Not many takers for home voting in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR : The Election Commission of Indias (EC) pioneering initiative to facilitate home voting, introduced for the first time in the parliamentary polls for elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), did not find many takers in Chhattisgarh. Aimed at making the electoral process all-inclusive and accessible by enabling the voting convenient for eligible citizens above 85 years of age and PwDs with 40 per cent benchmark disability, the new move gives them an opportunity and a privilege to choose to exercise their right to franchise from home in the new move as part of festival of democracy. Despite the facility of home voting offered by the Commission kept easy, the initiative evidently couldnt generate much appeal to persuade or motivate the eligible voters who were required to complete Form 12D within five days of the election notification and submit it to the returning officer. The PwD voters have to provide a certificate on their baseline disability along with their applications. Elections in Chhattisgarh are in three phasesApril 19, April 26 and May 7. According to the data acquired from the state chief electoral office, in the first phase of the restive Bastar constituency where the elector count of elderly citizens and PwD are 16,190, only 254 applications were received and 223 voted sitting at home. The second phase comprising three Lok Sabha seats too didnt evoke a promising response as many were not inspired with the ECs offer. Only 1,346 applications were received out of the eligible 67,950 voters (16,644 were 85+ and 51,306 as PwDs) and 1,267 of them availed the facility. In the third phase covering seven constituencies, there are 1,91,196 eligible for home voting out of the 1.39 crore voters. However, in this phase, the total applications received were 2,927 and till 2 May 2,687 have voted. Only those voters whose applications were received can only be entitled for home voting facility. The official admitted the response has not been heartening but will surely improve in the coming years. One plausible reason for less applications received could perhaps be that senior citizens or PwDs might like to join as vibrant voter participation, keep the zeal high on polling day to realise it as #DeshkaGarv or f#ChunavkaParv by visiting the polling centres. Still some might be out of their place of living for individual causes or perhaps health reasons, the officer added. In the 2019, BJP won nine out of the 11 seats, while Congress had two.

SP, BJP locked in intense fight in six Yadav strongholds

LUCKNOW : With Yadav land being the main battleground in Uttar Pradesh in phase-III, the Samajwadi Party is leaving no stone unturned to save its citadel from saffron onslaught, while the BJP is also creating a furore through its big fighters. Mainpuri, Firozabad, Etah, Baduan, of Phase -III and Kannauj and Etawah, of next phase on May 13, are set for a fierce fight between the ruling party and the main opposition. Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav himself is commanding the fort in Kannauj against sitting BJP MP Subrat Pathak. While in Mainpuri, the SP chiefs wife Dimple Yadav is ready to carry Mulayam Singh Yadavs legacy forward by challenging state tourism minister and BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh who is a sitting MLA from Mainpuri assembly segment. Akshay Yadav, Akhileshs cousin and SP national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadavs son, is again trying his fate from Firozabad seat, another bastion of SP against Vishwadeep Singh. Akshay had lost the seat to BJPs Chandrasen Jadon in 2019. In Badaun, the SP has put its stake in Aditya Yadav, another cousin of Akhilesh and son of Shivpal Yadav. However, the BJP has reposed faith in a local RSS pracharak firebrand leader Durvijay Singh Shakya. On the remaining two seats of the Yadav land, SPs Devesh Shakya is challenging late Kaylan Singhs son and sitting BJP MP Rajveer Singh in Etah and Jitendra Dohre is challenging BJP MP Ram Shankar Katheria in Etawah reserved seat. In the 2019 elections, of the six seats in the region, the BJP had bagged five Etah, Firozabad, Etawah, Badaun and Kannauj while the SP could win only Mainpuri. To repeat its 2019 performance, the BJP has launched an extensive campaign led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Yogi Adityanath. The BJP plans to pin down the SP in its stronghold by launching a hectic campaigns. The Yadav familys defeat will pave the way for consolidation of the BJP support base in the Yadav land, said a BJP leader. All the Yadav family members Akhilesh Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, Shivpal Yadav, Dharmendra Yadav, Dimple Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav are canvassing. While Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath have been targeting SP over dynastic politics and appeasement politics, Akhilesh Yadav is urging voters to exercise their franchise to dethrone the BJP and protect the Constitution. Shivpal Yadavs rebellion in 2019 weakened the SP in its stronghold. It could win just one seat in the elections. With Shivpal back in the family fold, the SP hopes to regain the lost ground. The OBCs, Dalits, Muslims and upper castes play a decisive role in deciding the fate of the candidates on the five seats. On the other, the BSP has made the contest triangular on the five seats by fielding Shiv Prasad Yadav from Mainpuri, Mohammad Irfan from Etah, Chaudhary Bashir from Firozabad, Sarika Singh Baghel from Etawah and Imran Bin Zafar from Kannauj.

JMM in a fix as rebels go solo in Giridih and Lohardaga

RANCHI : JMM is in a fix as two of its senior party leaders, after being denied ticket, have filed their nomination from Lohardaga and Koderma as independents against the candidates fielded by INDIA bloc. JMM is hesitant to act against them though Congress has sought immediate action. Bishunpur MLA Chamra Linda is contesting from Lohardaga against Congresss Sukhdeo Bhagat while former JMM MLA from Gandey Jai Prakash Verma has filed his nomination against CPI (ML) candidate Vinod Singh. Linda is considered to be popular among tribal voters and remained on third position after BJPs Sudarshan Bhagat and Congress Rameshwar Oraon in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Verma is also supporting NDA candidate Dilip Kumar Verma contesting against former CM Hemant Sorens wife Kalpana Soren in Gandey assembly bypoll. Due to some obvious reasons, party is hesitant to take any action against them as they are senior party leaders and have a strong mass base, said a JMM functionary requesting anonymity. He added that Gandey by-poll being crucial the party does not want to upset any of its workers.

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Omar conducts roadshow in Beerwah, highlights his dev initiatives

Budgam, May 04: National Conference Vice President and former chief minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday urged the voters to exercise their franchise for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar, who is the NC candidate from north Kashmirs Baramulla parliamentary constituency, conducted a roadshow in the Beerwah assembly constituency in central Kashmirs Budgam district. He []

Technology is there to take care of human error: Umpire Madanagopal

CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu cricketer and noted umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal will be making his World Cup debut in the T20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies and USA from June 1. Nitin Menon is the other umpire on the panel from India. They are part of a panel of 20 umpires who will be officiating 55 matches across nine venues. Having made his debut in women's one-dayers back in 2013, Madanagopal stood as an umpire for the first time in a men's international during the 2021 India-New Zealand T20I at Ranchi. He has also officiated in an international match at his home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium. A smooth-stroking batter for Tamil Nadu, Madanagopal, has been a coach of TNPL teams and First Division teams in the TNCA league too. Since 2007, he has been on the BCCI panel of umpires and will be emulating the likes of S Venkataraghavan and S Ravi, the other umpires from Tamil Nadu, to officiate in a World Cup. Madanagopal is delighted to be part of the World Cup panel and spoke to this daily about pressure, DRS, fitness of umpires and more. Excerpts from the interview. Any pressure to be part of the WC panel? The job will be the same. I have been officiating International matches for the last three years. So the expectations and challenges remain the same. It won't be any different, but it's definitely a great opportunity (ICC T20 World Cup). On DRS and pressure With DRS everything is out in the open, almost black and white. So it is an instinct. Umpiring is always an instinct. You do your preparation, you study the angles and then, based on the evidence in front of you, make a decision. There's no pressure. The game is getting benefited. Right decisions are made. The game moves on in the right direction. It's absolutely fine. It's not about pressure. It's about getting the game in the right direction. So we are happy with DRS. An on-field umpire gives a decision not out, the fielding side opts for DRS and gets it reversed. Does he get upset or does the decision upset his concentration? No. It is part of the game. And what we need to see is the game remains unaffected because of a human error. That is the most important thing. The game has to flow in the right direction. And human judgment is corrected by technology, which is what the game requires. So that should be the mindset. It is not about an umpire making a mistake or umpire getting it correct. It is about the game. The game needs to go in the right direction. That is why technology is there to take care of any human error that may possibly be there. Another challenge for umpires today is intimidation from players in high-profile games? For us, our job is about making decisions and controlling the game. And that is why we are there, out in the middle. We are expected to handle some high-profile players and that is what we have to do. So this is where we prepare ourselves for that. There is no intimidation from big players. On fitness of umpires It (umpiring) is just basically an extension for me. Right from playing days, I have been used to this kind of lifestyle, travelling and staying. So it is a natural extension for me. Right from twelve years, I've been travelling and being in a team environment. So, okay, it is definitely not new for me. I've been doing this for the last 30, 35 years now. Noise is definitely a problem with large crowds out there. The hearing may not be, you know, like in a normal domestic game or something. But then you adapt to those situations. You adapt to the conditions, your awareness is so much heightened when you get into a situation like that. Yeah, there are other clues that you are trying to pick up and it kind of set into your system. You get adapted to the system. On improving his skills over the years The growth has been constant. I have been learning right through whatever and whenever I get an opportunity. Every game is a learning experience for me. Definitely, I've learned and am improving. And it's a continuous process. It doesn't stop,'' explained the genial umpire. Does he watch his own videos to study and improve? Nowadays, almost all the games are televised, so I get to watch and dissect decisions. Yes, there is some homework that I do. There is a process that I follow. I take some feedback. I work on my game (umpiring).

'Had a cappuccino and thought I...': Dinesh Karthik

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's explosive start, led by Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, set the tone for a thrilling encounter. Du Plessis, in particular, showcased his aggressive intent, smashing the ball to all corners and registering the franchise's second-fastest fifty off 18 balls against Gujarat Titans in the IPL match in Bengaluru. While du Plessis took on the aggressor role, Kohli provided crucial support, resulting in their highest Powerplay score of 92 in the history of the IPL.

Modi Attacks Opposition, Recalls Godhra in Bihar Rally

NEW DELHI: In one of his fiercest election speeches in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday raked up the 2002 Godhra train arson, an issue that he rarely mentions even at such events, to attack the Congress-led UPA and the then railways minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav for practicing appeasement politics at a rally in Bihars Darbhanga. Earlier in the day, the PM addressed two rallies in Jharkhands Palamu and Lohardaga and later in the evening, he held a roadshow in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur, where he continued his attack on the Opposition over corruption, votebank politics and attempts to change the Constitution for providing reservations to Muslims. Addressing his third rally of the day in Bihars Darbhanga, Modi raked up the 2002 Godhra train arson issue and accused Lalu Prasad of trying to save those responsible for burning alive more than 60 kar sevaks. It is because of this appeasement politics that the father of Bihar's shehzada (allusion to Tejashwi Yadav) had tried to save those who were responsible for the Godhra train burning incident, said Modi, adding that after all, it was the rule of Sonia madam. He (Lalu Prasad Yadav), who has himself been convicted (in fodder scam cases), was railway minister. He set up an inquiry committee and got a report, which exonerated those guilty of the horrendous crime. But the court threw the report away, said Modi. Kicking off his gruelling campaign schedule for the day from Palamu, Jharkhand, the PM took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without naming him and said Pakistan wanted him as the Prime Minister, but India wants a strong country with a strong government. Maa Bharati's disrespect won't be tolerated anymore. New India's surgical and air strikes shook Pakistan, which was known for supporting terror attacks on India during the Congress regime The new India knows how to enter enemy territory and strike... Shaken by the surgical and air strikes, leaders in Pakistan are now praying that the Congress' shehzada' becomes PM of India... But our strong nation wants a strong government and leader, Modi said at the rally to campaign for the BJP candidate from Palamu, V.D. Ram. The Prime Minister said that earlier, after any terror attack on the country, the Congress-led governments were helpless. But that has changed under the strong BJP-led government at the Centre. Now, Pakistan is seeking help from the world to save the nation. He told the audience that their one vote had contributed to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya after generations struggled for 500 years, as well as the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress and the INDI alliance want to usurp your land. They want to snatch SC, ST and OBCs' quotas to provide reservations to Muslims by altering the Constitution. Till I am alive, I will not now allow any such design of the Congress to succeed, he asserted. In his address, the Prime Minister claimed that over 25-crore people came out of poverty in the last 10 years of the NDA government. He said: The Congress never bothered for the welfare of people. The party's shehzada was born with a silver spoon and poses for the camera when he visits the house of the poor. But it is my commitment to transform IndiaThere has been no blot of corruption on me in the past 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. I don't own a home or even a bicycle... The corrupt JMM and the Congress leaders have amassed huge wealth for their children. In Sisai, Lohardaga, Modi said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces and all those who indulged in corruption will face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said: The former Jharkhand CM is behind bars for corruption... Modi is committed to wipe out the menace of corruption. In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action, he said. The INDI alliance leaders, neck-deep in corruption, hold rallies, including in Delhi and Ranchi, voicing support for corrupt people, which reveals their true character, the PM said. Modi also blamed the Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor got access to the internet unlike the Congress, which was against it. Today's youths are the heroes of social media. The Congress had made the internet a thing for the rich, but Modi ensured it became available for the poor. We made mobile data affordable for all, he said. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's votebank. He said: But, as long as Modi is alive, no one will be allowed to put tribal lives at risk. Modi also accused the Opposition parties of trying to rob SC, ST, OBC and tribals of reservations because of the disillusionment these deprived sections feel towards the INDIA bloc. The INDI alliance is trying to divert reservations to Muslims. They are going against the views of Babasaheb Ambedkar and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, neither of whom was in favour of reservations on religious lines, Modi claimed. He also slammed Tejashwi Yadav for bringing up the Hindu Muslim narrative at rallies while talking about the Agnipath scheme and said, When we talk about the martyrdom of Captain Hameed, do we think of him as a Muslim? Without referring to Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav by their names, he said, There is a shehzada in Delhi and one in Patna, both of whom think of the country as their jaagir (fiefdom). He added: Their mindset was exposed when they raised questions about the surgical strikes and spoke ill of the armed forces. A large crowd cheered for the Prime Minister at the Kanpur roadshow in Uttar Pradesh. Mr Modi visited the Gumati Gurdwara before starting his roadshow in support of the BJP's candidates for the Kanpur and Akbarpur Lok Sabha seats.

Loco Pilot Run Over By Rajdhani Express In Jharkhand: Cops

A loco pilot was run over by the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express when he was crossing the railway tracks in Jharkhand's Koderma district on Saturday morning, police said.

IPL, PSL dates may clash next season; players will be forced to make a choice

CHENNAI: The stage is set for an unlikely India-Pakistan clash in the opening months of next year. With next year's Champions Trophy to be staged in Pakistan in February and March, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the country's franchise-based short-form competition, could be moved to a 5-6 window in the months of April and May. This is, of course, when the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played. Due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window, the event window for the 2025 event will be April 7May 20, 2025, a PCB press release proposed on Saturday. The board proposed these dates after consulting with franchise owners. At the back of this meeting, and in relation to the most suitable window for PSL 2025 and beyond, the PCB will share further data with the franchise owners so that they can discuss amongst themselves, PCB COO, Salman Naseer, was quoted as saying in the release. We look forward to working closely with the franchisees to take timely decisions, he added. Usually, the PSL is reserved for FebruaryMarch so players aren't forced to pick between featuring in one of the two leagues. In 2025, that may not be the case as a major chunk of the IPL will be in April and May (it could even be brought forward by a week or so if India qualifies for the WTC final to enable Indian players rest and recover before flying out to the UK). Taking 2024 as a yardstick, some of the players who would have been forced into a decision would have been Luke Wood, Sikandar Raza, Rovman Powell, Rilee Rossouw, Shai Hope and Tom-Kohler Cadmore. One wonders if this would influence the decision of what players the IPL owners may want to target at next year's mega auctions. It also remains to be seen if the Indian government will sign off on the team travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

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Lok Sabha Poll Candidate Arrested From Ranchi Collectorate After Filing Nomination

Devendra Nath Mahato accused the Congress, JMM, and BJP of misusing power to detain him, vowing to win the election despite opposition.

Dhoni is playing my father's role in my cricket life: CSK's Matheesha Pathirana

CHENNAI: Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has termed the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a father figure in his cricketing career, saying the former Chennai Super Kings skipper's advice has given him a lot of confidence. The 21-year-old slinger made his Indian Premier League debut in 2022 and has since become a vital cog in CSK's pace attack, including their title success last season. Speaking on the guidance he received from Dhoni, Pathirana said in CSK's 'Lions up close' show on the franchise's YouTube channel, After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he's (MSD) playing my father's role. He always takes care of me and gives me some advice on what I have to do -- similar to my father's thing when I'm doing in my home. I think that's enough. He's not telling a lot of things when I'm on the field and off the field. He's just telling me small things, but it makes a lot of difference, and it makes a lot of confidence for me. At the moment, he knows how to maintain the players. Off the field, we don't talk much. If I have to ask something from him, definitely, I'd go to him and ask him, he said. The lanky Sri Lankan has had a great IPL 2024 season so far, being the team's second-highest wicket-taker after Mustafizur Rahman (14), grasping 13 wickets in six matches at an economy of 7.68, including a four-wicket haul. As for Dhoni, he has been in good touch with the bat this season, especially as a finisher. While there has been speculation about Dhoni's future for the last three seasons, this year, too, has been no different. Rumours continue to swirl around that it could well be Dhoni's final season in this high-profile Twenty20 league, but the veteran is yet to make a formal announcement. But, inspired by him so much, Patheerana has emotionally requested Dhoni to continue at least for one more season. Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us if I'm here (chuckles), he said. CSK has had an unstable season this term under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. In 10 matches, CSK have lost five and won as many games and are placed fifth on the points table.

PCB Identifies The April 7- May 20 Window For PSL 2025; To Clash With IPLs Next Season

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has identified a window between April 7 to May 20 for hosting the 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It means that the PSL 2025 will clash with the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with this years tournament starting on March 22 and slated to end on May 26. The shift in PSL 2025 dates is caused due to the 2025 Champions Trophy that Pakistan will be hosting in February-March. It comes after the PCB met six franchise owners of the PSL, in the buildup to their General Council meeting, at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday. Due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window, the event window for the 2025 event will be April 7May 20. Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to host matches in Pakistan with each side playing, at least, five matches on home ground. The PCB will continue to explore additional venues. Four playoffs proposed to be staged at a neutral venue, stated the PCB in a release on Saturday. A possible clash between IPL and PSL dates in 2025 will impact the overseas players' participation in both leagues for the very first time. As always, we had a very exciting and interesting brainstorming session with the franchise owners on the window for Pakistan Super League 2025. The passionate franchise owners provided their all-rounded insight and views on the PCB-recommended window and playoff venues for the 2025 event and beyond. At the back of this meeting, and in relation to the most suitable window for PSL 2025 and beyond, the PCB will share further data with the franchise owners so that they can discuss amongst themselves, make a more informed decision and share their ideas and thoughts at the General Council meeting. We look forward to working closely with the franchisees to make timely decisions for the future trajectory of one of Pakistans biggest brands, said Salman Naseer, PCB Chief Operating Officer.

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Celebrated actor Giancarlo Esposito, renowned for his captivating portrayal of villains across various franchises, is poised to leave his mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Esposito, is best known for his iconic portrayal of Gus Fring in Breaking Bad.

Lok Sabha Poll Candidate Arrested From Ranchi After Filing Nomination

Devendra Nath Mahato accused the Congress, JMM, and BJP of misusing power to detain him, vowing to win the election despite opposition.

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RBI's order has had an impact on the franchise and reputation, he said. In particular, the credit card business and Kotak 811 will be the most affected.

Loco Pilot Killed After Being Hit by Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya District

Patna: P ankaj Kumar Singh, a loco pilot, tragically lost his life after being hit by the Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya district. The accident occurred as Singh was crossing the tracks after parking the light engine in the loco buffer of Ghazhandi. The impact of the collision caused his immediate death. The incident took place between Gurpa and Gajandi stations. RPF Inspector Jawaharlal reached the spot upon receiving information and reported the incident to the GRP. The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem examination. The accident occurred around 3:30 in the morning when Pankaj Singh was struck by the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Whether the loco pilot failed to notice the approaching Rajdhani Express or if there were other factors involved remains uncertain and will only be revealed through a police investigation. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Crorepati Candidates Dominate Odisha Lok Sabha Polls: A Detailed Analysis of Wealth Distribution

Farooq Abdullah Alleges Modi Inciting Fear Among Hindus for Political Gain

Farooq Abdullah Alleges Modi Inciting Fear Among Hindus for Political Gain National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to create a fear psychosis among Hindus to stay in power and said he no longer talks about the issues of the common people that propelled him to the top post in 2014. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister asked people to stay away from ''this divide-and-rule politics''. Addressing a rally in the Khanyar area of the city here in support of the NC's Lok Sabha poll candidate Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Abdullah said, ''Modi is trying to create fear among Hindus and to create that fear, he is telling them that your mangalsutras will be taken away and sold to give money to Muslims. Are we such bad people that we will snatch mangalsutras from our mothers and sisters?'' The member of Parliament from Srinagar said the prime minister is telling Hindus that if the INDIA opposition bloc comes to power after the ongoing polls, their savings will be taxed and if they have two houses, one would be taken away and given to Muslims. ''He is creating hatred among Hindus towards Muslims and then he says Muslims produce more children. God gives children. Many (people) do not have (children). What does he know about children when he does not have any? He did not even value his wife, how could he have valued his children,'' Abdullah asked the gathering. He accused the prime minister of trying to ''create hatred'' in the country and said ''we are against it''. ''We pray to god to bring him (Modi) down. He is lying,'' Abdullah said. The veteran leader, who is not contesting the Lok Sabha polls due to his health conditions, said Modi no longer talks about the issues of the common people that propelled him to the prime minister's post in 2014. ''When he came to power in 2014, he used to raise the issue of the price of LPG cylinders. The price of a domestic gas cylinder was Rs 400 at that time. He used to raise the issue of price rise, and unemployment. ''Ten years have gone by and what is the price of a gas cylinder now? It is Rs 1,100. Diesel prices have risen, cooking oil prices have gone up, the prices of vegetables, mutton etc. have increased. He (Modi) installed smart metres that run even when there is no electricity,'' Abdullah said. He asked people to remain cautious and stay away from ''this divide-and-rule'' politics. Later, talking to reporters, Abdullah said the prime minister should answer whether he is the PM of only a few people or the entire country. ''I consider him my prime minister. But his politics of hate needs to be stopped so that India can be saved,'' he said. The NC president said it is ''unfortunate'' that the country's prime minister and home minister were giving statements that are ''creating tension among different communities''. ''We will not need enemies from outside, we will have enemies inside. And when there is tension within the country, how will you fight with China,'' he asked. Abdullah further said that terrorism will not stop unless India and Pakistan become friends. On the BJP's assertion that the situation has changed in Kashmir and political parties were conducting elections rallies freely after the abrogation of Article 370, the NC president said he used to roam the Valley in 1996 as well when terrorism was at its peak. ''When my house was targeted with bombs, I did not stop... When they raised Indian flag at Lal Chowk, they came with a battalion, but I was never afraid,'' he added. On Modi's remark that he did the biggest service by implementing the Constitution of India in Kashmir, the former J-K chief minister asked, ''Were we not Indians enough before the abrogation of Article 370?'' He said the NC and INDIA alliance will not allow the BJP to change the Constitution. ''Our major fight is against that,'' Abdullah added. Referring to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister said all top officials in the Union territory are outsiders. ''Be it SSPs (senior superintendents of police), DCs (deputy commissioners) or any other bureaucrats -- all of them are from outside. We have to fight this. We have to show them (the BJP-led Centre) that we do not accept the decisions of August 5, 2019,'' he said. On August 5, 2019, the Centre abrogated the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that had conferred special rights on Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into Union territories. Abdullah also asked the voters to check the electronic voting machines (EVMs) while exercising their franchise. ''When you vote, make sure you check the EVMs. See if the light turns on, so that your votes are not wasted. Check the VVPATs as well. Government agents will try to bribe you, but you have to remain cautious and honest,'' he said.

IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya Looked Like A Man Under Pressure, Says Graeme Smith

Kolkata Knight Riders: Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith said Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has looked like a man under pressure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after the five-time champions suffered a 24-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday evening. This is also their eighth defeat in 11 matches of this season so far, leaving MI in ninth position and more importantly, their playoffs chances are now hanging by a slim thread. Hardik has really struggled; he's looked like a man under pressure. That's created a little turmoil in the air, who knows how that's affected the people. But even the batting lineup, they look like they're confused. Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir were fighting in the middle order, Dhir was batting at three, and Hardik moving all over the place. They should have had Tilak at 3, Sky at 4, and Hardik batting at 5 throughout the season, with David at 6. Then, figure out your bowling units. All over and all around, they've been a very confused team this season and it's been hugely disappointing from one of the mega franchises of the IPL. A lot of people in the MI fanbase and camp will be very sore after this, said Smith to JioCinema. Apart from a leadership role, Hardik is enduring a horrid time in IPL 2024 with both bat and ball. With the bat, he has amassed only 198 runs, averaging just 19.8, while picking only eight wickets at an economy rate of 11. Shane Watson, the former Australia all-rounder, was left baffled over certain on-field decisions from the MI camp. To keep bowling Naman Dhir when it was so critical (KKR were at 57-5), it was a big mistake from the leadership of the Mumbai Indians, whether it was Hardik Pandya making the decisions or information coming from the sideline. Bumrah had bowled only one over at that stage, so (they needed to) get him in the game again to try and break the partnership of Venkatesh Iyer and Manish Pandey, but they didn't. They just let them cruise and build momentum in the partnership. Before you know it, they hadn't played a shot in anger and that built the partnership to a point where it was too late when he came in. There were a lot of baffling decisions from the Mumbai Indians' leadership, which is going to be hard to explain, he said. Amidst all the gloom for MI, Suryakumar Yadav rose to be the bright light via his 35-ball 56. With Sky at the crease, you always believe you have a chance. He was head and shoulders above every other batter in the MI lineup, nobody looked at all comfortable with the conditions, the pressure, or with their games. Sky came right with excellent stroke play, the usual hitting the ball in awkward areas. He played spin well, he played seam well, front-end or back-foot. While he was there, the whole fanbase of MI thought they had a chance, concluded Smith. Mumbai Indians will next take on fourth-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

Congress Leader Khera Raises Concerns About PM's Sleepless Nights Over LS Polls

Congress Leader Khera Raises Concerns About PM's Sleepless Nights Over LS Polls Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday claimed the 2024 Lok Sabha polls were giving sleepless nights to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a press conference here, Khera said this was because the Union government had nothing worthwhile to show after being in power for 10 years. ''After two phases we can say these elections have taken away Modi's sleep. After two rounds, he is unable to sleep. Earlier, he used to be awake for 18 hours, now he is awake for 23 hours. After the third phase, he will stay awake all 24 hours,'' Khera said in a swipe at the PM's famed workaholism. ''The reason is clear. The Union government has not come out with its performance report card of 10 years. They won't bring it before the country because the government has not done any worthwhile work,'' Khera claimed. On the low turnout in the first two phases, Khera claimed it was the BJP voter who was keeping away ''either due to deep frustration or because of a feeling that BJP will surely get 400 seats''. ''Our voters, the people who want change, are stepping out to exercise their franchise.'' he said. Accusing the BJP-led Union government of not answering questions about the nation, not addressing press conferences, diverting people's attention by raking up controversies and instead taunting the opposition, Khera said ''this disease brought in by the BJP will cost the country dear''. ''Two youngsters are committing suicide every hour in the country. The Centre has tabled this fact in Parliament three months ago. Thirty farmers are committing suicide daily. This is not my figure but that of the government of India. Four rapes are taking place in an hour in the country. Hundred rapes are taking place in a day,'' he pointed out. ''The PM is seeking votes but not coming out with his government's 10-year report card. Ten years ago, people believed your guarantees. Unemployment is at a 45-year high, so suicides are bound to take place,'' he claimed.

Pandya 'Baffling, KKR Had No Right To Win': Ex-IPL Champion Shreds MI

Australia's World Cup-winner allrounder Shane Watson said that the Kolkata-based franchise didn't deserve to win the match as they lost the first five wickets very quickly

Shraddha Kapoor features in MyGlamm Super Makeup Range as Brand Ambassador

(Photo:Instagram) With the aim of empowering women to embrace their diverse identities, MyGlamm launches the Super Range with Actor, Brand Ambassador Shraddha Kapoor with four new makeup products that adapt to every role a woman plays, fueled by the #SuperMakeupForASuperYou movement. Good Glamm Group portfolio brand MyGlamm, India's #1 online D2C makeup brand launches super successful franchise Super Serum Makeup with campaign #SuperMakeupForSuperYou featuring actress, brand ambassador, Shraddha Kapoor in a DVC, introducing four new products. The MyGlamm Super Makeup Range is an innovative collection of makeup products designed to cater to the multi-tasking lifestyle of today's empowered women, with a lineup of versatile beauty essentials that aim to redefine conventional makeup routines and empower users to express their unique identities effortlessly. MyGlamm's latest DVC starring Brand Ambassador, Shraddha Kapoor highlights the Super Serum Makeup franchise with MyGlamm Super Makeup Range to #GlammUpLikeAStar, including the four new products - Super-Kohl Long Stay Kajal, Super-Lash Volumizing Mascara, Super-Duo Lipstick + Liquid Lipstick and Super-4 4-in-1 Liquid Lipstick Stack - groundbreaking products that combine the benefits of serum and makeup in one. With added SPF for protection, this product promises to revolutionize skincare-infused makeup routines in India, with the #SuperMakeupForASuperYou campaign. Commenting on the launch, Shraddha Kapoor, Actress, Brand Ambassador, MyGlamm said, As a woman constantly on the move, I understand the importance of makeup that keeps up with your busy lifestyle. The MyGlamm Super Makeup Range is tailored for women like us, offering versatile products that effortlessly transition from day to night. The #SuperMakeupForASuperYou is a belief that every woman is capable of embracing her inner superhero through the power of self-expression and confidence and I am super thrilled to be part of it. Sukhleen Aneja, CEO of Good Brands Co, expressed her excitement about the launch, stating , We are thrilled to introduce MyGlamm's Super Makeup Range, offering multi-functional makeup solutions for women who are juggling myriad roles within their lives .We aim to deliver versatile, high performance products that resonate with the vibrant lifestyles of contemporary Indian women of today. With the Super Makeup Range, we are redefining makeup by offering innovative multi-tasking solutions that empower women to express themselves effortlessly. The MyGlamm Super Makeup Range is specifically created for the Super-Nari of today, celebrating the multi-tasker extraordinaire who defies conventional norms and takes on various roles with ease. Whether you're a friend, sister, mother, or CEO, the Super Range is tailored to fit seamlessly into your diverse roles and lifestyles. With the #SuperMakeupForASuperYou campaign, MyGlamm aims to break free from pre-defined beauty standards and offer makeup solutions that adapt to the diverse needs of modern women.

'KKR had no right to win...': Ex-Aussie all-rounder

After the clash between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, Australia's World Cup-winner allrounder Shane Watson said that the Kolkata-based franchise didn't deserve to win the match as they lost the first five wickets very quickly.

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PM Modi Vows to Pursue Legal Action Against the Corrupt Within the Next Five Years

PM Modi Vows to Pursue Legal Action Against the Corrupt Within the Next Five Years Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said leaders of the Congress and the opposition INDIA bloc take out rallies in support of the corrupt. ''The former Jharkhand CM is behind bars for corruption; Modi is committed to wipe out the menace. In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action,'' he said at a poll rally in Gumla's Sisai to campaign for BJP candidate Samir Oraon from the Lohardaga Lok Sabha seat. The INDIA bloc leaders, neck-deep in corruption, hold rallies, including in Delhi and Ranchi, voicing support for corrupt people, which reveals their true character, the PM said. Modi also blamed Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. No force on earth can stop free ration delivery to the poor, this is Modi's guarantee, the prime minister asserted. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor get access to the internet, which was meant only for rich people during the Congress rule. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's vote bank.

Not many takers for ECIs initiative on home voting in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) pioneering initiative to facilitate home voting, introduced for the first time, in the parliamentary polls for elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) didn't find many takers in Chhattisgarh. The ECIs plan was intended to make the electoral process all-inclusive and accessible by enabling voting convenient for eligible citizens about 85 years of age and PwDs with 40 percent benchmark disability, giving them an opportunity and a privilege to choose to exercise their right to franchise from home in the new move as part of festival of democracy. Despite the facility of home voting offered by the Commission kept easy, the initiative evidentlycouldn't generate much appeal to persuade or motivatethe eligible voters who were required to complete Form 12D within five days of the election notification and submit it to the returning officer. The PwD voters have to provide a certificate on their baseline disability along with their applications. Elections in Chhattisgarh are in three phasesApril 19, April 26 and May 7. According to the data acquired from the state chief electoral office, in the first phase of the restive Bastar constituency where the elector count of elderly citizens and PwD are 16190, only 254 applications were received and 223 voted sitting at home. The second phase comprising three Lok Sabha seats too didn't evoke a promising response as many were not inspired with the ECs offer. Only 1346 applications were received out of the eligible 67950 voters (16644 were 85+ and 51306 as PwDs) and 1267 of them availed the facility. In the third phase covering 7 constituencies, there are 191196 eligible for home voting out of the 1.39 crore voters. However in this phase the total applications received were 2927 and till 2 May 2687 have voted. Only those voters whose applications were received can only be entitled for home voting facility. The official admitted the response has not been heartening but will surely improve in the coming years. One plausible reason for less applications received could perhaps be that senior citizens or PwDs might like to join as vibrant voter participation, keep the zeal high on polling day to realise it as #DeshkaGarv or f#ChunavkaParv by visiting the polling centres. Still some might be out of their place of living for individual causes or perhaps health reasons, the officer added.

Change Is Inevitable: Ganguly On The Impact Of T20 Games On Cricket

The Bengal Pro T20 League: Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that T20 cricket is an integral part of the sport, poised to propel it forward. Ganguly feels that the shortest form of the game is not going anywhere and will remain a significant aspect of the sport. He also praised the T20 format and explained why it has become so important in cricket.Ganguly made these remarks during the unveiling of the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy here in Kolkata on Friday. The Bengal Pro T20 League trophy was unveiled in the presence of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Snehasish Ganguly, Sourav Ganguly and former Indian women's cricketer Jhulan Goswami. It is a great introduction to the game. Change is inevitable in everything. Many of us who started playing 2-day cricket and 4-day cricket will have to accept that T20 cricket is here to stay and it is something that will take the game forward, Ganguly said during the event. Bengal Pro T20 League is the official franchise-based premier T20 cricket league of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Speaking about the same to the media, Ganguly said, Its (T20 Leagues) happening in every state. We are probably 5-6 years late on this. Any way of playing the sport will always be very helpful. T20 is an important part of cricket these days and this will be a huge opportunity for everyone to perform. The much-awaited inaugural edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League is set to kick off from June 11, 2024, in Kolkata as 8 teams get to ready showcase their talent on the big stage.

England Women's Cricket Coach Jon Lewis Using AI To Pick Team

England Women's cricket coach Jon Lewis revealed Friday he is using artificial intelligence to aid team selection, saying the technology helped his side square last season's Ashes. Lewis first became familiar with the work of London-based PSi when he took charge of the UP Warriorz franchise in India's Women's Premier League. Now the 48-year-old former England paceman uses the company to assist with his decisions about squad composition, team balance and in-game match-ups between players. The system plots projected outcomes depending on the composition of each side. I can send multiple different line-ups to the PSi in London and they run, I think, about 250,000 simulations per team that I send, with all different permutations that could happen through the game, he said. We are able to run simulated teams versus the simulated opposition to give us an idea about how those teams may match up against each other. I came across it during my time at UP Warriorz and it's something I looked at and thought it could add some value to the England Women's cricket team. Lewis said he still favoured a people-first approach but he added: What data can do is give you a really objective view of what could happen and what has happened previously. I think it will help with borderline decisions in terms of selection and match-ups. Lewis, who has spoken to England's rugby union coach Steve Borthwick about his own use of the PSi model, said the system had proved its worth as his side drew last season's multi-format Women's Ashes series against arch-rivals Australia. There was one selection particularly last year, one period of the Ashes that we targeted as a team, said Lewis, speaking at the announcement of England's squad for T20 and ODI series at home to Pakistan later this month. There were a couple of selections where AI really helped because both players I was thinking about picking were both in really good form and were both really selectable and it did help with those selections. We saw a real strength in Australia and we matched up our strength to that. That worked really, really well and it helped us win the T20 series in particular, which got us back in the Ashes. AI is becoming an increasing feature of top-level sport, with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach saying last month it could help identify talented athletes in every corner of the world. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates He said AI could also provide more athletes with access to personalised training methods.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Receives Glowing Early Reviews: 'Summer Blockbuster'

While many critics believe that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes might not be the best in the sci-fi franchise, they, however, agree that the movie is a fantastic continuation of the plot.

Rosamund Pike joins the cast of 'Now You See Me 3'

Actor Rosamund Pike has officially joined the cast of 'Now You See Me 3'. Details of her role in the third installment of the magic-themed franchise have been kept under wraps, but she will have a pivotal role in the film according to a press release. Pike joins the previously announced cast members Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman are all returning for the threequel Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer is set to helm 'Now You See Me 3' with Eric Warren Singer, Seth Graham Smith, and Mike Lesslie penning the script. Plot details for the film are unclear at this point, but the film is set to once again delve into the world of the illusionists. The story will not just follow the Horsemen but also introduce the audience to a new generation of magicians. Backed by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman of Secret Hideout, Meredith Wieck and Chisom Ude will oversee the project for Lionsgate. Pike, best known for her performances in movies such as 'Pride & Prejudice', 'Gone Girl' and 'I Care A Lot', most recently starred in Saltburn, which earned her BAFTA and Golden Globes nominations. She will be next seen in the psychological thriller 'Hallow Road' and in 'Lionsgate' and Guy Ritchies 'In the Grey'. She will also be seen in the third season of her Prime Video series 'The Wheel of Time'.

Palnadu: 1,350 voters to exercise franchise through VfH

GUNTUR : As many as 19,095 employees will administer votes through postal ballot on May 5,6 and 7 in Palnadu district, informed Collector Sivasankar Lotheti. Addressing a press conference, he said that employees who are allotted poll duties are provided with postal ballots to exercise their franchise prior to the polling date on May 13. He also said that the Election Commission of India has introduced Vote from Home (VfH) facility through postal ballots for two categories of voters, individuals aged 85 years and above, apart from persons with disabilities (PwD), with minimum 40 per cent certified differently-abled. Under the provision, two polling officials will visit eligible voters accompanied by a videographer and record the voting process at the voters residences. On May 5, POs, APOs, OPOs and micro observers will administer their votes. In addition to this, home voting will be held on May 8, and 9. A total of 1,350 people, including 714 with age above 85 years and 636 differently-abled can exercise their franchise at their home in the district. As many as 41 special polling teams have been formed including 246 employees and 41 routes have been proposed in seven constituencies. A text message will be sent to the voters a day before the polling on May 7.

Kristen Stewart, Oscar Isaac to star in 'Flesh Of The Gods'

Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac are teaming up to star in a vampire thriller, Flesh Of The Gods. The film is helmed by Panos Cosmatos, who is best known for his 2018 action-horror Mandy. The story revolves around Raoul and Alex, a married couple in the 80s. They live in Los Angeles and every night, they leave their posh apartment and enter a wild, exciting nightlife scene. One night, they meet a mysterious person named Nameless and her group of party-loving friends. Raoul and Alex are drawn into a flashy, strange world full of fun, but also danger and excitement. Oscar Isaac is set to portray Raoul and Kristen Stewart will portray Alex. Adam McKay and Betsy Koch of Hyperobject Industries and Gena Konstantinakos and Isaac for Mad Gene Media are producing the film. The script is penned by Andrew Kevin Walker based on a story by Cosmatos and Walker. The film is to start shooting later this year. Kristen Stewart is best known for her roles in the Twilight franchise, Panic Room, Love Lies Bleeding, Spencer, Crimes of the Future, and Personal Shopper. Isaac Oscar is best known for his roles in A Most Violent Year, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Two Faces of January, and Ex Machina.

'Aranmanai 4' movie review: An in-form Sundar C finds the sweet spot between humour and horror

CHENNAI : Some ideas are par for the course in the Aranmanai franchise, like the nightly ghost routine, the not-so-novel use of heroines, the hit-or-miss comedy... Despite all of this, Aranmanai 4 doesnt succumb to franchise fatigue, mainly due to refreshing plot twists and Sundar Cs mastery of commercial filmmaking. Truth be told, the film doesnt get off to a good start. Advocate Saravanan (Sundar C) fights bad guys who are against a love marriage, with the scene serving as a mere exposition of his love for his sister Selvi (Tamannaah), who, we learn, eloped with her lover (Santhosh Pratap) 10 years ago. Having not heard from her for a very long time, the news of his sister and brother-in-laws sudden deaths shatter Saravanan, who leaves for the village where they reside to learn that their deaths arent as straightforward as being reported by the police. In fact, the veracity of their deaths comes under question. Things get murkier when Saravanan goes out on an investigation. And all of this is what Aranmanai 4 is all about. In a refreshing departure from the franchise, the evil being in Aranmanai 4 has no personal vendetta with the family in question. This wise choice by writers Sundar C, Venkatt Ragavan, and SB Ramadass has rendered the screenplay flexible enough to conjure mystery by showing seemingly unrelated events in random peoples lives that ultimately have a connection. Neither does the connection lack originality nor are we able to guess the eventual reveal. This suspense, a rarity in an Aranmanai film, is sustained gainfully in the first half. Discovering the presence of the evil creature, Baak, and certain qualities ascribed to it in the second half is instrumental in introducing the twists and the eventual challenges in taking it down. All of this adds spice to the second half. Audiences familiar with the Aranmanai franchise will not mind tonal inconsistency, especially when the comedy scenes evoke laughter. This film is an example of how comedy on paper can convincingly get replicated on screen. Just like the film itself, the comedy scenes also begin underwhelmingly but gradually get better. The pre-climax scene, in particular, is a laugh riot. Sundar Cs Saravanan is laudable for taking the back seat for the majority of the runtime. Feeling clueless about what happened to his family and what is going on in the village makes us empathetic towards the character. Morphing into a superhero for the climax fight has long ceased to be an oddity; it is still not readily acceptable given what we have seen of him for over two hours. Also, a relatively less problematic portrayal of the leading ladies makes Aranmanai 4 better than its predecessors. Tamannaahs Selvi is a compelling character, and the actors performance sells the mandatory flashback. To a lesser degree, Raashii Khannas Maya is useful too, and crucially, isnt wasted on a romantic track or relegated to being mere eye candy. The otherworldly elements in this film, no matter how far-fetched they are, still need to come with certain rules within the storys universe. And yet, I found myself wishing that the evil spirit had been written better and not restricted to just being the cause of jump scares. Another letdown is the supposed powers of the good spirit and how the film doesnt really get into it. These are scenes that try to make the most of VFX, which too is just par for the course. Yet, Sundar C keeps things engaging enough with suspense and twists, and add some effective comedy, emotional strength, and measured music by Hip Hop Adhi, and you have got the recipe for an entertaining Aranmanai film. The cameos at the end and the lead to a fifth installment only add to the intrigue, making a strong case for the extension of this franchise. Sundar C clearly has something to fall Baak on. Film: Aranmanai 4 Director: Sundar C Cast: Sundar C, Raashii Khanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, Santhosh Pratap, Yogi Babu, Kovai Sarala Rating: 3/5

RCB hope power-hitter Will Jacks leads from the front against GT

Languishing at the bottom of the points table with three wins from 10 matches, the Bengaluru franchise is clinging to a flimsy thread of hope of making the playoffs. A rain-marred contest against a struggling Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy stadium will wash away even the mathematical chance Faf du Plessis and his men have of advancing in the competition.

Pandya Has Lot Of Questions With MI All But Out Of IPL, Puts Blame On...

Hardik Pandya was handed over the MI captaincy after the franchise removed national captain Rohit Sharma

Logs worth 5L seized in PTR, 4 held

Chatra admin, NTPC hold voters programme

25 senior cops keep hawk eye on campaign

HC allows Hemant to attend shradh of uncle in police custody

BCCL to pay dividend to CIL for the first time

Days after evading arrest, Giridih candidate summoned by poll office

ACs, coolers fly off shelves as mercury soars in Ranchi

Brothers feud steals limelight in Chatra

Borewell operators now need to notify RMC prior to drilling

Thousands wait in blazing sun for PMs roadshow in Ranchi

38 of 45 girls of CMs school of excellence fail in intermediate exam

BJP appeals to migrant voters to come home and vote

Nine candidates take political plunge to bring social change

Paramount will let exclusive talks with Skydance lapse, NYT reports

Paramount will let exclusive talks with Skydance lapse, NYT reports Paramount Global will end its exclusive negotiations with Skydance Media without reaching a deal, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Paramount rose 3% in extended trading. A special committee of the Paramount board, created to evaluate offers for the company, has been holding exclusive deal talks with Skydance Media. That period of exclusivity ends Friday. Skydance Media and a spokesman for the special committee of the Paramount board declined to comment. Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity firm Apollo Global Management on Wednesday submitted a $26 billion offer for Paramount Global but have yet to receive a response as of Friday, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The companies submitted a non-binding offer letter on Wednesday, signed by Sony Pictures Chief Executive Tony Vinciquerra and Apollo partner Aaron Sobel, a source confirmed to Reuters. The $26 billion offer is a combination of cash and assumption of debt. Paramount's special committee is set to meet on Saturday to discuss the deal, NYT reported, citing two people with knowledge of the company's plans. Sony would hold a majority stake in the venture, a source previously told Reuters, and operate Paramount, whose movie library spans Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and The Godfather, alongside TV characters like SpongeBob SquarePants. Apollo would be a minority shareholder. The last-minute expression of interest from Sony and Apollo may well force Paramount's board to evaluate other offers, especially after some shareholders raised concerns about the deal with David Ellison's Skydance and have urged Paramount to consider other offers, including the one from Apollo. Apollo declined comment to Reuters, which reported in April that Sony's SPE and Apollo were in talks about a joint bid. Paramount and Sony also declined comment on the Apollo-Sony offer, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The rival offer comes at a tumultuous time for Paramount. Shari Redstone's media empire replaced CEO Bob Bakish with a trio of executives on Monday, while four independent members of the Paramount board are set to step down at the company's annual shareholder meeting on June 4. Bakish was once viewed as Redstone's loyal lieutenant. However, their relationship began to sour in May 2023, when he urged Redstone to support a cut the company's share dividend, saying it would help lift Paramount's sagging stock -- a prediction that never came true, according to two sources close to Redstone. PARAMOUNT'S STRUGGLES Paramount has been struggling to recover from last year's months-long strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, a soft advertising market and cord-cutting in the United States that has eroded profit for its TV business. Its streaming service also widely trails rivals such as Netflix and Disney+ in subscriber numbers - even though Redstone had hoped the merger of CBS and Viacom in 2019 would help the combined company, later renamed Paramount Global, compete better. Shares of Paramount have fallen more than 65% since then, losing more than $14 billion in market value. At Wednesday's closing price of $12.26, the company was valued at $7.67 billion, according to LSEG data. It has more than $14 billion of debt. The potential acquisition would help SPE grow its share of the North American box office. Sony Pictures earned $1.01 billion in U.S. and Canada box office revenue last year, compared with Paramount's $842.4 million, according to data from Comscore. SPE, a unit of Tokyo-based Sony Group, says its operations span movie and television production, acquisition and distribution, digital content creation and distribution, studio facility operation and the development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. The group has more than 3,500 movie titles and notable franchises such as Jumanji, Resident Evil and James Bond. This is not the first time Sony has pursued Paramount. Vinciquerra had previously approached Paramount's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, to explore acquiring the Paramount Pictures film studio, according to two people familiar with the matter. At the time, Redstone was uninterested in breaking up the company, according to one of the sources. The latest overture would mark the beginning of a process that would involve due diligence. There also are potential regulatory obstacles to Sony Pictures, a division of the Tokyo-based Sony Group, owning Paramount's CBS broadcast network. Sony's U.S.-based partner, Apollo, acquired Cox Media Group's television stations in a 2019 deal that required approval of the Federal Communications Commission.

Daughter of suspected Maoist aide arrested

Will there be more Batman movies? Jonathan Nolan reveals details about franchise's future

Jonathan Nolan has been well acclaimed for co-writing the Batman movie 'The Dark Knight' and with speculations doing rounds about a new film on Batman with a possibility of Winston Duke starring as the Caped Crusader, the writer reveals details about the franchise

How to get bejewelled balloters to the booth

South Bengaluru, south Chennai, south Delhi, south Mumbai, south Kolkata. There is something special about the southern parts of Indian metros that makes the affluent stay there. Quite the contrast from the laggard Global South. The problem with what we might call Indias Urban South is that they dont like lifestyle disruptions like voting at elections. We have seen that this year in the constituencies of Chennai South and Bengaluru South, both of which saw less than 55 percent voters showing up. I am tempted to bet their Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai counterparts may try to match them in low turnouts. Not even the talk of a never-proposed but much-disposed inheritance tax may shake them from their electoral slumber, unless you think out of the ballot box. About 15 years ago, a friend listed in jest 10 reasons why Mumbai Souths elite voters didnt show up to vote in 2009. Two reasons stood out: no valet parking, and they didnt want to stand in the same queue as their household help. Youve got to say bye-bye to voting if you spot your bai out there. In the best tradition of Indian-style innovation, I am thinking of ways to end such apathy. While at that, I am also intrigued by the tendency of Indians in general and the affluent in particular to splurge or lose money through various endeavours while hating the thing called tax. Its not a condition peculiar only to India. The Beatles sang in their 1966 song, Taxman : Now my advice for those who die (taxman) / Declare the pennies on your eyes (taxman) / Cause Im the taxman / Yeah, Im the taxman / And youre working for no one but me (taxman). Even before the Fab Four, Bollywoods Kishore Kumar sang in 1954: Kuchh income tax le jaata hai / Kuchh beewi udaati hai (Some money is taken away by income tax / and some blown up by the wife). Later, in 1970, when tax raids happened on film stars, he sang: Nagad naayan ke sab yaar / In sabke pichhe pad gaya income tax / Are bam-bam naache Kishore Kumaram (Everybody is a friend of the god of bucks / The income tax is after their backs / and Kishore Kumar dances bam-bam). But then, tax and voting are different things for celebrities. These days movie stars vote in style. Queues are bent for them so they can do the celeb act: posing for cameras in designer shades with ink on their forefingers. For all we know, they might be imagining showing a middle finger to politicians, but what we see is what we think we get. But stars and tycoons need to be treated with deference to make them part with cash. The poor can be made to part with cash through offerings made to astrologers and priests in exchange for the fulfilment of their wishes. The middle class can be had with get-rich-quick schemes in everything from unreliable chit-fund schemes to dud shares, and if they are techno-hip, through cyber frauds and crypto scams. The truly rich wont fall for all this. Some of them got rich in the first place by partly or wholly trying some of the tricks mentioned above (occasionally described in boardrooms as strategy). We need to reverse-swing this whole business with some designer jugaad . We need to take a leaf out of their books and charm them into doing unto the taxman what some of them do unto their clients and, sometimes, shareholders or bankers. What I suggest to counter electoral apathy in the Urban South is a Premium Voting Lounge, much like those fancy corners in airports or plush hotels. You have to pay so that you dont have to stand in queues, certainly not with your helps. You have sofas in air-conditioned waiting areas. The electronic voting machines flash a welcome message after a welcome drink. And yes, you can pose for a selfie with your EVM and pay a service charge (GST extra). Valet parking, of course, is included. There you have it. Farmhouse parties in Delhi and bashes in Malabar Hill will never be the same again. Page 3 smiles and Instagram videos will complete the picture. Bejewelled balloters will happily part with a lakh or two if they are told that voting is not an act of duty but a style statement. I can imagine Ms Chopra in South Delhi doing a pre-election photoshoot as well. If she is complimented later about having lost weight, she might even reply: You see, I have been exercising my franchise. Diamond and platinum brands are well advised to sell this idea to the powers that be. Fingers are meant to hold expensive rocks, not just press an EVM button. An election symbol can now be transformed into a status symbol. If the Unique Identification Authority cooperates, designer Aadhaar cards with filter-fixed photos wont be a bad idea either, though immigration officials may object. The wealthy are not fools who part easily with their money. They would rather pay for a holiday home they will never stay in, or do a 50-50 deal with a suitable deity than pay inheritance tax. The government is well advised to hire consultants of the premium variety to do something about this. Smart consultants dont come cheap. (Views are personal) (On X @madversity) Madhavan Narayanan | Senior journalist

Sony, Apollo await response to $26 billion Paramount bid

Sony, Apollo await response to $26 billion Paramount bid Sony Pictures Entertainment and private equity firm Apollo Global Management on Wednesday submitted a $26 billion offer for Paramount Global but have yet to receive a response as of Friday, according to a person familiar with the matter. A special committee of the Paramount board, created to evaluate offers for the company, has been holding exclusive deal talks with Skydance Media. That period of exclusivity ends Friday, and a separate source familiar with the matter said the exclusivity period is unlikely to be extended, opening the doors to other bidders. The companies submitted a non-binding offer letter on Wednesday, signed by Sony Pictures Chief Executive Tony Vinciquerra and Apollo partner Aaron Sobel, a source confirmed to Reuters. The $26 billion offer is a combination of cash and assumption of debt. Sony would hold a majority stake in the venture, a source previously told Reuters, and operate Paramount, whose movie library spans Star Trek, Mission: Impossible and The Godfather, alongside TV characters like SpongeBob SquarePants. Apollo would be a minority shareholder. The last-minute expression of interest from Sony and Apollo may well force Paramount's board to evaluate other offers, especially after some shareholders raised concerns about the deal with David Ellison's Skydance and have urged Paramount to consider other offers, including the one from Apollo. Apollo declined comment to Reuters, which reported in April that Sony's SPE and Apollo were in talks about a joint bid. Paramount and Sony also declined comment on the Apollo-Sony offer, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Skydance and a spokesman for the Paramount special committee also declined comment. The rival offer comes at a tumultuous time for Paramount. Shari Redstone's media empire replaced CEO Bob Bakish with a trio of executives on Monday, while four independent members of the Paramount board are set to step down at the company's annual shareholder meeting on June 4. Bakish was once viewed as Redstone's loyal lieutenant. However, their relationship began to sour in May 2023, when he urged Redstone to support a cut the company's share dividend, saying it would help lift Paramount's sagging stock -- a prediction that never came true, according to two sources close to Redstone. PARAMOUNT'S STRUGGLES Paramount has been struggling to recover from last year's months-long strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, a soft advertising market and cord-cutting in the United States that has eroded profit for its TV business. Its streaming service also widely trails rivals such as Netflix and Disney+ in subscriber numbers - even though Redstone had hoped the merger of CBS and Viacom in 2019 would help the combined company, later renamed Paramount Global, compete better. Shares of Paramount have fallen more than 65% since then, losing more than $14 billion in market value. At Wednesday's closing price of $12.26, the company was valued at $7.67 billion, according to LSEG data. It has more than $14 billion of debt. The potential acquisition would help SPE grow its share of the North American box office. Sony Pictures earned $1.01 billion in U.S. and Canada box office revenue last year, compared with Paramount's $842.4 million, according to data from Comscore. SPE, a unit of Tokyo-based Sony Group, says its operations span movie and television production, acquisition and distribution, digital content creation and distribution, studio facility operation and the development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. The group has more than 3,500 movie titles and notable franchises such as Jumanji, Resident Evil and James Bond. This is not the first time Sony has pursued Paramount. Vinciquerra had previously approached Paramount's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, to explore acquiring the Paramount Pictures film studio, according to two people familiar with the matter. At the time, Redstone was uninterested in breaking up the company, according to one of the sources. The latest overture would mark the beginning of a process that would involve due diligence. There also are potential regulatory obstacles to Sony Pictures, a division of the Tokyo-based Sony Group, owning Paramount's CBS broadcast network. Sony's U.S.-based partner, Apollo, acquired Cox Media Group's television stations in a 2019 deal that required approval of the Federal Communications Commission.

Hardik Pandya Admits Numerous Questions to be Answered But Time Needed

Hardik Pandya Admits Numerous Questions to be Answered But Time Needed All but out of play-off contention after eighth defeat in 11 games, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya seemed as if he was groping in the dark for replies to all the unanswered questions hounding the five-time champions in yet another disastrous IPL season. Pandya was handed over the captaincy after the franchise removed national captain Rohit Sharma, something that the fans didn't really embrace with the colourful Baroda all-rounder being booed every time he entered the pitch. ''There are a lot of questions that will take time to answer. But for now, not much to say. Obviously, we couldn't form partnerships and kept losing wickets. Bowlers did a fantastic job on this track,'' Pandya said after his team failed to score 170, losing to KKR at home for the first time in 12 years. Pandya felt that it was better to bat late evening once dew set in but MI failed to capitalise. ''The wicket got better if I'm not wrong. Dew came in the second innings. Will go through the game and see what we can do better,'' he said. Pandya tried to put up a brave front as he spoke about fighting till the last match. ''You keep fighting, that's what I keep telling myself. It's challenging, but you take the challenges.'' His opposite number Shreyas Iyer was delighted that his team is on the cusp of a play-off berth. ''We are (knocking at the door) at the moment. Lot of thinking would have gone behind that (had we lost today). Just got to know about the stat (of KKR not winning at Wankhede for 12 years)... '' The ''Impact Player'' rule did help KKR as Manish Pandey, who came in at the fall of the fifth wicket, contributed 42 priceless runs. ''This Impact Player rule specifically helped us in this game. Manish has being eyeing an opportunity from the first game. We got to a commendable total. I told the boys that if we have got here, we can defend it,'' Iyer said. He was all praise for the performances from spin twins Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, both of whom returning with identical figures of 2 for 22. ''Spinners were unreal, absolutely spot on in executing their lines and lengths as discussed in team meetings. Kudos to them,'' Iyer said.

DC Report Makes Officials Visit Hilltop Village

Visakhapatnam: Following a report published in Deccan Chronicle on May 1, revenue inspector M. Laxmikant and revenue officer T. Kondababu of Anantagiri mandal walked five kilometres and visited the remote hilltop village of Kalyan Gummi. The officials made detailed inquiries about the villagers demands and took stock of the situation. Kalyan Gummi villagers have to leave their homes two days before the voting day. They take up an arduous journey of 70 kilometres across two districts, including walking through the hills, to reach their polling centre in Cherikibidda of Anantagiri mandal, where they finally exercise their franchise. The villagers' journey to the polling centre is a testament of their determination to cast their vote. The demand of Kalyan Gummi villagers is that the government connect their village with transport facilities.

England Women's cricket coach using AI to pick team

England Women's cricket coach Jon Lewis revealed Friday he is using artificial intelligence to aid team selection, saying the technology helped his side square last season's Ashes. Lewis first became familiar with the work of London-based PSi when he took charge of the UP Warriorz franchise in India's Women's Premier League.

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India

Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days in Eastern and Southern Peninsular India The record-breaking heatwave spell affecting east India and parts of the southern peninsular region continued unabated on Friday, with temperatures settling above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places. Intensely hot conditions prevailed in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Maximum temperatures settled in the range of 43-46 degrees Celsius in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and 40-43 degrees in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Marathwada and north interior Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh sizzled at 46.3 degrees Celsius, the highest maximum temperature in the country on Friday. The mercury settled at 44.6 degrees Celsius in Odisha's Boudh, 45 degrees in Khammam (Telangana), 46.2 degrees in Cuddapah (Andhra Pradesh), 43.4 degrees in Erode (Tamil Nadu), and 44.6 degrees in West Bengal's Kalaikunda. The IMD said the ongoing heatwave spell in east and south peninsular India will continue until May 5-6 and abate thereafter. The Met office on Wednesday said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May and a significantly high number of heatwave days expected over the northern plains, central region and adjoining areas of peninsular India. April witnessed record-smashing maximum temperatures in east, northeast and southern peninsular India, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools. A number of stations recorded their highest-ever April day temperatures. Five active western disturbances led to rainfall, thunderstorms and hail storms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves. IMD data shows that heat waves this April were far worse than in 2023, the warmest year on record so far. This trend is likely to continue in May, with around eight to 11 heatwave days predicted over the south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and the Gujarat regions. The remaining parts of Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, north interior Karnataka and Telangana may record five to seven heatwave days during the month. Normally, the northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heat waves in May. India witnessed two spells of heat waves in April -- from April 5 to 7 and April 15 to 30. The IMD attributed the prolonged heatwave spell over east, northeast and south peninsular India in April to the absence of thunderstorms and an anticyclone at lower levels over the west central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining eastern coasts of India. This caused the sea breeze to cut off over Odisha and West Bengal on most days. The weather office said south peninsular India recorded an average maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in April, the second-highest since 1901. The mean temperature (28.12 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901, it said. The IMD said above-normal maximum temperatures have become frequent over south peninsular India since the 1980s. The region recorded 12.6 mm rainfall in April -- the fifth lowest since 1901 and the second-lowest since 2001. According to IMD data, the number of heatwave days this April was the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heatwave spell (16 days) in April since 2016. Amid the prevailing but weakening El Nino conditions, the IMD had earlier warned of extreme heat during the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Hundreds of thousands of voters had to cope with the searing heat when they stepped out to exercise their franchise in the second phase of the elections on April 26. Polling for 94 constituencies across 12 states will take place on May 7. The weather office had earlier expected four to eight heatwave days in different parts of the country in April against a normal of one to three days. Ten to 20 heatwave days are expected against a normal of four to eight in the entire April-June period.

Windies pacer Joseph gets surprise call-up for T20 WC

Shamar Joseph has only played three T20 matches in franchise-based leagues and has not taken a wicket.

Congress, JMM in race for corruption and loot in Jharkhand: PM Modi

Congress, JMM in race for corruption and loot in Jharkhand: PM Modi Ranchi: Launching yet another blistering attack against the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the Congress and the JMM of openly looting Jharkhands massive resources. Theres a race between the Congress and the JMM in Jharkhand a race for corruption [] The post Congress, JMM in race for corruption and loot in Jharkhand: PM Modi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Sobhita Dhulipala reveals the mantras of her life: Nothing f****** matters

Sobhita Dhulipala is well known for her body of work that is not majorly mainstream yet interesting. With an impressive journey from Raman Raghav 2.0 to Monkey Man, the actress has proved that she is here to rule and carve a niche for herself and her choice of work. When it comes to choices, Sobhita Dhulipala opened up on the three fundamental things that have shaped her life. She said, My life has been the result of choices made from what was available to me, what moved my heart, and the knowledge that nothing f****** matters. Sobhita Dhulipala auditioned for Monkey Man in 2016 and shot in the lockdown for this aspirational project and she has been winning widespread appreciation for her portrayal of a character that is so layered but showcased with so much grace. Sobhita has been part of some of the most well-crafted projects. A simple girl next door in Raman Raghav 2.0 to Tara Khanna in Made in Heaven franchise who is a woman with beauty with the brain. She was also appreciated for her work in veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnams historical epic saga Ponniyin Selvan I and Ponniyin Selvan II, where she also looked regal. Coming back to Monkey Man, the film is the directorial debut for Dev Patel, who also plays the central character in the movie. The film is a bloody revenge saga with loads of action. It has been generating widespread acclaim in the west, where it has already released. Also Read: Exhibitors FUME as prominent critic and scores of influencers watch Monkey Man on pirated copies and spread the word about it: These are PARASITES that need to be amputated

Tarot review disappointment is in the cards with silly supernatural horror

Final Destination inspires yet another throwaway teen schlocker, this time with an increasingly risible astrological bent As many of us impatiently wait for the sixth Final Destination film , slated for release next year over a decade since the fifth, here comes yet another limp attempt to recreate that specific, sadistic form of magic. Some curse, some teens, some shock deaths, a formula thats been trotted out in so-what films like Wish Upon , Countdown and Truth or Dare , shrugs where shocks should be, franchise starters ending after the first round. Which brings us to Tarot, a film wisely kept from critics until the very last second and one that audiences would be smart to keep themselves from too. Its not quite as bad as these things can often be but flashes of competence are not enough to distract from a sense of crushing pointlessness, more watery slop served up lukewarm for undemanding Friday night horror fans, who really ought to be demanding so much more. Continue reading...

Kristen Stewart to co-star with Oscar Isaac in new vampire thriller

Kristen Stewart to co-star with Oscar Isaac in new vampire thriller 'Twilight' sensation Kristen Stewart is set to make her mark in the vampire genre once again, this time in the upcoming thriller 'Flesh of the Gods.' After captivating audiences as Bella Swan in the iconic 'Twilight' Saga over a decade ago, Stewart is ready to sink her teeth into a new blood-curdling adventure alongside acclaimed actor Oscar Isaac, reported E! News. 'Flesh of the Gods,' directed by Panos Cosmatos, transports viewers to the neon-lit streets of 1980s Los Angeles, where married couple Raoul (played by Isaac) and Alex (portrayed by Stewart) encounter a mysterious woman, plunging them into a surreal and nightmarish journey. Director Cosmatos described the film as existing etween fantasy and nightmare, promising a captivating and hypnotic experience that will take audiences on a hot rod joy ride into the glittering heart of hell. The project is backed by a stellar team, with producers Betsy Koch and Adam McKay, the latter known for his work on Oscar-nominated films like 'The Big Short' and 'Vice.' The movie is penned by horror genre veteran Andrew Kevin Walker, whose credits include 'Se7en' and 'Sleepy Hollow.' Stewart, who has always defended her involvement in the 'Twilight' series, expressed her enduring pride in the franchise, acknowledging its flaws while championing its sincerity and impact, reported E! News. Anybody who wants to talk s--t about Twilight, I completely get it, but there's something there that I'm endlessly, and to this day, f--king proud of, she said. (ANI)

Rinku's Rise Continues, Impresses Sourav Ganguly

Rinku's Rise Continues, Impresses Sourav Ganguly Rinku Singh shouldn't be disheartened by his exclusion from India's World T20 squad as it was pure tactical decision by team management to ask for an extra spinner taking pitches in the Caribbean into account, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Friday. Ganguly feels the 26-year-old, who boasts of a 176-plus strike rate in 15 T20Is and plays the role of a finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, may have missed out as India wanted to go with an ''extra spinner'' keeping in mind the spinning tracks in the West Indies. ''It's West Indies. The wickets may be slow and assist spin so they (selectors) wanted to go with another spinner. Maybe because of that Rinku didn't get an opportunity but it's just the beginning for Rinku,'' Ganguly said at the Trophy unveiling ceremony of the Bengal Pro T20 League. India play their group stage matches in the USA, opening their campaign against Ireland on June 5. Super Eight onwards the tournament will be held in the Caribbean countries. Ganguly expected India and Australia to dominate the tournament as they did in the 50-over World Cup last year. ''India and Australia the two best teams of the tournament. I'm sure they will do the same thing in the USA and the West Indies,'' Ganguly said. On the Indian squad, Ganguly said: ''It's a fabulous squad, they are all match winners. All 15 are good enough to be selected, I'm sure Rohit (Sharma) and Rahul (Dravid) will pick the best.'' Meanwhile all the eight franchises and their marquee players in the Bengal Pro T20 League were also announced. The inaugural edition of the league will take place at Eden Gardens and Jadavpur University Salt Lake Campus ground from June 11-28. The Teams Kolkata Royal Tigers (areas: Kolkata & Hooghly) (marquee players: Abhishek Porel and Mita Paul). Harbour Diamonds (North & South 24 Parganas) (Manoj Tiwary and Sukanya Panda). Rashmi Medinipur Wizards (Medinipur and Jhargram) (Abhimanyu Easwaran & Richa Ghosh). Servotec Siliguri Strikers (Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Kalimpong) (Akash Deep and Priyanka Bala). Adamas Howrah Warriors (Howrah, Purulia and Bankura) (Anustup Majumdar and Dhara Gujjar). Malda Sobisco Smashers (Dinajpur and Malda) (Mukesh Kumar & Rishita Basu). Murshidabad King (Murshidabad and Nadia) (Sudeep Gharami and Deepti Sharma).

Pushing the boundaries: England Women using AI to help with team selection

Head coach Jon Lewis credits AI with helping draw Ashes It will help with borderline decisions in terms of selection The England Womens head coach, Jon Lewis, has revealed how he is using AI as a selection tool and credits the technology with helping his side draw last summers Ashes series. Lewis was first exposed to the work of London-based PSi when he took charge of the Womens Premier League franchise UP Warriorz in India and now uses the company to bolster the decisions he makes about squad make-up, team balance and in-game match-ups. Continue reading...

Its about valuing their audience: why Ghostbusters called in a Muslim cultural consultant

The spooky comedy franchise may seem an unlikely place to find an ethnicity and faith adviser, but productions are increasingly aware of a duty to make sure communities are truthfully represented The sensitivity reader is a well-established, if controversial, figure in the publishing world, offering advice on whether a books content might cause offence. The film and TV industry has also been forced to confront similar issues, with intimacy coordinators now widely employed to ensure that filmed sex scenes neither harm the actors nor outrage audiences. Perhaps less well-known, but now gaining ground in film and TV, is the role of a cultural consultant advisers taken on by productions to help them navigate the choppy waters of sensitivities around ethnicity and faith. Sajid Varda, founder and CEO of media charity UK Muslim Film and director of the UKs inaugural Muslim international film festival , recently completed an assignment on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the latest instalment of the popular and long-running series of supernatural comedies. Varda says the key to such roles is authenticity; it is, he says not just saying what is wrong with this, but how can we make it better and improve it? Continue reading...

T20 WC: 'If Pakistan Lose, PCB Will Blame Kirsten... This Is Our Tradition', Says Rashid Laitf

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) this week appointed Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball cricket teams, respectively, each for a two-year term. However, the timing of the appointment ignited debate in the cricket fraternity as the ICC T20 World Cup is just a few days away. Speaking to IANS, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif, too, expressed his concern over the late appointments. Gary Kirsten has been a successful coach for India, and also in franchise cricket. But timing (of his appointment) is wrong, the problem that has always arisen in Pakistan is timing. This is above my head... Next month we are going to the World Cup. On the road to the World Cup, we are playing 7 matches. The time is very short. If they lose, the board will blame Kirsten or Babar Azam. This is our tradition. I will not blame Babar or Kirsten, Rashid said. Pakistan definitely has an advantage that you cannot neglect them in ICC events, you cannot write them off. They appear from nowhere... This has happened on many occasions. Kirsten and Gillespie are both very experienced coaches and have impressive records. But they should have been called earlier. Today, if I know that this is my head coach, this is my captain and this is my selection committee... Momentum is like what happens in Australia, India, England that they know these are our 12-13 certain players and this is my coach. You should have known all this 6-8 months or even a year in advance, he added. On Thursday, PCB announced its 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland (10-14 May) and England (22-30 May). The squad will be reduced to 15 players for next months World Cup 2024 after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22 to meet the ICCs May 24 deadline. The mens national selection committee has recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf, along with all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha, in the 18-player squad. The two cricketers who did not make the cut from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand are wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan. The Babar Azam-led side is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 following a three-day training camp in Lahore from May 4-6.

Diseases: Which diseases are at risk according to age, the doctor explained the importance of full body checkup.

Although the disease can happen to anyone at any time, sometimes the risk of disease remains according to age, says Dr. Vikas Kumar, Neuro and Spine Surgeon of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi. (Dr. Vikas Kumar) told on his X account that we should always do full body checkups so that diseases can be detected at every stage of age and treatment can be possible at the right time. When is testing necessary for which diseases? First stage (20-30 years) At this age, checking blood pressure, height, and weight, an HPV test (Human Papilloma Virus) test is necessary. Certain types of HPV increase the risk of cancer in women. It starts at the age of 20. Second stage (31-40 years) People of this age group should get tests related to BP, diabetes, thyroid, cholesterol, and heart disease because according to WHO, 22% of deaths are due to heart attacks. Factors like blood pressure and cholesterol are responsible for this. Third stage (41-50 years) Checkups related to heart diseases, prostate cancer, skin cancer, eyes, and teeth should be done because the prostate gland starts increasing in men after the age of 40 years. This is called prostatic hyperplasia. Fourth stage (51-65 years) Be sure to get yourself checked for stool tests, mammograms, osteoporosis, and depression because 90% of colon cancer (intestine cancer) cases are found after the age of 50. Bone erosion also starts. Mammogram detects breast cancer in women. Fifth stage (age 65+) At this stage of age, check for eyes, ears, and physical imbalance because immunity decreases rapidly after this age. The ability to see and hear decreases. The balance of the body starts deteriorating. Therefore, get a full body checkup done on the advice of the doctor. (PC: Freepik)

Kenangan Brands launches affordable coffee brand

The Indonesia-based coffee chain said the new business - called Satu Kenangan - will be open to franchising deals.

It's a bit daunting: Jacks on being RCB's next ABD

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Will Jacks opened up on filling the shoes of legendary South African batter AB de Villiers as franchise's premier overseas batter, saying that the task is daunting.

Rosamund Pike set to star in 'Now You See Me 3' with Jesse Eisenberg

Rosamund Pike has joined the cast of Now You See Me 3, adding to the star-studded lineup that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and others. The third installment of the franchise, directed by Ruben Fleischer, will continue the story of the Four Horsemen, known for their magical heists. Pike's inclusion alongside newcomers like Justice Smith brings anticipation for another thrilling chapter in the series.

Jharkhand HC refuses provisional bail to former CM Hemant Soren

RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Friday denied the petition filed by jailed former Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking provisional bail for attending shraddha ritual of his uncle who passed away on last Saturday. The Court, however, allowed Soren to attend the last rites of his uncle for few hours under police custody. Refusing to grant him provisional bail, the court gave strict instructions that while attending the ritual to be held on May 6, Hemant Soren will not talk to the media nor hold any political discussion with anybody. Soren, who is currently lodged in Birsa Munda Central jail after being arrested Enforcement Directorate on January 31, had approached Jharkhand High Court for provisional bail after the Special PMLA Court in Ranchi refused to grant him the same. In his appeal, he had sought provisional bail for three days from the High Court. In the petition, he had requested the court to allow him to attend the Shraddha of his uncle. Notably, elder brother of JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, Rajaram Soren, passed away following prolonged illness early in the morning on April 28. Earlier on Friday, the Jharkhand HC also dismissed Hemant Sorens petition challenging his arrest by the ED in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. Hemant Soren will come back stronger; Jharkhand will not bow down: Kalpana hits out at BJP

'Now You See Me 3' adds Rosamund Pike to cast

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Rosamund Pike has joined the cast for the third instalment in the Now You See Me franchise. According to entertainment website Variety, the Saltburn star is among a number of newcomers to the series, following Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa and Ariana Greenblatt. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman are all returning for the threequel, which will be directed by Ruben Fleischer of Venom fame. The franchise, which followed the Four Horsemen, a group of magicians known for their heist skills, started with the 2013 film Now You See Me, directed by Louis Leterrier. A sequel, directed by Jon M Chu, was released in 2016. Fleischer will direct the movie from a script by Eric Warren Singer, Seth Grahame-Smith and Mike Lesslie. Pike, best known for her performances in movies such as Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl and I Care A Lot, most recently starred in Saltburn, which earned her BAFTA and Golden Globes nominations. She will be next seen in psychological thriller Hallow Road as well as the third season of her Prime Video series The Wheel of Time.

11-year-old student dies during physical activity at school in Jharkhand

An 11-year-old student of a residential school in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district died allegedly during physical activity on the school ground. The incident has prompted an investigation by the authorities.

This actor, star filmmaker's son failed in Bollywood, gave no solo hits in 23 years, quit acting, is single at 51, now..

Despite being a part of the eighth highest-grossing film franchises in Indian Cinema, Uday Chopra didn't gave any solo hits in 23 years of career.

Watch: Dhoni signs jersey, writes message for 103-year-old CSK fan

The 103-year-old CSK superfan S Ramdas received an autographed jersey from MS Dhoni and the moment was captured in a video that the Chennai franchise shared on social media. Ramdas, a former British Military servant, gained recognition after a video that showed him expressing his love for cricket and enjoying watching T20 matches.