Kolkata Airport Gets A New Director
Singh holds a Bachelors degree in Science from Delhi University and an MBA from BIT Mesra, Ranchi. During his tenure at AAI, he has made significant contributions in the areas of airport operations, airside management, slot allocation, training and change management
BHOPAL: Society has accepted the RSS as the organisation which works for the nations unity, security, culture and development. It cannot be banned as a few leader wishes for it, RSS national general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Saturday. Reacting to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharges call to ban the RSS in the country, Hosabale said, Entire society recognises the Sangh as the organisation which works for the unity, security, culture and development of the country. Three times in the past, the RSS was banned, but everyone knows what happened later. Before making any such demand, politicians should learn lessons from past experiences. On the 150 th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, the Congress national president had reiterated that the RSS should be banned in the country, stating that even Sardar Patel had banned the participation of government employees in RSS's activities. Talking to journalists in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) on the concluding day of the three-day RSS national executive meeting on Saturday, the RSS general secretary, when questioned about the changing dynamics of RSS-BJP ties post 2014, said, Weve stated our stand on the issue of relations between the RSS and BJP, maybe 50,000 times in the past 50 years. Sanghs Swayamsevaks are in every party, but their numbers are more in the BJP, because unlike the other parties, the BJP doesnt restrict the entry of Sangh Swayamsevaks within its fold. RSS is an organisation of people, and it has kept on raising contemporary national and social issues with governments and individuals within the governments, irrespective of who is in power. Its up to the other side to decide whether to keep doors shut or open them for our Swayamsevaks. Countrys former President Pranab Mukerjee wasnt a Swayamsevak, but we had good ties with him, which is why he attended our event in Nagpur. But when the Swayamsevaks are themselves running the government, then naturally our coordination with the government is better. Dynamics havent changed after 2014, they (BJP) are ghar ke log (from the same family), so the bhaichara (brotherhood) prevails, Hosabale maintained. Raising concern over the issue of Demographic Imbalance, the RSS top functionary said, A population policy is needed to address the problem of demographic imbalance; its up to the government to swiftly formulate the policy. Infiltration, religious conversion and high rate of population growth in some communities are primarily behind the rising threat of democratic imbalance. He particularly mentioned about religious conversion of Sikhs in Punjab, which needed to be dealt with adequately. While maintaining that the situation in West Bengal wasnt part of the agenda at the three-day RSS All India executive body meeting in Jabalpur, he, however, added that a resolution was passed about Bengal in the last meeting. The situation is actually bad in Bengal, particularly after the last election. Hatred and conflicts have risen there, especially due to the political leadership and the CM there. Keeping a border state violent and unstable isnt good for the country. Our Swayamsevaks are regularly working in Bengal for national unity and social harmony there. While making it clear that no discussions happened at the three-day conclave about Bihar elections, Hosabale said, We always appeal for cent voting. We also appeal that voters should exercise their franchise based on national and social issues, rather than voting based on caste, money or promises of freebies by political parties. On the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, he said, The refining of voter lists isnt happening for the first time; it happens at regular intervals and is essential. There should be no opposition to it; those having objections to the SIR methodology should approach the ECI in the matter. While informing that the Manipur situation was discussed at the meeting chaired by the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS general secretary said, The situation in the bordering state is improving. The centre has taken steps, including the Prime Minister being there despite inclement weather. The Swayamsevaks have worked on the ground there for two years. Like the people of the state, we also want a popular government there; we sincerely hope the government will work in that direction at the appropriate time. While welcoming the surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said that the government needs to deal with the concerns of those areas in a very sensitive manner. He further informed that the three-day meeting also discussed the issue of the rising menace of drug abuse among youngsters, spanning from schools and universities to hostels, including IIMs and IITs, particularly in the bordering states. The three-day meeting, which was attended by 397 out of the 407 delegates from across the country, was the brainstorming of the second-highest decision-making body of the RSS. The three-day meeting largely focused on the Sanghs activities and events in the organisations centenary year, including its ongoing and coming initiatives to connect the RSSs Panch Parivartan to every nook and cranny of the country. Around 80,000 Hindu Sammelans will be held (45,000 in rural areas and the remaining 35,000 in urban clusters). Grih Sampark Abhiyan to connect door-to-door with families, besides Samajik Sadbhav meeting at block level, and meetings of prominent citizens and intellectuals will be held at the district level nationally. On the last day of the meeting, the RSS also released statements on the 150th year of the birth of Birsa Munda, the 350th year of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and 150 years of the composition of the national song Vande Mataram.
Former Oracle Employee's Bold Move From Corporate Life To Falooda Chain Goes Viral
In his viral post, he shared his journey, from small-town dreams to an air-conditioned office, then a franchise kitchen, and finally to global shelves.
Donut chain files Chapter 11 bankruptcy as Jacks Donuts of Indiana Commissary seeks court protection. The company owes over $14 million to more than 100 creditors. Linked businesses have also filed for bankruptcy amid state investigations into unregistered securities. Franchise locations say they continue normal operations.
'Work in progress': Bazmee shares update on 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4'
Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has confirmed that the fourth installment of the popular horror-comedy franchise, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, is currently in progress.
Jolly LLB 3 is now the highest grossing film of Jolly series
In 2025, Akshay Kumar is riding a wave of renewed success, thanks to a series of blockbuster hits leading up to the phenomenal 'Jolly LLB 3'. This latest installment not only reunites beloved cast members from previous films but has also shattered records, outpacing 'Jolly LLB 2' to claim the title of the franchise's highest-grossing film.
Why was Tamannaah Bhatia`s love track removed from Baahubali: The Epic?
SS Rajamouli has re-released Baahubali: The Epic, a condensed 3-hour-43-minute version merging both parts of his iconic franchise. The re-release trims several songs and subplots to create a tighter, story-driven experience
Hocus Pocus 3 in development: Bette Midler confirms script completed for Disney franchise sequel
Bette Midler confirmed Hocus Pocus 3 is in development with a completed script during a Watch What Happens Live appearance. The Disney franchise sequel follows Hocus Pocus 2's record-breaking Disney+ debut in 2022, which became the platform's most-streamed original movie with 2.7 billion viewing minutes
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren to skip Bihar poll campaign over denial of seats by RJD, Congress
RANCHI: Amid the ongoing tussle over the denial of seats to JMM by RJD and Congress in the Grand Alliance in the Bihar Assembly polls, Chief Minister Hemant Soren will keep away from the campaigning in the State. Notably, Jharkhand's ruling JMM is not contesting the assembly elections in neighbouring Bihar, claiming that the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which deprived it of seats. Reacting strongly over a question raised to JMM Spokesperson Manoj Pandey, he informed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is not going to Bihar for campaigning. As of now, the party and Hemant Soren ji have no intention to go for campaigning in the Bihar elections, said Pandey. If the party is not contesting in Bihar, then for whom will they campaign? he said. The JMM leader said that the party is not even in the Mahagathbandhan, then there is no point in campaigning in Bihar. He said that if it is required, or such a situation arises, then the party leader will take an appropriate decision. Bihar Polls 2025: A high-decibel campaign and competing promises NDA releases Bihar poll manifesto; promises one crore jobs, Rs 10 lakh aid for EBCs The JMM spokesperson also clarified that the Chief Minister has not been invited to campaign in the Bihar polls. We are making all efforts to follow the principles of Mahagathbandhan and the government is running smoothly in Jharkhand, but this is not the case in Bihar, said Pandey. BJP, which has been keeping a close eye on the growing bitterness within the grand alliance, has dared JMM to break its ties with the RJD and settle scores with the Congress. If you have even an iota of self-respect left, break the ties with the RJD and settle scores with the Congress and send a clear message to the people that self-respect is above the pleasures of power. Only then will we believe you are a real Jharkhandi, who always sacrifice their lives to protect their self-respect, said state BJP spokesperson Ajay Sah. However, amid the political rhetoric, it is certain that after the Bihar elections, major changes will happen within the Grand Alliance in Jharkhand, he added. Notably, Bihar Assembly elections have sent ripples through Jharkhands political landscape, prompting Congress and the RJD to act swiftly to manage potential fallout within the states ruling coalition. In the present scenario, JMM has five ministers, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while one JMM seat remains vacant due to the demise of Ramdas Soren. Congress, on the other hand, has four ministers, and RJD has one minister -- Sanjay Prasad Yadav. If RJD withdraws its minister, the Hemant Cabinet would reduce from 11 to 10 ministers, including the chief minister. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly requires 41 seats for a majority. The ruling coalition currently comprises JMM with 34 seats, Congress 16, RJD 4, and CPI(M-L) 2, totalling 56 seats, 15 above the majority mark. Even without RJD, the government would retain 52 seats, comfortably above the majority. However, analysts caution that any move against Congress could trigger instability.
GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.
The Hundred To Introduce First Player Auction In March 2026
The Hundred Playing Working Group: The Hundred will host its first player auction in March 2026 as several changes are implemented to the player selection model and salaries ahead of the competitions sixth year. The changes have come through The Hundred Playing Working Group, which is comprised of representatives from all eight teams, the PCA, and the ECB, and have been agreed by The Hundred Board, the organisers said on Friday. In addition to the shift to an auction, squads will be made up of between 16 and 18 players, with four overseas players permitted. There will be a salary cap in place along with a salary collar a minimum amount teams must spend. While minimum salaries will be in place, there will no longer be specific salaries set, with teams deciding how much they are willing to bid at the auction. Multi-year contracts will also be introduced. The overall salary pot in The Hundred Mens Competition will increase 45% for the 2026 season, rising to GBP 2.05 million per team. The overall salary pot in The Hundred Womens Competition will increase 100% for the 2026 season, rising to GBP 8,80,000 per team. The increase to the salary pot in The Hundred Womens Competition will also see the base price salaries for the lowest-paid player increase considerably to GBP 15,000, up by 50%. Teams are allowed up to four pre-auction signings from mid-November to the end of January. A maximum of three of these can be direct signings, and must be overseas or England centrally contracted players. A minimum of one will be a retention, which can be any player England centrally contracted, overseas, or domestic. Within the four pre-auction signings, teams can sign up to two England centrally contracted players and up to two overseas players. There will be no right to match this season. Teams will have specific amounts of money taken from their final salary pot ahead of the auction, depending on how many of their four direct signings or retentions they use. To balance flexibility with fairness, a tiered cumulative cap model similar to the model used in the IPL will be in place. The cumulative pre-auction deduction per team is as follows: Men's competition - GBP 3,50,000 (1 signing), GBP 6,50,000 (2 players), GBP 8,50,000 (3 players), GBP 9,50,000 (4 players). Women's competition - GBP 1,30,000 (1 signing), GBP 2,40,000 (2 players), GBP 3,10,000 (3 players), GBP 3,60,000 (4 players). The Wildcard Draft will remain in place, allowing teams in the Mens and Womens Competitions to reward strong domestic form by finalising their squads with two final selections in June. Speaking on the massive changes, Vikram Banerjee, Managing Director of The Hundred, said, This is a hugely exciting time for The Hundred. These changes will help us make the competition even better, ensuring we get the best players in the world and improving the standard of cricket and level of entertainment further again. Working alongside our new partners, we've been exploring how we can take The Hundred forward, and we've decided that moving to an auction will allow us to improve the competition. For a competition that has always been proud to innovate, we're delighted to be holding the first auction in major UK sport. In making this decision, we have stuck to three key principles: i) ensuring The Hundred attracts the best players in the world, ii) maintaining a competitive balance between the squads, iii) guaranteeing whatever changes we make work across the men's and women's games. Working alongside our new partners, we've been exploring how we can take The Hundred forward, and we've decided that moving to an auction will allow us to improve the competition. For a competition that has always been proud to innovate, we're delighted to be holding the first auction in major UK sport. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The salary pot for the women's competition in the first year of The Hundred was GBP 120,000, with the top-earning players earning GBP 15,000 - the pot has risen for the third year in a row. With the pot now GBP 880,000, top-earning players are set to earn in the region of GBP 130,000, as well as a significant increase in salaries for those at the base price. Salaries in The Hundred women's competition are very competitive, and they compare favourably with other franchise cricket competitions and across the landscape of women's sport, he added. Article Source: IANS
'Bullet meant for someone else': Jharkhand mans last voice note to wife before death in Saudi Arabia
A 27-year-old man from Dudhpania village in the Dumri subdivision of Giridih district was shot dead in a crossfire between police and an extortion gang involved in illegal liquor trade in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, reports said. The deceased has been identified as Vijay Kumar Mahato. He sustained injuries during the encounter and was admitted to a hospital, where he later succumbed. His family was informed of his death on October 24. According to reports, Mahato worked for Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. On the day of the incident, he had gone to the work site to collect some materials when he was struck by a bullet fired by local police. In a final voice note to his wife, Mahato mentioned that he had been hit by a bullet meant for someone else. Before dying, he even sent a voice note in Kortha to his wife, saying he had been hit by a bullet meant for someone else and was pleading for help, his brother-in-law, Ram Prasad Mahato, was quoted as saying. Following the incident, local MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato wrote to the Indian Embassy and the Jharkhand Governor, demanding an impartial investigation into Vijay Kumar Mahatos death. News18 reported that Shikha Lakra, head of Jharkhands State Migrant Control Cell, confirmed that the government had received a complaint from the Dumri MLA. She said, The process to bring back his body started today. The matter has been referred to the Protector of Emigrants (Ranchi) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for investigation and repatriation. However, Vijay Kumar Mahatos family has refused to proceed with the repatriation process until Hyundai Engineering provides written assurance of compensation. Vijay Kumar Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and his parents.
48 Jharkhand migrant workers stranded in Tunisia for three months; seek government intervention
RANCHI: As many as 48 migrant workers from Jharkhands Giridih, Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts have allegedly been stranded in the African country of Tunisia for the past three months under extremely difficult conditions. Through a video message, these workers have sought help from the Indian government for their safe return to their homes. In the video message, the workers informed that their salaries have been withheld for the last six months and that they are starving as they have no food to eat. They appealed to the Indian government for their speedy return and payment of their pending wages. According to the migrant workers, they were told that they would be working as company employees, but after landing in Tunisia, they discovered that it was a contractual job. Moreover, they were informed that they would have to work only eight hours a day, but were made to work for over 12 hours daily. When we opposed, they started threatening that we will be put in jails and will never be able to return to our country, said one of the migrant workers, Amardeep Choudhary. They alleged that they have been duped by Prem Power Constructions. Now, we want to return home somehow, but the company is not letting us go, they said in the video message. They further alleged that they were not receiving proper payment for their work. Social activist Sikandar Ali, who works for the cause of migrant labourers, has demanded immediate intervention from the central and state governments in this matter. According to Sikandar Ali, the problem of migrant workers stranded abroad is not new, as many have fallen prey to fraudulent activities in the past. He also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return and to focus on creating employment opportunities in the state so that workers do not have to migrate for livelihood. Those stranded in Tunisia include nine workers from Vishnugarh in Hazaribagh, 14 from Bagodar, Sariya, Pirtand and Giridih blocks of Giridih district, and 15 from Chandrapura, Gomia and Petarwar areas of Bokaro. Among these workers are Amardeep Choudhary, Nandlal Mahato, Ajay Kumar, Gurucharan Mahato, Lalu Karmali and Sunil Tudu. Notably, a few months ago, several workers from Jharkhand were stranded in Niger, South Africa, some of whom reportedly remain unaccounted for.
South Eastern Railway has proposed new Vande Bharat Express trains from Ranchi to six destinations, including Raipur, Rourkela, Pune, New Delhi, LTT, and Varanasi. The proposal, sent to the Railway Board, aims to meet rising passenger demand as current routes see high festive-season bookings.
'Baahubali: Eternal War': Rajamouli to continue franchise with epic animation
The popular Baahubali franchise will continue with Baahubali: The Eternal War, which was announced at the end of the recently released film Baahubali: The Epic.
The Scream 7 trailer has sparked massive backlash as fans and advocacy groups call for a boycott over Melissa Barreras 2023 firing. Critics accuse Spyglass Media of silencing her pro-Palestinian stance, reigniting debate about Hollywoods politics even as Neve Campbell returns to the franchise for its 2026 release.
Jemimah Rodrigues has emerged as one of India's most consistent young cricketers since her debut in 2018. Coming from a Mangalorean Christian family with deep sporting roots, she balanced studies, hockey and cricket before turning into a global T20 talent. With a double-ton in domestic cricket, strong international stats, and roles in WPL and WBBL franchises, she now stands as a core pillar of India's next-gen cricket project.
Baahubali: The Epic earns over Rs 10 crore in advance sales, beats Ghilli record
Baahubali: The Epic, a combined version of both Baahubali films, has recorded a staggering Rs 10 crore in advance sales ahead of its October 31 release. The re-release marks the highest-ever pre-sales for an Indian film, reigniting fans love for the legendary franchise`
Ayushmann Khurrana: There was no plan to pick films that become franchises
Kicking off another franchise with the Rs 100 cr grosser Thamma, Ayushmann Khurrana says spin-offs and sequels have been a byproduct as he chased novel stories
Netflix taps bank to explore bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix is looking to buy Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming operations. The company has hired a financial advisor to assess a potential offer. This move could give Netflix control over popular franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics. Warner Bros Discovery is also considering other acquisition options. Netflix has stated it is not interested in cable networks like CNN.
Thamma earns Rs 108 crore at box office in 10 days
Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's horror-comedy 'Thamma' is a box office hit, crossing Rs 100 crore in India. Rashmika shares insights into her character Tarka, an ancient being learning human emotions and finding her superpower in screaming. The film continues to perform strongly, building on the success of its franchise.
Michael Klinger joins Welsh Fire as women's head coach
Appointment of Washington Freedom director of cricket helps to strengthen ties at newly acquired franchise
Paramount's Call of Duty movie taps the writers of Yellowstone and Friday Night Lights
We learned last month that Call of Duty would be making the leap to the big screen with a planned motion picture project. Today, Deadline reported that two of the main creative forces behind the movie will be Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg. Sheridan and Berg previously both worked on the 2016 film Hell or High Water and 2017's Wind River . Berg was a producer on those projects, but he's perhaps better known as a writer for the football drama Friday Night Lights . Sheridan's most recent endeavor was TV series Yellowstone , and he also worked on Lioness , Mayor of Kingstown and Tulsa King . For Paramount's Call of Duty adaptation, both will produce and co-write, while Berg is currently on board to direct. Since the writers and director have only just been locked down, there still hasn't been any public discussion of what era of the lucrative CoD franchise the movie will tackle. Based on the duo's past work, something contemporary seems most likely, but it may be awhile before we have any confirmation of the story or casting. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/paramounts-call-of-duty-movie-taps-the-writers-of-yellowstone-and-friday-night-lights-175331091.html?src=rss
We finally have a real-deal trailer for Stranger Things season five
It's been around three and a half years since season four of Stranger Things premiered. We finally have an actual trailer for the fifth and final season of Netflix's retro-soaked adventure series. It's a good thing, as the first batch of episodes drop on November 26. As previously mentioned, this is a real trailer with tons of footage and not a teaser. It's over two minutes of Hawkins-based goodness. This is an action-packed affair that's heavy on emotion and light on the type of 1980s-style humor the show has become known for. That seems right, given the stakes are higher than ever. If you just clicked on this and don't plan on actually watching the trailer, this is when I go into some light spoilers. It looks like the gang is trapped in Hawkins following the events of season four. There's a military enclosure around the city and, surprise, Vecna is back and looking for vengeance. There's a very scary scene in which the entity looks to be controlling or torturing poor Will and we don't even know if he has a cassette player loaded with Kate Bush just out of frame. It's all very tense. While the show premieres on November 26, this isn't a one-and-done season drop like many Netflix shows. It's being split into three installments. The first batch of episodes are set for November 26, with another batch dropping on December 25. The final episode will air on December 31 and is even coming to some movie theaters . It's a holiday miracle. The showrunners do promise that this season will finally tell us exactly what the upside down is , which is something to look forward to. While Stranger Things is ending, the franchise will continue on. Netflix has some spinoffs planned for the future, but they won't have series creators the Duffer Brothers on board as showrunners. The pair recently signed a deal with Paramount . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/we-finally-have-a-real-deal-trailer-for-stranger-things-season-five-160222670.html?src=rss
India Vs SA: Kohli, Rohit Set For ODI Return At Home Or Farewell?
New Delhi: The buzz around Indian cricket is building once again this time over the possible return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international action on home soil. While theres no official confirmation yet, sources close to the BCCI suggest that both senior pros are in contention for selection in Indias upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30, 2025, in Ranchi. If picked, it would mark their first home assignment since the duo announced their decision to focus solely on the 50-over game. However, whispers in the cricketing circle suggest that the South Africa series could also be their farewell to ODI cricket though, as always, only the selection committee knows for sure. Until any official word is put out, speculation continues on social media. Both Kohli and Rohit last featured in the ODI series against Australia, where India lost 12. While Kohli found form only in the final game of the three-match series, Rohit impressed with composed knocks in two games. Their partnership in the series decider, which India won comfortably, reminded fans of the poise and authority the duo still bring to the crease. According to insiders, discussions within the selection committee are ongoing. The management is keen to test younger faces ahead of the 2027 World Cup, yet theres a strong argument for recalling experienced campaigners like Rohit and Kohli to stabilise the batting order and mentor emerging talents. Both Kohli and Rohit last featured in the ODI series against Australia, where India lost 12. While Kohli found form only in the final game of the three-match series, Rohit impressed with composed knocks in two games. Their partnership in the series decider, which India won comfortably, reminded fans of the poise and authority the duo still bring to the crease. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The final squad announcement is expected later in November, and all eyes will be on whether Indias two modern greats make the cut or prepare for one last dance in the blue. Article Source: IANS
RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday pulled up government officials after reports surfaced of children testing HIV positive following blood transfusions in a government hospital in West Singhbhum. During the hearing, the court has directed officials to submit an affidavit providing details of blood donation camps held in both government and private hospitals. The court also sought information on the current demand and availability of blood in state hospitals. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar strongly reprimanded state government officials, terming such incidents extremely serious, and directed the government to take immediate action to prevent their recurrence. The court observed that such incidents reflect grave lapses in the states healthcare monitoring system and must be treated with utmost urgency. During the hearing, Health Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, the Project Director of the Jharkhand AIDS Control Society, and the State Drug Controller were also present in person before the court. Hemant Soren seeks audit report of blood banks in Jharkhand after children test HIV positive Emphasising accountability and public safety, the Bench warned that such incidents could not be tolerated and called for immediate corrective action. The court further stressed that the government must strengthen the monitoring of blood banks and ensure foolproof testing procedures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. Earlier on Friday, taking a suo-moto cognisance of the media reports that a seven-year-old child contracted HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital at West Singhbhum, the Jharkhand High Court had ordered an urgent probe into the matter and sought a detailed report from the state health department. Following the Courts directive, a high-level medical investigation team from Ranchi visited Chaibasa on Saturday to inspect the hospitals blood bank and related facilities. During the investigation, it was discovered that four more children had been given infected blood and were found to be HIV positive. The team inspected the hospital's blood bank and PICU ward and gathered detailed information from the children's families. During the investigation, the medical team discovered several deficiencies and serious irregularities during their inspection of the blood bank and laboratory. Preliminary findings indicate that poor testing protocols, lack of supervision, and procedural negligence may have allowed contaminated blood to be used for transfusions a failure that has endangered several young lives. Five children test HIV positive after blood transfusion in Jharkhand; Civil Surgeon suspended
Google celebrates Pac-Man's 45th anniversary with a Halloween Doodle
Google Doodle is featuring something special for gamers today: A tribute to Pac-Man's 45th anniversary , just in time for Halloween. For today and tomorrow, you'll be able to play four haunted-house mazes especially designed for the event by Pac-Man's parent company, Bandai Namco Entertainment . Like other games in the franchise, you'll have to control Pac-Man and eat all of the dots in a maze without being caught by a ghost. Yes, the Ghost Gang, with Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde, is back for this event. The maze's design reflects the ghost' personalities, so you can move according to how you think each one will try to get you. Blinky the red ghost, for instance, tends to actively chase Pac-Man, while the others would corner him. If you grab a Power Pallet, you'll be able to activate a time-limited event wherein you can chase and eat the ghosts, as well. To play the game, simply go to the Google homepage on desktop or fire up the Google app on mobile, whether on Android or on iOS. On a PC, you control Pac-Man with your keyboard's arrow keys, while on mobile, you'll have to swipe or press and move your finger to change directions. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/google-celebrates-pac-mans-45th-anniversary-with-a-halloween-doodle-133034299.html?src=rss
Impossible: Mumbai Indians Dismiss Rohit Sharma's Rumoured Links To KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders: Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have put an end to rumours suggesting a trade involving former captain Rohit Sharma to Kolkata Knight Riders, responding with a clever social media post that assured fans of the star openers continued association with the franchise. Despite persistent speculation since his captaincy handover to Hardik Pandya, MIs message made it clear that Rohit will remain a key part of their setup for another season. MI put a spin on KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khans iconic 'Don' movie dialogue and wrote, Sun will rise tomorrow again ye toh confirm hai, but at (K)night mushkil hi nhi namumkin hai (it is not only difficult but impossible) Rohit enjoyed a solid outing in IPL 2025, scoring 418 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate close to 150 and an average of around 30. His four half-centuries, including a fluent 81, underlined his trademark timing and composure at the top. Though MI had an up-and-down campaign, Rohits brisk starts were instrumental, reaffirming his enduring value in the league. Interestingly, MIs post came soon after KKR announced Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach. Nayars promotion from assistant coach reignited talk of a potential Rohit-KKR link, given the strong bond between the two - the veteran opener often trains under Nayar during his off time. Rohit enjoyed a solid outing in IPL 2025, scoring 418 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate close to 150 and an average of around 30. His four half-centuries, including a fluent 81, underlined his trademark timing and composure at the top. Though MI had an up-and-down campaign, Rohits brisk starts were instrumental, reaffirming his enduring value in the league. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Meanwhile, Rohit added another feather to his illustrious career by rising to No. 1 in the ICC Mens ODI batting rankings for the first time. The 38-year-old, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, climbed two spots following his match-winning unbeaten 121 against Australia in Sydney - a knock that sealed Indias emphatic nine-wicket win and showcased the veterans vintage class. Article Source: IANS
Four killed, over 20 injured as speeding pick-up van overturns on way to Adivasi rally in Ranchi
RANCHI: Four people were killed and more than 20 others injured when a speeding pick-up van overturned near the Bundu toll plaza on Thursday. All the passengers were traveling from Biridih village under Arki Block to attend the Adivasi Janakrosh Rally at Tau Maidan in Bundu. The pick-up was reportedly moving at high speed when the driver lost control, causing it to overturn. The vehicle was carrying women, men, and youth heading to participate in the rally. According to eyewitnesses, the pick-up van was trying to overtake a bus when one of its front tires burst. Due to the high speed, the driver lost control, hit the bus, and the van overturned into a roadside ditch. After receiving information, Bundu Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Om Prakash, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kisto Kumar Besra, and local police rushed to the spot. With the help of locals, the injured were rescued and transported by ambulance to the Bundu Sub-Divisional Hospital. According to SDM Besra, four people were killed, while 23 others were injured in the accident. Fifteen of the injured were referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for treatment. The SDM admitted that the passenger vehicle was overloaded and assured that action would be taken against such violations. Locals immediately joined the rescue operations, pulling out those trapped under the overturned vehicle and taking the injured to nearby health centres for first aid. Given the seriousness of the incident, the Adivasi Janakrosh Rally scheduled at Bundu Tau Maidan has been postponed. Due to the sudden mishap in which four people lost their lives and several others were injured, we have postponed the Jan Akrosh Rally that was scheduled for Thursday at Tau Maidan in Bundu, said local tribal leader Puran Chand Munda.
In a major development ahead of IPL 2026, reports suggest that Lucknow Super Giants are considering Yuvraj Singh as a potential replacement for head coach Justin Langer. The franchise could undergo a major shake-up if the former India star takes charge. Here's what's known so far.
Rohit Sharma to join KKR ahead of IPL 2026? Mumbai Indians breaks silence on trade rumours
Reports of Rohit Sharma's possible move to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026 have taken social media by storm. Mumbai Indians have finally responded to the sensational transfer rumours surrounding their former captain. Here's what the franchise had to say.
Indian Premier League 2026: Abhishek Nayar replaces Chandrakant Pandit as head coach
Nayar,who has worked closely with the franchise as a support staff and a mentor to young talent at its academy, hasbeen part of the KKR family since 2018
The Witcher Season 4 has arrived in India. Liam Hemsworth takes over as Geralt of Rivia. All eight episodes are available for streaming. This season is the shortest in the franchise. Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri face war and enemies. New alliances are formed. Laurence Fishburne joins as Regis. The Continent is unpredictable. Read on!
HDFC Bank board clears extension of Kaizad Bharucha as DMD for 3 years
HDFC Bank's board has approved Kaizad Bharucha's return as Deputy Managing Director. His tenure will be for three years. This decision awaits approval from the Reserve Bank of India and bank shareholders. Bharucha currently guides the bank's assets franchise, covering retail loans, rural banking, and MSME sectors. He also oversees wholesale segments like emerging corporate and corporate banking.
Abhishek Nayar appointed Kolkata Knight Riders head coach ahead of IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Abhishek Nayar as their head coach for the 2026 IPL season. This follows Chandu Pandit's departure after a challenging season. Nayar, a long-time associate of the franchise, has been instrumental in developing talent. He previously served as assistant coach and talent scout. Nayar was part of the support staff during KKR's 2024 title win.
KKR Confirm Abhishek Nayars Appointment As Head Coach For IPL 2026
KKR CEO Venky Mysore: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday announced Abhishek Nayar as the teams new head coach ahead of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nayar, who was the teams assistant coach in the previous edition, has replaced Chandrakant Pandit in the role, who coached the team for three seasons. Earlier in the day, IANS reported that Nayar completed the necessary paperwork to join the Kolkata-based franchise. Before he was appointed KKRs head coach, Nayar was named UP Warriorzs head coach for the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026. He will now have to perform double duty and will have a major task on his hands, with the WPL mega auction and the IPL mini auction approaching. KKR made the announcement on their social media handles on Thursday, sharing a picture of Nayar welcoming him to the new role. Captioning the picture, the franchise wrote, A new dawn is upon us. Abhishek has been a vital part of the Knight Riders setup since 2018, shaping our players both on and off the field. His understanding of the game and connection with players have been key to our growth. We're thrilled to see him take over as head coach and lead KKR into its next chapter, KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement. KKR parted ways with Pandit, putting an end to a three-season association during which the team secured the IPL title in 2024, ending a 10-year drought. Following a disappointing IPL 2025, in which KKR finished eighth with only five wins, a team shake-up led to Pandit's departure. He has since gone back to mentoring Madhya Pradesh in the Indian domestic arena, taking on the role of director of cricket at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association. Abhishek has been a vital part of the Knight Riders setup since 2018, shaping our players both on and off the field. His understanding of the game and connection with players have been key to our growth. We're thrilled to see him take over as head coach and lead KKR into its next chapter, KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Nayar was a versatile player who spent years with Mumbai and played three ODIs for India in 2009. He has a strong coaching background, having served as lead coach of the KKR academy in 2018 before joining the IPL senior team as an assistant coach. Nayar also has experience coaching franchises outside India, having served as the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League 2022. Article Source: IANS
'Not too far...': KL Rahul drops major hint about IPL future, sparks talk of blockbuster 2026 trade
KL Rahul has set social media on fire with a cryptic remark hinting at a possible franchise switch ahead of IPL 2026. The Delhi Capitals star's cheeky response in a recent interaction has fueled massive speculation about one of the biggest trades of the upcoming season.
'Gone Far Too Young': Global Cricket Fraternity Mourns Aussie Teen Cricketer's Sudden Death
Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football: The global cricket fraternity has been stunned by the sudden death of a 17-year-old Australian cricketer, Ben Austin, in a training accident. Austin was facing balls in the nets ahead of a T20 match when he was struck in the neck by a ball during training at Ferntree Gully, in front of his teammates. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition by advanced life support and intensive care paramedics on Tuesday. After battling for life for a day, he died on Wednesday. Mourning the loss of a young talent, Indian Premier League franchises Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders expressed their condolences, while the West Australian Cricket Association stated that players are wearing black armbands as a tribute to the teen cricketer on Day 3 of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia. Flowers, bats, and shirts were left at the nets for young Ben Austin at Ferntree Gully CC. Cricket, like life, can be heartbreakingly unpredictable. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time, CSK shared on X. All of us at KKR are deeply saddened by the loss of young Ben Austin. Our love and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and the Australian cricket community during this difficult time, added KKR. Black armbands today for Ben Austin. Thoughts with his family and friends, WACA said in an X post. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen said, Horrific news of a young 17-year-old boy who got struck by a cricket ball in the nets yesterday in Melbourne and sadly passed away. Thoughts with all his family and friends! Cricket family Gone Too Soon, Ben Austin. To his family, friends, teammates, and the entire Cricket Australia community, we stand with you in this unimaginable moment of grief, Lucknow Super Giants shared. Former England captain Michael Vaughan said, RIP Ben Austin ... Gone far too young .. Thoughts are with all his family and close friends. Cricket New South Wales said, It joins the wider cricket community in mourning the loss of Ben Austin, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. The Big Bash League club Sydney Sixers said, Were heartbroken to hear of Ben Austins passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. Cricket New South Wales said, It joins the wider cricket community in mourning the loss of Ben Austin, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Moreover, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, in conjunction with the Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, have set up a 'gofundme' to help the family of our mate Ben Austin. Article Source: IANS
SS Rajamouli talks about 'Baahubali: The Eternal War'
Great news for enthusiasts of the 'Baahubali' franchise! Director SS Rajamouli has just announced 'Baahubali: The Eternal War,' a groundbreaking new 3D animated feature that is set to continue the epic saga with an impressive budget of Rs 120 crore. Fans can expect to see the exciting teaser during the interval of 'Baahubali: The Epic.
Thamma box office day 9: The film collects total Rs 104 crore
Aditya Sarpotdar's horror-comedy Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, has crossed 104 crore net in India within nine days of its release. The film has shown strong weekday performance, becoming the second-highest grosser in its franchise. Nawazuddin Siddiqui expressed excitement for the film as it's the first his children can watch.
Stray leads Novembers lineup of PS Plus games
Sony just announced the PS Plus Monthly games for November and there are some standouts. All of these titles will be available to download on November 4 until December 1. First up, there's the cat sim Stray . We praised the third-person cyberpunk adventure in our initial review , in which we lauded the game's unique mechanics and puzzles. After all, you play as a cat in a dystopian and futuristic city. That's a one-of-a-kind premise, which is one reason it became such a big hit . It'll be available for both PS4 and PS5. It's also worth noting that this was a day-one release for PS Plus Extra and Premium back in 2022. EA Sports WRC 24 is a popular racing sim developed by Codemasters, who made the Dirt series, the Grid franchise and plenty of official F1 games. This new one lets players participate in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC.) Racers get access to a bunch of WRC, WRC2 and Junior WRC cars from the 2024 season, complete with current drivers and teams. This one is only for PS5. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is certainly a battle similar, but not an accurate one. The game lets you design all kinds of bizarre battle scenarios with the wobbliest physics system ever created. This is the best game ever made that lets you battle a wooly mammoth with balloon arrows, thus forcing that beast into the sky. It'll be available for both PS4 and PS5. As always, a crop of new games means that some pre-existing titles are heading to that farm upstate. You have until November 3 to download Alan Wake 2 , Goat Simulator 3 and Cocoon to their game library. Dang. Last month was stacked. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/stray-leads-novembers-lineup-of-ps-plus-games-180339318.html?src=rss
'Living freely in India', Sheikh Hasina says she wont return to Bangladesh under illegitimate rule
Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living freely in exile in New Delhi since fleeing her country last year, has said she will not return home under any government formed after elections that exclude her party, the Awami League. In an emailed interview with news agency Reuters , her first since being toppled in a student-led uprising in August 2024 , the 78-year-old former leader said millions of her supporters would boycott next years election, calling the ban on the Awami League unjust and self-defeating. The ban on the Awami League is not only unjust, it is self-defeating, Hasina said. Millions of people support the Awami League, so as things stand, they will not vote. You cannot disenfranchise millions of people if you want a political system that works. Hasina has been residing in New Delhi since her ouster, and according to Reuters , lives freely though cautiously because of her familys violent political past. Reuters say that Hasina was recently seen taking a quiet stroll through the capitals Lodhi Garden, acknowledging passersby with a nod while being accompanied by two individuals who appeared to be her personal security detail. I live freely in Delhi but remain cautious, given my familys history, Hasina said, recalling that her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladeshs founding leader and three brothers were assassinated in a 1975 military coup while she and her sister were abroad. I would of course love to go home, so long as the government there was legitimate, the constitution was being upheld, and law and order genuinely prevailed, she said. One year after a bloody uprising, Bangladesh is far from political stability An interim government led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus has ruled Bangladesh since Hasinas fall and plans to hold elections in February 2026. The Election Commission suspended the Awami Leagues registration in May , while all party activities were earlier banned citing national security threats and war crimes investigations against senior party leaders. Hasina, credited with modernising Bangladeshs economy but accused of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent, faces charges of crimes against humanity over a violent crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. A UN report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during the unrest. Calling the ongoing proceedings politically motivated charades, Hasina said she was denied fair process and that guilty verdicts were a foregone conclusion. A verdict in her case is due on November 13. Despite the political turmoil, Hasina told Reuters she remains confident the Awami League will eventually return to Bangladeshs political landscape whether in government or opposition. Its really not about me or my family, she said. For Bangladesh to achieve the future we all want, there must be a return to constitutional rule and political stability. No single person or family defines our countrys future. While Hasinas presence in India remains low-profile, her political legacy continues to dominate Bangladeshs politics, where an interim regime grapples with legitimacy concerns and the challenge of holding elections without its longest-serving leader. Bangladesh alleges Awami League activity in India, warns ties may suffer; MEA denies claim
Bihar assembly elections 2025: 2-day home voting service for elderly, disabled starts in Patna
Elderly and disabled voters in Patna are casting their ballots from home for the first time in Bihar assembly elections. This initiative, implemented by the Election Commission of India, allows voters aged over 85 or with disabilities to exercise their franchise conveniently. Polling teams are visiting homes to facilitate this progressive measure, ensuring inclusivity in the electoral process.
Nintendo is releasing a massive Breath of the Wild vinyl soundtrack collection on eight LPs
Nintendo is teaming up with Laced Records on a couple of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vinyl soundtrack releases, which is pretty darned cool. There's even a massive 8-LP box set that ships with some franchise-friendly bells and whistles. Let's start with that box set. It's available in limited-edition colored vinyl or standard black vinyl. At eight vinyl records, it probably includes just about every piano twinkle and wind rustle found throughout the game. All told, there are 130 newly remastered tracks. The records here are split into themes, mirroring a player's progression through Hyrule. These themes revolve around exploring the Kingdom of Hyrule, freeing the Divine Beasts from Calamity Ganon's hold and discovering the mysteries of the Shrines. It ships with a nifty-looking collector's case and comes with 16 art prints depicting various scenes from the game. The 8-LP collection costs $195, which is high but not the worst deal in the world. That breaks down to around $24 per record. Nintendo/Laced Records The double-LP collection is a more standard affair, with 34 tracks pulled from throughout the game. These include musical cues from visiting the Great Fairy Fountain, Hyrule Castle and other locations. This one costs $50 and is also available in both black and colored vinyl. Both collections are available to pre-order right now via Laced Records and My Nintendo Store. They won't be shipped until June 19, 2026. This is one of the first major Nintendo game soundtracks available in a physical format outside of Japan. Breath of the Wild is an interesting choice here for an initial vinyl release, given that the game's soundtrack is known for mood-setting vibes but not really known for bops. Composers Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, Hajime Wakai and Soshi Abe filled the game with gentle piano riffs, nature sounds and rhythmic pieces to accompany battles. However, it does have a few absolute bangers . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-releasing-a-massive-breath-of-the-wild-vinyl-soundtrack-collection-on-eight-lps-151531479.html?src=rss
Close shave for passengers on Tapaswini Express as goods train derails in Jharkhand
RANCHI: Rail traffic on the HatiaRourkela section was disrupted on Wednesday after a goods train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro derailed near Kanarowan railway station in Jharkhand's Simdega. At least 10 wagons went off the tracks. Of the 10 derailed wagons, five to seven bogies were reported to be completely damaged. The accident also damaged approximately 100 metres of both up and down lines. The Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express was traveling directly behind the freight train at the time of the accident. Due to the alertness of railway personnel, the train was stopped at Tati station, averting a major loss of life. Although no casualties have been reported, the railways has suffered losses estimated in crores of rupees. The track, sleepers, overhead power lines, and signal systems were severely damaged. The exact cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained. According to officials, the incident took place at around 10:13 am on Wednesday near the northern cabin of Kanaroan railway station under Bano police station area. A freight train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro suddenly derailed between poles 524/29 and 524/36. After receiving information about the accident, RPF and GRP teams rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, establishing security. No one is allowed to approach the accident site. Senior officials, including the DRM, at Hatia Railway Division also reached the spot and assessed the situation. Work to remove debris and repair the track was subsequently initiated on a war footing. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager at Ranchi Rail Division Shuchi Singh said that the operation of approximately 11 trains has been affected due to the incident. However, alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Every effort is being made to ensure the safe arrival of passengers to their destinations, she said. According to railway officials, technical teams are working continuously, and if everything goes as planned, the track repairs will be completed within 10 to 12 hours. Partial train operations are expected to resume by late evening. Meanwhile, all train services on the Bano-Rourkela section have been suspended, diverted or short-terminated after the incident. Many passenger trains have been stranded at various stations. The Tapaswini Express was terminated at Tati station and sent back to Rourkela in Odisha. According to officials, about 1,300 passengers were travelling on that train. Buses were arranged for passengers at Rourkela station to bring them to Hatia, they said. The Hatia-Rourkela passenger and Hatia-Sanki-Hatia passenger have been cancelled for Wednesday, while the Hatia-Jharsuguda MEMU train has been short-terminated. At least nine trains, including the Sambalpur-Gorakhpur Maurya Express (15027), Visakhapatnam-Banaras Express (18523), Sir M Visvesvaraya Bengaluru Terminal-Hatia Express (12836) and Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (13351), were diverted.
'Baahubali' producer reveals 25-30 lakh daily filming cost amid re-release
Shobu Yarlagadda, the producer of the Baahubali franchise, recently revealed the daily production cost for the epic saga.
Thamma box office: Ayushmann Khurrana delivers his 5th 100 crore hit
Ayushmann Khurranas Thamma has entered the Rs 100-crore club, becoming his fifth film to do so, and further establishing him as a powerhouse of fresh, franchise-driven cinema
Cricket World Cup India: Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop believes India must draw inspiration from their iconic 1983 Mens ODI World Cup triumph to overcome Australia's aura of invincibility in their high-stakes 2025 Womens ODI World Cup semi-final against the reigning champions at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday. The winner of Thursdays blockbuster semi-final clash will meet either England or South Africa in the final in Navi Mumbai on November 2. Australia, the only unbeaten team in the competition, are aiming to win an unprecedented eighth ODI World Cup title, while India aim to stop their juggernaut and enter the title clash on home soil. Luckily for India, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side have hit their peak at the right time, as seen from them securing their spot in the semi-finals with a big win over New Zealand at DY Patil Stadium, especially after losing to South Africa, Australia and England in the league stage. I want to take everyone here back to when we talk about an aura of invincibility, right? I don't often talk about this because I was a young kid and I was sick for days after this match. Remember, was it that 1983 World Cup men's edition when India beat the West Indies at Lord's? West Indies came in as overwhelming favourites and they were overturned by India that ushered in a whole new generation and a way of viewing and playing the game. That is something - that is a spirit that all teams and much more so India, have to draw upon in the semifinal. Again, I'm not diminishing anything that Australia can do because they are the team to beat. So that's why we're not talking too much about them because they come into this as favorites. But it's a chance for India to make their own history, said Bishop to IANS in a virtual media day on the eve of the India-Australia semi-final. He also highlighted how the Women's Premier League (WPL) and growth of franchise womens T20 leagues has helped the Indian team players in seeing the Australian cricketers as equals rather than untouchable champions. Whether the WPL has humanised this, of course, franchise cricket does that. If Alyssa Healy is playing with any one of those Indian players in the WPL, so as Beth Mooney, Alana King, they will see the human side of those players and they will realise that they are not machines in the same way that if you've played with Ricky Ponting, for example, or if you played back in the day at Somerset with Sir Vivian Richards. You realise they are human, they have off days, great days, you see their preparation and you realise that you can make that preparation. So WPL, and I don't think we've seen the full effect of it yet, where it will take India's cricket in the next five years, where it will take the fielding, power hitting, and where it needs to take the discovery of some frontline seam bowling options for India, because India need that, he said. Addressing Australia's renowned ability to fight back with the bat from precarious positions in the competition, Bishop further issued a clear tactical directive for Harmanpreet & Co. look for aggression over caution and not be defensive in field placements. I think you've got to be aggressive. The one thing that, and the women's game is growing all the time exponentially, I really enjoy what I'm seeing. But the one additional step I'd like to see, and this is across the game, right? Bishop said, making a broader point about modern cricket strategy. So I'm making a point across the game in general, the landscape, not just specific to the women's game, but across the men's juniors and seniors as well, that I want to see teams like India be more aggressive. If wickets have fallen, don't sit back and wait for the next wicket to fall by pushing your fielders deep and allowing easy singles. Be aggressive in your field sets to complement your bowling, because we've seen that once or twice in this tournament, that if you allow, even with a collapse, any of those Australian batters - we saw that with Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, and Beth Mooney, that they are capable of going on to get hundreds and managing batting with their lower order, which is very strong to still get competitive scores. So you have to be willing and risk losing the game in order to win it by being aggressive in your field sets and in your captaincy and your bowling, he explained. On a wider note, Bishop signed off by emphasising the need for India to develop quality pace bowling options through their academy and franchise systems. They need to discover some frontline seaming options. Spinners will always come through. So I know it's a broad way of answering your question, and I've hit on a point that I wanted to put out there, that the academies, franchises, and states where the women's game is played in this country need to advance their seam bowling options. Be aggressive in your field sets to complement your bowling, because we've seen that once or twice in this tournament, that if you allow, even with a collapse, any of those Australian batters - we saw that with Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, and Beth Mooney, that they are capable of going on to get hundreds and managing batting with their lower order, which is very strong to still get competitive scores. So you have to be willing and risk losing the game in order to win it by being aggressive in your field sets and in your captaincy and your bowling, he explained. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Catch Australia vs India in the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup India 2025 on Thursday, at 3:00 PM, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS
RANCHI: The Kolhan Bandh, called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, witnessed widespread impact in West Singhbhum as most of the shops and business establishments remained closed since the morning. The 6 am to 6 pm bandh was called by the BJP in two districts of the Kolhan region against the alleged baton-charge on tribals during a demonstration in Chaibasa town on Monday night. Villagers in Chaibasa have been demanding the imposition of no entry on heavy vehicles on NH 220 and NH 75E during daytime to check frequent road accidents. Villagers on Monday were marching towards the residence of Jharkhand Transport Minister Deepak Birua to gherao his residence and hand over a memorandum to him in this regard, during which the police resorted to lathi-charge and hurled tear gas shells, leading to a stampede, injuring many people. Later, the police also arrested several protesters, prompting the BJP and other tribal organisations to call a bandh. Due to the bandh, attendance in schools and colleges remained extremely low, and public transport was completely shut down. Roads and major intersections remained deserted as the vehicles kept off the roads due to a bandh called by the tribal organisations and BJP. Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, along with his wife Geeta Koda, took to the streets to support the bandh. Some of the tribal organisations, along with BJP workers, also took to the streets, appealing to people to support the bandh. Bus services on the Jamshedpur-Ranchi route, Kiriburu and the surrounding rural areas were completely disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to the people. Due to the blockade created by the protesters by burning tyres on the roads, several trucks and light motor vehicles remained stranded on the National Highway connecting Jharkhand to Odisha and Bengal for several hours. The protesters blocked the road at Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, Sonua, and Goilkera areas by burning tyres in the middle of the road. Bandh supporters were seen raising anti-government slogans and condemning the police action. Additional police teams were deployed to maintain law and order. Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders burned the effigy of Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the Chaibasa Post Office Chowk to register their protest. The police administration made elaborate security arrangements throughout the city to prevent any untoward incident. Additional police forces have been deployed at major intersections and bus stands in Chaibasa. Regular patrolling is also being done by the police forces to maintain peace in the area.
Cyclone Montha: Rain Lashes Parts of Jharkhand
Rain lashed Ranchi, Gumla, Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Palamu, Khunti, Lohardaga and Simdega in the morning
Team BB Racing Triumphs At Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Opener
The opening race weekend of worlds first franchise-based Supercross league saw Team BB Racing emerging victorious.
Mansukh Mandaviya Applauds ISRL For Promoting India As Motorsports' Global Hub
Season 2 of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) brings together six dynamic franchise teams.
TNCC prez: Modi & ECI using SIR to disenfranchise
Jharkhand to get four new medical colleges, Centre provides approval under PPP model
RANCHI: In a major boost to the healthcare and education sectors in Jharkhand, the central government on Tuesday gave its approval for four new medical colleges in the state under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The approval was granted under the Government of Indias Scheme for Establishment of Medical Colleges in PPP Mode, aimed at expanding medical education and improving healthcare infrastructure across underserved regions of India. The decision was taken during an important meeting held in New Delhi at the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), after Jharkhands Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Ajay Kumar Singh presented the states proposal. After the presentation given by Ajay Kumar Singh, the Centre approved the establishment of medical colleges in the four districts -- Khunti (50 MBBS seats), Jamtara (100 MBBS seats), Dhanbad (100 MBBS seats) and Giridih (100 MBBS seats). Each new institution will include a teaching hospital, bringing both medical education opportunities and better healthcare services to local communities. These projects will be implemented under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) sub-schemes administered by the DEA, Ministry of Finance. This PPP approach is expected to attract private investment and accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring quality standards and shared accountability. Calling it a historic day for Jharkhand, the Additional Chief Secretary said that the establishment of new medical colleges will create new employment opportunities for youth, besides giving a boost to the medical facilities in the state. The establishment of new medical colleges under the PPP model will significantly enhance medical education and healthcare services in Jharkhand, while also creating new employment opportunities for our youth. Notably, Jharkhand currently has nine medical colleges, including some prominent institutions such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Jamshedpur (MGMMC) both among the oldest in eastern India. In recent years, the opening of AIIMS Deoghar (2019) has strengthened the states medical education infrastructure, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
At least 15 people die due to drowning during Chhath Puja celebrations in Jharkhand
RANCHI: At least 15 people died of drowning during the Chhath Puja celebrations across Jharkhand, which were observed on Monday and Tuesday. Reports indicate that most of the victims drowned while offering prayers or bathing in ponds and rivers. In a recent incident, four girls, belonging to the same family, drowned in a pond at Jhardag village under the Shahpur Panchayat of Katkamsandi in Hazaribagh.The incident occurred in the afternoon following the Chhath Puja. According to locals, the girls had gone to the nearby pond to wash clothes after the Chhath Puja. While washing clothes, one of the girls fell into the pond. While trying to save her, one by one, all four girls fell into the deep pond and passed away on the spot. The deceased include Rinki Kumari (16), Pooja Kumari (20), Sakshi Kumar (16), and Riya Kumari (14). Police sources informed that five children also drowned on Monday, taking the total toll from drowning incidents during the festival to 15. Several others, including a minor boy and two men, were reported missing after being swept away in separate incidents. Those who lost their lives include two girls Gungun Kumari (11) and Rupa Tiwari (12) who drowned in a village pond at Bela under the Keredari police station area in Hazaribagh on Sunday evening while performing Chhath rituals. Similarly, in Garhwa, a 13-year-old Rahul Kumar drowned in the Danro River on Monday afternoon while taking a bath. Rahul, reportedly, went deep into the river and was pulled under by the current. He was rescued by the locals and taken to Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Whereas in Simdega, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl from Mayangsor village under Bano police station areas was drowned in a bucket of water inside her home on Monday. The incident occurred when her grandmother went to another room for a few minutes. After returning, she found the child submerged in the bucket. Another case of drowning took place in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, where a 14-year-old boy, Aryan Yadav, drowned in the Subarnarekha River near Saherbera under Chandil police station on Monday evening after offering arghya during Chhath Puja. According to police, Aryan ventured into a danger zone and started drowning. Two others Prateek Kumar Yadav, 19, and Sanjay Singh, 45, jumped in to save him but went missing. Aryans body was recovered by NDRF and local divers, while search operations for the two missing men will resume on Tuesday morning. In Palamu, a 16-year-old boy also went missing after jumping into a canal near Chaura bridge in Bishnupur village under Hussainabad police station on Monday. Earlier, on Sunday evening, three children drowned in Simdega district, and three others lost their lives in similar incidents in Palamu.
Jharkhand: IED blast claims life of 10-year-old girl in Saranda jungles
RANCHI: A 10-year-old girl, who had gone into the forests of West Singhbhum to collect sial leaves, was killed after an IED, planted by Maoists, blew up. The incident took place on Tuesday near Digha under Jaraikele police. As per initial reports, Siria Herenj, daughter of Jai Masi Herenj, a resident of Digha village, inadvertently came into contact with an IED planted by Maoists, targeting the security forces while she was collecting sial leaves. The explosion was so powerful that the girl died on the spot after her legs were severely damaged. After receiving the information, Jaraikela police rushed to the spot and recovered the girl's body from the forest. Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the incident, terming it a cowardly act by the Maoists. A girl, who had gone into the jungles to collect sial leaves, has been killed in an IED blast near Digha village. She succumbed to her injuries while being evacuated from the jungles by the security forces, said the SP. The incident took place at around 10 am on Tuesday, he added. The SP further informed that given the seriousness of the matter, security forces have been alerted in the entire area, and a thorough investigation of the incident has been initiated. Maoists are now restricted only to Saranda jungles in Jharkhand as they have been whipped out from other pockets of the state. According to an estimate, around 60-65 Maoists are supposed to be hiding in Saranda jungles, where they have planted thousands of IEDs, which has become a challenge for the security forces. The state police have launched a joint operation in Kolhan and Saranda jungles of Chaibasa in November 2022. Since then, as many as six security personnel have lost their lives, while 20 others were critically injured. Around 22 civilian lives were also lost, leaving many critically injured after IED blasts. The joint operation, conducted by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police, was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of top Maoist leaders in the region, including Misir Besra, a senior CPI(Maoist) commander with a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
Pilates Pioneer Yasmin Karachiwala Expands Her Fitness Legacy to Delhi
Indias foremost Pilates expert and celebrity fitness instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala, has inaugurated her new studio, Yasmin Karachiwalas Body Image (YKBI), in Delhi. The studio marks a franchise collaboration with Sadhir Wellness Pvt. Ltd., a family-owned enterprise founded by siblings Sakshi Jain and Ashdhir Dipankar Jain, who share Yasmins commitment to promoting mindful movement and holistic well-being. L-R: Sakshi Jain, Yasmin Karachiwala and Ashdhir Dipankar Jain With over three decades of experience, Yasmin Karachiwala has played a defining role in shaping Indias contemporary fitness landscape. Recognized as the countrys first BASI-certified Pilates instructor, she has trained some of Indias most celebrated personalities, including Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday, Hrithik Roshan, and many others. A recipient of numerous accolades, Yasmin is also the author of acclaimed fitness titles such as The Perfect 10: 10-Minute Workouts You Can Do Anywhere and co-author of Sculpt and Shape: The Pilates Way. Through her work, she continues to set new benchmarks in health, wellness, and mindful movement across the nation. Yasmin Karachiwala demonstrates a Pilates exercise at the new YKBI studio in Delhi With 11 studios and over 60 plus instructors, YKBI offers tailored programs, cutting-edge equipment, and expert guidance for every practitioner. The Delhi launch marks a significant milestone in Yasmins mission to make world-class Pilates training and holistic wellness experiences accessible to a wider audience across India and beyond. Pilates is a dynamic and restorative practice that enhances strength, flexibility, and body awareness while improving posture and alignment , said Yasmin Karachiwala at the launch. Over the years, Ive witnessed how truly versatile Pilates is. It supports rehabilitation, challenges even the most advanced athletes, helps alleviate chronic pain, aids in recovery, and offers dynamic training for sports enthusiasts. Its equally beneficial for housewives, children, and those with desk jobs, helping them improve posture, strength, and overall well-being. Were happy to partner with Sadhir Wellness to bring YKBI to Delhi and make this transformative practice accessible to more people. Pilates truly benefits individuals of all ages, especially those with sedentary lifestyles, helping them achieve physical balance and mental clarity . Our new YKBI studio introduces Delhi to Yasmins signature Pilates methodology, a system rooted in strength, alignment, and mindful movement that has transformed the fitness journeys of countless individuals worldwide , said Sakshi Jain of Sadhir Wellness . The space embodies Yasmins aesthetic of understated elegance and functionality, equipped with state-of-the-art Reformers, Pilates Chairs, and Spinal Correctors. We offer personal, duet, and group sessions tailored to individual needs, with every instructor personally mentored and certified by Yasmin through the YKBI Pilates Academy ensuring each client receives expert guidance delivered with authenticity . So come on, Delhi! With YKBI, its time to move, breathe, and embrace a stronger, more balanced you. Address: R-549, Shankar Road, New Rajinder Nagar, Delhi 110060 For membership enquiries, contact: +91 99203 59996.
Touted to be a two-part dystopian action franchise, Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon-starrer Ganapath Chapter One was released with overwhelmingly negative reviews. The film went on to earn only 10% of its massive budget.
In a first, Palamu reserve to relocate bison from Madhya Pradesh to boost prey base for tigers
RANCHI: To strengthen the prey base for the rising tiger population in Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), authorities plan to relocate bison and sambar from Madhya Pradesh. PTR officials said they have requested at least 50 bison and 200 sambar from the central Indian state. The latest bison survey in PTR recorded 68 animals in the reserve, including 33 females, 25 males and 10 calves aged between 1.5 and 4 years. Most are concentrated in the Chhipadohar and Betla regions. Officials said the current population of bison and sambar does not provide sufficient prey for the growing number of tigers, prompting the relocation request from Madhya Pradesh, where these species are more abundant. Officials in Madhya Pradesh have agreed to our demand, but they want approval from the central government. Therefore, we have sought permission from the Government of India to bring bison and sambhar from Madhya Pradesh, said PTR Director SR Natesh. He said preparations are underway to bring 50 female bison, as recommended in the survey report. As soon as approval is received, the bison and sambar will be shifted to PTR, he added. Natesh said the exercise aims to ensure an adequate prey base for the increasing number of tigers in the reserve. According to PTR officials, there are direct and indirect sightings of seven tigers in the area. In 1974, the bison population in the reserve was estimated at around 1,500, Natesh said. A survey of the declining bison population in the reserve area was conducted, following which a recovery plan and ecological report were prepared, he added. The survey found a decline in bison numbers across the 226 sq km area, raising concerns for their conservation. PTR Deputy Director (South Division) Ashish Kumar said translocation is necessary as fertility has decreased due to inbreeding. Once new bison are brought in and interbreeding begins, their gene pool will diversify, which he said is essential for maintaining a healthy population, he said. Besides that, most of the bison are located in Batla Range, which needs to be spread across the PTR to make pray base available for the tigers as they have a habit of roaming around everywhere, Ashish added. He said a concentrated population is also at greater risk if disease or other disruptions strike. Ashish said the newly arrived bison will be moved into the core area of the reserve. He added that this is the first time bison will be relocated to PTR from another state, as they are among the tigers preferred prey species.
T.N. will fight any attempt to disenfranchise its people, says Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
DMK and its allies have called for an all-party meeting on the SIR of electoral rolls on November 2. The leaders alleged that the functioning of the EC was not only controversial but also suspicious
SIR Causes A Stir In Tamil Nadu
We will resist disenfranchisement and defeat Vote Theft Chief Minister M K Stalin said in a message on X: Reports
Hemant Soren seeks audit report of blood banks in Jharkhand after children test HIV positive
RANCHI: After five children were contracted with HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital in West Singhbhum, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has sought an audit report from all blood banks in Jharkhand. The Chief Minister has also directed the Health Minister to take cognisance of the entire matter, stating that poor healthcare systems will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Hemant Soren has asked the health department to submit a report within five days. The infection of children with thalassemia in Chaibasa is extremely painful. The Health Department should audit all blood banks in the state and submit a report within five days. Poor healthcare systems will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Health Minister @IrfanAnsariMLA please take note, posted Chief Minister Hemant Soren on X. Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) October 26, 2025 Notably, taking a strong note of the utter negligence by health officials in Chaibasa, the Chief Minister had ordered the suspension of the Civil Surgeon and Medical Officer responsible for the same. The matter came into light after family members of a child lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and the state government. The Chief Minister, in his post on social media platform X, announced to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each of the families of the affected children, along with free treatment to the suffering children. Taking Suo-moto cognisance of the incident, the Jharkhand High Court ordered an urgent probe into the matter and sought a detailed report from the state health department. The court also directed officials to take strict accountability measures and prevent any further lapses. Following the Courts directive, a high-level medical investigation team from Ranchi visited Chaibasa on Saturday to inspect the hospitals blood bank and related facilities. During the investigation, it was discovered that four more children had tested HIV positive. The team inspected the hospital's blood bank and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) ward and gathered detailed information from the children's families. Meanwhile, the medical team discovered several deficiencies and serious irregularities during their inspection of the blood bank and laboratory. Preliminary findings indicate that poor testing protocols, lack of supervision, and procedural negligence may have allowed contaminated blood to be used for transfusions a failure that has endangered several young lives. Meanwhile, looking at the seriousness of the matter, a high-level six-member investigation team has been formed by the health department, headed by Special Secretary of the Health Department, Dr Neha Arora. The team will thoroughly investigate the entire matter and submit a detailed report to the department. The team has also been directed to recommend necessary technical and administrative improvements to prevent such negligence in the future.
BJP-AIADMK planning electoral win thru SIR, won''t fructify: M K Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the BJP-AIADMK combine of attempting to win elections by disenfranchising voters through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He warned that this tactic, which allegedly led to 65 lakh people losing voting rights in Bihar, would fail in Tamil Nadu. Stalin asserted the DMK would legally counter any undemocratic measures.
Five children test HIV positive after transfusion; Jharkhand CM Soren suspends Civil Surgeon, others
RANCHI: Taking strong note of the alleged negligence by health officials, where five children contracted HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered the suspension of the Civil Surgeon and other officials responsible for the lapse. The matter came to light after the family members of a child lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and the state government. The Chief Minister, in his post on the social media platform X, also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each of the affected families along with free treatment for the children suffering from the infection. Following reports of HIV-infected blood being transfused to children suffering from Thalassemia in Chaibasa, instructions have been given to suspend the West Singhbhum Civil Surgeon and other concerned officials, posted Hemant Soren on X. He further stated that the state government would provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the affected children and ensure complete treatment for the infected children. Notably, a seven-year-old child suffering from Thalassemia was given infected blood on 3 September and later tested positive for HIV on 18 October. The Jharkhand High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and ordered an investigation on Friday. The following day, a five-member team from Ranchi visited Chaibasa and conducted an inquiry at Sadar Hospital. During the investigation, it was discovered that four more children had allegedly been infected with HIV. Two of these children are still admitted to the PICU ward of Sadar Hospital. The team included Director of Health Services Dr Dinesh Kumar, Dr Shipra Das, Dr S. S. Paswan, Dr Bhagat, and Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Dr Sushanto Kumar Manjhi, along with Dr Shivcharan Hansda and Dr Meenu Kumari. The team inspected the hospital's blood bank and the PICU ward, and gathered detailed information from the families of the affected children. Following the investigation, the Director of Health Services, Dr Dinesh Kumar, informed that efforts are underway to determine the source of the infection. He also confirmed that five children have tested HIV positive. Their source of infection is being investigated. It is being found out how the children suffering from Thalassemia got infected with HIV positive. Hospital administration has been directed to get blood tests of the children done, said the Health Director. There could be two reasons for the children getting infected with HIV either infected blood was transfused to them or the infection came into their bodies from outside sources, which is being investigated, he added. According to the Health Director, there are a total of 515 HIV-infected patients in the district and 56 patients suffering from Thalassemia. He said that a complete report will be submitted to the department. Meanwhile, the medical team discovered several deficiencies and serious irregularities during their inspection of the blood bank and laboratory. Dr Dinesh said that they have been given a week to rectify the deficiencies in the blood bank and laboratory. In the meantime, the blood bank will operate only as an emergency facility for two to three days.
India dominates day 1 of SAAF athletics Cships
RANCHI, Oct 25: Prince Kumar, Sanjana Singh, and Samardeep Gill struck gold medals as India made a rousing start to its campaign at the 4th South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi, by clinching multiple medals, including three glittering gold on the opening day. In the Mens []
Over 40 Passengers Escape Unhurt After Bus Catches Fire In Ranchi
Over 40 passengers escaped unharmed after a bus from Ranchi to Chatra caught fire.
5 Children With Thalassemia Test HIV-Positive In Jharkhand
Four more children suffering from thalassemia were detected HIV-positive in Jharkhand's Chaibasa town on Saturday during an investigation by a five-member medical team from Ranchi, taking the total number of affected minors to five.
Over 40 Escape After Bus Catches Fire Near Ranchi, Short Circuit Suspected
Over 40 passengers had a narrow escape as a moving bus caught fire in Ranchi on Saturday evening, police said. The incident happened on the Ranchi-Lohardaga highway when the bus was heading to Chatra from the state capital, they said.
Bus catches fire in Ranchi, close shave for over 40 passengers
Over 40 passengers had a miraculous escape when a bus travelling from Ranchi to Chatra caught fire on the Ranchi-Lohardaga highway. The blaze, suspected to be from a short circuit, was quickly doused by locals before a fire tender arrived. All passengers were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. The bus owner will be questioned about safety measures.
A seven-year-old thalassemia patient in Jharkhand has tested HIV-positive, leading to an investigation into allegations of contaminated blood transfusion from the local blood bank. A five-member team from Ranchi is probing the incident, examining blood donors and the blood bank's procedures. While the family suspects the blood bank, authorities caution against premature conclusions, noting other potential infection routes.
Hockey India League to kick off in Chennai on January 3
The new season of HIL will feature mens league in Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, and womens league will once again take place entirely in Ranchi
Jharkhand: Women voters outnumber men by 5% in Ghatsila bypoll
RANCHI: Political parties in Jharkhand are trying to win the support of women voters in Ghatsila bypoll, where they outnumber men by nearly five per cent. Out of 2,56,252 voters in the Ghatsila constituency, 1,31,180 are women and 1,25,078 are men. The JMM, a part of the ruling alliance, is banking on its most popular initiative, 'Maiyan Samman Yojana', while the opposition BJP is trying to galvanise women's support with various central schemes and highlighting ising incidents of crime against women in the state, party leaders said. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Manoj Pandey said the voters, especially women, in tribal areas have traditionally been with the party. The support got stronger after the launch of the woman welfare scheme 'Maiyan Samman Yojana', which is empowering them economically and socially, Pandey told PTI. The beneficiaries under the programme, launched last year, get an assistance of Rs 2,500 per month. The scheme is considered to be a major factor which reportedly helped the JMM-led coalition government return to power for the second consecutive term in the 2024 assembly polls. Pandey said the government has also launched several other schemes to empower women in the state. Besides, we have our two top star campaigners--Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren, who are the most loved persons among the voters. So, we are confident to get complete support from women, he added. The BJP is also confident of winning over the women voters in this bypoll. The 'Maiyan Samman Yojana' was a political gimmick of the JMM-led government. There is resentment among women over the scheme, as the government had initially given the benefit to 65 lakh beneficiaries, but after the 2024 assembly elections, the number was reduced to less than 40 lakh, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo alleged. He said women's safety has been one of the major concerns in the state under the rule of the JMM-led alliance. Crimes against women, such as cases of rape, murder and others, are at their peak. Women of the state want a change now, which will begin from Ghatsila, he alleged while talking to PTI . He claimed that women's empowerment has been the priority of the BJP-led central government. Hordes of schemes and projects such as LPG connections under the 'Ujjwala' scheme, 'Beti Padhao- Beti Bachao', 'Matru Vandana' programme were launched to uplift women of society. Besides, the PM-JANMAN scheme was also rolled out to provide essential services to marginalised tribal groups, Shahdeo said. Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar said the number of women voters is usually higher than that of men in the tribal areas of the state. According to our observations, women in tribal-majority areas have a higher life expectancy than men. Additionally, the sex ratio is favourable to women in these regions, Kumar told PTI . Voting for the Ghatsila bypoll will be held on November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. The Ghatsila by-election was necessitated due to the death of sitting JMM MLA Ramdas Soren on August 15. The ruling JMM has nominated Ramdas' son Somesh Chandra Soren for the bypoll, while the BJP has fielded Babulal Soren, son of former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren. Thirteen candidates are in the fray for the Ghatsila assembly byelection after the withdrawal of candidature concluded on Friday. As many as 300 polling stations are being set up to hold the bypoll. The chief electoral officer said there will be three all-women booths, two for persons with disabilities and one will be managed by the youth. Jharkhand's Kurmi community warns to boycott Ghatshila by-polls if denied ST-status
Seven-year-old gets HIV after transfusion of contaminated blood in Jharkhand
RANCHI: In a shocking case of negligence, a seven-year-old child, suffering from Thalassemia, reportedly contracted with HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital at West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand. As per reports, the child was admitted to the hospital a couple of months ago for treatment and received a blood transfusion. Later, when his health deteriorated, he underwent tests, which confirmed that he was HIV positive. The childs family has accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that the infection came from contaminated blood provided by the hospitals blood bank. The family members of the child have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and the state government. They have demanded strict action against those responsible for the negligence. Meanwhile, looking at the seriousness of the matter, Jharkhand health department have launched an inquiry into the case and blood samples and records related to the transfusion are being examined. The civil surgeon has assured that a detailed report will be submitted very soon. I have ordered an inquiry seeking a report in this regard. Let the report come and we will act accordingly, said Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Sushanto Majhee. If anyone found guilty, he will not be spared at any cost, he added. This incident has triggered outrage among locals and health activists, who have called for tighter monitoring of blood banks and stronger hospital safety protocols to prevent such lapses in future.
Nagrotas public will reaffirm its growth story: Devyani Rana
AMB GHAROTA, OCTOBER 24: Bharatiya Janata Party candidate for bye-election to Nagrota Assembly Constituency Ms Devyani Rana today called upon the people to come forward in large numbers to exercise their franchise, saying their vote for BJP would be reaffirmation of their faith in progress and development. Nagrotas growth story has to be carried forward. [] The post Nagrotas public will reaffirm its growth story: Devyani Rana appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Abhishek Takes Over Sarkar Franchise
RGV confirms the actor now has the wisdom and gravitas to carry the legacy forward
Namakkal couple arrested in multi-crore scam promising franchise of white label ATM
Jharkhand Congress distances itself from RJD-JMM seat-sharing row in Bihar
RANCHI: Amid the ongoing tussle between the RJD and JMM over the denial of seats to the latter for the Bihar Assembly polls, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has denied any role of the Congress party. Jharkhand's ruling JMM on Monday announced that it would not contest the assembly elections in neighbouring Bihar, claiming that the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which deprived it of seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan. The announcement came barely two days after the Hemant Soren-led party said that it would go solo in Bihar and contest the elections in six assembly segments as the seat-sharing talks failed. Talking to The New Indian Express over phone, Ansari said that the Congress is not responsible for the denial of seats to the JMM in Bihar. Since the seats the JMM was demanding in Bihar belonged to the RJD, the Congress is not at all responsible for whatever happened, said Ansari. The minister, however, said that the situation should have been avoided as Hemant Soren definitely holds sway in the bordering areas in Bihar. This is the time to fight together against the BJP in Bihar forgetting the differences. I would request Hemant Soren ji to come and take part in the campaigning in Bihar. He will have to come forward to support us. This is the fight of everyone, said Ansari. Senior Congress leader Pradeep Balmuchu also came to the Congress's defence, saying, If the RJD had given the decision on seat sharing, how is the Congress at fault? He further clarified that the Bihar seat allocation had been decided by the RJD, not Congress. In coalition politics, give and take is natural. The RJD, as the leading partner, will make the final decision, and all allies work together to strengthen the alliance, said Balmuchu. The Bihar Assembly elections have sent ripples through Jharkhands political landscape, prompting the Congress and RJD to act swiftly to manage the potential fallout within the states ruling coalition. In the present scenario, the JMM has five ministers, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while one JMM seat remains vacant due to the demise of Ramdas Soren. The Congress, on the other hand, has four ministers and RJD has one minister -- Sanjay Prasad Yadav. If the RJD withdraws its minister, the Hemant Cabinet would be reduced from 11 to 10 ministers, including the chief minister. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly requires 41 seats for a majority. The ruling coalition currently comprises the JMM with 34 seats, Congress 16, RJD 4, and CPI(M-L) 2, totaling 56 seats, 15 above the majority mark. Even without the RJD, the government would retain 52 seats, comfortably above the majority. Analysts caution, however, that any move against the Congress could trigger instability.
In Focus podcast | Pan-India SIR: Given the Bihar experience, what can we expect?
Sreeparna Chakrabarty speaks to us about whether the pan-India SIR is necessary, whether the process will include the changes suggested by the supreme court in the Bihar context, and how serious the concerns are about mass disenfranchisement.
Popeyes franchisee placed in receivership over $10.8 million debt, unpaid wages
A Popeyes franchisee operating 14 restaurants has been placed in receivership with $10.8 million in debts after allegations of unpaid wages and unauthorized meat suppliers. Former owner Irfan Memon's companies face termination of franchise agreements, while Restaurant Brands investigates chicken supply discrepancies and food safety violations
Ranchi Diary | Drones used to smuggle weapons from Pakistan
The Jharkhand police have found that weapons are being smuggled into the state from Pakistan through drones. Cops on Wednesday arrested five people, including a woman, for their involvement in an extortion racket and cross-border smuggling of weapons. According to Ranchi City SP Paras Rana, following a detailed round of interrogation, the arrested persons told the investigators that the Sujit Sinha and Prince Khan gangs procure weapons from Pakistan through drones via Moga (Punjab), which they use to extort money by spreading terror among big businessmen, capitalists and traders at various places across the country, including Ranchi. 4th SAAF Sr Athletics Cships from today The fourth South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in Ranchi from October 24 to 26, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morhabadi. According to Soren, who says hosting the championship is a matter of pride for Jharkhand, has directed officials to ensure that the event is conducted on a grand scale in a well-organised manner. Such international tournaments boost Jharkhands growing reputation in the field of sports and help the state build a distinct identity on the global stage, he said. Jharkhand HC seeks report on witchcraft cases The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the killing of three members of a family in Lohardaga, including a nine-year-old child, on the suspicion that they practised witchcraft. The court has also sought details of cases registered under the Witchcraft Prevention Act, 1999, in the last two years. Further, it has directed the government to provide all information on the status of investigation of the cases registered in this regard. The HC has directed the listing of the present case along with the records related to PILs filed in 2012 and 2015 related to similar cases. The court will hear the matter next on November 14. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Hypocrisy of Pakistan over POJK
Dr Sudershan Kumar sudershan.sk12@gmail.com For over seven decades, Pakistan has projected itself as the self styled guardian of the Kashmiri people often involving the rhetoric of Self Determination and accusing others of oppression. Yet, in the very territory under its own control Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (POJK) including Gilgit Baltistan and so called Azad Kashmir the ground reality exposes a striking paradox. Instead of empowerment, local communities face political disenfranchisement, economic exploitation and social neglect. While Pakistani leaders repeatedly champion [] The post Hypocrisy of Pakistan over POJK appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jharkhand bypoll: Candidate, party chief get legal notice for sitting on top of SUV during campaign
RANCHI: The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) has been served a legal notice for violating election rules after party chief Jairam Mahato and candidate Ramdas Murmu were seen sitting on top of a Scorpio vehicle while interacting with voters during their campaign for the Ghatshila bypoll. The notice was served after the video of Mahato, the JLKM MLA from Dumri, and Murmu went viral on social media. Mahato and Murmu allegedly violated election rules by sitting on top of the vehicle while interacting with voters. According to the Election Commission guidelines, standing or sitting atop vehicles during campaigning is prohibited, as it poses risks to public safety and may disrupt law and order. East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, who is also the District Election Officer, has issued a directive to the political party or candidate to provide a clear explanation within 24 hours. If the party fails to respond satisfactorily in this regard, legal action will be taken against it as per the law. Satyarthy, through his social media post, informed that legal action will be taken if the rules were violated. The Returning Officer has directed the concerned political party/candidate to submit an explanation within 24 hours regarding campaigning while sitting/standing atop a four-wheeled vehicle during rallies/processions held in the Ghatsila constituency. Legal action will be ensured, posted the Deputy Commissioner on X. The Ghatshila Sub-divisional Magistrate also asserted that a notice has been issued to the party and the candidate asking for a reply within 24 hours. He also informed that a reply has been received from the party and they will assess it after getting a reply from the flying squad team and video viewing team which were present on the spot. Afte corroborating all the facts in this regard, further action will be taken, said the SDM. The Ghatshila Assembly constituency in Jharkhands East Singhbhum district will witness a three-cornered contest in the bypoll next month between the JLKM, BJP and ruling JMM. The JLKM reposed faith in Ramdas Murmu, who had finished third in the 2024 Assembly poll from the same seat, bagging only 8092 votes, as its candidate. The BJP-led NDA nominated Babulal Soren, the son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, while Somesh Soren, son of late minister Ramdas Soren, is in the fray as the JMM candidate. The bypoll is scheduled to be held on November 11 along with the Bihar Assembly elections. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. A total of 14 candidates are in the fray.
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Lucknow, a city often overlooked, has profoundly shaped India's sporting legacy, particularly in hockey and cricket. From nurturing legends like K.D. Singh Babu to hosting modern franchises like the Lucknow SuperGiants, the city's journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for sports, despite facing infrastructure challenges.
Five, including woman, arrested in Ranchi; three Pakistan-made pistols seized
Drug Warehouse On Wheels: 500-kg Ganja Seized From Truck In Jharkhand
The Telangana anti-narcotics wing--EAGLE--on Wednesday said it in a joint operation with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ranchi Division, intercepted a lorry transporting ganja in Jharkhand and seized 500 kg of ganja.
The Women's Premier League (WPL) Auction is set to bring high drama as franchises finalize their squads for the new season. Here's everything you need to know - from the auction date and venue to the retention rules, team purse details, and top players likely to go under the hammer.
Telanganas EAGLE team seizes 500 kg of ganja in Jharkhand
Hyderabad: The Telangana anti-narcotics wingEAGLEon Wednesday said it in a joint operation with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ranchi Division, intercepted a lorry transporting ganja in Jharkhand and seized 500 kg of ganja. Acting on specific input that a lorry would be transporting a substantial consignment of ganja on the intervening night of October 20-21, 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 .
Ishan Kishan could be on his way back to Mumbai Indians after just one IPL season. The talented wicketkeeper-batter has generated huge interest among franchises, sparking trade rumours and speculation over his next destination in the upcoming IPL transfer window.
Retail Book crosses the Rs. 1 lakh Crore milestone Robust retail franchise with a retail portfolio of Rs. 1,04,607 Crore, reflecting a 18% growth YoY Highest ever Retail disbursements for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 at Rs. 18,883 Crore, up 25% YoY Q2FY26 witnessed an upgrade of the international issuer long-term credit ratings of LTF to BBB/Stable from BBB-/Positive by S&P Global Ratings, roll-out of the beta version of Project Nostradamus and launch of a big-tech partnership with Google Pay The Company has recorded quarterly retail disbursement of Rs. 18,883 Crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025, up 25% YoY. Retailisation stands at 98% for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. LTF's Retail Book crosses the Rs. 1 lakh Crore milestone, now at Rs. 1,04,607 Crore, reflecting a 18% growth YoY The Companys customer-facing PLANET app, which has emerged as a powerful digital channel for customers, crossed more than 2 Crore downloads as on September 30, 2025 comprising more than 17.6 Lakh downloads on the rural side. As of date, this channel has done collections of over Rs. 6,400 Crore while servicing over 934 Lakh requests and has sourced loans of over Rs. 19,300 Crore. PLANET App was also awarded the app with the Best Digital Experience in Finance at the Global Fintech Fest, 2025. Project Cyclops has been implemented in Two-wheeler Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, and SME Finance. It will be rolled out in Personal Loans in Q3FY26, Home Loans, and Rural Group Loans & MFI in FY27. The beta version of the AI driven real time automated portfolio monitoring engine Project Nostradamus has been rolled out for the Two-wheeler business in August, 2025, a month ahead of the scheduled deployment date. S&P Global Ratings has upgraded LTFs long-term issuer credit rating to BBB/Stable from BBB-/Positive and short-term issuer credit rating to A-2 from A-3. Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings of BBB- with a Stable outlook. These long-term ratings are investment grade and are at par with Indias Sovereign Credit Rating. This will enable the Company to tap global capital markets and further diversify its liability franchise and deepen investor base. Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF said, During the quarter, our focus remained firmly on execution and growth, enabling us to deliver a strong performance in a quarter traditionally considered a weak one in the BFSI industry. The performance highlights the improved momentum in all our lines of business, across rural and urban geographies, driven by the transformation initiatives carried over the last few quarters. Our investments in technology, talent, revamp and expansion of branch infrastructure, brand building and continued focus on customer centricity as a part of our 5-pillar execution strategy have started to yield early dividends for us. Our Gold loans segment added to the loan portfolio in the first quarter of this financial year gained significant momentum during this quarter. In line with our aspiration of becoming a leading Pan-India gold finance player in the country, we remain committed to continuously expand our geo-presence across the country through branch expansion. By the end of this financial year, we plan to add around 200 new branches taking our gold distribution strength to around 330 gold loan branches. In addition, the Company operationalized the beta rollout of Project Nostradamus, an AI driven automated real-time portfolio management engine in the Two-wheeler business in addition to scaling up the AI driven next-gen digital credit engine Project Cyclops in the SME business. Our digital large partnerships continued to scale in the second quarter of this financial year with Google Pay being the latest addition to our list of marquee big tech partners for origination of Personal Loans. On the back of good monsoons and improving customer consumption sentiment, we are confident that this momentum will accelerate in the second half of this financial year on the back of festive demand fueled by GST 2.0 reforms. Key Highlights Robust Retail Franchise The Companys granular and deep pan-India Retail franchise is led by its strong distribution capabilities namely, its geographic presence in around 2 Lakh villages from around 2,213 rural meeting centers/branches and 345 branches across urban centers. This extensive geographic presence is also supported by over 13,500 distribution points built over a decade. The Company also leverages around 2.7 Crore of its customer database to drive a credible cross-sell and up-sell franchise contributing 40% of the Companys repeat disbursements share in value and 51% in count during Q2FY26. Building a diversified retail franchise Rural Business Finance Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 6,316 Crore vs. Rs. 5,435 Crore, up 16% YoY . Book size at Rs. 27,460 Crore vs. Rs. 26,539 Crore, up 3% YoY. Growth driven by improved collection efficiency and sectoral trends. Farmer Finance Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 1,654 Crore vs. Rs. 1,782 Crore, down 7% YoY . Book size at Rs. 15,943 Crore vs. Rs. 14,488 Crore, up 10% YoY. Two-wheeler Finance Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,512 Crore vs. Rs. 2,393 Crore, up 5% YoY . Book size at Rs. 13,013 Crore vs. Rs. 12,669 Crore, up 3% YoY. During the quarter, LTF launched a TV commercial (TVC), Just Zoom Two-wheeler Loans, featuring its brand ambassador, Jasprit Bumrah. The TVC highlights the key features of LTF's Two-wheeler Loans - instant approval, maximum loan eligibility, and a competitive EMI . Launch of attractive Two-wheeler Finance schemes for the festive season. Personal Loans Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,918 Crore vs. Rs. 1,361 Crore, up 114% YoY . Book size at Rs. 10,878 Crore vs. Rs. 7,178 Crore, up 52% YoY . Growth in the segment aided by big tech partnerships. Housing Loans and Loans Against Property Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,713 Crore vs. Rs. 2,531 Crore, up 7% YoY . Book size at Rs. 27,407 Crore vs. Rs. 21,731 Crore, up 26% YoY. SME Finance Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 1,468 Crore vs. Rs. 1,244 Crore, up 18% YoY . Book size at Rs. 7,465 Crore vs. Rs. 5,190 Crore, up 44% YoY. Gold Loan Q2FY26 disbursements at Rs. 983 Crore. Book size at Rs. 1,475 Crore. About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) www.LTFINANCE.com ) formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., (LTFH) is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated AAA the highest credit rating by four leading domestic rating agencies.S&P Global Ratings has recently upgraded LTF long-term Issuer Credit Rating to BBB/Stable from BBB-/Positive and short-term issuer credit rating to A-2 from A-3. Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of BBB- with a Stable outlook.It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project Digital Sakhi- which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the right businesses has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Companys strategic roadmap - Lakshya 2026. The Company has over 2.7 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers. x.com/LnTFinance www.facebook.com/LnTFS www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance www.instagram.com/lntfinance www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance
