Army's Southern Command troops rehearse combat roles, desert manoeuvres
Digital Desk | Pune, Oct 18 (IANS) The Southern Command of Indian Army showcased operational preparedness and combat effectiveness in the desert terrain in an integrated exercise, an official said on Sunday. The #BattleAxeDivision and #BlackMaceBrigade unleashed their mechanised might across challenging desert terrain sharpening battlefield manoeuvres, rehearsing combat roles and synchronising operations, the Southern Command said in a post on social media platform X. The #IntegratedOperations showcased speed, precision and seamless coordination among combat elements, reinforcing #OperationalPreparedness and combat effectiveness, it added. Earlier, the General Officer Commanding led discussions with officials of the Indian Coast Guard, Maharashtra Police Chief Sadanand Vasant Date and Maharashtra Home Department on emerging security challenges, focusing on boosting civil-military synergy. In a message on X, the Southern Command said, Strengthening a Whole-of-Nation approach to security, HQ Maharashtra Gujarat & Goa (MG & G) Area convened a joint conference under the aegis of the General Officer Commanding, reinforcing coordinated preparedness for emerging security challenges. Bringing together senior stakeholders including DGP Maharashtra, Principal Secretary (Home), ADGP (Int), IG (Sec), FOMA, AOC MAO and DIG Coast Guard, the deliberations focused on Rear Area Security, swift mobilisation and integrated contingency response during war-like situations. The engagement strengthened Civil-Military synergy, inter-agency coordination and collective operational readiness, the post on X said. Meanwhile, the 5th Annual Joint Bilateral Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 between the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to start on Monday and last till November 2 in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The aim of Exercise AUSTRAHIND is to promote military cooperation between India and Australia through enhancement of interoperability in conduct of joint sub conventional operations in semi-urban environment in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN mandate. The exercise focuses on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills. Exercise AUSTRAHIND enables the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations. The exercise will also facilitate developing bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the sides.
ISL: Ajaraie Stars as NorthEast United FC Drub Kerala Blasters
NorthEast United FC secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in an Indian Super League match. Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a brace, with Antonio Moyano and debutant Aman CK also finding the net for the Highlanders. Kerala Blasters managed a single goal through Yansane.
NorthEast United defeat Kerala Blasters 4-1 to top ISL table
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Keralam CM offers prayers at Sabarimala, reviews pilgrimage preparations
The visit marked the first time a Chief Minister had visited the hill temple since former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans visit in 2017
NorthEast United Triumphs Over Kerala Blasters with a 4-1 Victory in ISL Clash
NorthEast United FC defeats Kerala Blasters 4-1 in a thrilling ISL match, with Alayeddin Azarai scoring twice. NorthEast United Triumphs Over Kerala Blasters with a 4-1 Victory in ISL Clash
Two-year-old boy dies of suspected malnutrition in Alappuzha
As per doctors, he was acutely anaemic' and appeared malnourished as his weight was 7.6 kg, whereas the normal weight for his age would be closer to 12 kg
MSM Unify India acquires majority stake in KlickEdu, RJ Vision
MSM Unify India has acquired majority stakes in Kerala-based KlickEdu and Gujarat-based RJ Vision to expand its presence in healthcare education, workforce development and competitive-exam preparation. KlickEdu plans to develop allied healthcare colleges in India, while RJ Vision aims to reach 30,000 students across Gujarat over the next three years. The financial details of the acquisitions were not disclosed.
CM Satheesan announces blue economy hub in Keralams Aroor, inaugurates bridge
The inauguration, however, witnessed dramatic scenes, with Public Works department (PWD) Minister P.K. Basheer and former CPI(M) MP A.M. Ariff sparring over credit for the project, while former Vaikom MLA C.K. Asha left the venue in protest after not being given an opportunity to speak before the Chief Minister and other Ministers left the dais
CM Satheesan announces blue economy hub in Keralams Aroor, inaugurates bridge
The inauguration, however, witnessed dramatic scenes, with Public Works department (PWD) Minister P.K. Basheer and former CPI(M) MP A.M. Ariff sparring over credit for the project, while former Vaikom MLA C.K. Asha left the venue in protest after not being given an opportunity to speak before the Chief Minister and other Ministers left the dais
Bodies of three Malayalis killed in Germany building fire to reach Keralam on October 20
Investigations are under way regarding the arson attack on the apartment building in the city of Bochum; preliminary findings indicate that the tragedy stemmed from a personal enmity between the flat owner and a Romanian national who is currently in police custody
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across southern India from October 19 to October 24, 2026, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain likely in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also expected in several regions. Here is the state-wise weather forecast, including rainfall warnings, affected dates and the IMD's fishermen advisory for the southwest Arabian Sea.
IIT Palakkad to lead 48-member team to U.P.
The delegation comprises 24 women and 24 men selected from across Keralam, accompanied by five faculty members and staff of IIT Palakkad
Ranji Trophy: Sachin, Azharuddeen rescue Kerala on opening day
The former hits his 16th First Class hundred while the latter remains unbeaten on 72 as the two add 141 for the sixth wicket; Odisha medium-pacers exploit the seamer-friendly conditions early on
Political, organisational work must evolve with changing times: Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal
He was inaugurating the two-day Leaders Meet organised by the IUML Thrissur district committee at Nakshatra Emerald hotel in Guruvayur on Sunday
IUML Keralam chief Sadikali Thangal downplays row over Waqf board reconstitution
Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal says that at all Muslim organisations have been given representation in the board and those left out could be considered for membership in other bodies
Two held for sexual exploitation of minor of minor in Kovalam spa
Home Minister sends anti-drug message over wireless, urges public to embrace Operation Toofan
State-level JOTA-JOTI 2026 concludes in Thrissur; thousands of students connect with Scouts across India and abroad through amateur radio and the Internet
KSSP to take up campaigns on public health in Keralam
High morbidity, a rise in lifestyle diseases and a growing elderly population are driving up medical treatment costs in Keralam, seminar participants say
AgriStack initiative: Keralam government constitutes AgriStack Commissionerate
The Director, Agriculture, will serve as the AgriStack Commissioner in the four-level AgriStack Commissionerate.
Traffic gridlock on Sabarimala route sparks protest as pilgrims are stranded for hours
Officials attribute the chaos to ongoing road works along the Nilackal-Pampa stretch and an inadequate number of KSRTC buses to handle the pilgrim rush
ED trying to malign Pinarayi through publicity stunts, alleges Keralam LDF convener
T.P. Ramakrishnan questions agencys urgency in a case before Supreme Court; also targets government over KIIFB projects and private wine sales
Water safety: Mathilakams swim mission enters 11th year
Panchayats drive for complete water literacy has equipped nearly 1,500 people with swimming skills and confidence over a decade
Parents of SMA-affected kids in Keralam seek political support for their concerns over generic drug
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Health Minister K. Muraleedharan urging him to address the concerns related to the efficacy of the new medicine
Parents of SMA-affected kids in Keralam seek political support for their concerns over generic drug
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Health Minister K. Muraleedharan urging him to address the concerns related to the efficacy of the new medicine
Kollam gets its first exclusive Aadhaar Seva Kendra
This modern facility marks the sixth exclusive Aadhaar Seva Kendra to be established in Keralam
6,199 Booked for Drunk Driving in Keralam Police Drive
Ernakulam rural recorded the highest number of cases, with 710 people booked, followed by Thiruvananthapuram rural with 497 and Kottayam district with 456
Ranji Trophy: Saharan Ton Overshadows Gill's Return, Rinku, Arya, Badoni Hit Centuries
Skipper Uday Saharan: Skipper Uday Saharan struck an unbeaten century to rescue Punjab after Shubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy lasted just five balls, while Rinku Singh, Priyansh Arya and Ayush Badoni also notched up hundreds on day one of the second round of the prestigious competition on Sunday. In the Elite Group B clash at the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Saharan's unbeaten 106, laced with 13 fours, lifted Punjab to 269/4 against Chhattisgarh. Rinku's 118 not out, coming off 186 balls and laced with 11 fours and two sixes, pulled Uttar Pradesh out of trouble to 202 Goa, before the latter reached 43/0 in 12 overs. Arya, playing his first game of the season, fell one run short of a maiden double hundred in first-class cricket, while captain Badoni hit 115 not out to put Delhi in command by taking them to 381/4 against Gujarat. Saharan, who captained India to runners-up finish in the 2024 Mens U19 World Cup, used the sweep and the slog sweep to good effect against Chhattisgarh's left-arm spin pair of Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and Ajay Mandal. Openers Vihaan Malhotra (40 off 77 balls) and Harnoor Pannu put on another half-century stand to see off the new ball, before the duo were trapped lbw by Jadeja and Mandal respectively. Gill, playing his first Ranji game of the season before departing for India's tour of New Zealand, came in at number four but fell for one. Mandal drew him forward and beat him through the gate to knock back the stumps. Saharan and Prabhsimran Singh (62 off 133 balls) then rebuilt the innings with a 130-run stand for the fourth wicket. Though Prabhsimran was trapped lbw by Jadeja before tea break arrived, Saharan marched forward to bring up his third first-class hundred off 168 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora (38 not out off 75 balls) ensured Punjab added 71 runs in the final session without further loss. In Elite Group A game at Green Park in Kanpur, Rinku hit his 11th first-class century, his second in successive games this season, to single-handedly drag Uttar Pradesh from 137/9 to 202 against Goa. At Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, Raj Limbani's four-wicket haul helped Baroda bowl out Bihar for 166, before they reached 77/3. At Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, debutant Kawalpreet Singh fell four runs short of a century but rescued defending champions Jammu and Kashmir, who were all out for 260 in 82.5 overs against Vidarbha. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh's pacers bowled out Puducherry for 177, with the former finishing on 23/ 2 at stumps. In Elite Group B, a maiden fifty from Manvanth Kumar led a lower-order fightback for Karnataka, who reached 281/8 after birthday boy Jaydev Unadkat and Chetan Sakariya had made early inroads for Saurashtra in Alur. Sibsankar Roy's half-century steered Assam to 228/6 against Tripura, while Andhra spinners Saurabh Kumar and T Vijay bowled out Hyderabad for 275. Andhra were 9 for no loss at stumps and trail by 266 runs. In Elite Group C, without veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, Bengal were bowled out for 184 by Services, but the visitors came back to leave the hosts at 83/5. Sachin Baby's unbeaten 112 rescued Kerala, who reached 245/6 against Odisha. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Vicky Ostwal's four-wicket haul helped Maharashtra dismiss Jharkhand for 169, with the hosts reaching 85/3 at stumps at Pune. In Elite Group D, Mumbai bowled out Himachal Pradesh for 140 at Bilaspur and were 107/2 at stumps, and trail by just 33 runs. At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh (4-34) and left-arm spinner and captain R Sai Kishore (4-40) shared eight wickets as Tamil Nadu bowled out Uttarakhand for 134 in 56.2 overs. Avneesh Sudha top-scored for Uttarakhand with 54 off 103 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mayank Mishra chipped in with a patient 33 off 114 deliveries, including hitting a four and two sixes. In reply, Tamil Nadu reached 85/2 in 27 overs at stumps and trail by 49 runs. N Jagadeesan made 37 off 53 balls, while Pradosh Ranjan Paul was unbeaten on 37 off 73 deliveries. Overnight rain in Chennai and a wet outfield delayed the start until 10.30 am, and bad light brought an early end to the day's play at 5.28 pm. Avneesh Sudha top-scored for Uttarakhand with 54 off 103 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mayank Mishra chipped in with a patient 33 off 114 deliveries, including hitting a four and two sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Keralam Govt Cancels Bakerys Licence To Sell Horti Wine
Excise Department also changed the concerned Abkari Deputy Commissioner, C K Anilkumar, who handled the application to grant the licence to a bakery in Chalakkudy, Thrissur
Vettikavala grama panchayat launches scheme to empower farmers
Excise department order allowing bakery to stock, sell hortiwine lands UDF government in controversy
Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan flagged the unconsulted order as Excise Minister M. Liju revoked the licence, while the CPI(M)s M.B. Rajesh called the governments reversal a political stunt
The Highlanders host Kerala Blasters after winning their opening matches, with both sides targeting another three points.
Foreign forces backing vote theft campaign, alleges Telangana BJP chief
Rao said there was a growing sense of nationalism among the youth, which, he claimed, was reflected in recent student union elections in Punjab, Kerala and Hyderabad
Tourism infrastructure threatens to push elephants out of Mattupetty grasslands in Keralams Munnar
Proposed infrastructure in Munnars natural feeding grounds could disrupt access to forage and water, heightening humanelephant conflict; conservationists seek immediate halt and independent ecological assessment; KLDB maintains its plan comply with responsible tourism and does not disturb topography
Keralam Govt Seeks Report on Sale of Horti Wine Through Bakeries
Horti wine is an alcoholic beverage produced through the fermentation of tropical fruits and agricultural products
Police trace school teacher who went missing from Kozhikode
She was reportedly staying in a rented house along with a man posing as husband and wife
Keralams first export consignment under India-New Zealand FTA flagged off
The shipment is among the first consignments from the country in preparation for the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement
Asphyxiation of two fishers: rights panel seeks report from District Collector
Deaths have renewed concerns over the safety of fishing boat workers, particularly those required to enter confined storage compartments
Kerala Holiday Alert: Schools and Banks Closed for Durgashtami on October 19?
Is Kerala observing a public holiday for Durgashtami on October 19, 2026? Find out if schools, colleges, and banks are closed, and get the latest updates on exam reschedules and government office operations across the state.
Keralam High Court directs release of 9.73 crore for 225 victim compensation claims
The court also directed the secretaries of the respective District Legal Services Authorities to collect all required documents from victims while their cases were pending before the court to avoid delays in processing and disbursing compensation
CBI nabs Kozhikode native involved in cyber fraud
The arrest recorded on October 17 is linked to a cyber fraud case reported in July 2024, in which a Thrissur-based complainant allegedly lost 1 crore after being deceived by individuals posing as FedEx officials and cybercrime police personnel
Wayanad township: 149 houses in second phase nearing completion
An anganwadi, a health centre, a market, public toilets and internal roads are expected to be ready by the end of the year
Wayanad township: 149 houses in second phase nearing completion
An anganwadi, a health centre, a market, public toilets and internal roads are expected to be ready by the end of the year
Fisheries expert B. Madhusoodana Kurup passes away
Kurup had also served as the advisor to the State Fisheries Minister S. Sarma
Over 500 Spas in Keralam Raided, Five Arrested
The special inspection drive called 'Operation Spa' was conducted on the instructions of ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan. The highest number of raids carried out and arrests made were in Kozhikode city
Illegal spa racket under scrutiny as police widen crackdown in Kozhikode city
A late evening flash inspection conducted by Kozhikode city police on October 17 has led to the closure of 20 such illegally operated units besides issuing of closure notices to six others
Indias first woman Surgeon General fought for a place in science
Indias first female Surgeon General and medical pioneer whose work laid the groundwork for the modern Kerala model of health
Sexual assault on woman rider: Police nab suspect in Kozhikode city
The police registered a case on the basis of the womans complaint and examined CCTV footage from the scene and neighbouring areas. The footage helped investigators identify the suspect, while a technical examination conducted with the cyber cell assisted in tracing him, the police said
Kerala HC seeks Centre stand on plea challenging blocking of BitChat messaging app
Bitchat, by GitHub, is an open-source messaging app that works over Bluetooth, with no internet needed
Keralam Devaswom Minister Flags Gaps in Sabarimala Pilgrimage Preparations
After the review meeting, the CM said that all arrangements related to temple rituals and prasadam were under the control of the Devaswom Board
Continuing mumps outbreak in Keralam leads to renewed demand for MMR vaccine
The demand has gained strength following studies from Keralam documenting immunity gaps among children, complications that can cause long-term disability, and genetic differences between the circulating mumps virus and the strain used in the vaccine, indicating how the continued exclusion of MMR vaccine from Universal Immunisation Programme represents an important gap in disease prevention
Samastha AP Aboobacker Faction Slams Keralam Govt Over Waqf Board Reconstitution
It accused the government of going back on its assurance to provide due representation to Samastha in the reconstitution of bodies such as the Waqf Board and the Hajj Committee
Kerala HC temporarily halts further construction at beach near Vizhinjam by VISL
A bench of the Kerala HC says there is ambiguity with regard to the work being carried out by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL)
Kerala HC orders halt to construction at Vizhinjam beach over missing environmental clearance
Kerala High Court has mandated a temporary halt to construction work at Pulinkudy beach. The court found ambiguity regarding clearances from the Union Environment Ministry for the project. A joint inspection is ordered with participation from statutory authorities and the petitioner. The ministry is expected to file an affidavit clarifying the situation regarding environmental clearances. The case has been postponed for further proceedings until November 25, 2026.
B. Madhusoodana Kurup passes away
New Melsanthis selected for Sabarimala, Malikappuram temples
The two priests were chosen through a draw of lots on October 18 from panels shortlisted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)
El Nio could intensify stress on Keralams forests and wildlife
According to the Forest Survey of India, Keralam reported 49 large forest fire incidents so far this year, compared with 52 in 2025. The amount and distribution of northeast monsoon rainfall will be crucial in determining water availability in forests and the extent of water stress on wildlife
From Assam to Bihar, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Sikkim, West Bengal and more we check the full list of states that announced DA and DR hikes for employees and pensioners in 2026.
Keralam DA, DR hike: Government raises rates from 35% to 37%; here's when the payments will begin
Keralam has raised Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) from 35% to 37% for eligible state government employees and pensioners. Revised payments begin in November 2026, while separate government orders will clarify arrears due from January 1, 2026.
Curated by Tensing Joseph, the exhibition showcases the emergence of modernism in Keralam and south India through more than 140 works by 30 artists, with paintings from pivotal figures such as KCS Paniker, CL Porinchukutty and Kanayi Kunhiraman, among others
Meterless autos leave passengers at drivers mercy in Kozhikode
Drivers allegedly disconnect fare meters and demand arbitrary fares from passengers; night surcharge reportedly levied after 9 p.m., though rules permit it only from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Makeover matters least in Nedumbassery car-hit case, say legal experts
Criminal law experts say CCTV visuals, forensic evidence and witness statements would play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the case, as the identity of the accused is already widely known
Stalled cricket stadium project at SSUS likely to be revived
The project was put on hold due to concerns about clarity of financial gains for the varsity and the long-term transfer of the six-acre land to a private entity
Poshakamrutham scheme launched in Ernakulam
The project aims to identify children up to 12 years of age who are suffering from malnutrition in Scheduled Tribe areas in the district through medical examinations and provide them with vitamin supplements and food kits
More deadlines missed in Chander Kunj rebuild as AWHO opposes takeover of apartments
AWHO ignored the Collectors notice to begin the takeover on October 12 and filed a writ petition before the Kerala High Court challenging the Collectors order
IISER researchers make solid material that releases two fuel gases
The team developed a compound called magnesium hydridomethylzincate. When it was heated in solution to 100 C, it released hydrogen, and when its crystals were heated in the absence of a solvent at 80-110 C, it released both hydrogen and methane
Kerala High Court denies stay on government order reconstituting State Waqf Board
Court holds that the State government has the authority to cancel appointments made to the previous board. Petition by K.S. Hamza, former board chairperson, says government order is violative of an earlier High Court directive to fill vacancies on the previous board
Confident NorthEast United face Kerala test at home
Odisha seek revival against Kerala after Gujarat setback
Keralam govt. increases DA, DR from 35% to 37%
Ranji Trophy 2026-27 | Abhishek slams a century but Kerala not yet out of the woods
The openers maiden ton the highlight of day three even as the visitor struggles at 269 for six; Jharkhand will look to make the touring team bat again
Ranji Trophy | Abhishek makes it count in Kerala colours
Weather Tomorrow: IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across parts of southern India, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu among the affected regions. Rain is expected to continue in several areas through October 23. Fishermen have also been advised to exercise caution along parts of the Arabian Sea coast.
CPI(M) extended Kollam district committee meeting concludes
MVD, police detect 159 offences, impose 8 lakh fine in special drive
The offences detected included driving without a licence, evasion of road tax, non-payment of insurance, and illegal vehicle modifications, according to the RTO (Enforcement), Ernakulam.
Woman held for allegedly killing husband, dumping body on rail tracks in Kochi
Seven eyewitnesses testify in Abhimanyu murder trial
Leopard trapped at Akathethara
The leopard was caught in a cage set up near the residential area
Majeed Annan, the man who brought Khasakkinte Ithihasam alive for visitors to Thasrak, is no more
Majeed, who worked for years as a caretaker at the O.V. Vijayan Memorial Cultural Centre at Thasrak, was a link between the writer and the people who continued to visit the place in search of the novels world
Samithi opposes private estate groups land offer for Wayanad medical college
M. Geethanandan, social activist and general convener of the Bhoo Avakasha Samithi, demands that the government take over all plantations allegedly held through forged documents and distribute the land among the landless
Unlicensed homestays thrive amid regulatory hurdles in Keralam
While only around 1,200 homestays have official recognition, nearly 7,000 unlicensed units are reportedly operating in major tourist destinations in the State and offering services through various online platforms
Kerala Woman Invites CM Yogi Adityanath to Her Wedding in Heartfelt Letter
A Kerala woman invites UP CM Yogi Adityanath to her wedding, sharing how his teachings inspired her growth and resilience. Kerala Woman Invites CM Yogi Adityanath to Her Wedding in Heartfelt Letter
SMA flays Waqf Board reconstitution in Keralam
District president K.V. Siddique Faizy said the exclusion two Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama groups was unfair, given the role of the two organisations in protecting Waqf properties and running religious and educational institutions in Keralam
BJP Calls For CBI Probe Into KIIFB Scam
The BJP in Keralam has demanded a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) during the previous LDF regime. Senior BJP leader P K Krishnadas accused the current UDF government of attempting to sabotage corruption cases and expressed a lack of faith in state-level investigations. The demand follows an expert panel report highlighting financial irregularities in KIIFB.
Understanding the tech behind Dolby Cinema: What makes it different from a regular theatre?
Dolby Laboratories has launched Keralas first Dolby Cinema in Fort Kochi, combining Dolby Vision projection and Dolby Atmos sound in a 450-seater auditorium. But what makes it different from a regular theatre, how does its technology improve the movie-watching experience, and will the difference justify a premium ticket price?
Ahead Of New Zealand Tour, Shubman Gill To Turn Out For Punjab In Ranji Trophy Second Round
The Ranji Trophy: India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will turn out for Punjab in their Ranji Trophy second round match against Chhattisgarh in New Chandigarh, starting on Sunday. The development comes at a time when Gill is eyeing to get some red-ball game time under his belt before departing for the New Zealand tour. Gill, 27, has been drafted into the squad at the eleventh hour, with Uday Saharan to continue to lead the side. India's ODI series in New Zealand runs from November 4 to 15, but Gill will play only the first three matches. He will then hand the 50-over captaincy to Shreyas Iyer and shift his focus to the two-game Test series that follows. An India A side will be touring New Zealand at the same time for three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have been named for all three games. Gill, however, will not be a part of it, as he was originally expected to turn out in one of those India A. But that plan has fallen through as the third four-day game, scheduled from November 7 to 10 in Lincoln, clashes with the second and third ODIs. The Ranji Trophy outing, therefore, offers Gill a timely chance at long-format practice before the Tests. Gill is likely to bat at number four for Punjab, which could see Jashanpreet Sidhu left out of the playing eleven. Punjabs batting will be further bolstered by the return of wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh, who missed the season opener against Assam last week due to India A duty, where he made 39 and 17 against Australia A in the 2-1 50-over series defeat in Puducherry. Punjab began their campaign on a positive note by collecting three points from that game against Assam courtesy of a first-innings lead. Vihaan Malhotra, Emanjot Chahal and Salil Arora all struck hundreds in the contest. The match was also significant for veteran India pacer Umesh Yadav, who made his first-class comeback after a gap of more than two years. Umesh, who switched from Vidarbha to Punjab ahead of the domestic season, marked his return with figures of 5-70, his 16th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. With Gill, Prabhsimran and the three centurions from the opening game, Punjab will field a formidable batting line-up as they look to build on their early points against Chhattisgarh in front of their home crowd at the New PCA Stadium. The Punjab-Chhattisgarh match will be broadcasted on JioHotstar and Star Sports Khel, while Karnataka-Saurashtra and Kerala-Odisha clashes will be live-streamed on JioHotstar. With Gill, Prabhsimran and the three centurions from the opening game, Punjab will field a formidable batting line-up as they look to build on their early points against Chhattisgarh in front of their home crowd at the New PCA Stadium. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Keralam prepares for pilgrimage season: Sabarimala, Guruvayur set for Tirupati-style upgrade
Keralam State Devaswom and Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Saturday announced a major push to modernise the state's premier pilgrimage destinations following high-level coordination reviews ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala season. Speaking to ANI in Pathanamthitta, the Minister said that comprehensive discussions were held to streamline operations between the key departments to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Discussions were conducted regarding the development projects undertaken by the Devaswom Board, stock inventory, and inter-departmental coordination between Health, Devaswom, and Police. Operations are currently well-coordinated, and the situation is being continuously monitored, Muraleedharan said. The state government is officially moving forward with its budget-announced Tirupati model development plan. Under this initiative, four major religious centers
Ranji Trophy 2026-27 | Jharkhands Virat and Aditya make merry on a batting paradise
They both score hundreds to take the host to 587 at the end of day two; Kerala seamer Edhen doesnt take the field after getting injured; Vaisakh puts in a shift to scalp five wickets
Orange Alert in Five Keralam Districts As IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain
Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts are under the orange alert, while a yellow alert has been sounded for the remaining nine districts
