BCCI To Take Call On Chief Selector Agarkar's Future Within 15 Days, Says Devajit Saikia
Secretary Devajit Saikia: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a decision on senior men's chief selector Ajit Agarkar's future within the next 15 days, said Secretary Devajit Saikia after the 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place here on Friday. Agarkar, who assumed the chief selector's role in July 2023, has been a part of a successful period for the national side. Under his term as chief selector, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final, won the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and retained the T20 World Cup title at home earlier this year. His term ends on October 4, and the BCCI will have to make a decision as India enters the final leg of preparations for the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup. Today, there has been no discussion about any individual. We still have 15 days to go. We will take a decision and in appropriate time, we will let you know, Saikia told reporters. In a major administrative decision, the BCCI has approved a substantial fee revision for domestic umpires and match referees, marking the first compensation enhancement since the 2017/18 season. Since 2017-18, there was no revision of the fees of the umpires. So we have done a restructuring of their categories. Earlier there were four categories, A+, A, B and C. Now we have restructured it as A, B, C and D. All their fees per day has been enhanced substantially, said Saikia. The BCCI has also introduced a merit-based promotion and demotion mechanism to foster accountability among match officials. Those who will be doing good, 10 umpires will be upgraded to the next level. Those umpires who are at the upper level, if they are not performing up to that level or they are a satisfactory level, they will be downgraded. 10 umpires will go up, 10 umpires will go down, he added. Saikia also quashed rumours over a possible change of venue for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ranchi, scheduled to be held from February 19 to 23, 2027. There are six months left. We will take a call after a few days. We havent received any such requests as of now about the change of venue for the Ranchi Test. He also informed the new junior mens selection committee would soon be formed after the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) interviews candidates for the positions. We have received a large number of applicants for the junior selection committee, which we will give to our cricket committee, which will be competent to select the selectors. We will be trying to complete the process in the next 10-15 days. On the subject of aligning with the proposed Central Sports Act, Saikia clarified that the BCCI will await official notification from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before making any structural amendments. Regarding the Sports Act, our stand is very clear. There are a lot of things which are yet to be done from the concerned authority. Once those exercises are completed, and once BCCI comes under the Sports Act, a particular notification has to be issued to make it a designated sport. On the subject of aligning with the proposed Central Sports Act, Saikia clarified that the BCCI will await official notification from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports before making any structural amendments. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Addressing the ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court regarding the matter, Saikia said, So, as of today, there is nothing like that, which was mentioned in the Supreme Court that day. We will give the clarification on 27th of October, when the matter will be listed next time. Article Source: IANS
BCCI Plays Waiting Game on Agarkar's Future Amid Rumored Rifts
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia provided updates on several key issues, including the uncertain future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, whose contract expires soon. Saikia also denied reports of a potential venue change for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ranchi and discussed the formation of a new junior selection committee and the short-term appointment of fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh.
DUSU Elections 2026: Can ABVP retain key posts? All eyes on result day - September 19
The Delhi University students have exercised their franchise to choose the candidates from ABVP, NSUI, SFI-AISA alliance in a day-long DUSU elections which started at 8:30 am today. The key contenders for the President post this year are - Yash Dabas from ABVP, NSUI's Vijay Shankar Meena and AISA's Ananya Raturi. For the Vice President post, a tough fight can be expected between ABVP's Ishu Maurya and NSUI's Veer Chatrath, AISA's Akshat Shikhar.
Punjab Kings Wrap Up Four-day Off-season Conditioning Camp In Bengaluru
Indian Premier League: Punjab Kings on Friday said they have concluded a four-day off-season physical preparation camp aimed at sharpening player fitness and recovery ahead of the upcoming domestic season and their next Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. The camp, conducted in collaboration with Stance Health from September 14 to 17, brought together several key franchise players including Shashank Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, and Vishal Nishad. The sessions prioritised athletic readiness, integrating customized strength and conditioning routines, mobility drills, structured nutrition plans, and advanced recovery protocols. The short camp came after a skill-focused camp held in New Chandigarh last month, with the franchise planning further specialized training modules across the country as part of a year-round preparation cycle. This is the first fitness camp that has taken place this year. Everyone feels that the IPL is a three-month tournament, but it is not. It is a proper 12-month commitment for players competing at this level. If you want to compete with the best in one of the worlds top leagues, you have to work that hard. This camp is focused entirely on fitness, diet, and training, and we are making sure to tick all the boxes well ahead of the season, Shashank said in a statement by the franchise. Highlighting the structured daily routine, lower-order batting all-rounder Shashank added, In the morning we start with mobility and gym work, followed by a team lunch. In the evening we move into conditioning, and we finish the day with pool or recovery sessions. That routine gives us quality time together, and that is how we grow both as individuals and as a unit. Building strong bonds off the field is just as vital as our performance on it. Left-handed opener Arya noted that tailored physical management and rapid recovery still remain crucial factors for sustained performance. As the season approaches, our focus is to get as much quality training as possible and achieve peak physical condition. The facilities here, especially the dedicated physio support and strength and conditioning programmes, are tailored specifically for our individual needs. In modern cricket, fast and efficient recovery is what makes the real difference over a long season. He also praised the franchises active involvement in terms of player development during the off-season. The IPL might be played across three months, but Punjab Kings actively tracks our progress and supports us for the full nine months of the off-season. Whether we need to train in Mumbai, Bengaluru, or attend camps in Chandigarh, the franchise arranges everything within a day. Having that level of backing throughout the year gives a player immense confidence, he added. He also praised the franchises active involvement in terms of player development during the off-season. The IPL might be played across three months, but Punjab Kings actively tracks our progress and supports us for the full nine months of the off-season. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The management, players, and owners treat us like family rather than just a professional setup, and that environment inspires you to give 110 percent on the field, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Delhi Police Arrest Man In Ranchi For Cheating
Delhi Police arrested Sanju Mishra alias Tuntun Mishra from Ranchi, Jharkhand, in connection with a financial cheating case. Mishra, who runs a power tools business, is accused of fraud involving his business partner, Anup Garg. An FIR was registered in Delhi, and his bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court. Police are investigating his bank accounts and the fraud's modus operandi.
Star Cast: Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vijay Varma, Gurfateh Pirzada, Ali Fazal, Radhikka Madan, Aditi Rao Hydari Director: Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, Vishal Bhardwaj Lust Stories 3 Movie Review Synopsis: LUST STORIES 3 is the story of couples caught in unique situations. Padma (Radhika Apte) is married to Hemant (Vijay Varma), while her best friend, Shonali (Konkona Sen Sharma), is the wife of Debendu (Abhishek Banerjee). Padma and Shonali are unhappy with their respective sex lives and decide to swap partners. Karan (Gurfateh Pirzada) is a pizza delivery boy who bumps into Lisa (Sana Thampi), a nail artist. Sparks fly between the two. However, Lisa is unaware that Karan has a hidden side that can have disastrous consequences for both of them. Varun (Ali Fazal) marries his sweetheart, Sailee (Radhikka Madan), and a few years later, they decide to separate. But they soon find themselves in a cant-live-with-cant-live-without situation. Lastly, in 1987 Hyderabad, Saira (Aditi Rao Hydari), unsatisfied by her husband Badru (Siddharth) in bed, finds a unique and naughty way to articulate her unfulfilled desires. However, things dont go as planned. Lust Stories 3 Movie Story Review: The stories, as expected, are in the zone of love and lust. The Gurfateh-Sana track, written by Tanaji Dasgupta and Kiran Rao, also has a bit of crime thrown in. The screenplay is largely breezy. Avinash Sampath's screenplay for the Radhika-Konkona track is novel and keeps the interest going. However, the last two stories are stretched. Sumukhi Suresh's dialogues for the Radhika-Konkona track are hilarious and add tremendously to the fun quotient. The dialogues in the Aditi-Siddharth story also work well. Vikramaditya Motwane's direction is convincing. The idea is crazy, but Vikramaditya handles it like a pro. Moreover, it is rare for an Indian title to show the impact of Korean shows even among the aam junta, who are often binge-watching their Hindi-dubbed versions. The finale is unexpected. Kiran Rao's direction stands out compared to her execution style in DHOBI GHAT [2011] and LAAPATAA LADIES [2024]. Shakun Batra's direction is fine but, compared to the work of the other directors, seems below par. Nevertheless, he captures some moments exceptionally well. Vishal Bhardwaj's direction is over-the-top per the requirement. There has already been a film and a popular web series based on a similar idea, but Vishal takes it on a different tangent, which makes for an entertaining watch. On the flipside, the length is an issue this time. While LUST STORIES [2018] was around 2 hours long, LUST STORIES 2 [2023] had a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. LUST STORIES 3, meanwhile, runs for 2 hours and 44 minutes. One may not feel the length during the first two stories, but the third story, directed by Shakun Batra, particularly gets lengthy. Moreover, a crucial dinner scene seems unconvincing; the realization that the couple arrives at doesnt come across organically. The Kiran Rao track has an interesting suspense element that many might not see coming. However, the climax seems rather abrupt, considering that dangerous drug lords are involved. The Vishal Bhardwaj track has fun and naughty undertones, though it doesnt seem convincing in a few places. Lastly, the biggest drawback is that the earlier instalments had set a benchmark. The Kiara Advani vibrator scene in LUST STORIES and the intimate sequence featuring Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia in LUST STORIES 2 are memorable even today. No such lust-laden or memorable scene exists in LUST STORIES 3, and this may go against the expectations of viewers. Love Or Lust With Lust Stories 3 Cast On Bollywood Hungama | Radhika Apte, Vijay Varma, Radhika Madan Lust Stories 3 Movie Review Performances: Both Radhika Apte and Konkona Sen Sharma deliver highly entertaining performances. They take the story to dizzying heights with performances that are nuanced and yet very mass-appealing. Abhishek Banerjee and Vijay Varma, too, put their best foot forward. Gurfateh Pirzada looks dashing and proves yet again that hes an actor to watch out for. Sana Thampi is an excellent find and delivers an arresting performance. Ali Fazal and Radhikka Madan are equally impactful. Aditi Rao Hydari gets her act right and ably delivers as per the requirement. Siddharth is adorable and delivers a sincere performance. Anirudh Surya (David Lobo) in the Radhika-Konkona track leaves a mark. Jiyoung Son (Jin; voiced by Suvela Sharma) and Tenzein Choden (Min; voiced by Sonal Kaushal) are very memorable despite having brief cameos. Rajat Kapoor (Therapist) flawlessly slips into the role. Vijay Maurya (Ravi Uncle) is dependable as always. Gajraj Rao (Abbujaan) is very cute, and only an actor of his calibre could have pulled off the part so effectively. Nivedita Bhargava (Guide Madam), Bhagyashree (Rajjo), Vaishali Bisht (Rajjos mother) and Alok Jain (Rajjos father) are fair. Lust Stories 3 movie music and other technical aspects: The songs are well woven into the narrative. Aaye Miyan Khat Phat is the only song that stands out. The cinematography is satisfactory. The production design across the four stories is visually appealing and yet remains true to their respective worlds. The costumes are straight out of life and realistic. The editing could have been sharper, especially in the last two stories. Lust Stories 3 Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, LUST STORIES 3 makes for a reasonably entertaining watch, thanks to its interesting concepts, fine performances and some genuinely engaging moments. However, the excessive runtime, uneven storytelling and, most importantly, the lack of a bold and memorable lust-driven sequence like the earlier instalments prevent it from making the same impact. Nevertheless, given the popularity of the LUST STORIES franchise, it is bound to attract huge viewership.
He Left Corporate Job At Oracle To Start 10*10 Falooda Shop. Now, It Makes Rs 9 Crore
The Falooda Shop operates on a franchise model. The brand is set to open its first store in North India soon.
Constitutional cost of disenfranchisement: Appraising SIR
In constitutional democracies, universal adult suffrage is neither a statutory concession nor an administrative privilege; it is the foundational bedrock of popular sovereignty. When electoral roll sanitisation transitions from an inclusive audit into a mechanism of arbitrary exclusion, the democratic contract collapses. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) 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 .
Lust Stories 3 Review: Bold, beautiful and uneven, four stories explore the many shades of desire
There is something about Netflix's Lust Stories franchise that has always worked. It is bold, feisty and unapologetic. More importantly, it does not shy away from saying what it wants to say. The first two seasons gave us stories that explored desire, relationships and female sexuality without making them feel like forbidden conversations.
Marathi film Gondhal announced as India's official selection for 99th Academy Awards
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) The Marathi language film Gondhal has been selected by the Film Federation of India as India's official entry for the upcoming 99th edition of the Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India made the announcement in Mumbai on Friday. There were 33 films in contention this year, and the jury picked Santosh Davakhars film to represent India in the Best International Film Category for the 99th Academy Awards. The film stars Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir and Anuj Prabhu. It is set against the backdrop of the traditional Maharashtrian Gondhal ritual, a night-long folk performance involving music, dance and mythology. The other titles included the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Main Vaapas Aaunga, Border 2 and the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar franchise, Dug Dug, Haq, Bhamardo, 120 Bahadur, Sing Geetham, Tera Mera Nata, Ladoo, Ohh My Dog, Balan The Boy, Peddi, Irumudi, Khoonta, Gandhi Talks, Bison Kalaamadan, Shape of Momo, Governor, 2020 Delhi, Commando Vin Love Story, Pravas, Man Aatale Manaatle, Obsess, Egwa, Angh, Hanuman Ansh and Ikkis. It is the 4th Marathi film to represent India at the Academy Awards after Shwaas, Harishchandrachi Factory and Court. Prior to this, India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards was Neeraj Ghaywan's drama Homebound. The film starrer Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter. It subsequently made the 15-film Oscars shortlist for International Feature Film. The 99th Academy Awards, honouring films released during 2026, are scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. Conan OBrien is set to return as host for the 3rd consecutive year. The eligibility period runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026, while nominations are scheduled to be announced on January 21, 2027. The ceremony will precede the Oscars centenary celebration in 2028, when the 100th Academy Awards will be held.
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday extended its stay on the state government's decision to cancel appointments made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process. The court also appointed a retired High Court judge to oversee the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercises. A bench of Justice Deepak Roshan heard a batch of petitions challenging the government's decision to annul appointments made through various recruitment examinations, including the JPSC CDPO and JSSC-CGL exams. During the hearing, the court orally observed that while the material available so far suggests that not all appointments were made in a fair manner, it is equally true that not every appointment was tainted. The court expressed concern over the lengthy recruitment process followed by the JPSC, noting that it often takes two to three years to conduct examinations and complete appointments. In such circumstances, the bench observed, a blanket cancellation of appointments could adversely affect many officials against whom no individual wrongdoing has been established. To ensure impartial scrutiny of the allegations, the court appointed retired High Court judge Gautam Kumar Choudhary to monitor the investigation, while retired IPS officer R.K. Malik was designated as the nodal officer for the probe. During the proceedings, both the Jharkhand government and the JPSC submitted their responses before the court. In its affidavit, the state government defended its decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, arguing that the entire recruitment process had been vitiated by alleged irregularities. According to the government, distinguishing between genuinely successful candidates and those who may have unfairly benefited had become difficult. The government cited Supreme Court guidelines that permit cancellation of an entire examination when the recruitment process is found to be irreparably compromised, and it becomes impossible to separate valid selections from tainted ones. On this basis, it justified its decision to scrap the CGL examination. The affidavit further stated that confidential examination-related work, including question paper printing and distribution to examination centres, had been entrusted to ICN Technology. According to the government, 28 individuals, including the company's CEO Somansh Prakash, have been arrested in connection with the alleged exam scam, while notices have been issued to 265 people. The government also claimed that the investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting that candidates were allegedly coached with answers at locations in Nepal, Asansol, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharia and Bokaro. Of the 28 candidates taken to Nepal, 10 were successful in the CGL examination, the affidavit stated. The investigation is still underway. Senior advocates Rajeev Ranjan, Indrajeet Sinha, Amritansh Vats, Kumar Harsh, Sonal Tiwari and Subhash Rasik Soren, among others, appeared for the petitioners. The state government was represented by senior advocate Meenakshi Arora and Advocate General Rohitashwa Roy, while the JPSC was represented by advocates Sanjay Piperwal and Prince Kumar.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's mother Roopi Soren hospitalised in Ranchi
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) Roopi Soren, the mother of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, was admitted to a private hospital in Ranchi on Friday after her health suddenly deteriorated. She is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of a team of doctors at a private hospital in Ranchi. According to hospital sources, Roopi Soren complained of breathing difficulties and was admitted to the hospital. Medical examinations confirmed a chest infection, and doctors said her condition is currently stable and under control. Sources said she has been facing health-related issues for some time and has been undergoing treatment. She had returned to Ranchi only two days ago after receiving medical treatment and undergoing health check-ups in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Hemant Soren had accompanied her during the visit to Bengaluru. After returning to Ranchi, her condition worsened on Friday. Family members rushed her to the hospital. She had reportedly been experiencing breathing difficulties since Thursday evening, which intensified on Friday. Doctors immediately began treatment upon her admission and have kept her under close observation. No detailed statement has been issued by the family regarding her health condition so far. Hospital authorities said her treatment is continuing and that her health is being closely monitored. Further details are expected through subsequent medical updates. Roopi Soren is the wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha founder Shibu Soren, who died on August 4 last year. She had received the Padma Bhushan award posthumously on behalf of her husband in recognition of his public service and contribution to public affairs. Following reports of Roopi Sorens hospitalisation, family members, well-wishers and supporters have wished her a speedy recovery. Hospital management has reiterated that her condition remains stable and she is under continuous medical care.
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BCCI office bearers authorised to take decision related to chief selector Agarkars future
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office bearers have been authorised to take a call on all things related to the mens selection committees and offered no clarity on the future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday. The development comes amid rising uncertainty over Agarkars position as the chairman of the senior mens selection committee. Agarkars contract runs till October 2026 and its yet to be known if it will be extended till next years ODI World Cup, to be played in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. Apart from this, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and Khairul Jamal Majumdar have been re-elected unopposed to the IPL Governing Council. Today's meeting went well, everything went well. The same people are repeated in the IPL Governing Council - Arun Dhumal and Mamon. Regarding the selectors (in both senior and junior mens committees), an authorisation has been taken and we will decide about the selectors later, Shukla said to reporters after the AGM ended at the BCCI headquarters. If Agarkar doesnt continue, the BCCI will have to follow the standard procedure, which involves inviting applications through a public advertisement and conducting candidate interviews. It is understood that former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, currently the assistant coach at Gujarat Titans in the IPL and ventured into commentary duties, has emerged as a potential contender to take Agarkars spot in the panel if the BCCI office bearers decide to bring in a change in the panel. The murmurs of Patel coming into an influential role in the selection committee have been in on and off mode since March, but with him already past 5 years of retiring actively from the game, he can be a potential contender to replace Agarkar. Agarkar, who missed a high-profile review meeting on September 3 due to him being at a place where internet wasnt available, had attended the recent Afghanistan-India T20I games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, alongside his selection committee colleagues RP Singh and Ajay Ratra. In the second game held on Tuesday, Shukla along with ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI President Mithun Manhas were present in the stadium alongside Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials. Asked about potential venue change for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Ranchi, Shukla clarified that no such deliberations took place during the meeting. No, there was no discussion about the venue for that Test match. There were some fixtures. Out of them, the fixtures which were of 50 overs, it is now done of 20 overs, added Shukla. One of the agendas at the AGM was the inclusion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the BCCI fold, but it is understood that their bid for affiliate membership is deferred because of legal issues. Domestic umpires, match referees, and scorers are in line for a significant pay raise, with the BCCI likely to form a three-member committee to finalise the fee structure.
Jharkhand High Court Halts Demolition Drive on Ranchi Bypass Road Until December 31
The Jharkhand High Court has temporarily halted a demolition drive on Ranchis HEC Bypass Road, giving residents until December 31 to remove encroachments. Jharkhand High Court Halts Demolition Drive on Ranchi Bypass Road Until December 31
Jharkhand HC stays anti-encroachment drive on Ranchi bypass road till Dec 31
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday ordered an immediate halt to the anti-encroachment drive being carried out by the district administration along the HEC Bypass Road near Birsa Chowk in Ranchi. The court directed the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police to suspend the ongoing action for the time being. It also granted alleged encroachers time until December 31 to vacate the government land on their own. Hearing the matter, the bench of Justice Ananda Sen observed that, in view of the upcoming festive season, immediate administrative action should be deferred. The court said the affected individuals would be given adequate time to remove the encroachments and vacate the government land voluntarily within the stipulated period. Following the High Court's order, the anti-encroachment campaign being conducted by the district administration on the HEC Bypass Road has been suspended. Prior to the stay, administrative teams, accompanied by police personnel and magistrates, had been carrying out demolition and eviction operations in the area. Several houses and commercial establishments had come within the ambit of the drive, triggering protests from local residents. Representing the petitioners, advocates Indrajit Sinha and Akhauri Avinash Kumar urged the court to immediately restrain the administration's action and grant residents additional time to remove the structures. Accepting the plea, the court directed the administration not to proceed with the eviction drive and fixed December 31 as the deadline for the occupants to clear the government land themselves. The order has provided temporary relief to residents and business owners whose properties faced the threat of demolition under the ongoing campaign. The case pertains to alleged encroachments on government land along the HEC Bypass Road, where the district administration had recently launched a clearance operation. The district administration launched the anti-encroachment drive to clear illegal constructions on land belonging to the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) and the Railways on Tuesday. The action triggered massive protests by hundreds of affected residents. Protesters took to the streets alleging that the administration had initiated the eviction process without making adequate rehabilitation arrangements.
PKL media rights in flux as JioStar, teams seek to avert an ISL-style fallout
Pro Kabaddi League media rights talks involve JioStar seeking a fee reduction and franchises protecting the previous benchmark. Franchise owners are divided on open bidding, fearing a collapse like the Indian Super League. JioStar incurred losses and viewership has stagnated, prompting discussions for league growth. Discussions also include reducing franchise fees while increasing revenue share for teams.
Lust Stories 3 movie review: Life beyond the bedroom door
A mirror to modern relationships, the franchises third instalment sheds its past shock value for the disturbing terrain of emotional isolation
Matthew Lillard regrets not speaking up after Melissa Barrera's Scream firing
Matthew Lillard has opened up about returning as Stu Macher in Scream 7 after Melissa Barreras exit from the franchise. The actor admitted he feels embarrassed and shame about his decision, saying he should have spoken up at the time and questioning why he agreed to return
Ranveer Singh seeks blessings at Lalbaugcha Raja ahead of Pralay production debut
Ranveer Singh was spotted at Mumbais iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, dressed in a traditional white kurta-pyjama, as he offered prayers and sought blessings for his upcoming project. The visit comes after what has been a remarkable year for Ranveer, with the Dhurandhar franchise enjoying a blockbuster run and further cementing his position as Indian cinemas leading superstar. From the massive response to his performance as Hamza to the franchises theatrical success at the box office, the year has marked another significant milestone in his career. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Hungama (@realbollywoodhungama) Now, Ranveer is looking ahead to an exciting new phase with Pralay. The actor has begun shooting for the film, in which he will not only headline the project but also take on the role of producer. With Pralay, Ranveer is set to make his production debut under his banner Maa Kasam Films, adding another dimension to his evolving career in the entertainment industry. The Lalbaugcha Raja visit also comes at a particularly special time in Ranveers personal life. The actor and Deepika Padukone are also awaiting the arrival of their second child, making this phase one filled with both professional and personal milestones. From delivering a major franchise success with Dhurandhar to beginning work on Pralay and taking his first step as a producer, Ranveer Singh is entering a new chapter in his career. As he takes on these new responsibilities, his visit to Lalbaugcha Raja marks a heartfelt moment of seeking blessings before the journey ahead. Also Read:Ranveer Singh appreciates Karan D Kapadia of Hunkkaar the reason runs deeper than youd expect!
Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, Mirzapur The Movie brings the cult franchise to the big screen
ED searches seven locations in Jharkhand, Odisha in Jharkhand State Co-operative Bank scam case
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Ranchi Zonal Office conducted search and seizure operations at seven locations in Jharkhand and Odisha in connection with its money laundering investigation into the alleged Jharkhand State Co-operative Bank scam, the agency said on Friday. The searches, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), were part of its ongoing probe into what it described as a large-scale fraud allegedly perpetrated against the bank's Seraikela branch. According to the ED, businessman Sanjay Kumar Dalmia allegedly carried out the fraud in connivance with then officials of the JSCB. The agencys search operation covers premises linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial irregularities and suspected proceeds of crime arising from the case. ED, Ranchi, is conducting search and seizure action u/s 17 of PMLA in the case of the Jharkhand State Co-operative Bank Scam at a total of 7 locations in Jharkhand and Odisha, the agency statement said. The agencys latest action comes amid several ongoing investigations being handled by its Ranchi Zonal Office into alleged financial crimes and money laundering in Jharkhand. The ED is empowered under the PMLA to conduct searches and seize material relevant to its investigation. Further details regarding the material recovered during the searches were not immediately available. The ED had also conducted searches in several states in connection with its probe into the petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi in June this year. The agency had carried out simultaneous searches at four locations in Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Karnataka as part of its investigation into suspected money laundering and financial transactions allegedly linked to the case. The probe was connected to a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to officials. During those searches, ED teams examined documents, digital devices and other material relating to allegedly suspicious financial transactions. The agency was also examining whether illegal funding or money-laundering channels were used in the planning or execution of the attack. The petrol bomb attack took place on the night of June 16, when petrol bombs were hurled at the RSS provincial headquarters in Ranchis Nivaranpur area. The NIA registered a case in connection with the incident under RC-01/2026/NIA/RNC.
Westview Cricket Ltd and Poonawalla Sports and Fitness Pvt Ltd will be buying Rajasthan Royals (India), Paarl Royals (South Africa) and Barbados Royals (Barbados).
Delhi Capitals take cricket to Japan, partner with The British School in Tokyo
Digital Desk | Tokyo, Sep 17 (IANS) With cricket set for a return to the Asian Games and the sport preparing for its Olympic comeback at Los Angeles 2028, Delhi Capitals have taken their grassroots outreach to Japan by partnering with The British School in Tokyo (BST). The IPL franchise has partnered with the school to introduce more young students in Japan to cricket, with support from the Japan Cricket Association (JCA). The partnership comes just days before a historic week for India-Japan cricket. The Indian womens team will face hosts Japan in the Asian Games quarter-finals on Friday, September 18, while the Indian mens team will meet Japan in the Suzuki Cup T20 International on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. As the first initiative under the partnership, former India captain and Delhi Capitals Womens Assistant Coach Anju Jain visited BST in September to conduct cricket workshops for primary and secondary students. Jain, a former India international wicketkeeper-batter who captained the country at the 2000 Womens World Cup and received the Arjuna Award, introduced students to the fundamentals of the sport while drawing on her experience as an international player and coach. The partnership is expected to expand beyond introductory workshops, with plans for further coaching sessions and player interactions, technical guidance for school coaches and support for student-led cricket programmes at BST. Ian Clayton, Principal of The British School in Tokyo, said the initiative could help connect students with the wider possibilities offered by the sport. Cricket has a wonderful ability to bring people together across cultures and generations. We are proud of our connection to the game and excited by the opportunity to work with Anju and Delhi Capitals to help inspire its future in Japan. Most importantly, we want our students to see where passion, dedication and ambition can take them. Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta said the franchise sees scope to contribute to the development of cricket at the grassroots level in Japan. Japan is an exciting market for cricket, and we see a great opportunity to contribute to its growth at the grassroots level. Through our partnership with The British School in Tokyo, we want to bring our experience and expertise closer to young players and give them the opportunity to learn from people who have played and coached the game at the highest level. We believe this can help spark greater interest in cricket and encourage more young people in Japan to take up the sport, he said. Delhi Capitals already have a connection with Japanese cricket through pacer Ahilya Chandel, who joined the franchise as a net bowler during WPL 2025. Chandel is among the few bowlers to have claimed a double hat-trick in WT20Is. The latest initiative comes as cricket builds momentum in Japan. Its presence at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games marks another step in that growth, while the sport is also set to return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028. For Delhi Capitals, the partnership with BST provides another avenue to take the game beyond its traditional markets and introduce cricket to a new generation of potential players in Japan.
The makers of Drishyam: The Conclusion have released the first song from the soundtrack, titled Vingansa, offering a musical preview of the tension and retribution at the core of Vijay Salgaonkars story. Arriving after a gripping trailer that reintroduced Ajay Devgn as Vijay and brought in Jaideep Ahlawat as SP Crime Branch Rajveer Singh Tomar, the song underscores the mounting pressure around Vijays long-guarded secret. The title Vingansa draws from the Portuguese word vingana, meaning revenge, and the composition leans into that emotion with a dark, brooding soundscape. The track is built around themes of anger and confrontation, suggesting a world where old wounds remain raw and vengeance now runs parallel to the pursuit of truth. Composer Ravi Basrur said, With 'Vingansa', I wanted the music to feel like the pressure was slowly building. There is a lot happening beneath the surface in Vijay's world, and the music needed to carry that without becoming too loud or obvious. Siddharth's voice has that rawness and intensity which worked beautifully for the song. Aamil's words also gave me a strong emotional space to build the composition around. Lyricist Aamil Keeyan Khan said, This composition by Ravi Basrur ji was so catchy and yet so peculiar that it demanded an equally peculiar word. 'Vingansa' is a Goan word that comes from the Portuguese word for revenge or vengeance. Revenge in this story is not simply about anger; it comes from everything these characters have done and carried with them for years. I wanted the lyrics to have that weight. The song had to feel like it belonged to the world of Drishyam, where every action has an equally terrifying reaction. Singer Siddharth Basrur said, When I heard the composition, I immediately felt that this song needed a certain rawness. It couldn't sound too perfect or too controlled. There is a lot of aggression and emotion underneath 'Vingansa', and I tried to keep that feeling alive in the vocals. Ravi's music already had so much intensity that my job was really to get inside that emotion and let the voice carry it. With 'Vingansa', the franchise gives audiences its first musical window into the concluding chapter, where every secret carries a cost and every decision could tip the balance. The film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Drishyam: The Conclusion is presented by Star Studio18 and directed by Abhishek Pathak. Produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, with Sanjeev Joshi as co-producer, the ensemble features Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav and Kamlesh Sawant. The song is available now across streaming platforms via Sony Music India. Also Read: We were thinking like Salgaonkar while writing: Director Abhishek Pathak on crafting Drishyam The Conclusions unpredictable twists
UPL 2026: Players' Draft Completes Squads, Rishikesh River Kings Secure Akash Madhwal
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: The Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) franchises completed their player drafts to complete their squads ahead of the upcoming season. All the seven men's teams finalised their squads ahead of the tournament, scheduled to be played from September 21 to October 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Dehradun as Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 replacement fast bowler Akash Madhwal was roped in by Rishikesh River Kings. Other prominent Uttarakhand players - Suchith J, Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Choudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal, Kunal Chandela and Mayank Mishra also headline the respective squads as icon players. USN Indians have retained Suchith J, while Nainital Tigers will be led by Avneesh. Choudhary has joined Haridwar Elmas, and Jaiswal has gone to Tehri Titans. Dehradun Warriors will be represented by Chandela, while Mayank Mishra will be the icon player for Pithoragarh Hurricanes. Each franchise assembled a mix of senior players, Under-23 and Under-19 cricketers, uncapped players and established icon players. Meanwhile, Kiran Verma, Secretary, Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), reflected on the draft. The Players' Draft has brought together a strong pool of talent from across Uttarakhand and gives our players an important platform to compete at a high level. The UPL has grown with every edition, and with both senior and emerging players coming together, we are looking forward to an exciting third season, Kiran said. Former BCCI Vice-President and Former Secretary of CAU Mahim Verma also highlighted the platform the league provides for local cricketers. The completion of the draft marks another important step towards UPL 2026. The league provides players from Uttarakhand an opportunity to perform in a competitive environment and gain visibility. With the IPL auction cycle approaching, this tournament can be an important platform for players to showcase their abilities through their performances, Mahim said. Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League Sunil Joshi also highlighted that the draft has given another layer to the league. The Players Draft has added another layer of excitement to UPL 2026. Each team has put together its squad with a combination of experienced players and young talent, which reflects the depth available in Uttarakhand cricket. We are now looking forward to seeing these players come together on the field and make the most of the opportunity, Joshi said. Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League Sunil Joshi also highlighted that the draft has given another layer to the league. The Players Draft has added another layer of excitement to UPL 2026. Each team has put together its squad with a combination of experienced players and young talent, which reflects the depth available in Uttarakhand cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The women's Players' Draft also saw all four teams complete their squads for the third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League. Raghvi will lead Pithoragarh Hurricanes as their icon player, while Sweta will captain Dehradun Warriors. Mussoorie Queens have secured Nandini Kashyap as their icon player, while Bageshwar Aerial have added Prema Rawat as their icon player. Article Source: IANS
Bengaluru Stallions Unveil Squad For IGPL 2026 Season
Veer Ganapathy, son of renowned golfer Rahul Ganapathy, is set to represent Bengaluru Stallions in the AM Green IGPL 2026. The team, also featuring Trishul Chinnappa, Sunhit Bishnoi, and Sudhir Sharma, was unveiled for the second season of India's first franchise-based professional golf league. The IGPL aims to promote golf beyond elite circles and provide exposure to young talent.
Prithvi Shaw, Fiancee Akriti Agarwal Part Ways 6 Months After Engagement
Prithvi Shaw: Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw and his fiancee Akriti Agarwal have decided to part ways, around six months after announcing their engagement, with Agarwal confirming the separation in a statement on social media on Thursday. Agarwal, a social media personality and actress, said the decision was mutual and came after the couple realised their future goals and circumstances differed. She also asked people to respect their privacy and refrain from speculation about the reasons for their decision. With a heavy heart, I would like to share that my fianc and I have decided to part ways due to different goals and circumstances for our future. As much as we love and care for each other, weve come to accept that our paths are not meant to be together. With our responsibilities and the circumstances we are currently facing, we have mutually decided to go our separate ways, Agarwal wrote on Instagram. I genuinely wish nothing but the best, peace, and happiness for both of us as we move forward. I kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time and refrain from speculating or making assumptions about the reasons behind our decision. Thank you for understanding and respecting our space, she added. Shaw and Agarwal announced their engagement on March 8, with the India batter sharing a series of romantic pictures from the occasion. In one photograph, Shaw could be seen going down on one knee to propose to Agarwal, while another showed the couple displaying their engagement rings. From sixes on the field to a lifetime of hits off it. Shes my perfect innings! Shaw had captioned the post. The engagement came at a pivotal point in Shaws career, as he sought to rebuild his standing in domestic and franchise cricket. The right-handed batter, who made his India debut in 2018 with a century on his first Test against the West Indies, was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh in the accelerated round of the IPL 2026 auction. However, Shaw did not play a single match in the 2026 IPL season. From sixes on the field to a lifetime of hits off it. Shes my perfect innings! Shaw had captioned the post. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Shaw has also removed his engagement photographs from his Instagram profile following the announcement. Article Source: IANS
ED raids multiple states in Ranchi RSS office attack money laundering probe
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 17 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out raids in several states in connection with its probe into the petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi in June this year. The agency conducted simultaneous searches at four locations in Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Karnataka to investigate suspected money laundering and financial transactions linked to the case. According to officials, the action is connected to a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). ED teams searched premises associated with suspects at multiple locations. During the raids, investigators examined documents, digital devices, and evidence related to allegedly suspicious financial transactions. The agency is looking into whether illegal funding or money laundering channels were used in planning or executing the attack. The attack took place on the night of June 16, when petrol bombs were hurled at the RSS provincial headquarters located in Ranchi's Nivaranpur area. The NIA has registered the case under RC-01/2026/NIA/RNC. In the initial phase of the investigation, Ranchi police arrested three suspects. The NIA later took over the probe and began examining the alleged conspiracy behind the attack, the network of the accused, and possible interstate links. In July, the agency said it was expanding the investigation by examining other individuals connected to the case as well as digital devices seized during the probe. Investigators have also flagged the possibility of international links. Based on the questioning of the accused, various investigative reports have referred to alleged contacts with handlers based in Pakistan and other individuals. However, officials have stressed that these claims can only be conclusively established after the investigation is completed. The NIA had earlier conducted search operations in several states in connection with the case. Earlier this month, the agency carried out raids in Patna and reportedly recovered cash worth several lakh rupees. With the ED's latest action, the focus of the investigation has expanded to include the suspected financial network and funding sources that may have supported the attack.
BofA hires Goldman's Srijith Nair to lead Asia ex-China financial institutions banking
Bank of America has hired Srijith Nair from Goldman Sachs for key Asia roles. Nair will lead financial institutions group investment banking and insurance in the region. He brings nearly twenty years of extensive investment banking experience to his new position. This strategic hire aims to strengthen Bank of America's franchise across the Asia Pacific. Nair previously held significant roles at Barclays, Daiwa, and Citigroup.
Ranchi RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack: ED Raids Across 4 States, Probes Money Trail
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches across Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand and Karnataka in connection with the June petrol bomb attack on the RSS office in Ranchi.The probe is linked to an NIA case, with investigators examining the alleged financial links to the network associated with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. The ED is now tracing the suspected money trail and examining whether funds were used to facilitate the attack.The searches come a day after the Union Home Ministry designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under UAPA.
ED Conducts Raids in Four States Linked to RSS Office Attack Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate has launched raids across four states in connection with the investigation of a petrol bomb attack on the RSS office in Ranchi. ED Conducts Raids in Four States Linked to RSS Office Attack Investigation
'Something special in Gujarat soil: Titans recalls Vadnagar visit on PM Modis birthday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Gujarat Titans on Thursday marked Prime Minister Narendra Modis 76th birthday by sharing a video from the IPL franchises visit to Vadnagar last year, taking a look back at a trip that connected the team with the town where the Prime Minister was born. The Titans shared glimpses of their visit to Vadnagar on social media, highlighting the towns history and its connection with PM Modi.In the video, the IPL franchise looked back at its 2025 visit to the Gujarat town and recalled the significance of Vadnagar, where PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950. There is something special in the soil of Gujarat. And to experience this, lets go to a small city in Gujarat, Varnagar. The same city where our countrys Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, was born, the Titans said in the video. Our Gujarat Titans had also come here. At that time, we did not know that one day these memories would become so special, the franchise added. During their Vadnagar visit, the Titans players explored the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum, which showcases the towns archaeological and cultural history. Another important stop for the team was Prerna Sankul, an experiential learning centre aimed at connecting students and educators with science, culture and values. The visit also had a personal connection to the Prime Minister, as the centre is associated with his early schooling years. The video ended with a birthday message for PM Modi, saying, Happy 76th birthday, Narendra Modi. PM Modi was born in Vadnagar in 1950, three years after India gained independence, making him the first prime minister of the country to have been born in independent India. He is also the longest-serving prime minister from a non-Congress party. October will mark 25 years of PM Modis public service. He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has led the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in three consecutive general elections.
Zee TV has announced the return of the OG music reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, at a media press conference in Mumbai, unveiling a new season that brings to life Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan, a world dedicated to the celebration of music and giving media a first glimpse into Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2026 through a Virtual Reality experience showcasing its spectacular new set. The show premieres on September 19 2026, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM on Zee TV and Hindi Zee5. Celebrating nearly three decades of a legacy built on music and talent, the new season takes the experience beyond a conventional singing reality show with a spectacular 360 stage, 100+ musicians and an expansive chorus ensemble, creating the scale and energy of a live concert on television, while bringing the richness of Indian musical traditions to the forefront. For nearly three decades, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has remained a trusted platform for discovering, nurturing and celebrating musical talent. What has made the property endure is its unwavering focus on real music and authentic voices, even as the format has evolved with changing audiences. This season celebrates the tradition of music from different parts of the country through mesmerising performances, creating a richer expression of Indian music while staying true to its soul. The season brings together a stellar quartet of Shankar Mahadevan, Kumar Sanu, Neeti Mohan and Javed Ali as its musical Gurus, bringing decades of experience across diverse musical journeys to the stage. Their role extends beyond evaluating performances, as they share their knowledge and perspective with the contestants through the course of the competition. Actor Shreyas Talpade will host the season, adding another familiar face to this celebration of music. Speaking about the new season, Ragahvendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, ZEEL, said, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is the oldest promise Zee has made to India. For nearly three decades, this franchise has stood for authentic music and real talent, and in that time it has done something no platform and no algorithm can replicate: it has let Indian music recognize its own. At Zee, we believe an iconic property must constantly evolve and reinvent itself while staying true to what makes it special. We don't rent relevance, we grow institutions. This season, we wanted to go beyond creating another singing reality show and build a complete world dedicated to music. A new generation of contestants, rooted and real, guided by exceptional musical Gurus who nurture and shape their journeys. A hundred-piece orchestra that lets every voice sound as large as its dream. With the richness and diversity of Indian music at its heart, the season brings together the scale, musicianship and grandeur this art form has always deserved, because we believe rawness and grandeur are not opposites. That is the vision behind 'Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan', a season where the artist, the musician and the music itself take centre stage. This is not just where singers are discovered. It is where Indian music comes home. Speaking about the new season, Mangesh Kulkarni, Chief Channel Officer, Zee TV, said, Zee TV today stands as the undisputed leader in prime time, home to the top three shows in the Hindi GEC space. This success is a testament to the immense love of our viewers and the responsibility that comes with earning their trust. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa carries a legacy spanning more than three decades. As we bring this iconic franchise back, we have reimagined it on a scale truly befitting its stature, while preserving the essence that has made it India's most loved singing platform. We recognize the expectations that come with reviving a legacy as celebrated as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. This season, our endeavour is not just to meet those expectations, but to surpass them. From a spectacular stage and an immersive live concert experience to over 100 musicians performing live and a judging panel comprising some of the industry's most respected musical stalwarts, every element has been crafted to elevate the experience like never before. Yet, at its heart, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa remains what it has always been: a platform where talent speaks for itself, where dreams find a voice, and where music takes centre stage. That is why Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is, and will always remain, Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthaan. Speaking about the new season, Kaveri Das, Business Head Hindi Zee 5 & Chief Channel Officer, &TV, said, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is the crown jewel of Zees non-fiction portfolio and one of the most loved music franchises in Indian entertainment. Its legacy has been built over decades on authenticity and an unwavering commitment to discovering exceptional talent. With every season, the franchise has challenged itself to raise the bar, and this year is no exception. From its grand scale and expert musical mentors to the incredible talent on stage, every element of the show has been crafted to deliver its most elevated experience yet. As audiences continue to seek premium, meaningful and culturally resonant entertainment, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa remains in a league of its own, and we are confident that this season will further reinforce its position as Indias most loved and definitive music reality franchise. At Hindi Zee 5, we are privileged to be the digital home of the iconic show, that has inspired generations of music lovers. As Sa Re Ga Ma Pa returns in its grandest avatar yet, we are excited to bring audiences a season that not only celebrates the legacy of Indian music but also redefines the scale and ambition of music reality entertainment Sa Re Ga Ma Pa premieres on September 19, 2026, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM, only on Zee TV and Hindi Zee 5. Also Read: Anuraj Chahal opens up about his entry in the Zee TV serial Tu Hi Re Dil Mein; says, It will be one of the most interesting stories
South Bengal to get relief from heat as thunderstorms, rain forecast for five days
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) After days of sweltering heat, weather conditions in south Bengal are likely to change as the Met office on Thursday forecast thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain over the next few days. Rain is likely at one or two places in almost all districts of south Bengal. Gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km per hour are also expected. Kolkata, too, is likely to receive rain and thundershowers. According to a Met department official, the monsoon axis extends from a low-pressure area over Rajasthan to the northwest Bay of Bengal through Ranchi and Digha. In addition, a cyclonic circulation is currently present over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to gradually strengthen and influence the West Bengal and Odisha coasts. As a result, south Bengal is likely to witness another spell of heavy rain from Thursday, which may continue for the next five days. A yellow warning for rain and thunderstorms has been issued for eight districts, including coastal and western areas. Thunderstorms are likely in Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. However, the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease from Monday. Meanwhile, rainfall is likely to increase in north Bengal on Thursday. A yellow warning for heavy rain has been issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30 to 40 km per hour is likely across the region. Rainfall activity in north Bengal is expected to decrease from Friday. Kolkata is likely to see cloudy skies from Thursday afternoon, with the possibility of rain increasing during the day. Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is expected to continue until Saturday. Gusty winds reaching 30 to 40km per hour are also likely. On Wednesday, Kolkata and adjoining areas recorded a maximum temperature of 34.08 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was 27.06 degrees Celsius, 1.02 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 52 and 97 percent.
Star Cast: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis Director: Zach Cregger Resident Evil Movie Review Synopsis: RESIDENT EVIL is the story of a man's crazy night. Bryan (Austin Abrams) is a medical courier who reaches a hospital with a parcel. He wants to finish his job and return to his girlfriend Michelle to have an important discussion. However, Dr Maria Stokes (Emily Piggford) tempts him with double the fee to make a high-priority delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. Bryan agrees and leaves immediately. The highway to Raccoon City is deserted and slippery from heavy snowfall. All of a sudden, he begins encountering strange creatures who initially appear to need help but instead try to attack him. What happens next forms the rest of the film. Resident Evil Movie Story Review: Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten's story is impressive as it remains in the zone of the RESIDENT EVIL series and at the same time, provides a novel touch. Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten's screenplay is gripping and the inclusion of jumpscares at regular intervals adds to the fun. However, the writing is slightly underwhelming in the second half. The dialogues add a dash of humour to the proceedings. Zach Cregger's direction is exemplary. He had proved his worth with WEAPONS [2025] and he brings his creative directorial skills once again in this film. RESIDENT EVIL began as a video game and this film is treated like one. As a result, there's a shift in tonality from the rest of the films, but ardent fans won't mind it, as Zach has handled it well. Also, one is aware that the zombies will attack. But when and how they'll attack is what keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This is especially during the madness that occurs on the highway and in the caravan. The climax is also quite arresting and the film ends on a decisive note. On the flipside, a bit of repetition sets in during the second half. The events of the first half are so nicely done that the second half pales in comparison. The entire underground drain sequence is interesting, but it needlessly drags the narrative and doesnt add much to the scare quotient. Moreover, despite the makers best efforts, some fans may miss the legacy characters. None of them are present, as the makers this time focus on new, original characters. Even the humour, at times, overpowers the scare element. Those watching the film in India may also be disappointed by the anti-alcohol and anti-smoking ticker at the bottom right of the screen, which is quite large and often distracts from the happenings on screen. A smaller ticker would have helped. Lastly, the series does not have a huge following in India. Resident Evil Movie Review Performances: Austin Abrams dominates maximum screen time and delivers a smashing and entertaining performance. Hes not playing a typical hero. Hes a young lad, confused about his future with his girlfriend, who is now forced to survive amid all the madness and chaos. Hence, his average Joe look and approach makes him very relatable. Zach Cherry (Carl) lends able support and Kali Reis (Maxine) is quite good. Paul Walter Hauser (Paul; scientist) is there for just a few minutes but shines. Johnno Wilson (Wilson; sheriff) is fair. Andrea Miltnerov (first zombie that Bryan encounters) rocks the show with her performance and expressions. Resident Evil movie music and other technical aspects: Hays Holladay and Ryan Holladay's music, along with Dariusz Wolski's cinematography, enhances the eeriness. Special mention must also be made of the stunning locations, which have been captured beautifully by the lensman. Caroline Fahrer's costumes are realistic. Tom Hammock's production design is well-researched. The action is gory but its crucial to the narrative and not added for the heck of it. The VFX is top-class. Joe Murphy's editing is overall satisfactory but could have been crisper in a few parts in the second half. Resident Evil Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, RESIDENT EVIL works due to Zach Creggers fresh video game-like treatment, Austin Abrams engaging performance and several well-executed scares. At the box office, its prospects in India may initially be limited by the franchises limited following, but it has the potential to spring a surprise if the target audience turns up in large numbers.
WPL 2027 to begin January 14; final scheduled for February 7, confirms BCCI
The fifth edition of the Women's Premier League will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027 while its auction will be held on October 28 this year in Kochi, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. The BCCI however did not disclose the host cities for the WPL. As the biggest T20 league in women's cricket, the TATA WPL has established itself as a significant platform for the growth of the sport, bringing together leading players from India and around the world while creating opportunities for emerging talent to perform at the highest level, said the BCCI in a statement. The Player Retention deadline is set for September 28. The five franchises will have the opportunity to retain players from their existing squads as they begin putting their combinations in place for the new season, the BCCI added.
'Spider-Man' beats 'Star Wars' to become highest-grossing film in North America
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has now become the highest-grossing film domestically. It surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens' long-standing box office record. The film has grossed approximately USD 936.773 million in North America. Globally, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has earned around USD 2.45 billion. Marvel Studios and Sony plan future releases for the franchise.
Project Poshan benefits 3.32 lakh people in Jharkhand & Odisha over three years: Data
Vipraj Nigam Called Up As Injured Chakaravarthy Ruled Out Of Asian Games
Japan T20I: Young leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam has been called up to replace the injured Varun Chakaravarthy in Indias squad for the upcoming Japan T20I and the Asian Games, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of both assignments after suffering a side strain. The Men's Selection Committee has named Nigam as his replacement, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, initially in the Asian Games squad, has been withdrawn from the continental event and will now be part of India's upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. The selection committee also announced India's squads for the white-ball home series against West Indies and the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup clash against Ranji Trophy champions Jammu & Kashmir. The series against West Indies will have three ODIs and five T20Is starting September 27. Shubman Gill will lead the ODI side, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also named in the squad. Shreyas Iyer will be in charge of the T20I team, the side comprising a combination of experienced players and young talent such as Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. The ODI series will start in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 and then go to Guwahati and New Chandigarh. The five-match T20I series will take place in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Rishabh Pant has been named the captain of the Rest of India team for the Irani Cup match versus Jammu & Kashmir, and Sarfaraz Khan has been named his deputy; the squad also includes Akash Deep, provided that he passes a fitness check. The Irani Cup squad includes several players who have featured prominently in domestic cricket, with Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Anukul Roy and Mukesh Kumar among those selected. India ODI squad vs West Indies Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir. India T20I squad vs West Indies Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav. Rest of the India squad for the Irani Cup Rishabh Pant (C, WK), Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan (VC), Smaran Ravichandran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep*, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal (WK), Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy, Ayush Doseja. *Subject to fitness clearance. Rishabh Pant (C, WK), Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan (VC), Smaran Ravichandran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep*, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal (WK), Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy, Ayush Doseja. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (VC), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yash Thakur, Vipraj Nigam. Article Source: IANS
AI push in healthcare raises patient safety concerns
BLOs struggle with SIR workload, await additional payment
Certificates issued for SIR outside prescribed process under scanner
Activist seeks tighter crowd control, safety measures for India-WI T20 match
Orange alert in 20 districts for thunderstorms, lightning
Focus back on heavy vehicle curbs in Jamshedpur as 3 killed in 2 accidents
CID arrests 4 more for exam irregularities
Small traders shrug off UPI MDR, high-value merchants fear margin hit
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'Want Afghanistan To Win One World Cup By The Time I Am In The Team,' Says Rashid Khan
Arun Jaitley Stadium: There is a particular kind of calm about Rashid Khan these days. The leg-spinner who once seemed to exist purely as a wicket-taking force of nature is now at his warm and affable self on the eve of the third T20I against India, a game which Afghanistan have to win to avoid a 3-0 series defeat. On Tuesday night at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Afghanistan faltered yet again, Rashid was the exception for the designated hosts: 28 with the bat, and 3-36 with the ball. The runs, in particular, were not an accident, so as were the three boundaries he hit off Arshdeep Singh in the 18th over (with the inside-out loft over cover for six being the standout). They were the product of a shift that began the day he walked into the Gujarat Titans dressing room in the IPL and was told he was no longer merely a bowler who could swing a bat. I have always wanted to bat; I started playing cricket by batting. I always wanted to bat. For a team, 20-25 runs are very important, and I wanted to do that for my team, especially in T20s. So how can I do that? Earlier, I didn't get that much batting. But since I came to Gujarat Titans, I have been getting more batting in the net sessions. Ashish (Nehra) bhai told me that I will play as a batter too and not just as a bowler. So, I focused more on batting. By working on and improving my batting, when I make runs in the match, I automatically get more confidence. It comes from confidence, and when that goes high, the practice and hard work pay off, Rashid told IANS in an exclusive interaction facilitated by Red Bull on Wednesday. The technical work and success in batting have been made possible by someone who is not someone who appears in the headlines. Naeem Amin, who Rashid met during his time at Gujarat Titans, is the man the premier leg-spinner calls first when something feels off. Amin, who also trained India stars Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya before they were in England, was quick to message Rashid after Tuesdays game was over. He has helped me a lot. To be honest, all my improved batting has been done by Naeem Amin. Not just in batting, but also in bowling. I always talk with him. Last night, when the match was over, he messaged me, saying that I had a lot of fun. But what I enjoyed the most was when you hit a six over mid-off against Arshdeep - that was the best effort for me. To be honest, before we came here, I had done 3-4 sessions with him. We were working on how to play straight, how to hit a straight six, and not hit cross-bat. He was very happy that I hit a straight six. He helped me a lot. My go-to person is Naeem Amin. I go to him and ask him what I did wrong and what I can do better. If Afghanistan's arrival as a side capable of beating anyone has a starting point, Rashid places it squarely at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India - the tournament where the underdog tag stopped being an excuse and started being a weapon. It also has a New Delhi connection they beat the then-reigning champions England and sent their loyal supporters back home in euphoria. Exactly, everything started from here. In the 2023 World Cup, we defeated England, then we defeated Sri Lanka and Pakistan -- we defeated big teams. Australia was also close, but it was an innings Maxwell played and changed the game. In the 2024 World Cup, we defeated New Zealand, then we defeated Australia and reached the semifinal, recalls Rashid. The list has only grown since. But Rashid is wary of a team that celebrates upsets rather than expects results, and he keeps returning to the same word. In the Champions Trophy, we defeated England in Pakistan. It was a great achievement for us in the last 3-4 years. That's when our cricket reached another level. Now, it's a tough challenge for us to maintain consistency. We want to do it again and again -- we don't just do it once, and that's it. That is because when you do it again and again, that's when you show consistency. It's a big challenge for us. It was a tough match for us against South Africa in the T20 World Cup; we played in a double super-over, and we didn't win the match. I think it's a positive thing that we played well and performed well. We will try to do better. We will try to find a way to defeat big teams again and again. When there is pressure, we will control ourselves and focus on our skills. The one subject on which Rashid's fluency briefly deserts him is the T20I captaincy role, which he held till Afghanistan exited this years T20 World Cup at the group stage. When that captaincy was taken from him and given to Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid let out a laugh. Le li (it was taken). I mean, I don't understand. Whatever happens, it will be for the good. We don't know what the future holds for us. For me, it was my destiny to lead Afghanistan to this much. It was the same for Jonathan Trott. It was his destiny. I always wanted to lead the team and do well. But there are some things that you can't control. You have to accept, as a player, that you have to move on and play for the country. I know it's not there, but hopefully, Ibrahim is a good young guy. We all know how skilful he is. Hopefully, he can lead the team and win more matches in Afghanistan. For a cricketer whose career was briefly affected by back surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup and extensive pain management after that, the most significant scoreline of 2026 is no complaints, no pain, no management plans. To achieve that, red-ball cricket, Rashids favourite format, has been put on the back burner. It's been sabse zabardast (very fantastic). I want every year to be like this one only 2026. I want to perform well and try to do well. So far, it's great in both formats, T20 and ODIs. The biggest thing is that my back supports me a lot. It helps me a lot, and I don't get any complaints from my back. So, I'm so happy about that. That turnaround, he says, owes a great deal to a few days in Austria at Red Bull's High Performance Centre in Salzburg, Australia, where the diagnosis was less about treatment for the back. Yes, it was very important. I was struggling a lot with my back. Then, I went to Red Bull's High Performance Centre in Austria. I wanted to do a full-body check-up to see where I could do better and the areas where my back was having problems. Even after the surgery, I was getting pain little by little. The 2-3 days that I spent there were very big days for me because I did a check-up of my whole body and found out my strengths and weaknesses. I was so impressed with it that I wanted to go again. Inshallah, I will go there for 2-3 weeks for training only. It was a good experience where I clearly got an idea of my body. We did a full-body check-up, and then for half a day, we sat with the physiotherapists and discussed the areas that needed to be improved by showing them on the screen. That really helped me and gave me a clear picture of where I do better. It's simple for me. Apart from the recovery, the nutrition aspect has been super simple for Rashid, whose favourite food is Dal Makhani. It's simple for me. I don't exercise too much, don't do much extra dieting, or eat everything, and I try to keep it simple. I am not strict - like, I don't have a weight machine with me, and I eat too much or too little, and I try to eat only what is good for myself and my health, as if you become rigid, then the guy becomes mentally affected. Sometimes, I feel like I want to eat biryani today and then have it once a week. I mean, too many restrictions are also not fine like no biryani at all. But I try to eat as much healthy food as possible. We all know what is healthy and what is not. You don't ask anyone about that. The more you eat healthy food, the less unhealthy stuff you eat, and your diet automatically goes as per that. I don't focus much on high-protein things. Whatever the body wishes to eat, I do that to give it sukoon (peace). If the body is happy, then you are also happy. Ask him what has changed most in the last 12 months and the answer has nothing to do with cricket. Rashid's son, Azlan, has rewired how quickly he can leave a bad day behind and, going by his own admission, that has had a startling effect on his wicket column. Before he was born, my mind wouldn't get fresh quickly. But now when I see his face or video-call him, my whole body relaxes. He is also a lucky charm for me. Since he came to the ground for the first match in England, I took five wickets. Then, in 3 matches, he came to Ireland, and I took 12 scalps. He is a lucky charm. He woke up during last night's match and watched it when I picked three wickets. He was sleeping in the previous match, and that's why my performance was not good. He is my happiness. He is my lucky charm. It's a different feeling. With a younger group now coming through, Rashid and his contemporaries find themselves in the role of custodians - telling the newcomers not just where Afghanistan cricket is, but what it cost to get here. We do talk to them. But we have put in a lot of effort, practised a lot, and given a lot of qurbani (sacrifices). All of it was done by the senior players, and I think this stage is the result of that. It's not like we got some things for free. We have put in a lot of effort. It's a matter of where we started to where we are now like from starting by playing against small teams to beating big sides. We do talk about it, but how to bring consistency in that and defeat them constantly and always bring in good performances. Home, for this team, is largely an idea sustained across hotel rooms in other countries, including playing away games. Rashid's squad packs it the only way it can - in small, edible, and familiar things. It's difficult to take so many things from Afghanistan with us. We don't spend much time in Afghanistan. But people's love and prayers are always with us, wherever we go. We can't take anything else with us, apart from their love and prayers. But we do carry the most famous dry fruits in Afghanistan to bring that home-like feeling. Like we eat dry fruits and have green tea in Afghanistan. We do the same around it so that we get back that feeling. Hopefully one day we can play an international match in Afghanistan - in Kabul and other cities. It's going to be a dream. New Delhi, meanwhile, is a city he knows well enough to have a favourite haunt he can no longer visit in peace Mazaar, a popular Afghan cuisine serving restaurant in Lajpat Nagar, a place where the diaspora is supremely active, apart from Bhogal in Jangpura. It's very difficult to go to Lajpat Nagar now. Before, it was fun going there no one would recognise us, and we would go to easily eat food and have fun. But it's difficult now, though at the same time, it's good the food comes from there, and we eat in the hotel. But it's still good. For all the records, franchise titles and wickets in every league on planet Earth, Rashid's definition of a career well spent will come down to a single, unclaimed piece of silverware an ICC title. Afghanistan came within touching distance of it in the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup, when they entered the semi-finals. It's very difficult to go to Lajpat Nagar now. Before, it was fun going there no one would recognise us, and we would go to easily eat food and have fun. But it's difficult now, though at the same time, it's good the food comes from there, and we eat in the hotel. But it's still good. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories But the most important thing is that I want Afghanistan to win one World Cup by the time I am there in the team. I think this will be a big achievement for me. I hope that before I retire, I have this in the book that yes, we won the championship or a World Cup, whether it is T20 or ODI, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
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WPL 2027 To Begin On January 14, Auction On October 28 In Kochi
WPL Player Auction: The fifth edition of the Womens Premier League (WPL) will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the key dates for the upcoming season on Wednesday. The first major deadline on the road to the new campaign will be the player retention deadline on September 28, giving the five franchises an opportunity to decide which members of their existing squads they want to retain. The next stage of squad-building will take place at the WPL Player Auction on October 28. The auction will be held at the Grand Hyatt Kochi, where franchises will seek to fill gaps and finalise their combinations for the fifth season. The 2027 tournament will follow the 2026 edition, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The league continues to feature five franchises, RCB, DC, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, and provides a platform for both established international players and emerging Indian talent. The retention window will be particularly significant as franchises assess their squads ahead of the auction. With the five teams required to build balanced combinations across batting, bowling and all-round options, decisions made in September will shape their approach in Kochi a month later. The 2027 tournament will follow the 2026 edition, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The league continues to feature five franchises, RCB, DC, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, and provides a platform for both established international players and emerging Indian talent. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With the dates now confirmed, the immediate focus shifts to the franchises and their retention plans. Once those decisions are made by September 28, attention will turn to Kochi, where the October 28 auction will provide the next major step towards assembling the squads for the 2027 season. Article Source: IANS
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BCCI decided to bring IPL 2027 auction back to India: Report
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Indias Remarkable Asian Games Cricket Story: Two Misses, Two Gold Medals
Crickets entry into the Asian Games was supposed to be a landmark moment for the sport in the continent. The story began in May 2009, when the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) approved cricket as an Asian Games sport. It was to make its debut at Guangzhou in 2010, with Twenty20 chosen as the format for both men and women. The OCA was particularly keen on the participation of India and Pakistan, believing their presence would give the new competition credibility and help promote cricket in countries where it was still relatively unfamiliar. But India did not turn up. Why India missed Guangzhou 2010 The BCCI said its mens and womens teams were unavailable because India were scheduled to host New Zealand for a full Test and ODI series in November 2010 and decided it could not spare its leading players for the Asian Games. There was an attempt to find a compromise by sending a second-string Indian team, but amid differences between the BCCI and the Indian Olympic Association over the composition of the squad, this also did not happen. Indias absence was a major disappointment, as cricket had been introduced into the Games with the expectation that the continents leading cricket nations would support the event. The disappointment was particularly sharp in Guangzhou, where a 6,532-seat international cricket stadium was constructed specifically for the Games to showcase a sport largely unfamiliar to the Chinese public. The absence of Indian cricketers deprived the event of some of its biggest potential stars. Indias absence also became part of a wider debate about crickets place in multi-sport events. The OCA wanted the Asian Games to help spread the game beyond its traditional strongholds. India says no again in 2014 Four years later, the same story was repeated at the Incheon Asian Games. This time, the principal problem was the Champions League Twenty20, held in India from September 13 to October 4, overlapping almost exactly with the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4. Four IPL teams were involved in the Champions League, meaning many of Indias leading players were committed to their franchises. The BCCI argued that the cricket calendar was already too congested to accommodate another assignment. But the decision was particularly controversial because India did not send its womens team either, although they had no comparable international fixture clash. India was again the only Asian Test-playing nation not to participate in either the mens or womens competition. The decision drew an unusually strong response from OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. He accused India of putting commercial interests ahead of the wider development of cricket and said its repeated absence was damaging the sports expansion. Indias absence also stood out because other cricket boards were willing to participate despite their own scheduling problems. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh entered both competitions, while Pakistan sent its womens team. The change came in Hangzhou The breakthrough finally came at the 2022 Asian Games, held in Hangzhou in 2023 after the Games were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time, India entered both the mens and womens cricket competitions. The senior Indian mens team was simultaneously involved in the ODI World Cup being played at home. India therefore sent a second-string but highly talented squad to Hangzhou, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. The womens team entered the competition with a strong squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur. Indias long-awaited debut could hardly have been more successful. The women claimed Indias first cricket gold at the Asian Games, and the men followed with gold of their own. After refusing to participate in the first two editions, India walked away from its first Asian Games cricket appearance with two gold medals. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The transformation was striking. In 2010 and 2014, it prompted accusations that the country was putting business ahead of the sports wider interests. By 2023, India became its dominant cricketing force and now returns to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games not as a reluctant participant, but as the defending champion in both mens and womens cricket.
Big B remembers Motilal, Geeta Bali, Savitri: They performed, not exactly acted
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has reflected on the rare art of effortless performance, remembering legendary actors Motilal, Geeta Bali and Savitri as performers who, in his words, performed, not exactly acted in the true sense. The icon took to his blog where he said their natural talent made them equally loved and admired. He started the blog with: A little contemplation is never undue .. many thoughts run through ....work related .. and many other forms .. but substantial and effective when you bring a semblance of the casual in the temperament(sic). The proclamation that often happens in an outreach for a proposed presence to enhance a moment .. the proclamation never works according to me .. casually conveyance is the call of the hour for there is reason do we ever proclaim in our dailies each day or there is a sense of the casual .. would say: casualness be the corner stone of all stones(sic).. Later in the blog, Amitabh delved into the idea of natural performance, recalling Motilal, Geeta Bali and Savitri as actors whose work never seemed forced. Actors with the natural talent of non performance, when performing are the ones that be loved admired with proven followings Motilal ji , Geeta Bali , Savitri .. are some that come to mind instantly , though there are several others that are brilliant .. they performed , not exactly acted in the true sense .. loved and admired equally... nothing shall come of nothing .... and with equal sense of the 'retirement' .. to bed (sic). Talking about work, Big B is currently see in Kaun Banega Crorepati, which is the official Hindi version of the original British format Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The format is similar to other shows in the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise: contestants are asked multiple choice questions and must select the correct answer from four possible choices, and are provided with lifelines that may be used if they are uncertain. Big B, who was last seen Vettaiyan directed by T. J. Gnanavel, will reportedly be seen in Nitesh Tiwarys upcoming magnum opus Ramayana: Part 1. The upcoming film will also star Yash, Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol. The icon will reportedly play the character of Jatayu. Amitabh is currently busy with filmmaker Nag Ashwins Kalki 2898 AD sequel. The film also stars Kamal Haasan and Prabhas. Meanwhile, legendary actor Motilal Rajvansh was known for his work in Devdas and Parakh. He also directed the film Chhoti Chhoti Baten in 1965, but died before its release. Savitri is as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she was popularly known by the epithets Mahanati in Telugu and Nadigaiyar Thilagam in Tamil. Savitri was among the highest-paid in South Indian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s and is often considered the Queen of Telugu cinema Geeta Bali is regarded among the finest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. She acted in over 75 films in a career spanning over two decades. Bali started her career as a child artist with The Cobbler in 1942 and had her first success with Sohag Raat in 1948. She married actor Shammi Kapoor in 1955, with whom she has two children including actor Aditya Raj Kapoor.
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