Hockey India President suspends DG Srivastava for dereliction of duty
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey on Saturday initiated disciplinary proceedings with a show-cause notice to HI director general Cdr RK Srivastava and directed him to immediately cease discharging his duties. In the show-cause notice, the Hockey India President alleged Cdr RK Srivastava of, among other things, dereliction of duty or wilful disobedience. The notice mentions the arbitrary decision to change the national teams jersey without prior consultation or clearance ahead of the World Cup. In the interest of maintaining discipline, accountability and the smooth functioning of Hockey India, we hereby inform you that, with immediate effect, all your powers as Director General of Hockey India cease, and you shall not exercise any authority or act on behalf of Hockey India pending further decision in accordance with the Hockey India Bye-Laws. You are further directed to hand over complete operational charge, together with all official records, documents, files, official access credentials, assets and pending matters, to such officer/person as may be designated in writing by the Presidents Office..., the show-cause notice said. The notice also mentioned more instances, but the immediate trigger has been the decision to change the colours of Indian teams' jerseys and Srivastavas travel to the World Cup despite explicit and repeated directions from Tirkey against it. The HI president has instead approved Subhadra Pradhan, Rani Rampal and Sardar Singh as selectors and junior coaches for travel, but none were informed. Srivastava has also been taking arbitrary decisions in franchise coordination and priority work regarding the Hockey India League. The non-compliance on your part was a direct insult to, and disobedience of, the office of the President, Hockey India, it states. Among other charges of dereliction of duty or wilful disobedience, the notice mentions the non-execution of directed disciplinary action against the contracted PR agency, non-submission of proof for action taken against concerned players and chief coach Craig Fulton on reports of misdemeanour during the South African tour in December last, non-availability on record of the internal/POSH committee proceedings and report on allegations against Vikram Pal and withholding communications from the FIH/AHF/national federations.
Bollywood has often been associated with established film families and industry connections, but several actors have built successful careers without the advantage of a film lineage. Their journeys have been shaped by varied roles, consistent performances and projects that connected with audiences. From Ali Fazal's Guddu Bhaiya becoming a widely recognised character to Rajkummar Rao finding major commercial success with Stree, these actors have gradually established their positions in Hindi cinema. Ali Fazal Ali Fazal has followed a diverse career path, moving across independent films, mainstream Bollywood, international projects and streaming platforms. Over the years, he has taken on a range of roles and built a career that spans different formats and genres. One of his most recognised characters came with Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur. The role turned into an important part of his career and developed a strong following among viewers. Guddu Bhaiya became a widely discussed pop-culture character, with his hairstyle, fashion and dialogues being referenced by fans. The character's popularity eventually extended beyond the streaming series. That popularity reached the big screen with Mirzapur The Movie. The film crossed the 100 crore mark in India during its opening run, marking a significant theatrical milestone for the franchise. Its performance also demonstrated how the popularity of a streaming character could translate into box-office interest. For Ali Fazal, the success has further strengthened the connection between his portrayal of Guddu Bhaiya and the audience. Kartik Aaryan Kartik Aaryan's career has developed without the backing of a film family. He gradually built recognition through projects that connected with younger audiences and established a relatable screen presence. A major turning point came with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. By stepping into the franchise, Kartik took on the responsibility of leading a commercial entertainer and emerged as a strong box-office performer. The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 significantly changed the scale of his career. It established him as a leading actor capable of carrying a major theatrical franchise. The Bhool Bhulaiyaa films also gave Kartik a recognisable franchise identity, allowing audiences to associate him with a character and series they were willing to return to theatres for. Following this success, he continued to take on bigger projects and strengthened his position in the commercial space. Rajkummar Rao Rajkummar Rao spent years building his reputation through performance-oriented roles before experiencing a major shift in his commercial journey. That change came with Stree. The horror-comedy became a major box-office success, with the first instalment crossing the Rs 100 crores mark in India. Its performance showed how a combination of content, memorable characters and positive word of mouth could translate into theatrical success. The franchise grew further with its subsequent instalment, giving Rajkummar a stronger presence in mainstream cinema. His journey stands out because his commercial success has remained closely connected to his acting abilities. Rather than moving away from performance-driven stories, Rajkummar has continued to work across different kinds of projects. The Stree franchise expanded his reach and established him as an actor capable of leading commercially successful films while retaining a focus on performance. Ayushmann Khurrana Ayushmann Khurrana established a distinct position in Bollywood by taking on stories and characters that were often considered unconventional for mainstream Hindi cinema. Dream Girl became an important commercial success in his career. The film crossed the Rs 100 crores mark and demonstrated that his style of storytelling could attract audiences to theatres. In the same year, Bala also crossed the Rs 100 crores mark, giving Ayushmann another major commercial success. Together, the films strengthened his position as an actor associated with content-driven entertainers. His success has been different from that of a conventional commercial star. Ayushmann built his leading-man image around unusual subjects, imperfect characters and stories that addressed themes outside traditional mainstream formulas. His career has therefore shown that unconventional concepts can also support commercially successful leading actors. Pankaj Tripathi Pankaj Tripathi's rise in Hindi cinema has been gradual. He spent years appearing in supporting and smaller roles before becoming one of the industry's most recognisable character actors. His performances across films and streaming projects steadily increased his visibility, with audiences developing familiarity with his screen presence. OMG 2 became an important commercial milestone in this journey. The film collected over Rs 150 crores net in India and crossed Rs 220 crores worldwide, emerging as a major theatrical success. The performance added another dimension to Pankaj's career, demonstrating that audiences were willing to watch him not only in supporting roles but also in prominent parts of commercially successful films. From Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur to his role in OMG 2, Pankaj has built a career that reflects the changing definition of a Bollywood star, where character actors can also develop a strong audience following. Abhay Verma Among the newer generation of actors, Abhay Verma's success with Munjya became an important turning point. The film did not rely on an established superstar to drive its box-office performance. Instead, its momentum grew through audience interest and word of mouth. Munjya crossed the Rs 100 crores mark in India, eventually collecting over Rs 107 crores net domestically and around Rs 132 crores worldwide. The film introduced Abhay to a much wider theatrical audience and gave his career a significant boost. For a relatively new actor, the success provided the kind of visibility that can change the course of a career. Munjya also demonstrated that audiences can respond to fresh faces when the story and character connect with them. For newcomers, the film's performance highlighted the potential of a strong project to create a wider audience base without relying entirely on established star power. Also Read : Mirzapur The Movie Box Office: Excel Entertainments film crosses the Rs. 200 cr mark at the worldwide box officeo/-=
The making of a successful film involves careful planning, a strong script and consistent execution. For director Abhishek Pathak, however, the journey of the Drishyam franchise has also been shaped by the support of his family and what he considers good fortune. As Drishyam The Conclusion approaches its theatrical release, Pathak recently reflected on the 12-year journey of the franchise and how his personal life has evolved alongside it. While the series is known for its suspense, writing and twists, the director sees his experience through a more personal perspective, particularly the support he has received from his wife, Shivaleeka Oberoi. Speaking at the trailer launch, Pathak recalled the journey of the franchise and the personal milestones he experienced along the way. He said, This is a journey of 12 years. I think nobody had thought that wed be standing here together after 12 years, and complete this journey of part 3. I am 39 today and in part 2, I married Shivaleeka and now in part 3, I have a daughter. I became a father. It is emotional, and Shivaleeka has been a part of it since Drishyam 2, giving me peace, giving me support. Filmmaking is intense, and she kept me sane. It is a great journey, a long journey. Pathak's comments highlight the personal side of working on a franchise over several years. As the director returned to the world of Drishyam for its third instalment, his life outside filmmaking also changed, with marriage and fatherhood becoming important milestones during the journey. He also credited Shivaleeka's presence and support for helping him manage the pressures that come with filmmaking. For Pathak, the experience of making the Drishyam films has therefore been closely connected with the changes in his personal life. With Drishyam The Conclusion set to continue the story, Pathak now looks back at a franchise that has remained part of his professional and personal journey for more than a decade. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2, 2026. Also Read : Abhishek Pathak, Sandeep Francis Switch Off selected for Ltrange Festival in Paris
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'I definitely know how his mind works': Shreyas Iyer on Gautam Gambhir
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Bumrah Needs Game Time To Build Confidence On Return From Knee Injury, Says Captain Shreyas Iyer
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India skipper Shreyas Iyer said returning fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's focus is entirely on match readiness and winning championships as he prepares to return to international action in Sunday's T20I opener against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Bumrahs return after missing England's third ODI and the Sri Lanka Test series delivers a crucial boost for India, whose T20I form has faltered since June via defeats to Ireland and England, before winning the series in Zimbabwe. The two-time T20 World Cup winner boasts 121 wickets in 95 T20Is, a resume highlighted by his Player of the Tournament performance in 2024 and a Player of the Match display in this year's final against New Zealand. Iyer also noted that even established players require time on the field to regain match sharpness following a lay-off. See, as a player comes out of an injury, it's important that he gets game time and you need that sort of confidence when you are coming into the game. He has played so much cricket over the years. He is immensely experienced, but at the end of the day, if you would ask me as an individual who is coming out of an injury, I would want more game time and more confidence leading up to a certain tournament. Definitely, I interacted with him yesterday. He is in that mindset where he wants to come and perform for the team and see to it that we win championships, said Iyer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. The right-handed batter was optimistic about the squads preparation overall, highlighting that high-intensity training sessions over the past two days have gone well despite ongoing workload management considerations. See, as I mentioned, we are just focusing on tomorrow's game at the moment. Looking at every individual who has come out of an injury, they are looking fit and fine. They are in great shape. We had two high-intensity sessions yesterday and the day before yesterday. So, I honestly can't tell you how we are going to manage it. But all I can assure you is that the team is looking promising. We are having great preparation. I want to be optimistic in terms of how we approach the game. Iyer praised the inclusion of fast bowler Yash Thakur, who was called up to the squad following a fresh thigh injury to Harshit Rana. Nagpur-based Thakur made his T20I debut in July against Zimbabwe and picked up two wickets in as many games. Thakur has also been with the Punjab Kings, a franchise Iyer captains in the IPL since 2025. As you see, Yash, he has been playing a lot of domestic cricket as well. He has performed consistently for his team, Vidarbha. They have won championships, and he has been someone who has been consistent throughout. So, he definitely deserves to be here. Leading up to the Asian Games, his name was already there as a backup. So, he is someone who is a quality bowler who has experience bowling in the domestic and also in the IPL. We have all seen him. He is a fantastic fielder as well. So, looking at all these qualities, I feel that he is the right match-up against a quality opponent and definitely, he has got the mindset of a champion, he said while replying to a query from IANS. As you see, Yash, he has been playing a lot of domestic cricket as well. He has performed consistently for his team, Vidarbha. They have won championships, and he has been someone who has been consistent throughout. So, he definitely deserves to be here. Leading up to the Asian Games, his name was already there as a backup. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, whoever gets the opportunity in place of them, they have to see to it that they seize their position and definitely help the team to victory. I am glad that Nitish is back from his injury, and he is looking in great shape, and the efforts that he put in yesterday, I saw the workload was pretty intense. Yes, looking forward to seeing him in this series and then all the games going forward. Article Source: IANS
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Vin Diesel quote: Vin Diesel shared his childhood ambition to become an actor. If acting did not work out, he wished to be a superhero. This reflects the boundless imagination of youth. He is known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise. Diesel also voiced the character Groot in Marvel films.
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Star-studded field set for second edition of Archery Premier League
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 12 (IANS) The Archery Premier League (APL) is set for a bigger second season, with 36 of Indias leading archers set to compete alongside 12 international stars from 10 countries in Hyderabad from October 8 to 18. The expanded field brings together Olympic medallists, world champions, World Cup winners and some of the biggest names in the sport, adding further international flavour to the six-franchise competition. Four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari and World Championship silver medallist Atanu Das headline Indias recurve contingent, with reigning Asian champion Dhiraj Bommadevara also part of the field. The compound section features multi-time World Cup and Asian Games champion Jyothi Surekha Vennam, former World No. 1 Abhishek Verma and former World Champion Ojas Pravin Deotale. The international contingent is led by Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Mete Gazoz of Trkiye, Paris 2024 bronze medallist Casey Kaufhold of the United States, Brazils World No. 1 Marcus DAlmeida and Great Britains World No. 2 Ella Gibson. Dutch compound star Mike Schloesser, a former World Champion and four-time World Cup Final winner, will also compete. The league will also feature all 12 members of Indias Asian Games-bound archery squad, giving the APL added relevance ahead of the countrys campaign in Aichi-Nagoya later this month. Anil Kamineni, Director, Archery Premier League, said, Following an incredible response to our inaugural season, we are ready to deliver an even bigger Season 2. Having the worlds top international archers join our league transforms the APL into a truly global spectacle, while continuing to give our Indian archers an invaluable competitive platform to test themselves directly against the best in the world. The Indian roster, selected on the basis of World Archery and national rankings, combines established performers with emerging talent. Of the 36 Indian archers, 21 featured in the inaugural season, while 15 will make their APL debut. Among those entering the league for the first time are World Championships silver medallist Rajat Chauhan, World Cup stage gold medallist Ridhi, World University Games gold medallist Kushal Dalal and junior national champion Kirti Sharma. The second season will retain one of the leagues most distinctive features its 15-second shot clock. Five seconds quicker than the standard Olympic timing, the format is designed to place greater emphasis on speed, decision-making and composure under pressure. Initiated by the Archery Association of India with the support of the Government of Telangana, the league will feature six mixed-gender franchise teams competing across the Recurve and Compound categories. The 11-day tournament will be held at Peoples Plaza on Hyderabads Necklace Road, with matches scheduled from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm each evening. Rajputana Royals won the inaugural edition, which also generated significant digital engagement among younger audiences. With a deeper international field and a mix of established Indian stars and emerging talent, the second edition will aim to build on the leagues debut while providing Indian archers with regular exposure to elite global competition. APL Season 2 squads: Compound Men India: Rishabh Yadav, Kushal Dalal, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, Abhishek Verma, Thirumuru Ganesh Mani Ratnam, Ojas Pravin Deotale, Shivshankar Sakharam Landkar, Aman Saini, Rajat Chauhan. Compound Men Foreign: Mike Schloesser (Netherlands), Mathias Fullerton (Denmark), Nico Wiener (Austria). Compound Women India: Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, Madhura Dhamangaonkar, Taniparthi Chikitha, Prithika Pradeep, Jasveer Kaur, Swati Dudhwal, Raj Kaur, Avneet Kaur. Compound Women Foreign: Andrea Maya Becerra Arizaga (Mexico), Ella Gibson (Great Britain), Alejandra Usquiano (Colombia). Recurve Men India: Bommadevara Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, Yashdeep Bhoge, Atanu Das, Mrinal Chauhan, Rohit Kumar, Pawan, Abhyuday Amol Pakhale, Juyel Sarkar. Recurve Men Foreign: Marcus DAlmeida (Brazil), Matias Grande (Mexico), Mete Gazoz (Trkiye). Recurve Women India: Deepika Kumari, Kirti Sharma, Kumkum Anil Mohod, Ankita Bhakat, Sangeeta, Simranjeet Kaur, Ridhi, Kondapavuluri Yuktha Sri, Gatha Anandrao Khadake. Recurve Women Foreign: Casey Kaufhold (USA), Alejandra Valencia Trujillo (Mexico), Elia Canales (Spain). Teams: Chero Archers of Jharkhand, Chola Chiefs of Tamil Nadu, Kakatiya Knights of Telangana, Mighty Marathas of Maharashtra, PrithviRaj Yodhas of Delhi and Rajputana Royals of Rajasthan.
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A gym member who paid Rs 15,500 expecting nationwide access to training was denied entry at a franchise branch in another city after relocating, with the parent company and franchise blaming each other over a failed transfer. The Ernakulam consumer commission ruled in his favour, ordering both to jointly pay him Rs 19,400
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Bollywood Hungama travelled to Goa earlier this week for the trailer launch of the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion. Soon after we reached our hotel and headed for lunch, this writer bumped into Dr Sharad Bhutadiya, the veteran actor who plays Martin in the thriller franchise. Interestingly, the lunch area itself had a Drishyam theme. Pav Bhaji, as expected, was part of the buffet, while the venue was aptly christened Martins Corner, after the restaurant run by Martin Uncle in the film. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Dr Sharad Bhutadiya spoke about the film, the enduring popularity of his character and a lot more. When asked about the Martins Corner tribute, Dr Sharad Bhutadiya said, This makes me very proud (smiles). Its wonderful to see that my role has had some impact and that people still remember and cherish it. Credit goes to everyone, mainly to the film's writer along with Ajay Devgn and the director. Hum sab ne milke uss waqt jo kiya tha, woh abhi tak logon ko yaad hai. Did the first parts director, the late Nishikant Kamat, offer him the part? Dr Sharad Bhutadiya replied, No, he didnt. However, I knew him. I remember someone from the team had called me from Pune. They explained my role to me in brief and asked if Id be interested in signing for the film. When asked if he had seen the original film starring Mohanlal, he replied, I didnt see it, but I saw it later, after I had finished working on the first part. Just like the rest of the team, Dr Sharad Bhutadiya also stated, I cant say much, but I can assure you that Drishyam The Conclusion is very different from the Malayalam Drishyams third part. Since the release of the first Drishyam in 2015, Dr Sharad Bhutadiyas life has changed and he has been recognized by the aam junta when hes out. Dr Sharad Bhutadiya revealed, It happened many times (smiles). And this is what I find very surprising. If you see, mere role mein aisa kuch tha hi nahin. And yet, people appreciated it a lot! He spoke highly of his co-star, Ajay Devgn, Hes very cool and down-to-earth. He never does show-off or anything of that sort. He talks to co-actors respectfully. He treats everyone equally. Yeh aaj kal nahin dekhne ko milta hai. Dr Sharad Bhutadiya has worked extensively in Marathi films and also a few Hindi films. He admitted that the industry did notice him after the release of Drishyam. He said, I did get 2-3 offers. However, due to my other commitments, I had to decline them. However, it would have been great if I had accepted those offers. The third part of Drishyam is said to be the final one. Dr Sharad Bhutadiya joked, Woh pata nahin (laughs). Does he feel a part 4 can be in the offing in the near future? He replied, Part 4 bhi ho sakta hai. It all depends on the writer. Writer ke dimaag mein kya chalta hai, yeh samajna bahut mushkil hai! Also Read: Alia Bhatt REACTS to Ajay Devgns Drishyam The Conclusion trailer: Hat-trick incoming
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Jamie Lee Curtis remembers late friend 25 years after cancer death
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 12 (IANS) Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has remembered her late friend Katie Westbrook, who died of cancer 25 years ago, and highlighted the lack of progress in finding effective treatments for childhood cancer. Curtis took to Instagram, where she said she wears Westbrooks wig whenever she speaks about childrens health, as a tribute to her friends resilience, humour and grace during her battle with the disease. She wrote on Instagram: My friend Katie Westbrook died 25 years ago. Her mother's beautiful essay questioning the lack of progress and a treatment for the horrific cancer that took her life is in my bio. I wear her wig whenever I talk about children's health as a way of reminding people of her resilient spirit, humor, and grace during the fight of her life.#neverforget, Lee Curtis added. Jamie Lee Curtis is known for her performances in the horror and slasher genres, alongside multiple comedies, she is regarded as a scream queen. Curtis has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, two Golden Globes, and two Actor Awards, as well as a nomination for a Grammy Award. Curtis made her screen debut in a 1977 episode of the television drama Quincy, M.E.. Her film debut came with Halloween and established her as a prominent scream queen. Her subsequent horror roles have included The Fog, Prom Night, and Terror Train, as well as six sequels from the Halloween franchise, concluding with Halloween Ends. She also gained brief recognition as a sex symbol following her role as a fitness instructor in Perfect and won her first Golden Globe for the sitcom Anything but Love. Curtis' most successful roles outside of the horror genre have been in the comedies Trading Places, True Lies, and Everything Everywhere All at Once; these respectively earned her BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award wins. Her other film credits include A Fish Called Wanda, Blue Steel, My Girl, The Tailor of Panama, Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks, Knives Out, The Last Showgirl, and Freakier Friday. Curtis earned her first Emmy nomination for the television film Nicholas' Gift, and later won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for the FX series The Bear. She also acted in the satirical slasher series Scream Queens.
Yasir saw a football league take off, he decided to join game
For Yasir Hayat Ahangar, the day does not always begin in the boardroom. Some mornings, before the demands of running his businesses take over, he finds time for a workout. Later, when the workday is over, he tries to return home early enough to play badminton with his children. It is a routine that reflects a larger ambition, Ahangar wants sport to become more than a pastime in Kashmir. As the CEO of Swift Multiventures and a football franchise owner in the Kashmir Super League, he sees an opportunity for businesses to help organise, finance and nurture a sporting culture that he believes is rich in talent but still short of sustained corporate support. ForYasir HayatAhangar, business and sport are not two separate worlds. Ahangar, who hails from Rainawari in Srinagar, sees the playing field as an extension of corporate responsibility and community building. A businessman by profession and a sports enthusiast at heart, Ahangar says his association with sport predates his entrepreneurial journey. While he never pursued it professionally, he has always remained closely connected to sporting activities. Watching the success of the Kashmir Super League (KSL) last year convinced him that the corporate sector could play a much bigger role in nurturing local talent. Inspired by the overwhelming public response to the league, Ahangar became the second franchise owner, viewing the investment as more than a commercial venture. I wanted to contribute something meaningful to society, he says, adding that his long-term vision extends beyond football to supporting sports such as cricket and badminton. Managing a growing business alongside sporting commitments, he credits teamwork rather than individual effort for making it possible. With the support of his brother Bilal and a dedicated team, Ahangar says he is able to strike a balance between business and social initiatives. Despite his hectic schedule, he makes time every morning for exercise, believing that personal fitness is essential for maintaining discipline and productivity. He believes Kashmir possesses immense sporting talent that is increasingly being recognised worldwide. However, he feels local corporate participation has not kept pace with the potential. While appreciating the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of many businesses, he argues that sports deserve far greater attention and investment. Swift Multiventures, he says, intends to strengthen its engagement with grassroots sports. The company also aims to adopt and fully support a local football club, providing sustained backing instead of one-off sponsorships. Ahangar is equally concerned about the mushrooming of unorganised sporting events across Kashmir. While the growing enthusiasm for sports is encouraging, he believes commercialisation without professionalism has created several challenges. According to him, leagues and tournaments should be managed by qualified professionals to ensure transparency, discipline and credibility. We want to be part of that reformation, he says, expressing confidence that structured management can transform the sporting ecosystem in the Valley. Away from boardrooms, badminton remains Ahangar's favourite sport. Whenever time permits, he plays with his children, making it a part of family life. He believes such moments not only strengthen family bonds but also encourage children to embrace active lifestyles from an early age. Concerned by the rise of sedentary lifestyles driven by smartphones and desk-bound jobs, Ahangar advocates regular physical activity. Whether it is a morning walk, gym session or any sport, he believes exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, improve productivity and maintain overall well-being. His concern extends beyond fitness to one of Kashmir's most pressing social issues, drug addiction. Describing it as a growing threat to the younger generation, he says the first line of defence lies within the family. Parents, he believes, must remain actively involved in their children's lives while communities and local institutions should work together to provide constructive alternatives through sports and recreational activities. For Ahanger, sports are far more than competition. They represent discipline, opportunity and hope. Having built his business from modest beginnings, he believes every individual, regardless of background, has the capacity to contribute to society. Through corporate participation in sports, he hopes to inspire young people to stay away from drugs, pursue healthy lifestyles and realise their potential. His vision is simple but ambitious, a Kashmir where businesses invest not only in economic growth but also in building stronger communities through sport.
Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt Confirms Arrowhead Name Will Be Dropped For New Stadium
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Rajasthan civic polls: Second phase ends at 70.68 pc voting, overall voter turnout is 72.95 pc
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan local body elections concluded on Friday across 147 urban local bodies, recording an overall voting percentage of 70.68 per cent. Overall, the voter turnout was 72.95 per cent in two phases, according to election department data. The second phase covered 147 local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipalities and 121 municipal councils. A total of 4,774 polling stations were set up for the second phase. According to the data, 87,63,595 voters were eligible to cast their ballots in the second phase. Of these, 61,93,865 voters exercised their franchise. Highest voting was recorded in Balotra's Dhorimanna which was 91.59 per cent, while lowest polling was reported at Sirohi which was 62.03 per cent. The second phase followed polling held on September 9 across 162 urban local bodies. The first phase recorded a turnout of 74.76 per cent, according to the election data. Across the two phases, elections were conducted in a total of 309 urban local bodies. The combined voter turnout was recorded at 72.95 per cent. The election department had made extensive arrangements for polling across the constituencies, with polling stations established across the urban local bodies covered in the second phase. The first phase of polling on September 9 covered 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations, 21 municipalities and 137 municipal councils. Meanwhile in last civic elections, the total polling per cent was 70.31 per cent. The second phase brought the polling process for the state's 2026 urban local body elections to a close. The election results are scheduled to be declared after counting of votes on September 14.
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UP T20 League: Kashi Rudras reflect on playoff run, emergence of young talent
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 11 (IANS) Two-time champions Kashi Rudras owner Sanjeev Garg said their fourth Uttar Pradesh T20 League campaign was a journey defined by immense team resilience and the promising rise of a new generation of local cricketers, following their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.v The Yan Consultancy-owned franchise rebounded from a mid-season slump of four consecutive defeats to finish third in the league standings and sealed their playoff berth with a 56-run victory over table-toppers Meerut Mavericks. Their campaign eventually came to an end in a hard-fought Eliminator, where they fell short by just one run to Noida Kings. This season once again demonstrated the character and fighting spirit that define Kashi Rudras. The way the team responded after a difficult phase in the league and finished strongly against the table-toppers showed the resilience within this group, Garg said in a statement on Friday. The season highlighted several outstanding individual efforts, starting with skipper Karan Sharma, who claimed the Orange Cap as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 361 runs, including a league-high 26 sixes, a 51-ball 102 against Noida Super Kings, and a 92 off 48 balls against Gorakhpur Lions. On the bowling front, Atal Bihari Rai led the attack with 15 wickets. However, it was the breakthrough of young players that stood out as the major takeaway for the franchise. 19-year-old left-arm spinner Kartik Yadav enjoyed a stellar season with 11 wickets, anchored by a match-winning 3-for-12 spell against Meerut Mavericks. Youngsters Sangam Singh, pacer Rishabh Rajput, and batter Virat Jaiswal also stepped up to showcase the franchise's squad depth. Karans Orange Cap-winning campaign and the performances of our experienced players were outstanding, but what excites us equally is the emergence of young talent. Youngsters have shown tremendous promise and have given us a glimpse of what this group can achieve in the years ahead. We will take the learnings from this season, continue to back our players and return with the same ambition and determination to bring another championship to Kashi Rudras, added Garg.
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Amul India gives Mirzapur: The Movie a MASKAPUR twist with Kaleen Bhaiya creative
The Mirzapur universe has now found an unexpected pop-culture crossover, with Amul India giving Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios Mirzapur: The Movie its own playful twist. The dairy brand recently joined the conversation around the film with a customised social media creative, dubbing the topical MASKAPUR and featuring Kaleen Bhaiya with a bun maska. The creative features Kaleen Bhaiya, played by Pankaj Tripathi, seated with a bun maska in his hand, bringing together a familiar image from the Mirzapur universe with Amuls signature topical advertising format. The brand captioned the post, Amul Topical: The Movie Mirzapur create waves! The reference to MASKAPUR adds a food-centric play on the title while acknowledging the films ongoing presence in popular culture. The Amul topical comes as Mirzapur: The Movie continues its theatrical run following its release on September 4, 2026. The film marks the theatrical expansion of the popular Mirzapur franchise, which has developed a strong following through its streaming series. The move to the big screen has also brought several familiar characters together for a new chapter in the story. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amul - The Taste of India (@amul_india) Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, Mirzapur: The Movie stars Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu and Ali Fazal in key roles. The ensemble also includes Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Mohitt Maalik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Pramod Pathak, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Shweta Tripathi and Sonal S Chauhan. The film follows an untold chapter from the world of Mirzapur, bringing together several members of its ensemble for its theatrical outing. Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have produced the film under the Excel Entertainment banner, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie released in Hindi and Telugu on September 4. With Amuls MASKAPUR creative, the franchise has now also become the subject of a topical from one of Indias most recognisable dairy brands, adding another layer to the films ongoing pop-culture conversation. Also Read: Mirzapur: The Movie cast serves Bhaukaal in viral 80s AI trend; see pics
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CEC Gyanesh Kumar calls for greater voter participation, transparency at ELC Conference
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 11 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Friday stressed the need for greater voter participation and transparent electoral processes as he interacted with more than 1,000 Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) members, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), campus ambassadors and other stakeholders at a regional conference on ELC and the ECINET app in Ahmedabad. Held under the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) flagship SVEEP programme, the conference focused on electoral literacy, informed voting and the use of digital technology to improve transparency in the electoral process. Kumar said India, with more than 90 crore voters, is the worlds largest democracy and around 1.8 crore personnel, including staff deputed during Lok Sabha elections, are involved in the electoral exercise. The entire process, from the electoral roll to voting, is as clear, transparent and impartial as sunlight, Kumar said, while explaining the safeguards in place during elections. He said electoral rolls are prepared through the work of more than 11 lakh BLOs and scrutiny by political parties. The presence of polling and counting agents, along with verification through Form 17C, further ensures transparency during voting and counting, he said. Kumar also highlighted Indias current chairmanship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an organisation comprising 35 major democracies, saying it reflected international recognition of Indias electoral system. Urging greater participation among young voters, he said every citizen completing 18 years should be enrolled on the electoral roll and exercise their franchise. He called upon ELC members to download the ECINET app and help family members and people around them with voter registration. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Sandeep Sagale said the ELC programme, launched under SVEEP in 2018, aims to familiarise young citizens with democratic values and the electoral process. Under ELC 2.0, school and college clubs are being developed as year-round, experiential and digital platforms, he said. The effort is to prepare empowered young voters on the foundations of awareness and trust, Sagale said, adding that more than 40 voter and election-management applications have been brought together on the ECINET platform. Presentations at the conference covered ELC 2.0, voter education, ECINET, trust and transparency in Indian elections, and its functioning and features. A live demonstration of voter registration, voting and counting was also held. Ahmedabad District Election Officer and Collector Bhavya Verma said the presentations and demonstrations would help make voter-awareness activities more effective. Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Mukesh Kumar, Dahod District Development Officer Hiren Barot, Joint Chief Electoral Officers Rinkesh Patel and Devayat Bhamar, among others, attended the conference.
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ILT20 Development Tournament: With the ILT20 auction less than three weeks away, Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants head coach Simon Helmot said he views the upcoming Development Tournament as an ideal platform to evaluate emerging talent and finalise squad strategies. The fourth edition of the ILT20 Development Tournament, scheduled to begin on September 14, comes shortly before the player auction happens on October 1. The Giants squad features returning core players including Haider Razzaq and Aayan Afzal Khan, along with Sagar Kalyan and Tanish Suri - two of the leading run-scorers from last year's edition. UAE middle-order batter Sohaib Khan has also been named in the setup. For Helmot, the tournament serves as a dual-purpose venture to gauge competitive readiness and establish foundational team dynamics. Im really looking forward to getting started. This is my first assignment with Gulf Giants, so its an important few weeks for me as well. The first thing is to get to know the players, see how they go about their cricket and understand where we can help them improve. At the same time, we have to start thinking about what our squad could look like as we head into the auction, he said in a statement on Friday. Highlighting the importance of grassroots progression, the Australian stated that breakthrough performances during this period could catapult local talents into senior franchise calculations. There is some really exciting talent coming through, and thats one of the things Im most excited about. You never quite know who is going to put their hand up in a tournament like this. A player can have a really strong few weeks and suddenly find themselves in the conversation for the next level. For us, its about giving those players an opportunity and seeing who is ready to take it, added Helmot. There is some really exciting talent coming through, and thats one of the things Im most excited about. You never quite know who is going to put their hand up in a tournament like this. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Well certainly be watching our own players closely, but well also be keeping an eye on the wider tournament. There will be players in the other teams who catch your attention, and thats part of what makes this tournament so important. Article Source: IANS
Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered during anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand
Digital Desk | Seraikela (Jharkhand), Sep 11 (IANS) The security forces in Jharkhand have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including 317 live cartridges and an improvised explosive device (IED), during an anti-Naxal operation in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, police said on Friday. The recovery was made during a joint search operation conducted by the district police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in forested areas under the Kuchai and Chandil police station limits. The operation was launched based on information obtained during the interrogation of two recently arrested Maoists, police officials said. The arrested Maoists have been identified as Raghu Singh Sardar alias Sagar Singh Sardar, Biren Singh and Meena Pahadia alias Nepu Pahadia. According to police, Raghu Singh Sardar was an active member of the CPI (Maoist)'s Regional Committee as well as the West Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Border Committee. Meena Pahadia, around 26 years old, was active as a sub-zonal commander of the banned outfit and is wanted in several cases registered at Balarampur police station in West Bengal. Following a court-sanctioned remand, the two accused were interrogated, leading security agencies to their alleged hideouts in the Sikramba forests of Kuchai and the Dalma forests above Asanbani village in Chandil. Intensive searches carried out at these locations resulted in the recovery of a substantial arms cache. Police said the seized weapons include two .303 rifles, one country-made pistol, one INSAS 5.56 mm rifle and one SLR 7.62 mm rifle. Security forces also recovered three SLR magazines, four INSAS magazines, three .303 rifle magazines and two magazines for a 9 mm pistol. The ammunition recovered comprised 171 rounds of 7.62 mm cartridges, 126 rounds of 5.56 mm cartridges, 12 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and eight .303 cartridges, taking the total number of cartridges seized to 317. During the operation, personnel also found an IED and a detonator concealed in the forest. A bomb disposal squad was immediately rushed to the spot, and the explosive device was safely defused. The operation involved personnel of the Seraikela-Kharsawan district police and the 26th Battalion of the SSB, Ranchi. Police teams from Kuchai, Chandil, Nimdih and Seraikela police stations also participated in the search operation.
Very Impressed With Dutch Players In ETPL, Hope We Get To See The Best Of Them, Says David
European T20 Premier League: Hard-hitting Australian batter Tim David has expressed deep admiration for the local Dutch talent in his team, Amsterdam Flames, in the ongoing European T20 Premier League (ETPL), adding that he wishes to see the best of their performances as the inaugural tournament shifts to its Ireland leg. The ETPL is an ICC-sanctioned tournament, hosted via a joint venture between Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Cricket Netherlands (KNCB). David played pivotal match-winning innings for the Flames during the opening stage in Voorburg. Yeah, I have been very impressed with them. Not that we didnt know these players were good, but to be able to play up close with the Dutch players and see their skill level, and how they adapt their game to those conditions at that ground in Voorburg, is very impressive. Im certainly looking forward to seeing those guys as we go through Ireland. But yes, its a very impressive place, and I hope we get to keep seeing the best of them, David said in a statement by the tournament on Friday. He also spoke about the novelty and excitement of competing in European conditions alongside new teammates. Its great to be playing cricket in a different part of the world. We certainly havent had the opportunity to play a lot of cricket in Holland, Scotland or Ireland. So, as an overseas player, its an attractive part of the world to come and play in, and to be able to make new friends, have new teammates and hopefully have an impact for a team over in this part of the world is pretty exciting. The Amsterdam Flames franchise boasts high-profile co-owners in Australian sporting legends, former cricket captain Steve Waugh and ex-hockey player Jamie Dwyer, giving players access to immense wealth of experience. I think anytime you get to rub shoulders with someone whos had such a successful career and been a part of successful teams, theres certainly something you can learn from them. So, thats both Jamie Dwyer and Steve Waugh, our owners here at the Amsterdam Flames. Its pretty cool to be a part of a team with them, and there are different challenges that come up in all team environments. Those guys have certainly seen a lot of those challenges throughout their long careers, and they were the best as well in their own individual pursuits. So, to be able to try and get a little bit of knowledge from them, or just see how they go about things, is pretty cool, explained David. So, thats both Jamie Dwyer and Steve Waugh, our owners here at the Amsterdam Flames. Its pretty cool to be a part of a team with them, and there are different challenges that come up in all team environments. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I think with it being the first year, its only going to grow from here, so therell be a lot of positives to build upon. But certainly, from my side, apart from winning the tournament, it would be if my teammates had a great time and hopefully enjoyed my company, he added. Article Source: IANS
The fourth edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament will give Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants Head Coach Simon Helmot his first opportunity to assess the franchise's emerging talent, with the ILT20 auction less than three weeks away on 1 October.
'Animesh And I Will Win': Gurindervir Backs India For Sprint Double At Asian Games
In May, Gurindervir broke through a barrier no Indian male sprinter had crossed before, clocking 10.09 seconds at the Federation Cup in Ranchi.
Shobhaa De calls Mirzapur: The Movie Monotonous; says, Maybe, Its meant for men
Shobhaa De has shared her reaction to Mirzapur: The Movie, admitting that the film did not work for her despite the popularity of the franchise. Shobhaa revealed that she had never watched the Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur before deciding to watch its big-screen spin-off, directed by Gurmeet Singh. After watching the film, she said she was left questioning the decision to make it. In an Instagram Reel shared on Thursday, Shobhaa said, All I can say is Mirzapur: The Movie maybe should not have been made at all. She explained that she went into the theatre with expectations because of the franchises popularity and the buildup around the film. I went here with a lot of expectations, given the whole hype and the whole buildup to the brand Mirzapur. I came away feeling, What the hell is going on?, she said. While Shobhaa was critical of several aspects of the film, she praised its ensemble cast. She particularly highlighted Ravi Kishans performance as Babban Babua Yadav, calling it brilliant, while describing Ali Fazals portrayal of Guddu as unbelievably good. However, she was less impressed with Pankaj Tripathis performance as Kaleen Bhaiya. Mr. Tripathi playing Mr. Tripathi has become a bit too monotonous, Shobhaa said, adding, The same old expressions, the same old delivery. She also commented on the intimate scene between Pankaj Tripathi and Rasika Dugal, who plays Beena Tripathi. Shobhaa said she was surprised to see Tripathi, whom she referred to as Mr. Goodie-Goodie, doing a full-on sex scene. She described Dugals character as Lady Macbeth and vamp-ish. Among her other concerns were the films violence and storyline. Shobhaa described it as Otherwise violence of every conceivable kind for no reason and complained about a story that goes nowhere. The columnist also admitted that she fell asleep during the film for something like 15 minutes. According to her, two women sitting behind her were also snoring. Summing up her reaction, she said, Maybe, its meant for men. It wasnt meant for me. In her caption, Shobhaa revealed that she spent Rs 900 on the ticket and another Rs 260 on bhelpuri. She said she spent close to four hours wondering why I was watching a movie which had multiple set pieces randomly strung together. Mirzapur premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2018 and has completed three seasons. Mirzapur: The Movie released in cinemas on September 4, with several original cast members returning, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Rasika Dugal, Shweta Tripathi, Divyenndu, Harshita Gaur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Rajesh Tailang. Jeetendra Kumar and Abhishek Banerjee have also joined the ensemble cast. Also Read : Kangana Ranaut trolls Aamir Khan; says, Bechara Aamir Khan
Heather Knight extends WBBL stay via one-year deal with Sydney Thunder
Digital Desk | Sydney, Sep 11 (IANS) Former England captain Heather Knight will continue her playing career in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) after signing a new one-year contract extension with Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season. Heather, who called time on her illustrious international career in July at the end of the first-ever womens Test match at Lord's, will return for her fifth season with the Thunder franchise. Having also stepped away from playing duties in The Hundred to transition into an administrative role as general manager of London Spirit's women's team. I've really enjoyed playing with the Sydney Thunder over the years. It's a fun group, a group that I've captained, and I think what Trent (Copeland, general manager) and Lisa (Keightley, head coach) are trying to do and trying to build is really special. My role as GM with London Spirit has shown me a lot. It's shown me how busy you can be that's for sure. However, seeing how a franchise works from another view has been very cool. It's made me appreciate what a lot of the league and coaches and support staff do. I guess in terms of leadership qualities, this year I'm going to try and bring that level of experience and try and keep pretty level and calm which is how I am always going about my cricket, she said in an official statement on Friday. A three-time winner of the Alex Blackwell Medal as Thunder's player of the season, Heather brings immense experience to a batting unit featuring Australian internationals Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, alongside promising talents Tahlia Wilson, Anika Learoyd, and power-hitter Laura Harris. Her presence is expected to provide key leadership support to Phoebe in her second season as the sides captain. Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland hailed the veteran's commitment to the club. Heather was a no-brainer for us. Her leadership, experience, and ability to adapt to whatever the team needs makes her incredibly important to this group. She's also a real enabler for players like Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll and Laura Harris, being able to provide an expertise that other teams dont have access to. When Heather announced her international retirement, she messaged me straight away to reaffirm her commitment to the Thunder, which says a lot about how much this club means to her, he added. Knight is Thunder's first confirmed overseas signing for WBBL 12, taking the tally to nine confirmed players out of the 15-member squad. The club currently has up to two overseas slots remaining after opting not to exercise the third-year contract option for Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu at the end of last season.
Alia Bhatt REACTS to Ajay Devgns Drishyam The Conclusion trailer: Hat-trick incoming
Alia Bhatt has reacted to the trailer of Drishyam The Conclusion, adding to the buzz around the upcoming third instalment of the franchise. The trailer introduces a new challenge for Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn, as he once again finds himself trying to protect his family from the law. One of the key highlights of the trailer is Jaideep Ahlawats entry as SP Crime Branch Rajveer Singh Tomar, who appears to pose a fresh threat to Vijay. The trailer offers a glimpse of the conflict between the two and raises questions about whether Vijay will manage to stay one step ahead this time as well. The mystery surrounding the story is expected to unfold when the film arrives in cinemas on October 2, 2026. The return of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family has also generated interest among audiences who have followed the franchise. Alia Bhatt joined the conversation after watching the trailer and shared her reaction on social media. The actress wrote, Hat-trick incoming. Her brief post comes as the franchise heads towards its third chapter. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam The Conclusion features Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj, along with Kamlesh Sawant, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav. The film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios. Abhishek Pathak has directed the film and also co-written it with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The production team includes Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. Also Read : Sanjay Leela Bhansali wraps shoot of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal starrer Love and War
Raj urban polls: Om Birla casts vote in Kota, appeals to voters for maximum turnout
Digital Desk | Kota, Sep 11 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Shakti Nagar and appealed to people across Rajasthan to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the ongoing civic elections, saying greater public participation would strengthen democracy and make institutions more accountable. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Birla said voters play a crucial role in strengthening and empowering democracy by exercising their right to vote. In a democracy, voters strengthen and empower democracy by casting their votes. I believe that the greater the public participation in a democracy, the stronger and more empowered democracy becomes, making institutions more accountable to the people, he said. Birla urged voters across the state to participate actively in the ongoing urban local body elections. Therefore, I appeal to the people across the state to vote in maximum numbers and participate actively. This will strengthen and empower our democracy, ensuring that this institution also remains accountable to the public, he said. Meanwhile, polling for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban local body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday and will continue until 6 p.m. across 147 urban local bodies. The second phase covers six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities, with a total of 8,760,884 voters eligible to exercise their franchise. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations spread across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the completion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be concluded. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has also appealed to voters to participate in the second phase in large numbers and exercise their democratic right. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to cast their votes. Earlier, the Rajasthan Election Commission released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.
BBL privatisation draws IPL owners as global franchise race widens
Cricket Australia has opened the door to private investment in Big Bash League teams, drawing interest from IPL owners already building franchise networks across major T20 leagues
Bigg Boss 20: Yung DSA tells Aamrapali Dubey hes controlling his temper in the house
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 11 (IANS) Rapper Yung DSA has opened up to co-housemate Aamrapali Dubey about the constant arguments in the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 20, saying he has been making an effort to control his temper even as housemates continue to provoke him. In the upcoming episode, Yung, who would be seen having a war of words with Kanika Mann over the use of bathroom, will be telling Aamrapali that people are unnecessarily picking fights with him and that hes been controlling his temper a lot. He will then be heard saying that if he loses his cool, he can get quite harsh. Aamrapali then recalls one of his hilarious one-liners from a moment when she was crying, leaving everyone in splits. Isha Rikhi will be seen advising Yung DSA to be mindful of his words during arguments, especially around the girls, as the housemates later revisit some of his funniest past one-liners. The fight takes place due to a washroom-related issue between Yung DSA and Kanika Mann after the new captain objected to the actress entering the male washroom, sparking a tense confrontation inside the reality show house. In a new promo shared by the channel, Yung was seen quickly walking into the bathroom and asking who went into the male washroom. The 20th edition of Bigg Boss which started on September 6. It has a diverse lineup of 16 celebrity contestants including names such as MC Mary Kom, Kanika Mann, Mahhi Vij, Kushal Tanwar, Aman Gandhi, Isha Rikhi, Arishfa Khan, Qazi Touqeer, Asif Khan, Aamrapali Dubey, Rhiti Tiwari, Uditi Singh, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP, Rohed Khan, Yung DSA and Love Gill. Kanika Mann, Uditi Singh, Love Gill, Arishfa Khan named for nominations in first week. The show airs on JioHotstar and Colors. Bigg Boss is an Indian Hindi-language reality television show of the Bigg Boss franchise in India that airs on Colors TV. It is based on the Dutch format of Big Brother. The 20th edition started on September 6.
Value of every vote is high: Leaders urge strong turnout in Rajasthan civic polls
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) With polling underway across 147 urban local bodies in Rajasthan on Friday in the second phase of elections and more than 87 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise, political leaders are calling for greater voter participation. Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. across six municipal corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities. The elections are being closely watched as voters choose representatives for local bodies, with issues such as cleanliness, electricity, civic infrastructure and ward-level development emerging as key concerns among residents. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, after casting his vote, said voting was not merely a constitutional right but also a responsibility essential for a healthy democratic process. Voting is not just a right; it is also a duty. For the maturity of democracy, having a healthy and free voting process is absolutely essential, Shekhawat said. He said he came to vote along with his family and expressed confidence after observing the initial response from voters. Shekhawat also highlighted the role of young voters, saying Indias large youth population makes their participation particularly important in the democratic process. India is a country of youth. Being a nation of youth, the role of young people in this grand festival of democracy is extremely important, he said. The Union Minister said the participation of young people in elections has increased over the years and that they are getting increasingly aware of the importance of choosing candidates who can contribute to the development of their city, state and country. State Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore also stressed the importance of voter awareness and turnout. He said a voter gets the opportunity to decide the direction of governance only once every five years in local body elections and urged citizens to exercise their franchise. It is a very good thing if the voting percentage is high and voters have become aware. The value of a vote is very high, Rathore said. Education Minister Madan Dilawar said enthusiasm among voters was encouraging, pointing to long queues at polling stations. He said voter awareness was crucial to strengthening democracy and noted that people were participating in the elections with enthusiasm. There is an atmosphere of excitement, joy and passion, Dilawar said, referring to the voter turnout. BJP MLA Anita Bhadel, after casting her vote, said she thanked the polling personnel for ensuring voting began on time at 7 a.m. She appealed to voters to keep aside other engagements and prioritise voting. Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani also cast his vote at a polling station in Ward No. 4 in Ajmer. He linked the elections to the broader debate over conducting elections simultaneously. Devnani backed the concept of One State, One Election, saying simultaneous elections could reduce the repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which he said sometimes affected the pace of development work. He also urged residents to participate in the urban festival of democracy and cast their votes. Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the BJP-led state government over its performance. Speaking in Jodhpur, Gehlot alleged that the government machinery was not functioning properly and claimed that development work had suffered over the past two-and-a-half years. Gehlot said the situation was serious and called upon people to play an active role in addressing issues affecting the state. While political leaders traded views over governance and the significance of the polls, voters focused largely on immediate civic concerns affecting their neighbourhoods. One voter said residents wanted whoever was elected to pay attention to the development of their colony and ward, particularly cleanliness and other basic amenities. The voter said elected representatives should remain accessible throughout their term rather than returning to seek votes only after five years. Another voter, casting a vote in a municipal council election for the first time, said she was excited to participate and wanted a candidate with a clean image who could address issues related to cleanliness, electricity and overall development of the ward. Bharatpur District Election Officer Kamar Chaudhary also appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers. She said past experience showed that people often participated enthusiastically in municipal and panchayat elections because candidates personally reached out to voters. Chaudhary said citizens frequently complain about civic issues but must also fulfil their own responsibility by voting and choosing their representatives.
Rajasthan local body polls: Second phase voting underway, 18,266 candidates are in fray
Voting for the second phase of Rajasthan's urban local body elections underway on Friday, with more than 87 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise. The voting for 147 urban local bodies -- six municipal corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities -- will continue till 6 pm. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of the elections. According to State Election Commission data, 87,60,884 voters are eligible to cast their votes at 9,758 polling booths for 4,774 wards in the second phase.
Rahul Dravid Behaving Like An Owner: European Team Coach Shares Inside Details
After enjoying success as a player and a coach, Rahul Dravid has stepped into the boots of an owner by investing in the European T20 Premier League franchise Dublin Guardians.
Rajasthan urban polls: Voting begins in 147 civic bodies in second phase
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday in 147 civic bodies and will continue until 6 p.m. The urban local bodies also include Jaipur, comprising six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. A total of 8,760,884 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the conclusion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be completed. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. The second phase covers 147 urban local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with 8,760,884 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has appealed to voters across the state to participate in the second phase and exercise their franchise. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to vote. Chief Minister Sharma is scheduled to cast his vote at the Navodaya Teacher Training College (Getor) polling booth in Jagatpura, while Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari is scheduled to vote at Booth No. 10 in Ward 141. In Kota, Education Minister Madan Dilawar arrived at his polling station around 10 minutes before voting began. He cast his vote at Polling Station No. 2 in Ward 52. The State Election Commission has directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water and shaded areas at polling stations for the convenience of voters. For the first time, elections are being held in 40 newly constituted urban local bodies. In the urban body elections conducted between 2019 and 2021 across 107 urban local bodies, 5,012,642 of 7,378,611 registered voters exercised their franchise across 4,027 wards, recording a voter turnout of 67.93 per cent. Earlier, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota each had two municipal bodies. The State Election Commission has set a target of 86 per cent voter turnout for the 2026 urban body elections. The Rajasthan State Election Commission has provided an online facility for voters to check their names and other details in the electoral roll. Voters can use the Search Voter option on the Commission's website and enter details such as district, urban body, name, father's or husband's name and age. They can also search using their Voter ID/EPIC number after selecting the relevant district. The State Election Commission has released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.
Gavaskar slams BCCI over relentless cricket schedule
New Delhi, Sep 10: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the BCCIs packed cricket calendar, warning that players cannot be treated as an unlimited resource amid growing workload and injury concerns. In a column for Sportstar, Gavaskar said the constant demands of international and franchise cricket were putting excessive pressure on Indian cricketers.Indian cricketers []
The book Intangible Cultural Heritage under National and International Law: Going beyond the 2003 UNESCO Convention published in 2020 is edited by Marie Cornu, Anita Vaivade, Lily Martinet and Clea Hance is based on the Osmose project initiated in 2014 to study the legal regimes established in different countries to safeguard the ICH. The editors and their team coordinated an international study on the ICH in about 26 countries. A comprehensive questionnaire was circulated among informed members in these countries to elicit information regarding the comprehension and negotiation of the pertinent national laws and how these national laws were modified, or may be retained, in light of the provisions of the UNESCO convention of 2003. After collecting the responses to the questionnaire, the editors have categorized, commented and expanded on the responses under several broad heads like environment and the ICH, interaction between the national and the international laws, the national and international tools for the safeguarding of the ICH, and, importantly, the judicialization of the ICH. All complexities involved in the institutionalization of laws at the local, national and international levels about the ICH are put forward in a transparent manner without prejudice or unconditional bolstering of the clauses of the UNESCO Convention. This is the first such comprehensive study on the connection between the international legal framework and the national legal instruments for safeguarding the ICH. The UNESCO convention of 2003 on the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is an important milestone in the discussion on the global ICH. There was a tacit recognition of the fact in organization of the Convention that cultural diversity and heritage are an equivalent of the environmental biodiversity. Both are sine qua non for the material and spiritual welfare of the human beings. A community loses its bearings without the notion of heritage. Soon after the convention, the member states of the United Nations ratified the convention. Subsequent to the ratification, measures as envisioned in the convention were thought about, deliberated at the national level and sought to be put into practice. India also became a signatory to the UNESCO convention of 2003 and ratified the convention in 2005. The 2003 convention provided a broad framework about the nature, definition, implications and the necessity of the safeguarding of the ICH. To that end, following the convention, an inter-governmental committee for the safeguarding of the ICH was constituted at the international level under the aegis of the UNESCO, which in turn led to the creation of inventories at the national level, and the procedure for inscription in the list of the ICH. There is already a procedure for the inscription of the ICH item in the UNESCO, however, now, after the ratification of the 2003 convention by member states of the United Nations, inscription processes were initiated at the nation level. To say that the member states ratified the UNESCO convention does not imply that prior to the Convention there was no mechanism in place to safeguard the ICH. The different nation states had created mechanisms to protect the intangible cultural heritage. The Convention reenergized efforts in this direction, and provided a clear and comprehensive framework to understand the nature and implications of the ICH, in addition to providing an international legitimacy to the notion of the ICH by instituting discussion on a prestigious global platform. In different countries the nomenclature was variegated and often confusing. In some countries, the term, cultural heritage was used, in others the terms like, folklore or even folk culture or popular culture were used. A colorful array of terms and expressions were used to discuss the heritage elements and those who practiced these aspects of the heritage. In some countries the term heritage holders was used for the communities dealing with a particular heritage, in others the expression used was the living communities. The UNESCO convention of 2003 for the first time clubbed all these words, phrases and terms together, and used the umbrella term Intangible Cultural Heritage. No doubt there were linguistic and cultural problems in merging the divergent usages, however, countries since the ratification have tried to bring their nomenclatures in line with the widely accepted intangible cultural heritage, and then branching away from it to create sub sets. An important dimension that the book discusses is the judicialization of the ICH before and more so after the UNESCO 2003 Convention. The terrain of the ICH is not devoid of the tedious lawsuits. The interests of the heritage holders and the evolving laws about animals and environment have often clashed, resulting in the bitter litigation process. Hence, some rituals which are part of the heritage of a community are often seen at odds with the evolving dynamics of the animal rights. For example, to give just one instance, among scores of others from the 26 countries studied by the editors, bull fighting may be a longstanding game associated with some communities in Europe, but in the contemporary discussion about animal rights, the game is seen as an anathema, an eyesore to those who plead for the rights of the animals, especially in the scenarios where the threat of physical violence is patent. Same applies to cockfighting. There are several such case studies, where the notion of heritage has had a head on collision with the current delimitation of the rights of animals. Some of the ICH have met with stiff resistance when it comes to their inscription in the inventories at the national level. A number of inscriptions have been challenged and had to be removed from the inventories. The inventories, by the way, are at the local level as well, in some countries. The ICH and the mechanisms to protect it is a fraught territory with contesting claims of the stakeholders and the legal machinery. The judicialization is no debilitating bar to the rich inventories that have been created hitherto. The field of the ICH is vast and heterogenous, with the scope to nurture traditions that have stood in good stead of the communities they are a part of, in shaping their identities, perspectives on life and the world and lending a sense of stability and continuity. The book is a good resource for scholars of different fields like heritage studies, humanities, anthropology, history, law etc. With the presentation of actual comparative case studies from countries that have ratified the Convention, the understanding of the ICH becomes clearer. In Kashmir, the need for sound legal instruments to safeguard the ICH is needed more than ever before, for the threat of extinction to the ICH is imminent, with an emergent and striking cultural gap between generations. A legal instrument can provide the pivot for identifying and creating the perimeters of the ICH, with an assurance of transference of the same to the future generations. Dr. Javaid Iqbal Bhat, Associate Professor, South Campus, UoK
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Key Highlights The Magical Reunion: Nearly three decades after enchanting audiences as the Owens sisters, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are officially back for Practical Magic 2. The Beauty Evolution: Makeup artist profiles and global beauty breakdowns are celebrating Nicole Kidmans return to her iconic strawberry-blonde curls, rejecting rigid youth-obsessed beauty standards. The Cultural Shift: Moving away from the tragic tropes of older women in cinema, the sequel positions seasoned actresses as powerful, multi-dimensional matriarchs. LONDON There is a specific kind of late-90s nostalgia that hits when you hear the opening notes of Stevie Nicks Crystal or watch midnight margars being poured in a sun-drenched, gothic kitchen. For millions of fans, 1998s Practical Magic wasnt just a cult classicit was a cozy, sisterly sanctuary. So when Warner Bros. officially confirmed that Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are reuniting for Practical Magic 2, the internet did what the Owens sisters do best: it cast a spell of collective euphoria. But beyond the nostalgia of spellcasting and cursed bloodlines, a much more important cultural conversation is happening. In an era where Hollywood often forces veteran actresses into invisible background roles or hyper-botoxed caricatures, Nicole Kidmans return as Gillian Owens feels like a radical act of defiance. Comparing Notes: Practical Magic vs. Death Becomes Her To truly understand why the return of Kidman and Bullock is so groundbreaking, we have to look at how Hollywood historically treats women and aging in fantasy. Think back to Robert Zemeckiss 1992 dark comedy Death Becomes Her, starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. That film played as a cynical, campy warning about women terrified of aging, mocking vanity and treating older female rivalry through a lens of grotesque body horrorthey literally fell apart at the seams because they refused to grow old gracefully. Practical Magic, by contrast, did something revolutionary for its time: it framed aging not as a curse to be reversed with a potion, but as an accumulation of power. The aunts (played brilliantly by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) weren't punchlines; they were wise, chaotic, deeply loved matriarchs who owned their eccentricities. Now, with Practical Magic 2, Kidman and Bullock are stepping into that exact lineage. They arent playing 20-somethings trying to outrun time; they are embracing their actual life stages, weaponizing their lived experience, and showing that a woman's midlife is where her most potent magic actually begins. The Beauty Evolution: Why Nicole Kidmans Look Matters As beauty breakdowns from major style publications have noted, the anticipation surrounding Kidmans return has sparked intense interest in her aesthetic evolution. For years, celebrity makeup artists like Angela Levin have highlighted Kidmans commitment to maintaining her ethereal skin texture and embracing her natural features rather than erasing every line. In Practical Magic 2, reports indicate that Kidmans character Gillian will lean heavily into a matured, bohemian elegancerich jewel tones, wind-swept curls that echo her 90s heyday, and a minimalist approach to cosmetics that honors her natural complexion. For the British Asian and global diaspora communitieswhere women often navigate strict cultural expectations regarding aging, family duty, and visibilityseeing actresses like Kidman and Bullock command hundred-million-dollar studio budgets in their late 50s is deeply validating. It dismantles the toxic notion that female relevance expires on a birthday cake. Why This Sequel Matters Now More Than Ever We are living through a strange cinematic paradox. On one hand, franchise fatigue is real. On the other hand, audiences are starving for authentic, character-driven storytelling that doesn't rely entirely on CGI superheroes. Practical Magic 2 bridges that gap. It taps into a built-in fanbase that grew up watching the original on battered VHS tapes and now wants to see characters who have grown up with them. When Gillian and Sally Owens return to the silver screen, they won't just be brewing love potions. They will be casting a much larger spell over the entertainment industry: proving that women over 50 aren't past their primethey are just getting started. Have Your Say! Are you ready to return to the Owens family house, or should Hollywood leave 90s classics alone? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or tweet us @EasternEye with your favorite moment ffrom the original film!
