FOCUS-Adidas plots to swerve Samba slump

FOCUS-Adidas plots to swerve Samba slump As Adidas aims to build on hot demand for its three-striped white and black Samba and multi-coloured Gazelle sneakers, it's also taking steps to prevent the shoes from becoming victims of their own success. The German sportswear giant ramped up production of the sneakers, known as errace shoes and inspired by soccer fans' footwear in the 1970s and 80s. Sales subsequently jumped from a couple of hundred thousand pairs a month at the start of last year to millions of pairs a month, according to CEO Bjorn Gulden, with Adidas now looking to further increase their popularity. The company said terrace shoe sales helped drive its strong performance in the first quarter, without giving detailed figures for the Samba, Gazelle and Spezial. The shoes are priced at around $90 and up, with limited edition collaborations costing up to $350. Investors and analysts are watching closely for signs of Adidas becoming overly reliant on the shoes, with the abrupt ending of the highly profitable Yeezy business still fresh in their memories. Adidas made a loss last year for the first time in 30 years after its break-up with U.S. rapper and producer Kanye West brought that trendy sneaker line to an end. The Adidas Samba won Footwear News' 2023 Shoe of the Year award, the first win for the brand since the Yeezy Boost 350 in 2015. Bernstein analyst Aneesha Sherman estimates the terrace shoes will drive 1.5 billion euros ($1.61 billion) of sales this year, around 7% of Adidas' overall revenue and close to the 1.7 billion euros Yeezy brought in at its peak. She predicts terrace shoe sales will likely peak in all regions this year. Obviously and clearly, this trend will not last forever, said Thomas Joekel, portfolio manager at Frankfurt-based asset manager Union Investment, which holds Adidas shares. At the end of the day, the consumer decides, and companies like Nike or Adidas have to be agile to jump on these trends. When British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was seen sporting Sambas in a clip posted on Instagram earlier this month, some Britons felt he had dealt a blow to the shoe's street cred. Sunak later jokingly apologised to he Samba community, but CEO Gulden said Sunak's penchant for the shoe had had no impact on sales. LIMITED EDITIONS Broader trend cycles can be bruising for the big sportswear makers. In 2018, Adidas sales in Europe, its biggest market, fell when its minimalist white Stan Smith shoes started to go out of fashion. And Nike is currently scaling back supply of its classic Air Jordan 1 shoes due to weaker demand. So Adidas is trying to spread its bets. Its chunkier, skater-style Campus shoes are becoming more popular and out-selling the Samba in some markets, Gulden said. Adidas also plans to ramp up marketing of its classic Superstar shoe to drive a renewed trend for it next year. It recently launched a $200 version of the shoe with designer Edison Chen, featuring a rippled sole. Gulden said Adidas has been working to clear the market of seasonal colours of the Superstar, focusing only on the classic black and white, so as to make sure the market is fresh for new launches later this year and next. We will maintain the current franchises, and then time the activation of Superstar as we and the retailers need it, Gulden said. We will not push it globally in huge volumes. We will hold it back and let the consumer decide when he or she wants the Superstar. Bringing out more expensive limited-edition versions in collaboration with designers, like the $350 Y-3 Gazelle with Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto, is one way to keep a product in fashion. What Adidas and Nike are doing with some of their product is trying to follow the luxury playbook premiumisation, exclusivity, restricting supply, making it all more desirable so you can have bigger margins and create a halo effect for the brand, said Matt Clark, retail expert at consultancy AlixPartners in London. For retailer JD Sports, new variations on the Samba shoe in different colours and materials are helping maintain shoppers' engagement, CEO Regis Schultz said in its recent results. Retailer Foot Locker also flagged strong demand for Adidas terrace styles. Gulden is very much aware of the fact that you should not overstretch what you are doing to keep the model to keep the brand and the model hot, said Cedric Lecasble, analyst at Stifel. If they distributed tens of millions of Samba in the same year, they would sell them probably, but they would probably also put an end to the Samba dynamic, he said. ($1 = 0.9338 euros)

'Karate Kid' franchise to continue with next film under production. Know about its release date, star cast and more

The Karate Kid franchise began in 1984 with the release of 'The Karate Kid'. Buoyed by its success, its three sequels were produced- 'The Karate Kid Part II' (1986), 'The Karate Kid Part III' (1989), and 'The Next Karate Kid'(1994).

With Dhami in toe, BJP nominee Sanjay Seth files nomination for Ranchi LS seat

RANCHI: Sanjay Seth, the BJP candidate for the Ranchi Lok Sabha constituency, on Thursday filed his nomination in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Accompanied by CM Dhami, leader of opposition in Jharkhand Assembly Amar Kumar Bauri, AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto, JD(U)s Kheeru Mahto and other BJP leaders, Seth expressed confidence for his victory from Ranchi. Before filing of the papers, a grand poll meeting was organised in Morabadi ground in Ranchi where thousands of supporters from different assembly constituencies were also present. Expressing hope that the NDA will win all 14 seats in Jharkhand, CM Dhami said the entire nation is eager to see Narendra Modi become Prime Minister for the third time. The overwhelming support is evident in Jharkhand and people are enthusiastic. The NDA is poised to claim victory in all 14 seats in Jharkhand. Sanjay Seths campaign will set new records, securing Ranchis support to represent them in Parliament, he added. CM Dhami also underscored the Centres efforts towards societal uplift, particularly in integrating tribal communities into the mainstream. He expressed confidence in the people of Jharkhand contributing significantly to achieving the Abki Baar 400 Paar resolution. Polling for Ranchi is scheduled for May 25, part of the multi-phase elections in Jharkhand.

Devon Thomas Banned For 5 Years By ICC Under Anti-Corruption Code

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year period of ineligibility from all cricket on West Indies player Devon Thomas after he accepted breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The ICC announced the period of ineligibility in its capacity as the Designated Anti-Corruption Official under the relevant codes, ruling that the last 18 months of the period of ineligibility would be suspended. Mr. Thomas, who chose to admit the charges and agreed to a sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing, admitted to being in breach of the following provisions of the SLC, ECB and CPL Codes: Article 2.1.1 of the SLC Code - contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the SLC Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code - failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation by failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official. Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct. Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021. Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager Integrity Unit, said: Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He therefore knew what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues. This ban is apt and should send a strong message to players and corrupters that attempts to corrupt our sport will be dealt with firmly. The anti-corruption decision (which has been redacted to protect the identities of the ICCs witnesses and other third parties) is available here. Also Read: Join Our WhatsApp Channel For IPL 2024 Updates The period of ineligibility is backdated to 23 May 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended.

Fizz on the Street: Coke bottler looks to uncork IPO plans

Coca-Cola's bottling operations in India are handled by HCCB and half a dozen franchisees that manufacture and distribute fizzy drinks Coke, Thums Up and Sprite, juices Minute Maid and Maaza, and Kinley water. Bottling is split evenly between HCCB and the franchisees.

Salima takes baton from Savita as India captain

3 from Ranchi held with arms in Ramgarh ahead of polls

Couple, 2 kids killed as car hits two-wheeler

Hemants sister aims to turn the tables in Odishas ST seat

Cong can take away ST/SC tag and give it to Muslims

Sanjay Seth files papers for Ranchi seat

Assailants open fire in Bagbera, 3 hurt

14 teams facilitate home voting in Palamu

Political future of Gandhi & grand alliance is at risk: UP deputy CM

Will give RMC the NOC for drain construction soon: NHAI to HC

Wanted candidate gives cops the slip after meeting

Soccer-El Kaabi hat-trick hands Olympiakos upset away win at Aston Villa

Soccer-El Kaabi hat-trick hands Olympiakos upset away win at Aston Villa Ayoub El Kaabi netted a hat-trick as Olympiakos stunned Aston Villa with a 4-2 away win in their Europa Conference League semi-final first leg on Thursday to give themselves a strong chance of becoming only the second Greek side to compete in a European club competition final. Olympiakos went 2-0 up inside the opening half hour and although Villa pulled level through Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby, the Greek side scored two more goals in the second half to secure a handy advantage ahead of next Thursday's return leg. Mbala Nzola netted a stoppage time winner for Fiorentina to beat Belgium's Club Brugge 3-2 in the other semi-final, first leg clash. Riccardo Sottil and Andrea Belotti scored for the Italians but a Hans Vanaken penalty and a second half equaliser from Thiago made it 2-2 with Brugge looking to hold on for the draw after Raphael Onyedika was sent off in the 61st minute. But substitute Nzola cut away a rebound to hand Fiorentina victory. El Kaabi's 16th minute left footed effort from close range was initially disallowed for offside but then awarded after a VAR check showed Matty Cash played him on. The Moroccan international then further silenced Villa Park with an expertly-timed run onto Daniel Podence's chipped pass to extend the lead in the 29th minute, beating the offside trap again and having time for a couple of touches before tucking the ball away. Villa pulled one back in stoppage time at the end of the first half as Cash's surging run down the right found Diaby, who in turn picked out Watkins' run from deep. The start of the second half was delayed for a medical emergency in the crowd but seven minutes after the restart Diaby brought the hosts level, netting from a tight angle at the near post after Bailey's pass put him in on goal. Parity, however, lasted only four minutes when Douglas Luiz gave away a penalty for handball as a header from Panagiotis Retsos hit him on his outstretched elbow. El Kaabi sent Robin Olsen the wrong way to complete his hat-trick. Santiago Hezze's deflected shot in the 67th minute made it 4-2 and Villa's misery was complete when Douglas Luiz missed his 84th minute penalty. Olympiakos' Athens rivals Panathinaikos are the only Greek side to reach a continental club final, beaten 2-0 by Ajax Amsterdam at Wembley in the 1971 European Cup final. Sottil's powerful strike had Fiorentina ahead after five minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi but the Belgians equalised from a 17th minute penalty from skipper Hans Vanaken after a VAR check for a handball went the way of the visitors. Fiorentina went back ahead eight minutes before the break through Belotti but Thiago's surging run made it 2-2 in the 63rd minute, some 120 seconds after Onyedika was dismissed for a second caution. Nzola's late winner gives the Serie A outfit the lead for the return leg of their tie, to be held next Wednesday to avoid a clash with the Belgian Cup final on May 9.

J&K witnessing peaceful polls, massive turnout of voters: CEO Pole

Urges people to exercise franchise on May 13, 20 & 25 to ensure thriving democracy Says Political parties reaching out to nook & corner of Kashmir to present their viewpoints

Hemant Sorens financial assets grew 200% in 5 years

Ex-CM Hemant Soren and Kalpana Murmu Soren's financial assets surged 200% to Rs 24.4 crore by 2024. Kalpana's income was higher due to managing the family business, while Hemant's remained below Rs 1 crore despite asset growth.

Sorens financial assets grew 200% in 5 years

Ex-CM Hemant Soren and Kalpana Murmu Soren's financial assets surged 200% to Rs 24.4 crore by 2024. Kalpana's income was higher due to managing the family business, while Hemant's remained below Rs 1 crore despite asset growth.

Bank robbery in broad daylight in Manipur, Rs 20 lakh looted from SBI branch India Today

Bank robbery in broad daylight in Manipur, Rs 20 lakh looted from SBI branchIndia Today

UK's Boris Johnson, who introduced voter ID rule, forgets his while voting

UK's Boris Johnson, who introduced voter ID rule, forgets his while voting Former British prime minister Boris Johnson, who introduced a contentious requirement for voters to show photo ID while voting, was turned away from a polling station on Friday for forgetting to bring his. British media reported that Johnson, who quit in 2022 following a scandal-ridden premiership, was initially turned away at a polling station in Oxfordshire, southern England, while trying to vote in local elections taking place across England on Friday. A spokesman said Johnson had voted Conservative but did not deny that the ex-PM had initially failed to produce photo ID. As prime minister, Johnson's government introduced the ID requirement in 2022 to crack down on possible voter fraud but it was heavily criticised for the potential to disenfranchise parts of the electorate. Previously, voters only needed to give their name and address to be able to vote. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask first-time voters to produce some evidence of identity, Johnson had said of the new rules in 2021. Last year, in the first vote where the new rules were implemented, around 14,000 people in England were denied a vote in local elections after being unable to provide ID. The incident is the latest in what has been a colourful political career for Johnson. As London mayor he was once left dangling in the air when he got stranded on a zip wire, and as prime minister he was once pictured appearing to retreat into a large refrigerator while being pursued by a camera crew for an interview. A poll by YouGov showed 14% of Britons were still unaware, in the days prior to Friday's elections, of the voter ID requirement.

Queen Charlotte: Will there be a season 2? Shonda Rhimes reveals details

Since entering the Bridgerton universe in 2020, Rhimes has guided the franchise's growth, which already has two seasons on Netflix, with a third installment on the horizon along with a prequel of Queen Charlotte.

Soaring temperatures scorch Eastern and Southern India: Nandyal records sweltering 46.2 degrees Celsius

Soaring temperatures scorch Eastern and Southern India: Nandyal records sweltering 46.2 degrees Celsius Intense heat swept through east India and parts of the southern peninsular region on Thursday, testing power grids and prompting the Kerala government to order closure of educational institutions till May 6. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heat wave to severe heat wave conditions scorched parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. At least 17 places in these states recorded temperatures above the 44-degree Celsius mark. The mercury settled at 46.2 degrees Celsius at Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh, 45.3 degrees at Palwancha in Telangana, 44.3 degrees at Karur Paramathi in Tamil Nadu, 45 degrees at Bolangir in Odisha, and 44.3 degrees at Kalaikunda in West Bengal. As Kerala continued to reel under punishing heat, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the closure of educational institutions in the state until May 6. The IMD said the ongoing heat wave spell in east and south peninsular India will continue till May 3 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 heat wave days expected over the northern plains, central region, and adjoining areas of peninsular India. April saw 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 temperature. Five active Western Disturbances led to rain, thunderstorm, and hail storms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves. IMD data shows that heat waves in April this year 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 heat wave days predicted over south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and 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 heat wave days in the month. Normally, the northern plains, central India, and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heat waves in May. India saw two spells of heat waves in April from April 5 to 7 and April 15 to 30. The IMD attributes the prolonged heat wave 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, which was 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 1980s. The region recorded 12.6 mm of rainfall in April, which was the fifth lowest since 1901 and the second lowest since 2001. According to IMD data, the number of heat wave days this April was the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heat wave 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 Lok Sabha 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 heat wave days in different parts of the country in April against a normal of one to three days. Ten to 20 heat wave days are expected against a normal of four to eight in the entire April-June period.

T20 WC: Virat's Strike-rate Is Not A Concern For Agarkar, Defends Making Rohit Captain

Indian Premier League: There may be a lot of concern being expressed over Virat Kohli's low strike rate in the Indian Premier League, but that was not the issue for the national selection committee as it picked the former India captain for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be played in the United States and the West Indies from June 1. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli has scored 500 runs in 10 matches so far in the IPL 2024 at an outstanding average of 71.43, hitting a century and four fifties. However, he has a strike rate of 147-49, which has at times gone down a notch or two, which many people feel has slowed down RCB, thus resulting in the former skipper facing criticism. Kohli has maintained that he has been essaying the role assigned to him by the team management, which is to hold the innings together. Though Kohli has led the batting charts, RCB are languishing at the bottom of the points table with just six points from 10 matches. On Thursday, the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkar said Virat's strike rate was not a part of the discussion. I don't think we have been discussing it yet, no. Look, he's been in great form, fortunately in the IPL, so no concerns there at all with regards to how it's going in the IPL. You're still going to a World Cup, it's still international cricket. There is still that gap there, so you've got to prepare knowing that there is that gap there. That's where experience does matter a lot. So, no, I mean, if the tournament turns out to be like how the IPL is, I think we've still got enough in the team - the balance or the power - that you can match that. So no, there's no real point in overthinking. You look to try and take the positives that are happening in the IPL, form of some of the guys, some of the newer guys coming through those things. But at the end of the day, when you turn up for a World Cup game, the pressures are a little bit different, said Agarkar. The selection committee chairman also defended picking Rohit Sharma as captain despite him now leading his franchise. Generally, as selectors, you want a leader. Rohit has been a terrific leader. There have been six months between the 50-overs World Cup and this one. I know Hardik had been leading in a few series before that. Rohits form in the World Cup...Rohits a great player. It's not as if its forced on us. (There was) A little bit of a challenge. You try and plan before the IPL starts. We had a fair idea of what we were looking for. In IPL, you keep track oft he fitness levels of players. But if you start getting swayed by 3-4 weeks of cricket, there is something wrong with your thinking. All performances are noticed but it will help us in future anyway, he added. The former India pacer, who was part of the squad that won the 2007 T20 World Cup under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also defended their decision to omit K.L Rahul despite his stellar performance in the ongoing IPL 2024. The main question the committee faced was related to the non-selection of K.L Rahul, the Lucknow Super Giants captain who is currently among the top five scorers in IPL 2024 with 406 runs to his name. Rahul is quite experienced and has been a consistent performer in the format as LSG captain and has been part of the Indian T20 teams earlier too. Though Rishabh Pant was considered a sure-shot selection after he made an impressive return from a 15-month injury break at the IPL, Rahul was in contention for the second spot. The selectors, however, opted for Kerala batter Sanju Samson as the second option ahead of Rahul. KL is a terrific player. We were looking at someone who bats in the middle. At the moment, he is batting at the top. Sanju, we like to believe he has the ability to come down the order if need be. Rishabh (Pant) is batting down the order for Delhi Capitals. It's about the slots we need. We felt these two are better and have spent more time down the order which might be needed at the World Cup, said Agarkar.

Exclusion of Rinku Singh proved toughest, he has done nothing wrong: Agarkar

Exclusion of Rinku Singh proved toughest, he has done nothing wrong: Agarkar Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar on Thursday described the omission of Rinku Singh from India's T20 World Cup squad as the ''toughest'' call, saying the in-from swashbuckler has ''done nothing wrong'' and it all came down to combinations. Rinku, Kolkata Knight Riders' big-hitting finisher from Aligarh, could not find a place in the 15-member squad as the think-tank preferred Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube over him. The exclusion of Rinku, who has scored 356 runs at an average of 89 and strike rate of 176.24 in T20Is for India, became a major talking point since the Indian team's announcement two days ago and has caused a massive furore on social media. ''It (not picking Rinku) is probably the toughest thing we have had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong, not even Shubman Gill for that matter. It is not his fault that he missed out. It's about combinations,'' Agarkar said during a press conference here. ''A couple of wrist spinners were included to give Rohit (Sharma) more options. There are two keepers, we needed an extra bowler. It's just unfortunate. He's in the reserves, so that tells you how close he came into being in the 15. But at the end of the day, you can only pick 15 players in the squad,'' Agarkar added. Rinku, who is not having a great IPL season as he is not getting to face enough balls, though made it to the list of reserves. Rinku had been fast-tracked into the Indian T20I team after a fantastic run in the IPL last year but this season, he has managed just 123 runs in nine matches with a strike rate of 150.00, whereas Gill, captaining Gujarat Titans this time, has aggregated 320 runs from 10 matches at a strike rate of 140.97. The left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal has been preferred over Gill. Meanwhile Abhishek Nayar, the head of KKR Academy and assistant coach of the franchise, did not feel Rinku was out of form and whatever runs he has scored this IPL season for KKR have been crucial for the team. Nayar played a key role in shaping Rinku's career, especially when the batter was suffering from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament injury), and the former Mumbai cricketer also worked on his hitting skills. ''I would not agree (that it is about) IPL form. I think he has not played enough balls barring one-odd game wherein he has not got runs. He has got runs in every game which have been critical runs for us. The form has never been in question,'' Nayar backed his ward. ''When you look at any cricketer in world cricket or even in T20 cricket, sometimes the role you play doesn't justify what numbers you have at the end of the day. ''Just in terms of the role he plays for us and for any team, which is a finisher's role, you tend to play 8-10 balls and you look at how well he does in 8-10 balls and not how many runs he scored.'' Over the last few years, Nayar has established himself as a prominent coach in domestic and franchise cricket. ''If you go back and look at his stats and his strike rate in comparison to the balls he has played, I think you will get your answer right there. It's not a form problem at all,'' Nayar said of Rinku. Later on, after his press conference, India captain Rohit joined the Mumbai Indians squad for their pre-match training ahead of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Rohit was involved in a group discussion which included Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat and even Gautam Gambhir when he spotted Rinku coming towards him. Rohit moved away from the group and spoke with Rinku for a while.

Thor 5 release date: Chris Hemsworth drops big hint about Marvel movie

Marvel fans are eagerly waiting for Thor 5 and lead actor of the franchise Chris Hemsworth has give positive feeling about the movie's release.

WI Batter Devon Thomas Banned By ICC For Five Years Under Anti-Corruption Code

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday banned West Indies mens batter Devon Thomas from all forms of cricket for five years. The move comes after Thomas accepted breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Earlier, in May last year, ICC had provisionally suspended Thomas for corruption through seven charges under its anti-corruption code, including contriving to fix matches. The ICC also said the last 18 months of the period of ineligibility for Thomas would be suspended. The period of ineligibility for Thomas is backdated to May 23, 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended. Thomas, 34, played for West Indies in 21 ODIs and 12 T20Is from 2009 to 2022, apart from making a lone Test appearance in Australia in December 2022. Having played both international and professional domestic/franchise cricket, Devon attended numerous anti-corruption education sessions. He therefore knew what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes but failed to meet these obligations across three different franchise leagues. This ban is apt and should send a strong message to players and corrupters that attempts to corrupt our sport will be dealt with firmly. As per the ICC, Thomas, who chose to admit the charges and agreed to a sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing, admitted to being in breach of the following provisions of the SLC, ECB and CPL Codes: Article 2.1.1 of the SLC Code - contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the SLC Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in the Lanka Premier League 2021. Article 2.4.6 of the SLC Code - failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation by failing to provide accurately and completely any information and/or documentation requested by the Designated Anti-Corruption Official. Article 2.4.7 of the SLC Code obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Officials investigation into Corrupt Conduct, including (without limitation) concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of Corrupt Conduct. Article 2.4.4 of the ECB Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct at the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. Article 2.4.4 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, without unnecessary delay, full details of an approach or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct in relation to the CPL 2021. Article 2.4.2 of the CPL Code failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of cricket into disrepute.

Deepak Chahar Doesn't Look Good: Stephen Fleming On His Possible Injury

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that seamer Deepak Chahar's latest injury doesn't look good but he is hoping for a positive report from the franchise's medical team.

Exclusion of Rinku was toughest call, he has done nothing wrong: Agarkar

MUMBAI: Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar on Thursday described the omission of Rinku Singh from India's T20 World Cup squad as the oughest call, saying the in-from swashbuckler has done nothing wrong and it all came down to combinations. Rinku, Kolkata Knight Riders' big-hitting finisher from Aligarh, could not find a place in the 15-member squad as the think-tank preferred Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube over him. The exclusion of Rinku, who has scored 356 runs at an average of 89 and strike rate of 176.24 in T20Is for India, became a major talking point since the Indian team's announcement two days ago and has caused a massive furore on social media. It (not picking Rinku) is probably the toughest thing we have had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong, not even Shubman Gill for that matter. It is not his fault that he missed out. It's about combinations, Agarkar said during a press conference here. A couple of wrist spinners were included to give Rohit (Sharma) more options. There are two keepers, we needed an extra bowler. It's just unfortunate. He's in the reserves, so that tells you how close he came into being in the 15. But at the end of the day, you can only pick 15 players in the squad, Agarkar added. Rinku, who is not having a great IPL season as he is not getting to face enough balls, though made it to the list of reserves. Who is going to be Indias designated finisher in WC? Rinku had been fast-tracked into the Indian T20I team after a fantastic run in the IPL last year but this season, he has managed just 123 runs in nine matches with a strike rate of 150.00. Whereas Gill, captaining Gujarat Titans this time, has aggregated 320 runs from 10 matches at a strike rate of 140.97. The left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal has been preferred over Gill. Later on, after his press conference, Rohit joined the Mumbai Indians squad for their pre-match training ahead of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Rohit was involved in a group discussion which included Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer and KS Bharat and even Gautam Gambhir when he spotted Rinku coming towards him. Rohit moved away from the group and spoke with Rinku for a while. Meanwhile Abhishek Nayar, the head of KKR Academy and assistant coach of the franchise, did not feel Rinku was out of form and whatever runs he has scored this IPL season for KKR have been crucial for the team. T20 World Cup: Selectors keep faith in old in youngest format

Sabre Hospitality renews Wyndham following accelerated migration

Sabre Hospitality, a division of Sabre Corporationannounced a multi-year renewal with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, following the hotel franchisors highly successful adoption of SynXis Property Hub, Sabre Hospitalitys property management system (PMS). With seamless integration to SynXis Central Reservation System as a single source of truth, SynXis Property Hub increases operational efficiency by reducing the... The post Sabre Hospitality renews Wyndham following accelerated migration first appeared on Hospitality Biz India: Latest News & Analysis . The post Sabre Hospitality renews Wyndham following accelerated migration appeared first on Hospitality Biz India: Latest News & Analysis .

Baahubali Universe expands with animated prequel, WATCH the trailer

In a thrilling announcement, Disney+ Hotstar unveiled its latest venture, Baahubali: Crown of Blood, an animated prequel to the beloved Baahubali film franchise.

Sweat review chilling vision of a divided, alienated America

Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester This timely return of Lynn Nottages 2015 play that anticipated Trumps presidency has powerful performances despite never finding the right rhythm Although principally set in 2000, Lynn Nottages Pulitzer-winning 2015 play anticipated Donald Trumps presidency with its portrayal of a divided, frustrated and disfranchised community in the deindustrialising city of Reading, Pennsylvania. With Trump campaigning for a second term, the Royal Exchanges revival is timely. Jade Lewiss production ultimately presents a chilling vision of how job insecurity can destroy ones sense of self and lead to the poisonous othering stoked by Trump. The stage design by Good Teeth studio has huge slabs suspended from the rafters, powerfully suggesting an industrial landscape hoisted away overnight. This in effect is what happens to the plays steelworkers who, amid a dispute with management over pay cuts, are locked out of their plant, with their machines and jobs destined for Mexico as a result of the contentious North American Free Trade Agreement whose renegotiation was a Trump campaign pledge. At the Royal Exchange, Manchester , until 25 May Continue reading...

BJP candidate Sanjay Seth files nomination from Ranchi Lok Sabha seat

The News Mill

Animated Series 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' to Release on Disney+ Hotstar on This Date

Mumbai: Animated series Baahubali: Crown of Blood, a prequel to S S Rajamouli's two blockbuster Baahubali movies, is set to release on Disney+Hotstar on May 17, the streamer announced on Thursday. Created by Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan of The Legend of Hanuman fame, the show promises to take the audiences into an animated world of Baahubali to experience an untold story of epic adventure, brotherhood, betrayal, conflict and heroism, a press release said. Rajamouli started the franchise with 2015's Baahubali: The Beginning, which starred Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Sathyaraj and Tamannaah Bhatia and released in 2015. The movie broke many records with its box office collection, emerging as the first South Indian film to gross over Rs 650 crore worldwide. It was followed by the second part, titled Baahubali: The Conclusion and released in 2017. Baahubali: Crown of Blood will follow a story where Baahubali and Bhallaladeva will join hands to protect the great kingdom of Mahishmati and the throne against its greatest threat, the mysterious warlord known only as Raktadeva, according to the official plotline. A Graphic India and Arka Mediaworks production, the animated show is produced by Rajamouli, Devarajan and Shobu Yarlagadda. It is directed by Jeevan J Kang and Navin John. Rajamouli said he is extremely happy to bring the story in animated format. The world of Baahubali is vast, and the film franchise was the perfect introduction to the same. However, there's so much more to explore, and that's where 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' comes into the picture. This story will reveal for the first time many unknown twists in the lives of Baahubali and Bhallaladeva and a dark secret long forgotten as the two brothers must save Mahishmati, he added. Prabhas, who starred in the titular role in the movies, said the show will explore an important chapter in Baahu's and Bhalla's life. It's an exciting time that Baahubali and Bhallaladeva are going to come together in this unseen chapter of Baahubali's journey. 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' is a chapter that takes place before the story in the film franchise... I cannot wait to watch this new chapter in Baahubali's journey, the actor said. Dagubatti, who played Bhallaladeva in the movies, said he is excited to see the legacy of the franchise being continued with animated storytelling format. This new chapter of Baahubali and Bhallaladeva's life will unfold many more mysteries of the Baahubali world. I am thrilled that S S Rajamouli, Sharad Devarajan, Disney+Hotstar, Arka Mediaworks and Graphic India are bringing this new chapter of Baahubali's world in an animated format that will introduce the world of Baahubali to the fans and newer audiences in an exciting way, he added.

Jharkhand Congress X account suspended in Amit Shah doctored video case

RANCHI: Jharkhand Congress' 'X' (Twitter account) was suspended after a case the Delhi police registered a case related to the Union Minister Amit Shah's doctored video. Suspending the account, 'X' said that the action due to a legal demand. Account withheld... @INCJharkhand has been withheld in response to a legal demand, says the X handle of Jharkhand Congress. Notably, on April 27, a video related to Union Home Minister Amit Shah had gone viral on social media, in which, he could be seen saying that if BJP government is formed, reservation for SC, ST and OBC will be abolished. Several Congress leaders, including Rajesh Thakur, shared this video on social media platform X. A notice has also been issued to Thakur after an FIR was registered after two complaints were received by Delhi police, one from the BJP and another from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to the notice, Rajesh Thakur has been asked to bring the source of the video tweeted along with the device used to upload the video. It has also been said that if the notice is ignored, criminal proceedings will be initiated under section 91/160 of CrPC. An FIR has also been registered at Argora Police Station in Ranchi by Central BJP Janata Yuva Morcha leader Sanjay Kumar Mahato in this regard. According to FIR, the purpose of making the video viral is to spread unrest in the country which is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Ankita Lokhande declines KJO's 'SOTY 3'

Ankita Lokhande declined a role in Karan Johar's 'Student Of The Year 3' web series, which is transitioning to digital platforms. The franchise has been known for launching new talents, with the latest installment possibly featuring Shanaya Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan.

Jharkhand: Couple, 2 children killed as motorcycle collides with car

A couple and their two children lost their lives in a tragic motorcycle crash in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. The incident occurred near Bhelwatand Chowk in the Khalari police station area on Wednesday night, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Deepak Chahar doesn't look good: Fleming on his possible injury

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that seamer Deepak Chahar's latest injury doesn't look good but he is hoping for a positive report from the franchise's medical team ahead of the business phase of the ongoing IPL. Although Fleming did not divulge any details on Chahar's new injury, the 31-year-old seamer was seen pulling off his run-up in just the second ball of Punjab Kings chase here on Wednesday night. It could be a possible hamstring injury as, after having a chat with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the physio, Chahar walked off ground holding his hamstring and did not bowl any further in the match. Chahar's career has been marred by injuries in the last couple of years, costing him a permanent spot in the Indian team. Yeah, the travelogue is pretty busy. There's a lot of ins and outs. So, Deepak Chahar doesn't look good, said Fleming during the post-match presser. The initial feeling wasn't great. So, I'm hoping for a more positive report when the physio and the doctor have a look. Chahar's injury somewhat forced Gaikwad to bring in Shivam Dube for an over, who has mainly been used as a batter this season. But Dube went for 14 in the only over he bowled, and Fleming admitted that with the Impact Player rule, Dube is not suited for the role in the IPL and will have his chances in proper conditions. He (Dube) is ready to bowl and is working hard on it. He will play a role in the right conditions, and with the Impact Player rule, we have players who can fit the role better. Currently, his necessity to bowl is pretty much small, the coach said. CSK suffered a seven-wicket defeat to PBKS, their second loss at home this season, managing a meagre 162 for 7, which was comfortably chased down with 13 balls to spare. Talking about the demanding wicket at Chepauk, Fleming said, It's difficult, and we have spoken on the unpredictability of the wickets here before. Batting first makes it difficult for us to judge as to what a good competitive score is. We had a couple of 200s (before), which was in our minds today. But, the wicket was very sticky. We also had a good start in the (first) six overs before things became difficult. We also tried a few lefties in the form of Dube and (Ravindra) Jadeja but we just couldn't get anything through the middle. They bowled really well, they got good purchase and held onto it. We just got stifled through the middle, which prevented us from getting a score of 180, he said. With a low score to defend, Fleming was impressed with the commitment and performance shown by English pacer Richard Gleeson, who made his debut last night. Richard Gleeson was good, and it was a positive. Losing Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) is disappointing. Tushar (Deshpande) has a bit of flu going around as well. So, we've had to make a few changes, which is unusual. Again, that's part of it, and we have got the resources, he said. Just they haven't had the game time to be really comfortable with their roles and us to be comfortable with a game plan, which we're struggling a little. Although veteran opener Ajinkya Rahane managed to get to double figures after a lean phase in the last four games, he didn't last beyond a 24-ball 29. I thought he (Rahane) was good today. He's been probably a bit too aggressive in what he wants to do, Fleming observed. Keep in mind, we're batting on wickets here that we don't know how they are gonna play. So, we got to take a bit of a pause to see what a good score is. If you are 3 for 30, the game is pretty much over. His (Rahane) hitting that was so good last year, is more crisp. It's not for lack of intent. He has doubled up on intent. We're fine with Jinks and the role he plays.

PDP holds protest against EC for deferring Anantnag-Rajouri poll

Abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was not an event but an ongoing process of dispossession and disenfranchisement of people of Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP leader saidreports Asian Lite... The post PDP holds protest against EC for deferring Anantnag-Rajouri poll first appeared on India Daily Digital .

Deepak Chahar doesn't look good: Fleming

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that seamer Deepak Chahar's latest injury doesn't look good but he is hoping for a positive report from the franchise's medical team ahead of the business phase of the ongoing IPL.

Punjab Kings Equal Mumbai Indians' IPL Record With Dominant Win Over CSK

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) also have four consecutive victories against the Chennai-based franchise in IPL.

Repolling underway in Rajasthan's Ajmer after misplaced voters' register

JAIPUR: Repolling necessitated by a misplaced voters' register at a booth in Ajmer Lok Sabha constituency began at 7 am on Thursday. The Election Commission of India had declared polling held at this booth in the second phase on April 26 void after 17-A register (of voters) got misplaced by the presiding officer and announced repolling. Elaborate security and other arrangements have been made for the repolling. Voting at the polling booth in Nandsi in Ajmer parliamentary constituency began at 7 am which will continue till 5 pm, spokesperson of the election department said here. A total of 753 voters will exercise their franchise in the repolling. Webcasting of this polling booth is also being done. Rajasthan has a total of 25 Lok Sabha seats, out of which 12 went to polls in the first phase on April 19 and 13 in the second phase on April 26.

IPL 2024: Mayank Yadav Likely To Miss Remaining League Matches For LSG, Say Sources

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav, who walked off the field due to abdominal soreness during the match against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday, is likely to miss the remaining league matches of the IPL 2024 as his recovery will take more time than earlier expected, sources told IANS. He is not in bad condition, but his participation in the remaining matches is in doubt even as the franchise wants to secure his service for the major part of the tournament. He went for the scans on Wednesday and the reports are still to come but the medical team has suggested a minimum of three weeks rest. Only then he will fully recover, sources close to the franchise told IANS. Head coach Justin Langer had provided an update on Mayanks injury after Tuesday's match against MI, saying, Looks like he's sore in the same spot, his rehab's been absolutely perfect, he bowled pain-free in the last few weeks or so, he's looked in great condition. We'll have a scan and we'll find out tomorrow. However, sources claimed Mayank was not fit for the match against MI but returned to the playing eleven after missing five matches over three weeks as skipper KL Rahul wanted him in. The 21-year-old pacer hardly looked in his rhythm during Tuesdays encounter as he struggled with his length and mostly bowled fuller deliveries and went for 31 runs in 3.1 runs before claiming the wicket of Mohammad Nabi. The pacer gained the attention of the cricket fraternity with his raw pace in his debut match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The Delhi-bound pacer continuously bowled above 145 and returned with a figure of 3 for 27 with a top speed of 155.8 km/h. LSG will play their last league match of the tournament against Mumbai Indians on May 17.

Repolling Underway at Ajmer Booth for Lok Sabha Polls

Repolling Underway at Ajmer Booth for Lok Sabha Polls Repolling necessitated by a misplaced voters' register at a booth in Ajmer Lok Sabha constituency began at 7 am on Thursday. The Election Commission of India had declared polling held at this booth in the second phase on April 26 void after 17-A register (of voters) got misplaced by the presiding officer and announced repolling. Elaborate security and other arrangements have been made for the repolling. ''Voting at the polling booth in Nandsi in Ajmer parliamentary constituency began at 7 am which will continue till 5 pm,'' a spokesperson of the election department said here. A total of 753 voters will exercise their franchise in the repolling. Webcasting of this polling booth is also being done. Rajasthan has a total of 25 Lok Sabha seats, out of which 12 went to polls in the first phase on April 19 and 13 in the second phase on April 26.

IPL 2024: Hyderabad wish to play an aggressive brand of cricket, says SRH's Simon Helmot

IPL 2024: Hyderabad wish to play an aggressive brand of cricket, says SRH's Simon Helmot Ahead of his side's clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach Simon Helmot said that they want to play an aggressive brand of cricket in the upcoming days in the tournament. After winning five of nine games in the IPL 2024, SRH are standing in fifth place with 10 points and have a net run rate of +0.075. The upcoming fixture against the Royals will be crucial for the Hyderabad-based franchise since they have lost their two previous games. While speaking at the pre-match press conference, Helmot accepted that every franchise is trying to be aggressive in the tournament. He added that the last two games have not worked for them. Our single-mindedness is that we wish to play an aggressive brand of cricket, and I think that is what all teams are doing, looking to play an aggressive brand of cricket. It has worked for us on a number of occasions to help us with five victories. Obviously, the last one or two games have not worked so well, Helmot said. The assistant coach added that if they continue to back their abilities they wil be in a good position to win their upcoming game against Rajasthan. We know that if we play a positive brand of cricket, that we keep backing our abilities and look to make the best, you know, decisions possible, you know, in every given ball, that we are going to be in a good position to win this game, he added. He showered praise on Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals and said they have a balanced squad and have good spinners in the squad. Rajasthan has been on top of the ladder for a reason. They've got a good balanced side, they've got some very good spinners in their team, but we think we've got some very good players who spin too, he added. Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (Wk), Nitish Reddy, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan, Anmolpreet Singh, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Umran Malik, Mayank Markande, Rahul Tripathi, Mayank Agarwal, Upendra Yadav, Jhatavedh Subramanyan, Sanvir Singh, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Marco Jansen, Akash Maharaj Singh. (ANI)

Lack of Explanation for Delayed Polls Raises Questions, Says Mehbooba Mufti

SRINAGAR: Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said authorities deliberately delayed elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seats to manipulate voters in favor of BJP allies and frighten the people not to exercise their franchise against the ongoing onslaught of Jammu and Kashmirs identity and resources. Mehbooba went by air [] The post Lack of Explanation for Delayed Polls Raises Questions, Says Mehbooba Mufti appeared first on Kashmir Life .

'Rebel Moon - Chapter One: Chalice of Blood': Response it gets will decide content of 'Rebel Moon - Part 3'. Know about franchise plans

Zack Snyder has major plans for the franchise and he mulls making 'Rebel Moon - Part Three'. Rebel Moon's new title 'Rebel Moon - Chapter One: Chalice of Blood' also drops a hint at the future film.

'Masters of the Universe' live-action film gets a release date

'Masters of the Universe' live-action film gets a release date The long-awaited live-action film 'Masters of the Universe' has finally got a release date. As per Variety, Amazon MGM and Mattel Films have dated the film for a June 5, 2026 worldwide theatrical release. Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee) has come on board to helm the film adaptation of the popular franchise, with Chris Butler writing the screenplay, following initial drafts written by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee. Mattel Films' Robbie Brenner, Escape Artists' Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing. The makers have not announced the cast yet. Mattel's Masters of the Universe brand was first introduced in 1982 via a line of action figures and later, in 1983, became the beloved animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The Amazon MGM/Mattel-backed movie comes after a previous live-action adaptation was scrapped at Netflix, with the Nee brothers at the helm and Kyle Allen announced to star. In July 2023, Variety exclusively revealed Netflix was no longer moving forward after nearly USD 30 million had been spent on developing the project. The project has literally spent 15 years bouncing from home to home in Hollywood. (ANI)

EC postpones Anantnag-Rajouri polls; Azad hails decision

EC postpones Anantnag-Rajouri polls; Azad hails decision Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairperson Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday welcomed the Election Commission's decision to postpone polls in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency and said this has relieved several political parties. Azad emphasised the importance of the assembly elections over parliamentary elections stating it is very important to have a legislative assembly and legislators put in place through polls. ''It is never too late. The decision of the Election Commission of India has relieved us. I thank the ECI for taking this right decision. All political parties will benefit from the decision. Actually, all parties are happy,'' he told reporters here. Azad, who is on campaign trial in Rajouri for his party's candidate Mohammad Saleem pitted in triangular contest with PDP's Mehbooba Mufti and NC's Mian Altaf on Anantnag-Rajouri seat, pointed out that the Election Commission should have scheduled polling in this constituency for the sixth or seventh phase. He explained that this circumstance led him and other political parties to write a letter to the Election Commission, requesting the postponement of elections until the Mughal road is reopened. Azad highlighted the significant travel challenges within the constituency. ''It takes three days to reach Poonch from Kashmir via Jammu and three more days to return. How is it possible that it takes six days and three nights in a constituency to travel from one area to another?'' he asked. The DPAP chairperson said that after the announcement of elections, he was waiting for the past 10 to 15 days to reopen the Mughal road through Pir Ki Gali so that he and along with his candidate could undertake campaigning here. ''Due to heavy snowfall and rains, this road could not be reopened till date,'' he said. Regarding the impact on the Nomadic community's ability to vote, Azad said, ''There will be no effect on the Nomadic community in terms of exercising their franchise. They generally move to upper reaches in June as the hills are covered by snow as of now. By then, we will even get the results and the government would also be formed.'' Responding to a question about the elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, he described it as ''romantic'' and emphasized it is the first constituency carved out since 1947, consisting of parts of the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Taking a swipe at the Congress, Azad said, ''It is not the first time someone has raised questions on EVMs. Several parties have raised questions on EVMs. Debates were held in the Parliament on it. The court and the ECI have deemed them the right ones.'' He maintained that the election commissioners appointed by the former Congress led UPA governments have also endorsed their validity. ''When the Congress and regional parties win, then EVMs are right and they are wrong at the time of their defeat,'' he added. Azad emphasized the importance of the assembly elections over the Lok Sabha polls and said ''it is very important for us to have a legislative assembly and legislators put in place through elections''. He said that in a first, Jammu and Kashmir will get a joint MP after delimitation. ''I don't know which party benefited and which party didn't but this is definitely romantic as this is the first constituency since 1947 where half of Jammu province and half of Kashmir province will have an MP who will represent Jammu-Kashmir entirely. Earlier it was Jammu MP and Kashmir MP respectively,'' he said. On the BJP's candidate not being present on the ground, he said they only know if it is a masterstroke or not.

DBS sees net profit rising this year after Q1 beats forecasts

While geopolitical tensions persist, macroeconomic conditions remain resilient and our franchise is well positioned to capture business opportunities, DBS Chief Executive Officer Piyush Gupta said in a statement.

Polavaram, Resettlement and Rehabilitation package to influence Eluru LS poll outcome

VIJAYAWADA: Polavaram Irrigation project, the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) package for the project-displaced families, and Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation will be the main issues that will be on the minds of the electorate in the Eluru Lok Sabha constituency, when they exercise their franchise on May 13. Formed in 1952, Eluru Parliamentary constituency was spread across the erstwhile Krishna and West Godavari districts before the reorganisation. Later, it was formed as a district with seven Assembly segmentsUngaturu, Denduluru, Eluru, Polavaram, Chintalapudi, Nuzvid and Kaikaluru. Of the seven Assembly segments, Polavaram is reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) while Chintalapudi is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). Out of the seven Assembly constituencies, only three are urban local bodies. With agriculture and horticulture as the mainstay of the economy, the Parliamentary constituency has people belonging to Kapu, Kamma, and Backward classes like Yadavs, SCs, and STs in considerable numbers. However, BC and OC voters have been dictating the outcome of the elections for the past several decades. Though there are several issues in this important Lok Sabha segment, three main issuesPolavaram Project, R&R settlement package, infrastructure, mainly road networktop the list. Every year floods in Godavari affect the infrastructure, particularly in Polavaram Assembly segments, explained Satyanarayana, a businessman in Jangareddygudem. Polavaram is one of the important issues on the poll agenda of all the political parties in the fray in Andhra Pradesh. Jana Sena, which is fielding its candidate C Balaraju from the Polavaram Assembly constituency, proposed a new cess, R&R Cess, to fund the R&R Package for the Project Displacement Families, which is estimated to require approximately Rs 30,000 crore. TDP, an ally of JSP, is assuring early completion of the project and addressing the issues of the project displaced, while the YSRC party is largely silent on the issue, except for its assurance to complete the project at the earliest. As western parts of Eluru are upland areas, farmers in the region have been demanding the completion of the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation project. However, there has not been much progress. The project started by the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy hit a roadblock, though balancing reservoirs and canal network is in place. The Parliament constituency was represented for the first time by CPI leaders Bayya Suryanarayana Murthy and Konduru Subba Rao. In 1957, Congress candidate Mothey Veda Kumar became MP. However, CPI retained the seat in 1962, only to lose in 1967. Till 1984, Congress represented the constituency. It is worth noting that in 1989, film actor Krishna won the seat on the Congress ticket, but lost in the 1991 elections to a TDP candidate. Though the Yellow Party won the 1996 elections, it lost in 1998 and retained the seat in 1999. In 2004 and 2009, Kavuri Sambasiva Rao of Congress won the seat. In 2014, TDP candidate Maganti Venkateswara Rao won the elections and in 2019, Kotagiri Sridhar of YSRC emerged victorious. For the 2024 elections, TDP and YSRC decided to field BC candidates. TDP fielded Putta Mahesh Yadhav, son-in-law of former minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and YSRC fielded Karmuri Sunil Kumar Yadha, son of minister of civil supplies Karumuri Nageswara Rao. Interestingly both the candidates are not locals. Hence political observers think that it is political parties that matter rather than the candidates in the fray.

Elect Madhavi, liberate Hyderabad from Razakars, says Amit Shah

HYDERABAD : Stating that a representative of the Razakars has been representing Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency for the last 40 years, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday urged the voters to support the BJP candidate in this elections. Addressing the gathering at a truncated roadshow in the Hyderabad constituency, he said: Elect Madhavi Latha with an absolute majority and liberate Hyderabad from the Razakars. Reiterating that the BJPs target is to secure 400 seats, Amit Shah said: Out of 400, one lotus should come from Hyderabad. Stating that no one should be afraid of exercising their franchise, Shah said: Nobody has the courage to touch anybody from Hyderabad. Be it Hindus or Muslims, everyone should press the lotus button and help Hyderabad return to the mainstream. Shah had to cut short his roadshow, which started at the Mahankali Temple, due to lack of time. It was Shahs first visit to the state since a case was filed against the Telangana Congress for circulating a doctored video of the speech he delivered at Siddipet, on reservations. Interestingly, he did not refer to the video or the case during his roadshow. Modi to address public meetings on May 8, 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three public meetings in Vemulawada, Warangal and Mahbubnagar on May 8 and 10. As part of his campaign in Telangana, Modi will be covering Karimnagar (Vemulawada) and Warangal Lok Sabha constituencies on May 8. The BJP leaders are trying to mobilise people from Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal segments. On May 10, the prime minister will address a public meeting in Mahbubnagar. According to sources, the party believes that Modis visit will boost the electoral prospects of its candidates in Warangal, Mahbubagar and Chevella segments, where the competition is expected to be tough.

BJP depriving Gujjar, Bakerwals of exercising their franchise: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 1: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that people of Anantnag-Rajouri will give a big blow to those hatching conspiracy to deprive Gujjar-Bakerwal population from exercising their franchise. He made these comments while addressing a series of massive election rallies in Kotranka and Thannamandi area, organised by DDC Chairman Naseem Liaqat and Muzaffar Khan, respectively. In his address Dr Farooq said, BJP and its allies have developed cold feet due [] The post BJP depriving Gujjar, Bakerwals of exercising their franchise: Farooq appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ghulam Nabi Azad hails EC's decision to postpone Anantnag-Rajouri bypolls

Ghulam Nabi Azad hails EC's decision to postpone Anantnag-Rajouri bypolls Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairperson Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday welcomed the Election Commission's decision to postpone polls in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency and said this has relieved several political parties. Azad emphasized the importance of the assembly elections over parliamentary elections stating it is very important to have a legislative assembly and legislators put in place through polls. ''It is never too late. The decision of the Election Commission of India has relieved us. I thank the ECI for taking this right decision. All political parties will benefit from the decision. Actually, all parties are happy,'' he told reporters here. Azad, who is on campaign trial in Rajouri for his party's candidate Mohammad Saleem pitted in triangular contest with PDP's Mehbooba Mufti and NC's Mian Altaf on Anantnag-Rajouri seat, pointed out that the Election Commission should have scheduled polling in this constituency for the sixth or seventh phase. He explained that this circumstance led him and other political parties to write a letter to the Election Commission, requesting the postponement of elections until the Mughal road is reopened. Azad highlighted the significant travel challenges within the constituency. ''It takes three days to reach Poonch from Kashmir via Jammu and three more days to return. How is it possible that it takes six days and three nights in a constituency to travel from one area to another?'' he asked. The DPAP chairperson said that after the announcement of elections, he was waiting for the past 10 to 15 days to reopen the Mughal road through Pir Ki Gali so that he and along with his candidate could undertake campaigning here. ''Due to heavy snowfall and rains, this road could not be reopened till date,'' he said. Regarding the impact on the Nomadic community's ability to vote, Azad said, ''There will be no effect on the Nomadic community in terms of exercising their franchise. They generally move to upper reaches in June as the hills are covered by snow as of now. By then, we will even get the results and the government would also be formed.'' Responding to a question about the elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, he described it as ''romantic'' and emphasized it is the first constituency carved out since 1947, consisting of parts of the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Taking a swipe at the Congress, Azad said, ''It is not the first time someone has raised questions on EVMs. Several parties have raised questions on EVMs. Debates were held in the Parliament on it. The court and the ECI have deemed them the right ones.'' He maintained that the election commissioners appointed by the former Congress led UPA governments have also endorsed their validity. ''When the Congress and regional parties win, then EVMs are right and they are wrong at the time of their defeat,'' he added. Azad emphasized the importance of the assembly elections over the Lok Sabha polls and said ''it is very important for us to have a legislative assembly and legislators put in place through elections''. He said that in a first, Jammu and Kashmir will get a joint MP after delimitation. ''I don't know which party benefited and which party didn't but this is definitely romantic as this is the first constituency since 1947 where half of Jammu province and half of Kashmir province will have an MP who will represent Jammu-Kashmir entirely. Earlier it was Jammu MP and Kashmir MP respectively,'' he said. On the BJP's candidate not being present on the ground, he said they only know if it is a masterstroke or not.

Official X handle of Jharkhand Congress gets suspended, party to send legal reply

Siddharth confirms Hrithik's return in Krrish 4

The anticipation surrounding Krrish 4, the fourth installment of Rakesh Roshan's iconic superhero franchise, has been met with a wave of relief and excitement as director Siddharth Anand has confirmed that Hrithik Roshan will indeed return as Krrish. His confirmation has now sparked speculations whether Siddharth has replaced Rakesh Roshan to direct Krrish 4.

BJP depriving Gujjar, Bakarwal tribes from exercising their franchise: Dr Farooq Abdullah

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said people of Anantnag-Rajouri will give a big blow to those hatching conspiracy to deprive Gujjar-Bakarwal population from exercising their franchise. He made these comments while addressing a series of massive election rallies in Kotranka and Thanamandi organised by DDC Chairman []

Omar Abdullah Labels Anantnag Election Delay a Conspiracy, Alleges BJP Favoritism

SRINAGAR: Former Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President, Omar Abdullah on Wednesday alleged that the election on the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat was postponed to disenfranchise one community from voting. Speaking to reporters after addressing party workers in the Dooru area of south Kashmirs Anantnag, he said the election postponement was done at the behest [] The post Omar Abdullah Labels Anantnag Election Delay a Conspiracy, Alleges BJP Favoritism appeared first on Kashmir Life .

May's PlayStation Plus games include Ghostrunner 2 and the modern classic Tunic

The bad news? Its the beginning of the month, so rent is due. The good news? Sony just revealed the PlayStation Plus games lineup for May , and there are some serious standouts. The lineup includes Ghostrunner 2 , Tunic , Destiny 2: Lightfall and EA Sports FC 24 . Most of these games are available for both PS4 and PS5, except Ghostrunner 2 which is only for PS5 players. So lets start with Ghostrunner 2 . Its a brutally difficult, yet consistently engaging , first-person slasher with a fast-paced traversal mechanic that recalls games like Mirrors Edge . You will die often, our reviewer died 164 times on one level, and you are likely to love every second of it. Perishing isnt that big of a deal, as there are checkpoints just about everywhere and you can respawn instantly with the press of a button. Its also a blast, offering a satisfying gameplay loop that's hard to walk away from. Tunic is somehow both critically-acclaimed and underrated. This top-down isometric adventure is an absolute gem , with gameplay that brings to mind old-school Zelda adventures. By old-school, we mean really old-school. Tunic is most similar to the very first Zelda game for the NES, as there are no objective markers, no towns filled with cute villagers and not much by way of a story. You are just plopped into the world and tasked with exploring. The puzzles are tough and the combat can be even tougher. Its nearly as polished as a Nintendo title and the protagonist is a cute fox. Whats not to love? EA Sports FC 24 is the latest entry in the companys flagship soccer series . There are more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, including the mens and womens UEFA Champions League. This is actually the first time in franchise history in which men and women can be on the pitch together. Thats pretty neat. It features crossplay with Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox One. Destiny 2: Lightfall is an expansion that adds grappling hooks to the games arsenal . Theres a new Darkness subclass called the Strand and plenty of updated perks, weapons, armor and more. Its also set in a neon metropolis, which is a nice change of pace. This was actually the first Destiny 2 expansion released after Sony bought Bungie . All of these games will be playable on May 7. Ghostrunner 2 , Tunic and Destiny 2: Lightfall will be available for download until June 3, and EA Sports FC 24 until June 17. To that end, Aprils PS Plus games are about to hit the chopping block . You only have until May 6 to download Immortals of Aveum , Minecraft Legends and Skul: The Hero Slayer . May includes another treat for PS Plus subscribers. The sidescrolling Metroidvania Animal Well , the first game published by popular YouTuber Dunkey, is a day-one release on May 9 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mays-playstation-plus-games-include-ghostrunner-2-and-the-modern-classic-tunic-172000294.html?src=rss

Jharkhand Congress President Summoned by Delhi Police in Amit Shah Doctored Video Probe

Jharkhand Congress President Summoned by Delhi Police in Amit Shah Doctored Video Probe Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur was summoned by Delhi Police on May 2 in connection with its investigation into a doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a party spokesperson said on Wednesday. Thakur has been asked to join the investigation at Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) office in connection with an FIR registered on April 28 by its Special Cell, he said. ''I received the notice from Delhi Police on Tuesday. But it is beyond my understanding why the notice was served to me. This is nothing but anarchy,'' Thakur said. ''If there is any complaint, they should first verify the content on my X account. The election campaign is at its peak and my involvement in the campaign could be understood. In such a situation, they have sought my laptop and other electronic gadgets. Sending summons without verifying the things is not appropriate,'' he added. Thakur said he has sought legal opinion on the issue. Meanwhile, X handle of Jharkhand Congress, says, ''@INCJharkhand withheld in response to a legal demand.'' Thakur told PTI, ''At what urgency has our X handle been suspended, that too at a time when campaigning is at its peak. It seems like a well-designed strategy to suppress the voice of opposition.'' On Sunday, Delhi Police's Special Cell registered an FIR after the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), filed a complaint about the doctored video of Shah where his statements indicating a commitment to abolish quota for Muslims on religious grounds in Telangana were changed to make it seem that he was advocating scrapping of all reservations. On Tuesday, the Jharkhand BJP had also lodged a police complaint against two persons, alleging that they circulated the doctored video of Shah. The complaint was lodged at the Argora police station in Ranchi against one Shailendra Hazra and Rupesh Rajak.

Jharkhand Congress Chief Summoned by Delhi Police in Case over Doctored Video Implicating Amit Shah

Jharkhand Congress Chief Summoned by Delhi Police in Case over Doctored Video Implicating Amit Shah Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur was summoned by Delhi Police on May 2 in connection with its investigation into the doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a party spokesperson said on Wednesday. Thakur has been asked to join the investigation at Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) office in connection with an FIR registered on April 28 by its Special Cell, he said. ''I received the notice from Delhi Police on Tuesday. But, it is beyond my understanding why the notice was served to me. This is nothing but anarchy,'' Thakur said. ''If there is any complaint, they should first verify the content on my X account. The election campaign is at its peak and my involvement in the campaign could be understood. In such a situation, they have sought my laptop and other electronic gadgets. Sending summons without verifying the things is not appropriate,'' he added. Thakur said he has sought legal opinion on the issue. Meanwhile, X handle of Jharkhand Congress, says, ''@INCJharkhand withheld in response to a legal demand.'' On Sunday, Delhi Police's Special Cell registered an FIR after the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), filed a complaint about the doctored video of Shah where his statements indicating a commitment to abolish quota for Muslims on religious ground in Telangana were changed to make it seem that he was advocating scrapping of all reservations. On Tuesday, the Jharkhand BJP had also lodged a police complaint against two persons, alleging that they circulated the doctored video of Shah. The complaint was lodged at the Argora police station in Ranchi against one Shailendra Hazra and Rupesh Rajak.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the first big exclusive VR game for the Quest 3

One of the main reasons it has been difficult to recommend the $500 Quest 3 VR headset over the $200 Quest 2 is a lack of exclusive titles, as most games have to support both models. This means we havent really seen the power of the Quest 3 yet , but the tides are turning. Meta just announced Batman: Arkham Shadow , which is fully exclusive to the companys newest headset. It looks like this title is actually set in the pre-existing Arkham universe , but it's not being developed by franchise steward Rocksteady Studios. Its being created by Oculus Studios and a developer called Camouflaj, which made the surprisingly great Iron Man VR experience . The track record is pretty spotty when it comes to other developers playing in Rocksteadys sandbox , but the inclusion of Camouflaj makes me cautiously optimistic. Theres a trailer, seen above, but it's devoid of any actual gameplay. For that, well have to wait until Summer Game Fest in June , according to Geoff Keighley . The trailer does indicate the presence of a little-known member of Batmans rogues gallery called Ratcatcher . He controls rats to commit crimes. Its a whole thing. This isnt the first time that Batman donned a VR headset. Back in 2016, Rocksteady released Batman: Arkham VR . The game was praised for being immersive, but dinged for being just an hour long. Hopefully, this one is a bit longer, though Im actually into short VR experiences that are done really well. Theres only so much time to wander around the house like a doofus with a headset attached to my face. While this is certainly the highest profile Quest 3 exclusive, it's not the first to be announced. Starship Home is a mixed-reality adventure that looks like it should have been a launch exclusive for the Vision Pro. The horror-tinged Alien: Rogue Incursion isnt quite a Quest 3 exclusive, as it's also releasing on Steam and PSVR2, but it is a next-gen VR game that doesnt have to run on the antiquated Quest 2. All three titles will be released by the end of the year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/batman-arkham-shadow-is-the-first-big-exclusive-vr-game-for-the-quest-3-154210616.html?src=rss

Vaccine: Covishield vaccine poses a risk of heart attack and stroke, do you need to be afraid? Understand from experts

The number of heart attack patients has increased rapidly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier the reason was believed to be only Corona infection. But even after vaccination, when there was no decline in the cases of heart disease, questions were raised on the credibility of the vaccine. In this, there was also a court case against the British company AstraZeneca, which was filed by a person who suffered brain damage after vaccination. After hearing the statement given by AstraZeneca in the court recently regarding Covishield, every person who got vaccinated is worried. Let us tell you that the company has explained the side effects of Covishield in court and said that it can cause blood clotting in the body and reduce platelets, which can cause heart attack and stroke. But its possibility is very low. In such a situation, if you are also worried about your health, then definitely know the opinion of these experts- How much Covishield vaccination took place in India? After it proved to be the first and effective vaccine for COVID-19, the Government of India made the Covishield vaccine available to the general public in the country. Like the world's largest vaccination campaign, crores of people got this vaccine. According to government data, 170 crore people have got vaccinated with Covishield. Is every person who gets Covishield in danger? Dr. Ram Upadhyay, Scientist, at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA told Bhaskar in a conversation that everyone's metabolism is not the same. For some the side effects of the vaccine are zero and for others, it is 100%. That is why the risk of death from the vaccine is only one in 10 lakh. Danger only for 6 months after vaccination Dr. Vikas Kumar, Neuro Surgeon, RIMS, Ranchi (Jharkhand) told Bharaskar that there is no need to be afraid because the side effects of any vaccine are visible in 6 months, but now it is more than two years. Time has passed, so there are fewer chances of any life-threatening risk. Referring to the report of the publication of the American Society of Hematology, he has also said that the risk of side effects from the vaccine is only 3 to 15 out of 10 lakh people. Of these also 90% are cured. The probability of death in this is only 0.00013%. That means, out of 10 lakh, 13 have side effects, so only one of them will have a fatal risk. (PC: Freepik)

Warner Bros. eyes comic book adaptation 'Avengelyne' with Olivia Wilde at helm

Warner Bros. eyes comic book adaptation 'Avengelyne' with Olivia Wilde at helm Warner Bros is in discussions to acquire the comic book package for 'Avengelyne,' with Olivia Wilde set to direct the feature film. The project, which surfaced earlier this month, has caught the attention of the studio, marking the potential landing spot for the adaptation, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The movie will reportedly be helmed by Olivia Wilde, known for her work on 'Don't Worry Darling,' with Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara of LuckyChap Productions onboard as producers. With a first-look deal in place, Warner Bros emerged as the frontrunner for the project, which has also enlisted screenwriter Tony McNamara. Simon Kinberg, renowned for his work on the 'X-Men' franchise, is also attached as a producer, as per The Hollywood Reporter. 'Avengelyne,' originating in 1995, follows the story of a fallen angel dispatched to Earth. Tasked with finding and safeguarding 'The One,' a figure crucial to humanity's protection against demons and other supernatural threats. Co-created by Rob Liefeld, Cathy Christian, and Tony Lobito, the character has captured the imagination of readers for decades. Notably, Liefeld is also anticipating the release of 'Deadpool and Wolverine' in July, produced by Marvel Studios. This acquisition marks Warner Bros' continued interest in high-profile projects, adding to its recent portfolio of diverse content. The studio is currently in production on Ryan Coogler's next film, securing the rights in a competitive bidding war earlier this year. 'Avengelyne' joins a list of Rob Liefeld's creations that have attracted Hollywood's attention, including 'Prophet,' previously attached to filmmaker Sam Hargrave and actor Jake Gyllenhaal, though their involvement has since ceased. (ANI)

De Villiers Screams Ee Sala Cup Namde During Family Vlog - Video Is Viral

AB De Villiers was among the first inductees into the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Hall of Fame and his connection with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise is quite well known.

Gujarat Titans' IPL Performance May Influence Kirsten's Pakistan Coaching Start Date

Gujarat Titans' IPL Performance May Influence Kirsten's Pakistan Coaching Start Date Gary Kirsten, Pakistan's new head coach in the white-ball formats, could join the national squad directly in Ireland if his IPL team Gujarat Titans does not qualify for the Play-offs stage of the popular T20 League. A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said Kirsten, while signing the contract, had made his commitment with the IPL franchise for this season very clear. Kirsten is associated with Gujarat Titans as batting coach and mentor. The official added that in case Gujarat make the IPL playoffs, then Kirsten will join the team in England for the last two T20 internationals. ''If Gujarat don't qualify for the play-offs which will become clear by around May 16 or 17, or perhaps before that Kirsten will then join the Pakistan team directly in Ireland before series against England,'' the official said. The IPL playoffs are from May 21 to 24 with the title clash scheduled for May 26. Pakistan's four-match T20 series in England is scheduled to be held from May 22-30 before the teams reach USA for the World T20 Cup. The PCB recently hired Kirsten on a two-year contract and there are high hopes that the South African will make the team more productive. Having worked between 2008 and 2012 with the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup, Kirsten only agreed to sign the contract with the PCB after he was assured there would be no interference in his work and the players he backed for continuity would be supported by the selectors. ''Kirsten made it clear to the PCB Chief, Mohsin Naqvi that he believes in first assessing a player and once he is convinced he is match-winning material for the team he likes to back him completely even if the player (s) go through a rough patch,'' the source said. ''Kirsten is also in touch with some people to bring them on the support staff for the national team,'' he said. The PCB has also appointed Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as the head coach of the Test team. The source said Kirsten has already asked for all the data, profile studies and official reports on fitness and attitude of all the Pakistan players.

Heat Waves to Scorch Northern Plains and Central India in May: IMD Forecast

Heat Waves to Scorch Northern Plains and Central India in May: IMD Forecast Above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May and a significantly high number of heat wave days expected over the northern plains, central region, and adjoining areas of peninsular India, said IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Wednesday. A prolonged and intense spell of heat wave scorched swathes of east, northeast, and southern peninsular India in April, prompting health warnings from government agencies and some states to suspend in-person classes in schools. Five active Western Disturbances led to rain, thunderstorm, and hailstorms over north and central India at regular intervals in April, preventing heat waves, the India Meteorological Department's director general told a press conference. IMD data shows that the heat waves in April this year 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 heat wave days predicted over south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Gujarat regions, Mohapatra said. 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-seven heat wave days in the month, he said. Normally, the northern plains, central India, and adjoining areas of peninsular India experience around three days of heat waves in May. Above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in May, except for most parts of northeast India, some parts of northwest and central India, and adjoining areas of northeast peninsular India where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely, the IMD said. Above normal minimum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except the northeast and some areas of northwest India, Indo-Gangetic plains, and the central region. Normal rainfall (91-109 per cent of the long-period average) is predicted in the country in May. Normal to above normal rainfall is likely over most parts of northwest India, and some parts of central, peninsular and northeast India. Below normal precipitation is likely in the remaining parts of the country, the IMD said. India saw two spells of heat waves in April from April 5 to 7 and April 15 to 30. Mohapatra attributed the prolonged heat wave spell over east, northeast, and south peninsular India in April to the absence of thunderstorms and a persisting 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, he said. The IMD said south peninsular India recorded an average maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in April, which was the second-highest since 1901. The mean temperature (28.12 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901, the weather office said. The IMD chief said above normal maximum temperatures have become frequent over south peninsular India since 1980s. The region recorded 12.6 mm of rainfall in April, which was the fifth lowest since 1901 and the second lowest since 2001. Mohapatra said the number of heat wave days this April was the highest in 15 years in Gangetic West Bengal and nine years in Odisha. Odisha also experienced the longest heat wave 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 Lok Sabha 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 heat wave days in different parts of the country in April against a normal of one to three days. Ten to 20 heat wave days are expected against a normal of four to eight in the entire April-June period. Following a decrease in turnout in the first phase of polling, the Election Commission (EC) set up a task force to review the impact of the heat wave. The task force includes officials of the poll panel, the IMD, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Given the Central government's contemplation of the 'one nation, one-poll' concept, the IMD chief had earlier told PTI that authorities must consider weather conditions and the climate in their planning. 'One nation, one poll' refers to the idea of holding simultaneous polls in the country to elect Lok Sabha and state assembly representatives.

Pathan And Kaif Back Jaiswal To Be Rohits Opening Partner For India In T20 WC

Nassau County International Cricket Stadium: Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif have backed young Yashasvi Jaiswal to be captain Rohit Sharmas opening partner for India in the upcoming Mens T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA from June 1. Kohli has been leading run-charts in the IPL 2024 as an opener for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but him opening with Rohit for India in the T20 World Cup could result in teams having left-arm fast-bowler and left-arm spinner match-up. However, Pathan thinks Jaiswal opening with Rohit will help India tackle this match-up in the T20 World Cup. Its a question which has been floating around a lot. It should be Yashasvi Jaiswal as he being a left-hander, what happens is, a team from a bowling point of view, will start with a left-arm spinner and when that happens, you can actually play these two batters. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open, as theres been a lot of talk about it, you can keep them quiet for a certain period of time. If you do that, the game goes away, especially at the start and this is where a left-handed batter in Yashasvi Jaiswal comes into the picture. Hes aggressive and will take on the threat of left-arm spinner as well. So, I think Yashasvi should open with Rohit Sharma, said Pathan while replying to an IANS query in the latest episode of Star Sports Press Room show. The Rohit-Jaiswal combination though, will also result in Kohli batting at number three, which would mean his struggles against spin in the post power-play phase could resurface. But Kaif believes Kohlis previous stupendous success for India in ICC tournaments at number three is still a very big factor. I would see Jaiswal and Rohit opening, as Kohli has to be there at number three. Though he opens in the IPL, Kohli has done well in ICC events at number three. You need someone who has experience at number three and can bat through. With Yashasvi opening and Kohli in the dugout, there will be pressure on the opposition team that Virat is still to come out to bat. If he opens and the opposition gets him out, then it will be a big confidence booster for them. Jaiswal will attack from the first ball and Rohit Sharma also attacks in power-play, then it should be this way: Jaiswal, Rohit and Virat Kohli at number three, he added. Pathan, the Player of the Match in Indias 2007 T20 World Cup final win over Pakistan in Johannesburg, was left disappointed over the non-inclusion of Rinku Singh and Ravi Bishnoi in the 15-member squad. Rinku, an in-form finisher for India in 15 T20I since his debut last year, is placed in the traveling reserves. I am very disappointed that Rinku Singh is not there. It's because Rinku Singh was playing a crucial role in finishing the game he did it for his franchise (Kolkata Knight Riders) last year and when he played for India, he did that role as well. Once you have a strike-rate of 170+ and have an average close to 60-70, and then not be picked, then you will be very disappointed. Bishnoi, I thought, despite that number six ranking, misses out to a master spinner like Chahal, though hes got that fielding skill too. So, these were the two things I had in my mind on seeing this team. At the same time, Pathan reckons India has to play their cricket in feisty fashion if they are to end a more than a decade drought of World Cup victory. The guys, who have been selected, have to perform when the pressure time comes in. I am not worried about the first half; it's about when the knockout matches will happen this is where I want the Indian team to play fearless cricket which in the last two World Cups 50-over and 20-over in Australia we missed out on that. Kaif agreed with Pathans views and felt Indias real examination will be to win knockout matches, something which they havent been able to do yet. Its a very balanced side, but this is not the IPL, where you play 14 league matches and come back to win the trophy even after losing games. In the World Cup, you will meet weaker teams in the initial phase of the tournament till you meet teams like Pakistan and England in the semi-finals. You need to win two big matches to win the trophy and are you ready for that big moment? India havent done that in the past and thats the real challenge for Rohit Sharma. India will begin their Men's T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. India, the 2007 Men's T20 World Cup winners, are in Group A alongside Pakistan, Canada and tournament co-hosts USA.

Bihar Raj Bhavan Received Hoax Bomb Threat, Security Beefed Up

An email claiming that a bomb was planted at the Governor's House was received by officials of Raj Bhavan and the Bihar Police on Tuesday

Entertainment: Upcoming Movies May 2024!

Upcoming Movies May 2024: The month of May is going to be very exciting. Many Bollywood and Hollywood films are ready to hit the theaters in May. Movies like Srikanth, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, Bhaiyaji, Kartam Bhugatam, The Fall Guy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apps, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga are hitting the theaters this month to entertain the audience. Srikanth Rajkumar Rao starrer film is hitting the theaters on May 10. This film is a biopic of blind businessman Srikant Bola, in which Rajkumar Rao will be seen playing the role of Srikant Bola. Apart from Rajkumar Rao, Jyothika, Sharad Kelkar and Alaya F also play lead roles in the film. The film is directed by Tushar Hiranandani and written by Jagdeep Sidhu and Sumit Purohit. Mr and Mrs Mahi Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkumar Rao are in lead roles in this sports. This will be Rajkummar Rao's second film to release this month. The pair of Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor will be seen once again in Mr. and Mrs. Mahi directed by Sharan Sharma. Before this, both were seen in the film 'Roohi'. This film will be in front of the audience in theaters on May 31. Bhaiya Ji Manoj Bajpayee is playing the lead role in this film which is coming in theaters on 24th May. 'Bhaiya Ji' is Manoj Bajpayee's 100th film, hence it is very special for him. Apoorva Singh Karki is directing this film. The teaser of the film has come out, which is quite interesting. The Fall Guy This action comedy film starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is releasing in Indian theaters on May 3. Inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name, the film also stars Winston Duke, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Waddingham and Stephanie Hsu. In India, 'The Fall Guy' will be available in both English and Hindi. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apps The film is set 300 years after Caesar's death, taking place in Noah, who does not know the identity of Chief Ape Caesar. This is the seventh film of Hollywood's most popular sci-fi adventure franchise, which is ready to hit the theaters on May 10. Kartam Bhootam Shreyas Talpade and Vijay Raaz starrer psychological thriller film 'Kartam Bhugatam' will be released in theaters on May 17. The writer and director of this film is Soham Shah. Apart from Shreyas Talpade and Vijay Raj, the film also stars Madhu and Aksha Pardasani. 'Kartam Bhugatam' means - you will be paid as you do. The film will be released in 5 languages Hindi, Tamil Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The garfield movie Garfield Movie is a film based on the Garfield franchise, which is hitting the theaters on May 24. This film is going to be very entertaining. In the film, Garfield, his companion dog Odie, and Garfield's long-lost father Vic get caught up in a major robbery. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' is arriving in theaters on May 24 to entertain the audience. The prequel of the 2015 film 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is coming after almost eight years. Anya Taylor-Joy is back in a new avatar to fight against Chris Hemsworth in the film.

Meghalaya: Security beefed up in Shillong following arson attacks

SHILLONG: In response to a series of arson attacks targeting government properties, including police stations, security has been significantly reinforced in Shillong and other district headquarters of Meghalaya. Speaking to the media, deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, SC Sadhu, stressed on the urgent need to enhance security measures, particularly during night-time. [] The post Meghalaya: Security beefed up in Shillong following arson attacks appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

Delayed polls in Anantnag-Rajouri aimed at coercing Voters, force them into Compliance: Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said authorities deliberately delayed elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seats to manipulate voters in favor of BJP allies and frighten the people not to exercise their franchise against the ongoing onslaught of Jammu and Kashmirs identity and resources. Mehbooba went by air last []

Bomb Threat in Delhi-NCR Schools: Security Beefed Up Across National Capital; Email Location Traced To Russia

Multiple schools across Delhi-NCR have received bomb threats via email on Wednesday morning. Delhi Police are conducting thorough searches, and schools are being closed as part of precautionary measures. Delhi Police said that a total of 97 bomb threat calls/emails were received in the fire control room till 12:00 pm.

May Day: Labour landmarked

CHENNAI: The aftermath of labour continues to live in our limbs, leaving us with the memories of deep cracked heels from walking, fading fingerprints from rolling beedis or lungs filling up with toxic fumes of sewers. To toil or not to toil is never a question, work is inexplicably linked to daily existence. In the veins of cities, working-class neighbourhoods are sites of resistance and have long witnessed struggles for rights. In Madras, the hotbed of commerce, landmarks of the city reveal the past of trailblazing movements that have shaped how labour is today. Every May 1, red flags and clamorous slogans are raised across the world, a persistent, ongoing battle for better working conditions and a remembrance of a movement that revolved around eight-hour workdays. In Napiers Park, the first May Day, led by M Singaravelu Chettiar, was first celebrated in India in 1923, writes AR Venkatachalapathy in the foreword of D Veeraraghavans book The Making of the Madras Working Class. Today, this unassuming park provides solace for the seekers of solitude, students, stealthy couples or sleepy visitors in search of shade. During these sultry weekends, each green bench is filled with visitors and leisure and free time take priority. This park has long been a strong advocate for leisure, a believer in this basic right of rest. Past the clocktower, a statue with the word May and topped with designs of gears and a gun is a breathing landmark, a reminder of the citys unions. Workers of the World, unite, declares Tamil lettering on the statue, leaping out from the pages of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels The Communist Manifesto. Another side offers us a quote by Pavendar Bharathidasan, Spread the principle of public ownership to all corners of the world! Protect the sacred tenant as ones own life! Over 100 years since the first celebration, this park continues to glimpse the hoisting red flags and congregations of union members. Manoharan, the park watchman who has witnessed eight celebrations here, says, Just like a festival, a stage is set up and crowds gather. For workers like me, it is a celebration. Life of labour movements During the British era, in 1869, the Madras municipality proposed the creation of a park in Chintadripet. Due to this parcel of lands proximity to a drainage system, tendrils of vegetation and budding greenery sprouted, leaving a lush garden in its wake, explains historian V Sriram. This 14-acre space was named Napiers Park, after the then-governor Lord Napier, and was mainly utilised by British officers. In the following decades, against the backdrop of brewing strikes, this park located opposite the snaking MRTS station witnessed moments of workers assembling, either for discussions or for a moment of leisure. Chennai is a city of firsts. Apart from the first May Day celebration, Indias first union was established here with workers of the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills. Labour has a very strong underlying current in Madras. The first recorded strike in India happened in Madras, the devadasis of Thiruvotriyur temple struck work in the 1600s, says historian Venkatesh Ramakrishnan, adding that around 95% of the entire labour movement in Madras was concentrated in Perambur. According to G Selva, CPI(M), Chennai district secretary, Vada Chennai has an impression of having rowdy people and being a backward place in terms of culture and education but it was a society of intelligent and powerful working-class citizens. Most unions, whether tramways, hand-pulled rickshaws, or palm tree workers, were concentrated in North Chennai. In Mount Road and Chintadripet, automobile company Simpson & Co, newspaper The Hindu, and Spencers employed a fair share of residents from the community, and a trade union followed suit. As an important engineering company, the first Indian car and bus was made there, The first Asian plane was made there, says Venkatesh. Far from being a political stronghold like North Chennai, this area has witnessed its fair share of protests and changed the tides of politics. In 1965, during the anti-Hindi agitation, DMK leaders had been arrested. Around 50,000 students of Madras had decided to march to St George Fort from Napiers Park; then Chief Minister Bhaktavatsalam refused to come out. It soon became violent and resulted in a police shooting, says Venkatesh, adding that Congress never returned to power in Tamil Nadu, after this. The citys factories, beach, open spaces and landmarks reveal a past of workers that have fought tooth and nail, hammer and sickle through bloody protests and strikes for basic rights, benefits, holidays, and leave. The park is an area to showcase that whenever rights are jeopardised, you have to protest or fight back. A symbol to say that you have to work only eight hours. It is a reflection of your rights and May Day Park and other sites mirror identities to show that eight hours of leisure is important, underlines Selva. Changed landscapes In the 90s, while the then-chief minister late M Karunanidhi dubbed the park May Day Park, locals continued to call it Simpsons Park or May One Park. It was here that writer and filmmaker Tamil Prabha and other youngsters spent days playing floodlight cricket and endless games on the ground. While we dont have a strong or organic connection with the name May Day Park, it is a symbol of Chintadripet. For Tamil Prabha, the park was like a second home in the 2010s. It has seen all my love failures, and loneliness. The park was like a friend with many trees and parrots. But suddenly, one day, people said this land was being acquired for the metro and unloading equipment (in 2013). For 10 years after that, we didnt have a park and without a space like this, many youngsters indulged in smoking and drinking. This was our only ground, besides Rajaji Hall. This hall was later taken over and converted into what is now the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital. This imagery of cricket matches and loss of space enters his novel, Pettai. A stones throw away from the park is 53-year-old Chokalingams tea stall. Serving piping hot tea to workers, this stall has been in Chokalingams family for four generations. Growing up, May Day Park was synonymous with butterflies and birds across species. They would flock here as there were many plant species. At 3 pm, All India Radio would start playing in the park. There would be either news or Carnatic music till 8 pm, says Chokalingam. Now, he refuses to return there as the metro rail and development have spelt ruin to the natural beauty there. Almost 80% of the May Day Park has been taken away for the CMRL Project, points out Dr TD Babu of Nizhal NGO. Like residents, the trees, too, carry memories and histories of Chintadripet. A single neer kadamu tree, or barringtonia acutangula branching across the skies is an indicator that this landscape must have been a wetland or waterbody in the past. This freshwater mangrove tree grows near waterways and bodies, says Dr Babu, adding that this idea is cemented by the fact that weavers, whose profession requires waterbodies, settled here. The putranjiva tree (thought to aid infertility) and the vaka tree (whose bark was an active ingredient in burn ointments) were among the vegetative species making up the dense lush park. While these trees have disappeared, the fresh mangrove tree is a sole reminder of the parks indigenous species; while this tree has narrowly escaped from land acquisition, neglect, concretising the base and planting of other trees in the vicinity threaten its existence. We need to conserve such heritage trees which decode the history and geography of the area. They are living landmarks of Chennai and the government must come forward and conserve such species, says Babu. On May Day, we return to Karl Marx: The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Working men of all countries, unite!

Maharashtra: A Leading Economic Force and Pioneer in Cyber Security Implementation, Says Governor Bais

Maharashtra: A Leading Economic Force and Pioneer in Cyber Security Implementation, Says Governor Bais Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Wednesday called the state an economic powerhouse that played a key role in the country's development, and said it was leading in the implementation of cyber security. He was speaking during the Maharashtra Foundation Day event held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai's Dadar area. ''Maharashtra is leading when it comes to implementing cyber security and providing cyber services to businesses and individuals. Maharashtra has the biggest strength in its population, which is hard-working, enterprising, and progressive. It is also an important centre when it comes to industrial manufacturing and the financial and service sectors,'' he said. In addition to Mumbai, cities like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur are power centres for various sectors, he said. The geographical condition of Maharashtra is conducive to industrial development, and the state has always been a centre of attraction for investment, be it domestic or foreign, the governor said. ''Our state is an economic and financial powerhouse which has always played an important role in the infrastructure development of the country. Maharashtra is one of the leading states when it comes to agriculture, industrial products and manufacturing, trade and transportation,'' he said. Talking about Maharashtra capital Mumbai, he said the city made a big contribution to the state's overall development since it houses the headquarters of most banks, corporate houses, and financial institutions. ''India's biggest share market and the film industry are also in Mumbai, and this city is one of the important ports, which witnesses international trade in a big way,'' Bais said. ''One can have a glimpse of India through the diversity of Maharashtra, one of the states with the highest literacy. Our state has various high-quality universities and vocational training institutes that attract students, researchers, and scholars from all over the world,'' he said. Maharashtra has a rich tradition and cultural heritage with the legacy of the Warkari sect and saints. It has a big coastline with hill ranges, forests, forts, river basins and plateaus along with sanctuaries like Tadoba, Melghat and Pench, which are rich in biodiversity. Maharashtra, with all these heritage attractions, attracts Indian and foreign tourists who refer to it as the most favoured destination, the governor said. On the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Bais said, ''I appeal to everyone to exercise their franchise by voting and participating in this festival of democracy.''

INTERVIEW | Being sporty with Pat Cummins

HYDERABAD : Leadership isnt just about wielding authority; its about inspiring excellence, resilience, and unity. Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler, exemplifies these qualities as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Beyond his prowess with the ball, Cummins brings a blend of determination, strategic acumen, and a passion for the game that elevates him as a leader in the fiercely competitive world of T20 cricket. Pat Cummins journey to cricketing stardom is a testament to his unwavering dedication and talent. Known for his fiery pace and precision, Cummins has been a formidable force on the cricket pitch since his debut. His ability to generate pace consistently, coupled with his knack for breaking partnerships, has earned him accolades and admiration worldwide. When Sunrisers Hyderabad entrusted Cummins with the captaincy, it was a decision grounded not just in his cricketing prowess but also in his leadership qualities. Despite being relatively new to the role of captain, Cummins embraced the challenge with characteristic determination. His calm demeanor under pressure and astute decision-making on the field have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. CE caught up with Pat Cummins ahead of a big fixture on May 2 against Rajasthan Royals as he was in the city to launch Italian eyewear brand Carreras summer 2024 collection. Excerpts. Tell us about your experience of being the SRH skipper. Its been great. My first year with Hyderabad, lots of new guys I hadnt met before this season who have been great fun. Theyve been playing awesome cricket off the field, the whole franchise has been amazing and the fans of the city have been great too. Does having a competitive spirit help in leading the team from the front? Yeah, I think it helps me as a player. Leading is probably up to other people to say, but I think so. I always try to have that mentality that theres going to be one person thats the Man of the Match or theres going to be one team that wins. So that might as well be us (grins). The last couple of matches were not in SRHs favour. Where do you think it went wrong and what can be done? Yeah, not much went right the last couple of games. The good thing is only two games before that we won four games in a row and were playing really good cricket. So, its the same guys. Just that the game hasnt gone well the last two matches. Its how we bounce back. We dont need to change too much at all. Were back in a venue that we know really well. Do we see SRH winning this years title? Absolutely, yes. Lock it in. Did you get the chance to explore Hyderabad? Ive been out a little bit. Ive been here obviously many times over the years. Ive been out to the Golconda Fort, been out for a couple of local dinners, and went to a brewery the other day. Whats your favourite memory of the city? Theres a nice golf course near the Golconda Fort which has been a nice experience outside cricket. Hyderabads known for its food. What do you think about it? It has been amazing. My familys over at the moment so I took them out for a Hyderabadi Biryani the other day. It was very good. But it feels like after you eat, you have to go and have a nap for about half an hour (laughs). You are the brand ambassador of the Italian eyewear brand Carrera whose tagline is Drive your story. Whats your story behind becoming a cricketer? Just the love of the game. First of all, Ive got a couple older brothers. So, I was always playing backyard cricket with them and I come from a big, sporty family. I love being competitive. I love being that younger brother trying to kind of take the game on and be competitive, even with people that are older than me. I never thought Id become a professional cricketer, but here we are. Apart from cricket, what other interests do you have? Ive got a two-year-old son. So, my wife and I are very busy chasing him around. That feels like it takes up about 99% of my life. What else do you like about India? My family is here right now and the one thing that stands out for them, which you kind of get used to a little bit, its the hospitality. Everyones so welcoming and just always want to really look after you. Love the Indian hospitality. Indian hospitality is a lot about the food. How are you maintaining your fitness? I try to only have one heavy meal a day or else Id be big and I wouldnt be able to bowl. Id be bowling off spin-offs. Any message to upcoming cricketers? You have to make sure you find a way to keep enjoying it. As a kid, Id play every day in the backyard because I loved it. It wasnt because I thought Ive got to do this for a career. Its always about the love of the game.

Haryana to take musical route to promote voting

CHANDIGARH: With first-time voters of more than 3.65 lakh in Haryana, the state election commission said on Tuesday that it would rope in musical bands to play election-themed songs to encourage young voters to exercise their franchise and promo wte electoral awareness and education. Soon, we will be organising the first show, hopefully in Panchkula. The band will perform and play election-theme music. Later, these bands will be engaged in districts with a higher percentage of young voters, Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal said. Notably, 1,99,81,982 voters across the state are eligible to cast their votes when polling will be held on May 25 in 10 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state in the sixth phase of general elections. The number of voters in the 18- to 19-year-old age group is over 3.65 lakh, while the voters aged 20to 29 years are over 39 lakh. Agarwal said that the voter turnout in Haryana was recorded at 70 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, this time, our goal is to take it to at least 75 per cent, he added. He that this year, the Election Commission of India has made Chunav ka Parv Desh ka Garv the slogan for Lok Sabha elections so that citizens participate enthusiastically in the elections. Notably, several unique initiatives have been undertaken by the state election department, including launching the Voters- in-Queue app, sending polling invitations to voters akin to wedding invitations, and setting up 31 polling booths in the multi-storey societies of Gurugram. Through the Voters-in-Queue app the voters can obtain information about the queue at polling centres from the comfort of their homes and can go to vote as the crowd decreases. The apps primary aim is that it will save voters time by eliminating the need to wait in long queues, he said. Replying to a question, he said the law enforcement agencies have so far seized over Rs 27 crore worth of drugs, liquor and unaccounted-for cash in Haryana since the MCC came into effect.

Why One Of Indias Biggest Electoral Bond Donors Is A Touchy Topic In Bhiwandi

Torrent Power supplies power to Bhiwandi near Mumbai, and powerloom owners and public representatives allege that power bills have doubled or tripled since the franchise was brought in, which has dealt a blow to the Rs 10,000-crore powerloom industry here

'Modi failed to fulfil promises, think before you vote,' says CM Siddaramaiah to voters

BELAGAVI: Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taking people for a ride with his lies in the past 10 years of his term in office, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah warned voters to exercise their franchise carefully in the Lok Sabha election, and vote for the party which will ensure the welfare of the poor, farmers, Backward Classes, Other Backward Classes and women. Addressing a Congress rally in Gokak on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said Modi, who has been in power since 2014, didnt try to shape the countrys future. So the votes which you (people) cast in the coming polls will decide the countrys future, he added. Modi gave chombu to people of India: Siddaramaiah Did Modi fulfil the promises he made before he assumed office as Prime Minister? Former PM Manmohan Singh brought in the Food Security Act, and laws pertaining to the Right to Work, Right to Education, etc. It wouldnt have been possible for us (Congress) to give rice to the poor if PM Singh had not brought in such Acts. Modi promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh into peoples accounts by bringing back black money from foreign banks, and also boasted of creating 2 crore jobs every year, but he did nothing, said Siddaramaiah. Recently, the Axis My India survey predicted 210 seats for the BJP, and immediately after the numbers were out on social media, the BJP got it deleted, he added. Responding to Modis allegations that the state government did not have funds for developmental works, the CM said his government had set aside Rs 52,000 crore for guarantee schemes and Rs 82,000 crore has been seat aside for developmental work. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah accuses BJP of playing dirty politics for votes

Kerala: 'Vote from home facility gets thumbs up of elderly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The vote from home facility has evoked a good response from elderly electors above the age of 85 years in the state as nearly half of them exercised the option to cast their votes in the Lok Sabha election. However, only 17% of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) chose the vote from home option, a detailed analysis of the final voting figures has revealed. As per the states final electoral roll, there are 2.46 lakh voters in the 85 years and above category. According to figures accessed from the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kerala, Sanjay Kaul, 1.19 lakh such electors had cast their votes from home. This constitutes 48.35% of the total elderly voters above the age of 85 years who figures in the voters list. The vote from home facility, was first provided to voters aged 80 years and above, those in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category and Covid patients in the 2020 Bihar assembly elections. It was introduced in Kerala in the 2021 assembly elections. Last year, the Centre amended election rules to raise the age cap of senior citizens from 80 years to 85 years. After the poll panel provides a list of electors aged 85 years and above and PwD voters, Booth Level Officers contact them to inquire if they want to utilise the vote from home option or prefer to cast their votes directly at the polling booths. If the voter chooses the vote-from-home option, a prescribed form is filled up and a polling party reaches the voters house where he or she casts the vote through a paper ballot and drops it in a box. The entire process is videographed and carried out in the presence of political party representatives to ensure transparency. The facility is a boon for the elderly who would otherwise skip the election taking into account numerous difficulties associated with it. However, taking into account the physical condition of the elderly population, the age limit should be lowered to at least 75 years, said Dr A Salahuddeen Kunju, president, Senior Citizens Welfare Association,Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, the voting preference of differently-abled voters offered a stark contrast to that of the elderly electors. Of the 2.464 lakh voters in the PwD category who figure in the electoral roll, only 45,850 (17.35%) exercised their franchise from home in the recent Lok Sabha election, shows statistics accessed from the CEOs office. George K Thomas, a disability rights activist and founder of Freedom on Wheels, said a large section of differently-abled persons prefer to cast their votes directly in the polling booths despite the difficulties involved. For people like me, visiting a polling booth to cast my vote is an experience in itself. Besides it also sends out a message of inclusiveness and need for increased access to public places for differently abled persons, he said. According to Prajith P, co-founder of Mobility in Dystrophy Trust, who cast his vote from home, there needs to be more awareness among PwDs about the facility. Not all Booth Level Officers were pro-active enough to contact PwD category voters and make them aware of the vote from home facility. Some had a basic idea about it but did not know much about the process or the deadlines, he said. VOTE FROM HOME OPTION Senior citizen (85 yrs and above): 48.35% Total no of senior citizens in voters list: 2,46,959 Senior citizens who voted from home: 1,19,425 Persons with disabilities (PwDs): 17.35% Total no, of PwD electors in voters list: 2,64,232 PwD electors who voted from home: 45,850

Kerala: KSRTC set to roll with Bike Express initiative

KOCHI: The KSRTC is looking to give its logistics division a fresh set of wheels! Soon, one will be able to avail the services of the state road transporter to move two-wheelers to any location in the state. Following a pilot, the corporation is all set to implement the proposal called Bike Express on a wider scale. The corporation is modifying two buses and rolling out a dedicated van for implementing the scheme. The companys managing director has cleared the proposal and work is progressing. The dedicated vehicles will be launched in the coming days, a senior official said. The public sector entity has been receiving a lot of enquiries, many of them from women riders. We carried out a trial in January, when Volvo buses were used to transport two-wheelers. It helps those who are looking to move their vehicles over long distances without riding them and avoid the harsh weather conditions, the official added. Special ramps will be fitted to the doors of buses and the van to enable the smooth entry and exit of two-wheelers. Apart from ramps, the dedicated vehicles will also have hydraulic doors. Logistics initiative filling coffers of KSRTC Were studying the tariffs of railways and private operators to fix the rates. More modified vehicles will be introduced based on demand, the official added. Until the special vehicles are rolled out, bike transportation will be limited to bus stations in Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kottarakara. Scania buses are now being used for bike transport. But we dont want to inconvenience regular passengers by taking more orders. Were waiting for the special vehicles to implement the scheme in a major way, he added. While its yet to come out of the red, the logistics initiative, introduced last June, is filling the KSRTCs coffers. The divisions monthly revenue crossed Rs 40 lakh for the first time last month. Ernakulam is the hub of the operations, with daily average collection of around Rs 20,000. Total collection statewide in March was Rs 40,49,945. April has so far yielded Rs 39,71,000. We expect another Rs 1.5 lakh on April 30. Ernakulam clocked a revenue of Rs 5.50 lakh in March after registering Rs 3.36 lakh the previous month, said a senior official. Unlike other areas, almost all the routes pass through Ernakulam, either the Ernakulam South or Vyttila centres, said Tiny Koshy Alex, assistant transport officer, Ernakulam. The transporter currently has 48 dedicated logistics counters. Its planning to expand the initiative by taking the franchise route.

World leaders believe Modi can stop Russia-Ukraine war: Union minister

IMD: Partial relief from heatwave after May 5

State fire services on alert after heatwave triggers series of fires

Lost 2019 polls due to low turnout of minority voters: Subodh Kant Sahay

20 of 55 helipads in Palamu unfit for use: Dist admn

Decomposed body of minor missing girl found in Dumka

ATS arrests 2 members of Aman Sahu gang

Man held for defrauding NRI