Ranchi News

Adding a tinge of colour to the black & white of Chess

The Global Chess League (GCL) aims to make chess more engaging beyond its traditional, individual-focused format. Historically, chess has been a solitary, disciplined sport, respected but limited in broad emotional appeal. GCL introduces team-based franchises, faster formats, and digital innovations to retain the games intellectual integrity while making it more accessible and exciting for younger audiences.

Flyers hit as air travel disrupted

On Monday, a thick blanket of fog enveloped Patna, causing a major upheaval in air travel. Multiple flights were canceled, leaving travelers stuck and frustrated. Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, had to suspend operations affecting crucial routes to Delhi, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar.

WPL 2026: Ex-Australia Player Kristen Beams Appointed MI's Spin Bowling Coach

ODI World Cup: Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed former Australia leg-spinner Kristen Beams as their spin bowling coach for the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, the franchise announced on Monday. It's my first time as a coach here. It's an incredible opportunity to work with someone like Jhulan Goswami, one of the greats of the game, and somebody I played cricket against. Incredible culture that they've developed a winning culture over a really long period of time, but a family, and that's what you hear everyone talk about, that this group is so tight knit, and it's a family, and it's what you want to be a part of, said Kristen in a video posted on the franchises Instagram account on Monday. Kristen was an instrumental player in Australia's World Cup campaigns, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2017 Womens ODI World Cup in England. Her international career spanned 1 Test, 30 ODIs and 18 T20Is, and 45 T20 games in the WBBL, before she ended her playing career to move to coaching. I think as a coach coming in, that's exactly what you want to be able to do, is to walk into an environment that feels really tight knit, and a team that knows how to win, added Kristen. Kristen brings a proven coaching pedigree to the MI set-up featuring head coach Lisa Keightley, bowling coach and mentor Jhulan Goswami, batting coach Devieka Palshikaar and fielding coach Nicole Bolton. I think as a coach coming in, that's exactly what you want to be able to do, is to walk into an environment that feels really tight knit, and a team that knows how to win, added Kristen. Also Read: Live Cricket Score WPL 2026 will run from January 9 to February 5 and will be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. MI, the two-time champions are led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and will open their campaign against Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Article Source: IANS

VHT: How much did Sooryavanshi score in latest appearance for Bihar?

Bihar continued their good run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate 2025-26 with an easy win over Meghalaya at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. This was Bihars third win in a row, and they did it in convincing fashion by eight wickets. Bihar won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Clash between rival groups in Jharkhand leaves two ex-Maoists dead, three seriously injured

RANCHI: A violent clash broke out between two factions previously associated with a banned Maoist group in Gendra village in Jharkhand's Chatra, during which two people died on the spot, while three others, including a National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused, were seriously injured. The incident is said to have taken place between 12 and 1 am early on Monday. The sudden firing awakened villagers and spread panic. According to police, former Tritiya Sammelam Prastuti Committee (TSPC) commander Devendra Ganjhu, along with his associates, went to the house of Shyam Bhokta and his brother-in-law Gopal Ganjhu at Gendra village. A dispute arose between Devendra Ganjhu and Shyam Bhokta, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. This left Devendra Ganjhu and Churaman Ganjhu dead on the spot, while Shyam Ganjhu alias Shyam Bhokta, his wife, and his brother-in-law Gopal Ganjhu from the other side were seriously injured. They were given first aid at the local hospital but due to their critical condition, they were referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for better treatment. Devendra Ganjhu was a top commander of the TSPC, while Shyam Bhokta had recently been released from jail in a case being investigated by the NIA, said police. Chatra SP Sumit Agarwal said the incident is the result of an internal dispute among the former Maoists over territorial dominance. A long-standing feud existed between Devendra Ganjhu and Shyam Bhokta, he said. According to the SP, Devendra Ganjhu had a long criminal history. More than 30 criminal cases are registered against him in different police stations in the area. Both sides were previously associated with the banned extremist organization TSPC, he said. Upon receiving information about the incident, Kunda police station officers rushed to the scene and cordoned off the entire area, launching a thorough search operation, he added. According to villagers, a dispute arose between the two over the distribution of money from opium sales and division of previously collected funds, leading to the exchange of fire. Police have also been interrogating the injured Gopal Ganjhu in connection with the case.

All Future Interactions With India Will Be On Equal Terms: PCB Chief

Rising Star Asia Cup: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated that if India wants the T20 Asia Cup 2005 trophy, then they will have to accept it from him in Dubai. There is a status quo on trophy handing. If India wants the trophy, they must send their captain to Dubai and receive it from me, Naqvi told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net). The trophy is still lying in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) office in Dubai ever since India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to receive it from Naqvi during the presentation ceremony following their victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Naqvi claimed he was entitled to hand over the trophy as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Pakistan, Naqvi said, will write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the rude behaviour of Indian Under-19 players in the Junior Asia Cup. We will be writing a letter to the ICC to complain about the behaviour of Indian Junior players during the final of the Junior Asia Cup which was not acceptable. Naqvi also said that there will be no compromise with India, and if they do not want to shake hands with our players, everything will be on equal terms. If India does not allow their players to shake hands with our players then it will be dealt with on equal terms and there will be no compromise, Naqvi said in response to a question from Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net). We have no interest in shaking hands with them. The controversy over Indian T20 captain Yadav not shaking hands with Pakistani counterpart Salman Agha at the toss, followed by the same action after all three matches marred the Asia Cup in September in Dubai, as a handshake between rivals is the norm in international matches. The trend was also followed by the Indian teams at the Women's World Cup in Sri Lanka in November, the Rising Star Asia Cup in Doha in the same month, and the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai this month. The tension was sparked after India and Pakistan engaged in a four-day military conflict in May following a deadly militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam in J&K. New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the massacre, a charge denied by Islamabad. Pakistan team's mentor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, had complained about the behaviour of Indian Junior players and termed it Uneducated and unacceptable. Pakistan won the heated final by a significant 191-run margin last Sunday. Pakistan team's mentor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, had complained about the behaviour of Indian Junior players and termed it Uneducated and unacceptable. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We have appointed Wasim Akram as the brand ambassador of the PSL and that we will handle the Multan Sultans franchise on our own the next year before a new owner is found, said Naqvi. Article Source: IANS

RR's Captaincy Will Likely Be Between Riyan And Jadeja: Uthappa

Indian Premier League: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that leadership will be the defining factor for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) success in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The franchise emerged with a formidable squad, bolstered by key trades and acquisitions such as Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, following the IPL 2026 mini-auction. However, the captaincy remains an unanswered question, with the team trading their Sanju Samson, who led them till 2025, to the Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to JioStar, the former India batter lauded RR's bowling arsenal, noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options. The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers, offering a lot of options. If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, they can be very successful. With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja, support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira, and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, they now have a well-rounded team, Uthappa said. On the teams captaincy, he added, The only question is leadership. My feeling is the captaincy will likely be between Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja, while Jaiswal might need to wait a bit longer. Speaking to JioStar, the former India batter lauded RR's bowling arsenal, noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options. The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers, offering a lot of options. If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, they can be very successful. With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja, support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira, and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, they now have a well-rounded team, Uthappa said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When you look at this lineup, the captaincy will be the most decisive factor. If you want to replicate the kind of personality Sanju Samson brought to Rajasthan Royals, Dhruv Jurel is probably the closest match. Beyond that, the squad is strong, with talented youngsters, proven players, and all-rounders. The fitness of key players like Jofra Archer at the start of the IPL is also crucial. Ultimately, the management needs to identify and communicate who the captain will be, Kumble asserted. Article Source: IANS

Jaiswal Might Need to Wait a Bit Longer: Robin Uthappa on RR Captaincy

Robin Uthappa, Anil Kumble, and Head Coach Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara, broke down how the franchise has reshaped its squad and leadership structure

Ajay Devgn to shoot for Drishyam 3 in Goa for a month starting January 8

Drishyam 3 moves to a crucial Goa schedule starting January 8 after wrapping its Mumbai shoot. The entire cast returns, with Jaideep Ahlawat joining the franchise to add a new layer of intrigue

Amit Shah to start three-day visit to West Bengal tonight to charge up BJP ahead of polls

KOLKATA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal from tonight to charge up the BJPs organisational machinery ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, scheduled for AprilMay next year. The home minister is expected to arrive at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport tonight and will remain in the state for three days. During his visit, he is slated to attend a series of organisational meetings with the BJPs Bengal leadership unit in phases. After landing at the airport, the Home Minister will head straight to the BJP office in Salt Lake, where he will review the partys organisational preparedness for the Assembly elections, according to sources in the saffron camp. Sources further said, We had a plan to organise a rally where Amitji would be requested to address the crowd but he prefers to hold organisational meetings with our party leadership, including our MPs, MLAs and others during his stay for three days till Wednesday. He wants to focus on our partys organisational set-ups this time in the wake of assembly polls scheduled in the state after few months. He may also be interested in getting some important inputs at the backdrop against when the state is reeling under the Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise since 4 November, a source said, requesting anonymity. Apart from the SIR issue, another significant concern is the Matua community , whose names have reportedly been excluded from voters lists in districts such as Nadia and North 24 Parganas -- two key BJP strongholds -- following the first phase of the ongoing electoral roll revisions. On Wednesday, unprecedented violence between two rival Matua groups , aligned with BJP MP and Union Minister of Shipping Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur, rocked Thakurnagar, the administrative headquarters of the Matua community. The unrest followed the deletion of nearly one lakh Matua voters from the electoral rolls. The violence was triggered after a comment made by Shantanu, the BJP MP from Bongaon constituency in North 24 Parganas, last Monday night, stating that the names of nearly one lakh Matuas could be excluded from the draft electoral rolls and that sacrifice was necessary to disenfranchise 50 lakh Muslims. The remark fuelled fresh anxiety within the Matua community and intensified political confrontation in Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled next year. Several hundred Matuas belonging to the Mamatabala group took out a protest procession and marched to the Union Ministers residence in Thakurnagar, demanding clarification over the comment. Deletions of such a huge number of Matua voters ahead of the assembly polls appear to be a bone of contentions to the BJP who had enjoyed a phenomenal rise with Matua vote banks since 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the party had bagged 18 seats from Bengal. Thats why, Matua issue must be there as one of the prime agendas in Amit Shahs meetings with his party leaders, a political analyst said. Anxiety, long queues as 32 lakh unmapped voters attend SIR hearings across West Bengal

New Zealand In 2025: How Was The Year For The BlackCaps And White Ferns?

Round up: An exceptional record in One Day Internationals, sustained dominance in Test cricket, and a steady presence in T20s characterized New Zealand Cricket in 2025. With a retiring legend signaling transition. Governance encountered pressure from a high-profile T20 franchise leading to a profile administrative resignation. Even so, New Zealand remained among the more consistent [] The post New Zealand In 2025: How Was The Year For The BlackCaps And White Ferns? appeared first on Caught At Point .

Did Dhurandhar star Akshaye Khanna leave Drishyam 3 due to spat over money? Producer says: Just 12 days before the shoot I got a text

Akshaye Khanna unexpectedly exited the Drishyam 3 franchise just days before filming was set to begin, despite being paid an advance and expressing confidence in the script. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed Khanna became unreachable after informing him of his decision via text, deeming the timing unprofessional.

'Shootout in Dubai': Harshvardhan Rane to lead Ektaa's crime thriller

The popular Shootout franchise is going global with its third installment, Shootout in Dubai.

Scrutiny of Super League Kerala teams was routine, says GST dept; franchise cries foul

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stating that the inspections centred on six Super League Kerala (SLK) franchises were part of a routine scrutiny, the state GST department has said that a report on the checks conducted on December 23 will be submitted to the headquarters in the coming days.Documents were examined as part of the routine inspection and no further information regarding this can be shared at this point. The report would be submitted to the headquarters, an official with the department said. Meanwhile, Calicut FC condemned the coordinated inspections, noting that although the clubs have consistently remained open to regulatory scrutiny, the manner in which the checks were carried out caused discomfort to staff and disrupted routine operations. The club pointed out that each franchise invests approximately Rs 10 crore annually on teams, logistics and development initiatives, even as financial returns remain at a nascent stage. The inspections, which were perceived as raid-like and intimidating, reportedly required staff to remain at their desks for several hours, even restricting routine breaks. Franchisees were taken by surprise and later understood that the focus of the inspection was the GST applicability on remuneration paid to foreign players, the statement said. The club added that franchise owners from well-established business houses in the state have entered the league with a long-term commitment to rebuilding Keralas football ecosystem and creating structured opportunities for young talent, and that this is reflected in the Kerala Santosh Trophy squads, where a substantial number of players have emerged from the SLK. The inclusion of a limited number of foreign players and reputed foreign coaches, they noted, has also played a major role in helping local youth train and compete at higher standards. Franchises maintain that all player contracts are properly documented and that, if additional information or clarifications were required, these could have been sought through routine communication rather than through such measures. Calicut FC added that franchises have obtained advice from leading tax and legal experts, structured their operations with transparency and sound governance, and intend to defend their position through due legal process.

Watch: Why Bigger Action Doesnt Mean Higher Stakes | Frequently Made Mistakes 13

In Episode 13 of Frequently Made Mistakes, we tackle one of the biggest traps in modern action filmmaking: confusing scale for stakes. Explosions get bigger. The threat goes global. But the emotional cost never changes. Using examples from Tiger 3, Casino Royale, Mission Impossible: Fallout, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, this episode breaks down why raising scale does not automatically raise stakes and how it often dilutes drama instead. We look at: The difference between scale and stakes, why protecting your hero kills tension, how validation replaces drama in franchises, why action only works when success hurts

Akshaye Khanna Walked Out Of Drishyam 3 A Day Before Dhurandhar's Release, Reveals Producer

Akshaye Khanna had joined the franchise in 2022 as Tarun Ahlawat

President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Ranchi on three-day Jharkhand visit

RANCHI: President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Jharkhand, arrived in Ranchi on Sunday evening. She was received at Birsa Munda Airport by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The airport and surrounding areas were placed under heightened surveillance, with police and administrative teams maintaining full preparedness along major routes. Following her arrival, the President was escorted to Lok Bhawan in a tightly guarded convoy. Senior officials from the police and civil administration accompanied the movement, while traffic was closely regulated with additional personnel deployed at sensitive points. The state administration has been making extensive preparations for the Presidents stay, during which she is scheduled to participate in several official engagements and meetings. On Monday, the President will attend the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of the Santali language and address the 15th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur. She will also pay tribute to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, the creator of the Ol Chiki script, by garlanding his bust. In view of the Presidents programme, security arrangements in Jamshedpur and nearby areas have been further intensified. The district administration, in coordination with police and intelligence agencies, has designated routes from the airport to event venues as high-security corridors. Multiple layers of security personnel, along with bomb disposal units, dog squads and surveillance teams, have been deployed at strategic locations. To safeguard the airspace, a temporary no-fly zone has been enforced over Jamshedpur and adjoining subdivisions from 6 pm on December 28 until the completion of the visit. Additional forces have been deployed from neighbouring districts, and officials have conducted inspections along key routes to eliminate potential hazards and ensure the smooth movement of the presidential convoy. Industrial establishments have also been advised to adjust working hours to minimise traffic congestion. The President will return to Ranchi and stay overnight at Lok Bhawan. On Tuesday, she will visit Gumla to address the Antarrajyiy Jansanskritik Samagam SamarohKartik Jatra, an interstate folk cultural gathering. Other dignitaries scheduled to attend the programme include Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Jharkhand Minister for Tribal Affairs Chamra Linda. The President is scheduled to depart for Delhi on Tuesday.

Farmer guarding paddy trampled to death by wild elephant in Jharkhand

RANCHI: In yet another casualty linked to the escalating man animal conflict in Jharkhand, a 50 year old farmer was killed after being trampled by a wild elephant while guarding his paddy crop during the night in Seraikela Kharsawan district, triggering fresh fear among local farmers and renewed disruption to rail services due to elephant movement. The incident occurred at around 3 am on Sunday at Nutundih village under Kukru block in Seraikela Kharsawan district. The deceased has been identified as Buka Mahto, alias Gaurang Mahto. According to local residents, Mahto was alone in his field, keeping vigil over his standing paddy crop to protect it from wild animals. Suddenly, a wild elephant emerged from the nearby forest and attacked him, killing him on the spot. The assault was so severe that the farmer died on the spot. Since the victim was alone at the time of the incident, no immediate help could reach him. The farmer was trampled to death by the elephant, said a villager, requesting anonymity. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear among local farmers, he added. Following the incident, the forest department has intensified patrolling in the area and appealed to people to remain alert and avoid visiting their fields during the night. Local authorities and the forest department have been informed of the tragedy to initiate the necessary legal formalities and to discuss compensation for the bereaved family. The incident comes close on the heels of another tragedy in Ramgarh district, where five people were killed within hours by a herd of elephants. A herd of 42 elephants, divided into six to seven separate groups, was active in the area and went on a rampage, causing loss of life and property. Meanwhile, intensified movement of wild elephants along forest fringed railway sections under the Chakradharpur Railway Division has once again disrupted train operations. In view of frequent elephant movement, 18 local trains were cancelled by the Chakradharpur Railway Division between December 25 and 28. This is the third time in the past 15 days that the Chakradharpur Railway Division has had to cancel trains due to elephant movement. Notably, according to official data, more than 1,270 people have been killed in the past 18 years due to elephant attacks across Jharkhand. Apart from human casualties, more than 150 elephants have also died during this period due to electrocution, train accidents or IED blasts.

4th T20I: Jemimah Unavailable For Selection Due To Weakness From Mild Fever, Says BCCI

The BCCI Medical Team: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out of selection for the fourth womens T20I against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium due to weakness from a mild fever, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday. Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was unavailable for selection in the 4th T20I in Thiruvananthapuram due to weakness arising from mild fever. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress and recovery, said the BCCI in a statement. In place of Jemimah, batting all-rounder Harleen Deol has come into the playing eleven for the match, where India will bat first against Sri Lanka for the first time in the ongoing series, with the hosts having an unassailable 3-0 lead. Jemimah made scores of 69 not out, 26, and nine, and sits as the second leading run-getter in the series after opener Shafali Verma. The unbeaten 69 also led to Jemimah jumping five places to be at number nine in the womens T20I batting rankings. Despite missing out on Sundays clash, Jemimah has enjoyed a standout 2025, ranking third among Indias run-scorers 771 runs in ODIs and 212 runs in T20Is. She played a pivotal role in Indias maiden ODI World Cup triumph, striking an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final before the team overcame South Africa in the final to lift the title at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Earlier this month, Jemimah was appointed as captain of Delhi Capitals ahead of the fourth season of the Womens Premier League (WPL), replacing Meg Lanning in the role. Meg had led DC to the final in each of the first three editions of the tournament, where Jemimah was the vice-captain, but was not retained by the franchise for the upcoming season. Despite missing out on Sundays clash, Jemimah has enjoyed a standout 2025, ranking third among Indias run-scorers 771 runs in ODIs and 212 runs in T20Is. She played a pivotal role in Indias maiden ODI World Cup triumph, striking an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final before the team overcame South Africa in the final to lift the title at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Its the first time India will bat in the series, after electing to bowl, and then using dew to their advantage to chase down modest totals without breaking a sweat. Article Source: IANS

PCB to run Multan Sultans franchise for next PSL season

The board will bring in former cricketers and experts to take over the operation of the franchise and auction it after the season

'Id Call It The Ideal Build-up': Anrich Nortjes SA20 Surge Fuels T20 World Cup Hopes

T20 World Cup: Anrich Nortje believes the past two months have given him the perfect platform to push for a place in South Africas T20 World Cup squad, which is set to be announced next week, as the fast bowler continues his comeback from a long run of injuries. Nortje made a thunderous start to the SA20 season for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, tearing through Paarl Royals with figures of 4 for 13 to bowl them out for a tournament-record low total of 49. It marked his best T20 returns since last years World Cup and his first appearance in South Africas franchise competition since the inaugural season. His back issues forced him to miss the second and third editions, while injuries have limited him to just two international matches over the past 18 months. Despite opting out of a central contract with Cricket South Africa, Nortje remains available for national selection and is firmly in contention for the global tournament. Hopefully I get selected, but for now it's just to try and build, take it game by game and day by day. I had a nice little buildup starting with the CSA T20 challenge and then got the call-up for the India series. I'd call it the ideal build-up. From here on, it's just to try and execute and work on one or two things. It's also so busy, so it's just to try and keep the momentum going, keep a clear head, and keep focus. I'd probably call it the ideal build-up just from where I was a few months ago to now, Nortje was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo after the Eastern Cape's opening win in Paarl. The SA20 schedule will test Nortjes durability, with the possibility of playing five matches in 10 days early on and as many as 13 in a month if the Eastern Cape reach the playoffs. Given his recent history, which includes missing the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, the workload could be a concern. Nortje, however, insists he is not preoccupied by what might go wrong. You've got to trust your body, and you can't worry about this or that. I don't think it's something I ever don't trust, he said. When something's wrong, then it's probably too late, but, in general, you have to trust your bodyWhen I'm out injured, I'm just motivated to get back better and build on what I can remember, he added. Signs of progress were evident even before the SA20. Nortje finished joint fourth on the wicket-taking list in the CSA T20 Challenge and featured in two matches during South Africas recent T20I series in India, where his pace and control steadily improved despite going wicketless. In Paarl, he looked back to his best, using the short ball effectively on a slow, uneven surface and showcasing his full skill set. With his confidence growing, Nortje is also open to expanding his international ambitions beyond T20 cricket. He has not played an ODI in over two years or a Test since early 2023, but remains eager to contribute again in longer formats. Signs of progress were evident even before the SA20. Nortje finished joint fourth on the wicket-taking list in the CSA T20 Challenge and featured in two matches during South Africas recent T20I series in India, where his pace and control steadily improved despite going wicketless. In Paarl, he looked back to his best, using the short ball effectively on a slow, uneven surface and showcasing his full skill set. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For now, Nortjes focus remains firmly on the shortest format, with the SA20, T20 World Cup, and a return to the IPL with Lucknow Super Giants shaping a busy few months ahead. Article Source: IANS

Indian Wins Rs 81 Lakh Compensation Over UK KFC Manager's Slave Remark

An Indian man who accused his manager at a KFC franchise outlet in south-east London of wrongful dismissal and race discrimination has won nearly 67,000 pounds in compensation after a tribunal ruled in his favour.

Novelty Of Rashid Khan Has Worn Off A Little, Not As Intimidating As Before, Says Kumble Ahead Of IPL 2026

Even Rahul Tewatia: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes IPL 2022 winners Gujarat Titans (GT) can no longer lean heavily on leg-spinner Rashid Khan, saying that the Afghanistan star's impact has diminished and the novelty factor has worn off a little. GT, who bowed out in the Eliminator of IPL 2025, boasted one of the strongest bowling units, but Rashid endured his poorest campaign in the competition. He managed to pick only nine wickets at an average of 57.11 and an economy rate of 9.35. Rashid also conceded 33 sixes - the most by any bowler in a single IPL season - as batters found ways to dominate him. Kumble also felt the Shubman Gill-led franchise would need greater contributions from left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, as well as off-spin bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, to remain competitive in IPL 2026. I think the novelty of Rashid Khan has worn off a little. There are many similar bowlers available now, so he is no longer as intimidating as he was before. His workload has to be managed more, along with bowlers like Sai Kishore. Even Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar can contribute more for GT this season, said Kumble, a former RCB player and ex-Punjab Kings head coach, on JioStar. Kumble also felt the Shubman Gill-led franchise would need greater contributions from left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, as well as off-spin bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, to remain competitive in IPL 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rashid has linked his prolonged struggles in T20 cricket to the back surgery he underwent in 2023, following his participation in the Mens ODI World Cup in India. He returned to action only months after the operation, never giving himself sufficient time to regain his bowling rhythm and accuracy. Article Source: IANS

Indian Man Wins Racial Bias Case Against KFC Franchise Manager in UK

Madhesh Ravichandran, from Tamil Nadu, told an employment tribunal hearing that his Sri Lankan Tamil boss discriminated against him and used references such as slave and Indians are fraudsters directed at him.

Indian man wins race discrimination claim against KFC franchise manager in UK

LONDON, Dec 28:An Indian man who accused his manager at a KFC franchise outlet in south-east London of wrongful dismissal and race discrimination has won nearly 67,000 pounds in compensation after a tribunal ruled in his favour. Madhesh Ravichandran, from Tamil Nadu, told an employment tribunal hearing that his Sri Lankan Tamil boss discriminated against him and used references such as slave and Indians are fraudsters directed at him. In details from the hearing published this week, tribunal judge Paul [] The post Indian man wins race discrimination claim against KFC franchise manager in UK appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

President Murmu to arrive in Ranchi on Sunday on 3-day Jharkhand visit

Ranchi: President Droupadi Murmu will arrive here on Sunday on a three-day visit to Jharkhand, during which she will attend several programmes in Jamshedpur, Gumla and Ranchi. The President will attend the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of the Santali language and address the 15th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Technology 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 .

Ashleigh Gardner Up For Australia Captaincy if Got Asked To Do It

Australian Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner: Australian Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner stated she would be willing to accept the captaincy if offered, despite not having ever envisioned herself in such a role. Over the past 12 months, Gardner has made significant progress in her leadership journey, taking on captaincy roles in three different T20 leagues worldwide. She will begin the new year travelling to India to once again lead the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Gardner assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season, leading them to their first-ever playoff appearance. She then received another leadership role mid-year in the UK when England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt stepped back, allowing Gardner to lead the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, where they finished in the top four. The experience empowered her to confidently ask for the role with the Sydney Sixers, knowing she would eventually take it. She then succeeded Ellyse Perry as the captain for WBBL 11. Yeah, I guess so. If I got asked to do it, great, Gardner told cricket.com.au when asked if shed be up for Australias captaincy after Alyssa Healy steps down. You can lead without actually having the 'c' next to your name. That's something that I've really tried to do over the last little period, especially within the spin group. (I have) really tried to lead that pack. I've been there the longest, so (I'm) making sure that I'm sharing knowledge where I can, but also just bouncing ideas off each other. I think cricket's such an individual sport within a team environment. It's so important to be able to utilise those around you, she added. While 22-year-old Phoebe Litchfield's name keeps getting mentioned by former players and pundits, current vice-captain Tahlia McGrath also remains a top contender for the role. (I have) really tried to lead that pack. I've been there the longest, so (I'm) making sure that I'm sharing knowledge where I can, but also just bouncing ideas off each other. I think cricket's such an individual sport within a team environment. It's so important to be able to utilise those around you, she added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gardner, meanwhile, leads every franchise team she currently represents. A sign of her high leadership reputation worldwide is that two current national captains play under her in their country's leagues- Healy in the WBBL and Sciver-Brunt at The Hundred. Article Source: IANS

TMC's five-member delegation meets Chief Electoral Officer amid SIR in WB

A Trinamool Congress delegation met the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive is a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters. TMC leaders criticized the Election Commission of India, calling it a 'WhatsApp Commission' and demanding accountability for alleged irregularities and the reported deaths of Booth Level Officers during the revision process.

PCB sets Rs 1.3 billion reserve price for two new PSL franchises

The Pakistan Cricket Board is looking to sell two new teams for the Pakistan Super League. Each team will cost 1.3 billion Pakistani rupees annually. The auction is set for January 8. Former owners of Multan Sultans have submitted bids. The PCB is guaranteeing franchises a minimum of 850 million Pakistani rupees from central revenue for five editions.

Jaideep Ahlawat replaces Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3, producer sends legal notice to Dhurandhar actor: 'Success sar pe chadh gayi, chamchon ne dimaag...'

Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat has revealed why Akshaye Khanna left Drishyam 3 and informed that Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced the Dhurandhar actor in the crime thriller franchise led by Ajay Devgn.

Cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi conferred with Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Suryavanshi slammed 190 runs off 84 deliveries, studded with 16 fours and 15 sixes, for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate group match in Ranchi

Jaideep Ahlawat joins Ajay Devgn-Tabu in 'Drishyam 3': Report

The third installment of the popular Drishyam franchise has just gotten more exciting with the addition of Jaideep Ahlawat to its cast, according to Pinkvilla.

IIM Raipur Launches Joint Admission Process 2026 For MBA Admissions, Check Personal Interview Details

IIM Raipur introduces JAP 2026 for MBA admissions, involving IIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli with a single-window application

Delhi Capitals Academy Expands Global Footprint With Launch In Canada.

Delhi Capitals Sajid Mahmood Cricket: Continuing its steady expansion, Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy has entered North America with the launch of its first academy in Canada, marking a significant milestone in the franchises growing international footprint. Based in Mississauga, the Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy in Ontario will extend the franchises structured, high-performance training philosophy to one of the fastest-growing cricket regions in the world. The launch reinforces Delhi Capitals long-term commitment to grassroots development and its vision of building a globally connected player pathway. The academy will follow Delhi Capitals established coaching curriculum and technical framework, designed to nurture young talent through structured training, performance monitoring, and long-term player development. Trial sessions and talent identification programmes are scheduled for January 2026, with full training programmes to commence thereafter. With this addition, Delhi Capitals now strengthens its overseas academy network, following its successful presence in the United Kingdom through the Delhi Capitals Sajid Mahmood Cricket Academy in London. The North America expansion represents the franchises second international hub, underscoring its ambition to create access to elite coaching environments beyond India. Speaking on the expansion, Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta said, The launch of the Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy in Canada is a key step in building a strong and sustainable global development ecosystem. North America is witnessing rapid growth in cricket participation and infrastructure, and this academy allows us to extend our coaching philosophy and performance frameworks to aspiring players in the region. Our focus remains on creating clear pathways, sharing best practices, and supporting young cricketers as they aim to compete at the highest level. Derek Perera, Founder and Director, Ontario Cricket Academy, added, Ontario Cricket Academy has always believed in building players the right way through structure, discipline, and long-term development. For over 20 years, our pathway has produced more Canadian representatives than any other academy, and this partnership with Delhi Capitals is a natural progression of that legacy. As cricket in North America becomes increasingly professional, this collaboration allows us to open new doors for our players by connecting Canadian talent with global standards, elite environments, and real opportunities. We are excited about what this means not just for OCA, but for the future of Canadian cricket as a whole. Speaking on the expansion, Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta said, The launch of the Delhi Capitals Cricket Academy in Canada is a key step in building a strong and sustainable global development ecosystem. North America is witnessing rapid growth in cricket participation and infrastructure, and this academy allows us to extend our coaching philosophy and performance frameworks to aspiring players in the region. Our focus remains on creating clear pathways, sharing best practices, and supporting young cricketers as they aim to compete at the highest level. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Delhi Capitals team participates in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women's Premier League (WPL). Co-owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, Delhi Capitals was established in 2008 as Delhi Daredevils before embracing a new avatar in 2019. In 2020, the team reached its first-ever final. In 2023, Delhi Capitals became one of the five founding teams to participate in the Womens Premier League. The team has reached the final in all three editions of the tournament so far, finishing as runners-up each time. Article Source: IANS

Theatre, new films, new home? 2026 looks packed for Allu Arjun

Hyderabad: Allu Arjun has emerged as one of the biggest pan-Indian stars, with a massive fan base spread across the country and overseas. After the blockbuster success of the Pushpa franchise, every update related to the actor continues to trend online, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a highly anticipated year for his 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 .

Not enough balls! BPL team's coach walks out of training session

Khaled Mahmud walked out of Noakhali Expresss training ahead of the BPL opener, unhappy with team management and poor facilities. Pace coach Talha joined him after a reported argument over a lack of practice balls and alleged misbehaviour by the owner. Both later returned after being convinced, as BPL officials criticised the franchises unprofessional conduct.

He Has Strong Leadership Qualities: RCB Andy Flower Happy To Aquire Venkatesh Iyer

RCB Andy Flower: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower expressed his happiness at acquiring Venkatesh Iyer and praised his leadership qualities ahead of the IPL 2026. The mini-auction saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru bolster their championship squad by securing Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav. RCB snapped up Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore after Kolkata Knight Riders withdrew from the bidding, bringing an end to a far more restrained contest than last year, when the two franchises were locked in a fierce auction battle that saw KKR secure him for a staggering Rs 23.75 crore. Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits. I think KKR had a little extra money left in their purse after purchasing Cameron Green. They were probably betting some of it on Venkatesh Iyer because they had some money left, but in the end, we ended up acquiring Venkatesh and we are really happy with it, Flower said on JioStar. Venkatesh Iyer has strong leadership qualities. That is great to have in the dressing room and on the field. We are happy to get him and I look forward to working with him. When you plan well and have a good strategy, you know your limits. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On RCB's careful strategy to maintain stability within their squad after the auction, Kumble said, Venkatesh Iyer will not be in the playing eleven at the start. You do not want to create doubt in a winning team. That is probably why they did not go after a Ravi Bishnoi, so that Suyash Sharma does not feel threatened by a senior India spinner. They have done well to keep the core the same, back their players, and just have a few backups in case something goes wrong. Article Source: IANS

Hardik to lead HIL governing council squad in 2026

Hardik Singh will lead the HIL Governing Council team in the Hockey India League. The tournament begins January 3 in Chennai. The team features experienced players and promising youngsters. The league will have eight franchises competing in a single round-robin format. Playoffs and the final will be held in Bhubaneswar. The league aims to provide continuity for players.

Wild elephants' movement disrupts rail, road traffic across Jharkhand

RANCHI: Intensified movement of wild elephants along forest-fringed railway sections under Chakaradharpur Railway Division has once again disrupted the operation of trains. In the wake of frequent movement of wild elephants, Chakradharpur Railway Division has cancelled 18 local trains for the next four days from December 25 to 28. Notably, this is the third time in the last 10 days that the Chakradharpur Railway Division has had to cancel trains. According to officials, 18 local passenger trains have been cancelled for four consecutive days, from December 25 to 28, due to repeated elephant crossings on the ManoharapurJharsuguda rail section under the Chakradharpur Railway Division. The cancelled trains include TatanagarRourkelaTatanagar MEMU, ChakradharpurRourkelaChakradharpur MEMU, TataBarbilTata MEMU, TataGuaTata MEMU, TataChakradharpurTata MEMU and TataKharagpurTata MEMU, among others. The prolonged suspension of local trains has caused severe inconvenience to daily commuters, especially passengers travelling to and from smaller stations who largely depend on MEMU and passenger services. Amid the disruptions, a notable example of wildlife protection was witnessed in the same railway division recently. Recently, a herd of 22 elephants was crossing the railway tracks between Bisra and Bandamunda Cabin 'A' on the Howrah-Mumbai main railway line. Looking at the elephants' safety at risk, the railway authorities took immediate and decisive action, and 12 long-distance trains running on that route were temporarily stopped. Elephant movement disrupts rail traffic in Jharkhand, several trains cancelled Thanks to prompt action, no untoward incident occurred, and the entire herd crossed the tracks safely. Representatives of the Wildlife Trust of India felicitated the railway workers and officials who played a crucial role during the operation. Not only train services, elephant movement has also disrupted road traffic on National Highway-33 on the Ranchi - Ramgarh road on Wednesday evening. According to locals, a herd of 18 wild elephants suddenly appeared near the highway, creating panic among the people travelling on the road. Acting swiftly, the police and district administration suspended vehicular movement from both directionstraffic from Ramgarh was stopped near Mayatungri hill, while vehicles coming from Ranchi were halted in the Kharabera area of the Chuttupalu valley. Following the alert issued by the district administration, the forest departments quick response team reached the spot and safely guided the elephants back into the forest using torches, flashlights and sirens. Vehicular movement was restored after an hour. Notably, a herd of 42 elephants is active in the Ramgarh area, which has killed as many as six people during the last week. The herd, divided into 6-7 separate groups, is roaming in the forests of Mandu, Ghato and Kuju, posing a challenge for the forest officials to control them.

J&K UT Yoga team departs for National Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Yoga team departed today for Ranchi, Jharkhand, to compete in the 50th Sub-Junior and Junior National (Golden Jubilee) Yoga Sports Championship, scheduled from December 27 to 30. The 22-member contingent, comprising boys and girls, will represent J&K UT at the prestigious national event. The team was flagged off with best wishes by Patron-in-Chief of Yoga Association J&K, Sudarshan Didi, Vice President Ravinder Bali, Mukesh Sharma and Secretary General [] The post J&K UT Yoga team departs for National Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Netflix and WWE team up for a Stranger Thingsthemed Monday Night RAW in January 2026

Netflix and WWE are extending the Stranger Things phenomenon past its Season 5 finale through a never before seen crossover with Monday Night RAW. A special themed episode will stream on Netflix on January 5, 2026, blending live wrestling events with one of streamings most influential franchises. Teased with the line THE WWE GETS STRANGER, the collaboration taps into the loyal worldwide fandoms to recreate communal viewing experience in a fragmented media era.

Snubbed in Bihar, JMM looks to Assam for political expansion

RANCHI: After being denied any seat in Bihar by the Mahagathbandhan during the Assembly polls, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has begun exploring avenues in other tribal-dominated states across the country. According to party leaders, a four-member delegation will soon visit Assam to assess ground realities by holding a series of meetings with local party workers. Despite being a key coalition partner during the Bihar Assembly elections, the RJD did not concede a single seat to the JMM, while the Congress also remained silent on the issue. Subsequently, the JMM decided not to contest the Bihar polls, claiming the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which allegedly deprived it of seats under the Mahagathbandhan arrangement. JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said that a decision would be taken by the partys top leadership based on the feedback submitted by the delegation. A four-member delegation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha will soon visit Assam to explore avenues for the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. The leaders will stay there for a few days and hold meetings with local party workers to take stock of the partys ground situation, Bhattacharya said. He added that the delegation would submit a report after returning from Assam, on the basis of which a decision would be taken. The delegation will include minister Chamra Linda, MP Vijay Hansda, and MLAs M T Raja and Bhushan Tirkey. Bhattacharya said the party is keen on contesting the Assam Assembly elections as the state has a significant tribal population. Notably, during its 13th general convention held in Ranchi in April this year, the JMM had announced plans to increase its political activism in selected seats in Assam, Odisha and West Bengal. Party leaders had also said they were planning to contest elections in Assam by organising migrants from the state. As part of its broader expansion strategy, the JMM is working to establish its presence in various parts of the country with the aim of emerging as a national party. The party is also preparing to field candidates in the West Bengal Assembly elections and strengthen its position in other states. The JMM is actively working on shedding its image as a regional party and expanding its footprint in Delhi, West Bengal, Assam and Chhattisgarh. Preparations for this expansion are already underway. Although the party has not officially confirmed the details, sources indicate that the JMM plans to open offices in several states. Following its resounding victory in Jharkhand, the party is also considering opening an office in New Delhi.

Is McDonalds open on Christmas Day? Check what is open and closed before venturing out

Finding food on Christmas Day can be difficult because many restaurants are closed. Some fast food chains, coffee shops, and local restaurants stay open with limited hours. Food delivery services are also busy on Christmas. Since openings depend on location and franchise decisions, people should always check local restaurant hours before going out.

PSL follows IPL blueprint: PCB confirms expansion to 8 teams with 12 global bidders in race, auction date revealed

The Pakistan Super League is set to expand to eight teams as the PCB confirms 12 bidders from five countries for two new franchises. Drawing comparisons with the IPL's expansion model, the move highlights PSL's growth ambitions, rising global interest and evolving franchise-based ecosystem.

No roads, no schools: Modern facilities merely a dream in Jharkhand's Budikai village

RANCHI: Modern facilities has failed to reach Budikai village in Jharkhands Khunti, even after 78 years of independence. Most affected of all amenities is education, as only a handful of students can afford to travel to the nearest school, at least 5 km away. Residents said the region was once considered a Maoist stronghold. Budikai village is home to just 35 families. The village lacks almost every basic facilityroads, schools, electricity and safe drinking waterforcing villagers to depend largely on their surrounding environment for survival. The only way to reach the village is through a roughly carved path along the mountains, built entirely by the residents themselves. Of all necessary amenities, the absence of educational facilities have been the most striking; not a single resident of Budikai has passed Class 10 exams so far. The most educated youth in the village, Bogan Nag, is a non-matriculate himself. Villagers said that there used to be a primary school in the village before, but it was merged with another school located away from the village, possibly because of low attendance. Jaura Pahan, a resident of Budikai, remarked that schooling is literally an uphill task for the children in this village. Only six children from the hamlet regularly attend the school in Ghaghra village, braving a 56 km long rocky and hilly forest trail. As many as 20-25 children remain completely out of school due to the difficult terrain and lack of transport facilities, casting a long shadow over the future of education in the village, said Pahan. Government welfare schemes fail to reach the village as officials are often reluctant to visit the inaccessible place, he added. Villagers still rely on a traditional water source (dari) dug by their ancestors. There is just one house built under the Abua Awas scheme, that too constructed with stones collected from the nearby forest, said Pahan. Extreme poverty continues to define everyday life for most families, he added. Despite these hardships, Budikai holds significant agricultural potential. Surrounded by hills, villagers cultivate paddy on terraced fields and water is abundantly available. However, the absence of information about modern farming practices, irrigation facilities and lift irrigation systems has discouraged farmers from growing vegetables or cash crops. Sagar Munda, a farmer in the village, said that with proper guidance and irrigation support, villagers could improve their livelihoods substantially. Budikai was once considered strongholds of Maoist activities, which further delayed development work in the region, said Munda. Only government support could change the course of their lives, he added.

Dhurandhar 2 locked for Eid 2026: Release date, languages, story continuation and OTT details

Dhurandhar 2 will release on March 19, 2026. The film will be available in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. This marks a pan-India release for the franchise. The sequel follows the successful first installment. Dhurandhar 2 aims for a wide audience during the Eid festival. The story continues the espionage drama with new twists.

Amid HC scrutiny, Soren cabinet okays rules for Scheduled Areas

RANCHI: Under continued pressure from the Jharkhand High Court over delay in Implementation of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), the state Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the Panchayat Provisions (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Jharkhand Rules, 2025finally putting in place a long-awaited legal framework vital for grassroots governance in tribal areas. In all, the cabinet okayed a total of 39 proposals. The approval of the Jharkhand PESA rules comes amid ongoing proceedings before the High Court, where the states failure to notify rules under PESA has been described as a systemic violation of tribal rights. Hemant Soren government had repeatedly been informing the court that PESA rules were under finalisation. The decision assumes significance as the HC has stalled the auction of sand ghats in Scheduled Areas and warned the state government of contempt proceedings for continuing mineral-related decisions without operationalising PESA, a constitutional mandate for tribal self-governance. Earlier during the hearings, the HC held that Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas cannot be bypassed in matters relating to natural resources, including sand mining. Acting on this principle, the court stayed the auction of sand ghats in SC Areas, holding that without enforceable PESA rules, such auctions lack legal foundation. While sand mining triggered immediate judicial intervention, Cabinets approval of PESA Rules has broader implications for governance in tribal regions. This will benefit tribal communities by allowing them to govern their villages according to their traditions without any external interference.

Call of Duty video game creator dies in car crash

Video game creator Vince Zampella, best known for his immensely popular Call of Duty franchise, has passed away in a tragic car accident, reported Deadline. He was 55. According to the report, the single-vehicle crash occurred around 12:45 pm on Southern Californias Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles. Officers []

Avatar Fire and Ash box office collection day 5: James Cameron film stays steady but still lags behind Dhurandhar, earns Rs...

James Cameron's Avatar franchise has long commanded a strong presence in India, with Avatar: The Way of Water setting the benchmark as the highest-grossing Hollywood film in the country. However, Avatar: Fire and Ash is facing stiff competition amid the unstoppable Dhurandhar wave.

Vince Zampellas net worth revealed: How rich was the Call of Duty creator who died at 55?

Vince Zampella net worth: Vince Zampella, co-creator of the groundbreaking Call of Duty franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment, has passed away at 55. His visionary work redefined the first-person shooter genre and established lucrative franchise models. Zampella's legacy includes massive hits like Titanfall and Apex Legends, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

Bring Home High-End Gadgets with a Consumer Durable Loan

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This movie BEATS Dhurandhar, surpasses its worldwide total in 4 days, earns Rs 3100 crore, it's based on Hindu..., movie name is...

This movie, the third instalment from a global blockbuster franchise, has almost recovered its mega budget of $400 million, but it has surpassed Dhurandhar's worldwide total in just four days.

Gita Press launches franchisemodel, opens outlet in Nepal

Who was Vince Zampella? Legendary game developer dies in southern California crash

Vince Zampella, a popular video game developer and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, passed away at 55 in a single-car crash on Southern Californias Angeles Crest Highway. Formerly CEO of Infinity Ward, Zampella co-created the Call of Duty franchise and later led Respawn to produce titles that include Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

Jharkhand's new campaign to showcase success stories of girls who stood up against child marriage

RANCHI: Jharkhands Social Welfare Directorate is set to launch a a first-of-its-kind campaign to curb child marriage by sharing real-life stories of girls who stood up against the practice. The campaign will showcase the success stories of girls who protested against the outdated practice and persuaded their families to not go through with their marriages, while also discussing the challenges they faced throughout their struggle for autonomy. Through these stories, young girls will be sensitised to the demerits of child marriage and informed about the laws prohibiting it. Officials informed that the campaign will highlight the provisions under the law against the practice of child marriage as well as schemes run by Women and Child Welfare Department, to empower young girls. For this initiative, the Directorate has identified ten such girls who successfully resisted child marriage, continued their education and have since gone on to build successful lives. The representatives include, Damini Sabar (East Singhbhum), Jaimati (Lohardaga), Rupa Kumari (Gumla), Karuna Kumari (Ramgarh), Uma (Jamtara), Chhaya Kumari ( Koderma), Manisha Kumari (Giridih), Milan Sabar (East Singhbhum), Radha Pandey (Koderma) and Chandana (Dhanbad). The campaign will be run in all the 45 sub-divisions of 24 districts of Jharkhand with a special focus on the pockets from where most of the child marriage cases come from, said an official in Social Welfare Department, requesting anonymity. All the officials in the sub-division level will be involved in this campaign to make it a success, she added. Not only government officials but the traditional heads like Manki-Munda and gram Pradhan along with the religious heads of all religion will also be involved so that more and more people get connected with this campaign, said the official. The campaign will be run under the ongoing programme Child Marriage Free Jharkhand, under which the young girls will also be made aware about the ongoing programmes being run for them by the state government.

Codeine syrup seized in UP; six held in separate operations in Etah, Mirzapur

ETAH:The Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified their crackdown on the alleged illegal trade, diversion and distribution of regulated codeine-based cough syrup, arresting six persons in separate operations in Etah and Mirzapur districts, officials said on Monday. The action comes as the probe widened into the alleged codiene syrup trafficking racket, suspected to be involved in illicit trade estimated to be worth hundreds of crores -- with links stretching across several states and possibly beyond international borders. In Etah, a joint team of the Agra anti-narcotics unit and Aliganj police recovered 47 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, estimated to be worth around Rs 50 lakh, from a tobacco warehouse under Aliganj police station area limits Sunday night. Four persons, including a retired serviceman, were arrested on the spot, police said. According to police, the raid was carried out at a warehouse in Nagla Bani village following a tip-off. Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized cough syrup bore the name of a Baddi-based pharmaceutical company, 'Wings', but the batch numbers printed on the wrappers had been deliberately scratched off, indicating that the consignment was illegally manufactured. Yogis do namune jibe backfires as Akhilesh calls remark a BJP self-goal The arrested accused have been identified as Jitendra Yadav, Jitendra Shakya, Pramod Shakya and Punjab Singh, a retired soldier. Cases have been registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and other relevant sections, and further investigation is underway, police said. Official sources said the Etah recovery is suspected to be linked to Varanasi-based drug trader, Shubham Jaiswal, who is allegedly associated with an international drug syndicate. A lookout circular has already been issued against him, while his father was arrested earlier from Kolkata. The main accused remains absconding, officials said. In a separate development, Mirzapur police arrested two more accused -- Ajit Yadav and Akshat Yadav -- in connection with a case of illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrup registered at Adalhat police station. The arrests were made on Sunday evening following sustained investigation of the suspects, police said. According to officials, the two accused had allegedly floated firms using forged Aadhaar cards and supplied cough syrup through fake documentation. During investigation, police found that transactions worth over Rs 1 crore had been routed through bank accounts opened in Varanasi in the name of the fake firms. Police said Akshat Yadav, proprietor of a firm named A K Distributors, was supplied around 36 litre of New Phensedyl cough syrup (100 ml bottles) from a trader based in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The firm was found to be non-functional on the ground, and records showed it had been opened only once or twice without carrying out any genuine pharmaceutical business. Further scrutiny revealed that the Aadhaar card used for obtaining the drug licence carried a Mirzapur address and was forged, while a different Aadhaar card with a Varanasi address was used for banking purposes, pointing to deliberate fabrication of documents, police said. The firm's bank account in Varanasi showed a turnover of around Rs 1.28 crore. The two accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act and sent to jail. Police said involvement of more suspects is likely and the investigation is ongoing. Officials said the recoveries and arrests form part of a broader state-wide investigation into the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup, a regulated drug.

Drishyam 3 Release Date: Ajay Devgn does full justice to fan service, third instalment of blockbuster franchise will be OUT on this special day

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PCB extends deadline again for bids for two new PSL teams

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Third 'Avatar' film lights up box offices with $345 million opening

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JMM distances itself from Health Minister's remarks offering job to Muslim doctor involved in Bihar hijab incident

RANCHI: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday distanced itself from the remarks of Health Minister Irfan Ansari , who offered a job to the female Muslim doctor who was allegedly assaulted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public event in Patna last week. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that there is no provision empowering the minister to offer a job with a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. I dont think a minister can provide a Rs 3 lakh job to anyone. However, the issue that is being suppressed should be discussed, the JMM spokesperson said, stressing that the minister's statement was personal. The party was responding to Ansari's remarks, inviting the female doctor to Jharkhand and offering her a job with a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with a Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, a desired posting and full security, the minister said in Jamtara on Saturday. The minister was responding to the December 15 incident in Patna, where Nitish Kumar pulled the veil (naqab) off the face of a newly-recruited AYUSH doctor while she was receiving her letter of appointment. He accused Nitish Kumar of attempting to demean the hijab (veil) and the Muslim community through the act. Without naming anyone, Ansari also contrasted the incident with Jharkhand's governance. This is Jharkhand. Governance here is sensitive, inclusive and rooted in respect for human dignity, the minister said. Nusrat Parveen, a doctor hailing from Kolkata, was among ten Ayush doctors who had turned up at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Secretariat on December 15 to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil and exclaimed 'what is this' before pulling it down and exposing her face. The incident has drawn widespread criticism , with many accusing Nitish Kumar of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the RSS agenda. Meanwhile, former BJP minister C P Singh alleged a possible connection between the woman doctor and the Al-Falah University in Haryana, which has come under scanner in connection with the alleged white collar terror module. Singh demanded an NIA inquiry into the episode and said Ansari was not the health minister for one community alone. People from this particular community want to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind. Therefore, the NIA should investigate whether Nusrat Parveen has any connection to Al-Falah University, the BJP leader alleged. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

Pakistan Cricket Board extends deadline again for bids for two new PSL teams

The Pakistan Cricket Board has pushed back the deadline for new Pakistan Super League franchise bids by two days. The new date for initial bids is December 24. This is the second extension. The PCB aims to attract stronger bids for the two new franchises. The final auction is scheduled for January 6.

Maharashtra civic polls: Counting of votes begins

Counting of votes for the elections to the posts of president and members in 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra began on Sunday. The counting began at 10 am at centres across the state. A turnout of 67.3 per cent was recorded in the polls of 263 local bodies held on December 2, while 47.04 per cent of voters exercised their franchise in the second phase of the elections in 23 local bodies on Saturday, the State Election Commission said. The final voter turnout figure will be shared later in the day, officials said. Members and presidents of Dondaicha Municipal Council in Dhule and Angar Nagar Panchayat in Solapur were elected unopposed, and the polls for the post of Jammer municipal president also remained a no-contest affair. In some places, the ruling alliance partners, including the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, are contesting against each other. The poll battle became multi-dimensional with the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) locking horns, interspersed by friendly fights among the alliances.

RCB react to Jitesh Sharma's T20 World Cup 2026 snub, social media post goes viral

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On this day, a democratic milestone: When India lowered its voting age to 18 in 1988

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Jharkhand minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after niqab row

Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he has offered a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a government flat and desired posting to a woman doctor from Bihar following the niqab controversy during distribution of appointment letters. Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean niqab and the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Jharkhand minister offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after naqab row

RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Saturday said he has offered a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a government flat and desired posting to a woman doctor from Bihar following the naqab controversy during distribution of appointment letters. Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean naqab and the Muslim community by removing the veil of a woman. I have invited the woman doctor to Jharkhand and offered her a job with Rs 3 lakh monthly salary, a flat, desired posting and full security, he told reporters in Jamtara. The way a doctor and a woman was humiliated and treated with indecency by pulling her naqab is not merely an attack on one individual but a direct assault on human dignity, honour and the Constitution itself, he said. The incident, a video clip of which has been circulated widely and sparked a major political row, took place on Monday at the chief minister's secretariat in Patna when Ayush doctors had gathered to receive their letters of appointment. When the woman came up for her letter, Kumar saw her naqab, said what is this?, and then removed the veil. Meanwhile, a social worker filed a police complaint against Kumar over the incident, an officer said on Saturday. Mohammad Murtaza Alam, along with some villagers, submitted the complaint with Itki police station on Thursday, he said. Manish Kumar, officer-in-charge of Itki police station, told PTI that the complaint was filed on the basis of a video purportedly showing Kumar pulling off the naqab of the woman doctor.

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Jharkhand tribal family carries infant's body in plastic bag as hospital fails to provide transport

RANCHI: Family members were forced to carry their dead four-month-old child in a plastic bag as the hospital failed to provide transportation facilities. Dimba Chatomba, a resident of Baljori village under Noamundi block, had brought his sick child to Sadar Hospital at Chaibasa on Thursday. The child's condition worsened, and the child died during treatment on Friday. After the child's death, the family members had requested the hospital management to provide a vehicle to take the body back to their village. The family reportedly waited for hours for a vehicle, but no arrangements were made. According to family members, the hospital administration neither made any alternative arrangements nor was it considerate towards the family. Broken by administrative insensitivity and the negligence of the healthcare system, the family was forced to carry the child's body in a plastic bag and take a bus back to Baljori village. Dimba had only 100 rupees in his pocket. Out of desperation, he bought a plastic bag for 20 rupees from a nearby shop and placed his four-month-old son's body inside it. With the remaining money, Dimba had to pay for the bus fare from Chaibasa to Noamundi and travelled with his sons body in the bag, said an attendant of a patient requesting anonymity. From Noamundi, Dimba will have to walk to his village Bada Baljori, the attendant added. Hospital administration, however, said that they were trying to arrange a vehicle and asked them to wait for a few more hours, but they left the hospital with the deceased child in a bag. We don't provide ambulances for transporting dead bodies. There is a separate hearse service for it, and we have only one such vehicle in the district. We asked the child's family to wait for two more hours as the hearse was at Manoharpur at that time, but they didn't agree and left for home with the body in a bag, said Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Dr Bharti Minj. According to the Civil Surgeon, the four-month-old child had breathing problem. The doctors had suggested taking the child to a higher center, but the father disagreed. The child eventually succumbed to the illness. Since the mother of the child was not there, we had inserted a tube for feeding. The child was brought in on Thursday evening and died at 1:15 pm on Friday, said the Civil Surgeon. Health Minister Irfan Ansari has assured to conduct an inquiry into the matter and see that action is taken against anyone found responsible. If something like this has really happened to a tribal family, an inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken against those responsible for it, said Ansari.

Army jawan arrested for raping woman in Ranchi

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Jharkhand elephant attack claims another life in Ramgarh; toll crosses 1,270 in 18 years

RANCHI: In yet another incident of man-animal conflict in Jharkhand, 35-year-old man, Loknath Munda, was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Karma Sugiya Khira Beda area of Ramgarh on Friday. This is the fifth such death in the last three days in Ramgarh itself, as four people were trampled to death by the herd of elephants in Ghatto OP area on Thursday. Those who lost their lives on Thursday, include Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40) and Savitri Devi (45). According to officials, a herd of 42 elephants, divided into 6-7 separate groups, is active in this area, which is on a rampage, causing loss of life and property in the area. Ramgarh DFO Nitish Kumar informed that Hamar Haathi app provides information about the location of elephants within a radius of approximately 10 kilometers. He also appealed to people to move to a safe place if they receive information about elephants being in the area and to refrain from disturbing the elephants or taking photos or videos of them. Notably, as per official data, more than 1270 people were killed in the last 18 years due to elephant attacks across Jharkhand. Not only have humans lost their lives, but more than 150 elephants have also been killed due to electrocution, train accidents or IED blasts during these years. According to data provided by the forest department, 474 people died in elephant attacks between 2019 and 2024. This includes 87 deaths in 2023, 96 in 2022, and the highest number, 133, in 2021. More than 16 deaths have already been reported in elephant attacks so far in 2025. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife, Paritosh Upadhyay, said that during the last three months alone, elephants have killed more than a dozen people. The only way to prevent human-elephant conflict is to somehow guide the elephants deeper into the forests, he said. A special team from the forest department has been deployed to safely guide the elephants deep into the forests, said Upadhyay. The cooperation of villagers is also being sought in this regard, he added. Wildlife experts said that human settlements have encroached right up to the edge of the forests, as a result, elephants venture into the villages and damage crops when they can't find food in the forests. The elephants only attack villagers when they try to chase them away. Looking at the trend of elephant-related human deaths, it becomes clear that elephants only kill people after being provoked or treated in a way they perceive as threatening, said a wildlife expert, requesting anonymity. It has also been observed that the wild elephants cause maximum damage only in the new areas which they have visited for the first time, he added. Wildlife experts also said that proper awareness is required among the people in the elephant prone areas. Due to lack of knowledge, people unnecessarily disturb the elephants by throwing stones at them or taking selfies with them, which irritates them, prompting them to attack the human population, they said. Looking at the problem, more than 17 elephant corridors have been notified in Jharkhand. In addition to that, a permission has also been sought from the Government of India to install radio collars on each of the female elephants leading the herds to make it easier to track them and guide the straying elephants back to the herd.

Ranchi Diary | Jharkhand lifts Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The Jharkhand cricket team, led by Ishan Kishan, has created history by lifting Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. It defeated Haryana by 69 runs to win the prestigious domestic T-20 tournament for the first time. Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday met the team members, who made history by winning the Trophy. Soren congratulated all the players, support staff and the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on the historic win. Soren said that by winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 cricket tournament, Jharkhand has created a new record in domestic cricket. This is an achievement and a moment of pride for the entire state. Vulture conservation centre in state Jharkhand is set to get its first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, marking a significant step towards protecting its countrys rapidly declining vulture population. Located at Muta, about 36 km from Ranchi, the facility, is expected to become operational soon, offering renewed hope for the critically endangered species. According to officials, the state government has approved a proposal by the forest department to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), which will provide technical expertise for running the centre. The project was originally sanctioned by the Centre in 2009 with the objective of reviving the vulture population in the state. Soren to visit Australia to study rehab practices Chief Minister Hemant Soren is planning a visit to Australia to study post-mining rehabilitation practices, with special emphasis on tribal regions. The proposed visit follows an official invitation from the Australian Ambassador, who recently met Soren at his residence. During his visit, the Chief Minister will focus on the living conditions of indigenous communities displaced by mining activities and closely examine Australias rehabilitation frameworks in mining-affected areas. He is also expected to study initiatives aimed at the socio-economic uplift of indigenous populations, including welfare programmes and empowerment measures. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

Hijab row: Bihar official claims Dr Nusrat will join duty on December 20

PATNA: The ongoing hijab controversy involving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is likely to be resolved after an official said on Friday that the Muslim woman doctor, whose hijab was pulled off by Nitish, would join the duty on Saturday (December 20). Principal of Government Tibbi College and Hospital in Patna, Dr Mahfoozur Rahman, claimed that Ayush doctor Nusrat Parveens family confirmed that she would join the duty. Dr Nusrat is a first-year postgraduate student in the same college. Dr Ramman told media persons that Praveens family had confirmed that she would join the duty on Saturday. I spoke to Parveens husband, relatives and her classmates. They told me that she would join duty on December 20. She has to first join the Government Tibbi College and Hospital, and later she will be shifted to her place of posting. Her family members and classmates have assured me that she would join duty, Rahman said. A day earlier, Bihar health minister Mangal Pandey said that he had not known that the concerned female doctor might not join her duty. I have no such information, was the terse reply of Pandey when journalists asked about reports that the AYUSH doctor Nusrat Parveen, who hails from Kolkata, has declined the government job following the hijab incident. Pandey, however, sought to put a lid on the controversy by asserting that the NDA in the State has always worked for the empowerment of women. He said that the issue was being blown up proportionately by the media and some organisations. Social worker files complaint against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Ranchi following hijab row A major political row was triggered after Nitish, while distributing appointment letters to doctors, pulled down the hijab of Parveen. The video capturing those moments went viral on social media. Parveen was among 10 Ayush doctors who had turned up at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Monday to receive their letters of appointment. When Parveen's turn came, the 75-year-old CM pointed towards her veil (Hijab) and exclaimed 'What is this?' before pulling it down and exposing her face. Later, there were rumours that Parveen had declined the job. Meanwhile, the health department has given a 15-day ultimatum to 19 AYUSH doctors who have not joined since July. Nusarat Parveen is among them. The department clarified that those who would not join within the stipulated period would be construed as not wanting to join. Security beefed up for Bihar CM Nitish following hijab controversy We can not keep the post vacant for long as it was hampering the work and people were made to suffer due to the shortage of manpower, a senior health department official said. Nitishs security has been tightened in the wake of a video threat message from a Pakistan-based underworld don over the controversy. The Cyber police station in Patna has registered a case against the underworld don and initiated a probe. Director General of police Vinay Kumar said that the case has been handed over to Patna Inspector General of Police Jitendra Rana to monitor the investigation. Since the case is sensitive, we have entrusted Patna IG to monitor the investigation, he told the media. The incident has drawn criticism from far and wide, including many West Asian countries, and the JD (U) president is facing accusations of disrespecting Muslim traditions, allegedly in line with the 'RSS agenda'. Union minister and BJP MP Giriraj Singh, however, defended Nitishs action and said that it does not matter whether she joins duty or not. Woh refuse kare ya jahannum mein jaye (She can refuse or go to hell), Singh told reporters on the Parliament premises on Thursday when asked about the doctors reported decision not to take up the job. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor

Punjab Kings seek BCCI intervention after Josh Inglis' sudden IPL availability post LSG's Rs 8.6 crore auction bid

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Social worker files complaint against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Ranchi following hijab row

RANCHI: Amid the controversy over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing the hijab of a woman candidate during the distribution of appointment letters to the newly appointed doctors, a written complaint has been filed against him at Itki Police Station in Ranchi. The complaint has been filed by a social worker, Md. Murtaza Alam, seeking an investigation and action into the matter. We have received a complaint against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a video which recently went viral on social media, said the officer in charge of Itki Police Station. The complainant has sought action against Nitish Kumar, he added. The incident cannot be treated as a private interaction, as it took place during an official government programme, the complaint said. 'She can go to hell': BJP Minister Giriraj Singh defends Nitish Kumar over hijab removal incident involving Muslim doctor The complainant maintained that any act involving religious attire on a public platform is a grave matter, particularly when it affects the dignity, modesty and bodily autonomy of women. The complaint has urged the police to thoroughly examine the incident and initiate appropriate legal action. Notably, Nitish Kumar, on Monday, had pulled a 'hijab' down from a woman's face during a government event in Patna. A video of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, 74-year-old Kumar can be seen handing a certificate to an AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) doctor during the event. He motioned her to remove her 'hijab', but before she could react, he reached out and pulled it down himself - exposing her mouth and chin. The incident sparked a huge row with the Opposition questioning Kumar's mental state. The doctor, Nusrat Parveen, left Bihar the very next day after the incident and travelled to Kolkata to stay with her family. Sources close to the family said that she has been deeply disturbed by what happened to her at the public event. The incident has had a visible emotional impact on her, leading to uncertainty about her professional future in the state, they said. Security beefed up for Bihar CM Nitish following hijab controversy

Elephant movement disrupts rail traffic in Jharkhand, several trains cancelled

RANCHI: In the wake of frequent movement of wild elephants along forest-fringed sections under the Chakaradharpur Railway Division in Jharkhand, multiple trains have been cancelled on the up and down line. According to officials, herds of jumbos have been frequently spotted near and across tracks on the NaugaonRourkela, ChakradharpurRourkela and RourkelaJharsuguda sections, falling within identified elephant corridor zones. To avoid any potential mishap, these trains will remain cancelled on December 18 and 19, they said. The trains which have been cancelled include Rourkela MEMU, HatiaJharsuguda MEMU, RourkelaJharsuguda MEMU and the BadampaharBangriposi passenger, affecting both onward and return journeys. Railway authorities said that elephant activity in these sections has increased over the past few days, creating operational risks. Due to frequent movement of elephants, trains running during the night get late due to which there is congestion, leading to the delay of long-distance trains during the day time. To avoid congestion during the day time, most of the trains plying during the night have been cancelled, said senior divisional commercial manager Aditya Choudhary. The situation is being monitored closely in coordination with the Forest Department and the Railway Protection Force, he said, adding that services will be restored once it stabilizes. Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh Choudhary, however, said that long-distance trains on the Howrah-Mumbai route will run at moderate speed with proper track clearance and thorough surveillance by dedicated teams. In addition, pilots have been directed to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) while moving on sections frequented by elephants, he said. Earlier, on October 31 and November 1, the Chakradharpur railway halted 12 long-distance trains on the up and down line for hours to give safe passage to 22 elephants, which were moving in separate herds, between Bisra and D Cabin section on the Jharkhand-Odisha border. Meanwhile, due to thick fog and poor visibility, flight operations at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi have also been hit badly. Keeping safety norms in mind, airport authorities have cancelled several flights, while many others are operating with significant delays. Airport officials said runway visibility dropped below the prescribed limits during the morning hours, disrupting flight movements. Flight services are expected to gradually return to normal once weather conditions improve. The cancelled flights include IndiGo 6E 7674 / 7235 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata), IndiGo 6E 7561 / 7562 (Kolkata Ranchi Kolkata) and Air India Express IX 1046 / 1047 (Delhi Ranchi Delhi).

Jharkhand's first medical university to come up in Ranchi: Health Minister Irfan Ansari

RANCHI: Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday said the state is all set to get its first medical university, with land identified for the proposed institution in Ranchi's Brambe locality. We hope the foundation of the university will be laid by the end of January next year, Ansari said while distributing appointment letters to 66 health officials, including 33 medical officers and 33 specialist doctors. He assured that manpower in the health sector would be increased and more recruitment would be carried out next year. Even after 25 years of Jharkhand's creation, there is no medical university in the state, which has led to a shortage of faculty and doctors. We have been working to improve the health sector system, the minister said. He said four medical colleges would be established in the state in the coming years. The minister added that he recently met Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and requested him for an ayurvedic college in the state. The Union minister has asked us to send a proposal in this regard, Ansari said. Later, talking to reporters, Ansari said a building of the panchayati raj institution at Brambe, which previously functioned as the Central University of Jharkhand, has been selected for temporary operations of the medical university. The matter has already be discussed with the governor, and the medical university is expected to commence functioning within the next 67 months, Ansari said. The Brambe-based institution, which is spread over 67 acres, has 45 large and small buildings, including academic blocks, hostels and an auditorium, a health official said.

Who is Rohit Prasad, Amazon AI executive set to exit the company after 12 years? All about Ranchi BIT Mesra graduate

Rohit Prasad Amazon: Amazon's artificial general intelligence chief Rohit Prasad is set to depart from the company after 12 long years. Prasad joined Amazon in 2013 and before that, he served as the chief scientist for Alexa. Born and raised in India, Rohit Prasad completed his undergraduation from BIT Mesra in Ranchi and was inspired by Star Trek and talking computers.

If you have happy people who are skilled too, they perform better

PBKSco-ownerWadiasays the franchise wants to provide a personal touch and a professional environment for the players

Final phase of Telangana panchayat elections sees 85pc voter turn out

Hyderabad: More than 85 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise in the final phase of gram panchayat elections in Telangana on Wednesday, the SEC said. The elections were held peacefully, and counting of votes was underway, officials said. Of the 50,56,344 eligible voters, 43,37,024 cast their votes, recording a turnout of 85.77 per Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

IPL 2026 Mini Auction: How CSK, MI and KKR Have Reshaped Their Squads

On December 16, (Tuesday), Abu Dhabi hosted the Mini auction for IPL 2026, with 369 players competing for 77 blank slots in 10 franchises.

Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh

RANCHI: A herd of wild elephants went on a rampage in the Ghatto OP area of Jharkhands Ramgarh district, around 40 km from the state capital Ranchi, killing at least four people, including two women, within a few hours between Tuesday and Wednesday. The back-to-back attacks by the herd, which is said to comprise 42 elephants, triggered widespread panic among residents of several villages in the area. Those killed have been identified as Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40) and Savitri Devi (45). The first incident took place around 4 pm on Tuesday near the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker in West Bokaro. According to local accounts, a group of people from nearby areas had gathered to get a glimpse of the herd, which was resting by the roadside. Some of them moved closer to take selfies and photographs, during which one of the elephants attacked Amit Rajwar, killing him on the spot. Amit Rajwar was killed by an elephant which, according to eyewitnesses, repeatedly slammed him to the ground with its trunk. The incident triggered panic, leading to the blockage of the RamgarhKedla main road. Several drivers of heavy vehicles plying on the stretch reportedly abandoned their vehicles and fled to save their lives. Family members of the deceased said Amit Rajwar, who worked at Sarubera Colliery, had returned home to Ichakadih after duty and later went to the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker to see the herd of elephants. Later in the night, the elephants again entered a residential area along Ara Kata Road Number 4. Hearing loud trumpet sounds, residents rushed out of their houses and began fleeing. During the chaos, two women, Parvati Devi and Savitri Devi, were trampled to death by the elephants. The rampage did not stop there. The herd also attacked a young man, Amul Mahto, who was riding a motorcycle, and crushed him to death. Forest Ranger Bateshwar Paswans confirmed that four people, including two women, died in the elephant attacks. Lakshmi, the daughter-in-law of Parvati Devi, said the family panicked after hearing the elephants. We got scared of the elephant trumpets and everyone started running towards the road. My mother-in-law was left behind, and the elephants trampled her to death, she said. Another local resident said the elephants knocked down their mud house and injured her parents. All the family members started running out through the back door after the elephants entered the village making loud noises. My parents stood near the gate to prevent the elephants from entering the house, but the elephants knocked down the mud house along with the gate, injuring my parents, said Pari, daughter of the injured couple. On Wednesday, enraged villagers blocked the R-4 road, alleging negligence on the part of the forest department. Despite all information about the movement of elephants, neither timely patrolling was done nor were villagers alerted, said one resident, requesting anonymity. In view of the seriousness of the situation, police personnel have been deployed in the area. According to officials, a herd of 42 elephants is currently active in the region, moving through the forests of Mandu, Ghatto and Kuju. The herd has reportedly split into three separate groups.

Watch: IPL auction 2026: Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, Prashant Veer rake in the moolah

The IPL auction delivered intense bidding wars as franchises went all out for proven stars and emerging talent

Two women among five trampled to death by wild elephants in Jharkhand

RAMGARH/RANCHI: Five people, including two women, were trampled to death by wild elephants in separate incidents in Jharkhand over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday. In Ramgarh district, three people died at Sirka forest area, while a 36-year-old person was killed at Jidu village in Ranchi's Angara, on Tuesday night, they said. Some of the deceased are yet to be identified. Two quick response teams (QRTs) and forest guards are tracking the movement of elephant herds in the area, said Nitish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Ramgarh. On Tuesday afternoon, Amit Kumar Rajwar (32), was trampled to death in Ramgarh when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies, Kumar said. As many as 42 jumbos, divided in herds, are roaming the forests along the border areas of Ramgarh and Bokaro districts, he said. Gautam Kumar Rajwar, officer-in-charge of Angara police station, said a person named Sanicharwa Munda died during the course of treatment, while two injured, including a woman, are being treated in hospital.

IPL Auction 2026 Players list: Check full team-wise sold and unsold players list with price

The IPL 2026 auction has concluded. Cameron Green became the most expensive player. Uncapped Indian talents Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma also achieved record-breaking prices. Chennai Super Kings secured them for a significant amount. A total of 77 players were bought by the ten franchises. The auction focused on both domestic talent and international experience.

Lost in time, Dracula returns to Kerala after half a century

KOCHI: After decades in the shadows, the Malayalam translation of Bram Stokers Dracula first published in 1975 will return to print in January 2026. For publisher Rayan Pushpanath, the rediscovery of the long-lost book felt less like routine archival work and more like cracking a cold case. Written by his grandfather, legendary Malayalam crime and horror writer Kottayam Pushpanath, the translation had virtually vanished from circulation. No major library had a copy. Collectors drew blanks. Even detailed bibliographies listed the book, but none could produce it. Yet this missing volume was no ordinary translation. It was the spark that opened the door to gothic horror for generations of Malayali readers and quietly reshaped popular fiction in the state. Printed in 1975, Dracula arrived in Kerala at a time when Malayalam popular literature was dominated by social novels, family sagas and romantic melodrama. For readers who had never encountered a full-fledged gothic horror novel, it was a revelation. Fear, mood and the supernatural suddenly became part of mainstream reading, recalls Rayan. Pushpanaths engagement with Dracula did not end with translation. The book became the foundation for what can now be described as the Malayalam Dracula universe. Over the years, he wrote nearly 10 interconnected novels, including Dracula Asiayil , Draculayude Makal , Dracula Unarunnu , Dracula Brazilil and Dracula Kotta . In these works, the vampire count was uprooted from Victorian England and placed in Indian and global settings, encountering local folklore, belief systems and anxieties. Long before people spoke about cinematic universes or franchise storytelling, my grandfather was doing it through novels, says Rayan. Holding the 1975 edition for first time was an emotional moment He took a Western myth and made it intimate, local and recognisably ours, says Rayan. In these stories, Dracula could walk through mist-covered hills reminiscent of Kerala, confront Eastern mysticism, or surface in unfamiliar geographies without losing his gothic core. Pushpanath did not merely adapt Stokers creation; he reimagined it, reclaiming the myth for a Malayalam-reading audience. Decades later, this literary experiment drew international attention. In 2025, British author Ann Morgan, known for A Year of Reading the World , highlighted Dracula Asiayil in her book Relearning to Read . She described it as a fascinating cultural phenomenon, noting how a Western character was reshaped through Indian emotional logic and narrative traditions. For Rayan, the recognition was affirming rather than surprising. For Kerala readers, Dracula became part of shared cultural memory. As familiar as popular fictional heroes, and as thrilling as stories told around a campfire, he says. Yet the absence of the original 1975 translation remained a troubling gap. It felt symbolic. As if the first chapter of a very large story had been torn out. The search for the book spanned seven years, taking him to libraries, ancestral homes, book fairs and private collections. The explanation he heard repeatedly was the same: the book had been borrowed endlessly, read until it fell apart, and never returned. It didnt disappear because people ignored it. It disappeared because people loved it, says Rayan. The breakthrough came in 2024 at a book fair in Kannur, when a collector casually confirmed he had a copy. Holding the fragile 1975 edition for the first time was an emotional moment. I wasnt just holding a book, Rayan recalls. I was holding a piece of my grandfathers imagination, travelling across generations. The rediscovery has now led to a carefully planned reprint, bringing the original translation back to readers after half a century.

IPL 2026 Auction: First-time picks and uncapped players sold; check full list

The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw franchises invest heavily in young, uncapped talent. Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants were prominent in signing emerging players, aiming to build depth and secure future stars for the T20 arena. Several new faces earned lucrative contracts, marking their debut on the grand IPL stage.

Kashmirs Nabi creates history with Rs 8.40 cr IPL deal at Delhi Capitals

*Udhampurs Brijesh earns RR call-up Ranjit Thakur/Suhail Bhat JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Dec 16: Jammu and Kashmir cricket witnessed a historic moment at the Indian Premier League auction as two fast bowlers from the Union Territory earned contracts with IPL franchises, marking a major breakthrough for the regions growing talent pool and inspiring young cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir. Auqib Nabi Dar, a fast bowler from Sheeri village in North Kashmirs Baramulla district, created history today after being picked by Delhi Capitals for [] The post Kashmirs Nabi creates history with Rs 8.40 cr IPL deal at Delhi Capitals appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IPL snippets

IPL 2026 to be held from March 26 to May 31 Mumbai, Dec 16: The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held from March 26 to May 31, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the franchises, a report claimed on Monday. The 19th edition of Indias domestic []

IPL 2026 auction: Why Devon Conway and other capped stars went unsold, while Rs 30 lakh base-price players hit multi-crore jackpots

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