuttack. The balance that he (Hardik Pandya) provides in the team is amazing. The way he batted, the way he keeps calm on the ground when hes batting, when its a pressure situation. The way he bowled also, I think thats more important. His overs are also really important for the side. The way he carried himself throughout the game, it didnt look like he was injured, added Suryakumar. South Africa captain Aiden Markram said Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, and Anrich Nortje have been replaced by Reeza Hendricks, Ottniel Baartman, and George Linde in the Proteas playing eleven. We would have fielded. Looks like a good wicket. Not a lot of international games here, but I hope to get a good score and put them under pressure. We have to make peace with the fact that we can have nights like the first game, and hope to make a better effort today. We'll get feedback on scores after a few overs, not thought of it now, he said. Playing XIs: We would have fielded. Looks like a good wicket. Not a lot of international games here, but I hope to get a good score and put them under pressure. We have to make peace with the fact that we can have nights like the first game, and hope to make a better effort today. We'll get feedback on scores after a few overs, not thought of it now, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman Article Source: IANS
PGTI launches franchise-based professional golf league
PGTI has brought in experienced administrators to steer the league. Veteran sports administrator Amrit Mathur will serve as Commissioner of 72 The League. Amitabh Kant, PGTI board member, and Joy Bhattacharjya, senior advisor for strategy and expansion at Game of Life Sports, will also contribute to the initiative.
The Mumbai Indians: Aakash Chopra shared his opinion on the Mumbai Indians strategy for the recent auction for the Womens Premier League (WPL), stating that the franchise remained firm in its ideology and philosophy and tried its best to retain its core, without trying to fix what is not broken. The WPL 2026 auction reaffirmed the Mumbai Indians belief in stability over sweeping overhaul, as the defending champions walked away with a squad that looks strikingly similar to last seasons title-winning unit. Rather than chasing dramatic restructuring, MI focused on retaining its trusted core and making precise, need-based additions, an approach that drew praise from JioHotstars panel of experts. Former India captain Mithali Raj underlined the franchises clarity in bolstering its bowling unit while preserving the foundation that has served it so well. The Mumbai Indians have done well in their bowling department. They have brought in top-quality seamers like Nikola Carey and Milly Illingworth, Raj said, speaking on JioHotstar. She also highlighted MIs enviable player availability record, stating, Their other main players may not have a direct replacement. But as we witnessed in the last three seasons, their main players have not missed any matches. Maybe they were rested when the team was in a good position, but they have not missed games due to injury. Hopefully, the next seasons will be the same for MI. Aakash Chopra echoed the sentiment, pointing out that MIs minimal tinkering is deliberate rather than conservative. The Mumbai Indians have kept almost everything the same. Only one keeper has changed. They played with Yastika Bhatia for three years. Now Gunalan Kamalini or someone else will come in her place. That is the only thing to look at. The rest is pretty much the same, he said. According to him, the franchises long-standing philosophy remains intact. They are still following their philosophy, even after the big auction. Why fix what is not broken? And if something is broken, then we will fix it again. They follow that philosophy and ideology, and it is right in front of us, he noted. Chopra added that managing continuity after a mega auction is an accomplishment in itself. It is very difficult to keep the same squad after a mega auction. After a big auction, you cannot always keep your main players. Winning makes the next auction the most difficult, because you do not want to change anything, but change is almost mandatory. Despite that, if you can keep your eleven players from last year, or your core, and no main player is missing, that is a huge achievement. It is almost impossible. But the Mumbai Indians have proved that nothing is impossible. Their squad is exactly the same as last year, with only minor changes. MI are certainly moving in the right direction to win their third WPL title, he explained. Saba Karim, too, emphasised that MIs disciplined approach came from knowing exactly whom they needed and why, stating that once those priorities were secured, MI shifted to supplementary talent. Despite that, if you can keep your eleven players from last year, or your core, and no main player is missing, that is a huge achievement. It is almost impossible. But the Mumbai Indians have proved that nothing is impossible. Their squad is exactly the same as last year, with only minor changes. MI are certainly moving in the right direction to win their third WPL title, he explained. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With their proven match-winners retained, their core untouched, and targeted reinforcements in place, the Mumbai Indians appear poised for another formidable title push. If continuity breeds success, MI may once again be setting the blueprint for building and sustaining a WPL dynasty. Article Source: IANS
The Centre has adopted a franchise-led model for the operation of JAKs and targeted 25,000 new centres by March 2027. There were 16,912 JAKs opened across the country, including 1480 in Karnataka, till June 30, 2025.
NIA raids house in Hazaribagh over suspected terror links
RANCHI: Amid the investigation into the explosion near Red Fort in Delhi, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday raided the residence of a suspected terrorist, Shahnawaz Alam. The raids were conducted by a joint team of NIA and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in Ansar Nagar, under the Pelawal police station area in Hazaribagh. According to sources, this action was taken based on information provided by a doctor who was previously arrested by the NIA. This operation is being conducted as part of an investigation into the network linked to suspected terrorist Shahnawaz Alam , who was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. The team is reportedly questioning people inside the house. Besides NIA and ATS, additional police forces have been deployed in the area. Officials refrained from sharing any information, looking at the sensitive nature of the operation. Meanwhile, the NIA team has recovered a printing machine from the house. The NIA believes that some kind of documents, posters or objectionable material were being printed there. Shahnawaz Alam, originally hailing from Hazaribagh, was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. Investigators suspect that his network may have tentacles in Jharkhand, making Thursdays raid strategically significant. Investigators are also revisiting the background of Shahnawaz, who had earlier been jailed in 2019 for robbery and theft. After securing bail in December 2020, he allegedly came into contact with ISIS handlers, eventually becoming a crucial figure in the Pune module case. Officials suspect that individuals associated with Shahnawaz may still be active in Jharkhand. Reportedly, Shahnawaz Alam alias Safiuzzama had received terrorist training in the forests of Pune. Based on fresh intelligence received in this case, the NIA team has raided his residences in Hazaribagh.
Quote of the day by Keanu Reeves: 'Be thankful for the hard times, they can only make you stronger'
Hollywood star Keanu Reeves' words often resonate deeply. His life, marked by early instability and career highs, shapes his perspective. Fans admire his humility and kindness. The actor's journey shows how hardships forge strength. His acting career spans decades, from early roles to major franchises. Read on to know more about him!
Ahmed talks about Anil and Nana's absence from Welcome 3
Filmmaker Ahmed Khan addresses Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar's absence from 'Welcome to the Jungle'. He noted, I didnt direct Baaghi 4; others handled sequels like Anees Bazmee with Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Franchises evolve beyond originals, shifting to army theme for freshness, avoiding slapstickserious visuals with absurd dialogue.
IPL franchises expand beyond cricket with cafs and sports bars to build year-round brands
IPL franchises are expanding their commercial strategies beyond the cricket season by venturing into physical fan touchpoints like cafs and sports bars. This move aims to build sustainable, year-round businesses and deepen fan loyalty, mirroring global sports club models. While digital remains key, these offline formats foster community and brand engagement throughout the year.
Thiruvananthapuram native flies out from Australia to cast vote
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How far will you go for a vote-- a few kilometres, a ten-minute drive? Meet Arya Sasidharan, who travelled for over 32 hours, all the way from Australia to Thiruvananthapuram to cast her vote in the local body election. Arya, who made the trip with the sole aim of exercising her franchise on Tuesday early morning, will return to Australia next Monday to continue her Geology PhD studies at James Cook University in Queensland. Initially, I was a bit sad that I couldnt be here for the elections, but when situations turned favourable, I took an impulsive decision two days before the election, Arya, who is a voter from the Mudavanmugal ward of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, said. Flight charges were the only concern she had, but the moment her husband noted that the charges dropped for a brief time, there was nothing else to think about. Multiple layovers, five airports and a tiring jet lag later, Arya landed in her hometown, much to the surprise of her parents. I made up a story to convince my parents, and hence they were flabbergasted to see me upon opening the door, Arya said. We may have our differences with political parties, but we should never let go of our biggest right in a democratic country for that cause. People say that the country is not developing enough, but how else will the country move forward if we refrain from voting too, she asked. Aryas question remains valid in a society where at least some youngsters find apolitical stands to be cool and who dont mind leaving their native country for better living conditions.
Romeo Lane opened 6 UP outlets in 3 years, all through franchises
PS Plus Game Catalog additions for December include Assassin's Creed Mirage
Sony just announced December's Game Catalog additions for PS Plus subscribers and it's a pretty decent lineup. All of these titles will be ready to play on December 16, except Skate Story which is already available . Speaking of Skate Story , it's a really weird skateboarding sim that's set in a glass-covered world. The reviews have been positive , with many people praising the outlandish story, surreal locations and the satisfying trick mechanics. It's made by Sam Eng, who was behind the indie shooter Zarvot . This new game is only available for PS5 subscribers. Assassin's Creed Mirage will be available for both PS4 and PS5 players. This is the mainline entry from 2023 and it's actually really fun . It boasts a back to basics design that old-school fans of the franchise should appreciate. Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a 3D action RPG that started its life as a mobile game . However, this particular RPG features music compositions from Nobuo Uematsu and art direction from Hideo Minaba. Both worked together on some games in a mom-and-pop franchise called Final Fantasy. This console port will be playable on PS4 and PS5 Cat Quest III is a simple action RPG starring, well, cats (and dogs.) This one brings open world tomfoolery to a land teeming with islands, so expect plenty of pirate puns. I enjoyed the first two, as the gameplay loop is pretty addictive and the quests are fun. It'll be available on PS4 and PS5. Other forthcoming games include Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty , Lego Horizon Adventures , Paw Patrol: Grand Prix and Planet Coaster 2 . Sony is also offering a holiday promotion in which new annual PS Plus subscribers receive download credits for movies. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ps-plus-game-catalog-additions-for-december-include-assassins-creed-mirage-193731745.html?src=rss
IPL 2026: Daniel Vettori Wants To Miss Ashes Test Preparation To Be In Abu Dhabi For Auction
Indian Premier League: With the auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 set to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, Australia will be missing their assistant coach during the Ashes series with England, as he will be flying to India to be with his franchise for the auction. Daniel Vettori, who is also the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, will miss the preparations for the third Test of the Ashes series because of the IPL auction. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the former New Zealand captain has sought permission from Cricket Australia (CA) to travel to Abu Dhabi in the middle of the Ashes. Australia is currently leading the series 2-0, winning the second Test recently. The Australian public will also have its focus on the IPL auction, with many current and former Australian players involved in the IPL. Cameron Green, who is expected to garner a lot of attention in this auction, tops the list of 19 Australians, with Josh Inglis, Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, and Beau Webster being the other prominent names. A total of 350 players are set to feature in the IPL 2026 mini auction on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, as the BCCI revealed the Player Auction list for the 2026 season on Tuesday. A total of 1390 players registered for the Player Auction, out of which 350 players were shortlisted. Of the 350 players shortlisted, 240 are Indian, and 110 are from overseas. The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, adding significant depth and fresh talent to this year's auction roster. Franchises will compete for 77 available slots overall, including 31 spots reserved for overseas players. Of the 350 players shortlisted, 240 are Indian, and 110 are from overseas. The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, adding significant depth and fresh talent to this year's auction roster. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, a total of 173 players were retained across teams, including 49 overseas players. A combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore will be available at the auction for a total of 77 player slots. Article Source: IANS
IPL mini auction 2026: Team-wise retentions, releases, purses and slots explained
IPL teams have finalized their player lists for the upcoming mini-auction. A total of 237.55 crore rupees is available across all franchises. Teams will use this budget to fill 77 open slots. Kolkata Knight Riders have a large budget for a major rebuild. Mumbai Indians face purse constraints and need to target value.
Coal India orders temporary relocation in Dhanbad as toxic carbon monoxide levels soar
RANCHI: Coal India Chairman, Sanoj Kumar Jha, after visiting the affected toxic gas leak area, said that with carbon monoxide levels reaching dangerous heights, relocation has become essential as a precautionary measure. Looking at the gravity of the situation, he visited the affected area on Wednesday to take stock. After receiving reports from technical teams, he termed the situation extremely serious, adding that it is unlikely to improve on its own. Therefore, temporary relocation of affected families to safer areas is the only option to save lives. He clarified that this is not a permanent displacement, but an immediate precautionary measure to address rising gas levels. In some areas, the concentration of carbon monoxide (PPM) has reached 2,000. Therefore, the most important and urgent step for families living in the affected area is to temporarily evacuate to safer locations to save their lives, said Jha. Given the current danger, evacuation is the only option, he added. The Coal India Chairman further stated that all arrangements for food and lodging have been made for those shifted to relief camps. Affected families, however, said authorities should stop the gas leak first before discussing relocation. Coal India's Technical Director, Achyut Ghatak, also described the situation as grave. Technical teams are continuously working on gas extraction and solutions, but it may take time. Gas levels are continuously rising, and it is difficult to predict whether the problem will be resolved in 10 days or a month and a half, said Ghatak. He appealed to residents to understand the gravity of the situation and voluntarily move to safer locations. BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal informed that a high-level technical investigation is underway. Several expert agencies, including IIT-ISM, the Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CIMFR), and CMPDI, are conducting scientific studies. He emphasised that the safety of people is the top priority. Issues related to permanent displacement and rehabilitation will be discussed later, said Agarwal. CMD Agarwal again visited Kenduadih late last evening and met with affected families. He reviewed arrangements at relief centers and stated that scientific monitoring, medical assistance, relief operations, and rehabilitation activities are ongoing on a war footing. Notably, at least two women allegedly died, while several others complained of vomiting and headaches due to carbon monoxide leakage near Childrens Park in Dhanbads Kenduadih, which has been affected by an underground fire for over a century, on December 3 and 4. Though efforts are underway to seal the leak spots, authorities have appealed to residents to vacate the area as a precautionary measure. According to locals, the impact of the gas is being felt in Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, and Officers Colony areas of Kenduadih, home to approximately 10,000 people. The persistent stench and gas leakage have made life difficult for residents.
You'd Be Foolish To Treat ILT20 As A Warm-up For T20 World Cup, Says DC All-rounder Neesham
T20 World Cup: James Neesham, the New Zealand seam-bowling all-rounder currently turning out for Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 *(ILT20), said the ongoing tournament cant be viewed as a warm-up for next years T20 World Cup, stressing that the mega event in India and Sri Lanka will pose challenges entirely different from the UAE conditions. In 93 T20Is for New Zealand, Neesham has amassed 1010 runs and grabbed 56 wickets. Look, I think everyone nowadays is playing cricket around the world pretty much year-round. So, you don't put too much emphasis on one tournament over another. I think India and Sri Lanka will be very different conditions from what they are over here. So we'll have to prepare for that tournament as best we can when that moment comes. But I think you'd be foolish to treat the ILT20 as, I suppose, a warm-up series for the World Cup because they're obviously two very unique prospects, Neesham told IANS in an exclusive conversation from Dubai. Neesham, a long-time globetrotter in T20 leagues, said his first stint in the ILT20 so far has been a unique one. It's obviously a unique tournament with the number of overseas players that are playing in each team. It's a high-quality product. I have come from Nepal, where there are only three or four overseas players in the team and six or seven locals. Then you come here, and there are only two locals and nine overseas. So, it's a different makeup. It brings high-quality cricket to the table. I think we're going to continue to see some very high-quality players over the next month or so, he said. Seeing Dubai Capitals, the defending champions, get their first win of the ongoing competition has been immensely helpful. Obviously, it's good to get our first win of the season. Rovman (Powell) and Coxsey (Jordan Cox) obviously batted incredibly well to get a good total, and the guys all bowled well as well. So, the mood in the camp is good. We've got a couple of good training days ahead of us before our next game is on Saturday. In the last few years, power-hitting has become a defining skill in modern T20 cricket batting, and Neesham stated that the scope of an anchor batter is now wiped out. Obviously, the game has become more aggressive, I think, over the last few years. I think the role of an anchor batter sort of batting through in an innings is almost extinct now. Most teams have set themselves up to be aggressive from the top, bat deep, and try to finish games off. So, it's an important part of the game to be able to clear the rope, and hopefully we can continue to do that over this series and bat other teams out of the game. Modern-day cricket has become significantly more demanding for fast bowlers, with workload and injury risks rising due to the overlap of international cricket and franchise leagues. Neesham opined that fast bowlers will soon be forced to choose between playing formats and urged the ICC to find a balance between scheduling international games and franchise leagues. I think fast bowlers basically just can't play all three formats. I don't think that can happen. So, guys are going to have to choose earlier than they would in the future. I think one day cricket is obviously the format that is going to fall by the wayside, I guess, with Test cricket being the most valuable format of the game and T20 being the biggest earner, he added. Modern-day cricket has become significantly more demanding for fast bowlers, with workload and injury risks rising due to the overlap of international cricket and franchise leagues. Neesham opined that fast bowlers will soon be forced to choose between playing formats and urged the ICC to find a balance between scheduling international games and franchise leagues. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Neesham signed off by hoping he can manage his playing schedule fairly well. Obviously, that'll be different for different individuals. So, for me, I'm 35 years old now, and I've been around the block a fair bit. So I'm pretty resilient when it comes to the physical demands of the game. So, hopefully that can continue for the next few years. Article Source: IANS
Jharkhand government announces proposal to rename Lok Bhawans after Birsa Munda, Sido-Kanu
RANCHI: In a significant move, Jharkhand Government has made a proposal in the Assembly to name the Lok Bhawan in Ranchi as Birsa Munda Bhawan after the tribal icon, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and the Lok Bhawan in Dumka after Santhal rebellion, Sido-Kanu Murmu. The proposal was made by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore in the Assembly on Wednesday. The minister announced in the House that Ranchi's main Raj Bhavan will be named as Birsa Bhavan, and Dumka's Raj Bhavan will be called Sido-Kanu Bhavan. I propose that the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi be renamed Birsa Bhawan after Birsa Munda, and the Raj Bhavan in Dumka be renamed Sido-Kanhu Bhawan after Sido-Kanu Murmu, said Kishore in Jharkhand Assembly. Notably, the Raj Bhavan in Jharkhand was officially renamed Lok Bhavan on December 3, as part of a nationwide initiative to shed colonial-era titles. According to Kishore, the Lok Bhavan is state government property, under Article 154 of the Constitution, the executive power of the state rests with the Governor, so his office is also part of the state. The state government has full authority to name the property, said the minister. The BJP has criticised the decision, arguing that Governor Houses across the countrynot just in Jharkhandhave been renamed as Lok Bhawan. The party also accused the ruling alliance of creating unnecessary political controversy over the matter. Where were the leaders of the ruling alliance when Birsa Mundas recognition was limited only to Jharkhand? It was the BJP-led government at the Centre that brought Birsa Munda national prominence. This is nothing but petty politics. Instead of indulging in such trivial issues, they should focus on constructive governance, said state BJP spokesperson Pradeep Sinha. Notably, the central government on December 3 had ordered that all Raj Bhavans across the country to be renamed Lok Bhavan. Lok Bhavan in Ranchi is spread over 52 acres of land, which also includes Audrey House, built in 10 acres. Its foundation was laid in 1930 and it was completed in March 1931 at a cost of just Rs 7 lakh.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, franchises are expected to target elite spinners, impact all-rounders and top overseas stars. But the biggest storyline is whether any player can come close to, or surpass, Rishabh Pant's historic record as the most expensive buy in IPL history.
SIR nothing but 'backdoor NRC'; selective disenfranchisement based on religion: Owaisi
NEW DELHI: AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged in the Lok Sabha that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is nothing but ackdoor NRC and a malafide exercise of power to selectively disenfranchise people on the basis of religion. Participating in the debate on 'election reforms', Owaisi also called for building a consensus and making the right to vote a fundamental right. I would like to point out at the outset that SIR is violative of parliamentary legislation. It violates the rights prescribed by Parliament and it is contrary to a judgement of the Supreme Court. It is a malafide exercise of power to selectively disenfranchise on the basis of religion, Owaisi claimed. He asserted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) cannot be igger than the Supreme Court and Parliament. May I point out that the Representation of the People Act prescribes that inclusion in the electoral roll will be based on self-declaration of citizenship backed by one of six documents in Form 6, he said. This is an Act which was passed in Parliament. The Supreme Court in its Lal Babu Hussein judgement said that once a voter has been included in the electoral roll, there is a presumption that they are citizens and cannot be removed except by an inquiry into the citizenship of the individual voter and giving them the opportunity of hearing after informing them of the basis on which doubt arose concerning citizenship, Owaisi contended. What is happening now is that the ECI is putting the burden of proof on the voter, the chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen said. It is completely in violation of the Representation of the People Act, electoral rules passed by the House and the Supreme Court judgement. The SIR has turned this on its head and put the onus on the voter, Owaisi said. Voters who were part of the electoral roll in 2025, instead of being given the benefit of the presumption, are required to submit documents to prove their citizenship. The 2003 electoral roll is arbitrarily fixed as the baseline on which revision is being conducted, he said. The ECI is not a body empowered to go into the question of citizenship as the power for that lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Owaisi said. What ECI is doing is wrong. How is the ECI assuming the power given to other agencies of parliament? They are violating the sanctity of a law passed by this House, he alleged. When 3.66 lakh voters were deleted through SIR, this government came with a new Immigration and Foreigners Act and it was notified, he said. When the Supreme Court is seized of the petition of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the government issues a foreigners' exemption order. Why? Because they realise that in this 3.66 lakh, there can be non-Muslims also, to protect them. That is why I say this whole exercise is a backdoor NRC (National Register of Citizens), Owaisi said. I oppose the SIR; this is nothing but backdoor NRC, he added.
Brook set for 470,000 Hundred pay-day as franchises lock in retentions
Major names in line for lucrative deals after equity sale transforms Hundred finances
Allen Could Miss Part Of NZs T20Is Against India If Scorchers Reach BBL Finals
Big Bash League: New Zealand opener Finn Allen may miss part of the five-match T20I series in India, scheduled for January 2026, due to his upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) commitments with Perth Scorchers. The T20I series against India, starting on January 21 in Nagpur, and followed by matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram, is regarded as vital preparation for New Zealand ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Before this, New Zealand will play three ODIs in India from January 1117 and Allens availability for the T20Is depends on the defending champions Scorchers progress in the BBL. If the Scorchers reach the final on January 25, Allen may not be available until the fourth T20I on January 28. However, if they do not qualify, Allen is expected to be available for the full T20I series. Pending selection, Ill head straight to India once the Big Bash finishes up for us, Allen was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday. Allen is one of five players who have signed casual agreements with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), providing flexibility between national duties and franchise commitments. Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country. But cricket's obviously evolving and changing year on year. New Zealand Cricket's been really good to work with over the last wee while. (I'm) confident about getting back into some Black Caps stuff after the Big Bash and hopefully can continue that, he added. Allen is one of five players who have signed casual agreements with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), providing flexibility between national duties and franchise commitments. Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country. But cricket's obviously evolving and changing year on year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In that tournament, his knock of 151 runs, including hitting a record 19 sixes for San Francisco Unicorns against Washington Freedom, left everyone jaw-dropped. Allen last featured for New Zealand in March, scoring 27 off 12 balls in an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Wellington. Article Source: IANS
GTA 5 Mansion Update: Is Rockstar using this framework as a test run for GTA 6?
The GTA 5 Mansion Update, formally titled A Safehouse in the Hills, has sparked considerable excitement within the player community and fuelled speculation that Rockstar Games may be quietly trialling features destined for the next instalment in the franchise.
IPL 2026: Five uncapped Indian stars who could hit the jackpot at the auction
As the IPL 2026 mini auction nears, several uncapped Indian cricketers are gaining attention following strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Fast bowlers Auqib Nabi Dar and Ashok Sharma, along with dynamic batters Kartik Sharma, Tushar Raheja, and Anmolpreet Singh, are poised to attract significant bids from franchises seeking fresh talent.
After RCB stint, Dinesh Karthik takes over as mentor and batting coach of THIS franchise
After completing his stint with RCB, Dinesh Karthik has stepped into a major coaching role, taking charge as mentor and batting coach of THIS franchise. The move marks a significant shift in his post-playing career as he transitions into a full-time leadership role.
The Indian Street Premier League concluded its Season 3 Player Auction in Mumbai. Eight franchises invested nearly Rs 10 crore in 144 players. Vijay Pawle became the league's highest-ever buy at Rs 32.50 lakh. Two new teams, Ahmedabad Lions and Delhi Superheros, joined the competition. The auction showcased emerging talent and attracted cricket and Bollywood personalities.
Dinesh Karthik Named Mentor & Batting Coach Of London Spirit Men At The Hundred
London Spirit Men: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who is also a mentor of reigning IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been named mentor and batting coach of The Hundred franchise London Spirit. In his first-ever role within a franchise for The Hundred, Karthik's expertise comes from participating in over 250 matches as both a player and a coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL), along with 180 international matches representing India. London Spirits Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, in a statement shared by the franchise, said, Its a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker in our game and his vast experience in short-format and franchise cricket will be invaluable to us. Hes also great fun to work with and brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. The signing of another elite individual with significant stature in the game demonstrates our ambition and the importance we place on ensuring that our players receive the best possible support, Bobat added. London Spirits Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, in a statement shared by the franchise, said, Its a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker in our game and his vast experience in short-format and franchise cricket will be invaluable to us. Hes also great fun to work with and brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The new role will be relatively easy for Karthik, who has worked closely with both Bobat and Andy Flower, Spirits head coach, at RCB in the IPL. Article Source: IANS
Exclusive | 'Its loyalty': Powell on why Caribbean stars stick to their IPL franchises
Rovman Powell reflects on how franchise leagues transformed his life -- from financial security to building lifelong friendships. The West Indies power-hitter opens up about his journey from Bannister, discovering his talent early, and the discipline that shaped his career. Powell discusses natural Caribbean power, ILT20s impact on UAE cricket, the Caribbean loyalty seen in IPL stars, and why six sixes in an over will soon be more common.
Why the current ICC broadcast rights are unsustainable
JioStar is not exiting its cricket media rights deal with the ICC. The broadcaster faces financial losses due to high prices. Cricket federations lack alternatives, forcing negotiations. This situation impacts future broadcast rights for major tournaments like the T20 and 50-over World Cups. IPL franchises are also concerned about declining brand value linked to broadcast revenue.
Kerala local body polls: On D-Day, party veterans steal the show
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Conventional politicking and canvassing have largely given way to tech-driven exercises, mostly carried out by youths. However, one thing has largely remained unchanged. On the D-day, it is the senior party workers who turn out to be the most indispensable players. With their decades-long experience and grassroots connections, they scan through the voters list, mark each votes polled, and check if any of the names that they deem as sure votes are yet to be polled. If thats the case, those voters are immediately contacted and arrangements are made to ferry them to the polling station, if required. Without veterans, the election day activities can hardly be proceeded with meaningfully. The decades of experience gained from the political crucible empower the oldies to asses which are their votes and which are not. And who they should transport to the polling booth and whose failure to turn up should make them happy. At the Congress booth, near Perumala LPS, that falls in Pullampara panchayat under Vamanapuram assembly constituency, H Shajahan is busy marking in the voters list, using a red pen, the names of those who have exercised their franchise. This is to find out those still to vote. A man in his fifties, Shajahan knows Nagarukuzhy ward like the back of his hand. Then, using another colour, he marks the names that he feels are party votes and are yet to be polled. Its 11am, and before 4pm, we need to ensure that our votes are polled, Shajahan said. The question arises: How is it possible to assess who are party voters and who arent? Its because of the long experience in local politics that we are able to gauge votes. Congress H Shajahan I have around 40 years of experience in politics and around 30 years in poll management. Only seasoned people can do this job, he said. A little further, K Tulaseedharan Nair is busy doing similar work with the voters list, in the CPM dugout. The 63-year-old is the agent of the LDF candidate in the ward and is awaiting a paper thats due from the polling station. Every hour, our agent inside the polling station sends us the serial number of the votes cast. In our dugout, we mark these numbers on the voters list and check how many of our votes have been polled. Veteran party workers know the political inclination of the voters. This is partly done by observation and feedback from people who they meet regularly. In around 90% of the cases, our assumption turns true, he said. Poll managers, as they can easily be called, vouch that the role of the veteran local politician can never be replaced by any technology. Even AI is no match for them in this context. They know each family and individual. In some families, members vote en-bloc for a party, while in some, there is a vote split. So, you cannot guarantee full votes even from a party family. Thats when the personal rapport and networking of the local veterans come into play. They can differentiate between votes in a single family, and generally, it turns to be precise, Shajahan said. Tulaseedharan, however, said around 5% voters never telegraph their political inclination and hence their votes cannot be deemed as for or against a particular party. Similar is the case with new voters, Shajahan said. As the action ends at dusk, the poll managers count their votes and predict the outcome. The prediction is around 90% accurate, Tulaseedharan averred.
Will be back with masala in my bowling, says Shreyanka Patil
For Shreyanka Patil, pressure has become a familiar companion rather than a burden. The off-spinner, who emerged as Royal Challengers Bengalurus (RCB) leading wicket-taker and Purple Cap winner during their Womens Premier League (WPL) title run in 2024, approaches high-stakes moments with calm, shaped by preparation. Before I bowl, especially when I feel Im under pressure, I take a moment, breathe and smile. When you smile, your nerves ease down, says Patil, her composure evident even as she speaks. Bowling across phases, Patil (23) is often trusted in difficult overs. When it comes to structuring her training, she mirrors it with match-day stress. The way I practise is mostly based on what I face on a game day. Practising under pressure has helped me reach a stage where I believe I can do it, she says. That belief, Patil feels, is as vital as skill. These ideas of anticipation and strategy were echoed during her recent appearance at the Chess and Chill night at the RCB Bar and Cafe, hosted by Fyers American Gambits. Over 70 chess players gathered for an evening that marked probably the first cafe-style chess event on this scale. Shreyanka Patil with her teammates during the Womens Premier League 2024 Walking into the cafe, Patil stole the spotlight with her chic ensemble a double bow solid black tube top and pleat-heavy white trousers, that complimented her golden accessories. Watching boards fill the space, Patil drew natural parallels, as she says, You have to be in it. Its the same as any other sport, where you have to be mentally focused, do your preparations well and know what your opponent is good at. The key is understanding your sport and yourself. Strategy, of course, is important in chess or cricket. When it comes to cricket, we obviously study patterns. In chess, too, there are certain moves players are good at. It always goes back to preparation and practice. Talking about getting the jitters before the city event where she had to play a game of chess and interact with players, she says, Firstly, I was nervous, because if you put me on a cricket field, I know Im going to actually come out of any situation. For the past couple of days, Ive been practising chess on my iPad. Even when I go to bed, Im like okay let me just win this. Her defining moment in cricket came during RCBs title-winning WPL 2024 season. Reminiscing the big moment, she says, lifting the cup, the eliminator where her team played against the Mumbai Indians and her getting Harmanpreet Kaur out in her final over changed the whole game. That wicket shifted momentum and soon after came the trophy and the Purple Cap, marking a breakthrough season that established her as one the leagues standout performers. Patils journey, however, hasnt been uninterrupted. The season that followed proved testing, with injury forcing her away from competitive cricket, including the ICC Womens World Cup 2025. However, the setback offered perspective, reinforcing the importance of trust and patience. Much of her confidence comes from the environment RCB has fostered. Being a death specialist (for her skill in bowling crucial overs), if they hadnt given me that opportunity, I wouldnt even know I could do it. Understanding the game better and being put into situations Im good at shaped me, Patil admits. Over three WPL seasons,the franchise backed her in high-pressure moment, helping her grow not just as a bowler but as a decision maker. That trust carried into her transition to the international stage. For Patil, timing and backing have worked in tandem, allowing her to take responsibility with conviction. When I went on to play for India, I felt ready. Im happy that the platform came at the right time, she says. Being part of a franchise that celebrates multiple sports resonates with her. Ive followed RCBs social media page growing up. They were always into something interesting, and thats not just cricket. Doing a lot of stuff off the field is something thats been eye-catchy. They were always about more than just cricket, Patil adds. Currently working on her next big tournament, with recovery behind her and competitive cricket back in sight, Patil keeps her cards close. Its a secret until you watch the game, she laughs. Its been 10-14 months now and nobody has seen me. Ill be back with some masala in my bowling. Being a spinner, you have to have at least few variations handy. Im working towards it and I would love to execute them in the games as well, concludes Patil.
A deep cleaning of Indias electoral rolls
The revision and verification of electoral rolls is a routine and necessary process. Such corrections do not, by themselves, imply disenfranchisement or targeting
JioHotstar to invest 4,000 crore in South Indias creative economy
JioHotstar announced a 4,000 crore investment over five years to boost South India's media and entertainment sector. The platform unveiled 25 new South titles, including originals and returning franchises, and partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to expand its production ecosystem, aiming to create thousands of jobs and champion regional storytelling.
Jharkhand to deploy university volunteers for tiger census for the first time
RANCHI: For the first time in Jharkhand, volunteers from different universities studying botany and zoology will be deployed for the tiger census in the state. According to forest officials, besides creating a young workforce, this move will help raise awareness about comprehensive tiger estimation and conservation. This is also the first time tiger census activities will be conducted outside the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), covering forest ranges in Ranchi, Dumka and Hazaribagh. The Field Director and Deputy Director of PTR have been appointed as nodal agencies for the tiger census in Jharkhand. Forest personnel across the state have also been trained for the exercise, and the training process is still underway. Tiger censuses are conducted every four years, and the next data will be released on July 29, 2026. The last census was released in 2023. According to PTR Deputy Director Prajesh Kant Jena, volunteers will undergo a skill test before being deployed. In the first phase, PTR will recruit 20 botany and zoology students from Nilamber Pitamber University as volunteers for the tiger count. Only those who clear the skill test will be included, he said. This is the first time volunteers are being involved in the count, he added. Jena said the aim is to involve more people in the campaign to build awareness about wildlife conservation. Botany and zoology students from various colleges will be given basic training and then integrated into the campaign, he said. Letters have been sent to vice-chancellors seeking student participation; the PTR is awaiting a response from Nilamber Pitamber University. Tiger census data released in 2023 recorded three tigers in Jharkhand, all within the PTR. Tiger counting includes deploying high-resolution cameras and conducting special patrols. Every activity and wildlife-related data point is documented during the exercise. Spread over 1,149 sq km, PTR is home to tigers, elephants, bison, spotted deer and bears. Current forest department data shows six tigers, around 180 elephants, over 10,000 spotted deer, more than 50 bison and around 200 wolves. According to the 2006 census, Jharkhand had 10 tigers, which fell to three in 2014. The latest report puts the number at six. Beginning with 22 tigers in 1972, PTR reached its peak in 1995 with 71 big cats before witnessing a steep decline, down to three in 2014 and zero in the 2018 census.
From octogenarians to first-timers, voters queue up to exercise their franchise
Kartik Aaryan reveals he initially said no to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise
Mumbai: Did you know, Kartik Aaryan initially said no to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise? Addressing one of the sessions of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Kartik shared that he had said no to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. He revealed that when he was approached for the project, there was no particular 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 .
Kartik Aaryan made a big revelation about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, confessing that he wasn't keen to replace Akshay Kumar in the iconic horror-comedy franchise.
IPL 2026: Complete list of the most expensive players in every auction
With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, franchises are gearing up for intense bidding wars for top talent. The event in Abu Dhabi will see 350 shortlisted players compete for 77 available slots. This year's auction follows a trend of escalating player values, with Rishabh Pant holding the record as the most expensive player.
'Trophy kab lautaoge?': Mohsin Naqvi faces heat
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi aims to make the Pakistan Super League the world's top franchise tournament, a goal he deems achievable due to Pakistan's talent and passion. However, the statement drew widespread mockery from Indian cricket fans online, many of whom referenced Naqvis controversial handling of the Asia Cup trophy presentation when India defeated Pakistan in the final.
The BCCI has trimmed its IPL 2026 mini-auction list to 350 players, including 35 surprise entries like Quinton de Kock. The auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, featuring capped and uncapped players, with an accelerated phase after the 70th player. Exciting bids expected.
New OTT releases movies: Netflix is reportedly set to acquire Warner Bros for $82.7 billion, gaining control of major franchises. Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance has launched a competing $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery, creating uncertainty. December also brings new Netflix releases like 'Single Papa,' 'Man Vs. Baby,' and 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.'
350 Players To Go Under The Hammer At IPL 2026 Auction On Dec 16
Kolkata Knight Riders: A total of 350 players are set to feature in the IPL 2026 mini auction on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as the BCCI revealed the Player Auction list for the 2026 season on Tuesday. A total of 1390 players registered for the Player Auction, out of which 350 players were shortlisted. Of the 350 players shortlisted, 240 are Indian and 110 from overseas. The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, adding significant depth and fresh talent to this year's auction roster. Franchises will compete for 77 available slots overall, including 31 spots reserved for overseas players. As many as 40 players have listed themselves at the maximum base price of Rs 2 crore, with Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi being the only two Indians among them. Earlier, a total of 173 players have been retained, across teams, including 49 overseas players. A combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore will be available at the auction for a total of 77 player slots. South African wicketkeepers Quinton de Kock and George Linde, and Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage, who were not part of the longlist, have been included in the final list. Earlier, a total of 173 players have been retained, across teams, including 49 overseas players. A combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore will be available at the auction for a total of 77 player slots. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia's Cameron Green has been tipped to become the most expensive buy at the upcoming IPL auction as both KKR and CSK, who have the highest purses, are expected to put in strong bids for the allrounder. Article Source: IANS
IPL Auction: Not 1355 only 350 players will go under the hammer on Dec 16
Among the 35 new additions to the final list, South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock stands out as a surprise entry. De Kock was not part of the original document but was later included following a recommendation from a franchise. His addition comes soon after he reversed his international retirement and scored a century in the ODI against India in Visakhapatnam.
Queues thin at Chennai International Airport; IndiGo cancels 71 flights
CHENNAI: After nearly a week of chaos, the thinning of queues outside IndiGo counters at Chennai International Airport, that began on Sunday, continued on Monday as well, and flight operations showed further signs of normalisation. Cancellations, however, still remained high. The airline cancelled 71 flights throughout the day - 38 departures and 33 arrivals. On Sunday, the airline had cancelled a total of 91 flights at Chennai airport, including 49 arrivals and 42 departures. Many passengers were seen enquiring whether their scheduled flights on Tuesday would operate or if they needed to seek refunds. For some, there was relief after IndiGo officials confirmed a few of the previously cancelled services would operate as scheduled. Abul Basan, an employee at Pullman Hotel in Chennai, told TNIE that he had visited the airport to check the status of his flight from Chennai to Kolkata, with a connecting service to Agartala. The IndiGo official at the counter told me the flight will operate as per schedule, he said. Inbound services linking Chennai with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad were impacted. Delhi emerged as the worst-hit route, accounting for nearly half of the cancelled departures, followed by Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Anchal, who had gone to Ahmedabad to attend a wedding, said she was relieved to get back to Chennai. I was struggling to get back and was finally able to fly back home on Monday, she added. Meanwhile, Indian Railways set up a help desk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday. Ashant Kumar and Abdurrahim, commercial and ticket clerks with Southern Railway, said the special counters had been functioning since Sunday. Twelve passengers were guided to book train tickets to destinations such as Bengaluru, Ranchi and Tatanagar. The railways has made provisions for special ticketing in select routes, including 3 AC, 2 AC and 1 AC coaches. On other routes, additional coaches have been earmarked for stranded passengers, they added. Railways helpdesk Indian Railways has set up a helpdesk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday
Arvind inaugurates new franchise store of Reliance Digital
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Reliance Digital, Indias largest consumer electronics retail chain inaugurated its new state-of-the-art franchise store here at Akhnoor road near Pillar no. 56, Top Sherkhania. The store was formally inaugurated by Arvind Gupta, MLA Jammu West who graced the occasion as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, the MLA congratulated Reliance Digital on expanding its footprint and highlighted the brands contribution to bring the latest technology and customer-centric services to consumers across the country. A handout [] The post Arvind inaugurates new franchise store of Reliance Digital appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajasthan Royals begins play to sell majority stake
Rajasthan Royals is on the hunt to offload a majority stake in its IPL franchise. They've enlisted the expertise of Raine Group to navigate the sale. With numerous interested parties stepping forward, this comes at a time when the IPLs allure to investors is soaring. The valuation for the team is anticipated to be quite impressive.
Dhanbad families refuse relocation; demand technical solution as toxic gas leak persists
RANCHI: The families affected by the toxic gas leak in Dhanbads Kenduadih have directly rejected the proposal to relocate to a safer place. They made it clear on Monday that they would not abandon their ancestral land and relocate to the proposed sites at Belgadia or Karmatand. According to the affected families, the land is the heritage of their generations, and there is no question of leaving it. We would rather die, but not leave our land, they said unanimously. They believe that instead of displacing them, BCCL management should focus on extracting the gas and finding a technical solution to the problem. Relocating would provide neither employment nor essential amenities, further worsening their lives, they said. Notably, even after more than six days of the gas leak incident, no concrete measures have been taken to deal with the situation. The affected families alleged that they have long been demanding that BCCL start the underground mine's fan and extract gas through drilling, but the management is not taking their demands seriously and is only insisting on displacement. Raising slogans against BCCL management, they warned that they will intensify their protest if a permanent technical solution to the gas leak is not found soon. They also made it clear that they would not leave Kenduadih till their death. Social activist and local resident Awadhesh Paswan also asserted that no one is going anywhere. He alleged that the administration and BCCL management are trying to evict poor families under the guise of safety so that the mafia may be given free rein to extract coal. Dhanbad administration struggles to relocate 10,000 residents after toxic gas leak in Kenduadih Meanwhile, they have given BCCL management an ultimatum of two days; if no concrete solution is found, activities of all outsourcing companies in the vicinity will be halted. In between, a special team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached from Ranchi on Sunday and assessed the affected area. The 32-member team also measured the intensity of the gas leak. NDRF officials said that the situation is very dangerous and frightening. According to them, normally, if the amount of carbon monoxide gas in the air exceeds 50 ppm, the situation is considered dangerous. However, in Rajput Basti, it was found to be up to 1680 ppm. On Saturday night, seventy people went to the relief camp set up by BCCL and an outsourcing company for 500 affected people and had their food, but no one stayed there. Notably, the gas leak was first reported on Wednesday in Rajput Basti, where two women died and more than two dozen residents, mostly women and children, were admitted to BCCLs Kustore Regional Hospital and Central Hospital, Dhanbad. The impact of the gas is being felt in the Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, and Officers Colony areas of Kenduadih, home to a population of approximately 10,000. The persistent stench and gas leakage have made life extremely difficult for the residents. Dhanbad DC orders detailed enquiry into toxic gas leak incident that killed two
UP forms SIT to crack Rs 425-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling racket
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday announced the formation of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to dismantle an organised racket involving the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup for narcotic abuse. The smuggling case came to light around 20 days ago when a truck loaded with codeine-based cough syrup was seized in Sonbhadra. Speaking to the media, FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob, accompanied by Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad and DGP Rajeev Krishna, said the SIT had been formed to investigate the case. Three accused have been arrested so far. Jacob said misleading information was being circulated on social media. Police have taken action. A truck of cough syrup was caught in Sonbhadra some 20 days ago and based on that evidence, a second truck was recovered in Ranchi, she said. She clarified that the UP case has no connection with a similar case reported in Madhya Pradesh. She said the investigation had been expanded to 300 drug dealers to trace the main supply channels. We want to reach the big traders, not the small retailers, Jacob added. UP DGP Rajeev Krishna said that using cough syrup for any purpose other than its normal medical use amounted to a legal offence. Several pieces of evidence have been found in the last two months. FSDA has registered 128 FIRs across 28 districts, including 38 in Varanasi, 16 in Jaunpur, eight in Kanpur, six in Ghazipur and four each in Lakhimpur Kheri and Lucknow, he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the health portfolio, said in Jaunpur that strict action would be taken against the guilty irrespective of their social standing. The DGP added that 279 medical stores were inspected, and many were found to be non-existent. Others had serious anomalies in sale and purchase records. It reflects that the firms were selling cough syrup in an organised manner as an intoxicant, not a medicine. The drug was being supplied from Lucknow, Lakhimpur, Bahraich, Varanasi, Ghaziabad and even Nepal to Bangladesh, he said. In a parallel crackdown, the SIT constituted by the Varanasi Police Commissionerate to probe the smuggling racket run by Shubham Jaiswal of Varanasi arrested two close associates of the kingpin. The racket was operated through his firm, Shelly Traders. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai along with his associates Gaurav Jaiswal and Varun Singh on November 5. His father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, was arrested at Kolkata airport on November 30 while attempting to fly to Dubai. The two accused arrested on Monday, Vishal Jaiswal and Badal Arya, revealed key details during interrogation. They allegedly earned large sums by setting up shell firms, receiving Rs 25,00030,000 per consignment. The SIT also uncovered suspicious transactions worth Rs 425 crore linked to Shubham Jaiswal over the past two years. DCP Gaurav Basbal said Shubham Jaiswal had left India and look-out circulars were being issued. A Red Corner Notice would also be sought through Interpol. The arrested duo told interrogators that CA Devesh Jaiswal had full access to Shubhams bank accounts. They said they had conducted business worth around Rs 7 crore with him within a year. One of the accused, Badal Arya, claimed Devesh Jaiswal helped him open his firm. The other accused, Vishal Jaiswal of Hukumganj, also said Devesh Jaiswal helped him open a firm named Hariom Pharma. I would place orders but the syrup never came to my shop. I used to get Rs 20,00030,000 in cash, he said. SIT chief ADCP Kashi Zone Saravanan T said two more suspects were being questioned and their documents were being scrutinised.
Jharkhand government orders statewide safety audit after Goa nightclub tragedy
RANCHI: The Jharkhand government has ordered an immediate, state-wide safety audit of all bars, restaurants, hotels and hospitals, directing district administrations to submit their reports within a week. The decision comes in the wake of the horrific fire at a restaurant-cum-nightclub in Goas Arpora on Saturday night , which claimed 25 lives, including three youths from Jharkhand who had recently migrated there for work. The victims have been identified as 24-year-old Pradeep Mahato and 22-year-old Vinod Mahato, both residents of Fatehpur village in Ranchis Lapung block, and 22-year-old Mohit Munda from Govindpur village under Karra block of Khunti district. All three were employed as cooks in the nightclub and were present inside the kitchen when the blaze erupted. According to Health and Disaster Management Minister Irfan Ansari, the government would deal firmly with any lapse related to public safety. If an incident like the one in Goa happens in Jharkhand, officials will be held accountable, he warned. Ansari stressed that all commercial establishments must adhere to strict kitchen safety norms, carry out routine technical checks of gas pipelines, burners and chimneys and ensure that fire-safety equipment and emergency exits remain operational at all times. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of three migrant workers from Jharkhand were brought to Ranchi on Monday morning. Agriculture Minister Shilpy Neha Tirkey, who coordinated with the Goa government to bring back the bodies, informed that all three workers belonged to the Assembly constituency, Mandar. The bodies were sent to their native villages in special ambulances. I will request Chief Minister Hemant Soren for some welfare provisions for the families of the victims, said Tirkey. The Labour Department has handed Rs 50,000 each to the families of the victims as immediate assistance. State Migrant Control Room's team lead Shikha Lakra, who received the bodies at the airport, said that the Labour Department has ensured that two of the family members of the victims who are still stranded in Goa are brought back to Ranchi by a flight by the evening.
Goa nightclub fire: Last rites of 3 workers killed in blaze held in Jharkhand
The last rites of three Jharkhand migrant workers who died in the Goa nightclub fire were performed in their native villages on Monday. Brothers Pradeep and Binod Mahto from Ranchi and Mohit Munda from Khunti were among the 25 victims
Mortal remains of Jharkhand migrant workers killed in Goa nightclub fire brought back
RANCHI: The mortal remains of three migrant workers from Jharkhand, who were among the 25 people killed in the fire at the Goa nightclub , were brought to Ranchi on Monday morning, officials said. Pradeep (24) and Binod Mahto (20), two brothers from Fatehpur village in Lapung, and Mohit Munda (22) of Govindpur village in Khunti district's Karra block died in the inferno that ravaged the North Goa club post-midnight on Sunday. Agriculture Minister Shilpy Neha Tirkey, who coordinated with the Goa government to bring back the bodies, said all three workers belonged to her Mandar constituency. The bodies were sent to their native villages in special ambulances. I will request Chief Minister Hemant Soren for some welfare provisions for the families of the victims, she told PTI. The Labour Department has handed Rs 50,000 each to the families of the victims as immediate assistance. State Migrant Control Room's team lead Shikha Lakra, who received the bodies at the airport, told PTI the Labour Department has ensured that two of the family members of the victims who are still stranded in Goa are brought back to Ranchi by a flight in the evening. These three people were among 14 staff members of the nightclub killed in the fire. The brothers had migrated to Goa about a year ago and used to send around Rs 30,000 per month to support their family. Both were unmarried. They were scheduled to celebrate Holi with us next year, their elder brother Phagu had said. The chief minister and his legislator wife, Kalpana Soren, have condoled the loss of lives in the blaze, describing it as extremely heartbreaking and tragic.
AI hype is high, clarity is low Im staying cautious: WhiteOak Capital CEO Aashish Somaiyaa
WhiteOak Capital Asset Management differentiates itself with strategies designed to keep investors invested for longer. This includes portfolio construction that avoids extreme swings, a fund lineup less prone to high volatility, and a sticky SIP-led franchise, CEO Aashish Somaiyaa tells Sanket Dhanorkar in an interview.
Not chasing AI blindly:WhiteOak CEO Somaiyaa
WhiteOak Capital Asset Management differentiates itself with strategies designed to keep investors invested for longer. This includes portfolio construction that avoids extreme swings, a fund lineup less prone to high volatility, and a sticky SIP-led franchise, CEO Aashish Somaiyaa tells Sanket Dhanorkar in an interview.
Following rift with the producer, he is also dropped from the Race franchise
Dale Steyn hails KL Rahuls leadership
Visakhapatnam, Dec 7: Former South African fast-bowling great Dale Steyn has heaped praise on KL Rahul, crediting the Indian stand-in captain for steering the side to a well-earned 21 triumph over South Africa in the recently concluded three-match ODI series. India set the tone in Ranchi with a hard-fought 17-run win before sealing the series []
Dhanbad administration struggles to relocate 10,000 residents after toxic gas leak in Kenduadih
RANCHI: The Dhanbad district administration has intensified efforts to relocate 10,000 residents of Kenduadih following a suspected toxic gas leak that killed two women and left several others ill on Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan said the administration is facing challenges in convincing families to move to the proposed relocation site at Belgadia, with many residents citing minor concerns despite repeated assurances. The gas leak was first reported in Rajput Basti, where more than two dozen people, mostly women and children, were admitted to BCCLs Kustore Regional Hospital and Central Hospital, Dhanbad. Although no new cases have been reported, locals continue to detect a faint gas odor in the area. The affected zones include Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, and Officers Colony, which together house around 10,000 residents. The affected families were concerned about where they will keep their cattle if relocated to the proposed site. We have agreed to provide cattle sheds, yet they are still reluctant to move, Ranjan said, emphasizing that relocation is necessary to prevent any future untoward incidents. He added that the administration is handling the crisis with the highest level of urgency, coordinating multiple agencies, monitoring the area, reviewing evacuation plans, and ensuring timely medical support. Meanwhile, amid rising tension and protests, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Ranchi entered Rajput Basti on Sunday to assess the suspected poisonous gas. Residents reportedly tried to block the team, alleging that BCCL was using the gas leak as a pretext to clear the settlement for a planned coal project. Nearly 400 unauthorised families currently live in the fire-affected danger zone of Rajput Basti. Local resident Lal Bahadur Singh said, BCCL is trying to evict poor families under the guise of safety, noting that previous relocation attempts had failed due to community resistance. Scientific assessments following the leak revealed extremely high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), with readings reaching 1,500 parts per million (PPM)around 30 times the permissible limit. Exposure to CO is harmful even at 50 PPM, causes headaches at 2 PPM, and can lead to dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness at 8 PPM, highlighting the urgent need for evacuation. The administration continues to engage with residents to implement the relocation plan while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states
NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.
Kerala local body elections: 22.54 lakh voters to exercise franchise in Kollam
Goa nightclub fire tragedy extremely heartbreaking: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren
Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday said the loss of lives in a fire accident at a nightclub in Goa was extremely heartbreaking. The chief minister extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident. At least 25 people were killed, and six others suffered injuries in the blaze that 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 .
Collector says district is poll-ready, urges all voters to exercise franchise
Of the 7,347 candidates in the fray, 3,917 are women and 3,457 are men
Dhanbad mine gas leak: Experts find CO level 'dangerously high' in affected areas
A team of experts who visited the Kenduadih area of Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, which reported a toxic gas leak incident on Wednesday, has recorded carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the air as dangerously high, at up to 1,500 parts per million (PPM). At least two women were killed while over 20 others complained of vomiting and headache, allegedly due to leakage of toxic carbon monoxide gas in the Putki Balihari Colliery Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)in Dhanbad's Kenduadih. Officials are yet to confirm the cause of the women's death. According to the experts, the CO levels in the area is around 30 times higher than the permissible limit, as the dangerous level of carbon monoxide concentration starts with 50 PPM. A joint experts' team of Dhanbad IIT-ISM and Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) visited Rajput Basti, Masjid Muhalla and Area No.5 of the Putki-Balihari colliery area on Friday to assess the carbon monoxide levels, said Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan. The experts recorded the level of carbon monoxide at up to 1,500 PPM, which poses a serious threat to human health, and recommended immediate shifting of residents from Rajput Basti. Headache appears when the level reaches 200 PPM, and symptoms like dizziness, nausea and unconsciousness begin at 800 PPM, the expert said. According to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the permissible limit for CO is 2 mg/m3 (milligram per cubic meter) for an eight-hour average in residential areas, and 4 mg/m3 for a one-hour average, a Ranchi-based environmentalist said. The 1,500 ppm CO concentration is dangerously high for human survival, said the environmentalist who refused to be quoted. Ranjan said, People from the affected areas are being shifted to temporary camps. So far, around 400 people have been shifted. The process is on to shift the rest of the residents from the area. A section of the locals said they are worried about their livelihood in new areas and are not in favour of shifting. The DC himself visited the affected sites on Friday and assessed the condition of the people living in the area. The problem did not arise now; it has existed for decades. Due to different reasons, the residents could not be shifted to a safe place, Ranjan said. The area has long been declared a 'danger zone' due to underground mine fires. The DC said he urged the residents to shift to a safe place as soon as possible. An arrangement has been made at Belagadia and Karmatand. For the time being, temporary accommodation has been provided till the situation becomes normal in the area, Ranjan said. (With inputs from PTI) Dhanbad DC orders detailed enquiry into toxic gas leak incident that killed two
Old Image of MS Dhoni Watching a Match at Ranchi Stadium Passed off as Recent
We found that the image dates back to January 2023, when Dhoni was attending the Ind vs NZ T20I match.
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) has achieved a significant global milestone by ranking 4th in Google's list of the Top 5 Most Searched Sports Teams worldwide in 2025, becoming the highest-ranked IPL team on the list, as per a press release of PBKS.
Cold wave grips north, east India; Kolkata records seasons lowest, Kashmir below freezing point
Residents across parts of north and eastern India woke up to biting cold on Saturday, with temperatures dipping well below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In Kolkata, the mercury plunged to 14.5 degrees Celsius, the coldest morning this season and 2.1 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius, with misty and foggy conditions likely in the evening. Other parts of Gangetic West Bengal are also experiencing a gradual temperature drop, which IMD forecasts will continue over the next 24 hours. Cold wave conditions gripped Jharkhand, with Gumla recording the states lowest temperature at 3 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert for cold wave has been issued for 11 districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Lohardaga, Simdega, Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Khunti, Latehar, and Gumla till 8.30 am on Sunday. Minimum temperatures ranged from 3 degrees in Gumla to 10.1 degrees in Ranchi, with north-westerly winds contributing to the fall in mercury. Officials expect temperatures to drop by up to 2 degrees more over the next 48 hours before rising slightly. Meanwhile, in Kashmir, night temperatures plunged well below the freezing point, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.1 degrees Celsius. Shopian was the coldest place at minus 6.4 degrees, followed by Pahalgam at minus 4.4 degrees. Other towns such as Qazigund, Kupwara, Kokernag, Gulmarg, and Konibal recorded minimums ranging from minus 0.2 to minus 5.2 degrees. A thick layer of fog engulfed parts of the valley, and the meteorological department has forecast generally cloudy but dry weather on December 6-7, with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches possible on December 8. No respite from toxic air in Delhi The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Saturday morning, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am settled at 335. According to the Central Pollution Control Board Sameer App, 36 monitoring stations across the capital also reported very poor air, with Mundka recording the worst levels at 387. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. Delhi's air quality has swung sharply through the week, the city recorded an AQI of 279 on Sunday, 304 on Monday, rose sharply to 372 on Tuesday, and stood at 342 on Wednesday. The city's AQI remained in the very poor category on Thursday with a reading of 304, and 327 on Friday. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature settled at 6.8 degree Celsius, 2.7 degree Celsius below normal, with morning humidity at 95 per cent. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature may reach 24 degree Celsius under a partly cloudy sky. (With inputs from PTI)
Hemant Soren calls for tribal unity, warns big fish will eat little fish if communities stay divided
RANCHI:Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged the tribal communities across the country to stand united, warning that otherwise they may face extinction. He used the ig fish eat little fish proverb to buttress his point. Asserting that the tribal community never receives its due place in the census, Soren said it was time to fight for their rights, as challenges will continue to increase. Today, the people have chosen me as the chief minister of Jharkhand. But I know that as we move forward, the challenges will keep increasing. You must have seen that a big fish always tries to eat the little fish, Soren said, addressing tribal representatives gathered here from different parts of the country on Friday. Unless and until the community is united, they may face systemic marginalisation and neglect, the JMM president cautioned. Recalling the legacy of legendary freedom fighters and revolutionaries like Birsa Munda, Sido-Kanhu, Tilka Manjhi and 'Dishom Guru' (leader of the land) Shibu Soren, he said Jharkhand is not merely a state but he land of Mother Earth that leads the tribal society of the entire nation. The CM said that the tribal community must assert its rights, fight for its land, protect its cultural identity and safeguard its existence. He stressed that tribal people can progress only through collective unity and that their struggles must no longer remain isolated or unheard. The tribal people of the country will have to unite and fight together so that our problems do not remain mere voices but become an agenda of national politics, he said, adding that tribal society must recognise itself as a community with a shared past and an equally shared future. He lamented that the tribal community has not been able to produce an extensive written record of its civilisation. We are worshippers of nature; our document is nature itself, he posted on X, insisting that the world must recognise that indigenous lifestyles rooted in nature are crucial for global ecological balance. Pointing to the alleged depletion of the Hasdeo forest in neighbouring Chhattisgarh and the environmental crisis in Delhi, Soren said the world was now finally facing the consequences of ignoring ecological preservation - something tribals have upheld for generations. The chief minister raised concerns over the natural wealth of Jharkhand, urging people to reflect on whether its mineral richness has been a blessing or a curse. He argued that nature and tribal society have never been prioritised in national policy-making, despite being central to environmental sustainability. He warned that a society deeply connected to water, forests and land has continuously been pushed to the margins, even as environmental threats intensify. Soren voiced strong dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate representation of tribal populations in the national census exercises. He said that while every section of society receives recognition and categorisation, tribals often do not receive their rightful place in demographic exercises. If this continues, he warned, the community may gradually be erased from the nation's consciousness. He also highlighted the gaps in economic, social, intellectual and political opportunities available to tribal citizens, asking how many from the community have truly been allowed to advance in various fields Alleging political discrimination against tribal leaders, Soren said that, except for the North East and a few states, tribals have rarely held chief ministerial positions. He claimed that neighbouring states appointed tribal CMs only after Jharkhand elected one, illustrating how representation of the community at the highest levels remains a significant challenge. Soren informed the gathering that he had instructed his office to collect contact details of all tribal representatives present so that communication, coordination and solidarity could be strengthened. He assured them that whenever he visits their states, he will meet them personally. Yes, if we unite as a group, then we can move forward as a great power, he said, emphasising that isolated struggles cannot secure a collective future. He said that the tribal community has always played a significant role in various fields and has produced countless brave men and women, but lamented that the community has been forced to remain divided for far too long. The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to standing firmly with all indigenous societies and announced that his government will prepare a detailed action plan aimed at building a strong, unified and empowered tribal society. As the challenges ahead grow, he said, unity will be the only shield.
IndiGo meltdown throws KIA into chaos
BENGALURU: Thousands of passengers were stranded at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Friday as Terminal 1, known for its iconic design, descended into chaos, overcrowding and exhaustion, resembling a refugee camp. As 292 IndiGo flights were cancelled and abrupt disruptions continued for the fourth day on Friday, there was little clarity and passengers frustration only grew. Arguments broke out between passengers, airline staff and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Fares on other airlines skyrocketed to Rs 1 lakh for routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. With limited seating available, families and solo travellers stretched out on the floors, some sleeping on jackets, while others leaning against luggage, turning the terminal into a crowded waiting hall. A family enroute to Haridwar for asthi visarjan was stranded, even as the daughter of the deceased held a urn that had the remains of her father. They had no option other than paying exorbitant sums for an alternative ticket. Even as passengers struggled, no food or alternative flight arrangements were made. Hyderabad-bound passenger Jayesh Menon told TNIE that flyers were initially informed about one-hour delays, that repeated multiple times before the flights were cancelled. But even a bigger crisis awaited flyers as many were unable to retrieve their checked-in baggage for four to five hours. People are angry, sad, every emotion you can think of, he added. Several stranded passengers continued waiting for their luggage late into the evening, while others scrambled to find alternative travel arrangements amid disruptions, he added. Airfares surge tenfold on certain routes on Saturday as IndiGo cancels 1,000 flights on Friday RANCHI TO BLURU: A 36-HR ORDEAL What should have taken a routine 2.5-hour journey from Ranchi to Bengaluru turned out to be a 36-hour ordeal for Sanjay Choraria and his wife. They started on Thursday at 7 am to reach the airport early for their 8.50 am IndiGo flight, only to face repeated one-hour delays that stretched endlessly until the airline abruptly cancelled the flight at 4 pm. The only alternative offered was a punishing detour - Ranchi to Kolkata to Chennai to Bengaluru. But a bigger nightmare awaited them on the Kolkata to Chennai with the 9.40 pm departure repeatedly pushed past midnight and to 2.30 am. It finally took off at 4 am after tensions boiled over. In Chennai, passengers were dealt another blow when the final flight to Bengaluru was cancelled. Exhausted and out of options, the couple hired a private cab and reached Bengaluru at 7 pm on Friday. HUBBALLI BRIDE, GROOM ATTEND RECEPTION ONLINE Hubballi: It was a full house at a marriage hall in Hubballi. There were close to 700 guests who arrived to bless the couple for their reception. But there were no bride and groom. They came on live on screen from Bhubaneshwar. Following countrywide delays in air traffic involving Indigo Airlines, the bride and groom could not make it. However, the brides parents were at the venue to complete the rituals. The parents of the bride, Medha, at the last minute decided to host the party and ensured the bride and groom got ready and came online at the marriage hall. Medha and Sangam Das were married on December 23 in Odisha and the reception was scheduled on December 3 in Hubballi. They were to fly to Mumbai on December 2 and then to Hubballi. -- Amit S Upadhye IndiGo pilots and crew say management failures left staff to face public ire amid mass cancellations
Surprise twist! This IPL team tops Google searches, leaving RCB, CSK and MI behind
Punjab Kings achieved a significant global milestone, ranking fourth on Google's Top 5 Most Searched Sports Teams of 2025. This recognition follows their impressive IPL 2025 final run, highlighting their growing international fanbase and strong digital presence. The franchise emphasized the emotional connection with supporters as a key factor in this achievement.
Ministers Visit State Capitals to Invite CMs for Telangana Rising Summit
Bhatti met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi and presented him with the specially printed summit invitation and briefed him on Telanganas vision of achieving a $ 3 trillion economy by 2047.
With Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026, speculation is swirling around the franchise's next leader. Young all-rounder Riyan Parag has finally responded to the rumours linking him to the captaincy role. Here's what he said and what it means for RR going forward.
Dhanbad DC orders detailed enquiry into toxic gas leak incident that killed two
RANCHI: Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aditya Ranjan has ordered a detailed inquiry into the toxic gas leak incident , which was reported from the Putki Balihari Colliery Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad. He also directed officials to immediately relocate the residents living in the affected zones to safer locations. Notably, at least two women allegedly were killed while several others complained of vomiting tendency and headache due to leakage of toxic carbon monoxide gas near Children's Park in Dhanbad's Kenduadih, affected by underground fire for more than a century. Taking note of the gravity of the situation, Dhanbad DC convened an emergency review meeting with senior representatives of BCCL, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), the Health Department, Disaster Management and JRDA. During the meeting, the DC formed a committee to determine how the leak occurred, what gaps existed in safety protocols and which agencies failed to respond effectively. The investigation will examine each incident in detail and determine whose negligence led to the loss of life. The committee will investigate whose negligence led to the casualties. Strict action will be taken on the basis of the report, said the DC. The inquiry will be conducted under the Mines Act, 1952 and Disaster Management Regulation, 2025. According to locals, Priyanka Devi died late Wednesday evening, while another woman, Lalita Devi, died on Thursday. Besides that, a dozen children and women in the area have fallen ill, they said. However, the exact cause of death for both women will only be clear after the arrival of postmortem reports. These frequent deaths have fueled locals anger. Protesting against the local administration and BCCL, locals blocked Dhanbad-Ranchi Road for several hours by burning tyres on the road. Protesters claimed that a thick haze has been lingered since morning. Their homes have filled up with smoke, causing breathing problems for children and the elderly. Eye irritation, cough and choking problems have also increased, they said. They fear that if the underground fire expands further, the entire area could be in grave danger.
Soren meets allies amid buzz over change of guard
RANCHI: Putting an end to speculation that Jharkhands political equations might change in the coming days, the INDIA bloc in the state displayed unity during a meeting of alliance partners conducted by CM Hemant Soren on Thursday. The meeting, held ahead of the Winter Session of Jharkhand Assembly beginning December 5, was significant because rumours had circulated after Soren and his MLA wife, Kalpana Soren, visited Delhi, claiming they had allegedly met senior BJP leaders. These reports suggested dissatisfaction within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over the performance of its allies, the Congress and the RJD, in the recent Bihar polls. The concerns had intensified after the JMMs decision to withdraw from the 2025 Bihar elections, citing what it called a political conspiracy by its allies in Bihar. Days after the Mahagathbandhans rout in the polls, JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey said that it was time to review the alliance not only in Jharkhand, but at the central level too. However, after the Thursday meeting, sources said the coalition is focused on governance and the upcoming Assembly session. All four ministers from the Congress quota, along with Jharkhand in-charge K Raju and state Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, attended the meeting. All the 16 MLAs will be present during the Winter Session of Jharkhand Assembly and put the questions in the interest of the people of the state, said State Congress Chief Keshav Mahto. Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore said the speculation about a change in power had been proven baseless. He added, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently stated during the winter session of Parliament that the Lok Sabha is a place for delivery, not drama. BJP MLAs should also keep this in mind. Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said they would not allow the BJP narrative to succeed. Health Minister Dr Irnan Ansari said the BJP had no issues to raise and had resorted to drama. JMM ministers and MLAs, however, avoided speaking to the media.
India-SA ODI Teams Arrive In Vizag For Tomorrows Match
India won the opening ODI in Ranchi before the South Africans bounced back to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory in Raipur and level the series.
Suspected gas leak kills two, leaves several others ill in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
RANCHI: At least two women allegedly died while several others complained of vomiting tendency and headache due to leakage of toxic carbon monoxide gas for the last two days near Children's Park in Dhanbad's Kenduadih, affected by underground fire for more than a century. Though efforts are being made to seal the leaking spots, authorities have urged people to vacate the area as a precautionary measure. According to locals, the impact of the gas is being felt in the Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla and Officers Colony areas of Kenduadih, home to a population of approximately 10,000. The persistent stench and gas leakage have made life difficult for the residents. Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner also asserted that two people have died due to the gas leakage. Yes, two people apparently died due to the gas leakage. Meanwhile, we have done a makeshift arrangement for nearly 400 families living in the area, said the DC Aditya Ranjan. Eviction notice has already been issued long back in the wake of the underground fire in the region, but people are reluctant to vacate the place, he added. According to Ranjan, taking a fresh initiative, the district administration has been making announcements through the public address system, appealing to people to vacate the place as soon as possible. Though the permanent solution is eviction, as a temporary solution, we have directed to make two ambulances available, both by the district administration and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), each, said the DC. #WATCH | Dhanbad, Jharkhand: 2 women lost their lives as a gas leak in Kenduadih escalated. Villagers blocked the Dhanbad-Ranchi main road and burned tyres in protest against the district administration and the BCCL (Bharat Coking Coal Limited) management. pic.twitter.com/igWcKvy9De ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2025 According to locals, one woman--Priyanka Devi--died late Wednesday evening, while another woman, Lalita Devi, died on Thursday. Besides, a dozen children and women in the area have fallen ill, they said. However, the exact cause of death for both women will only be clear after postmortem reports. These frequent deaths have fueled locals anger. Protesting against the local administration and BCCL, locals blocked Dhanbad-Ranchi Road for several hours by burning tyres on the road. Protesters claimed that a thick haze has lingered since morning. Their homes have filled up with smoke, causing breathing problems for children and the elderly. Eye irritation, cough and choking problems have also increased, they said. They fear that if the underground fire expands further, the entire area could be in grave danger. Locals have been demanding adequate compensation and arrangements for relocation to a safer location. Meanwhile, Project Officer Lakhan Lal Barnwal stated that the gas accumulated in the colliery, closed for nearly 15 years, started leaking through cracks in the ground. The impact of the gas has been felt within a radius of approximately 400 feet, he said. BCCL has set up emergency shelters for 15-20 families by erecting tents at two locations.
An Indian-American billionaire has surprisingly emerged as the front-runner to buy Virat Kohli's RCB, overtaking high-profile Indian business figures like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani and Adar Poonawalla. The unexpected development has intensified speculation around a major IPL franchise takeover.
Virat Kohli's second successive ton looked inevitable, he carried on confidence from Ranchi
Virat Kohli's second consecutive ODI century against South Africa was deemed inevitable by Sunil Gavaskar, who highlighted the batsman's confidence from the first match. Kohli's 102, coupled with Ruturaj Gaikwad's 105, set a new record for India's third-wicket stand. Despite their efforts, South Africa chased down 358 to level the series, with Aiden Markram scoring a crucial maiden century.
The Oval Invincibles will be rebranded as MI London from 2026 after Reliance Industries acquires a 49% stake in the franchise. Surrey retains 51%. Both men's and women's teams will carry the MI brand, bringing the Mumbai Indians' global legacy to The Hundred in England.
Supreme Court hears arguments that the Special Intensive Revision allows mass scrutiny of citizenship based on mere suspicion, posing threats of disenfranchisement and statelessness
Virat Kohli moves up to No. 4 in ICC ODI rankings
DUBAI, Dec 3: Star Indian batter Virat Kohli on Wednesday moved up to No. 4 in the latest ICC rankings with a match-winning hundred against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi boosting his ascend. Kohli made his 52nd hundred in the 50-over format, a 120-ball 135 that propelled India to a 17-run win []
