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Systematic disenfranchisement by BJP govt. at the Centre: Revanth
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has tipped an ex-Gujarat Titans star to emerge as one of the most expensive buys at the IPL 2026 auction. Bangar's prediction has sparked fresh buzz around the player's market value and a potential bidding war among franchises.
IPL 2026: Miller Will Likely Be Among The Three Most Expensive Players, Opines Bangar
Kolkata Knight Riders: Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has identified several marquee players who are expected to attract intense bidding from franchises looking to address key gaps in their squads, as the build-up to the IPL 2026 auction gathers pace. Among them, South African veteran David Miller has emerged as one of the most sought-after names, with Bangar predicting a fierce contest between franchises. Millers reputation as a proven finisher continues to make him a valuable asset in the shortest format, particularly for teams struggling to close out innings in the death overs. Highlighting the growing demand for experience in high-pressure situations, Bangar believes the left-hander could be among the costliest buys at the auction. Speaking on JioHotstar, Bangar said, David Miller will likely be among the top three most expensive players in this auction. Several teams need a player with his finishing ability Gujarat Titans, for instance, would benefit from his experience, while Kolkata Knight Riders could target him too, especially with Andre Russells retirement and a healthy purse at their disposal. Millers reputation as a proven finisher continues to make him a valuable asset in the shortest format, particularly for teams struggling to close out innings in the death overs. Highlighting the growing demand for experience in high-pressure situations, Bangar believes the left-hander could be among the costliest buys at the auction. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jonny Bairstow offers dual value as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batter. He has a proven pedigree and, since hes currently focused solely on T20 cricket, his full availability makes him an even stronger prospect. Teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders could be in the mix Delhi need a top-order option after releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk, while KKR might also look at him given their limited choices beyond Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. he added. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Pathan Believes KKR Will Target Green In Auction As A like-for-like Replacement Of Russell
Kolkata Knight Riders: Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will go big for Cameron Green at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction to fill in the void in the team created by Andre Russell, who announced his retirement, calling the Aussie all-rounder a like-for-like replacement for the Caribbean batter. The IPL 2026 mini auction is set for December 16, and franchise planning has gathered momentum as teams weigh their options ahead of what promises to be a fiercely competitive bidding war. Among the most talked-about players is Green, whose all-round skill set continues to attract attention despite shifting team combinations around the league. Pathan believes Green could emerge as a priority signing for franchises looking to rebuild balance in their squads, as he said, Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder, and with KKR entering the auction with a sizeable purse, theyll surely target him. With Andre Russell retired, Green offers a like-for-like replacement someone who can contribute with both bat and ball, though hell probably bat a bit higher in the order. I expect CSK to show interest too. Pathan also highlighted the sustained value of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, particularly for teams playing on spin-friendly surfaces. Mitchells previous success in Indian conditions and his adaptability against spin remain key selling points. Pathan believes Green could emerge as a priority signing for franchises looking to rebuild balance in their squads, as he said, Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder, and with KKR entering the auction with a sizeable purse, theyll surely target him. With Andre Russell retired, Green offers a like-for-like replacement someone who can contribute with both bat and ball, though hell probably bat a bit higher in the order. I expect CSK to show interest too. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKRs auction strategy will be one to watch for as the three-time IPL champions head into the event with the largest purse of Rs. 64.30 crore. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026 Auction: Top players Delhi Capitals may target to strengthen their squad
IPL Auction 2026 Delhi Capitals top players DC is expected to target: Delhi Capitals enter the IPL Auction with 21.80 crore and eight slots to fill, prioritizing an explosive overseas opener and a reliable death bowler. After a disappointing 2025 season, the franchise aims to address top-order power and bowling consistency, eyeing players like Ben Duckett and Jacob Duffy to bolster their squad for a stronger 2026 campaign.
We wrote a role for Cristiano Ronaldo in Fast & Furious film: Vin Diesel
LOS ANGELES, Dec 14: Hollywood actor Vin Diesel, best known for the Fast & Furious franchise, says the upcoming installment will have a role written for Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The first installment of Fast & Furious released in 2001, starring Diesel in the role of Dominic Toretto. Till now, there have been 10 films in total, with a spinoff Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, two short films and an animated series on Netflix, Fast & Furious: [] The post We wrote a role for Cristiano Ronaldo in Fast & Furious film: Vin Diesel appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
A AAA game for the Alien franchise is back in the works
If Alien: Romulus reawakened your appetite for the iconic sci-fi franchise , the good news is that a promising video game could be on the way. According to an Insider Gaming report, a new game for the Alien franchise is back in development. The report's sources mentioned that the single-player game will be set in a decaying space station as an arcade survival horror that can be compared to Shadow of [the] Tomb Raider with Xenomorphs. It's not the first time we heard about this Alien game, which was first reported on in 2022 under the codename Marathon. According to Insider Gaming , the game has cycled through several developers, but more recently landed with Eidos Montreal, which developed Shadow of the Tomb Raider and is currently working on the upcoming Fable reboot . The report added that the game's development budget was increased to less than $75 million, up from the initial $30 million budget from a few years ago. Insider Gaming 's report noted that the game is still in early development, but could feature Ripley 8, the human-Xenomorph hybrid that was first seen in Alien Resurrection. The game's details and release date are still subject to change, but Insider Gaming 's sources said the game is in a good place at this point and is expected to release in 2028 on all platforms. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/a-aaa-game-for-the-alien-franchise-is-back-in-the-works-204401214.html?src=rss
84-year-old dining chain franchisee files Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Half-Life 3 is rumored to be a Steam Machine launch title and could arrive in spring 2026
Half-Life fans are nothing if not patient. For the diehard fans out there, the latest test of patience comes from Insider Gaming Weekly 's podcast , which claimed that the third installment in the Half-Life franchise is set to release with the launch of the Steam Machine sometime in spring 2026. The window I was specifically told was spring 2026 for the Steam Machine, for the Frame, for the Controller, for Half-Life 3, Mike Straw, one of the hosts of the Insider Gaming Weekly podcast and senior editor at Insider Gaming , said. At the end of the day, the game is real. Straw added that all the previous dates for an announcement of the next Half-Life game have passed, but that his sources are still adamant this is a game that will be a launch title with the Steam Machine. However, being tied to Valve's latest hardware release could be an issue since Straw noted that the explosive jump in RAM pricing is causing considerable concern for the Steam Machine's pricing announcement. There is a concern, however, they haven't made a decision on price, which is kind of holding back the announcement of anything else, Straw said. There's no doubt in my mind Valve is still trying to make decisions because of what's going on on the component side. While optimistic devotees were hoping for some teasers during The Game Awards , Valve hasn't officially said anything. However, there's still a lot of hope, especially considering Valve updated Half-Life 2 for its 20th anniversary , and previous rumors hinted at a game that's still in development but is playable from beginning to end. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/half-life-3-is-rumored-to-be-a-steam-machine-launch-title-and-could-arrive-in-spring-2026-193029413.html?src=rss
ED summons codeine smuggling kingpin Shubham Jaiswal; warns of NBW, Interpol notice
LUCKNOW: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Lucknow Zone unit has issued a final summons to Shubham Jaiswal, identified as the kingpin of a codeine cough syrup smuggling racket, warning him that failure to appear on Monday will prompt the agency to seek a non-bailable warrant (NBW) and initiate proceedings for a Red Corner Notice against him through Interpol. Notably, Jaiswal has already been served two summons by the ED but has so far failed to appear to record his statements in connection with the smuggling racket. The ED issued the warning a day after the Allahabad High Court granted interim protection on Friday to Jaiswal and his father Bhola Prasad Jaiswal from arrest until December 17. The father-son duo is accused of running a massive cross-border narcotics racket in Uttar Pradesh. However, the HC relief could not be extended to Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, who remains lodged in Sonbhadra jail in connection with other criminal cases. He was recently arrested at Ranchi airport while allegedly trying to flee the country. Shubham Jaiswal, along with his accomplices, has already fled the country and is believed to be in Dubai. ED sources said Shubham Jaiswal was named in a UP police FIR and is one of the accused in a PMLA case lodged by the agency based on 24 FIRs filed over the past year by UP Police, STF, and FSDA. These cases relate to large-scale seizures of illegal, adulterated, or mislabelled codeine syrups, the arrest of carriers, forged stock records, and suspicious financial activities by pharmaceutical and transport firms. The FIRs cover districts including Lucknow, Chandauli, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Sonbhadra, Sultanpur, Kanpur Nagar, Jaunpur, Bahraich, Bhadohi, and Ghazipur, pointing to a widespread and structured criminal network. According to sources, Shubham Jaiswal allegedly created fake GST invoices, manipulated stock registers, employed unregistered transporters handling pharma cargo, routed interstate cash movements through informal channels, engaged in unlicensed bottling, and ran suspected illegal manufacturing units. These findings are an offence under PMLA and is an organised financial crime, said a senior official. The ED has also written to UP Police seeking complete case files and bank details of all 67 accused, and has begun examining bank accounts, GST filings, ITRs, property registries, and digital ledgers. The agency is mapping transporters, warehouses, distributors, and interstate logistics, and is scrutinising suspected shell firms used to route profits. Sources said preliminary probes have revealed diversion of pharmaceutical stock, illegal manufacturing, smuggling routes, and laundering of profits, with the investigation still underway.
IPL 2026 auction: What the ten teams have and who theyll be desperate to get
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Ten franchises will compete for 77 slots with a 237.55 crore purse. Teams need to fill gaps in pace, middle-order, and spin. Kolkata Knight Riders have the largest purse, while Mumbai Indians have the smallest. The auction will feature 350 players, including top international and domestic talent.
Yash Dhull Scoring Lots Of Runs In DPL Will Certainly Help Him In IPL, Says Chopra
Indian Premier League: Ex-opener Aakash Chopra spoke about Yash Dhull's potential of getting an Indian Premier League (IPL) team when the mini-auction happens in Abu Dhabi on December 16, saying that the right-handed batter being among the top run-scorers in this years Delhi Premier League (DPL) will certainly help his case. Dhull, who captained India to the U19 World Cup win in 2022, amassed 435 runs in eight games for Central Delhi Kings in this years DPL, where they finished as the runners-up. Dhull was with the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, but never got going in the four games he played. Yash Dhull's journey is quite inspiring. He was touted as an upcoming youngster who would play for India soon. That dream has not happened yet, but he keeps making runs. He uses every opportunity he gets, wherever he plays, said Chopra on JioStar. Sometimes it is very important to stay relevant for a long time, so that when an opportunity comes, people think of him. This season of the Delhi Premier League was quite good for him with the bat, where he scored tons of runs, and those performances will certainly help him in the IPL. He's an Under-19 World Cup winner, and as far as IPL is concerned, he was picked by the Delhi Capitals a few seasons ago and was given some chances too, but he wasn't able to capitalize on them. I think Yash Dhull is ticking all those boxes and keeping himself in the thoughts of everybody who's following the sport with his DPL performances, he added. Sometimes it is very important to stay relevant for a long time, so that when an opportunity comes, people think of him. This season of the Delhi Premier League was quite good for him with the bat, where he scored tons of runs, and those performances will certainly help him in the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sarthak Ranjan is a fearless batter who plays the ball on its merit. The shots he played in this season of the Delhi Premier League were amazing to see. He would have certainly caught the eye of IPL scouts. Franchises will get a pure T20 batter in him, who not only scores in the powerplay but can also bat deep into the innings, she said. Article Source: IANS
IPL Teams Will Definitely Eye Nizar For Firepower At Number Five Or Six, Says Karim
Tamil Nadu Premier League: Former India wicketkeeper-batter and selector Saba Karim said the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are likely to consider Salman Nizar for adding firepower in the number five or six role when the much-anticipated auction happens in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The left-handed Nizar grabbed everyones attention by smashing 11 sixes off his last 13 deliveries during a Kerala Cricket League (KCL) match for Calicut Globsters. Salman Nizar's credentials are clear from how he has batted in the Kerala Cricket League. He has the power and the clarity to hit big shots. When you find a batter like him with so much promise, where do you place him? I think any IPL franchise looking for an explosive number five or number six batter will definitely consider Salman Nizar in the auction, said Karim on JioStar. Former India batter Abhinav Mukund feels left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Tushar Raheja can trigger a bidding war in the mini IPL auction. Raheja played a pivotal role in Tiruppur Tamizhans' winning the 2025 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), amassing 488 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 185.55. Many think Tushar Raheja is young, but he has played in the TNPL for almost seven or eight seasons. He focuses on making big scores, and that stood out this season. He hits the ball well in the Power-play and plays spin very well. He smashed bowlers like Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravichandran Ashwin all over the ground. This is a player who earlier could not make the Tamil Nadu team. But with these performances, it will be hard to ignore him. I believe he has what it takes to succeed in the IPL. He strikes the ball well and hits big sixes. He is also a wicketkeeper, which adds to his value. It is a tough position to get into as an Indian opener, and you need extraordinary skill. But why not? We have seen players like Priyansh Arya make it big. Tushar Raheja definitely has the game, and I am sure some franchises will think about investing in him. This is a player who earlier could not make the Tamil Nadu team. But with these performances, it will be hard to ignore him. I believe he has what it takes to succeed in the IPL. He strikes the ball well and hits big sixes. He is also a wicketkeeper, which adds to his value. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I got a lot of opportunities. I went on a UK tour with the Mumbai Indians. Later, I was a net bowler for them. I go to every other team's trials every year. I know I am very close to being picked. But I needed a push. My performances in the Mumbai T20 league have given me that push. My top three favourite IPL teams are MI, CSK, and RCB, he said. Article Source: IANS
WFI to monitor wrestlers payment in PWL
The WFI is working to finalise the last of six franchises while gearing up for the proposed PWL auction, featuring six teams and 300-plus athletes
Cameron Green has registered as a specialist batter for the IPL 2026 auction, a strategic move that could significantly boost his market value. Here's why franchises may bid higher and how the role switch could help Green fetch 'extra crores' at the mega auction.
IPL 2026 auction: Top players SRH should target to strengthen their squad
Sunrisers Hyderabad, after a disappointing 2024 season, are looking to rebuild their squad in the upcoming mini-auction. With a significant purse and several slots to fill, the franchise is targeting key players to address weaknesses in their bowling and batting departments. SRH aims to strengthen their death bowling and middle-order batting to challenge for the IPL title.
IndiGo flight suffers tail strike while landing at Ranchi airport
RANCHI: An IndiGo flight suffered a tail strike while landing at the Ranchi airport, officials said on Saturday. The incident happened around 7.30 pm on Friday when the Bhubaneswar-Ranchi flight was landing with around 70 passengers on board, they said. The tail of the aircraft touched the runway during landing. Passengers experienced a sudden jolt. However, they were all safe and unharmed, Ranchi airport Director Vinod Kumar told PTI. The plane was grounded following the incident, as it was found to be technically ineligible for takeoff, he said. Its next departure from Ranchi to Bhubaneswar was cancelled. Some passengers cancelled their journey, while some rescheduled their travel. Some passengers were sent to Bhubaneswar by road, he added.
Drawn to real stories: Nawazuddin talks about 'Raat Akeli Hai'
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and director Honey Trehan are reuniting for Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, a crime thriller franchise that started with the 2020 hit film Raat Akeli Hai.
Dont judge after 2 matches: Nehra backs under-fire Shubman Gill
Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra has backed captain Shubman Gill amidst a lean patch in T20Is, urging against judging him by recent statistics. Nehra also defended all-rounder Washington Sundar, highlighting his valuable all-round skills and potential for improvement despite recent struggles. Both players are crucial to the franchise's plans.
Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 has opened strongly at the box office. This marks Balakrishna's biggest opening. Despite mixed reviews, the movie drew large crowds. The action sequences and Balakrishna's presence are credited for the success. The franchise will continue with Jai Akhanda. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.
Kerala local body polls: Migration, disillusionment drag voter turnout to 20-year low
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas local body election delivered a sobering statistic. The state logged its lowest voter turnout in two decades, slipping to 73.69%, down 2.26 percentage points from the previous poll in 2020 -- which was held nine months after the Covid outbreak was declared a global pandemic. In line with long-standing trends, the seven northern districts once again outperformed the south, drawing over five percentage points more voters to polling booths from Thrissur to Kasaragod. An indication of the poor voter participation across the state was evident when the first phase of polling was completed in districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam. Only a little over 70% of voters chose to exercise their franchise in the southern districts, compared with over 75% in the north. The first phase saw Ernakualam and Alappuzha clocking the best turnout figures of 74.57% and 73.82% respectively. Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram were at the tail end of the pack with turnouts of 66.78% and 67.47% respectively. In the second phase, Wayanad and Malappuram were the top performers in terms of voter participation at 78.29% and 77.37% respectively. Voter apathy in the north was evident in Thrissur and Kasaragod that registered turnouts of 72.48% and 74.89% respectively. Across the state, the credibility of mainstream political parties and their leadership are under scrutiny, observed Prof G Gopakumar, political scientist and psephologist. A sizeable section of Keralas electorate is disillusioned. Even when voters wish to register an anti-incumbency sentiment, they are unsure about handing the reins to an inactive opposition or to the so-called third alternative, he noted. In the previous assembly election, nearly one lakh voters opted for none of the above (NOTA) option on EVMs. With no NOTA provision in local body polls, many disillusioned voters simply prefer to stay home, Gopakumar said. He added that political parties must undertake serious introspection on rising voter apathy, despite having mounted high-octane campaigns. S Irudaya Rajan, chair of the International Institute of Migration and Development, stressed that the effect of Keralas population shift on voter turnout should not be overlooked. In fact, migration is the major contributor for the decline in voter turnout. This includes inter-district, inter-state and international migration, he elaborated. Interestingly, a sizeable share of the missing voters are those who are registered in one district but reside in another for work. Many of them are unlikely to travel back just to vote in a civic poll, he explained. Also to be noted is a large chunk of young voters who have migrated overseas for higher studies. In districts such as Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, the overseas migration of entire families, coupled with a steady population decline, has pushed turnout figures sharply lower, he added. Irudaya also linked the higher turnout in northern districts to migration patterns. In north Kerala, migration is mostly to Gulf countries and usually limited to the familys breadwinner. In the south and central regions, migration to Europe and the United States often leads to whole families relocating. That disparity is reflected in voter participation region-wise, he said. Meanwhile, State Election Commissioner A Shajahan noted that this years local body polls saw the highest-ever number of voters at booths. Nearly 74,000 more votes were cast this time compared to the previous election, he said. However, it is notable that the 2020 election had 2.76 crore voters on the electoral roll compared with 2.86 crore this time.
Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 has arrived in theatres. After facing several setbacks, the film finally hit the cinema halls on December 12. Netflix has reportedly secured the film's streaming rights. The franchise is set to continue with a third part. Read on to know more about the movie's streaming details.
Punjab wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora has grabbed attention with a blistering 39-ball hundred in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, just days before the IPL 2026 Auction. His explosive knock has intensified buzz around his prospects and elevated his profile among franchises.
Ernakulam all set to count votes as 7,374 candidates await peoples mandate
The district recorded 74.57% of voter turnout as 19,89,428 of the total 26,67,746 electors exercised their franchise
IPL 2026 auction: Ashish Nehra discloses Gujarat Titans' roadmap for squad building
Ashish Nehra has outlined Gujarat Titans' strategy for the IPL 2026 auction, offering insights into the franchise's priorities, squad-building plans, and areas of focus. His revelations shed light on how GT aims to strengthen its core and prepare for the next IPL cycle.
IPL 2026 auction: 5 Indian batters in focus
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set for Abu Dhabi on December 16. 359 players are available as franchises rebuild their squads. Teams are targeting batters to strengthen their lineups. Key Indian batters like Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul Tripathi, Prithvi Shaw, Abhinav Manohar, and Venkatesh Iyer are expected to attract significant interest and high bids. The auction promises intense bidding wars.
Crackdown On Trafficking Of Codeine-Based Cough Syrup: ED Raids To Expose Rs 100-Crore Racket
The ED conducted early morning raids on Friday at 25 locations across Lucknow, Ranchi, Ahmedabad and several other cities.
Keshav Maharaj Named Pretoria Capitals Captain Ahead Of SA20 Season 4
Durban Super Giants: South Africas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been named as captain of Pretoria Capitals for the upcoming SA20 season four, the franchise said on Friday. Maharaj, who led Durban Super Giants in the previous edition of the competition, will take over from Rilee Rossouw at the Capitals. One of South Africas most experienced and respected leaders, Maharaj brings a wealth of international pedigree across formats, along with a proven track record of guiding teams with composure, clarity and intent. Having captained South Africa in white-ball cricket and served as a senior figure within the national setup for several years, Maharajs leadership experience, tactical understanding and consistency make him an invaluable addition in this role. His presence strengthens the balance and direction of the Pretoria Capitals squad as the team heads into the new season, said the franchise in a release. Pretoria Capitals will enter the upcoming SA20 season with a new look coaching staff as well former India captain Sourav Ganguly will be taking charge as the head coach and will be assisted by former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock. The Capitals were the most active franchise at the September auction, armed with the biggest purse of 32.5 million rand and 16 slots to fill. They broke the SA20 pay record by splurging 16.5 million rand on big-hitting batter Dewald Brevis and also secured Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood and Codi Yusuf. Andre Russell, who recently quit IPL as a player and has now transitioned as a power coach for Kolkata Knight Riders, was added as a wild card signing, while Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford were retained ahead of the auction. The Capitals were the most active franchise at the September auction, armed with the biggest purse of 32.5 million rand and 16 slots to fill. They broke the SA20 pay record by splurging 16.5 million rand on big-hitting batter Dewald Brevis and also secured Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood and Codi Yusuf. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The new SA20 season begins on December 26 with MI Cape Town facing Durbans Super Giants. Capitals will open their campaign on the following day against Joburg Super Kings, with the final scheduled to be played on January 25, 2026. Article Source: IANS
ED raids Jharkhand-based traders residence over alleged money laundering through coal trade
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided the official and residential premises of Dhanbad-based coal trader Manoj Agrawal at Bhelatand and Dhansar. The action is said to be part of an investigation into alleged money laundering through illegal coal trade. According to local sources, the ED teams arrived at both locations simultaneously at around 7 am and cordoned off the premises before they entered the residence and started the search. On November 21, ED teams from Kolkata had conducted similar raids at the residences and offices of five coal traders and transporters in the district. This action reportedly is based on documents and financial activity obtained during a major raid conducted at approximately 18 locations in Dhanbad last month. The ED team has been conducting searches for the last several hours and action is expected to continue further. Last month, the ED simultaneously raided the premises of Dev Prabha Company, which handles outsourcing work for BCCL, its owner, LB Singh, his brother Kumbh Nath Singh and several other locations in Jharkhand. During the raid on November 21, the ED team had recovered cash worth Rs 2.2 crore and seized over 120 land-related documents from Jharkhand. The ED had also seized cash and jewellery during the raid from the locations of the coal mafia. According to information, EDs investigation is being conducted into the matters related to black coal trade, irregular contracts and illegal financial transactions. The ED, during the raids conducted at 44 locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, had recovered cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore, along with a substantial amount of incriminating evidence. According to the ED, the action, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was linked to a sprawling illegal coal mining, theft, transportation and sale racket that has allegedly been operating across the two states for years. Officials also found various property deeds tied to the coal syndicate, agreements related to land transactions, digital devices and books of accounts belonging to entities allegedly controlled by the accused. According to the ED, raids were conducted at 20 locations spread across Dhanbad and Dumka in Jharkhand. These locations are linked to individuals, including Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and several others associated with their companies and entities. Whereas in West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 premises at Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, which included residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants reportedly connected to Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, Nirad Baran Mondal, and others. The crackdown stems from multiple FIRs filed by West Bengal and Jharkhand Police regarding an organised coal smuggling racket operating between the two states. The FIRs suggest that a vast network has been transporting coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Seized documents, diaries, registers, and digital data have reportedly corroborated allegations of large-scale illegal supply chains and the involvement of local authorities. According to the ED, the syndicate was highly active in border districts, generating huge proceeds of crime. Several registers detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists have also been recovered, offering deep insights into the financial trail of the smuggling network, it said. The investigation is still on and more developments are expected as scrutiny of seized materials progresses.
ED raids in multiple states in UP illegal cough syrup case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations across several states as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged illegal cough syrup trafficking racket in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. The searches, which began around 7:30 am, are being conducted at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The ED has registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the illegal manufacturing, trade and transportation of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), including suspected cross-border smuggling into Bangladesh. Locations linked to the absconding main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his alleged associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh, along with certain cough syrup manufacturers and Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal, are being searched, the officials said. The agencys action is based on around 30 FIRs registered by Uttar Pradesh Police after the state government took cognisance of widespread misuse and illegal circulation of CBCS. The estimated proceeds of crime in the case amount to about Rs 1,000 crore, according to ED officials. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai, while his father has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. A total of 32 people have been taken into custody so far, and the state police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Ranchi Diary | New SOP to tackle stray dog menace in state
Amid the debate over stray dogs, the Jharkhand government has drawn up an action plan to tackle the canine problem and released a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide its implementation. Urban local bodies have been instructed to sterilise and vaccinate 70% of stray dogs within their jurisdictions. The SOP also makes it mandatory for pet owners to register their dogs with municipal or panchayat bodies. The cost of treatment in the event of a bite by a pet dog must be borne by its owner, who will also be responsible for legal liabilities arising from the incident. Rare bird sighted at Udhwa sanctuary Birdwatchers are excited over sighting of a rare bird at Udhwa bird sanctuary in Sahibganj. The migratory bird, Pallass Gull, has been spotted there after a long time. The last recorded sighting of this species was in 2015. Its return after nearly a decade is considered a positive sign for the biodiversity of Udhwa Lake. This species breeds in colonies in marshes and on islands from southern Russia to Mongolia. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the eastern Mediterranean, Arabia, and India. This gull nests on the ground and lays two to four eggs. According to officials, sighting of the Pallass Gull indicates that the lakes habitat is safe, favourable and attractive for migratory birds. Panel formed to revive lost glory of Ranchi The Jharkhand HC, expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of Ranchi city, has directed the government and departments concerned to take steps to revive its lost glory. Hearing a PIL seeking development of the capital and restoration of its lost glory, the HC stated that all stakeholders should be brought together on a platform to address the problems of the city. The court has constituted a committee headed by the states advocate general Rajiv Ranjan. The next hearing will be held on December 12. The PIL was filed by Jharkhand High Court Advocates Association exposing the deteriorating condition of the capital and seeking immediate action. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Capcom's Pragmata is coming your way on April 24
Capcoms long, long-delayed sci-fi shooter Pragmata finally has a release date. Its headed your way on April 24, 2026 on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and as Capcom confirmed in a trailer at The Game Awards Nintendo Switch 2. You dont have to wait another four months to try it out, though. A gameplay demo is out now on Steam . It will be available for consoles at a later date. Pragmata first emerged all the way back in 2020 and Capcom initially planned to release it in 2022. After multiple delays , the game will arrive four years later than the company anticipated. This is the first entry in a new franchise from Capcom, so taking extra time to get things right is not exactly a bad idea. Pragmata, which is set in a dystopian near-future, features the dual protagonists of Hugh Williams (a heavily armored fella) and Diana (an android with special powers). The two have to work together if they want to escape from a lunar research station thats filled with malevolent robots. To defeat these clankers, Diana has to hack them to disable their defense systems and make a weak point available for Hugh to attack. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/capcoms-pragmata-is-coming-your-way-on-april-24-010826258.html?src=rss
Amazon's AI-generated recap tool didn't watch Fallout very closely
Amazon's plan to offer AI-generated recaps of Prime Video shows isn't off to a great start. The company's recap of the first season of Fallout features multiple errors, GamesRadar+ writes , including basic facts about the plot of the show. You can watch the recap yourself in the Extras section of Amazon's Fallout season two listing in Prime Video. Besides being somewhat dry, the AI-generated recap incorrectly identifies the time period of the show's Los Angeles-set flashbacks as being the 1950s, when they're actually 2077 (the Fallout franchise is set in an alternate history that diverged from our real one after 1945). As Gizmodo notes , the recap also seems to misunderstand the ending of the first season, which sets up season two's partnership between vault dweller Lucy and The Ghoul, an irradiated wastelander with a personal connection to the mystery at the heart of the first season. While the recap suggests Amazon's AI system can successfully combine clips, music and dialogue into a coherent video, it apparently lacks an understanding of the details. The inaccuracies in this recap won't prevent anyone from enjoying the second season of the show, but they don't exactly inspire confidence in Amazon's tool either. It also seems like a problem that could have been easily solved by having a human employee who's watched the show review the video before it was uploaded. Unfortunately, Amazon's lack of AI quality control extends beyond recaps of its shows and into the dubs for the shows themselves. The company pulled AI-generated voiceover tracks for Banana Fish and other anime because of how bad they sounded earlier this week. It wouldn't be surprising if this recap gets pulled, corrected and re-uploaded, too. As Amazon adds more AI-generated content to its platform, users are bound to discover more ways it comes up short. The company's audience is too big, and AI is apparently still too unreliable for it to be avoided. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazons-ai-generated-recap-tool-didnt-watch-fallout-very-closely-215712958.html?src=rss
Nalgonda, Yadadri, Suryapet Record Strong Turnout in GP Elections
Polling was held for 318 Grama Panchayats across 14 mandals in Nalgonda district. Of the 4,51,007 registered voters, 4,08,316 exercised their franchise.
2nd T20I: De Kock, Baartman Star As South Africa Level Series With 51-run Win Over India (ld)
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Riding on Quinton de Kocks blazing 90 and a 4-24 by Ottniel Baartman, South Africa levelled the five-game series with a resounding 51run win over India in the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday. De Kock set the tone for South Africa, posting 213/4 with clean hitting at the top and dazzling shots hit square of the wicket through the leg-side, as his 46-ball 90 was laced with five fours and seven sixes. He also shared a partnership of 83 with skipper Aiden Markram for the second wicket, something which will keep IPL franchises interested in roping him at next weeks auction. India briefly clawed back with scalps, with Varun Chakaravarthy taking two of them. But South Africa regained control in the closing stages, as David Miller (20 not out) and Donovan Ferreira (30 not out) added 53 runs off just 25 balls to push South Africa past 210. In reply, Indias chase faltered early and never recovered from the blows of losing Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav. With Axar Patels puzzling promotion to number three failing to pay off, Tilak Varma was the only Indian batter to find rhythm and show some enterprise by scoring 62 off 34 balls. But he lacked support from the other end as wickets tumbled around him, and Varma was the last man to fall as India were bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs. South Africas bowlers maintained pressure throughout, used their cutters well, and conceded only five extras, including three wides, in tough bowling conditions, where India conceded a whopping 15 extras seven of which came from Arshdeep Singh. Apart from Baartman, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Lutho Sipamla took two wickets each. Inserted into batting first, de Kock gave South Africa a flying start by carting an erring Arshdeep for two sixes and a four in the third over. De Kock and Reeza Hendricks feasted on the short ball by getting a pulled six each off Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth over. India turned to spin in the fifth over, and Chakravarthy got the first breakthrough by castling Hendricks with a quicker delivery that skidded through the pitch. The dismissal extended Chakravarthys dominance over Hendricks, with him having removed the batter three times in just seven balls in T20Is. Despite that, South Africa maintained momentum as de Kock targeted Axar Patel in the sixth over - pulling him for a towering six, before punching and glancing off Hardik Pandya and Chakaravarthy for a brace of boundaries. While Markram was yet to find fluency, de Kock reached his half-century off 26 balls with a leg-side whip off a full toss from Pandya, before dancing down the pitch to thump Axar for a maximum and launching an off-colour Arshdeep, who gave a staggering seven wides in an 18-run 11th over, down the ground for another six. It felt Markram had found his groove by smacking Chakaravarthy over long-on for consecutive sixes. But attempting to hit another six, Markram holed out to deep mid-wicket, giving Chakaravarthy his second scalp. De Kock continued to dazzle by smashing Pandya for boundaries before an attempt to dab into the off side ended in his dismissal as wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma moved sharply to his left, parried the ball between gloves, and broke the stumps. One brought two for India as Axar cramped Dewald Brevis for room, and the top-edge on pull was caught by longon sprinting in to complete a diving low catch. With conditions being tough for bowlers, Miller and Ferreira hit six boundaries between themselves in the last three overs to lift South Africa past the 210-run mark. Indias chase began in disarray as Gill was undone by a terrific delivery from Ngidi that straightened off a good length, squaring him up and finding the edge to slip, as he fell for a golden duck. Abhishek, who had already cleared the boundary ropes twice, was completely squared up as Jansen got one to straighten over the middle stump to draw an outside edge to the keeper and dismiss him for 17. Axar walked in at number three, but soon saw Suryakumar depart as he went after a back-of-a-length ball from Jansen and edged behind to de Kock. Varma offered some resistance by hitting three boundaries, with a whipped six off Sipamla being the standout. But South Africa continued to chip away as Axars attempt to break free ended in chipping a drive to give cover a low catch off Baartman. Varma brought out the pull and switch hit to collect sixes, before bringing up his fifth T20I fifty in 27 balls by slog-sweeping Ngidi for another maximum. But South Africa continued to chip away as a struggling Pandya holed out to deep mid-wicket off Sipamla, just a ball after being dropped by long-on. Despite more lofty hits coming from the willows of Varma and Jitesh Sharma, who smashed 27 off 17 balls, the result was a foregone conclusion in South Africas favour as the visitors secured a superb series-levelling win. Varma brought out the pull and switch hit to collect sixes, before bringing up his fifth T20I fifty in 27 balls by slog-sweeping Ngidi for another maximum. But South Africa continued to chip away as a struggling Pandya holed out to deep mid-wicket off Sipamla, just a ball after being dropped by long-on. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa 213/4 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 90, Donovan Ferreira 30 not out; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-29, Axar Patel 1-27) beat India 162 all out in 19.1 overs (Tilak Varma 62, Jitesh Sharma 27; Ottniel Baartman 4-24, Marco Jansen 2-25) by 51 runs Article Source: IANS
High voter turnout in Telangana local body polls, Congress claims 90 pc sweep
Hyderabad: Over 84 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise in the first phase of Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana on Thursday, the State Election Commission (SEC) said. Claiming a decisive victory, the ruling partys state unit president B Mahesh Kumar Goud said Congress-backed candidates won more than 90 per cent of the seats 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 .
2nd T20I: Unchanged India Elect To Bowl First; South Africa Bring In Reeza, Baartman And Linde
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: An unchanged India have won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa in the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Thursday. The stadium is hosting its first mens international cricket match and becomes the 55th venue in India to join this bandwagon. India are currently leading the five-game series 1-0, and a win on Thursday will help them make it 2-0. This has always been a wonderful ground. When we played here during franchise cricket, and recently saw a womens game also happen here, it was wonderful, and it's the first mens game, I heard, that's happening here -- international, so very excited for it. Im sure the crowd are also excited. Its really important for the boys to understand their responsibilities and see what the team demands in that situation. They batted perfectly, looking at the situation. 175 on that wicket was a little over par. The way we bowled, I think it was a lovely effort, said India skipper Suryakumar Yadav. He also heaped praise on seam bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandyas match-winning efforts in the first T20I in Cuttack. The balance that he (Hardik Pandya) provides in the team is amazing. The way he batted, the way he keeps calm on the ground when hes batting, when its a pressure situation. The way he bowled also, I think thats more important. His overs are also really important for the side. The way he carried himself throughout the game, it didnt look like he was injured, added Suryakumar. South Africa captain Aiden Markram said Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, and Anrich Nortje have been replaced by Reeza Hendricks, Ottniel Baartman, and George Linde in the Proteas playing eleven. We would have fielded. Looks like a good wicket. Not a lot of international games here, but I hope to get a good score and put them under pressure. We have to make peace with the fact that we can have nights like the first game, and hope to make a better effort today. We'll get feedback on scores after a few overs, not thought of it now, he said. Playing XIs: We would have fielded. Looks like a good wicket. Not a lot of international games here, but I hope to get a good score and put them under pressure. We have to make peace with the fact that we can have nights like the first game, and hope to make a better effort today. We'll get feedback on scores after a few overs, not thought of it now, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman Article Source: IANS
PGTI launches franchise-based professional golf league
PGTI has brought in experienced administrators to steer the league. Veteran sports administrator Amrit Mathur will serve as Commissioner of 72 The League. Amitabh Kant, PGTI board member, and Joy Bhattacharjya, senior advisor for strategy and expansion at Game of Life Sports, will also contribute to the initiative.
The Centre has adopted a franchise-led model for the operation of JAKs and targeted 25,000 new centres by March 2027. There were 16,912 JAKs opened across the country, including 1480 in Karnataka, till June 30, 2025.
NIA raids house in Hazaribagh over suspected terror links
RANCHI: Amid the investigation into the explosion near Red Fort in Delhi, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday raided the residence of a suspected terrorist, Shahnawaz Alam. The raids were conducted by a joint team of NIA and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in Ansar Nagar, under the Pelawal police station area in Hazaribagh. According to sources, this action was taken based on information provided by a doctor who was previously arrested by the NIA. This operation is being conducted as part of an investigation into the network linked to suspected terrorist Shahnawaz Alam , who was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. The team is reportedly questioning people inside the house. Besides NIA and ATS, additional police forces have been deployed in the area. Officials refrained from sharing any information, looking at the sensitive nature of the operation. Meanwhile, the NIA team has recovered a printing machine from the house. The NIA believes that some kind of documents, posters or objectionable material were being printed there. Shahnawaz Alam, originally hailing from Hazaribagh, was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October 2023. Investigators suspect that his network may have tentacles in Jharkhand, making Thursdays raid strategically significant. Investigators are also revisiting the background of Shahnawaz, who had earlier been jailed in 2019 for robbery and theft. After securing bail in December 2020, he allegedly came into contact with ISIS handlers, eventually becoming a crucial figure in the Pune module case. Officials suspect that individuals associated with Shahnawaz may still be active in Jharkhand. Reportedly, Shahnawaz Alam alias Safiuzzama had received terrorist training in the forests of Pune. Based on fresh intelligence received in this case, the NIA team has raided his residences in Hazaribagh.
Quote of the day by Keanu Reeves: 'Be thankful for the hard times, they can only make you stronger'
Hollywood star Keanu Reeves' words often resonate deeply. His life, marked by early instability and career highs, shapes his perspective. Fans admire his humility and kindness. The actor's journey shows how hardships forge strength. His acting career spans decades, from early roles to major franchises. Read on to know more about him!
IPL franchises expand beyond cricket with cafs and sports bars to build year-round brands
IPL franchises are expanding their commercial strategies beyond the cricket season by venturing into physical fan touchpoints like cafs and sports bars. This move aims to build sustainable, year-round businesses and deepen fan loyalty, mirroring global sports club models. While digital remains key, these offline formats foster community and brand engagement throughout the year.
Thiruvananthapuram native flies out from Australia to cast vote
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How far will you go for a vote-- a few kilometres, a ten-minute drive? Meet Arya Sasidharan, who travelled for over 32 hours, all the way from Australia to Thiruvananthapuram to cast her vote in the local body election. Arya, who made the trip with the sole aim of exercising her franchise on Tuesday early morning, will return to Australia next Monday to continue her Geology PhD studies at James Cook University in Queensland. Initially, I was a bit sad that I couldnt be here for the elections, but when situations turned favourable, I took an impulsive decision two days before the election, Arya, who is a voter from the Mudavanmugal ward of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, said. Flight charges were the only concern she had, but the moment her husband noted that the charges dropped for a brief time, there was nothing else to think about. Multiple layovers, five airports and a tiring jet lag later, Arya landed in her hometown, much to the surprise of her parents. I made up a story to convince my parents, and hence they were flabbergasted to see me upon opening the door, Arya said. We may have our differences with political parties, but we should never let go of our biggest right in a democratic country for that cause. People say that the country is not developing enough, but how else will the country move forward if we refrain from voting too, she asked. Aryas question remains valid in a society where at least some youngsters find apolitical stands to be cool and who dont mind leaving their native country for better living conditions.
Romeo Lane opened 6 UP outlets in 3 years, all through franchises
PS Plus Game Catalog additions for December include Assassin's Creed Mirage
Sony just announced December's Game Catalog additions for PS Plus subscribers and it's a pretty decent lineup. All of these titles will be ready to play on December 16, except Skate Story which is already available . Speaking of Skate Story , it's a really weird skateboarding sim that's set in a glass-covered world. The reviews have been positive , with many people praising the outlandish story, surreal locations and the satisfying trick mechanics. It's made by Sam Eng, who was behind the indie shooter Zarvot . This new game is only available for PS5 subscribers. Assassin's Creed Mirage will be available for both PS4 and PS5 players. This is the mainline entry from 2023 and it's actually really fun . It boasts a back to basics design that old-school fans of the franchise should appreciate. Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a 3D action RPG that started its life as a mobile game . However, this particular RPG features music compositions from Nobuo Uematsu and art direction from Hideo Minaba. Both worked together on some games in a mom-and-pop franchise called Final Fantasy. This console port will be playable on PS4 and PS5 Cat Quest III is a simple action RPG starring, well, cats (and dogs.) This one brings open world tomfoolery to a land teeming with islands, so expect plenty of pirate puns. I enjoyed the first two, as the gameplay loop is pretty addictive and the quests are fun. It'll be available on PS4 and PS5. Other forthcoming games include Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty , Lego Horizon Adventures , Paw Patrol: Grand Prix and Planet Coaster 2 . Sony is also offering a holiday promotion in which new annual PS Plus subscribers receive download credits for movies. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ps-plus-game-catalog-additions-for-december-include-assassins-creed-mirage-193731745.html?src=rss
IPL 2026: Daniel Vettori Wants To Miss Ashes Test Preparation To Be In Abu Dhabi For Auction
Indian Premier League: With the auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 set to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, Australia will be missing their assistant coach during the Ashes series with England, as he will be flying to India to be with his franchise for the auction. Daniel Vettori, who is also the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, will miss the preparations for the third Test of the Ashes series because of the IPL auction. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the former New Zealand captain has sought permission from Cricket Australia (CA) to travel to Abu Dhabi in the middle of the Ashes. Australia is currently leading the series 2-0, winning the second Test recently. The Australian public will also have its focus on the IPL auction, with many current and former Australian players involved in the IPL. Cameron Green, who is expected to garner a lot of attention in this auction, tops the list of 19 Australians, with Josh Inglis, Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, and Beau Webster being the other prominent names. A total of 350 players are set to feature in the IPL 2026 mini auction on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, as the BCCI revealed the Player Auction list for the 2026 season on Tuesday. A total of 1390 players registered for the Player Auction, out of which 350 players were shortlisted. Of the 350 players shortlisted, 240 are Indian, and 110 are from overseas. The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, adding significant depth and fresh talent to this year's auction roster. Franchises will compete for 77 available slots overall, including 31 spots reserved for overseas players. Of the 350 players shortlisted, 240 are Indian, and 110 are from overseas. The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, adding significant depth and fresh talent to this year's auction roster. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, a total of 173 players were retained across teams, including 49 overseas players. A combined purse of Rs 237.55 crore will be available at the auction for a total of 77 player slots. Article Source: IANS
Coal India orders temporary relocation in Dhanbad as toxic carbon monoxide levels soar
RANCHI: Coal India Chairman, Sanoj Kumar Jha, after visiting the affected toxic gas leak area, said that with carbon monoxide levels reaching dangerous heights, relocation has become essential as a precautionary measure. Looking at the gravity of the situation, he visited the affected area on Wednesday to take stock. After receiving reports from technical teams, he termed the situation extremely serious, adding that it is unlikely to improve on its own. Therefore, temporary relocation of affected families to safer areas is the only option to save lives. He clarified that this is not a permanent displacement, but an immediate precautionary measure to address rising gas levels. In some areas, the concentration of carbon monoxide (PPM) has reached 2,000. Therefore, the most important and urgent step for families living in the affected area is to temporarily evacuate to safer locations to save their lives, said Jha. Given the current danger, evacuation is the only option, he added. The Coal India Chairman further stated that all arrangements for food and lodging have been made for those shifted to relief camps. Affected families, however, said authorities should stop the gas leak first before discussing relocation. Coal India's Technical Director, Achyut Ghatak, also described the situation as grave. Technical teams are continuously working on gas extraction and solutions, but it may take time. Gas levels are continuously rising, and it is difficult to predict whether the problem will be resolved in 10 days or a month and a half, said Ghatak. He appealed to residents to understand the gravity of the situation and voluntarily move to safer locations. BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal informed that a high-level technical investigation is underway. Several expert agencies, including IIT-ISM, the Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CIMFR), and CMPDI, are conducting scientific studies. He emphasised that the safety of people is the top priority. Issues related to permanent displacement and rehabilitation will be discussed later, said Agarwal. CMD Agarwal again visited Kenduadih late last evening and met with affected families. He reviewed arrangements at relief centers and stated that scientific monitoring, medical assistance, relief operations, and rehabilitation activities are ongoing on a war footing. Notably, at least two women allegedly died, while several others complained of vomiting and headaches due to carbon monoxide leakage near Childrens Park in Dhanbads Kenduadih, which has been affected by an underground fire for over a century, on December 3 and 4. Though efforts are underway to seal the leak spots, authorities have appealed to residents to vacate the area as a precautionary measure. According to locals, the impact of the gas is being felt in Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, and Officers Colony areas of Kenduadih, home to approximately 10,000 people. The persistent stench and gas leakage have made life difficult for residents.
You'd Be Foolish To Treat ILT20 As A Warm-up For T20 World Cup, Says DC All-rounder Neesham
T20 World Cup: James Neesham, the New Zealand seam-bowling all-rounder currently turning out for Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 *(ILT20), said the ongoing tournament cant be viewed as a warm-up for next years T20 World Cup, stressing that the mega event in India and Sri Lanka will pose challenges entirely different from the UAE conditions. In 93 T20Is for New Zealand, Neesham has amassed 1010 runs and grabbed 56 wickets. Look, I think everyone nowadays is playing cricket around the world pretty much year-round. So, you don't put too much emphasis on one tournament over another. I think India and Sri Lanka will be very different conditions from what they are over here. So we'll have to prepare for that tournament as best we can when that moment comes. But I think you'd be foolish to treat the ILT20 as, I suppose, a warm-up series for the World Cup because they're obviously two very unique prospects, Neesham told IANS in an exclusive conversation from Dubai. Neesham, a long-time globetrotter in T20 leagues, said his first stint in the ILT20 so far has been a unique one. It's obviously a unique tournament with the number of overseas players that are playing in each team. It's a high-quality product. I have come from Nepal, where there are only three or four overseas players in the team and six or seven locals. Then you come here, and there are only two locals and nine overseas. So, it's a different makeup. It brings high-quality cricket to the table. I think we're going to continue to see some very high-quality players over the next month or so, he said. Seeing Dubai Capitals, the defending champions, get their first win of the ongoing competition has been immensely helpful. Obviously, it's good to get our first win of the season. Rovman (Powell) and Coxsey (Jordan Cox) obviously batted incredibly well to get a good total, and the guys all bowled well as well. So, the mood in the camp is good. We've got a couple of good training days ahead of us before our next game is on Saturday. In the last few years, power-hitting has become a defining skill in modern T20 cricket batting, and Neesham stated that the scope of an anchor batter is now wiped out. Obviously, the game has become more aggressive, I think, over the last few years. I think the role of an anchor batter sort of batting through in an innings is almost extinct now. Most teams have set themselves up to be aggressive from the top, bat deep, and try to finish games off. So, it's an important part of the game to be able to clear the rope, and hopefully we can continue to do that over this series and bat other teams out of the game. Modern-day cricket has become significantly more demanding for fast bowlers, with workload and injury risks rising due to the overlap of international cricket and franchise leagues. Neesham opined that fast bowlers will soon be forced to choose between playing formats and urged the ICC to find a balance between scheduling international games and franchise leagues. I think fast bowlers basically just can't play all three formats. I don't think that can happen. So, guys are going to have to choose earlier than they would in the future. I think one day cricket is obviously the format that is going to fall by the wayside, I guess, with Test cricket being the most valuable format of the game and T20 being the biggest earner, he added. Modern-day cricket has become significantly more demanding for fast bowlers, with workload and injury risks rising due to the overlap of international cricket and franchise leagues. Neesham opined that fast bowlers will soon be forced to choose between playing formats and urged the ICC to find a balance between scheduling international games and franchise leagues. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Neesham signed off by hoping he can manage his playing schedule fairly well. Obviously, that'll be different for different individuals. So, for me, I'm 35 years old now, and I've been around the block a fair bit. So I'm pretty resilient when it comes to the physical demands of the game. So, hopefully that can continue for the next few years. Article Source: IANS
Jharkhand government announces proposal to rename Lok Bhawans after Birsa Munda, Sido-Kanu
RANCHI: In a significant move, Jharkhand Government has made a proposal in the Assembly to name the Lok Bhawan in Ranchi as Birsa Munda Bhawan after the tribal icon, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and the Lok Bhawan in Dumka after Santhal rebellion, Sido-Kanu Murmu. The proposal was made by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore in the Assembly on Wednesday. The minister announced in the House that Ranchi's main Raj Bhavan will be named as Birsa Bhavan, and Dumka's Raj Bhavan will be called Sido-Kanu Bhavan. I propose that the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi be renamed Birsa Bhawan after Birsa Munda, and the Raj Bhavan in Dumka be renamed Sido-Kanhu Bhawan after Sido-Kanu Murmu, said Kishore in Jharkhand Assembly. Notably, the Raj Bhavan in Jharkhand was officially renamed Lok Bhavan on December 3, as part of a nationwide initiative to shed colonial-era titles. According to Kishore, the Lok Bhavan is state government property, under Article 154 of the Constitution, the executive power of the state rests with the Governor, so his office is also part of the state. The state government has full authority to name the property, said the minister. The BJP has criticised the decision, arguing that Governor Houses across the countrynot just in Jharkhandhave been renamed as Lok Bhawan. The party also accused the ruling alliance of creating unnecessary political controversy over the matter. Where were the leaders of the ruling alliance when Birsa Mundas recognition was limited only to Jharkhand? It was the BJP-led government at the Centre that brought Birsa Munda national prominence. This is nothing but petty politics. Instead of indulging in such trivial issues, they should focus on constructive governance, said state BJP spokesperson Pradeep Sinha. Notably, the central government on December 3 had ordered that all Raj Bhavans across the country to be renamed Lok Bhavan. Lok Bhavan in Ranchi is spread over 52 acres of land, which also includes Audrey House, built in 10 acres. Its foundation was laid in 1930 and it was completed in March 1931 at a cost of just Rs 7 lakh.
New bridge, old roads on mind, Thiruvananthapuram's tribal belt casts votes
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tribespeople of Thodumala ward in Thiruvananthapuram's Amboori grama panchayat are grateful to the government for the Kumbichal bridge. The newly-opened, but yet-to-be-inaugurated bridge has significantly cut down the travel time of the residents of the ward's 11 tribal settlements and also reduced their dependency on boats their lone mode of transport until now. However, as the capital's tribal belts cast their votes in the local body elections on Tuesday, one question lingered: Will the bridge sway voters' sentiments? Neither do we favour a party, nor do we vote based on it. However, nothing has helped us in recent times like the bridge. Earlier, we depended on boats, whose availability was always uncertain, said 20-year-old Raman, who cast his first vote on Tuesday. We have been seeing remarkable developments in our area, one of which is this bridge. However, I don't know how it will reflect in the results, said the film aspirant. Generally, tribal belts see active participation in elections. I never miss an election, said Sarasu, after casting her vote at the Government Tribal LP School in Puravimala. Initially confused upon seeing three EVMs kept together, she exercised her franchise eventually with the help of a polling officer. Election officer applying ink to tribal voter Sarasu before voting at the Government Tribal LP School, Puravimala on Wednesday. Over 50% polling at the booth was completed by afternoon, thanks to the jeeps arranged by various political parties to ferry voters. Voters who could not spot a jeep walked a few kilometres to their booth and cast their votes. Meanwhile, though people are happy with the bridge, many highlight the poor condition of roads leading to their settlements, which they say makes their journeys dreadful. Some roads were repaired recently. However, there remain places like Thenmala, located deeper in the forest, inaccessible to vehicles. If a person there falls ill, he/she will have to be carried some distance, before getting a vehicle to any hospital, said a resident. Oorumooppan Chandran Kani expressed hope that the government that built the bridge will also build good interior roads. Funds have already been allocated for this, he said. Some tribal residents are upset about losing touch with their culture. Today, our people are not aware of our old rituals or songs. We need a representative who will help us retain our identity and be available, regardless of the voter's political affiliation, said Reena, another resident. Damage caused by wild animals is another concern. We voted early in the morning and returned to work. Look at the destruction caused by the animals, an elderly farmer said as he and his wife tried to salvage what they could after wild elephants and boars damaged their crops in Amboori.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, franchises are expected to target elite spinners, impact all-rounders and top overseas stars. But the biggest storyline is whether any player can come close to, or surpass, Rishabh Pant's historic record as the most expensive buy in IPL history.
SIR nothing but 'backdoor NRC'; selective disenfranchisement based on religion: Owaisi
NEW DELHI: AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged in the Lok Sabha that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is nothing but ackdoor NRC and a malafide exercise of power to selectively disenfranchise people on the basis of religion. Participating in the debate on 'election reforms', Owaisi also called for building a consensus and making the right to vote a fundamental right. I would like to point out at the outset that SIR is violative of parliamentary legislation. It violates the rights prescribed by Parliament and it is contrary to a judgement of the Supreme Court. It is a malafide exercise of power to selectively disenfranchise on the basis of religion, Owaisi claimed. He asserted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) cannot be igger than the Supreme Court and Parliament. May I point out that the Representation of the People Act prescribes that inclusion in the electoral roll will be based on self-declaration of citizenship backed by one of six documents in Form 6, he said. This is an Act which was passed in Parliament. The Supreme Court in its Lal Babu Hussein judgement said that once a voter has been included in the electoral roll, there is a presumption that they are citizens and cannot be removed except by an inquiry into the citizenship of the individual voter and giving them the opportunity of hearing after informing them of the basis on which doubt arose concerning citizenship, Owaisi contended. What is happening now is that the ECI is putting the burden of proof on the voter, the chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen said. It is completely in violation of the Representation of the People Act, electoral rules passed by the House and the Supreme Court judgement. The SIR has turned this on its head and put the onus on the voter, Owaisi said. Voters who were part of the electoral roll in 2025, instead of being given the benefit of the presumption, are required to submit documents to prove their citizenship. The 2003 electoral roll is arbitrarily fixed as the baseline on which revision is being conducted, he said. The ECI is not a body empowered to go into the question of citizenship as the power for that lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Owaisi said. What ECI is doing is wrong. How is the ECI assuming the power given to other agencies of parliament? They are violating the sanctity of a law passed by this House, he alleged. When 3.66 lakh voters were deleted through SIR, this government came with a new Immigration and Foreigners Act and it was notified, he said. When the Supreme Court is seized of the petition of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the government issues a foreigners' exemption order. Why? Because they realise that in this 3.66 lakh, there can be non-Muslims also, to protect them. That is why I say this whole exercise is a backdoor NRC (National Register of Citizens), Owaisi said. I oppose the SIR; this is nothing but backdoor NRC, he added.
Brook set for 470,000 Hundred pay-day as franchises lock in retentions
Major names in line for lucrative deals after equity sale transforms Hundred finances
Allen Could Miss Part Of NZs T20Is Against India If Scorchers Reach BBL Finals
Big Bash League: New Zealand opener Finn Allen may miss part of the five-match T20I series in India, scheduled for January 2026, due to his upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) commitments with Perth Scorchers. The T20I series against India, starting on January 21 in Nagpur, and followed by matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram, is regarded as vital preparation for New Zealand ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Before this, New Zealand will play three ODIs in India from January 1117 and Allens availability for the T20Is depends on the defending champions Scorchers progress in the BBL. If the Scorchers reach the final on January 25, Allen may not be available until the fourth T20I on January 28. However, if they do not qualify, Allen is expected to be available for the full T20I series. Pending selection, Ill head straight to India once the Big Bash finishes up for us, Allen was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday. Allen is one of five players who have signed casual agreements with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), providing flexibility between national duties and franchise commitments. Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country. But cricket's obviously evolving and changing year on year. New Zealand Cricket's been really good to work with over the last wee while. (I'm) confident about getting back into some Black Caps stuff after the Big Bash and hopefully can continue that, he added. Allen is one of five players who have signed casual agreements with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), providing flexibility between national duties and franchise commitments. Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country. But cricket's obviously evolving and changing year on year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In that tournament, his knock of 151 runs, including hitting a record 19 sixes for San Francisco Unicorns against Washington Freedom, left everyone jaw-dropped. Allen last featured for New Zealand in March, scoring 27 off 12 balls in an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Wellington. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Five uncapped Indian stars who could hit the jackpot at the auction
As the IPL 2026 mini auction nears, several uncapped Indian cricketers are gaining attention following strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Fast bowlers Auqib Nabi Dar and Ashok Sharma, along with dynamic batters Kartik Sharma, Tushar Raheja, and Anmolpreet Singh, are poised to attract significant bids from franchises seeking fresh talent.
After RCB stint, Dinesh Karthik takes over as mentor and batting coach of THIS franchise
After completing his stint with RCB, Dinesh Karthik has stepped into a major coaching role, taking charge as mentor and batting coach of THIS franchise. The move marks a significant shift in his post-playing career as he transitions into a full-time leadership role.
The Indian Street Premier League concluded its Season 3 Player Auction in Mumbai. Eight franchises invested nearly Rs 10 crore in 144 players. Vijay Pawle became the league's highest-ever buy at Rs 32.50 lakh. Two new teams, Ahmedabad Lions and Delhi Superheros, joined the competition. The auction showcased emerging talent and attracted cricket and Bollywood personalities.
WPL 2026: Jemimah Leading Delhi Capitals Will Be Fascinating To Watch, Says Aakash Chopra
With Meg Lanning: Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes a possible elevation of Jemimah Rodrigues as captain of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 season will make for an intriguing storyline. With Meg Lanning roped in by UP Warriorz during last months mega auction, Jemimah is a front-runner to be DCs captain in WPL 2026, especially with team owner Parth Jindal stating that an Indian player will be made the sides skipper. Jemimah had been the vice-captain when Meg captained DC to the WPL finals thrice. Between Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, you already have eight quality overs. Weve spoken about Nandini Sharma; she can be the third bowling option. DC have two excellent spinners in Sneh Rana and Shree Charani, and Chinelle Henry adds strong fast-bowling support. With their overseas players, they can easily get ten overs, if not twelve. If Nandini Sharma plays, she gives them even more pace-bowling depth. Their spin attack is already impressive. But the most interesting aspect is how Jemimah Rodrigues captains this side. Weve seen her flourish as a player and as a strong team personality, but this is her first time leading a successful franchise. Its a big elevation and will be fascinating to watch, said Chopra on JioStar. Saba Karim, the former India wicketkeeper-batter and national selector, believes that with the new additions DC have got, they should cross the line if they manage to enter the final, to be played on February 5 at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. For Delhi Capitals, the auction has never been the issue; it is about how they finish the tournament. Despite having match-winners in the line-up, for some inexplicable reason, they havent been able to cross the line in key knockout moments. Can they do it this time? They had a purse of 5.7 crore and worked very intelligently. Saba Karim, the former India wicketkeeper-batter and national selector, believes that with the new additions DC have got, they should cross the line if they manage to enter the final, to be played on February 5 at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They clearly want players who can finish games for them, which is why someone like Sneh Rana at No. 8 or 9 becomes important. So, while finishing has been an issue for DC, they have done some sharp work at the auction table, he said. Article Source: IANS
Dinesh Karthik Named Mentor & Batting Coach Of London Spirit Men At The Hundred
London Spirit Men: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who is also a mentor of reigning IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has been named mentor and batting coach of The Hundred franchise London Spirit. In his first-ever role within a franchise for The Hundred, Karthik's expertise comes from participating in over 250 matches as both a player and a coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL), along with 180 international matches representing India. London Spirits Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, in a statement shared by the franchise, said, Its a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker in our game and his vast experience in short-format and franchise cricket will be invaluable to us. Hes also great fun to work with and brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. The signing of another elite individual with significant stature in the game demonstrates our ambition and the importance we place on ensuring that our players receive the best possible support, Bobat added. London Spirits Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, in a statement shared by the franchise, said, Its a pleasure to welcome DK to London Spirit. He is a truly original thinker in our game and his vast experience in short-format and franchise cricket will be invaluable to us. Hes also great fun to work with and brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The new role will be relatively easy for Karthik, who has worked closely with both Bobat and Andy Flower, Spirits head coach, at RCB in the IPL. Article Source: IANS
Exclusive | 'Its loyalty': Powell on why Caribbean stars stick to their IPL franchises
Rovman Powell reflects on how franchise leagues transformed his life -- from financial security to building lifelong friendships. The West Indies power-hitter opens up about his journey from Bannister, discovering his talent early, and the discipline that shaped his career. Powell discusses natural Caribbean power, ILT20s impact on UAE cricket, the Caribbean loyalty seen in IPL stars, and why six sixes in an over will soon be more common.
Why the current ICC broadcast rights are unsustainable
JioStar is not exiting its cricket media rights deal with the ICC. The broadcaster faces financial losses due to high prices. Cricket federations lack alternatives, forcing negotiations. This situation impacts future broadcast rights for major tournaments like the T20 and 50-over World Cups. IPL franchises are also concerned about declining brand value linked to broadcast revenue.
Kerala local body polls: On D-Day, party veterans steal the show
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Conventional politicking and canvassing have largely given way to tech-driven exercises, mostly carried out by youths. However, one thing has largely remained unchanged. On the D-day, it is the senior party workers who turn out to be the most indispensable players. With their decades-long experience and grassroots connections, they scan through the voters list, mark each votes polled, and check if any of the names that they deem as sure votes are yet to be polled. If thats the case, those voters are immediately contacted and arrangements are made to ferry them to the polling station, if required. Without veterans, the election day activities can hardly be proceeded with meaningfully. The decades of experience gained from the political crucible empower the oldies to asses which are their votes and which are not. And who they should transport to the polling booth and whose failure to turn up should make them happy. At the Congress booth, near Perumala LPS, that falls in Pullampara panchayat under Vamanapuram assembly constituency, H Shajahan is busy marking in the voters list, using a red pen, the names of those who have exercised their franchise. This is to find out those still to vote. A man in his fifties, Shajahan knows Nagarukuzhy ward like the back of his hand. Then, using another colour, he marks the names that he feels are party votes and are yet to be polled. Its 11am, and before 4pm, we need to ensure that our votes are polled, Shajahan said. The question arises: How is it possible to assess who are party voters and who arent? Its because of the long experience in local politics that we are able to gauge votes. Congress H Shajahan I have around 40 years of experience in politics and around 30 years in poll management. Only seasoned people can do this job, he said. A little further, K Tulaseedharan Nair is busy doing similar work with the voters list, in the CPM dugout. The 63-year-old is the agent of the LDF candidate in the ward and is awaiting a paper thats due from the polling station. Every hour, our agent inside the polling station sends us the serial number of the votes cast. In our dugout, we mark these numbers on the voters list and check how many of our votes have been polled. Veteran party workers know the political inclination of the voters. This is partly done by observation and feedback from people who they meet regularly. In around 90% of the cases, our assumption turns true, he said. Poll managers, as they can easily be called, vouch that the role of the veteran local politician can never be replaced by any technology. Even AI is no match for them in this context. They know each family and individual. In some families, members vote en-bloc for a party, while in some, there is a vote split. So, you cannot guarantee full votes even from a party family. Thats when the personal rapport and networking of the local veterans come into play. They can differentiate between votes in a single family, and generally, it turns to be precise, Shajahan said. Tulaseedharan, however, said around 5% voters never telegraph their political inclination and hence their votes cannot be deemed as for or against a particular party. Similar is the case with new voters, Shajahan said. As the action ends at dusk, the poll managers count their votes and predict the outcome. The prediction is around 90% accurate, Tulaseedharan averred.
A deep cleaning of Indias electoral rolls
The revision and verification of electoral rolls is a routine and necessary process. Such corrections do not, by themselves, imply disenfranchisement or targeting
JioHotstar to invest 4,000 crore in South Indias creative economy
JioHotstar announced a 4,000 crore investment over five years to boost South India's media and entertainment sector. The platform unveiled 25 new South titles, including originals and returning franchises, and partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to expand its production ecosystem, aiming to create thousands of jobs and champion regional storytelling.
Jharkhand to deploy university volunteers for tiger census for the first time
RANCHI: For the first time in Jharkhand, volunteers from different universities studying botany and zoology will be deployed for the tiger census in the state. According to forest officials, besides creating a young workforce, this move will help raise awareness about comprehensive tiger estimation and conservation. This is also the first time tiger census activities will be conducted outside the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), covering forest ranges in Ranchi, Dumka and Hazaribagh. The Field Director and Deputy Director of PTR have been appointed as nodal agencies for the tiger census in Jharkhand. Forest personnel across the state have also been trained for the exercise, and the training process is still underway. Tiger censuses are conducted every four years, and the next data will be released on July 29, 2026. The last census was released in 2023. According to PTR Deputy Director Prajesh Kant Jena, volunteers will undergo a skill test before being deployed. In the first phase, PTR will recruit 20 botany and zoology students from Nilamber Pitamber University as volunteers for the tiger count. Only those who clear the skill test will be included, he said. This is the first time volunteers are being involved in the count, he added. Jena said the aim is to involve more people in the campaign to build awareness about wildlife conservation. Botany and zoology students from various colleges will be given basic training and then integrated into the campaign, he said. Letters have been sent to vice-chancellors seeking student participation; the PTR is awaiting a response from Nilamber Pitamber University. Tiger census data released in 2023 recorded three tigers in Jharkhand, all within the PTR. Tiger counting includes deploying high-resolution cameras and conducting special patrols. Every activity and wildlife-related data point is documented during the exercise. Spread over 1,149 sq km, PTR is home to tigers, elephants, bison, spotted deer and bears. Current forest department data shows six tigers, around 180 elephants, over 10,000 spotted deer, more than 50 bison and around 200 wolves. According to the 2006 census, Jharkhand had 10 tigers, which fell to three in 2014. The latest report puts the number at six. Beginning with 22 tigers in 1972, PTR reached its peak in 1995 with 71 big cats before witnessing a steep decline, down to three in 2014 and zero in the 2018 census.
Bihar cabinet clears three new departments to drive youth jobs, higher education push
RANCHI: The newly formed Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of three new departments to ensure better and effective implementation of its schemes and policies, aimed at providing jobs and employment opportunities to one crore youth over the next five years. For this purpose, three new departments, youth, employment and skill development, higher education, and civil aviation. have been created. These are in addition to the existing 45 government departments, cabinet secretariat departments additional chief secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary told the media in a post-cabinet briefing. A total of 19 decisions were taken at the meeting chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar. Notably, CM Nitish Kumar had on December 5 announced the creation of three new departments as part of his governments target to generate one crore jobs and employment opportunities in the next five years. Taking to X, CM Nitish said, We set a target to provide jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years (202530). For this, it is necessary that maximum youth of the state be given training for skill development and quality higher and technical education. Youth, Employment and Skill Development has been created for the all-round development of youth by equipping them with skills to improve employability. The higher education department will ensure quality education in the state, while the civil aviation department will focus on the expanding aviation sector and enhancing air travel services, the ACS said. The cabinet also rechristened the animal and fisheries resources department as the dairy, fisheries and animal resources department. Similarly, the labour resources department will now be known as the labour resources and migrant workers welfare department. The art, culture and youth department has been renamed art and culture department, Chaudhary added. DA hiked for employees, pensioners under 5th & 6th pay The cabinet approved a five per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for employees, pensioners, and family pensioners drawing salary or pension under the 6th Pay Commission. The DA has been increased from 252% to 257%, effective July 1, 2025. Similarly, DA for those under the 5th Pay Commission has been increased by eight per cent, from 466% to 474%, also effective July 1, 2025. New Directorate of MSME formed In another decision, the cabinet approved the industries departments proposal to rename the Directorate of Technical Development as the Directorate of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) to strengthen the sector and make it globally competitive, the ACS said. Directorate of Mines & Geology reconstituted The cabinet also reconstituted the Directorate of Mines and Geology into two separate directorates the Directorate of Mines and the Directorate of Investigation. The Directorate of Mines has been further divided into two deputy directorates: mines and security. The restructuring is expected to speed up investigation processes, Chaudhary said, adding that certain posts have been created for the purpose. Gaya Ji & Munger declared Civil Defence Districts The disaster management departments proposal to declare Gaya Ji and Munger as Civil Defence Districts was approved. Fourteen posts have been created to support the move, which will strengthen strategic and internal security and improve response to natural and man-made disasters. The cabinet also approved the appointment of Mohammad Imdad Raza on compassionate grounds. Raza is the son of BSF Sub-Inspector late Mohammad Imtiyaz, who was martyred during Operation Sindoor. Other decisions The cabinet sanctioned Rs 400 crore for payment of electricity dues of urban local bodies to the two power distribution companies North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd -- for FY 202526. It approved the Bihar Dastavej Lekhak Anugyapti (Sanshodhan) Niyamawali 2025 (Bihar Deed Writers Licence Amendment Rules 2025), under which leprosy-affected persons will be eligible to obtain licences as deed writers. The move aims to support their social and financial empowerment. The finance departments proposal to sign an MoU with the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL) to empower youth and run the Student Skilling Programme was cleared. An MoU with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd (NIIFL) was also approved for assistance in various state projects. The cabinet approved a corpus fund of Rs 15 crore for the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve Foundation/Trust. The foundation will utilise the amount for conservation and management activities. It also approved the constitution of the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Management and Development Society, which will oversee the parks upkeep. Additionally, the cabinet approved the Bihar Electronic Order (Issuance, Execution and Disposal) Rules 2025 and the Bihar E-Sakshya Prabandhan Niyamawali 2025 (Bihar E-Evidence Management Rules 2025). The e-summon rules will streamline digital processes, while the E-Sakshya rules cover electronic evidence, video conferencing, digital signatures, and the management of witness testimony under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
From octogenarians to first-timers, voters queue up to exercise their franchise
Kartik Aaryan reveals he initially said no to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise
Mumbai: Did you know, Kartik Aaryan initially said no to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise? Addressing one of the sessions of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Kartik shared that he had said no to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. He revealed that when he was approached for the project, there was no particular 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 .
Kartik Aaryan made a big revelation about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, confessing that he wasn't keen to replace Akshay Kumar in the iconic horror-comedy franchise.
The BCCI has trimmed its IPL 2026 mini-auction list to 350 players, including 35 surprise entries like Quinton de Kock. The auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, featuring capped and uncapped players, with an accelerated phase after the 70th player. Exciting bids expected.
Queues thin at Chennai International Airport; IndiGo cancels 71 flights
CHENNAI: After nearly a week of chaos, the thinning of queues outside IndiGo counters at Chennai International Airport, that began on Sunday, continued on Monday as well, and flight operations showed further signs of normalisation. Cancellations, however, still remained high. The airline cancelled 71 flights throughout the day - 38 departures and 33 arrivals. On Sunday, the airline had cancelled a total of 91 flights at Chennai airport, including 49 arrivals and 42 departures. Many passengers were seen enquiring whether their scheduled flights on Tuesday would operate or if they needed to seek refunds. For some, there was relief after IndiGo officials confirmed a few of the previously cancelled services would operate as scheduled. Abul Basan, an employee at Pullman Hotel in Chennai, told TNIE that he had visited the airport to check the status of his flight from Chennai to Kolkata, with a connecting service to Agartala. The IndiGo official at the counter told me the flight will operate as per schedule, he said. Inbound services linking Chennai with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad were impacted. Delhi emerged as the worst-hit route, accounting for nearly half of the cancelled departures, followed by Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Anchal, who had gone to Ahmedabad to attend a wedding, said she was relieved to get back to Chennai. I was struggling to get back and was finally able to fly back home on Monday, she added. Meanwhile, Indian Railways set up a help desk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday. Ashant Kumar and Abdurrahim, commercial and ticket clerks with Southern Railway, said the special counters had been functioning since Sunday. Twelve passengers were guided to book train tickets to destinations such as Bengaluru, Ranchi and Tatanagar. The railways has made provisions for special ticketing in select routes, including 3 AC, 2 AC and 1 AC coaches. On other routes, additional coaches have been earmarked for stranded passengers, they added. Railways helpdesk Indian Railways has set up a helpdesk at Chennai International Airport to assist stranded passengers in booking train tickets. Railway officials said 15 passengers availed themselves of the service on Monday
Arvind inaugurates new franchise store of Reliance Digital
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Reliance Digital, Indias largest consumer electronics retail chain inaugurated its new state-of-the-art franchise store here at Akhnoor road near Pillar no. 56, Top Sherkhania. The store was formally inaugurated by Arvind Gupta, MLA Jammu West who graced the occasion as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, the MLA congratulated Reliance Digital on expanding its footprint and highlighted the brands contribution to bring the latest technology and customer-centric services to consumers across the country. A handout [] The post Arvind inaugurates new franchise store of Reliance Digital appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajasthan Royals begins play to sell majority stake
Rajasthan Royals is on the hunt to offload a majority stake in its IPL franchise. They've enlisted the expertise of Raine Group to navigate the sale. With numerous interested parties stepping forward, this comes at a time when the IPLs allure to investors is soaring. The valuation for the team is anticipated to be quite impressive.
Dhanbad families refuse relocation; demand technical solution as toxic gas leak persists
RANCHI: The families affected by the toxic gas leak in Dhanbads Kenduadih have directly rejected the proposal to relocate to a safer place. They made it clear on Monday that they would not abandon their ancestral land and relocate to the proposed sites at Belgadia or Karmatand. According to the affected families, the land is the heritage of their generations, and there is no question of leaving it. We would rather die, but not leave our land, they said unanimously. They believe that instead of displacing them, BCCL management should focus on extracting the gas and finding a technical solution to the problem. Relocating would provide neither employment nor essential amenities, further worsening their lives, they said. Notably, even after more than six days of the gas leak incident, no concrete measures have been taken to deal with the situation. The affected families alleged that they have long been demanding that BCCL start the underground mine's fan and extract gas through drilling, but the management is not taking their demands seriously and is only insisting on displacement. Raising slogans against BCCL management, they warned that they will intensify their protest if a permanent technical solution to the gas leak is not found soon. They also made it clear that they would not leave Kenduadih till their death. Social activist and local resident Awadhesh Paswan also asserted that no one is going anywhere. He alleged that the administration and BCCL management are trying to evict poor families under the guise of safety so that the mafia may be given free rein to extract coal. Dhanbad administration struggles to relocate 10,000 residents after toxic gas leak in Kenduadih Meanwhile, they have given BCCL management an ultimatum of two days; if no concrete solution is found, activities of all outsourcing companies in the vicinity will be halted. In between, a special team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached from Ranchi on Sunday and assessed the affected area. The 32-member team also measured the intensity of the gas leak. NDRF officials said that the situation is very dangerous and frightening. According to them, normally, if the amount of carbon monoxide gas in the air exceeds 50 ppm, the situation is considered dangerous. However, in Rajput Basti, it was found to be up to 1680 ppm. On Saturday night, seventy people went to the relief camp set up by BCCL and an outsourcing company for 500 affected people and had their food, but no one stayed there. Notably, the gas leak was first reported on Wednesday in Rajput Basti, where two women died and more than two dozen residents, mostly women and children, were admitted to BCCLs Kustore Regional Hospital and Central Hospital, Dhanbad. The impact of the gas is being felt in the Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, and Officers Colony areas of Kenduadih, home to a population of approximately 10,000. The persistent stench and gas leakage have made life extremely difficult for the residents. Dhanbad DC orders detailed enquiry into toxic gas leak incident that killed two
UP forms SIT to crack Rs 425-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling racket
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday announced the formation of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to dismantle an organised racket involving the illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup for narcotic abuse. The smuggling case came to light around 20 days ago when a truck loaded with codeine-based cough syrup was seized in Sonbhadra. Speaking to the media, FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob, accompanied by Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad and DGP Rajeev Krishna, said the SIT had been formed to investigate the case. Three accused have been arrested so far. Jacob said misleading information was being circulated on social media. Police have taken action. A truck of cough syrup was caught in Sonbhadra some 20 days ago and based on that evidence, a second truck was recovered in Ranchi, she said. She clarified that the UP case has no connection with a similar case reported in Madhya Pradesh. She said the investigation had been expanded to 300 drug dealers to trace the main supply channels. We want to reach the big traders, not the small retailers, Jacob added. UP DGP Rajeev Krishna said that using cough syrup for any purpose other than its normal medical use amounted to a legal offence. Several pieces of evidence have been found in the last two months. FSDA has registered 128 FIRs across 28 districts, including 38 in Varanasi, 16 in Jaunpur, eight in Kanpur, six in Ghazipur and four each in Lakhimpur Kheri and Lucknow, he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the health portfolio, said in Jaunpur that strict action would be taken against the guilty irrespective of their social standing. The DGP added that 279 medical stores were inspected, and many were found to be non-existent. Others had serious anomalies in sale and purchase records. It reflects that the firms were selling cough syrup in an organised manner as an intoxicant, not a medicine. The drug was being supplied from Lucknow, Lakhimpur, Bahraich, Varanasi, Ghaziabad and even Nepal to Bangladesh, he said. In a parallel crackdown, the SIT constituted by the Varanasi Police Commissionerate to probe the smuggling racket run by Shubham Jaiswal of Varanasi arrested two close associates of the kingpin. The racket was operated through his firm, Shelly Traders. Shubham Jaiswal is believed to have fled to Dubai along with his associates Gaurav Jaiswal and Varun Singh on November 5. His father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, was arrested at Kolkata airport on November 30 while attempting to fly to Dubai. The two accused arrested on Monday, Vishal Jaiswal and Badal Arya, revealed key details during interrogation. They allegedly earned large sums by setting up shell firms, receiving Rs 25,00030,000 per consignment. The SIT also uncovered suspicious transactions worth Rs 425 crore linked to Shubham Jaiswal over the past two years. DCP Gaurav Basbal said Shubham Jaiswal had left India and look-out circulars were being issued. A Red Corner Notice would also be sought through Interpol. The arrested duo told interrogators that CA Devesh Jaiswal had full access to Shubhams bank accounts. They said they had conducted business worth around Rs 7 crore with him within a year. One of the accused, Badal Arya, claimed Devesh Jaiswal helped him open his firm. The other accused, Vishal Jaiswal of Hukumganj, also said Devesh Jaiswal helped him open a firm named Hariom Pharma. I would place orders but the syrup never came to my shop. I used to get Rs 20,00030,000 in cash, he said. SIT chief ADCP Kashi Zone Saravanan T said two more suspects were being questioned and their documents were being scrutinised.
Jharkhand government orders statewide safety audit after Goa nightclub tragedy
RANCHI: The Jharkhand government has ordered an immediate, state-wide safety audit of all bars, restaurants, hotels and hospitals, directing district administrations to submit their reports within a week. The decision comes in the wake of the horrific fire at a restaurant-cum-nightclub in Goas Arpora on Saturday night , which claimed 25 lives, including three youths from Jharkhand who had recently migrated there for work. The victims have been identified as 24-year-old Pradeep Mahato and 22-year-old Vinod Mahato, both residents of Fatehpur village in Ranchis Lapung block, and 22-year-old Mohit Munda from Govindpur village under Karra block of Khunti district. All three were employed as cooks in the nightclub and were present inside the kitchen when the blaze erupted. According to Health and Disaster Management Minister Irfan Ansari, the government would deal firmly with any lapse related to public safety. If an incident like the one in Goa happens in Jharkhand, officials will be held accountable, he warned. Ansari stressed that all commercial establishments must adhere to strict kitchen safety norms, carry out routine technical checks of gas pipelines, burners and chimneys and ensure that fire-safety equipment and emergency exits remain operational at all times. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of three migrant workers from Jharkhand were brought to Ranchi on Monday morning. Agriculture Minister Shilpy Neha Tirkey, who coordinated with the Goa government to bring back the bodies, informed that all three workers belonged to the Assembly constituency, Mandar. The bodies were sent to their native villages in special ambulances. I will request Chief Minister Hemant Soren for some welfare provisions for the families of the victims, said Tirkey. The Labour Department has handed Rs 50,000 each to the families of the victims as immediate assistance. State Migrant Control Room's team lead Shikha Lakra, who received the bodies at the airport, said that the Labour Department has ensured that two of the family members of the victims who are still stranded in Goa are brought back to Ranchi by a flight by the evening.
Goa nightclub fire: Last rites of 3 workers killed in blaze held in Jharkhand
The last rites of three Jharkhand migrant workers who died in the Goa nightclub fire were performed in their native villages on Monday. Brothers Pradeep and Binod Mahto from Ranchi and Mohit Munda from Khunti were among the 25 victims
Jharkhand government tables Rs 7,721.25 crore supplementary budget in Assembly
RANCHI: The Jharkhand government on Monday presented a supplementary budget of Rs 7,721.25 crore for the 202526 financial year in the state assembly. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore placed the second supplementary budget of the fiscal year before the House. The first supplementary allocation, amounting to Rs 4,296.62 crore, had been approved during the monsoon session on August 25. Earlier, in March, Kishore had introduced the states annual budget of Rs 1.45 lakh crore for 202526. Shortly after the supplementary budget was tabled, Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto adjourned the days proceedings till 11 am on Tuesday. The session had been marred by disruptions. As the House assembled for the second day of the winter session, BJP MLAs rushed to the Well of the House demanding action over alleged irregularities in student scholarship schemes. Members of the ruling coalition also moved to the Well, resulting in heated exchanges and loud sloganeering from both sides. The uproar forced the suspension of Question Hour. Expressing displeasure, Speaker Mahto said that such disruptions defeat the purpose of all-party meetings and undermine the functioning of the Business Advisory Committee. He also warned that the House cannot operate meaningfully if important public issues are not allowed to be addressed. Despite multiple appeals for order, the protests continued, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House first until noon and later for the remaining day. The winter session, which began on Friday, spans five working days and is scheduled to conclude on December 11.
AI hype is high, clarity is low Im staying cautious: WhiteOak Capital CEO Aashish Somaiyaa
WhiteOak Capital Asset Management differentiates itself with strategies designed to keep investors invested for longer. This includes portfolio construction that avoids extreme swings, a fund lineup less prone to high volatility, and a sticky SIP-led franchise, CEO Aashish Somaiyaa tells Sanket Dhanorkar in an interview.
Following rift with the producer, he is also dropped from the Race franchise
Dale Steyn hails KL Rahuls leadership
Visakhapatnam, Dec 7: Former South African fast-bowling great Dale Steyn has heaped praise on KL Rahul, crediting the Indian stand-in captain for steering the side to a well-earned 21 triumph over South Africa in the recently concluded three-match ODI series. India set the tone in Ranchi with a hard-fought 17-run win before sealing the series []
Dhanbad administration struggles to relocate 10,000 residents after toxic gas leak in Kenduadih
RANCHI: The Dhanbad district administration has intensified efforts to relocate 10,000 residents of Kenduadih following a suspected toxic gas leak that killed two women and left several others ill on Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan said the administration is facing challenges in convincing families to move to the proposed relocation site at Belgadia, with many residents citing minor concerns despite repeated assurances. The gas leak was first reported in Rajput Basti, where more than two dozen people, mostly women and children, were admitted to BCCLs Kustore Regional Hospital and Central Hospital, Dhanbad. Although no new cases have been reported, locals continue to detect a faint gas odor in the area. The affected zones include Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, and Officers Colony, which together house around 10,000 residents. The affected families were concerned about where they will keep their cattle if relocated to the proposed site. We have agreed to provide cattle sheds, yet they are still reluctant to move, Ranjan said, emphasizing that relocation is necessary to prevent any future untoward incidents. He added that the administration is handling the crisis with the highest level of urgency, coordinating multiple agencies, monitoring the area, reviewing evacuation plans, and ensuring timely medical support. Meanwhile, amid rising tension and protests, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Ranchi entered Rajput Basti on Sunday to assess the suspected poisonous gas. Residents reportedly tried to block the team, alleging that BCCL was using the gas leak as a pretext to clear the settlement for a planned coal project. Nearly 400 unauthorised families currently live in the fire-affected danger zone of Rajput Basti. Local resident Lal Bahadur Singh said, BCCL is trying to evict poor families under the guise of safety, noting that previous relocation attempts had failed due to community resistance. Scientific assessments following the leak revealed extremely high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), with readings reaching 1,500 parts per million (PPM)around 30 times the permissible limit. Exposure to CO is harmful even at 50 PPM, causes headaches at 2 PPM, and can lead to dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness at 8 PPM, highlighting the urgent need for evacuation. The administration continues to engage with residents to implement the relocation plan while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states
NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.
Kerala local body elections: 22.54 lakh voters to exercise franchise in Kollam
Did you know Yuvraj Singhs wife acted in the Harry Potter movies
Hyderabad: Yuvraj Singhs wife Hazel Keech, known for Salman Khans film Bodyguard and her appearance on Bigg Boss 7, recently surprised everyone by revealing her connection with one of the worlds biggest movie franchises. Before her Bollywood journey began, Hazel was actually a student at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Worked in Three Harry 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 .
Goa nightclub fire tragedy extremely heartbreaking: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren
Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday said the loss of lives in a fire accident at a nightclub in Goa was extremely heartbreaking. The chief minister extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident. At least 25 people were killed, and six others suffered injuries in the blaze that 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 .
Collector says district is poll-ready, urges all voters to exercise franchise
Of the 7,347 candidates in the fray, 3,917 are women and 3,457 are men
Dhanbad mine gas leak: Experts find CO level 'dangerously high' in affected areas
A team of experts who visited the Kenduadih area of Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, which reported a toxic gas leak incident on Wednesday, has recorded carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the air as dangerously high, at up to 1,500 parts per million (PPM). At least two women were killed while over 20 others complained of vomiting and headache, allegedly due to leakage of toxic carbon monoxide gas in the Putki Balihari Colliery Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)in Dhanbad's Kenduadih. Officials are yet to confirm the cause of the women's death. According to the experts, the CO levels in the area is around 30 times higher than the permissible limit, as the dangerous level of carbon monoxide concentration starts with 50 PPM. A joint experts' team of Dhanbad IIT-ISM and Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) visited Rajput Basti, Masjid Muhalla and Area No.5 of the Putki-Balihari colliery area on Friday to assess the carbon monoxide levels, said Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan. The experts recorded the level of carbon monoxide at up to 1,500 PPM, which poses a serious threat to human health, and recommended immediate shifting of residents from Rajput Basti. Headache appears when the level reaches 200 PPM, and symptoms like dizziness, nausea and unconsciousness begin at 800 PPM, the expert said. According to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the permissible limit for CO is 2 mg/m3 (milligram per cubic meter) for an eight-hour average in residential areas, and 4 mg/m3 for a one-hour average, a Ranchi-based environmentalist said. The 1,500 ppm CO concentration is dangerously high for human survival, said the environmentalist who refused to be quoted. Ranjan said, People from the affected areas are being shifted to temporary camps. So far, around 400 people have been shifted. The process is on to shift the rest of the residents from the area. A section of the locals said they are worried about their livelihood in new areas and are not in favour of shifting. The DC himself visited the affected sites on Friday and assessed the condition of the people living in the area. The problem did not arise now; it has existed for decades. Due to different reasons, the residents could not be shifted to a safe place, Ranjan said. The area has long been declared a 'danger zone' due to underground mine fires. The DC said he urged the residents to shift to a safe place as soon as possible. An arrangement has been made at Belagadia and Karmatand. For the time being, temporary accommodation has been provided till the situation becomes normal in the area, Ranjan said. (With inputs from PTI) Dhanbad DC orders detailed enquiry into toxic gas leak incident that killed two
Old Image of MS Dhoni Watching a Match at Ranchi Stadium Passed off as Recent
We found that the image dates back to January 2023, when Dhoni was attending the Ind vs NZ T20I match.
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) has achieved a significant global milestone by ranking 4th in Google's list of the Top 5 Most Searched Sports Teams worldwide in 2025, becoming the highest-ranked IPL team on the list, as per a press release of PBKS.
