Ranchi News
Text view
Ranveer did not quit Don 3 due to Dhurandhar success, here's the real reason
Contrary to rumors, Ranveer Singh has not walked out of 'Don 3'. Reports indicate creative disagreements, not the success of 'Dhurandhar', led to the actor's reported exit. This development follows earlier casting changes for the ambitious action franchise.
No roads, no schools: Modern facilities merely a dream in Jharkhand's Budikai village
RANCHI: Modern facilities has failed to reach Budikai village in Jharkhands Khunti, even after 78 years of independence. Most affected of all amenities is education, as only a handful of students can afford to travel to the nearest school, at least 5 km away. Residents said the region was once considered a Maoist stronghold. Budikai village is home to just 35 families. The village lacks almost every basic facilityroads, schools, electricity and safe drinking waterforcing villagers to depend largely on their surrounding environment for survival. The only way to reach the village is through a roughly carved path along the mountains, built entirely by the residents themselves. Of all necessary amenities, the absence of educational facilities have been the most striking; not a single resident of Budikai has passed Class 10 exams so far. The most educated youth in the village, Bogan Nag, is a non-matriculate himself. Villagers said that there used to be a primary school in the village before, but it was merged with another school located away from the village, possibly because of low attendance. Jaura Pahan, a resident of Budikai, remarked that schooling is literally an uphill task for the children in this village. Only six children from the hamlet regularly attend the school in Ghaghra village, braving a 56 km long rocky and hilly forest trail. As many as 20-25 children remain completely out of school due to the difficult terrain and lack of transport facilities, casting a long shadow over the future of education in the village, said Pahan. Government welfare schemes fail to reach the village as officials are often reluctant to visit the inaccessible place, he added. Villagers still rely on a traditional water source (dari) dug by their ancestors. There is just one house built under the Abua Awas scheme, that too constructed with stones collected from the nearby forest, said Pahan. Extreme poverty continues to define everyday life for most families, he added. Despite these hardships, Budikai holds significant agricultural potential. Surrounded by hills, villagers cultivate paddy on terraced fields and water is abundantly available. However, the absence of information about modern farming practices, irrigation facilities and lift irrigation systems has discouraged farmers from growing vegetables or cash crops. Sagar Munda, a farmer in the village, said that with proper guidance and irrigation support, villagers could improve their livelihoods substantially. Budikai was once considered strongholds of Maoist activities, which further delayed development work in the region, said Munda. Only government support could change the course of their lives, he added.
Narendra Modi Stadium Ground: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, along with Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal, smashed centuries to benefit their respective teams in Round One of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 Season on Wednesday. It was a day on which a record 22 individual centuries were scored on the opening day of the competition. From a team perspective, Karnataka and Bengal completed mammoth successful run chases to make a big statement on Day One of Indias premier domestic mens one-day tournament. Kohli marked his return to Bengaluru with a commanding century as Delhi chased down 299 against Andhra with more than 12 overs to spare in their Elite Group D opener on Wednesday. Kohli's 58th List A hundred - 131 off 101 balls with 14 fours and three sixes - at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground overshadowed Ricky Bhui's 122 for Andhra as Delhi secured a four-wicket victory. Delhi pacer Simarjeet Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for picking 5-54. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, another former India captain, Rohit Sharma, produced a masterclass in front of over 20,000 spectators at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 155 off 94 balls to guide Mumbai to an eight-wicket victory over Sikkim in Elite Group C. Rohit raced to his 37th List A century in just 62 balls before adding another 50 runs off 29 deliveries, cutting and driving at will against an inexperienced Sikkim attack that had posted 236/6, as Mumbai chased down the target in 30.3 overs. In Ranchi, Bihar posted a staggering 574/6 - now the highest score in men's List A cricket - as teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 190 off 84 balls and captain Sakibul Gani blasted an unbeaten 128 off 40 balls - the fastest by an Indian batter in men's List A cricket - to crush Arunachal Pradesh by 397 runs in a Plate Group match on Wednesday. Suryavanshi struck 16 fours and 15 sixes in his blistering knock at a strike rate of 226.19, adding 158 runs for the opening wicket with Mangal Mahrour (33) before combining with Piyush Singh (77 off 66 balls) for a 103-run second-wicket partnership. Wicketkeeper Ayush Loharuka continued the carnage with 116 off 56 balls, including hitting 11 fours and eight sixes, before Gani unleashed mayhem in the final overs by hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes to propel Bihar past the 500-mark. Bihar's bowlers then completed the rout, dismissing Arunachal Pradesh for just 177 in 42.1 overs with Akash Raj (3-29), Suraj Kashyap (3-31) and Himanshu Tiwari (2-33) sharing eight wickets between themselves. In Rajkot, Dhruv Jurel and Rinku Singh hit half-centuries as Uttar Pradesh opened their campaign with an 84-run win over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Apart from the duo, Abhishek Goswami and Aryan Juyal were among their other half-centurions. UP's spin trio - List A debutants Zeeshan Ansari (4-31) and Prashant Veer (3-47), along with Vipraj Nigam - stifled Hyderabad's chase of 325 after the UP top-order posted 324/5. Hyderabad captain Tanmay Agarwal's 53 off 43 balls threatened briefly before the lower-order collapsed, as they were bowled out for 240. Defending champions Karnataka pulled off a stunning run chase, overhauling a record target of 413 against Jharkhand with 15 balls to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B in Ahmedabad. Player of the Match Devdutt Padikkal's brilliantly-paced 147 off 118 balls eclipsed Ishan Kishan's explosive 125 off just 39 balls - the second fastest List A century by an Indian male batter - as Karnataka romped home despite losing five wickets on the way. Captain Mayank Agarwal (54 off 34 balls) and Padikkal added 114 in the first 11.5 overs before Abhinav Manohar (56 not out) and debutant Dhruv Prabhakar (40 not out) sealed Karnatakas victory with an unbroken 88-run stand off 41 balls. Kishan had earlier clubbed 14 sixes in his whirlwind knock, helping Jharkhand amass 151 runs in the final 10 overs to post 412 for nine. Meanwhile, at the main Narendra Modi Stadium, Tamil Nadu opened their campaign with a 101-run victory over Pondicherry, with Pradosh Ranjan Paul (73) and captain N. Jagadeesan (67) laying the foundation for a total of 310/9. Bengal completed a successful chase of 383 against Vidarbha, with Abishek Porel (56 off 35 balls), captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (71), Sudip Gharami (68), and Shahbaz Ahmed (71 off 58 balls) guiding them to a stunning victory. Shubham Khajuria smashed an unbeaten 129 as Jammu and Kashmir thrashed Chandigarh by 10 wickets, with Nasir Lone taking four wickets and recent IPL auction pick Auqib Nabi claiming two. Himachal Pradesh defeated Uttarakhand by 95 runs as Akash Vasisht took three wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla's four-wicket haul powered Gujarat to an eight-wicket victory over Services. Saurashtra successfully chased down a 346-run target against Odisha with five wickets in hand, powered by Gajjar Sammar's unbeaten 132. Odisha's Swastik Samal had earlier smashed 212 with Biplab Samantaray contributing 100. Kerala thrashed Tripura by 145 runs after posting 348 for eight, with Baba Aparajith taking 5-15. Vignesh Puthur created List A cricket history by taking six catches as a fielder - the most ever in an innings, surpassing the previous record of five shared by 21 fielders. Punjab defeated Maharashtra by 51 runs, with Naman Dhir's 97, Anmolpreet Singh's 85, and Prabhsimran Singh's 60 laying the foundation for their big win before debutants Sukhdeep Bajwa and Krish Bhagat claimed two wickets each. Brief scores: Andhra 298/8 in 50 overs (Ricky Bhui 122; Simarjeet Singh 5-54, Prince Yadav 3-50) lost to Delhi 300/6 in 37.4 overs (Virat Kohli 131, Nitish Rana 77; Maramreddy Hemanth Reddy 2-6, Satyanarayana Raju 2-74) by four wickets Sikkim 236/7 in 50 overs (Ashish Thapa 79, Shardul Thakur 2/19) lost to Mumbai 237/2 in 30.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 155) by 8 wickets. Bihar 574/6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 190, Sakibul Gani 128 not out; Tadakamalla Mohith 2-99, Techi Neri 2-83) beat Arunachal Pradesh 177 in 42.1 overs (Kamsha Yangfo 32 not out, Techi Doria 28; Akash Raj 3-29, Suraj Kashyap 3-31) by 397 runs. Odisha 345/6 in 50 overs (Swastik Samal 212, Biplab Samantaray 100) lost to Saurashtra 347/5 in 48.5 overs (Gajjar Sammar 132 not out, Chirag Jani 86) by five wickets Services 184 in 42.2 overs (Arzan Nagwaswalla 4-34) lost to Gujarat 185/2 in 34.5 overs (Aarya Desai 77 not out) by eight wickets Haryana 267/9 in 50 overs (Himanshu Rana 126, Parth Vats 57) lost to Railways 270/4 in 43.4 overs (Ravi Singh 109 not out, Upendra Yadav 80) by six wickets Uttar Pradesh 324/5 in 50 overs (Abhishek Goswami 81, Dhruv Jurel 80) beat Hyderabad 240 all out in 43 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 53, Rahul Buddhi 47; Zeeshan Ansari 4-31) by 84 runs Jharkhand 412/9 in 50 overs (Ishan Kishan 125, Virat Singh 88; Abhilash Shetty 4/72) lost to Karnataka 413/5 in 47.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 147, Abhinav Manohar 56 not out) by five wickets Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Punjab 347/6 in 50 overs (Naman Dhir 97, Anmolpreet Singh 85) beat Maharashtra 296/8 in 50 overs (Ramakrishna Ghosh 73, Prithvi Shaw 46) by 51 runs Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chhattisgarh 233 in 48.5 overs (Amandeep Khare 76, Mayank Verma 64; Deepraj Gaonkar 4/35) lost to Goa 234/4 in 44.1 overs (Snehal Kauthankar 107 not out) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
Pakistan Super League Gets 12 Bids For Two New Teams, But High Base Price Worries Bidders: Report
The Pakistan Super League: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has received as many as a dozen bids for buying the rights for two new teams in the 2026 edition, with offers coming from five continents, even though a news report claimed that most of them are skittish on the high base price sought by the board. The PCB has set USD 4 million as the base price for the new PSL teams, claiming the interest has been high after two successful roadshows in London and New York attracted a good number of investors. There were reports that PCB has not received any bids for the new teams because of the high base price it sought, but sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that they have received several bids. Around 12 bids were received, which is an exceptional and encouraging response to the tender issued for the sale of two new franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a source told www.telecomasia.net. The bidders belong to five continents, including the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Pakistan, which clearly reflects the PSLs growing global popularity and commercial appeal, the report claimed. A prominent businessman from the USA, Aamir Wain, has registered a bid under a consortium and is interested in buying the Hyderabad team, a source was quoted as saying in the report. The next phase of the bidding process will be announced on December 27 after scrutiny of the bids, as some of the bidders are reluctant to the price, which may go over 5 million dollars under the current rate of the currency. The PCB will conduct an auction in Islamabad on January 8, 2026, to finalise the sale. According to the report, PCB conducted a valuation of the existing five teams, which showed Lahore Qalandars got the highest rise in value. Lahore will pay 2.37 million dollars for the next ten years, while Karachi Kings estimated value stands at 2.27 million dollars. Multan Sultans became the most expensive franchise in 2018, but after a fallout with the PCB, their new value is estimated at 3 million dollars. The PCB will conduct an auction in Islamabad on January 8, 2026, to finalise the sale. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A bidder from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) told www.telecomasia.net that if top-class players are attracted to the PSL 2026, then only the League will be successful and give the right kind of value to the franchises. Article Source: IANS
LSGs Lower-order Batting Remains A Concern As It Hasn't Been Fully Addressed, Says Chopra
Lucknow Super Giants: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have strengthened their bowling attack in the mini-auction ahead of the 2026 season, but continue to grapple with batting depth issues, particularly in the lower middle-order, said former India opener Aakash Chopra. LSG has kept Rishabh Pant at number three, but the batting order remains a question mark. Pant can play higher, and last season's top order was exceptionalthree of the top four batsmen scored over 500 runs, which is very rare. The real issue has been the lower order; at five, six, and seven, players like David Miller couldn't consistently deliver in last season, said Chopra on JioStar. This season, LSG have more options in bowling with (Wanindu) Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, along with Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, and Arjun Tendulkar. Despite these improvements, the lower-order batting remains a concern that hasn't been fully addressed, he added. Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised LSGs bowling reinforcements but echoed concerns about batting depth. Looking at Anrich Nortje and Hasaranga, LSG has very strong options, especially in the fast-bowling department, which was much needed. If the fast bowlers stay fit, they form a formidable unit. Hasaranga is a big benefit - last year, there was a lack of trust from captain Rishabh Pant in Ravi Bishnoi. Hasaranga, bought for 2 crore, is a solid and cost-effective addition. However, with batsmen like Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad, LSG could have done with one more top-class batter. I was hoping for someone like Livingstone. Overall, theres still a need for at least five more high-quality batsmen in the squad, he said. Hasaranga is a big benefit - last year, there was a lack of trust from captain Rishabh Pant in Ravi Bishnoi. Hasaranga, bought for 2 crore, is a solid and cost-effective addition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If you look at the batting order for LSG, they're very similar to SRH. Buying Josh, even if he was available for the full season at that price, doesn't make sense because he's not going to be in the starting line-up, concluded former India opener Abhinav Mukund. Article Source: IANS
Dhurandhar 2 locked for Eid 2026: Release date, languages, story continuation and OTT details
Dhurandhar 2 will release on March 19, 2026. The film will be available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. This marks a pan-India release for the franchise. The sequel follows the successful first installment. Dhurandhar 2 aims for a wide audience during the Eid festival. The story continues the espionage drama with new twists.
Former India Physio Patrick Farhart Joins LSG As Global Head Of Science And Medicine
RPSG Sports Private Limited: Former India men's team physio Patrick Farhart has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as Global Head of Science and Medicine, a franchise official told IANS on Wednesday. Besides LSG, Farhart will also join its sister franchises, the Durban Super Giants in SA20 and the Manchester Originals of The Hundred. Patrick Farhart will join LSG and its sister franchises as their Global Head of Science and Medicine from today. His work will start from the upcoming SA20 season for the Durban franchise, an LSG official told IANS on Wednesday. Farhat has been in the field for more than 20 years now and has also served the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash, the Kings XI Punjab and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, as the team's physio over the years. He has also served as Performance Director for New South Wales, Hampshire, and Australia, and has worked with major rugby and football teams in Australia. Im happy to share that Im starting a new position as Global Head of Medicine and Science at RPSG Sports Private Limited! wrote Farhart on his LinkedIn account. The purpose of this role is to establish and maintain world class standards in athlete performance, health, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, continuing professional development and scientific innovation for sports medicine and sports science staff attached to RPSG Sport teams, including Lucknow Super Giants (IPL), Manchester Originals (The Hundred), Durban Super Giants (SA20) and Mohun Bagan SG (ISL), added Farhart. Im happy to share that Im starting a new position as Global Head of Medicine and Science at RPSG Sports Private Limited! wrote Farhart on his LinkedIn account. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Australian served as the Indian team's physiotherapist from 2015 until the 2019 ICC World Cup. Article Source: IANS
Bihar Captain Sakibul Gani Becomes Fastest Indian Batter To Score List A Century
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Bihar captain Sakibul Gani became the fastest Indian to score a List A century in just 32 balls in the Plate Group opener against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at JSCA Oval Ground on Wednesday. Gani finished not out with 128 off 40 balls, just ahead of Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who on the same day scored a 33-ball century against Karnataka in the same tournament. Gani's record-breaking century included 10 fours and 12 sixes. The top two fastest List A centuries by Indians have all been recorded on the same day at two different venues, Ahmedabad and Ranchi, on the opening day of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-25. The world record for the fastest century in List A cricket belongs to Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. The former Delhi Capitals player reached the 100-run mark in just 29 balls for South Australia against Tasmania in Adelaide on October 8, 2023. Teen prodigy Suryavanshi led the charge of Bihar's batting with an impressive 190 off 84 deliveries, whereas Ayush Loharuka scored a 56-ball 116, as captain Gani contributed another hundred to round out the assault. Suryavanshis performance made him the youngest centurion in List A cricket. After electing to bat first, Bihar went on to post the highest List A total of 574 for six, surpassing the previous record of 506 for 2 set by Tamil Nadu against Arunachal Pradesh in the same competition in 2022. The Bihar innings included 49 fours and 38 sixes. Fastest centuries by Indians in List A cricket Sakibul Gani 32 balls, Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh, December 24, 2025 Ishan Kishan 33 balls, Jharkhand vs Karnataka, December 24, 2025 Anmolpreet Singh 35 balls, Punjab vs Arunachal Pradesh, December 21, 2024 Ishan Kishan 33 balls, Jharkhand vs Karnataka, December 24, 2025 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yusuf Pathan 40 balls, Baroda vs Maharashtra, February 16, 2010 Article Source: IANS
VHT: Suryavanshi slams 36-ball ton for Bihar, becomes the youngest List A centurion
Playing against Arunachal Pradesh in a Plate League fixture in Ranchi, Suryavanshi scored his first non-T20I ton in senior cricket
Amid HC scrutiny, Soren cabinet okays rules for Scheduled Areas
RANCHI: Under continued pressure from the Jharkhand High Court over delay in Implementation of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), the state Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the Panchayat Provisions (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Jharkhand Rules, 2025finally putting in place a long-awaited legal framework vital for grassroots governance in tribal areas. In all, the cabinet okayed a total of 39 proposals. The approval of the Jharkhand PESA rules comes amid ongoing proceedings before the High Court, where the states failure to notify rules under PESA has been described as a systemic violation of tribal rights. Hemant Soren government had repeatedly been informing the court that PESA rules were under finalisation. The decision assumes significance as the HC has stalled the auction of sand ghats in Scheduled Areas and warned the state government of contempt proceedings for continuing mineral-related decisions without operationalising PESA, a constitutional mandate for tribal self-governance. Earlier during the hearings, the HC held that Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas cannot be bypassed in matters relating to natural resources, including sand mining. Acting on this principle, the court stayed the auction of sand ghats in SC Areas, holding that without enforceable PESA rules, such auctions lack legal foundation. While sand mining triggered immediate judicial intervention, Cabinets approval of PESA Rules has broader implications for governance in tribal regions. This will benefit tribal communities by allowing them to govern their villages according to their traditions without any external interference.
Call of Duty video game creator dies in car crash
Video game creator Vince Zampella, best known for his immensely popular Call of Duty franchise, has passed away in a tragic car accident, reported Deadline. He was 55. According to the report, the single-vehicle crash occurred around 12:45 pm on Southern Californias Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles. Officers []
IO Interactive's 007 First Light has been delayed until May 27
IO Interactive's James Bond simulator 007 First Light has been delayed until May 27, 2026 . It was supposed to come out in March. The company says two-month delay is for polish and refinement, which is fine by me. I'd always rather wait a bit longer for a better end product. IO says the game is already fully playable from beginning to end but still needs a bit of attention to ensure the strongest possible version at launch. The developer promises to share more updates at the beginning of next year. For the uninitiated, 007 First Light is the first James Bond game in over a decade . The developer is the same organization behind the renowned Hitman franchise, so this could potentially be the best Bond game since Goldeneye . The gameplay looks fast-paced, frenetic and filled with spycraft. It features an original story that pulls from all over the decades-long franchise. We got a chance to speak to narrative director Martin Emborg and he noted that the game stars a young and inexperienced Bond, which seems to be the direction Amazon is taking with its upcoming film . The game also boasts a pretty stacked cast. Patrick Gibson, from The OA and Dexter: Original Sin , plays the famous lothario spy and Lenny Kravitz has been cast as the primary villain. Other cast members include Lennie James, Kiera Lester, Alastair Mackenzie and Priyanga Burford. Who knows when the next Bond film will actually come out, so this should be a nice little stopgap for fans. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/io-interactives-007-first-light-has-been-delayed-until-may-27-194809718.html?src=rss
James Cameron's Avatar franchise has long commanded a strong presence in India, with Avatar: The Way of Water setting the benchmark as the highest-grossing Hollywood film in the country. However, Avatar: Fire and Ash is facing stiff competition amid the unstoppable Dhurandhar wave.
Lennox Earns First Call-up; Santner, Henry, And Jamieson Return For T20 Tour Of India
The Black Caps Head Coach: New Zealand 'A' left-arm orthodox bowler Jayden Lennox has earned his first call-up to the Black Caps squad, as New Zealand Cricket named a balanced squad with rotating players for both the one-day and T20 series in India to be played next month. The NZC picked squads that are a mix of experienced while-ball experts like Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell, with debutants like Lennox and Kristian Clarke, as they search for a perfect squad for a series that will help the team prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Lennox has been named in the ODI squad, alongside the uncapped Kristian Clarke, and emerging internationals Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly, and the recent Test debutant, Michael Rae. The Black Caps Head Coach, Rob Walter, said hes pleased to see Lennoxs progression through the NZC high-performance system. Jayden has been an identified player of interest for some time and has some good New Zealand A experience under his belt. He's consistently been one of the top performers in white-ball cricket domestically for a number of seasons. Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner are set to feature for New Zealand again, with Jamieson coming straight back into both the one-day and T20 sides, and Santner being named in the T20 side only, as part of his return-to-play plan as he recovers from his groin injury. Michael Bracewell will captain the side during the one-day series in Santners absence, surrounded by an experienced leadership group of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls. Test captain Tom Latham and front-line seam bowler Matt Henry both miss the ODI series, with the former staying in New Zealand for the birth of his third child, and the latter continuing to rehab after his recent calf tear ahead of the T20 series and the ICC Mens T20 World Cup in February, New Zealand Cricket informed in a release on Tuesday. Nathan Smith (side), Blair Tickner (shoulder), and Mark Chapman (ankle) were not considered for selection for the ODI series as they continue with their respective return-to-play plans. Chapman is on track to play in the T20 series. Ben Sears has returned from his stint in Melbourne, but was not considered for selection in ODI cricket as he works through his return to play program. Sears is progressing well and is on track to be available for the Super Smash. Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to commitments in the SA20 league. Mitch Hay will keep wicket for the ODI series, whereas Devon Conway will take the gloves for the T20Is. Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra will both sit out the ODI series to allow them to rest after being involved in all cricket since the start of the home summer. New Zealand will play five T20Is immediately after the three ODIs in India, as part of their final preparation for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup in February and March. The importance of the series ahead of the T20 World Cup is not lost on Head Coach Rob Walter. Playing in the sub-continent is obviously very different to what were used to in New Zealand, so any opportunity we can get to expose our guys to those conditions can only be a good thing, especially prior to a T20 World Cup in the subcontinent. Alongside Santner, Chapman and Henry are set to return to the T20 side after recovering from ankle and calf injuries, respectively. Batters Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson both come back into the T20 squad after producing some impressive performances for their respective domestic sides. Jacobs is averaging 54 across his seven most recent innings, including one century, and Robinson is averaging just over 60 across his last nine innings, including two centuries. James Neesham and Ish Sodhi also come back into the Black Caps squad, with Neesham having stints in the Nepal Premier League and ILT20 in recent weeks. Sodhi returns from domestic duties with Canterbury. Newly IPL-contracted players Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes have earned the nod after impressing throughout the home summer, with Foulkes set to experience T20 cricket in India for the first time. Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert will be joining the squad in India as soon as their franchise commitments are completed. This will allow them to feature in the back end of the T20 series in India ahead of the T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup Squad will be announced in mid-January. ODI Squad for India Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young T20 Squad v India Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young Also Read: Live Cricket Score Unavailable due to injury: Will ORourke (back), Blair Tickner (shoulder), Nathan Smith (side) Article Source: IANS
Dhurandhar actor takes a subtle dig at glossy YRF spy films
Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar continues its dream run at the box office, and amid the films massive success, actor Ankit Sagar has opened up about the buzz, the controversy around its inspiration, and why he believes the films realism sets it apart from glossy spy franchises.
Vince Zampellas net worth revealed: How rich was the Call of Duty creator who died at 55?
Vince Zampella net worth: Vince Zampella, co-creator of the groundbreaking Call of Duty franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment, has passed away at 55. His visionary work redefined the first-person shooter genre and established lucrative franchise models. Zampella's legacy includes massive hits like Titanfall and Apex Legends, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
Bring Home High-End Gadgets with a Consumer Durable Loan
consumer durable loan individuals can bring home essential appliances and the latest tech without draining their savings or stressing about upfront costs. This option allows to bring home the favourite products immediately. Make your home appliance purchase more affordable with the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan Simply head to the Easy EMI Loan page on the Bajaj Finserv website. Select the desired product, take the loan approval online and head to a partner store. The total cost can then be split into affordable monthly installments that suit their budget. Select products can even be taken home immediately with zero down payment. What can be purchased with a consumer durable loan? Whether someone is planning a home makeover, boosting productivity with powerful gadgets, or adding convenience to their kitchen, a consumer durable loan supports a wide range of purchases: Entertainment and work essentials Mobile phones : Seamlessly switch to the latest cutting-edge 5G smartphones, perfect for staying connected indoors, outdoors, and on the go. Smart televisions (LED/4K) : Dive into immersive streaming with vibrant visuals that make family movie nights and cozy winter gatherings truly special. Laptops : Power through work, studies, or gaming sessions with high-performance devices designed to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle. Major appliances Refrigerators : Keep the food fresh longer with energy-efficient models from leading brands that combine style with sustainability. Air conditioners : Beat the heat and stay comfortable year-round with smart, energy-saving cooling solutions tailored to different spaces. Washing machines : Simplify the laundry with fully automatic washers available in various capacities to suit the household needs. Personal tech and accessories Smartwatches, headphones, and more : Stay fit, connected, and stylish with the latest wearable gadgets and high-quality audio gear. Kitchen and home essentials Microwaves, mixers, and more : Streamline the cooking experience with compact, feature-packed kitchen gadgets that save time and effort. Home appliances : From advanced air purifiers to efficient vacuum cleaners, elevate the daily living with products designed for clean, fresh, and comfortable homes. Limited-time offers on electronics and appliances Flat Rs. 1,000 cashback on select purchases. With EMIs starting as low as Rs. 830 per month, bringing home the favourite products has never been easier or more affordable. *Terms and conditions apply. Check with partner store for details. Why smart shoppers choose the consumer durable loan Life doesnt waitand neither should essential purchases. This loan option is designed to work around the lifestyle and budget, making big purchases feel easy: Keep your savings intact : Avoid draining emergency funds or savings just to buy essentials or upgrade tech. Manageable monthly payments : Spread the cost over several months, keeping budgets comfortable without surprises. Flexible options for every wallet : Whether shorter or longer repayment periods are preferred, EMI plans can be tailored accordingly. Take advantage of deals : Combine the loan with festive discounts and cashback offers to get great products at even better prices. By making technology and home essentials affordable right now, the Easy EMI Loan solves the urgent needs. Upgrade effortlessly with Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan Bringing the latest gadgets and appliances home becomes simple and wallet-friendly with the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan. It allows buyers to split the cost of big purchases into easy monthly payments. Tools like the Maha Bachat Savings Calculator help combine brand offers, dealer discounts, and EMI benefits to maximise savings. Before applying, reviewing the consumer durable loan fees and charges ensures complete clarity. Heres how the process works: Choose the product online : Go to the Easy EMI Loan page. Choose the productbe it a smartphone, refrigerator, or home appliance. Check your eligibility : Enter basic details like name, mobile number, and PAN, then complete a quick KYC. Get your loan limit instantly : See the approved amount that can be used to make the purchase. Visit a partner store : Explore the product in person and get assistance from a store representative. Select your EMI plan : Choose a repayment option that fits the budget, complete minimal paperwork, and confirm your purchase. With the Easy EMI Loan, upgrading the lifestyle becomes faster, smarter, and more affordable. The flexible repayment options, quick approval, and helpful savings tools make it easier to bring home the desired products. Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL, Bajaj Finance, or the Company), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings. www.bajajfinserv.in .
Govinda's cameo in Avatar Fire And Ash: AI-generated clip goes viral with actor's iconic dialogue
An AI-generated clip of Govinda as a Na'vi from Avatar 3 has gone viral on social media, showing him delivering his iconic dialogue Hata saawan ki ghata on the big screen. Netizens were quick to point out that it is fake. The viral clip has also revived old claims about Govinda being part of James Cameron's Avatar franchise, which his wife, Sunita Ahuja, has previously dismissed.
This movie, the third instalment from a global blockbuster franchise, has almost recovered its mega budget of $400 million, but it has surpassed Dhurandhar's worldwide total in just four days.
Gita Press launches franchisemodel, opens outlet in Nepal
Who was Vince Zampella? Legendary game developer dies in southern California crash
Vince Zampella, a popular video game developer and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, passed away at 55 in a single-car crash on Southern Californias Angeles Crest Highway. Formerly CEO of Infinity Ward, Zampella co-created the Call of Duty franchise and later led Respawn to produce titles that include Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella killed in a car crash
Game developer Vince Zampella, known for his work on many popular first-person shooter franchises, has died. According to Los Angeles news channel NBC4 , Zampella was killed in a single-vehicle car crash on Sunday along with one other unnamed person. He was 55. Zampella has helmed several well-known first-person shooter titles. He was a founder of Infinity Ward, where he was a creator of the Call of Duty series. Zampella remained at the company for the launch of the hugely popular franchise's first few installments. In 2010, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Titanfall , Titanfall 2 and Apex Legends . Respawn was acquired by EA, and most recently, Zampella was leading DICE's studio in Los Angeles and headed up the Battlefield franchise, another FPS series that just saw the launch of Battlefield 6 earlier this year. EA shared the following statement about Zampella's death: This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vinces family, his loved ones and all those touched by his work. Vinces influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come. Update, December 22, 2025, 3:53PM ET: Added statement from EA. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/call-of-duty-co-creator-vince-zampella-killed-in-a-car-crash-204046354.html?src=rss
Jharkhand: Boiling oil poured on woman for resisting sexual harassment; one arrested
RANCHI: Two youths poured boiling oil on a woman for allegedly resisting sexual harassment late Sunday evening in Jharkhand's Giridh. According to police, one accused has been arrested, while the other is still on the run. As per information received, the woman runs a shop selling fritters to support her family. The accused persons, Uday Chaudhary and Manish Chaudhary, had gone to her shop on Sunday evening. At that moment, the power went out. Both accused took advantage of the situation and attempted to molest the shopkeeper. When the woman tried to stop them from harassing her, the accused picked up a pan of scalding hot oil from the stove and threw it at her. The woman screamed out of pain as she was burned by the hot oil. Hearing her screams, local villagers rushed to the spot and immediately took her to Sadar Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. According to doctors, the woman's hands and feet have been severely burned and is under constant medical supervision. According to villagers, the womans family depends entirely on the income from the stall. They alleged that the two accused youths have a history of misbehaviour. Both the accused persons come from influential families, due to which people were afraid to confront them earlier. But this time, they crossed all limits. Strict action must be taken against such elements, said a villager requesting anonymity. The villagers are extending all possible support for the womans treatment, they said. The police on the other hand have assured to take strict action will be taken against he accused persons. We have registered a case against the accused persons and arrested one of them, Uday Chaudhary, while the hunt is still on for another accused person, Manish Chaudhary. He will also be arrested soon, said the officer-in charge of Mufassil police station, Shyam Kishore Mahto.
Jharkhand's new campaign to showcase success stories of girls who stood up against child marriage
RANCHI: Jharkhands Social Welfare Directorate is set to launch a a first-of-its-kind campaign to curb child marriage by sharing real-life stories of girls who stood up against the practice. The campaign will showcase the success stories of girls who protested against the outdated practice and persuaded their families to not go through with their marriages, while also discussing the challenges they faced throughout their struggle for autonomy. Through these stories, young girls will be sensitised to the demerits of child marriage and informed about the laws prohibiting it. Officials informed that the campaign will highlight the provisions under the law against the practice of child marriage as well as schemes run by Women and Child Welfare Department, to empower young girls. For this initiative, the Directorate has identified ten such girls who successfully resisted child marriage, continued their education and have since gone on to build successful lives. The representatives include, Damini Sabar (East Singhbhum), Jaimati (Lohardaga), Rupa Kumari (Gumla), Karuna Kumari (Ramgarh), Uma (Jamtara), Chhaya Kumari ( Koderma), Manisha Kumari (Giridih), Milan Sabar (East Singhbhum), Radha Pandey (Koderma) and Chandana (Dhanbad). The campaign will be run in all the 45 sub-divisions of 24 districts of Jharkhand with a special focus on the pockets from where most of the child marriage cases come from, said an official in Social Welfare Department, requesting anonymity. All the officials in the sub-division level will be involved in this campaign to make it a success, she added. Not only government officials but the traditional heads like Manki-Munda and gram Pradhan along with the religious heads of all religion will also be involved so that more and more people get connected with this campaign, said the official. The campaign will be run under the ongoing programme Child Marriage Free Jharkhand, under which the young girls will also be made aware about the ongoing programmes being run for them by the state government.
From Borgaon To Being Roped In By RCB For Rs 5.20 Crore: Mangesh Yadav's Surreal Tale
MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia: When Mangesh Yadav's name flashed on the IPL 2026 auction broadcast in Abu Dhabi, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) locked horns in a fierce bidding war that would forever change the left-arm quick's life. Within seconds, his price rocketed from a base price of Rs 30 lakh to a staggering Rs 5.2 crore a staggering jump FOR pacer. Mangesh, a skiddy left-arm pacer consistently clocking 140 kmph with a sharp yorker in his repertoire, could barely process what had just unfolded. I was just thinking the first bid should happen and a team takes me in. I was very happy with the first bid from RCB. But within seconds in front of my eyes, SRH and RCB were bidding for me and it reached five crores, which was extremely astonishing. My parents back home were very happy. They were also getting calls from relatives, recalled Mangesh in an exclusive conversation with IANS. By the roadside in Noida, miles away from where his protege's life was being transformed, Phoolchand Sharma, who runs Wonders Cricket Club in Sector 34, was over the moon. I can't tell you how happy I was on seeing him get selected. Before that, a lot of my kids have played in IPL, but theres a different happiness for him. I did hope that he would be picked by any franchise in the auction. I have never met his father or mother, nor have I ever spoken to them. I have raised him like my own kid. Hes been a good boy from the start, a calm and hardworking kid. I gave him a lot of matches to play in Delhi, as well as in district leagues in Delhi and UP. Hes had a very long journey and is now seeing the fruits of being committed to that path, he told IANS. Mangeshs cricketing journey began in Borgaon village in Madhya Pradeshs Chhindwara district, not in an established academy but within the confines of his homes compound. As a six-year-old, he'd return home in tears after fighting with boys while playing. His mother Rita found a solution: she'd bowl to him in the compound and he would bat for as long as he wished for. From there, I started playing cricket regularly and it went on and on. I started bowling a little late with the left arm. But I used to see the bowling of Mitchell Johnson and RP Singh sir bowling and that served me with a lot of motivation, he said. As years went by, Mangesh's talent was remarkable. But in a family of six, including three sisters, his father Ramavadh drove trucks to make ends meet. Pursuing professional cricket seemed financially impossible till his maternal uncle convinced Ramavadh to let his son train seriously in cricket. After that, Mangesh headed to Noida to train under Sharma. The hostel fees was Rs 20,000 per month, well beyond his familys reach. What happened next would alter the trajectory of Mangesh's life. Sir saw my game and he liked it. He forgave my fees and told me to stay here and practice, so that was very helpful in my journey. My father has done so much for me. I didn't have any stress, I just wanted to play cricket, all the struggle was of my father. If it wasn't for Phoolchand sir, I wouldn't have been able to play cricket. The reality of Ramavadh's sacrifice was never lost on Mangesh. While Mangesh caught 4am trains for training and playing matches, his father was waking at the same time to begin another gruelling shift behind the wheel - navigating treacherous roads through the night with no fixed schedule. My father's struggle is unmatchable. I used to feel sad that I am going out to play, but the father is waking up daily in the morning, goes out to drive the truck in night through a lot of dangerous roads, though they are in a much better condition now. The academy evolved alongside Mangesh - from basic facilities to a comprehensive setup featuring gym, indoor nets, trainers and coaches. Apart from Shivam Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra and Hardik Pandya would drop in for net sessions at Sharmas academy when in Delhi-NCR. What immediately struck Sharma about Mangesh was the rarity of discovering a left-arm quick whose natural bowling action didn't require fundamental reconstruction. His bowling action reminded him of how Zaheer Khan bowled - smooth, repeatable, lethal. You do know that when a left-handed batter or bowler plays, there is an alag nazakat (different sheen) to it. Right from the rhythm of his run-up, he seemed like a perfect packaged bowler. We have to teach a lot of kids that you are running slow, head is falling over and rhythm is not good. But when he used to run and bowl, it was perfect action, like how Zaheer used to have. I used to like Zaheer's action and he was just like that. We worked on improvising it, he added. Small technical tweaks combined with natural athleticism gradually revealed a complete cricketer capable of consistently hitting 140kmph. The biggest thing is he had a lot of seniors to learn and get support from, like Anureet Singh, who played for IPL for many years, Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar. We caught some of his small shortcomings, or at times, other boys caught it. We developed his bowling slowly. He is a good fielder from the start. In between, when the kids used to go elsewhere, he used to hit long sixes. His hitting power has been very good, he added. Mangesh represented MP in U19 and U23 teams, but feared opportunities were slipping away without a proper platform to showcase his talent. Then came the Madhya Pradesh League - an initiative by current MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia that proved to be transformative. Playing for Gwalior Cheetahs this year, Mangesh claimed 14 wickets to become the tournament's leading wicket-taker and IPL scouts took notice. I thought I would be late in grabbing my opportunity, but Scindia ji introduced the MP League and then I got the chance to perform. When I got good performances in it this year, everything has happened well from then onwards for me. Mangeshs three mentors - Anand Rajan, Tanmay Srivastava and Ankur Tyagi also stepped in to refine his game and mindset. Srivastava, an Under-19 World Cup winner for India in 2008 and now an active umpire, provided invaluable perspective to Mangesh, so as Rajan, who played for the state and in the IPL. I talk to Ankur Tyagi after every match - he is like a big brother to me. He has always supported and guided me in the right way. Due to all three of them, I have always improved in the right way, he said. Despite a disappointing debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), MP head coach Chandrakant Pandit pushed him to showcase his batting abilities in the second match against Punjab. Mangesh grabbed the chance by hitting 28 off 12 balls, proving that he was more than just a bowler. My first match was not that good, but the captain backed me well, due to which I was amongst the wickets. Pandit sir told me 'Mangesh, you will also have to do some batting'. In the second game, he sent me up to bat and I was able to showcase my batting abilities, which felt really good. Before embarking to Pune for the tournaments Super League stage, Mangesh went through trials with RCB, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians. Though he couldn't attend SRH and PBKS trials due to hectic schedule, the formers bowling coach, ex-India pacer Varun Aaron took notice of his skillsets. But now, landing at RCB means sharing a dressing room with the talismanic Virat Kohli - a childhood dream that Mangesh admits never seemed remotely possible. I always wanted to play under Virat sir's captaincy. But he is not doing it and I feel sharing the dressing room with him is a big deal. I never imagined that I would play alongside him and this set to become a reality is a great feeling. His recent experience under Patidar's captaincy during high-pressure SMAT games also keeps Mangesh in good stead. Cricket is tough if you think in mind about it and playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a lot of pressure, as you do know the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and Ishan Kishan are tough to bowl to. But all of this was made easy by playing under Rajat bhaiya's captaincy. The role he gave me, I managed to fulfill that and it made life easy. The visualization has already begun Mangesh standing at the top of his run-up in RCB's iconic red jersey, with the new ball in hand, enough to give him goosebumps. But the ultimate dream still remains to be wearing Indias blue jersey. How exciting it will be to wear the RCB jersey and have the ball in hand at the top of my run-up mark. I hope that this paves the way for me to wear the Indian team jersey and bowl the first ball for my country. That will be an out of the world feeling. Rather than dwelling on IPL's magnitude, Mangesh plans to focus on absorbing lessons from Kohli, Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer to improve his craft. We will have a team camp, where I will prepare alongside with Virat sir, Venky and Rajat bhaiyas. I will learn from them by playing a lot of practice matches and improve along the way. I will get to be in touch with them, so it is going to be very helpful for me. What separates Mangesh from India's impressive stable of fast bowlers, Sharma argues, isn't just his left-arm pace - it's being that rare quick offering genuine all-round capabilities. The biggest thing is India has a lot of fast bowlers, but you won't get a perfect package like him. I can count them - Arshdeep, Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Shami. All of them are good bowlers. They play for India because they are good. But they won't be a batter or fielder like them. It's not that he is my child. I am talking about the language of cricket. Being a cricketer, he is a perfect package. In the future, if God keeps him healthy, you will see him play for India in a year or two. The financial windfall from the life-changing IPL deal means Mangesh can fulfill his off-field aspirations. Marrying off his three sisters with pomp and splendour tops his priority list, followed by giving his father respite from decades of grueling truck driving work and buying a house to end the familys stay in a rented home. His message to aspiring cricketers reflects hard-earned wisdom - that talent alone isn't enough, that even strong performances don't guarantee selection, and that persistence matters more than immediate results. What I have felt through my cricketing journey is without struggle, you won't get anything. You won't get anything easy and if you're playing cricket, you'll have to put in more effort, including the double of what is expected usually, as there are times when you won't get selected even if you perform well. His message to aspiring cricketers reflects hard-earned wisdom - that talent alone isn't enough, that even strong performances don't guarantee selection, and that persistence matters more than immediate results. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You just have to be true to yourself and your efforts. My seniors always tell me that I have to put my head down and play cricket. So it's important to respect everyone and keep your head down and play well when on the field, signed off Mangesh. Article Source: IANS
Codeine syrup seized in UP; six held in separate operations in Etah, Mirzapur
ETAH:The Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified their crackdown on the alleged illegal trade, diversion and distribution of regulated codeine-based cough syrup, arresting six persons in separate operations in Etah and Mirzapur districts, officials said on Monday. The action comes as the probe widened into the alleged codiene syrup trafficking racket, suspected to be involved in illicit trade estimated to be worth hundreds of crores -- with links stretching across several states and possibly beyond international borders. In Etah, a joint team of the Agra anti-narcotics unit and Aliganj police recovered 47 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, estimated to be worth around Rs 50 lakh, from a tobacco warehouse under Aliganj police station area limits Sunday night. Four persons, including a retired serviceman, were arrested on the spot, police said. According to police, the raid was carried out at a warehouse in Nagla Bani village following a tip-off. Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized cough syrup bore the name of a Baddi-based pharmaceutical company, 'Wings', but the batch numbers printed on the wrappers had been deliberately scratched off, indicating that the consignment was illegally manufactured. Yogis do namune jibe backfires as Akhilesh calls remark a BJP self-goal The arrested accused have been identified as Jitendra Yadav, Jitendra Shakya, Pramod Shakya and Punjab Singh, a retired soldier. Cases have been registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and other relevant sections, and further investigation is underway, police said. Official sources said the Etah recovery is suspected to be linked to Varanasi-based drug trader, Shubham Jaiswal, who is allegedly associated with an international drug syndicate. A lookout circular has already been issued against him, while his father was arrested earlier from Kolkata. The main accused remains absconding, officials said. In a separate development, Mirzapur police arrested two more accused -- Ajit Yadav and Akshat Yadav -- in connection with a case of illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrup registered at Adalhat police station. The arrests were made on Sunday evening following sustained investigation of the suspects, police said. According to officials, the two accused had allegedly floated firms using forged Aadhaar cards and supplied cough syrup through fake documentation. During investigation, police found that transactions worth over Rs 1 crore had been routed through bank accounts opened in Varanasi in the name of the fake firms. Police said Akshat Yadav, proprietor of a firm named A K Distributors, was supplied around 36 litre of New Phensedyl cough syrup (100 ml bottles) from a trader based in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The firm was found to be non-functional on the ground, and records showed it had been opened only once or twice without carrying out any genuine pharmaceutical business. Further scrutiny revealed that the Aadhaar card used for obtaining the drug licence carried a Mirzapur address and was forged, while a different Aadhaar card with a Varanasi address was used for banking purposes, pointing to deliberate fabrication of documents, police said. The firm's bank account in Varanasi showed a turnover of around Rs 1.28 crore. The two accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act and sent to jail. Police said involvement of more suspects is likely and the investigation is ongoing. Officials said the recoveries and arrests form part of a broader state-wide investigation into the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup, a regulated drug.
Meet Mohammad Izhar - The Left-arm Pacer From Bihar Who Caught The Eye Of Mumbai Indians
The Bihar Cricket Association: Mohammad Izhar had little time to savour the feeling of his IPL dream coming true. As his name was called out at the IPL 2026 auction, the left-arm pacer from Birpur in Bihars Supaul district was already racing against the clock - within 15-20 minutes, he needed to board a bus for a six-hour ride to Patna, where the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp awaited him. When the auction was on, I was at home with my brothers in law. While from the outside I was very excited and nervous, I was very anxious about whether my name will come in the auction or not. Finally, the Mumbai Indians picked me and it brought in a different level of happiness. While I was feeling very good and excited about getting a chance to be in IPL, I became very emotional. Though everyone began celebrating at home, I had to leave to catch the bus for Patna, so I didn't celebrate it much, Izhar recalled in an exclusive conversation with IANS. The five-time champions have been renowned for unearthing uncapped gems through a robust scouting system. Though they had a small purse in IPL 2026 auction, picking Izhar for his base price of Rs 30 lakh is very much a signal that they may have unearthed another gem in the making. Even as he remained engaged with the trials of Kolkata Knight Riders, Izhar recalled how the five-time champions chose patience in having a look at him. Though Mumbai Indians is a big franchise, they are so humble, which even words cannot explain. When they called me for a trial, I was at KKR's trial. But despite being such a big team, they waited for me to come for the trials. When I reached, I was very tired, but I saw they waited for me and told me to rest for a while, so that I could bowl comfortably after recovering. I rested well and then went through the trials very well. It's a very good franchise and the coaches there were very humble. Izhar's cricketing journey began in Birpur, a town in Supaul district, where tennis ball cricket was the gateway to bigger dreams. His transition to leather ball cricket came through a chance observation by his local mentor Jaichand, who spotted raw talent that others missed. Jaichand bhaiya and Birbal bhaiya got me into leather ball cricket and taught me a lot for the last 2-3 years. Previously, I played tennis ball cricket and in one of the games, Jaichand bhaiya saw me bowling and then he told me to start playing with a leather ball. I then went on to play for the district and initially it felt a little tough as I was straightaway playing these games without having played leather ball cricket before. But it began so well that I havent looked back after that. Birbal bhaiya is a star bowler himself. I learnt a lot from him and Jaichand, who himself was a cricketer, he added. Watching legendary fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee also transformed Izhars casual interest into a Junoon (passion) to play cricket. Starc has always been my idol from the start. Then seeing Akhtar and Lee take wickets brought in a junoon in me about playing cricket. From the start, it was not like I will play for India or be in IPL. Gradually, I started playing and those thing started to come in my mind. You do get a good understanding of these things once you start to put yourself through the grind. I started setting aims that I want to play for the state and do well there. It was in my mind that I wanted to play in the IPL, though the goal of playing for India is still at the top. But I didn't anticipate that I will get picked this year. So, I am very thankful to God that I got picked for IPL this year. Like many young cricketers from smaller towns, Izhar's early journey wasn't paved with automatic support. Bihar's limited cricketing infrastructure meant initial struggles were there, but his father's growing belief in him transformed everything. When I started playing, my father started giving me a lot of support. He began to understand that I have games to play and do well in them. The support from him grew so much that he started taking care of everything around me by himself. Whenever I got small bruises, he would put a bandage quickly at home. The Bihar Cricket Association's faith proved equally crucial, especially after Izhar had a disappointing previous season. The backing from BCA officials, including previous President Rakesh Tiwari, allowed Izhar to rebuild confidence and rediscover form when it mattered most. Last year, I did not get anything great in terms of performances. I started preparing for this season early and the association trusted me to come good. So I am very thankful for that to all of them in BCA. I am very thankful for the chances because of which I got selected for the IPL. I had a good performance this time in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (taking nine wickets in five games in Kolkata), where the IPL scouts saw me, called me for trials, got into the auction and now I will be in IPL. Izhars bowling arsenal centers on both inswing and outswing, complemented by variations of slower ball essential for success in T20s. Operating around 135 kmph, Izhar acknowledges his game remains a work in progress, particularly his execution of yorker and consistency with swing deliveries. I also have the yorker in my repertoire, but I need to groom and polish it more. In all, I need to do everything better because I am not always perfect. Like my in swing and out swing is not perfect yet, and I need to work on it more. I always try to work on the small things and make my bowling better. Plus, there are some variations of slower ball that I need to polish and groom more. With an IPL deal in hand, Izhar will have access to two masters of the craft - Trent Boult, whose left-arm swing bowling mirrors Izhar's own style, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose yorkers and control have redefined modern-day fast bowling. Boult bowls with the left arm like me and Bumrah swings the ball well. His yorkers are deadly. I am going to learn a lot from them. For youngsters from modest cricketing outposts, Izhars rise carries a clear message: patience and persistence outweigh the lure of instant success. His journey from tennis-ball matches in Birpur to an IPL contract with MI stands as validation of that belief. With an IPL deal in hand, Izhar will have access to two masters of the craft - Trent Boult, whose left-arm swing bowling mirrors Izhar's own style, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose yorkers and control have redefined modern-day fast bowling. Boult bowls with the left arm like me and Bumrah swings the ball well. His yorkers are deadly. I am going to learn a lot from them. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Now on the cusp of wearing MIs iconic blue and gold in IPL 2026, Izhars emergence adds fresh momentum to his promising cricketing story. It underlines once more that, with the right backing, cricketing talent can emerge from the games most unheralded corners. Article Source: IANS
Sakib Hussain Ready For Fresh Start In IPL Bandwagon After Being Picked By SRH
Tunna Giri Cricket Academy: Sakib Hussain was at Bihars Vijay Hazare Trophy camp in Patna when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him for his base price of Rs 30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. The move marks the start of a new IPL chapter for Hussain, the right-arm pacer who tasted championship glory with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, though he didnt get to play a single game. At the time of the auction, we were at the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp in Patna. When SRH picked me, I felt really good because the things where I had my shortcomings, I did improve on them during the IPL and implemented that in domestic games. I have made sure to leave no stone unturned in overcoming those shortcomings and do well whenever a chance comes to play in the tournament, said Hussain in an exclusive conversation with IANS. Hussains path of coming back to the IPL involved trials with Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and KKR before SRH got him in the auction. Shortly after that, he received an encouraging call from the franchise's bowling coach and former India pacer Varun Aaron. Varun Aaron told me to get ready and that I have to do well and move ahead by working hard. On hearing this, first of all, I thanked him and the SRH team for taking me in. He replied back by telling me that this is just the fruit of your hardwork. Despite not getting a game in IPL 2024, Hussains time with KKR proved invaluable, as the Gopalganj native got masterclass from some of cricket's biggest names like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh and coach Abhishek Nayar. All of them taught me a lot of good things. Like, the way they planned, playing with a different mindset on match day, and how to judge a player, I got to learn a lot of things there, he said. Hussain also learnt a valuable lesson in KKR - that physical talent alone wouldn't separate the good from the great at a higher level. In my time of being in KKR, one big thing I learnt was cricket is a mind game. The one who thinks well plays well on the field. Everyone is talented, but the one who thinks well, plays well. In the IPL, on a daily basis, you have to think and plan about what to do. Sometimes you have to change your plan in seconds and I got to learn about how to do that. Hussains journey traces back to humble beginnings at Tunna Giri Cricket Academy in Gopalganj, where coach Robin Singh became his pillar of support through every high and low. People like Saket bhaiya, Kumar bhaiya at the academy have supported me. My coach Robin Singh is the most special person in my life. He has helped me through ups and downs, as well as been in my good and bad times. Hes supported me a lot, he said. He also credited the Bihar Cricket Association leadership - President Harsh Vardhan, Rakesh Tiwari, and Secretary Rahul - for creating pathways that helped a small-town cricketer like him to play at the highest level. They all have helped me in going from playing in a small town to such a big stage. They have supported me a lot and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. Looking ahead to his stint with SRH, Hussain is eager to learn from captain Pat Cummins and other international stars in the setup. In IPL, you get a good coach and mentor who can guide you well. But everywhere you go, the main interest is in playing at any given opportunity and that aids your growth. In the Hyderabad team, a lot of legendary players like skipper Pat Cummins are present, as I will get to learn a lot and carry those lessons very well. Hussains bustling pace in his domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, particularly a remarkable 10-wicket haul against Arunachal Pradesh in the first half of Ranji Trophy and taking six wickets in Bihars Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league games in Kolkata. In matches, I just keep things simple and focus on what I want to do, which was to pick timely breakthroughs. It also helps that I never think too far and keep focus on doing things in the present moment in the match. Hussains bustling pace in his domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, particularly a remarkable 10-wicket haul against Arunachal Pradesh in the first half of Ranji Trophy and taking six wickets in Bihars Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league games in Kolkata. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Having experienced the euphoria of an IPL title with KKR, Hussain signed off by saying hes hungry to recreate that success in SRH colours. Definitely we will try to become the winning team again in the IPL next year. It will be very good to have a picture there with the trophy again on my Instagram profile. I am very excited to learn a lot and do well to win the trophy for SRH this time. Article Source: IANS
Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3 announced. What to expect and check plot, cast and release date
Ajay Devgn's Vijay Salgaonkar is returning in Drishyam 3, officially announced for an October 2, 2026 release. This marks the final chapter of the gripping thriller franchise, promising to resolve the suspense and moral conflicts that have defined Vijay's journey. The announcement video hints at a decisive turning point as the story moves towards its conclusion.
'India will be my toughest test' - Punjab Kings new recruit Cooper Connolly
Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly acknowledges adapting to spinning Indian wickets will be his biggest IPL 2026 challenge with Punjab Kings. He plans to learn from experienced players to integrate their methods into his game. Captain Shreyas Iyer praised Connolly's temperament and finishing ability, noting the franchise was surprised to secure him at his auction price.
Drishyam 3 Release Date: Ajay Devgn and team Drishyam 3 locked the release date. The final instalment will be released in cinemas on a date that has become a pop culture phenomenon. Can you guess it?
PCB extends deadline again for bids for two new PSL teams
Karachi, Dec 21: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again extended the deadline for investors to submit bids for the two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, pushing it back by another two days. While the PCB is yet to make an official announcement, a reliable source confirmed that the revised deadline for submitting []
Varun Beverages is set to acquire South Africa's Twizza. The deal, valued at ZAR 2,095 million, will be paid in cash. This acquisition will expand BevCo's reach in the South African market. Twizza operates three manufacturing facilities. The deal is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026. This move strengthens Varun Beverages' global presence as a major PepsiCo franchisee.
Third 'Avatar' film lights up box offices with $345 million opening
The third installment of the 'Avatar' movie franchise has absolutely crushed it at the box office, raking in a massive $345 million during its opening weekend. This incredible debut proves that audiences are still totally captivated by James Cameron's visually stunning world and the epic adventures of Pandora, making it a huge success.
RANCHI: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday distanced itself from the remarks of Health Minister Irfan Ansari , who offered a job to the female Muslim doctor who was allegedly assaulted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public event in Patna last week. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that there is no provision empowering the minister to offer a job with a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. I dont think a minister can provide a Rs 3 lakh job to anyone. However, the issue that is being suppressed should be discussed, the JMM spokesperson said, stressing that the minister's statement was personal. The party was responding to Ansari's remarks, inviting the female doctor to Jharkhand and offering her a job with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with a Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, a desired posting and full security, the minister said in Jamtara on Saturday. The minister was responding to the December 15 incident in Patna, where Nitish Kumar pulled the veil (naqab) off the face of a newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment. He accused Nitish Kumar of attempting to demean the hijab (veil) and the Muslim community through the act. Without naming anyone, Ansari also contrasted the incident with Jharkhand's governance. This is Jharkhand. Governance here is sensitive, inclusive and rooted in respect for human dignity, the minister said. Nusrat Parveen, a doctor hailing from Kolkata, was among ten Ayush doctors who had turned up at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Secretariat on December 15 to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil and exclaimed 'what is this' before pulling it down and exposing her face. The incident has drawn widespread criticism , with many accusing Nitish Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the RSS agenda. Meanwhile, former BJP minister C P Singh alleged a possible connection between the woman doctor and the Al-Falah University in Haryana, which has come under scanner in connection with the alleged white collar terror module. Singh demanded an NIA inquiry into the episode and said Ansari was not the health minister for one community alone. People from this particular community want to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind. Therefore, the NIA should investigate whether Nusrat Parveen has any connection to Al-Falah University, the BJP leader alleged. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor
Green Is A World-class Cricketer Who Is Going To Get Better With Time, Says Shane Watson
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Shane Watson has hailed Australias seam bowling all-rounder Cameron Green as a world-class cricketer who, in his view, will only get better with time. Green emerged as the headline signing of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, as three-time champions KKR secured him for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore. It made Green the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-costliest buy in all after India internationals Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. I'm going to initially talk from my selfish point of view, okay? I've always been a massive fan of Cameron Green. I'm an all-rounder at heart, so I know what it takes to push the limits to be the best all-rounder that you possibly can be. And I've always absolutely loved everything about Cameron Green - the way he goes about his skill set as a batter, and his incredible skill set as a bowler as well. He's got incredible height, he's got incredible skill, and I've been wanting to have a chance to be able to work with him really closely. I've had a number of conversations with him over the years, to be able to just help him wherever he needs it. But I haven't had a chance to work with him in a team and help him on his journey to be the very best that he possibly can be. Now, because of KKR, I get a chance to be able to work with him and pass on my knowledge that I was so fortunate to be able to gain throughout my playing days, playing with so many incredible players, said Watson in a video posted by the franchise on their YouTube channel on Sunday. In the run-up to the auction, there was chatter on who between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would get Green, and the former prevailed. Watson also said Green will further grow as an all-round T20 player by being in the KKR set-up. From a KKR perspective, to be able to have someone who can bat in the top three (he has scored IPL hundreds in those positions) or if needed, he also can bat at six and seven, and power hit - he's an incredible power hitter. That makes him incredibly versatile. He is also a world-class fast bowler. He's tall, he gets bounce, and he's also got more to be able to grow from a bowling perspective. He's got Dwayne Bravo and also Andre Russell to work with, along with me, to develop his T20 bowling skills. Hes a super nice guy, he's a great team man, so look, you can see why the bids went up so high for him. We were adamant to be able to get him, because we knew the calibre of cricketer he is, and he's a young guy too. He's 26, so he's got a lot of years of IPL cricket left in him. I'm so stoked to be able to have a chance to work with him; weve certainly got a world-class cricketer who is only, in my opinion, going to get better with time, he added. KKR also got the services of New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson explained the rationale behind getting him into the squad. Finn Allen is really starting to realise just how good he is. His skill sets are unique and rare. I worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), and I believe he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. He's nowhere near reaching his ceiling, and he's already done some pretty spectacular things on the cricket field so far. I was pretty vocal about how good he was and how big a pick he could be for us, because in the IPL, he's been an unknown entity. He hasn't played much, even though he was at RCB for a couple of seasons. KKR also got the services of New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson explained the rationale behind getting him into the squad. Finn Allen is really starting to realise just how good he is. His skill sets are unique and rare. I worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), and I believe he hasn't reached his ceiling yet. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He can take down the best bowlers in the world and has done that throughout his career. I'm thrilled to be working with him again and continuing to support him on his journey. I know the rest of the leadership group at KKR are feeling the same way as well, knowing the incredible skill that Finn's got, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Afghanistan board announces a five-team franchise-based T20 league
The first season of the Afghanistan Premier League is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026
Cameron Green Important For Us, Needed Someone To Take The Franchise Forward: Nayar
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has defended the franchises record-breaking move for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, describing him as a long-term investment to take the three-time IPL champions forward following the retirement of Andre Russell. Green emerged as the headline signing of the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi last week after KKR secured him for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-costliest buy overall after Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. Explaining the franchises aggressive approach at the auction, Nayar told JioStar that KKR were determined to land Green and were unconcerned about the price tag, saying, I can't say how high we were willing to go for him, but we wanted to go all out. If we have the money, we spend it. There was no point in saving the money. The idea was to do whatever we could to get Green because he is a very important player for us. With Andre Russell gone, we need someone to take the franchise forward. So, we decided we must have Cameron Green. Nayar also revealed that KKR see Green as a key top-order batter capable of delivering consistently across the season. We see Cameron Green batting in the top three. He is a player who can score 500 runs for us. That is why we were so desperate to get him. We know he has that ability. He has scored over 500 runs in the IPL before, so he can do well in the top order. He solves different problems for us, he added. The head coach highlighted the importance of top-order contributions in KKRs past successes. Over the past few years, our success came when our top three players scored more than 400 runs. The hope is that he can score big runs for us. Nayar also revealed that KKR see Green as a key top-order batter capable of delivering consistently across the season. We see Cameron Green batting in the top three. He is a player who can score 500 runs for us. That is why we were so desperate to get him. We know he has that ability. He has scored over 500 runs in the IPL before, so he can do well in the top order. He solves different problems for us, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by rival franchises during the bidding process. We tried, but RCB always seems to go after our players. This year they got him. Venkatesh has been phenomenal for us over the years, and I wish him all the best in his new IPL journey. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad full players list and salaries
Hyderabad: The IPL 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting editions in league history. The mega auction held in Abu Dhabi saw franchises spending big on proven match winners while also hunting for smart value picks. Several teams reshaped their squads aggressively, but Sunrisers Hyderabad stood out with a clear vision and 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 .
Pakistan Cricket Board begs for bids; PSL deadline pushed again
The Pakistan Cricket Board has extended the bid submission deadline for its two new Pakistan Super League franchises by another two days, marking the second postponement. This delay is reportedly due to lukewarm interest and subpar technical bids, with the final auction scheduled for January 6. Meanwhile, the future of the Multan Sultans remains uncertain after the previous owner's departure.
Pakistan Cricket Board extends deadline again for bids for two new PSL teams
The Pakistan Cricket Board has pushed back the deadline for new Pakistan Super League franchise bids by two days. The new date for initial bids is December 24. This is the second extension. The PCB aims to attract stronger bids for the two new franchises. The final auction is scheduled for January 6.
Maharashtra civic polls: Counting of votes begins
Counting of votes for the elections to the posts of president and members in 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra began on Sunday. The counting began at 10 am at centres across the state. A turnout of 67.3 per cent was recorded in the polls of 263 local bodies held on December 2, while 47.04 per cent of voters exercised their franchise in the second phase of the elections in 23 local bodies on Saturday, the State Election Commission said. The final voter turnout figure will be shared later in the day, officials said. Members and presidents of Dondaicha Municipal Council in Dhule and Angar Nagar Panchayat in Solapur were elected unopposed, and the polls for the post of Jammer municipal president also remained a no-contest affair. In some places, the ruling alliance partners, including the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, are contesting against each other. The poll battle became multi-dimensional with the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) locking horns, interspersed by friendly fights among the alliances.
PVR To Open Multiplex At Saboo In Leh
NEW DELHI, Dec 20: Leading cinema operator PVR INOX on Saturday announced to open a 2-screen multiplex at Saboo, near Leh in Ladakh. Equipped with 2K projection, Dolby 7.1 and Next-Gen 3D supports big releases, this new multiplex is developed under the Companys Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) model, PVR INOX said in a regulatory filing. With this launch, PVR INOX now operates the largest multiplex network with 1,774 screens at 356 properties in 112 cities (India and Sri Lanka), [] The post PVR To Open Multiplex At Saboo In Leh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RCB react to Jitesh Sharma's T20 World Cup 2026 snub, social media post goes viral
Royal Challengers Bengaluru react after Jitesh Sharma is dropped from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The franchise shared a social media post backing the wicketkeeper-batter, triggering fan reactions and debate over India's selection call.
On this day, a democratic milestone: When India lowered its voting age to 18 in 1988
India lowered its voting age from 21 to 18 in 1989 through the 61st Constitutional Amendment, significantly expanding voter participation. This landmark reform empowered millions of young citizens, reinforcing the principle of universal adult franchise and reflecting a commitment to inclusive democracy.
Jharkhand minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after niqab row
Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he has offered a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a government flat and desired posting to a woman doctor from Bihar following the niqab controversy during distribution of appointment letters. Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean niqab and the 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 .
CSK react as Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube seal spots in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Chennai Super Kings react after Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube are named in India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The franchise's response highlights pride, validation of IPL form, and the duo's journey from league success to the global stage.
Jharkhand tribal family carries infant's body in plastic bag as hospital fails to provide transport
RANCHI: Family members were forced to carry their dead four-month-old child in a plastic bag as the hospital failed to provide transportation facilities. Dimba Chatomba, a resident of Baljori village under Noamundi block, had brought his sick child to Sadar Hospital at Chaibasa on Thursday. The child's condition worsened, and the child died during treatment on Friday. After the child's death, the family members had requested the hospital management to provide a vehicle to take the body back to their village. The family reportedly waited for hours for a vehicle, but no arrangements were made. According to family members, the hospital administration neither made any alternative arrangements nor was it considerate towards the family. Broken by administrative insensitivity and the negligence of the healthcare system, the family was forced to carry the child's body in a plastic bag and take a bus back to Baljori village. Dimba had only 100 rupees in his pocket. Out of desperation, he bought a plastic bag for 20 rupees from a nearby shop and placed his four-month-old son's body inside it. With the remaining money, Dimba had to pay for the bus fare from Chaibasa to Noamundi and travelled with his sons body in the bag, said an attendant of a patient requesting anonymity. From Noamundi, Dimba will have to walk to his village Bada Baljori, the attendant added. Hospital administration, however, said that they were trying to arrange a vehicle and asked them to wait for a few more hours, but they left the hospital with the deceased child in a bag. We don't provide ambulances for transporting dead bodies. There is a separate hearse service for it, and we have only one such vehicle in the district. We asked the child's family to wait for two more hours as the hearse was at Manoharpur at that time, but they didn't agree and left for home with the body in a bag, said Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Dr Bharti Minj. According to the Civil Surgeon, the four-month-old child had breathing problem. The doctors had suggested taking the child to a higher center, but the father disagreed. The child eventually succumbed to the illness. Since the mother of the child was not there, we had inserted a tube for feeding. The child was brought in on Thursday evening and died at 1:15 pm on Friday, said the Civil Surgeon. Health Minister Irfan Ansari has assured to conduct an inquiry into the matter and see that action is taken against anyone found responsible. If something like this has really happened to a tribal family, an inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken against those responsible for it, said Ansari.
Army jawan arrested for raping woman in Ranchi
The accused jawan is a resident of the Sarha police station area in Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, and was posted with the 42 Medium Regiment in Punjabs Patial
Jharkhand elephant attack claims another life in Ramgarh; toll crosses 1,270 in 18 years
RANCHI: In yet another incident of man-animal conflict in Jharkhand, 35-year-old man, Loknath Munda, was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Karma Sugiya Khira Beda area of Ramgarh on Friday. This is the fifth such death in the last three days in Ramgarh itself, as four people were trampled to death by the herd of elephants in Ghatto OP area on Thursday. Those who lost their lives on Thursday, include Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40) and Savitri Devi (45). According to officials, a herd of 42 elephants, divided into 6-7 separate groups, is active in this area, which is on a rampage, causing loss of life and property in the area. Ramgarh DFO Nitish Kumar informed that Hamar Haathi app provides information about the location of elephants within a radius of approximately 10 kilometers. He also appealed to people to move to a safe place if they receive information about elephants being in the area and to refrain from disturbing the elephants or taking photos or videos of them. Notably, as per official data, more than 1270 people were killed in the last 18 years due to elephant attacks across Jharkhand. Not only have humans lost their lives, but more than 150 elephants have also been killed due to electrocution, train accidents or IED blasts during these years. According to data provided by the forest department, 474 people died in elephant attacks between 2019 and 2024. This includes 87 deaths in 2023, 96 in 2022, and the highest number, 133, in 2021. More than 16 deaths have already been reported in elephant attacks so far in 2025. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife, Paritosh Upadhyay, said that during the last three months alone, elephants have killed more than a dozen people. The only way to prevent human-elephant conflict is to somehow guide the elephants deeper into the forests, he said. A special team from the forest department has been deployed to safely guide the elephants deep into the forests, said Upadhyay. The cooperation of villagers is also being sought in this regard, he added. Wildlife experts said that human settlements have encroached right up to the edge of the forests, as a result, elephants venture into the villages and damage crops when they can't find food in the forests. The elephants only attack villagers when they try to chase them away. Looking at the trend of elephant-related human deaths, it becomes clear that elephants only kill people after being provoked or treated in a way they perceive as threatening, said a wildlife expert, requesting anonymity. It has also been observed that the wild elephants cause maximum damage only in the new areas which they have visited for the first time, he added. Wildlife experts also said that proper awareness is required among the people in the elephant prone areas. Due to lack of knowledge, people unnecessarily disturb the elephants by throwing stones at them or taking selfies with them, which irritates them, prompting them to attack the human population, they said. Looking at the problem, more than 17 elephant corridors have been notified in Jharkhand. In addition to that, a permission has also been sought from the Government of India to install radio collars on each of the female elephants leading the herds to make it easier to track them and guide the straying elephants back to the herd.
PM Modi to address first rally in West Bengal since draft roll release amid SIR concerns of Matuas
KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal's Nadia district on Saturday, where he will inaugurate national highway projects and address a public rally, amid heightened political tensions over the ongoing SIR exercise in the state. This would be Modi's first visit to the state since the draft SIR rolls were published, and the third in the past five months. The Prime Minister, political observers said, is scheduled to address the growing unease amongst the Matua community members post the publication of the draft rolls from his strategically located BJP rally venue in Taherpur area of Ranaghat, not far from the heartland of the Namasudra Hindu community in adjacent Bongaon. In the process, Modi is likely to sound the BJP's bugle for the assembly polls, which are due in the state early next year and finalise the roadmap for the party's big push for the crucial elections. The people of West Bengal are benefiting from numerous pro-people initiatives of the central government. At the same time, they are suffering due to the TMC's misgovernance in every sector, PM posted on X on Friday evening while announcing his visit. The loot and intimidation of the TMC have crossed all limits. That is why, BJP is the people's hope, he added. The PM's visit comes at a time when the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress has mounted sustained opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise is being carried out in haste and that a large number of genuine voters, particularly refugee Hindus, risk disenfranchisement on its account. In the draft electoral rolls published after the enumeration phase, 58,20,899 names have been excluded, reducing the electorate to 7.08 crore. Around 1.36 crore entries have also been flagged for logical discrepancies, while 30 lakh voters have been categorised as unmapped a significant percentage of whom are likely to be called for verification hearings over the next 45 days. For Matuas, a Dalit Hindu community that migrated from Bangladesh over decades due to religious persecution, this exercise has revived anxieties over identity and documentation. Political observers widely believe that the community members hold sway in as many as 80 of the 294 assembly seats in the state. Speculations are rife that significant numbers of Matuas have already been excluded from draft rolls. Many more are likely to follow suit in the final rolls on account of the unavailability of the EC-specified indicative documents they need to produce in the eventuality of receiving hearing notices during the verification phase. Over the past years, poll results have indicated that the BJP gained significant inroads within the community, promising them formal Indian citizenship. BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar, who represents the Ranaghat Lok Sabha seat, where Taherpur is located, claimed that fear was being spread deliberately among the Matuas about SIR. We are hopeful that the PM's message would dispel those fears and canards, he said. Chief Minister Banerjee has already led anti-SIR rallies in Nadia and North 24 Parganas, the two adjoining districts that share a border with Bangladesh and have a significant Matua presence. During his visit, the PM will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two national highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crore. He will inaugurate the 66.7-km-long four-laning of the Barajaguli-Krishnanagar section of NH-34 in Nadia district and lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the 17.6-km-long Barasat Barajaguli section in North 24 Parganas district. The projects are expected to serve as a vital connecting link between Kolkata and Siliguri, boosting trade, tourism and economic activity across southern and northern parts of the state, officials said.
Ranchi Diary | Jharkhand lifts Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
The Jharkhand cricket team, led by Ishan Kishan, has created history by lifting Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. It defeated Haryana by 69 runs to win the prestigious domestic T-20 tournament for the first time. Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday met the team members, who made history by winning the Trophy. Soren congratulated all the players, support staff and the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on the historic win. Soren said that by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 cricket tournament, Jharkhand has created a new record in domestic cricket. This is an achievement and a moment of pride for the entire state. Vulture conservation centre in state Jharkhand is set to get its first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, marking a significant step towards protecting its countrys rapidly declining vulture population. Located at Muta, about 36 km from Ranchi, the facility, is expected to become operational soon, offering renewed hope for the critically endangered species. According to officials, the state government has approved a proposal by the forest department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), which will provide technical expertise for running the centre. The project was originally sanctioned by the Centre in 2009 with the objective of reviving the vulture population in the state. Soren to visit Australia to study rehab practices Chief Minister Hemant Soren is planning a visit to Australia to study post-mining rehabilitation practices, with special emphasis on tribal regions. The proposed visit follows an official invitation from the Australian Ambassador, who recently met Soren at his residence. During his visit, the Chief Minister will focus on the living conditions of indigenous communities displaced by mining activities and closely examine Australias rehabilitation frameworks in mining-affected areas. He is also expected to study initiatives aimed at the socio-economic uplift of indigenous populations, including welfare programmes and empowerment measures. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
IndiGo warns of flight disruptions to Jammu, Ranchi due to prevailing fog
Dense fog also affects flight operations at Jaisalmer Airport
IndiGo cancelled flights today: Due to the dense fog and low visibility, IndiGo flight operations have been affected across the country. Today too, the airline cancelled more than 80 flights from various airports due to adverse weather conditions. The airline has said that low visibility may impact flight operations in Ranchi, Jammu and Hindon.
Avatar: Fire And Ash, the third film in James Camerons Avatar franchise, has released in Indian theatres on December 19. The film continues the story of Jake Sully and Neytiri as they face fresh threats on Pandora, including the introduction of a new and aggressive Navi clan known as the Ash People. While the movie is expected to see a strong theatrical run globally and in India, its OTT release date has not been officially confirmed yet.
Punjab Kings have sought BCCI intervention after Josh Inglis' sudden IPL availability following LSG's Rs 8.6 crore auction bid. The unexpected twist has sparked debate over auction rules, player availability, and franchise rights as the IPL 2026 season approaches.
Super Kings seismic shift Dads Army to T20 babies
The shedding of conservatism and embarking on a bold new tomorrow represents a dramatic change in the make-up of the teams DNA; how the revamped outfit performs in the 2026 edition will be followed with greater interest than normal; the franchise revisited its approach in light of the miserable campaign last year
Social worker files complaint against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Ranchi following hijab row
RANCHI: Amid the controversy over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing the hijab of a woman candidate during the distribution of appointment letters to the newly appointed doctors, a written complaint has been filed against him at Itki Police Station in Ranchi. The complaint has been filed by a social worker, Md. Murtaza Alam, seeking an investigation and action into the matter. We have received a complaint against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a video which recently went viral on social media, said the officer in charge of Itki Police Station. The complainant has sought action against Nitish Kumar, he added. The incident cannot be treated as a private interaction, as it took place during an official government programme, the complaint said. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor The complainant maintained that any act involving religious attire on a public platform is a grave matter, particularly when it affects the dignity, modesty and bodily autonomy of women. The complaint has urged the police to thoroughly examine the incident and initiate appropriate legal action. Notably, Nitish Kumar, on Monday, had pulled a 'hijab' down from a woman's face during a government event in Patna. A video of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, 74-year-old Kumar can be seen handing a certificate to an AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) doctor during the event. He motioned her to remove her 'hijab', but before she could react, he reached out and pulled it down himself - exposing her mouth and chin. The incident sparked a huge row with the Opposition questioning Kumar's mental state. The doctor, Nusrat Parveen, left Bihar the very next day after the incident and travelled to Kolkata to stay with her family. Sources close to the family said that she has been deeply disturbed by what happened to her at the public event. The incident has had a visible emotional impact on her, leading to uncertainty about her professional future in the state, they said. Security beefed up for Bihar CM Nitish following hijab controversy
Elephant movement disrupts rail traffic in Jharkhand, several trains cancelled
RANCHI: In the wake of frequent movement of wild elephants along forest-fringed sections under the Chakaradharpur Railway Division in Jharkhand, multiple trains have been cancelled on the up and down line. According to officials, herds of jumbos have been frequently spotted near and across tracks on the NaugaonRourkela, ChakradharpurRourkela and RourkelaJharsuguda sections, falling within identified elephant corridor zones. To avoid any potential mishap, these trains will remain cancelled on December 18 and 19, they said. The trains which have been cancelled include Rourkela MEMU, HatiaJharsuguda MEMU, RourkelaJharsuguda MEMU and the BadampaharBangriposi passenger, affecting both onward and return journeys. Railway authorities said that elephant activity in these sections has increased over the past few days, creating operational risks. Due to frequent movement of elephants, trains running during the night get late due to which there is congestion, leading to the delay of long-distance trains during the day time. To avoid congestion during the day time, most of the trains plying during the night have been cancelled, said senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Choudhary. The situation is being monitored closely in coordination with the Forest Department and the Railway Protection Force, he said, adding that services will be restored once it stabilizes. Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh Choudhary, however, said that long-distance trains on the Howrah-Mumbai route will run at moderate speed with proper track clearance and thorough surveillance by dedicated teams. In addition, pilots have been directed to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) while moving on sections frequented by elephants, he said. Earlier, on October 31 and November 1, the Chakradharpur railway halted 12 long-distance trains on the up and down line for hours to give safe passage to 22 elephants, which were moving in separate herds, between Bisra and D Cabin section on the Jharkhand-Odisha border. Meanwhile, due to thick fog and poor visibility, flight operations at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi have also been hit badly. Keeping safety norms in mind, airport authorities have cancelled several flights, while many others are operating with significant delays. Airport officials said runway visibility dropped below the prescribed limits during the morning hours, disrupting flight movements. Flight services are expected to gradually return to normal once weather conditions improve. The cancelled flights include IndiGo 6E 7674 / 7235 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata), IndiGo 6E 7561 / 7562 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata) and Air India Express IX 1046 / 1047 (Delhi Ranchi Delhi).
Jharkhand's first medical university to come up in Ranchi: Health Minister Irfan Ansari
RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday said the state is all set to get its first medical university, with land identified for the proposed institution in Ranchi's Brambe locality. We hope the foundation of the university will be laid by the end of January next year, Ansari said while distributing appointment letters to 66 health officials, including 33 medical officers and 33 specialist doctors. He assured that manpower in the health sector would be increased and more recruitment would be carried out next year. Even after 25 years of Jharkhand's creation, there is no medical university in the state, which has led to a shortage of faculty and doctors. We have been working to improve the health sector system, the minister said. He said four medical colleges would be established in the state in the coming years. The minister added that he recently met Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and requested him for an ayurvedic college in the state. The Union minister has asked us to send a proposal in this regard, Ansari said. Later, talking to reporters, Ansari said a building of the panchayati raj institution at Brambe, which previously functioned as the Central University of Jharkhand, has been selected for temporary operations of the medical university. The matter has already be discussed with the governor, and the medical university is expected to commence functioning within the next 67 months, Ansari said. The Brambe-based institution, which is spread over 67 acres, has 45 large and small buildings, including academic blocks, hostels and an auditorium, a health official said.
Rohit Prasad Amazon: Amazon's artificial general intelligence chief Rohit Prasad is set to depart from the company after 12 long years. Prasad joined Amazon in 2013 and before that, he served as the chief scientist for Alexa. Born and raised in India, Rohit Prasad completed his undergraduation from BIT Mesra in Ranchi and was inspired by Star Trek and talking computers.
In 100th year, film critics federation faces challenge from social media
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Regular film festival goers would have noticed this award, a mainstay at IFFK, for its modesty. FIPRESCI (Federation Internationale de la Presse Cinematographique), the international federation of film critics that gives away this award, is entering its 100th year of formation. The FIPRESCI team, in fact, is a regular at film festivals across the world and comprises a team of professional film critics whose choice is valued for its creative, social, and logical content. The international body was formed in 1926 by Belgian and French critics to ensure fair analysis of the content in films, to ensure respect for the professionals, and to keep the values of the profession intact. The federation has grown to represent critics from over 80 countries now. But 100 years since its formation, the critics body faces challenges posed by the social media advent. Ashanti Omkar, broadcaster, film, TV, and culture critic, who is among the FIREPSCI jury this year at IFFK, feels that in the digital age, criticism has become more informal, with more digital creators in the mix, who have a very different style of communicating releases. And not necessarily in the form of critique. They push cinema to their followers just like a legacy critic would. The ones who emerge from fandom for certain franchises like Marvel, Avatar, DC, Wicked, etc., show their appreciation to their followers in unique and creative ways like cosplay and podcasts, she notes. While the world wails over the death of the film critic, there is some hope still in the current crop of film reviewers, says Christopher Small, who is also among the FIPRESCI jury this year. It is true that professionally, criticism is dying. The Chicago Tribune has scrapped the post completely, and there isnt anyone below 40 whom I know has been employed in popular publications as a critic. That said, there are wonderful critics, young ones below 30, who write reviews after their job hours. So, now, it is more about passion than profession, he says. Critics earlier honed their skill not academically, though, but their passion had led them to develop the sharpness that was well guided by astute editors. But in the last 20 years, this is no longer the case. Platforms like Letterboxd and TikTok have changed the game, and anyone with a point of view can share their taste in cinema. Audiences now make their choices in very different ways, says Ashanti.
Final phase of Telangana panchayat elections sees 85pc voter turn out
Hyderabad: More than 85 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise in the final phase of gram panchayat elections in Telangana on Wednesday, the SEC said. The elections were held peacefully, and counting of votes was underway, officials said. Of the 50,56,344 eligible voters, 43,37,024 cast their votes, recording a turnout of 85.77 per 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 .
IPL 2026 Mini Auction: How CSK, MI and KKR Have Reshaped Their Squads
On December 16, (Tuesday), Abu Dhabi hosted the Mini auction for IPL 2026, with 369 players competing for 77 blank slots in 10 franchises.
Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh
RANCHI: A herd of wild elephants went on a rampage in the Ghatto OP area of Jharkhands Ramgarh district, around 40 km from the state capital Ranchi, killing at least four people, including two women, within a few hours between Tuesday and Wednesday. The back-to-back attacks by the herd, which is said to comprise 42 elephants, triggered widespread panic among residents of several villages in the area. Those killed have been identified as Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40) and Savitri Devi (45). The first incident took place around 4 pm on Tuesday near the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker in West Bokaro. According to local accounts, a group of people from nearby areas had gathered to get a glimpse of the herd, which was resting by the roadside. Some of them moved closer to take selfies and photographs, during which one of the elephants attacked Amit Rajwar, killing him on the spot. Amit Rajwar was killed by an elephant which, according to eyewitnesses, repeatedly slammed him to the ground with its trunk. The incident triggered panic, leading to the blockage of the RamgarhKedla main road. Several drivers of heavy vehicles plying on the stretch reportedly abandoned their vehicles and fled to save their lives. Family members of the deceased said Amit Rajwar, who worked at Sarubera Colliery, had returned home to Ichakadih after duty and later went to the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker to see the herd of elephants. Later in the night, the elephants again entered a residential area along Ara Kata Road Number 4. Hearing loud trumpet sounds, residents rushed out of their houses and began fleeing. During the chaos, two women, Parvati Devi and Savitri Devi, were trampled to death by the elephants. The rampage did not stop there. The herd also attacked a young man, Amul Mahto, who was riding a motorcycle, and crushed him to death. Forest Ranger Bateshwar Paswans confirmed that four people, including two women, died in the elephant attacks. Lakshmi, the daughter-in-law of Parvati Devi, said the family panicked after hearing the elephants. We got scared of the elephant trumpets and everyone started running towards the road. My mother-in-law was left behind, and the elephants trampled her to death, she said. Another local resident said the elephants knocked down their mud house and injured her parents. All the family members started running out through the back door after the elephants entered the village making loud noises. My parents stood near the gate to prevent the elephants from entering the house, but the elephants knocked down the mud house along with the gate, injuring my parents, said Pari, daughter of the injured couple. On Wednesday, enraged villagers blocked the R-4 road, alleging negligence on the part of the forest department. Despite all information about the movement of elephants, neither timely patrolling was done nor were villagers alerted, said one resident, requesting anonymity. In view of the seriousness of the situation, police personnel have been deployed in the area. According to officials, a herd of 42 elephants is currently active in the region, moving through the forests of Mandu, Ghatto and Kuju. The herd has reportedly split into three separate groups.
Watch: IPL auction 2026: Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, Prashant Veer rake in the moolah
The IPL auction delivered intense bidding wars as franchises went all out for proven stars and emerging talent
Two women among five trampled to death by wild elephants in Jharkhand
RAMGARH/RANCHI: Five people, including two women, were trampled to death by wild elephants in separate incidents in Jharkhand over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday. In Ramgarh district, three people died at Sirka forest area, while a 36-year-old person was killed at Jidu village in Ranchi's Angara, on Tuesday night, they said. Some of the deceased are yet to be identified. Two quick response teams (QRTs) and forest guards are tracking the movement of elephant herds in the area, said Nitish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Ramgarh. On Tuesday afternoon, Amit Kumar Rajwar (32), was trampled to death in Ramgarh when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies, Kumar said. As many as 42 jumbos, divided in herds, are roaming the forests along the border areas of Ramgarh and Bokaro districts, he said. Gautam Kumar Rajwar, officer-in-charge of Angara police station, said a person named Sanicharwa Munda died during the course of treatment, while two injured, including a woman, are being treated in hospital.
IPL Auction 2026 Players list: Check full team-wise sold and unsold players list with price
The IPL 2026 auction has concluded. Cameron Green became the most expensive player. Uncapped Indian talents Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma also achieved record-breaking prices. Chennai Super Kings secured them for a significant amount. A total of 77 players were bought by the ten franchises. The auction focused on both domestic talent and international experience.
Lost in time, Dracula returns to Kerala after half a century
KOCHI: After decades in the shadows, the Malayalam translation of Bram Stokers Dracula first published in 1975 will return to print in January 2026. For publisher Rayan Pushpanath, the rediscovery of the long-lost book felt less like routine archival work and more like cracking a cold case. Written by his grandfather, legendary Malayalam crime and horror writer Kottayam Pushpanath, the translation had virtually vanished from circulation. No major library had a copy. Collectors drew blanks. Even detailed bibliographies listed the book, but none could produce it. Yet this missing volume was no ordinary translation. It was the spark that opened the door to gothic horror for generations of Malayali readers and quietly reshaped popular fiction in the state. Printed in 1975, Dracula arrived in Kerala at a time when Malayalam popular literature was dominated by social novels, family sagas and romantic melodrama. For readers who had never encountered a full-fledged gothic horror novel, it was a revelation. Fear, mood and the supernatural suddenly became part of mainstream reading, recalls Rayan. Pushpanaths engagement with Dracula did not end with translation. The book became the foundation for what can now be described as the Malayalam Dracula universe. Over the years, he wrote nearly 10 interconnected novels, including Dracula Asiayil , Draculayude Makal , Dracula Unarunnu , Dracula Brazilil and Dracula Kotta . In these works, the vampire count was uprooted from Victorian England and placed in Indian and global settings, encountering local folklore, belief systems and anxieties. Long before people spoke about cinematic universes or franchise storytelling, my grandfather was doing it through novels, says Rayan. Holding the 1975 edition for first time was an emotional moment He took a Western myth and made it intimate, local and recognisably ours, says Rayan. In these stories, Dracula could walk through mist-covered hills reminiscent of Kerala, confront Eastern mysticism, or surface in unfamiliar geographies without losing his gothic core. Pushpanath did not merely adapt Stokers creation; he reimagined it, reclaiming the myth for a Malayalam-reading audience. Decades later, this literary experiment drew international attention. In 2025, British author Ann Morgan, known for A Year of Reading the World , highlighted Dracula Asiayil in her book Relearning to Read . She described it as a fascinating cultural phenomenon, noting how a Western character was reshaped through Indian emotional logic and narrative traditions. For Rayan, the recognition was affirming rather than surprising. For Kerala readers, Dracula became part of shared cultural memory. As familiar as popular fictional heroes, and as thrilling as stories told around a campfire, he says. Yet the absence of the original 1975 translation remained a troubling gap. It felt symbolic. As if the first chapter of a very large story had been torn out. The search for the book spanned seven years, taking him to libraries, ancestral homes, book fairs and private collections. The explanation he heard repeatedly was the same: the book had been borrowed endlessly, read until it fell apart, and never returned. It didnt disappear because people ignored it. It disappeared because people loved it, says Rayan. The breakthrough came in 2024 at a book fair in Kannur, when a collector casually confirmed he had a copy. Holding the fragile 1975 edition for the first time was an emotional moment. I wasnt just holding a book, Rayan recalls. I was holding a piece of my grandfathers imagination, travelling across generations. The rediscovery has now led to a carefully planned reprint, bringing the original translation back to readers after half a century.
IPL 2026 Auction: First-time picks and uncapped players sold; check full list
The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw franchises invest heavily in young, uncapped talent. Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants were prominent in signing emerging players, aiming to build depth and secure future stars for the T20 arena. Several new faces earned lucrative contracts, marking their debut on the grand IPL stage.
IPL 2026 to be held from March 26 to May 31 Mumbai, Dec 16: The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held from March 26 to May 31, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the franchises, a report claimed on Monday. The 19th edition of Indias domestic []
The IPL 2026 auction delivered a surprising contrast as capped stars like Devon Conway went unsold while several Rs 30 lakh base-price players landed multi-crore deals. Limited team purses, tactical needs, and the looming mega-auction reshaped franchise spending priorities.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction delivered blockbuster deals and surprise picks. From Cameron Green's record-breaking move to uncapped Indian stars attracting massive bids, here is the complete team-wise list of players bought by all franchises at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
IPL auction 2026 RR: From Ravi Bishnoi to Sushant Mishra, check complete players list, final bids
Rajasthan Royals enter the auction with a focused strategy. They aim to secure an Indian spinner and bolster their pace attack. Key retentions and smart trades have provided a strong foundation. The franchise seeks to fill specific gaps rather than make major changes. Their top order appears settled, with batting buys likely for cover.
Tiger pugmarks found in Jharkhand's PTR on day-one of tiger census
RANCHI: Tiger pugmarks found on the very first day of the tiger census have lent significant weight to forest officials claims about the presence of big cats in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). The census began across Jharkhand on December 15. According to officials, it is being carried out across 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected wildlife divisions in the state, including major conservation areas such as the Palamu Tiger Reserve and the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The exercise is part of a nationwide wildlife enumeration programme conducted once every four years to generate accurate and scientifically validated data on animal populations. PTR Deputy Director Prajesh Kant Jena confirmed the finding of tiger pugmarks in the reserve. Tiger pugmarks and their scat have been found at several places in the PTR on the very first day of the tiger census which started on Monday, Jena said. With this, the active presence of tigers in the area has been confirmed, he added. According to Jena, the pugmarks and other signs collected till December 22 will undergo scientific verification and documentation. The process will cover all ranges and beat areas in a phased manner and will also include camera trapping and data analysis. Besides tiger pugmarks, significant evidence of the presence of leopards and wolves has also been found, the Deputy Director said. The primary objective of the programme is to collect scientific and reliable data on the presence, activities and habitat of tigers, as well as other major carnivores and large herbivores. All activities will be conducted smoothly and in a timely manner, in accordance with the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITI) 2026 guidelines. Jena also said that 110 forest guards, 300 trackers and 25 volunteers are participating in the exercise. All teams have been deployed across various ranges and beats of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, where they are carrying out track searches, sign surveys and primary data recording. Notably, this is the first time in Jharkhand that volunteers from different universities studying botany and zoology have been deployed for the tiger census. According to forest officials, apart from creating a young workforce, the initiative will help raise awareness about comprehensive tiger estimation and conservation. This is also the first time in the state that tiger censuses are being conducted outside the Palamu Tiger Reserve, in forest ranges such as Ranchi, Dumka and Hazaribagh. Officials confirmed that the exercise combines traditional field-based methods with modern technology, including camera traps and a specially designed ecological mobile application for real-time data collection across the states forested landscapes. According to the 2006 census, Jharkhand had 10 tigers, a number that fell to three in 2014. The latest report places the total number of big cats in the state at six. Beginning with 22 tigers in 1972, the Palamu Tiger Reserve saw its peak in 1995, when it had 71 big cats. The decline that followed left only three tigers in 2014. In the 2018 tiger census, the number of tigers in the Palamu Tiger Reserve was reported as zero.
Mumbai Indians entered the IPL Auction 2026 with a minimal purse of Rs 2.75 crore after retaining 20 players. They strategically acquired South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock for Rs 1 crore, bolstering their squad. The franchise also made significant moves during the trade window, securing Shardul Thakur, Sherfane Rutherford, and Mayank Markande to enhance their already strong lineup.
Delhi Capitals secured David Miller for 2 crore and Ben Duckett for 2 crore, while Auqib Dar was a significant acquisition at 8.40 crore. With a settled core, the franchise aims for precision in the auction, targeting an explosive opener and a death bowler to fill gaps left by released players.
IPL Auction 2026: Ravi Bishnoi spins his way to Rajasthan Royals for 7.20 crore
Despite inconsistent recent IPL seasons, Ravi Bishnoi's valuable wrist-spin skill commanded a fierce bidding war, with Rajasthan Royals securing him for 7.20 crore. The 25-year-old bowler, with 72 IPL wickets, now aims to prove his worth and potentially earn a national team recall with a strong performance for his new franchise.
Shrimps and prawns are not same! What anatomy reveals about size, texture and taste
While often used interchangeably, shrimp and prawns are distinct decapod crustaceans with anatomical differences in their gills, body structure, and legs. Shrimp have plate-like gills and curl tightly when coiled, while prawns possess branching gills and maintain a straighter posture. Though size can vary, their flavors are similar, making them interchangeable in recipes.
IPL Auction 2026: English all-rounder Liam Livingstone unsold in major shock
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone went unsold at the IPL auction with a 2 crore base price, a surprising turn after being released by RCB. Despite a subdued IPL 2025 season, his powerful T20 reputation and leg-spin bowling were expected to draw bids. This unexpected outcome highlights a shift in franchise demand.
IPL Auction 2026: Shocker for Jake Fraser-McGurk as the Australian is first to go unsold
Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk went unsold at the IPL Auction 2026, failing to attract bids despite a strong debut in 2024. After an underwhelming IPL 2025, his previous explosive form and record-breaking feats couldn't secure him a franchise this time around.
IPL Auction Record Buy: Cameron Green fetched a massive bid at the IPL Auction, becoming the most expensive player in IPL Auction. Multiple teams vied for the Australian all-rounder but Kolkata Knight Riders finally bought him. Cameron Green's ability with bat and ball made him a top target. He offers power hitting and bowling skills. This makes him a valuable asset for any franchise. His proven T20 performance justifies the high price.
IPL 2026 set to be held from March 26 to May 31
The ICC T20 World Cup final is scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad on March 8, allowing a preparatory gap of more than a fortnight for leading international and Indian players to transition into franchise commitments
Armageddon, The Transformers franchise maker, Michael Bay, teamed up with AR Rahman for Vinod Bhanushali's new creative collaboration. The celebrated music composer called it a 'beautiful space for music'.
Fast & Furious: Is Cristiano Ronaldo joining the franchise? Heres what Vin Diesel posted
Reports about a potential crossover between global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Hollywoods high-octane Fast & Furious franchise has intensified after actor-producer Vin Diesel posted a cryptic social media update featuring the Portuguese icon.
IPL 2026 retentions: As the IPL approaches its 19th season, a sharp mini-auction looms, marking a crucial checkpoint for franchises. With limited slots and significant funds for some, the focus is on immediate impact players, especially seam-bowling all-rounders. Teams like KKR and CSK are poised for major moves, aiming to fix weaknesses and strengthen squads before the next mega auction.
Pregnant tribal woman and her unborn child die due to lack of road facility in Jharkhands Gumla
RANCHI: In a heart-wrenching incident in Jharkhands Gumla, a pregnant tribal woman, Sukri Kumari and her child in the womb, lost their lives due to a lack of road service on Sunday. Since the ambulance could not reach the village, she was carried by her family members for over a kilometre from her home in Jhalakapat to Karasilli village on a carrying yoke through the hilly terrain. After reaching Karasilli, the woman got a Mamta Vahan in which she was taken to the Ghaghra Community Health Centre. Giving her initial treatment, the doctors immediately referred her to Gumla Sadar Hospital as her condition was critical. Amidst the struggle for treatment, due to a lack of basic facilities, Sukri Kumari died just after reaching Sadar Hospital. Gumla Civil Surgeon, Dr Shambhu Nath Chaudhary, asserted that Sukri Kumari lost her life due to delayed access to medical assistance. Unable to find an ambulance, tribal man in Jharkhand sets off for home carrying his ailing wife Had she had to give medical assistance at the CHC a few hours before, maybe her life could have been saved. The terrain from her village, located on the hills, is really very difficult, where the Mamta Vahan can't reach, said the Civil Surgeon. After reaching the CHC, all the medical facilities were provided to her on time, he added. According to the Civil Surgeon, the cause of death of the woman in medical terms was pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder, but the real cause of death is delayed medical access. At 2:39 am, a call was received by the local Sahiya Didi, and at 2:44 am, the call was received by the call centre. At 3:15 am, Mamta Vahan reached at the spot. But it took several hours for the woman to reach Mamta Vahan, waiting for her at Karasilli, about a kilometre from her village, said the Civil Surgeon. The Civil Surgeon also informed that Sukir Kumari had returned from Himachal Pradesh, where she had gone to secure money. It has delayed the registration process. She was merely 17 years old, and it was her first pregnancy, he said. According to villagers, Jhalakapat village still lacks a proper road even after 78 years of independence. The situation worsens considerably during the rainy season, they said. Due to the absence of a road, basic amenities such as education and healthcare, and employment opportunities are practically inaccessible to the villagers. Notably, Jhalakapat village under Dirgaon Panchayat is a Maoist-affected location in an extremely remote area. Villagers claimed that they have been demanding a road for several years, but have received only empty promises. In the village, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, development schemes have remained only on paper. Even the children have to travel several kilometres to pursue education. In 2025, reaching the hospital for the sick is a perilous task for Jharkhands Gumla villagers. Pregnant woman dies after falling from operation theatre table in Jharkhand hospital
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is among the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra to which elections will be held on January 15, Wednesday. The counting of votes is scheduled for January 16, Friday, the State Election Commission (SEC) announced on Monday. Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are among the other prominent civic bodies going to polls. He reportedly confirmed that the election code of conduct has now come into force in all 29 local bodies. As many as 2,869 seats in these municipal corporations will be up for grabs in these local bodies, where elections are due since early 2022. Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the nomination process will begin on December 23, Tuesday with candidates allowed to make their submissions for a week until December 30. Scrutiny of papers will be done on December 31, and January 2, Friday, will be the last date of withdrawal of nominations, he said. Symbol allocation and the final list of candidates will be published on January 3. Polling in the 29 municipal corporations spread across Maharashtra will take place on January 15 and votes will be counted the next day, news agency PTI quoted Waghmare as saying. He said these 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), have 2,869 seats on offer and 3.48 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these major urban centres of the state. After long and tiring political blame games and court battles, the Supreme Court had finally given the deadline of January 31 to conduct the polls, reported Marathi media. Full list of local bodies heading to polls: BMC Pune Municipal Corporation Nagpur Municipal Corporation Solapur Municipal Corporation Kolhapur Municipal Corporation Thane Municipal Corporation Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Nashik Municipal Corporation Aurangabad Municipal Corporation Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Amravati Municipal Corporation New Mumbai Municipal Corporation NandedWaghala Municipal Corporation Ulhas Nagar Municipal Corporation Sangli-Miraj-Kupwara Municipal Corporation Malegaon Municipal Corporation Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation Akola Municipal Corporation Bhayander Municipal Corporation Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation Dhule Municipal Corporation Jalgaon Municipal Corporation Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Parbhani Municipal Corporation Chandrapur Municipal Corporation Latur Municipal Corporation Panvel Municipal Corporation Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation Jalna Municipal Corporation Dates to remember: Application submission window: December 2330, 2025 Application scrutiny: December 31, 2025 Last date for withdrawal of candidature: January 2, 2026 Election symbol allocation and release of final candidate list: January 3, 2026 Polling date: January 15, 2026 Counting of votes: January 16, 2026
With just one day left for the much-awaited IPL 2026 Auction, where 10 franchises will have Rs 237.55 crore to spend, let us take a look at some of the important details about the event.
cough-syrup-trafficking-racket-in-up-had-700-fake-firms-generating-billions-of-rupees-ed-says
The Enforcement Directorate raided more than 25 locations in UP, Gujarat, and Jharkhand over 40 hours, over a large illicit money laundering cough syrup racket. Officials found that over 700 fake firms were set up in the name of 220 operators. The firms were found to be generating billions of rupees. In the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), 67 people were named as accused in the case. It was found to be the states largest codeine-based cough syrup diversion and trafficking racket. Factories, warehouses, and residences linked to the accused were raided. The firms existed only on paper, and many of their authorised individuals were also only found on documents. ED sources said that more of the key links in the firms were being exposed, which will lead to more evidence. The body is also moving to seize assets from the masterminds behind the racket, Subham Jaiswal, Alok singh, another man who is a close associate of a former MP, and Amit Tata managed to get away last year eve after the STF conducted an investigation. ED sources said that large cash transactions were found in the bank accounts of Subham Jaiswal and the other two names. Subhams father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, is also a person of interest in the case. Some of the firms involved in the transactions were in Ranchi and Ahmedabad. In Uttar Pradesh, locations in Lucknow, Saharanpur, Varanasi, and Ghaziabad. The EDs ECIR enables the agency to summon suspects, freeze bank accounts, seize evidence, and attack properties acquired through illicit proceeds. The report was based on 24 FIRs registered over the past year by UP police, STF and FSDA across districts. Subham Jaiswal, who is the alleged mastermind behind the racket, was issued a notice to appear before the ED on December 8. More summons are expected as the financial probe expands.
