Ranchi

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Rajasthan civic polls: Second phase ends at 70.68 pc voting, overall voter turnout is 72.95 pc

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan local body elections concluded on Friday across 147 urban local bodies, recording an overall voting percentage of 70.68 per cent. Overall, the voter turnout was 72.95 per cent in two phases, according to election department data. The second phase covered 147 local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipalities and 121 municipal councils. A total of 4,774 polling stations were set up for the second phase. According to the data, 87,63,595 voters were eligible to cast their ballots in the second phase. Of these, 61,93,865 voters exercised their franchise. Highest voting was recorded in Balotra's Dhorimanna which was 91.59 per cent, while lowest polling was reported at Sirohi which was 62.03 per cent. The second phase followed polling held on September 9 across 162 urban local bodies. The first phase recorded a turnout of 74.76 per cent, according to the election data. Across the two phases, elections were conducted in a total of 309 urban local bodies. The combined voter turnout was recorded at 72.95 per cent. The election department had made extensive arrangements for polling across the constituencies, with polling stations established across the urban local bodies covered in the second phase. The first phase of polling on September 9 covered 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations, 21 municipalities and 137 municipal councils. Meanwhile in last civic elections, the total polling per cent was 70.31 per cent. The second phase brought the polling process for the state's 2026 urban local body elections to a close. The election results are scheduled to be declared after counting of votes on September 14.

Jaipur civic polls: 'UCC rollback' slogans raised before Raj Dy CM Diya Kumari

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) During the second phase of local elections in Rajasthan, the situation became politically charged when some people raised slogans demanding the rollback of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in front of Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari outside a polling station in Jaipur. As voting for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections continued on Friday, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari visited several polling stations in Jaipur during the voting process. Her visit to a polling booth in the Vidyadhar Nagar Assembly constituency however drew objections from Congress workers, who accused her of attempting to influence voters. Congress workers alleged that Diya Kumari's visit to polling booths while voting was underway was inappropriate and could amount to an attempt to influence the electoral process. They questioned whether a senior political leader should visit polling stations on polling day. Security personnel present at the spot intervened to prevent the situation from escalating. Complaints were also raised by several voters who arrived at polling stations only to find that their names were missing from the electoral rolls. Some residents alleged that the names of a large number of voters had been omitted from the lists and blamed negligence on the part of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The affected voters expressed their frustration and questioned how they could exercise their franchise if their names were not included in the voter list. The issue was raised in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, with residents seeking answers from the administration. The situation became more politically charged when some people outside the polling station raised slogans demanding the rollback of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The slogans were raised in front of Diya Kumari as political activity continued around the polling station. The incident added another dimension to the tensions surrounding the voting process in Jaipur. The Congress' objections over the Deputy Chief Minister's visit, complaints regarding missing names from the electoral rolls and the slogans demanding UCC rollback contributed to a politically charged atmosphere at the polling station. Voting for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections however continued across the city, with voters exercising their franchise in the ongoing urban local body polls.

BJP to observe PM Modis birthday with month-long campaign

UP T20 League: Kashi Rudras reflect on playoff run, emergence of young talent

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 11 (IANS) Two-time champions Kashi Rudras owner Sanjeev Garg said their fourth Uttar Pradesh T20 League campaign was a journey defined by immense team resilience and the promising rise of a new generation of local cricketers, following their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.v The Yan Consultancy-owned franchise rebounded from a mid-season slump of four consecutive defeats to finish third in the league standings and sealed their playoff berth with a 56-run victory over table-toppers Meerut Mavericks. Their campaign eventually came to an end in a hard-fought Eliminator, where they fell short by just one run to Noida Kings. This season once again demonstrated the character and fighting spirit that define Kashi Rudras. The way the team responded after a difficult phase in the league and finished strongly against the table-toppers showed the resilience within this group, Garg said in a statement on Friday. The season highlighted several outstanding individual efforts, starting with skipper Karan Sharma, who claimed the Orange Cap as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 361 runs, including a league-high 26 sixes, a 51-ball 102 against Noida Super Kings, and a 92 off 48 balls against Gorakhpur Lions. On the bowling front, Atal Bihari Rai led the attack with 15 wickets. However, it was the breakthrough of young players that stood out as the major takeaway for the franchise. 19-year-old left-arm spinner Kartik Yadav enjoyed a stellar season with 11 wickets, anchored by a match-winning 3-for-12 spell against Meerut Mavericks. Youngsters Sangam Singh, pacer Rishabh Rajput, and batter Virat Jaiswal also stepped up to showcase the franchise's squad depth. Karans Orange Cap-winning campaign and the performances of our experienced players were outstanding, but what excites us equally is the emergence of young talent. Youngsters have shown tremendous promise and have given us a glimpse of what this group can achieve in the years ahead. We will take the learnings from this season, continue to back our players and return with the same ambition and determination to bring another championship to Kashi Rudras, added Garg.

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Amul India gives Mirzapur: The Movie a MASKAPUR twist with Kaleen Bhaiya creative

The Mirzapur universe has now found an unexpected pop-culture crossover, with Amul India giving Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios Mirzapur: The Movie its own playful twist. The dairy brand recently joined the conversation around the film with a customised social media creative, dubbing the topical MASKAPUR and featuring Kaleen Bhaiya with a bun maska. The creative features Kaleen Bhaiya, played by Pankaj Tripathi, seated with a bun maska in his hand, bringing together a familiar image from the Mirzapur universe with Amuls signature topical advertising format. The brand captioned the post, Amul Topical: The Movie Mirzapur create waves! The reference to MASKAPUR adds a food-centric play on the title while acknowledging the films ongoing presence in popular culture. The Amul topical comes as Mirzapur: The Movie continues its theatrical run following its release on September 4, 2026. The film marks the theatrical expansion of the popular Mirzapur franchise, which has developed a strong following through its streaming series. The move to the big screen has also brought several familiar characters together for a new chapter in the story. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amul - The Taste of India (@amul_india) Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, Mirzapur: The Movie stars Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu and Ali Fazal in key roles. The ensemble also includes Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Mohitt Maalik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Pramod Pathak, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Shweta Tripathi and Sonal S Chauhan. The film follows an untold chapter from the world of Mirzapur, bringing together several members of its ensemble for its theatrical outing. Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have produced the film under the Excel Entertainment banner, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie released in Hindi and Telugu on September 4. With Amuls MASKAPUR creative, the franchise has now also become the subject of a topical from one of Indias most recognisable dairy brands, adding another layer to the films ongoing pop-culture conversation. Also Read: Mirzapur: The Movie cast serves Bhaukaal in viral 80s AI trend; see pics

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CEC Gyanesh Kumar calls for greater voter participation, transparency at ELC Conference

Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 11 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Friday stressed the need for greater voter participation and transparent electoral processes as he interacted with more than 1,000 Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) members, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), campus ambassadors and other stakeholders at a regional conference on ELC and the ECINET app in Ahmedabad. Held under the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) flagship SVEEP programme, the conference focused on electoral literacy, informed voting and the use of digital technology to improve transparency in the electoral process. Kumar said India, with more than 90 crore voters, is the worlds largest democracy and around 1.8 crore personnel, including staff deputed during Lok Sabha elections, are involved in the electoral exercise. The entire process, from the electoral roll to voting, is as clear, transparent and impartial as sunlight, Kumar said, while explaining the safeguards in place during elections. He said electoral rolls are prepared through the work of more than 11 lakh BLOs and scrutiny by political parties. The presence of polling and counting agents, along with verification through Form 17C, further ensures transparency during voting and counting, he said. Kumar also highlighted Indias current chairmanship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an organisation comprising 35 major democracies, saying it reflected international recognition of Indias electoral system. Urging greater participation among young voters, he said every citizen completing 18 years should be enrolled on the electoral roll and exercise their franchise. He called upon ELC members to download the ECINET app and help family members and people around them with voter registration. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale said the ELC programme, launched under SVEEP in 2018, aims to familiarise young citizens with democratic values and the electoral process. Under ELC 2.0, school and college clubs are being developed as year-round, experiential and digital platforms, he said. The effort is to prepare empowered young voters on the foundations of awareness and trust, Sagale said, adding that more than 40 voter and election-management applications have been brought together on the ECINET platform. Presentations at the conference covered ELC 2.0, voter education, ECINET, trust and transparency in Indian elections, and its functioning and features. A live demonstration of voter registration, voting and counting was also held. Ahmedabad District Election Officer and Collector Bhavya Verma said the presentations and demonstrations would help make voter-awareness activities more effective. Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Mukesh Kumar, Dahod District Development Officer Hiren Barot, Joint Chief Electoral Officers Rinkesh Patel and Devayat Bhamar, among others, attended the conference.

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Ahead Of Auction, Gulf Giants Head Coach Helmot Eager To Assess Talent In ILT20 Development Tournament

ILT20 Development Tournament: With the ILT20 auction less than three weeks away, Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants head coach Simon Helmot said he views the upcoming Development Tournament as an ideal platform to evaluate emerging talent and finalise squad strategies. The fourth edition of the ILT20 Development Tournament, scheduled to begin on September 14, comes shortly before the player auction happens on October 1. The Giants squad features returning core players including Haider Razzaq and Aayan Afzal Khan, along with Sagar Kalyan and Tanish Suri - two of the leading run-scorers from last year's edition. UAE middle-order batter Sohaib Khan has also been named in the setup. For Helmot, the tournament serves as a dual-purpose venture to gauge competitive readiness and establish foundational team dynamics. Im really looking forward to getting started. This is my first assignment with Gulf Giants, so its an important few weeks for me as well. The first thing is to get to know the players, see how they go about their cricket and understand where we can help them improve. At the same time, we have to start thinking about what our squad could look like as we head into the auction, he said in a statement on Friday. Highlighting the importance of grassroots progression, the Australian stated that breakthrough performances during this period could catapult local talents into senior franchise calculations. There is some really exciting talent coming through, and thats one of the things Im most excited about. You never quite know who is going to put their hand up in a tournament like this. A player can have a really strong few weeks and suddenly find themselves in the conversation for the next level. For us, its about giving those players an opportunity and seeing who is ready to take it, added Helmot. There is some really exciting talent coming through, and thats one of the things Im most excited about. You never quite know who is going to put their hand up in a tournament like this. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Well certainly be watching our own players closely, but well also be keeping an eye on the wider tournament. There will be players in the other teams who catch your attention, and thats part of what makes this tournament so important. Article Source: IANS

Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered during anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand

Digital Desk | Seraikela (Jharkhand), Sep 11 (IANS) The security forces in Jharkhand have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including 317 live cartridges and an improvised explosive device (IED), during an anti-Naxal operation in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, police said on Friday. The recovery was made during a joint search operation conducted by the district police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in forested areas under the Kuchai and Chandil police station limits. The operation was launched based on information obtained during the interrogation of two recently arrested Maoists, police officials said. The arrested Maoists have been identified as Raghu Singh Sardar alias Sagar Singh Sardar, Biren Singh and Meena Pahadia alias Nepu Pahadia. According to police, Raghu Singh Sardar was an active member of the CPI (Maoist)'s Regional Committee as well as the West Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Border Committee. Meena Pahadia, around 26 years old, was active as a sub-zonal commander of the banned outfit and is wanted in several cases registered at Balarampur police station in West Bengal. Following a court-sanctioned remand, the two accused were interrogated, leading security agencies to their alleged hideouts in the Sikramba forests of Kuchai and the Dalma forests above Asanbani village in Chandil. Intensive searches carried out at these locations resulted in the recovery of a substantial arms cache. Police said the seized weapons include two .303 rifles, one country-made pistol, one INSAS 5.56 mm rifle and one SLR 7.62 mm rifle. Security forces also recovered three SLR magazines, four INSAS magazines, three .303 rifle magazines and two magazines for a 9 mm pistol. The ammunition recovered comprised 171 rounds of 7.62 mm cartridges, 126 rounds of 5.56 mm cartridges, 12 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and eight .303 cartridges, taking the total number of cartridges seized to 317. During the operation, personnel also found an IED and a detonator concealed in the forest. A bomb disposal squad was immediately rushed to the spot, and the explosive device was safely defused. The operation involved personnel of the Seraikela-Kharsawan district police and the 26th Battalion of the SSB, Ranchi. Police teams from Kuchai, Chandil, Nimdih and Seraikela police stations also participated in the search operation.

Very Impressed With Dutch Players In ETPL, Hope We Get To See The Best Of Them, Says David

European T20 Premier League: Hard-hitting Australian batter Tim David has expressed deep admiration for the local Dutch talent in his team, Amsterdam Flames, in the ongoing European T20 Premier League (ETPL), adding that he wishes to see the best of their performances as the inaugural tournament shifts to its Ireland leg. The ETPL is an ICC-sanctioned tournament, hosted via a joint venture between Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Cricket Netherlands (KNCB). David played pivotal match-winning innings for the Flames during the opening stage in Voorburg. Yeah, I have been very impressed with them. Not that we didnt know these players were good, but to be able to play up close with the Dutch players and see their skill level, and how they adapt their game to those conditions at that ground in Voorburg, is very impressive. Im certainly looking forward to seeing those guys as we go through Ireland. But yes, its a very impressive place, and I hope we get to keep seeing the best of them, David said in a statement by the tournament on Friday. He also spoke about the novelty and excitement of competing in European conditions alongside new teammates. Its great to be playing cricket in a different part of the world. We certainly havent had the opportunity to play a lot of cricket in Holland, Scotland or Ireland. So, as an overseas player, its an attractive part of the world to come and play in, and to be able to make new friends, have new teammates and hopefully have an impact for a team over in this part of the world is pretty exciting. The Amsterdam Flames franchise boasts high-profile co-owners in Australian sporting legends, former cricket captain Steve Waugh and ex-hockey player Jamie Dwyer, giving players access to immense wealth of experience. I think anytime you get to rub shoulders with someone whos had such a successful career and been a part of successful teams, theres certainly something you can learn from them. So, thats both Jamie Dwyer and Steve Waugh, our owners here at the Amsterdam Flames. Its pretty cool to be a part of a team with them, and there are different challenges that come up in all team environments. Those guys have certainly seen a lot of those challenges throughout their long careers, and they were the best as well in their own individual pursuits. So, to be able to try and get a little bit of knowledge from them, or just see how they go about things, is pretty cool, explained David. So, thats both Jamie Dwyer and Steve Waugh, our owners here at the Amsterdam Flames. Its pretty cool to be a part of a team with them, and there are different challenges that come up in all team environments. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I think with it being the first year, its only going to grow from here, so therell be a lot of positives to build upon. But certainly, from my side, apart from winning the tournament, it would be if my teammates had a great time and hopefully enjoyed my company, he added. Article Source: IANS

Lot To Look Forward To: Gulf Giants Coach Simon Helmot Excited Ahead Of DP World ILT20 Development Tournament

The fourth edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament will give Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants Head Coach Simon Helmot his first opportunity to assess the franchise's emerging talent, with the ILT20 auction less than three weeks away on 1 October.

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'Animesh And I Will Win': Gurindervir Backs India For Sprint Double At Asian Games

In May, Gurindervir broke through a barrier no Indian male sprinter had crossed before, clocking 10.09 seconds at the Federation Cup in Ranchi.

Shobhaa De calls Mirzapur: The Movie Monotonous; says, Maybe, Its meant for men

Shobhaa De has shared her reaction to Mirzapur: The Movie, admitting that the film did not work for her despite the popularity of the franchise. Shobhaa revealed that she had never watched the Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur before deciding to watch its big-screen spin-off, directed by Gurmeet Singh. After watching the film, she said she was left questioning the decision to make it. In an Instagram Reel shared on Thursday, Shobhaa said, All I can say is Mirzapur: The Movie maybe should not have been made at all. She explained that she went into the theatre with expectations because of the franchises popularity and the buildup around the film. I went here with a lot of expectations, given the whole hype and the whole buildup to the brand Mirzapur. I came away feeling, What the hell is going on?, she said. While Shobhaa was critical of several aspects of the film, she praised its ensemble cast. She particularly highlighted Ravi Kishans performance as Babban Babua Yadav, calling it brilliant, while describing Ali Fazals portrayal of Guddu as unbelievably good. However, she was less impressed with Pankaj Tripathis performance as Kaleen Bhaiya. Mr. Tripathi playing Mr. Tripathi has become a bit too monotonous, Shobhaa said, adding, The same old expressions, the same old delivery. She also commented on the intimate scene between Pankaj Tripathi and Rasika Dugal, who plays Beena Tripathi. Shobhaa said she was surprised to see Tripathi, whom she referred to as Mr. Goodie-Goodie, doing a full-on sex scene. She described Dugals character as Lady Macbeth and vamp-ish. Among her other concerns were the films violence and storyline. Shobhaa described it as Otherwise violence of every conceivable kind for no reason and complained about a story that goes nowhere. The columnist also admitted that she fell asleep during the film for something like 15 minutes. According to her, two women sitting behind her were also snoring. Summing up her reaction, she said, Maybe, its meant for men. It wasnt meant for me. In her caption, Shobhaa revealed that she spent Rs 900 on the ticket and another Rs 260 on bhelpuri. She said she spent close to four hours wondering why I was watching a movie which had multiple set pieces randomly strung together. Mirzapur premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2018 and has completed three seasons. Mirzapur: The Movie released in cinemas on September 4, with several original cast members returning, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Rasika Dugal, Shweta Tripathi, Divyenndu, Harshita Gaur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Rajesh Tailang. Jeetendra Kumar and Abhishek Banerjee have also joined the ensemble cast. Also Read : Kangana Ranaut trolls Aamir Khan; says, Bechara Aamir Khan

Heather Knight extends WBBL stay via one-year deal with Sydney Thunder

Digital Desk | Sydney, Sep 11 (IANS) Former England captain Heather Knight will continue her playing career in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) after signing a new one-year contract extension with Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season. Heather, who called time on her illustrious international career in July at the end of the first-ever womens Test match at Lord's, will return for her fifth season with the Thunder franchise. Having also stepped away from playing duties in The Hundred to transition into an administrative role as general manager of London Spirit's women's team. I've really enjoyed playing with the Sydney Thunder over the years. It's a fun group, a group that I've captained, and I think what Trent (Copeland, general manager) and Lisa (Keightley, head coach) are trying to do and trying to build is really special. My role as GM with London Spirit has shown me a lot. It's shown me how busy you can be that's for sure. However, seeing how a franchise works from another view has been very cool. It's made me appreciate what a lot of the league and coaches and support staff do. I guess in terms of leadership qualities, this year I'm going to try and bring that level of experience and try and keep pretty level and calm which is how I am always going about my cricket, she said in an official statement on Friday. A three-time winner of the Alex Blackwell Medal as Thunder's player of the season, Heather brings immense experience to a batting unit featuring Australian internationals Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, alongside promising talents Tahlia Wilson, Anika Learoyd, and power-hitter Laura Harris. Her presence is expected to provide key leadership support to Phoebe in her second season as the sides captain. Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland hailed the veteran's commitment to the club. Heather was a no-brainer for us. Her leadership, experience, and ability to adapt to whatever the team needs makes her incredibly important to this group. She's also a real enabler for players like Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll and Laura Harris, being able to provide an expertise that other teams dont have access to. When Heather announced her international retirement, she messaged me straight away to reaffirm her commitment to the Thunder, which says a lot about how much this club means to her, he added. Knight is Thunder's first confirmed overseas signing for WBBL 12, taking the tally to nine confirmed players out of the 15-member squad. The club currently has up to two overseas slots remaining after opting not to exercise the third-year contract option for Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu at the end of last season.

Raj urban polls: Om Birla casts vote in Kota, appeals to voters for maximum turnout

Digital Desk | Kota, Sep 11 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Shakti Nagar and appealed to people across Rajasthan to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the ongoing civic elections, saying greater public participation would strengthen democracy and make institutions more accountable. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Birla said voters play a crucial role in strengthening and empowering democracy by exercising their right to vote. In a democracy, voters strengthen and empower democracy by casting their votes. I believe that the greater the public participation in a democracy, the stronger and more empowered democracy becomes, making institutions more accountable to the people, he said. Birla urged voters across the state to participate actively in the ongoing urban local body elections. Therefore, I appeal to the people across the state to vote in maximum numbers and participate actively. This will strengthen and empower our democracy, ensuring that this institution also remains accountable to the public, he said. Meanwhile, polling for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban local body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday and will continue until 6 p.m. across 147 urban local bodies. The second phase covers six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities, with a total of 8,760,884 voters eligible to exercise their franchise. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations spread across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the completion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be concluded. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has also appealed to voters to participate in the second phase in large numbers and exercise their democratic right. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to cast their votes. Earlier, the Rajasthan Election Commission released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.

BBL privatisation draws IPL owners as global franchise race widens

Cricket Australia has opened the door to private investment in Big Bash League teams, drawing interest from IPL owners already building franchise networks across major T20 leagues

Bigg Boss 20: Yung DSA tells Aamrapali Dubey hes controlling his temper in the house

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Rapper Yung DSA has opened up to co-housemate Aamrapali Dubey about the constant arguments in the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 20, saying he has been making an effort to control his temper even as housemates continue to provoke him. In the upcoming episode, Yung, who would be seen having a war of words with Kanika Mann over the use of bathroom, will be telling Aamrapali that people are unnecessarily picking fights with him and that hes been controlling his temper a lot. He will then be heard saying that if he loses his cool, he can get quite harsh. Aamrapali then recalls one of his hilarious one-liners from a moment when she was crying, leaving everyone in splits. Isha Rikhi will be seen advising Yung DSA to be mindful of his words during arguments, especially around the girls, as the housemates later revisit some of his funniest past one-liners. The fight takes place due to a washroom-related issue between Yung DSA and Kanika Mann after the new captain objected to the actress entering the male washroom, sparking a tense confrontation inside the reality show house. In a new promo shared by the channel, Yung was seen quickly walking into the bathroom and asking who went into the male washroom. The 20th edition of Bigg Boss which started on September 6. It has a diverse lineup of 16 celebrity contestants including names such as MC Mary Kom, Kanika Mann, Mahhi Vij, Kushal Tanwar, Aman Gandhi, Isha Rikhi, Arishfa Khan, Qazi Touqeer, Asif Khan, Aamrapali Dubey, Rhiti Tiwari, Uditi Singh, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP, Rohed Khan, Yung DSA and Love Gill. Kanika Mann, Uditi Singh, Love Gill, Arishfa Khan named for nominations in first week. The show airs on JioHotstar and Colors. Bigg Boss is an Indian Hindi-language reality television show of the Bigg Boss franchise in India that airs on Colors TV. It is based on the Dutch format of Big Brother. The 20th edition started on September 6.

Value of every vote is high: Leaders urge strong turnout in Rajasthan civic polls

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) With polling underway across 147 urban local bodies in Rajasthan on Friday in the second phase of elections and more than 87 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise, political leaders are calling for greater voter participation. Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. across six municipal corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities. The elections are being closely watched as voters choose representatives for local bodies, with issues such as cleanliness, electricity, civic infrastructure and ward-level development emerging as key concerns among residents. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, after casting his vote, said voting was not merely a constitutional right but also a responsibility essential for a healthy democratic process. Voting is not just a right; it is also a duty. For the maturity of democracy, having a healthy and free voting process is absolutely essential, Shekhawat said. He said he came to vote along with his family and expressed confidence after observing the initial response from voters. Shekhawat also highlighted the role of young voters, saying Indias large youth population makes their participation particularly important in the democratic process. India is a country of youth. Being a nation of youth, the role of young people in this grand festival of democracy is extremely important, he said. The Union Minister said the participation of young people in elections has increased over the years and that they are getting increasingly aware of the importance of choosing candidates who can contribute to the development of their city, state and country. State Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore also stressed the importance of voter awareness and turnout. He said a voter gets the opportunity to decide the direction of governance only once every five years in local body elections and urged citizens to exercise their franchise. It is a very good thing if the voting percentage is high and voters have become aware. The value of a vote is very high, Rathore said. Education Minister Madan Dilawar said enthusiasm among voters was encouraging, pointing to long queues at polling stations. He said voter awareness was crucial to strengthening democracy and noted that people were participating in the elections with enthusiasm. There is an atmosphere of excitement, joy and passion, Dilawar said, referring to the voter turnout. BJP MLA Anita Bhadel, after casting her vote, said she thanked the polling personnel for ensuring voting began on time at 7 a.m. She appealed to voters to keep aside other engagements and prioritise voting. Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani also cast his vote at a polling station in Ward No. 4 in Ajmer. He linked the elections to the broader debate over conducting elections simultaneously. Devnani backed the concept of One State, One Election, saying simultaneous elections could reduce the repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which he said sometimes affected the pace of development work. He also urged residents to participate in the urban festival of democracy and cast their votes. Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the BJP-led state government over its performance. Speaking in Jodhpur, Gehlot alleged that the government machinery was not functioning properly and claimed that development work had suffered over the past two-and-a-half years. Gehlot said the situation was serious and called upon people to play an active role in addressing issues affecting the state. While political leaders traded views over governance and the significance of the polls, voters focused largely on immediate civic concerns affecting their neighbourhoods. One voter said residents wanted whoever was elected to pay attention to the development of their colony and ward, particularly cleanliness and other basic amenities. The voter said elected representatives should remain accessible throughout their term rather than returning to seek votes only after five years. Another voter, casting a vote in a municipal council election for the first time, said she was excited to participate and wanted a candidate with a clean image who could address issues related to cleanliness, electricity and overall development of the ward. Bharatpur District Election Officer Kamar Chaudhary also appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers. She said past experience showed that people often participated enthusiastically in municipal and panchayat elections because candidates personally reached out to voters. Chaudhary said citizens frequently complain about civic issues but must also fulfil their own responsibility by voting and choosing their representatives.

Bigg Boss 20: Yung DSA fights with Kanika Mann over entering male washroom

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) A washroom-related issue turned into a heated exchange between Bigg Boss 20 contestants Yung DSA and Kanika Mann after the new captain objected to the actress entering the male washroom, sparking a tense confrontation inside the reality show house. In a new promo shared by the channel, Yung was seen quickly walking into the bathroom and asking who went into the male washroom. He was then heard saying: Kanika ji went from here and entered the male washroom. I loudly said Kanika Ji. To which Kanika said that she did not hear anything. Yung said that he felt disrespected, which irked Kanika, who replied, saying that he is just the captain of the house and not a king. She then said that Yung made a joke stating that when he goes to the bathroom, he would call her for help. Yung denied and said he never said that. The promo concluded with Kanika saying: I dont want to get into your level. The 20th edition of Bigg Boss which started on September 6. It has a diverse lineup of 16 celebrity contestants, including names such as MC Mary Kom, Kanika Mann, Mahhi Vij, Kushal Tanwar, Aman Gandhi, Isha Rikhi, Arishfa Khan, Qazi Touqeer, Asif Khan, Aamrapali Dubey, Rhiti Tiwari, Uditi Singh, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP, Rohed Khan, Yung DSA and Love Gill. Kanika Mann, Uditi Singh, Love Gill, and Arishfa Khan were named for nominations in first week. The show airs on JioHotstar and Colors. Bigg Boss is an Indian Hindi-language reality television show of the Bigg Boss franchise in India that airs on Colors TV. It is based on the Dutch format of Big Brother. The 20th edition started on September 6. Kanika is best known for her role in Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega. She made her television debut in Badho Bahu. She made her web debut with Roohaniyat. In 2022, she participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi 12.

Rajasthan local body polls: Second phase voting underway, 18,266 candidates are in fray

Voting for the second phase of Rajasthan's urban local body elections underway on Friday, with more than 87 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise. The voting for 147 urban local bodies -- six municipal corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities -- will continue till 6 pm. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of the elections. According to State Election Commission data, 87,60,884 voters are eligible to cast their votes at 9,758 polling booths for 4,774 wards in the second phase.

Rahul Dravid Behaving Like An Owner: European Team Coach Shares Inside Details

After enjoying success as a player and a coach, Rahul Dravid has stepped into the boots of an owner by investing in the European T20 Premier League franchise Dublin Guardians.

Rajasthan urban polls: Voting begins in 147 civic bodies in second phase

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday in 147 civic bodies and will continue until 6 p.m. The urban local bodies also include Jaipur, comprising six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. A total of 8,760,884 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the conclusion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be completed. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. The second phase covers 147 urban local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with 8,760,884 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has appealed to voters across the state to participate in the second phase and exercise their franchise. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to vote. Chief Minister Sharma is scheduled to cast his vote at the Navodaya Teacher Training College (Getor) polling booth in Jagatpura, while Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari is scheduled to vote at Booth No. 10 in Ward 141. In Kota, Education Minister Madan Dilawar arrived at his polling station around 10 minutes before voting began. He cast his vote at Polling Station No. 2 in Ward 52. The State Election Commission has directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water and shaded areas at polling stations for the convenience of voters. For the first time, elections are being held in 40 newly constituted urban local bodies. In the urban body elections conducted between 2019 and 2021 across 107 urban local bodies, 5,012,642 of 7,378,611 registered voters exercised their franchise across 4,027 wards, recording a voter turnout of 67.93 per cent. Earlier, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota each had two municipal bodies. The State Election Commission has set a target of 86 per cent voter turnout for the 2026 urban body elections. The Rajasthan State Election Commission has provided an online facility for voters to check their names and other details in the electoral roll. Voters can use the Search Voter option on the Commission's website and enter details such as district, urban body, name, father's or husband's name and age. They can also search using their Voter ID/EPIC number after selecting the relevant district. The State Election Commission has released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.

Law and Intangible Heritage

The book Intangible Cultural Heritage under National and International Law: Going beyond the 2003 UNESCO Convention published in 2020 is edited by Marie Cornu, Anita Vaivade, Lily Martinet and Clea Hance is based on the Osmose project initiated in 2014 to study the legal regimes established in different countries to safeguard the ICH. The editors and their team coordinated an international study on the ICH in about 26 countries. A comprehensive questionnaire was circulated among informed members in these countries to elicit information regarding the comprehension and negotiation of the pertinent national laws and how these national laws were modified, or may be retained, in light of the provisions of the UNESCO convention of 2003. After collecting the responses to the questionnaire, the editors have categorized, commented and expanded on the responses under several broad heads like environment and the ICH, interaction between the national and the international laws, the national and international tools for the safeguarding of the ICH, and, importantly, the judicialization of the ICH. All complexities involved in the institutionalization of laws at the local, national and international levels about the ICH are put forward in a transparent manner without prejudice or unconditional bolstering of the clauses of the UNESCO Convention. This is the first such comprehensive study on the connection between the international legal framework and the national legal instruments for safeguarding the ICH. The UNESCO convention of 2003 on the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is an important milestone in the discussion on the global ICH. There was a tacit recognition of the fact in organization of the Convention that cultural diversity and heritage are an equivalent of the environmental biodiversity. Both are sine qua non for the material and spiritual welfare of the human beings. A community loses its bearings without the notion of heritage. Soon after the convention, the member states of the United Nations ratified the convention. Subsequent to the ratification, measures as envisioned in the convention were thought about, deliberated at the national level and sought to be put into practice. India also became a signatory to the UNESCO convention of 2003 and ratified the convention in 2005. The 2003 convention provided a broad framework about the nature, definition, implications and the necessity of the safeguarding of the ICH. To that end, following the convention, an inter-governmental committee for the safeguarding of the ICH was constituted at the international level under the aegis of the UNESCO, which in turn led to the creation of inventories at the national level, and the procedure for inscription in the list of the ICH. There is already a procedure for the inscription of the ICH item in the UNESCO, however, now, after the ratification of the 2003 convention by member states of the United Nations, inscription processes were initiated at the nation level. To say that the member states ratified the UNESCO convention does not imply that prior to the Convention there was no mechanism in place to safeguard the ICH. The different nation states had created mechanisms to protect the intangible cultural heritage. The Convention reenergized efforts in this direction, and provided a clear and comprehensive framework to understand the nature and implications of the ICH, in addition to providing an international legitimacy to the notion of the ICH by instituting discussion on a prestigious global platform. In different countries the nomenclature was variegated and often confusing. In some countries, the term, cultural heritage was used, in others the terms like, folklore or even folk culture or popular culture were used. A colorful array of terms and expressions were used to discuss the heritage elements and those who practiced these aspects of the heritage. In some countries the term heritage holders was used for the communities dealing with a particular heritage, in others the expression used was the living communities. The UNESCO convention of 2003 for the first time clubbed all these words, phrases and terms together, and used the umbrella term Intangible Cultural Heritage. No doubt there were linguistic and cultural problems in merging the divergent usages, however, countries since the ratification have tried to bring their nomenclatures in line with the widely accepted intangible cultural heritage, and then branching away from it to create sub sets. An important dimension that the book discusses is the judicialization of the ICH before and more so after the UNESCO 2003 Convention. The terrain of the ICH is not devoid of the tedious lawsuits. The interests of the heritage holders and the evolving laws about animals and environment have often clashed, resulting in the bitter litigation process. Hence, some rituals which are part of the heritage of a community are often seen at odds with the evolving dynamics of the animal rights. For example, to give just one instance, among scores of others from the 26 countries studied by the editors, bull fighting may be a longstanding game associated with some communities in Europe, but in the contemporary discussion about animal rights, the game is seen as an anathema, an eyesore to those who plead for the rights of the animals, especially in the scenarios where the threat of physical violence is patent. Same applies to cockfighting. There are several such case studies, where the notion of heritage has had a head on collision with the current delimitation of the rights of animals. Some of the ICH have met with stiff resistance when it comes to their inscription in the inventories at the national level. A number of inscriptions have been challenged and had to be removed from the inventories. The inventories, by the way, are at the local level as well, in some countries. The ICH and the mechanisms to protect it is a fraught territory with contesting claims of the stakeholders and the legal machinery. The judicialization is no debilitating bar to the rich inventories that have been created hitherto. The field of the ICH is vast and heterogenous, with the scope to nurture traditions that have stood in good stead of the communities they are a part of, in shaping their identities, perspectives on life and the world and lending a sense of stability and continuity. The book is a good resource for scholars of different fields like heritage studies, humanities, anthropology, history, law etc. With the presentation of actual comparative case studies from countries that have ratified the Convention, the understanding of the ICH becomes clearer. In Kashmir, the need for sound legal instruments to safeguard the ICH is needed more than ever before, for the threat of extinction to the ICH is imminent, with an emergent and striking cultural gap between generations. A legal instrument can provide the pivot for identifying and creating the perimeters of the ICH, with an assurance of transference of the same to the future generations. Dr. Javaid Iqbal Bhat, Associate Professor, South Campus, UoK

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Why Nicole Kidman

Key Highlights The Magical Reunion: Nearly three decades after enchanting audiences as the Owens sisters, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are officially back for Practical Magic 2. The Beauty Evolution: Makeup artist profiles and global beauty breakdowns are celebrating Nicole Kidmans return to her iconic strawberry-blonde curls, rejecting rigid youth-obsessed beauty standards. The Cultural Shift: Moving away from the tragic tropes of older women in cinema, the sequel positions seasoned actresses as powerful, multi-dimensional matriarchs. LONDON There is a specific kind of late-90s nostalgia that hits when you hear the opening notes of Stevie Nicks Crystal or watch midnight margars being poured in a sun-drenched, gothic kitchen. For millions of fans, 1998s Practical Magic wasnt just a cult classicit was a cozy, sisterly sanctuary. So when Warner Bros. officially confirmed that Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are reuniting for Practical Magic 2, the internet did what the Owens sisters do best: it cast a spell of collective euphoria. But beyond the nostalgia of spellcasting and cursed bloodlines, a much more important cultural conversation is happening. In an era where Hollywood often forces veteran actresses into invisible background roles or hyper-botoxed caricatures, Nicole Kidmans return as Gillian Owens feels like a radical act of defiance. Comparing Notes: Practical Magic vs. Death Becomes Her To truly understand why the return of Kidman and Bullock is so groundbreaking, we have to look at how Hollywood historically treats women and aging in fantasy. Think back to Robert Zemeckiss 1992 dark comedy Death Becomes Her, starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. That film played as a cynical, campy warning about women terrified of aging, mocking vanity and treating older female rivalry through a lens of grotesque body horrorthey literally fell apart at the seams because they refused to grow old gracefully. Practical Magic, by contrast, did something revolutionary for its time: it framed aging not as a curse to be reversed with a potion, but as an accumulation of power. The aunts (played brilliantly by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) weren't punchlines; they were wise, chaotic, deeply loved matriarchs who owned their eccentricities. Now, with Practical Magic 2, Kidman and Bullock are stepping into that exact lineage. They arent playing 20-somethings trying to outrun time; they are embracing their actual life stages, weaponizing their lived experience, and showing that a woman's midlife is where her most potent magic actually begins. The Beauty Evolution: Why Nicole Kidmans Look Matters As beauty breakdowns from major style publications have noted, the anticipation surrounding Kidmans return has sparked intense interest in her aesthetic evolution. For years, celebrity makeup artists like Angela Levin have highlighted Kidmans commitment to maintaining her ethereal skin texture and embracing her natural features rather than erasing every line. In Practical Magic 2, reports indicate that Kidmans character Gillian will lean heavily into a matured, bohemian elegancerich jewel tones, wind-swept curls that echo her 90s heyday, and a minimalist approach to cosmetics that honors her natural complexion. For the British Asian and global diaspora communitieswhere women often navigate strict cultural expectations regarding aging, family duty, and visibilityseeing actresses like Kidman and Bullock command hundred-million-dollar studio budgets in their late 50s is deeply validating. It dismantles the toxic notion that female relevance expires on a birthday cake. Why This Sequel Matters Now More Than Ever We are living through a strange cinematic paradox. On one hand, franchise fatigue is real. On the other hand, audiences are starving for authentic, character-driven storytelling that doesn't rely entirely on CGI superheroes. Practical Magic 2 bridges that gap. It taps into a built-in fanbase that grew up watching the original on battered VHS tapes and now wants to see characters who have grown up with them. When Gillian and Sally Owens return to the silver screen, they won't just be brewing love potions. They will be casting a much larger spell over the entertainment industry: proving that women over 50 aren't past their primethey are just getting started. Have Your Say! Are you ready to return to the Owens family house, or should Hollywood leave 90s classics alone? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or tweet us @EasternEye with your favorite moment ffrom the original film!

'Sher-E-Punjab T20 League is an opportunity for IPL': Ludhiana Lions' Salil Arora

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Ludhiana Lions wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora has called the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League an opportunity for the young players to catch the attention of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and play in the cash-rich league. Speaking to IANS, Arora emphasised that the players who do well in this tournament can have a bright future, as the Indian national selectors also pay a visit to watch matches. This is a very good league. It's an opportunity for youngsters to play IPL. A strong performance here can lead to an IPL contract, Arora told IANS. On top of that, you get experience by playing in a big league like this. And there are selectors who come here, like the IPL selectors and the Indian selectors. So this is a very big opportunity for us, he added. Arora has been a strong performer for Ludhiana as they sit close to a place in the semifinal. He has played a few fiery knocks, including a 38-ball 78 against Fazilka Falcons. The young batter reflected on his performances in the tournament. I am getting a lot of confidence (from these knocks). So, I will try to carry this momentum forward in the next match. We want to win the next match and play the semifinals. Salil, who has played U19 cricket for India, is currently part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and has been impressive in the limited time he got to bat in the death overs. He opened on his first-year IPL experience and the time he spent with the likes of Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma. Yes, they told me beforehand that my role would be as a finisher. And players like Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, they used to back me all the time. Like, there were 1-2 matches that didn't go well. They used to back me and motivate me that I will do it. And the coaches used to tell me that I am a good player and I will do it. So they didn't let my confidence go down. So in the end, positive results came, he added. Arora wants to play for India next as he aims for another strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, having scored 358 runs in the previous edition, when he was Punjab's leading run-scorer in the domestic T20 tournament. Yes, I see the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as a strong opportunity. I want to perform there and then go to IPL. And then I want to perform in the IPL and play for the Indian team. This is my dream and my goal, he said.

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Jitendra Kumar reflects on his acting journey, how he discovered theatre at IIT

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 10 (IANS) Jitendra Kumar reflected on his unexpected journey that made him an actor. Speaking with Gopal Dutt on Pehla Pehla, the 'Panchayat' actor recalled his first performance during his school days, when he essayed the role of Tadaka. He added that during that time, he could not have even imagined a career in acting. I think my first acting experience was when I played Tadaka in a school Ramayana. At that time, there was no thought that this could become something I would do professionally. It was just a school performance, Jitendra recalled. However, once school was finished, Jitendra shared that his focus shifted completely towards academics. He shifted to Kota to prepare for the IIT entrance examination and eventually bagged a seat in IIT Kharagpur. However, this new campus life came with its own set of challenges. Jitendra admitted that he was extremely conscious of the fact that everyone around him spoke fluent English. When I went to IIT Kharagpur, English was something I struggled with. I was conscious of it because suddenly you are in an environment where everyone is speaking English, and you feel that you are behind, he added. He ended up discovering theatre and participated in various competitions. This was the first time he ever thought about acting as a possible career. At IIT, I discovered theatre almost by accident. I started participating in competitions, and every time I performed, I felt there was something about this that I really enjoyed. That was probably the first time I started thinking that maybe acting could actually be something for me, he says. Work-wise, Jitendra was recently seen playing Bablu Pandit in the film adaptation of the popular franchise, 'Mirzapur'. It must be noted that Jitendra was not a part of the famous web series.

'Dream is to play for India': Salil Arora wants more SMAT, IPL success for national cap

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Salil Arora is looking ahead to the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League as he looks to fulfil his dream of playing for India in the future. The 23-year-old, who is currently playing for Ludhiana Lions in the ongoing Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, had a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in 2025-26 and also impressed many with his exploits in the IPL 2026. Arora was Punjab's leading run-scorer in the SMAT 2025-26, having scored 358 runs in eight innings, including a maverick unbeaten 125 off 45 balls against Jharkhand. His SMAT exploits helped him earn an IPL contract with the SRH ahead of the 2026 season, and he impressed in his limited time at the crease in the death overs, with a notable knock of 30 off just 10 balls being one of his major highlights from the season. Speaking to IANS, Arora revealed that his dream remains to play for India as he is eyeing another strong SMAT and an IPL and is not looking to take pressure from his previous strong outings. Yes, I see the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as a strong opportunity. I want to perform there and then go to the IPL. And then I want to perform in the IPL and play for the Indian team. This is my dream and my goal, he told IANS. Arora, the wicketkeeper batter, is currently part of the leadership group of Ludhiana in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League and has led the side in the absence of Arshdeep Singh. He has played a few fiery knocks, including a 38-ball 78 against Fazilka Falcons, and has also batted higher up the order at No.3 in the tournament. The young batter shared that the outings in the state franchise league have helped him, while he also opened on the change in batting position in the league. I am getting a lot of confidence (from these knocks). So, I will try to carry this momentum forward in the next match. We want to win the next match and play the semifinals. I felt the need to bat higher up the order, as per the requirements of the team. So as I changed the batting order, the result was also positive. So I thought I should play up, he said, highlighting his unbeaten 78 off 38 deliveries.

Jharkhand High Court Demands Internet Service Restoration in Ranchi

The Jharkhand High Court has ordered internet service providers to restore connectivity in Ranchi after disruptions caused by cable removals. Jharkhand High Court Demands Internet Service Restoration in Ranchi

Even Kohli faces hatred; handling it is a real challenge: Kartik Chadha on tackling scrutiny

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Kartik Chadha knows that reaching the Indian cricket team is an enormous challenge. But for the young leg-spinner, getting there may not be the only battle. He believes handling the scrutiny that comes with playing for India particularly in the era of social media could be an even bigger test. Kartik identified Virat Kohli as an example of how intense that scrutiny can be, even for a player who has already achieved extraordinary success for the country. However, he was quick to acknowledge the gulf between his own career and what Kohli has achieved, but said the criticism faced by even the biggest names illustrates the mental challenge awaiting players at the highest level. Everyone has seen that my googly can be a bit deceptive. That will be my weapon. The challenging part will be how confident you are in such a large environment. Because now that social media has entered the picture, Virat Kohli also faces hatred and criticism. We are nothing compared to what he has achieved. He has done extraordinary things for India and continues to do so, but he still receives hate. Virat Kohli also faces hatred and criticism. The real challenge is figuring out how to handle this. So, mindset will be the key challenge, Kartik told IANS in an exclusive interaction on Thursday. For Kartik, the experience of being around IPL cricket has brought the India dream into clearer focus, but it has also made him more conscious of how difficult the final step is. Reaching the level of Indian cricket is extremely challenging. Playing for CSK and heading there was significant, but just going to India is a major milestone. Now, you must perform consistently to aim for India, Kartik stated. Rather than becoming consumed by the prospect of selection, Kartik wants to concentrate on the opportunities immediately available to him. My focus is on whatever platform I havewhether now or in the future. Thats what cricket demands: staying focused on the present. While representing India is important, the key is to excel in the present. He believes that looking too far ahead can actually undermine the performance required to make that future possible. Overthinking the future can jeopardise the current opportunities. Therefore, I concentrate on making the most of my present and giving my best. If I dwell on the pressure, I might perform poorly here and in franchise leagues as well. I dont think I can succeed at this level either. The fierce competition for places in Indian cricket is another factor Kartik is conscious of, particularly with so many spinners competing for limited opportunities. Considering Indias large population and the many people who play cricket, constantly thinking about the competition and the many spinners available makes me worried about my performance. Therefore, I want to focus on seizing the opportunities I have now. His philosophy is ultimately to ensure that whatever happens in the future, he does not look back with regret at an opportunity he failed to maximise. My goal is to do my best so that when I sleep, I have no regrets about not giving my all today. I believe I have tried my best, and I leave the rest to God, trusting that he will recognise my hard work and decide if I deserve success or not. That mindset also extends to how Kartik responds when a batter gets the better of him. The leg-spinner believes two successful shots can sometimes create overconfidence in the batter and an opportunity for the bowler. Its true that when batsmen get overconfidentthinking theyll hit every ball because theyve already connected twicethey tend to focus less on accuracy. They might believe that since theyve hit two balls, they can hit the third and fourth too. Kartik says the key in such moments is to erase what has already happened and concentrate entirely on the next delivery. During such moments, its important to ignore those previous successful shots and focus solely on the next ball. The margin for error should be minimal in that situation. He believes the confidence gained from hitting boundaries can also tempt a batter into taking another risk. The batsman remains confident because of those hits, which might lead him to try for the third, increasing the chance that the bowler can get him out on that ball. At that point, the batsman needs to trust his skills and back himself. For a young leg-spinner chasing the India dream, that balance between ambition and staying present may ultimately prove as important as the googly that has become his most talked-about weapon.

The Joy Of Bowling Dhoni Bhai Out Was Different: Kartik Chadha Recalls CSK Experience

Punjab T20 League: For Kartik Chadha, the spin sensation from Jalandhar, the opportunity to spend time with Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2025 was surreal from the moment he received the call. But it was an intra-squad game at Chepauk, and a dismissal of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, that gave the young leg-spinner perhaps his biggest confidence boost. Kartik, who worked with CSK as a net bowler, said that simply getting the opportunity to join the franchise was difficult to comprehend. Yes, it was a very unreal moment when I got the call that we have seen you, and you should come and join us at CSK. So it was very unreal at first. When I went there obviously Dhoni bhai is such a big name. So it was a big deal to share the dressing room with him. It was a big deal for me, Kartik told IANS in an exclusive interaction on Thursday. The experience went beyond merely being around established stars. Kartik, who is currently a part of Ludhiana Lions in the Sher-e-Punjab league, had the opportunity to bowl in intra-squad matches, and his performances in those games gradually changed how he viewed himself. Then, when I practised with him. Played matches. There were intra-squad matches. I bowled very well there, and thats when I started believing that I belong there. My confidence only boosted thereafter; I thought, yes, I can do it. One particular intra-squad game remains especially memorable. Kartik claimed four wickets, with Dhoni among his victims. I remember we had an intra-squad match, and I took four wickets. I also bowled out Dhoni bhai. It was like a normal practice game. Like a match simulation type, but I managed to bowl out Dhoni bhai there. The significance of the dismissal was not lost on Kartik, even though he was quick to point out that he was also being hit during the contest. I was getting hit equally, but the joy of bowling Dhoni bhai out was different. The CSK experience became an important part of Kartiks development, particularly because it allowed him to test his leg-spin against high-level batters in a competitive environment. His hard work was evident when he dismissed Indias ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill during one of the encounters at the ongoing league in Punjab. But the path to that opportunity had not been straightforward. Injuries had repeatedly interrupted his progress, including a fractured finger during last year's Maharaja Ranjit Cup and an ankle injury shortly before the Sher-E-Punjab League. I had been facing a lot of issues with my fitness for a very long time because there was always some injury or the other. Last year, during the Maharaja Ranjit Cup, I fractured my finger, so it was a very tough time. And 2-3 months ago, my ankle got fractured. I got a ligament tear. I thought that even after doing so well, I was getting injured my ankle got fractured before Sher-E-Punjab and after our districts. The timing of the latest injury made it particularly difficult to accept. So it was a very disturbing moment. There was a very good flow this time, but I got injured. So I was down for 1-1.5 months. I had been facing a lot of issues with my fitness for a very long time because there was always some injury or the other. Last year, during the Maharaja Ranjit Cup, I fractured my finger, so it was a very tough time. And 2-3 months ago, my ankle got fractured. I got a ligament tear. I thought that even after doing so well, I was getting injured my ankle got fractured before Sher-E-Punjab and after our districts. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories But then I did my best to recover from the ankle injury. After that, I had faith in myself that I could do it. But at that time, I felt this was not possible. But then when I came back, I played matches and practised. So that momentum started again. Then I came to Sher-e-Punjab. So I have been backing myself since then. Article Source: IANS

India Powerhouse Of T20 Cricket; Great To Share Learnings From IPL In ETPL, Says Vikram Rathour

European T20 Premier League: Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour believes the influx of Indian expertise will significantly elevate the profile of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), while adding that developing local European talent around the year will be vital for the league's long-term sustainability. Rathour is currently serving as the head coach of Dublin Guardians, co-owned by former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, in the inaugural edition of the ETPL, where the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side is in fifth spot after getting their first win of the competition. It will definitely help because India has been the powerhouse of cricket, or let's say T20 cricket as well, with IPL being managed in India. So, it is great to have people from India coming to these parts of the world and sharing their experiences and what they have learned from working in the IPL or other leagues. So, that is a great thing, Rathour told IANS during a select virtual interaction organised by the tournament on Thursday. Both Dravid and Rathour worked closely during their tenure with the Indian team as head coach and batting coach respectively. Speaking about the shared philosophy within the franchise, Rathour stated that the objective extends beyond short-term match outcomes. About Rahul, of course, the good thing is that he has been on this side for long enough to understand how this game goes. So, it is great to have him as a co-owner of the team I have to deal with. So, I don't think I need to explain anything to him, because he basically knows how this game goes. We haven't had a great start as far as the results were concerned in this league. But again, having Rahul there has been really good. He has supported the team. The vision for him, for me, or for the franchise is to develop cricket and cricketers in Europe, especially in Ireland, and that is a long-term vision. So, results are definitely important, but the vision is bigger than the results, and that is how we are looking at it. So far, I think we have been extremely happy with the team we have picked and the local talent we have been able to bring on. So, we can retain them and keep working with them like Rahul wants to, and that is the vision, I think. That it needs to be not only for one month, but throughout the year, there needs to be some kind of continuity and some kind of connection with all these players where we can support them to practice and get better. That thinking has got the thumbs-up from Rathour, whos also the lead assistant coach of the IPL 2008 winners, Rajasthan Royals. That vision works for me as well as a coach, because that is one thing I want to do, that I want to coach basically. I want to improve as a coach. So far, it has been really good again. The atmosphere in the team and the whole group has been really, really good, even though we didn't win. So, yesterday was our first win and first one on the board - let's see how it goes from here. Rathour noted that Dravid has been exceptionally supportive despite the Guardians enduring a tough start to their campaign. Dravid's approach, full of empathy, stems from his deep understanding of team dynamics gained through his previous coaching roles, while having a cricket nut in captain-cum-mentor Ashwin has been fantastic, given his vast knowledge of global players and conditions. Analysing Europe's potential as the next big frontier for franchise cricket, Rathour asserted that leagues which rely on strong local participation have a far higher chance of survival compared to those composed entirely of overseas players. It can be potentially, yes. I agree with that because there's a lot of excitement in the local community. See, I always believe that for any league to work, it's your domestic talent that drives that league. We can already see it in ETPL - that, like in our team itself, we have six guys from Ireland and two from other European nations - one from Scotland, one from the Netherlands. So, this kind of mix really helps because that's the local talent which is driving the team. There are some leagues being played in the world where everybody is from outside, actually. So, it's harder for those kinds of leagues to survive, I feel. That's my personal opinion. It can be potentially, yes. I agree with that because there's a lot of excitement in the local community. See, I always believe that for any league to work, it's your domestic talent that drives that league. We can already see it in ETPL - that, like in our team itself, we have six guys from Ireland and two from other European nations - one from Scotland, one from the Netherlands. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, that makes it unique because it's again a great venue. It's a great place in the world to be in. So, if this league carries on and does well, I think a lot of players will want to come for this experience from all over the world, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Two Rahul Dubey gang members arrested for extortion in Hazaribag

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MoA for skill development

Finn Allen switches from Perth Scorchers to Melbourne Stars in record-breaking deal

Finn Allen has left Perth Scorchers for Melbourne Stars in a move that could become the biggest player contract in Big Bash League history . The New Zealand opener reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth AU$600,000 (Rs 4.12 crore) with the franchise.

800-year-old Buddhist temple in Ramgarh district set to be restored

Illegal arms manufacturing unit busted in Dumka

Hbag civic body launches inspection drive against illegal multi-storey buildings

Bokaro launches enforcement drive against 115 food products

SUV Crashes Into Parked Truck in Chatra; One Dead, Three Injured

Zaheer Khan's big new role with Yuvraj Singh revealed

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has joined the ownership group of Vancouver Anchors, a franchise in the Canada Super 60 league, reuniting with his former teammate Yuvraj Singh. Khan brings his extensive international cricket experience to the league, which features men's and women's competitions and aims to promote global cricket growth.

Mirzapur: The Movie cast serves Bhaukaal in viral 80s AI trend; see pics

Mirzapur: The Movie continues its run at the box office, with the film crossing the 190 crore mark worldwide. Amid the films performance, PVR Cinemas has joined the ongoing 80s AI trend, sharing retro-style AI-generated pictures of the cast and imagining how the characters might have looked as stars of the era. Mirzapur The Movie cast gets an 80s makeover PVR Cinemas shared the AI-generated pictures on Instagram, featuring several members of the Mirzapur: The Movie cast in retro avatars. Pankaj Tripathis Kaleen Bhaiya was imagined in a brown trouser suit paired with a gold chain, reflecting the fashion associated with the decade. Divyenndus Munna Bhaiya appeared in sunglasses, a shirt and jacket, giving the character a retro look. Ali Fazals Guddu Pandit was pictured in a denim jacket while striking an action pose. Jitendra Kumars Bablu Pandit, meanwhile, was given the look of an 80s chocolate boy, with a colourful shirt and denim jacket. The AI-generated images also featured the films leading women, including Rasika Dugal, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Shweta Tripathi. They were pictured in pink outfits with voluminous curls inspired by the fashion trends of the 1980s. Ravi Kishan was featured in the final slide with an 80s-inspired retro appearance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PVR Cinemas (@pvrcinemas_official) Sharing the pictures, PVR Cinemas wrote, Serving Mirzapurs bhaukaal with some serious 80s retro energy! The post soon prompted fans to share their choices in the comments. One fan wrote, Munna bhai on top. Another commented, Ravi Kishan is Ravi Kishan only; even if he is from dinosaur era no AI can change him. A third fan wrote, Guddu bhaiya looks fire. About Mirzapur The Movie Mirzapur: The Movie takes the crime franchise from the OTT space to the big screen, continuing its story of power struggles, revenge, rivalry and survival. Directed by Gurmeet Singh and backed by Excel Entertainment, the film features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Rasika Dugal, Shweta Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Ravi Kishan. The film opened with Rs 25 crores on its first day and has continued to draw audiences. According to the figures mentioned in the report, Mirzapur: The Movie has collected 137 crore domestically and Rs 193 crores worldwide in six days. It is currently the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2026. Following the films performance, Divyenndu also thanked audiences for their support. He wrote, Family hain aap log hamari.. aur aapne saabit kar diya!! Mirzapur family ki taraf se Dhanyawaad (You guys are our family and you proved it. Thanks from Mirzapur family). Also Read : Ali Fazal reacts as fans get tattoos inspired by Mirzapur: The Movie character Guddu Pandit: Guddu belongs to the audience as much as he belongs to me now

Inside the Global Chess Leagues Star-Studded Venue

Inside the Global Chess League: A look at the venue where Carlsen, Giri, Vidit and Nihal are battling it outFrom the entry gates and player launches to the buzzing festival arena, franchise booths and the main playing arena - heres a walkthrough of the venue hosting chess superstars like Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin.

Kareena Kapoor calls out Bollywood

Mumbai: Bollywood has long had a habit of following the crowd. When a film clicks at the box office, its formula often becomes the next big trend, with filmmakers rushing to recreate what worked instead of taking a fresh risk. From action and violence to franchise films and star-driven projects, the industry has repeatedly seen 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 .

Champions UAE Bulls Become First Founding Franchise For New Era Of Abu Dhabi T10

UAE Bulls Head Coach Andy Flower said his connection with Abu Dhabi T10 and the UAE Bulls had continued to strengthen over the years

Finn Allen Joins Melbourne Stars For BBL 16

Big Bash League: Melbourne Stars have signed New Zealand power-hitter Finn Allen ahead of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season, with the 27-year-old set to add further firepower to an already strong batting line-up that includes Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. The 2026-27 Big Bash League season will begin on December 12, with Melbourne Renegades facing Perth Scorchers in the opening match. Allen was the top run-scorer in BBL 15, accumulating 466 runs with an average of 42.36 for the Perth Scorchers. He is set to move to Melbourne to join a formidable batting lineup. The Stars are a powerhouse team in this competition, so its going to be a lot of fun playing for them. Theyve already got a huge fanbase, and theyre only getting bigger, and I cant wait to be a part of that. I think all cricketers love playing at the MCG, so to be able to call that my home ground now is really exciting, Allen said on joining Melbourne Stars. Allen has enjoyed a prolific 2026, with several memorable innings across T20 cricket. He scored 101 off 53 balls for the Scorchers in the BBL earlier this year and later achieved the fastest century in World Cup history, reaching 100 off just 33 balls in New Zealands semi-final victory over South Africa. The explosive opener then continued his run of form in the Indian Premier League, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders. Allen, who has played 62 T20 internationals for New Zealand, most recently featured in Major League Cricket for San Francisco Unicorns, where he was coached by the new Melbourne Stars head coach, Cameron White. The New Zealand opener has a flexible, casual contract with New Zealand Cricket, enabling him to participate in international T20 franchise leagues while still being eligible for national team selection. Under the Big Bash Leagues updated player signing regulations, Melbourne Stars are permitted to directly select up to three international players, as the Overseas Player Draft is not scheduled for this year. The New Zealand opener has a flexible, casual contract with New Zealand Cricket, enabling him to participate in international T20 franchise leagues while still being eligible for national team selection. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Melbourne Stars contracted players: Finn Allen, Austin Anlezark, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Todd Murphy, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Marcus Stoinis and Mitch Swepson. Article Source: IANS

New Zealand Opener Tim Seifert Signs Sydney Sixers Deal For BBL 16

Sixers GM Rachael Haynes: Hard-hitting New Zealand opener Tim Seifert has signed a one-year deal with the BBL franchise Sydney Sixers, moving from the Melbourne Renegades. Seifert, who was in stellar form for the Manchester Super Giants in the Hundred, will bolster the Sixers' opening firepower as Steve Smith is expected to miss the upcoming BBL 16 due to his international commitments. The move further casts Babar Azam's future with the club into limbo due to his horror outings for the Sixers last season, where he laboured to 202 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 103.06. Seifert is excited to be part of the Sixers with the famous SCG now being his home stadium. The Sixers are one of the most respected and successful clubs in the competition, so it's a privilege to be joining the group, Seifert said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. I've always loved playing cricket in Australia, and the Big Bash is a tournament I genuinely enjoy being part of. To now have the opportunity to wear the magenta and help contribute to the club's success is something I'm really excited about. Meanwhile, Sixers GM Rachael Haynes welcomed the New Zealander, emphasising the striking abilities that he brings to the table. Tim (Seifert) is one of the premier T20 batters in world cricket, and his recent player of the tournament performance in The Hundred is another example of the quality he brings, Haynes said. We've admired him for a long time, and his experience, attacking intent and match-winning ability make him a fantastic fit for the Sixers. We're thrilled to welcome him to the club, she added. With Seifert's addition, the Sixers will have two strong wicket-keeping options, including Josh Philippe, another franchise regular. We've admired him for a long time, and his experience, attacking intent and match-winning ability make him a fantastic fit for the Sixers. We're thrilled to welcome him to the club, she added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He was also the second-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 206, where he scored 326 runs and played a crucial role in New Zealand's runners-up finish. Article Source: IANS

Tim Seifert signs Sydney Sixers deal for BBL 16

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Hard-hitting New Zealand opener Tim Seifert has signed a one-year deal with the BBL franchise Sydney Sixers, moving from the Melbourne Renegades. Seifert, who was in stellar form for the Manchester Super Giants in the Hundred, will bolster the Sixers' opening firepower as Steve Smith is expected to miss the upcoming BBL 16 due to his international commitments. The move further casts Babar Azam's future with the club into limbo due to his horror outings for the Sixers last season, where he laboured to 202 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 103.06. Seifert is excited to be part of the Sixers with the famous SCG now being his home stadium. The Sixers are one of the most respected and successful clubs in the competition, so it's a privilege to be joining the group, Seifert said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. I've always loved playing cricket in Australia, and the Big Bash is a tournament I genuinely enjoy being part of. To now have the opportunity to wear the magenta and help contribute to the club's success is something I'm really excited about. Meanwhile, Sixers GM Rachael Haynes welcomed the New Zealander, emphasising the striking abilities that he brings to the table. Tim (Seifert) is one of the premier T20 batters in world cricket, and his recent player of the tournament performance in The Hundred is another example of the quality he brings, Haynes said. We've admired him for a long time, and his experience, attacking intent and match-winning ability make him a fantastic fit for the Sixers. We're thrilled to welcome him to the club, she added. With Seifert's addition, the Sixers will have two strong wicket-keeping options, including Josh Philippe, another franchise regular. Seifert made his Hundred debut in 2026 for Manchester Super Giants, helping them win the title with 394 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 168.37. He scored a match-winning 72 off 38 balls against Trent Rockets in the final. He was also the second-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 206, where he scored 326 runs and played a crucial role in New Zealand's runners-up finish.

Shrimad Bhagavatam gets a seven-part cinematic saga, Vishnurata to open the franchise in 2027

The Shrimad Bhagavatam is getting a big-screen adaptation on an ambitious scale. Sagar Pictures Entertainment has announced Shrimad Bhagavatam Part 1: Vishnurata, the first instalment of a planned seven-part live-action film franchise based on the...

Dream Theatre named licensing, brand partnerships partner for Baahubali franchise

Arka Media Works has appointed Dream Theatre as the exclusive licensing and merchandising partner for Baahubali in India, as the franchise expands into animation.

Ali Fazal reacts as fans get tattoos inspired by Mirzapur: The Movie character Guddu Pandit: Guddu belongs to the audience as much as he belongs to me now

The popularity of Guddu Pandit, played by Ali Fazal in the Mirzapur franchise, continues to grow as fans find new ways to show their connection with the character. With Mirzapur: The Movie currently running in theatres, the characters fandom has extended beyond social media posts and fan edits, with some admirers now getting tattoos inspired by Guddu Bhaiya. Over the years, Guddu Pandit has influenced fan-created content, hairstyles, fashion choices, videos and edits. The latest expression of fandom has seen fans getting tattoos inspired by Ali Fazals character, reflecting the impact Guddu has had on the audience. Ali Fazal, who has played Guddu Pandit across the franchise, said he feels touched by the continued response to the character, particularly after Guddu made the transition from the streaming series to the big screen. Talking about the response, Ali Fazal says, Honestly, I am extremely touched and overwhelmed by the love Guddu Bhaiya continues to receive. To see how the fandom has grown over the years and now multiplied even more after Mirzapur The Movie came to theatres is incredibly humbling. People have connected with Guddu in ways I could never have imagined, and seeing fans take that love to the extent of getting tattoos inspired by him is truly surreal. Guddu belongs to the audience as much as he belongs to me now. I am deeply grateful for all the love, and the fact that the film is doing so well at the box office makes this journey even more special. Guddu Pandits growing popularity highlights the lasting impact of the Mirzapur franchise and its characters. What started as a character from a streaming series has now reached a wider theatrical audience, with Guddu continuing to remain a prominent part of the franchises identity. As Mirzapur: The Movie continues its theatrical run and receives a positive response from audiences, Ali Fazal is also reflecting on the characters journey. The films performance has expanded the Mirzapur universe to the big screen while further highlighting the connection audiences have developed with Guddu Pandit over the years. Also Read : Trade predicts Mirzapur The Movie can EASILY enter Rs. 200 crore club: Rs. 10 cr+ Monday after a HUGE holiday weekend is a remarkable achievement

Rajasthan civic elections: Arnod clocks highest polling with 91.98 pc in first phase; second phase polling tomorrow

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) The second phase of polling for Rajasthans Urban Local Body elections will be held on Friday, as the State Election Commission moves ahead with the next phase of the polls being conducted under the 'One State, One Election' initiative. The first phase of polling, held on September 9, was completed peacefully across 162 Urban Local Bodies, with an overall voter turnout of 76.41 per cent. The elections to 309 Urban Local Bodies in Rajasthan, including 10 Municipal Corporations, 47 Municipal Councils and 252 Municipalities, are being conducted in two phases. A total of 5,393 wards went to polls in the first phase. Of the 57,52,280 registered voters, 43,95,488 voters exercised their franchise, resulting in a voter turnout of 76.41 per cent. The first phase covered 4 Municipal Corporations, 27 Municipal Councils and 131 Municipalities. A total of 7,683 polling booths were established for the first phase, with 20,623 candidates in the electoral contest. The State Election Commission said polling for the member posts in all 162 Urban Local Bodies was conducted peacefully. The highest voter turnout in the first phase was recorded in Arnod Nagar Palika of Pratapgarh, where polling percentage reached 91.98 per cent. The high turnout reflected strong voter participation in the Urban Local Body elections. The lowest voter turnout was recorded in Bhilwara Nagar Nigam. The Municipal Corporation has 70 wards and a total of 2,96,682 registered voters. Of these, 1,89,390 voters cast their votes, resulting in a turnout of 63.84 per cent. The first phase also included 73 newly constituted Urban Local Bodies, where elections were being held for the first time. The remaining 89 Urban Local Bodies had witnessed general elections previously. In the last general elections held in these 89 bodies, voter turnout stood at 74.76 per cent. The 76.41 per cent turnout recorded in the first phase of the 2026 elections is higher than the turnout recorded in the previous general elections in these 89 Urban Local Bodies. With the first phase completed, attention now turns to the second and final phase of polling on September 11. The State Election Commission has completed preparations for the second phase, with polling arrangements being put in place across the Urban Local Bodies going to the polls. The elections form part of the statewide exercise to conduct Urban Local Body polls under the 'One State, One Election' framework. The Commission has reiterated its focus on ensuring that polling is conducted peacefully, transparently and in an orderly manner. Following completion of polling in both phases, the electoral process will proceed towards the counting of votes and subsequent stages of the Urban Local Body elections as per the notified schedule.

Mirzapur The Movie OTT release details: When and where to watch Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal's crime thriller online after its successful box office run

Mirzapur: The Movie has arrived in theaters, continuing the popular crime franchise's narrative. After watching the movie in theatres, fans eagerly await its digital release to re-watch it after its theatrical run. The film brings back key characters like Kaleen Bhaiya and Guddu Pandit for new conflicts. It has reportedly achieved strong box office collections, exceeding initial expectations. Read on!

Akshaye Khanna enjoys a lunch date with longtime friend Rajat Rawail, latter shares rare pic

Digital Desk | Mumbai, September 10 (IANS) Actor Akshaye Khanna recently caught up with his good friend and filmmaker Rajat Rawail over a relaxed lunch in Mumbai. Rajat Rawail, on Wednesday, sharing a candid glimpse of their get-together on his social media account, wrote, super luncheon with my best best buddy, the super talented acting juggernaut akshaye khanna & rajat rawail bandra wed 9/9/36 friends for ever n ever. In the picture, the two friends can be seen seated across a table at a restaurant, posing for the camera. Talking about Akshaye Khanna, the actor meanwhile, continues to be in the spotlight for his choice of different roles. After making an impact with his recent performance in Dhurandhar, the actor is now preparing to surprise audiences with another striking transformation in the upcoming mythological film Mahakali. In the film, reportedly Akshaye Khanna will be seen as Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras. The makers had recently unveiled the first extended glimpse, titled Shukracharyas War Cry, showcasing the actor in an intense and dramatically transformed avatar. Directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru and written by Prasanth Varma, Mahakali is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe. The film also stars Sriya Reddy, Bhoomi Shetty and Rohit Saraf. It is slated to release in theatres on January 8, 2027. For the uninitiated, Akshaye Khanna has also been riding high on the success of Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar, in which he delivered a performance as Rehman Dakait which received widespread appreciation. The action thriller, headlined by Ranveer Singh and featuring Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal, released in theatres on December 5, 2025. Akshaye Khanna enjoys a lunch date with longtime friend Rajat Rawail, latter shares rare pics Khanna reprised his role in the franchises sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which released on March 19, 2026.

Jasmine Sandlas shares photos clicked by Chaudhary Saab

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 10 (IANS) Punjabi singer Jasmine Sandlas shared a series of pictures on social media, revealing that they were clicked by her beau Shekhar Chaudhary, whom she referred to as Chaudhary Saab. Jasmine took to Instagram, where she shared three pictures of herself from a picturesque locale by the seaside. Chaudhary Saab took these photos, she wrote as the caption. It was in July, when Jasmine introduced her finance during her The Dream Girl India Tour in New Delhi she beau Shekhar onstage in New Delhi. Talking about Jasmine, her first song, Muskan in 2008 became a hit. In 2014, she began her Bollywood playback singing career with the song Yaar Na Miley for the film Kick. Her latest hits are Shararat, Jaiye Sajna from the Dhurandhar franchise, Taras for the movie Munjya 2024 and Nasha for Raid-2 2025. She also received several awards, including the Most Popular Song of the Year 2016. She was also featured on the TEDx Talks, MTV Coke Studio and Spoken Word platforms. It was in May, when the singer announced her The Dream Girl India Tour and said that it isnt just about playing a bigger venue but about creating a space where her music and the audience become one pulse. She had then said that the tour is creating a space where her music and the audience become one pulse. My journey has always been unfiltered and deeply tied to the people who listen to me. With 'The Dream Girl' tour, we are tearing down the walls and building an arena experience that feels incredibly intimate yet absolutely explosive. Im bringing my rawest energy, and I expect India to bring theirs, she added. The tours moniker serves as a personal homage to her journey, tracing her path from a young lyricist to a global heavyweight. The tour comes after the magnanimous success of her recent tracks from the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar duology.

Sharat Saxena shares standing MRI pictures ahead of lumbar spine surgery

Veteran actor Sharat Saxena, known for his memorable villainous and supporting roles in Hindi cinema, has shared pictures from an MRI session ahead of his upcoming surgery. The actor, who was recently seen in Ajay Devgn-starrer Son of Sardaar 2, posted four pictures from the MRI room on social media, prompting fans and well-wishers to express concern and wish him a speedy recovery. Saxena shared the pictures shortly before undergoing surgery. The photographs show the actor undergoing an MRI while standing, with visible discomfort on his face. Sharat Saxena undergoes MRI while standing Sharing the pictures, Sharat Saxena revealed that the MRI was conducted ahead of his lumbar spine surgery. He wrote in the caption, Standing mri before lumbar spine surgery at Bombay Hospital. Following his post, several fans and well-wishers took to the comments section to wish the veteran actor well and pray for his recovery. Saxena also responded to the messages and thanked everyone for their support. He wrote, Thank you all for the good wishes. I hope I will be able to walk properly and work again. Thank you all. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sharat Saxena (@sharat_saxena) Sharat Saxenas film career Sharat Saxena has been part of the Hindi film industry for several decades. After completing an engineering degree, he reportedly chose acting instead of pursuing a conventional career. Convincing his father to support his decision was initially difficult, but his family eventually accepted his choice. Over the course of his career, Saxena has reportedly worked in more than 250 films across Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil cinema. He appeared as Daga, one of Mogambos associates, in the 1987 film Mr. India. He has also taken on a variety of roles, including comic characters and father figures. In Salman Khans Bajrangi Bhaijaan, he played Kareena Kapoor Khans father. He was also seen as Tota Seth in the Hera Pheri franchise, adding a comic element to the film. His other notable films include Tridev, Ghayal, Khiladi, Soldier and Baghban.

Abhishek Pathak credits wife Shivaleeka Oberoi for keeping him sane while shooting for Drishyam: The Conclusion

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sept 10 (IANS) Filmmaker Abhishek Pathak opened up about his emotional 12-year journey with the Drishyam franchise where he credited his wife and actor Shivaleeka Oberoi for being a constant source of peace and support through the making of the third instalment, Drishyam: The Conclusion. Speaking at the trailer launch of the film, Pathak, on Wednesday reflected on how much his personal life had changed alongside the franchise. He said he was 27 when he produced the first part and is now 39, with each instalment coinciding with an important chapter of his life. I think this is a personal journey. This is a journey of 12 years. I don't think anyone would have thought that after 12 years, we would be standing here and completing a Part 3 journey, he said. Abhishek recalled that while working on the second instalment, he married Shivaleeka, while the third film coincided with him becoming a father. In Part 2, I got married to Shivaleeka. I became her husband. In Part 3, I had a daughter. I became her father. So the film is all about the family, he said. The filmmaker also acknowledged Shivaleeka's role in helping him sail through the intense process of filmmaking. Shivaleeka has been a part of it since Part 2, being there, giving me peace, giving me support. The filmmaking in this film is very intense, it's very intense to make. She helped me be sane, thank you so much, he said expressing gratitude to Shivaleeka. Calling the experience an emotional and long journey, he also stressed that the achievement was not his alone and involved the entire team working behind the film. It is a great journey. I think it's a long journey. But journey doesn't compete with yourself. You have team, you have people working with you, he added. For the uninitiated, Drishyam: The Conclusion marks the third chapter of the popular crime-thriller franchise. It was continued with the story that began with Drishyam and was followed by Drishyam 2. The movie stars Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat and others.