Renewed efforts launched to connect tribal, pastoral children with quality education in Rajasthan

The State government has also laid emphasis on skills development and vocational education to reduce childrens dropout from schools

Indranil Banerjie | The Revanna scandal isnt about sex, but criminality

There is nothing new about politicians and sexual misconduct. The list is long and the accompanying outrage well documented. Recall how the world had gasped at the discovery of an episode involving a young intern in Americas White House and the then President of the United States. Mercifully, most such cases are quickly forgotten. How many would remember the case of actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger fathering a child with his housekeeper? The legendary Franklin D. Roosevelt is said to have had a mistress while John F. Kennedy was known to have had extra-marital affairs. Sexual shenanigans in the United States started with its founding fathers and continues with the shameful lawsuits involving the previous US President. India too has not been without its share of sex scandals involving politicians. Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is said to have had a relationship with Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of the last British Viceroy, although some historians have declared that it was entirely platonic. Many politicians, including at least one Prime Minister, have had questionable sexual relationships, but the Indian media has tended to be remarkably restrained on such issues. Only when the evidence has been thrust into public view has the media reacted, as was with the sensational case of Congress stalwart Narain Dutt Tewari, a not particularly attractive individual, who was seen in bed with three women at one time. He was subsequently found to be the genetic parent on a young man, whom he refused to legitimise despite the evidence. Several Indian politicians have literally been caught with their pants down. The list includes personages like Suresh Ram (son of Babu Jagjivan Ram), BJP leader Raghavji, the brilliant Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, one-time Rajasthan minister Mahipal Maderna, Dhruv Narayan Singh, the BSPs Purushottam Naresh Dwivedi, Samajwadi minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, former BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar, and many more. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) counted 134 sitting Members of Parliament (21 MPs) and Legislative Assemblies (113 MLAs) who have cases related to crimes against women. The charges include gangrape, rape and murder, sexual harassment and so on. The latest to join this dubious league is Karnatakas 33-year-old Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna, who belongs to the Janata Dal (Secular) and happens to be the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Mr Revanna has emerged as a satyr fond of ravaging women without their consent and would have got away with it had it not been for the leak of a pen drive containing an astonishing 3,000 or so explicit videos apparently shot by the member himself. The MP and his father have also been accused of sexual harassment by a woman who worked as their cook. A police case has been registered against both father and son but the latter is said to have fled the country, and is believed to be in Germany. The Prajwal Revanna case has acquired political overtones, coming as it does in the midst of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The Opposition has been circulating photographs showing the absconding offender with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and suggesting that this is typical of the kind of people the BJP supports. The Janata Dal (S) happens to be an electoral ally of the BJP in the state. The public focus of the Revanna case is on its sexual aspect, the MPs enormous appetite for coitus and unrestrained exploitation of vulnerable women. He is projected as a sex fiend with support from the countrys most powerful personage. The focus on sex, unfortunately, detracts from the true and more serious aspect of the episode: its obvious criminality. Ironically, in India today, criminality is no longer considered as sensational as sexual misconduct. The Revanna episode therefore is egregious not so much because of its sexual nature but because it suggests unrestrained and habitual delinquency that has continued with impunity over time. The core issue is that of a politician having forcible sex with women who are powerless to resist or speak up. Sexual profligacy might be distasteful, but it is not abhorrent in itself as long as there is no element of force, brutality, harassment, blackmail or compulsion involved. Thus, for instance, the Nehru-Edwina relationship evokes no outrage since it was between two consenting adults and not something involving coercion or force. The Revanna case is reflective of a much larger problem that is not debated as much as it ought to be, and that is the increasingly unrestrained power of the Indian political class. It is not a matter of one political party or another; it is a generic problem spread across the political spectrum. The average politician today considers himself to be a super citizen with super privileges, who can get away with virtually anything. That constitutes a huge and present danger. It is unfortunate that criminality and the related problem of corruption of the political class per se does not cause any outrage in this country. Neither is it an election issue. Not surprisingly, both criminality and the power of the political class in India is growing. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) estimates that criminality in politics is rising. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, 15 per cent candidates across political parties had declared criminal cases against them; this figure rose to 17 per cent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and to 19 per cent in the 2019 elections. In the ongoing elections, in the third phase alone, 18 per cent out of 1,352 candidates have declared criminal cases against them; in the second and first phases, this figure was 21 and 16 per cent respectively. The ADR observed: This data clearly shows that political parties have no interest in reforming the electoral system and our democracy will continue to suffer at the hands of lawbreakers who become lawmakers. The Indian politician today is designated as a dignitary who goes around with armed guards, cars flashing red lights, pays no toll, gets free medical and other facilities and in some cases free club membership as well. Some clearly feel they are even entitled to free sex. Welcome to the criminal republic.

MP: Kuno Cheetah Strays Into Rajasthan, Rescued in Challenging Condition

The major threats facing cheetahs are habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, depleting prey and the illegal pet trade. (Photo: Pixabay) The major threats facing cheetahs are habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, depleting prey and the illegal pet trade. (Photo: Pixabay) Bhopal: A cheetah from Kuno National Park in Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh, which had strayed into Rajasthan, was on Saturday rescued under challenging condition, a forest officer said. The male cheetah, Pavan, wandered into Rajasthan through Chambal river bank and was spotted in the Kased village under Karoli district in the neighbouring state by the local villagers, official sources said. Rajasthan forest officials alerted Kuno authorities about it, leading them to launch a rescue operation. Male cheetah Pavan was rescued from Karoli district in Rajasthan under challenging conditions involving a ravine and a huge crowd of onlookers, a release issued from the office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (ACCF) and Director Lion Project here said. The cheetah had to be handled physically in order to prevent it from falling into the ravine as it cornered at the crest of the ravine after darting amid a gathering of an enormous crowd nearby, the release said. The animal is being shifted to Kuno National Park and going to be released in the wild, a forest officer of the park said. Pavan was free ranging in Kuno National Park and crossed the inter-state boundary amid the human dominated landscape early on Saturday morning. Considering the safety of the animal and of the people, a decision was taken to rescue Pavan, the release said. Eight cheetahs from Namibia and 12 cheetahs from South Africa were brought to Kuno National Park under cheetah introduction project two years ago. The park now has 27 cheetahs including 14 cubs.

Police Team Attacked While Arresting Man In Rajasthan Village, 2 injured

Two police personnel of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) team were injured when they had gone to arrest a man in a village in Rajasthan's Bharatpur and were attacked by the villagers and his family members on Saturday, officials said.

Mumps Outbreak: Mumps cases increased in Delhi-NCR, doctors told how to stay safe

These days, cases of viral infection mumps are being reported to be increasing rapidly in the capital Delhi. According to the information being received from hospitals, a sudden increase in cases of infectious diseases has been recorded in Delhi-NCR in the last few weeks. Doctors said that children are becoming the biggest victims of this. Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection, so the risk of its spread is very high. Mumps infection targets the parotid glands that produce saliva, causing swelling and pain on one side of the face. Health experts say it is necessary to protect children from the danger of this infectious disease. In some situations, there may be a risk of mumps taking a serious form. Cases had also increased in March-April It is important to know here that mumps infection can make not only children but also adults victims. Before the capital Delhi-NCR, last month itself, cases of this infectious disease were seen increasing in Tamil Nadu-Kerala to Rajasthan. This infectious disease, caused by a group of viruses called paramyxovirus, can cause severe and painful swelling of the parotid glands. Some reports suggest that in case of severe mumps infection, patients may also lose their hearing ability. Doctors say, that mumps disease most affects children aged between two to 12 years, people who have not been vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) are also at risk of getting the infection and its serious form. There may be more. It becomes necessary to identify and treat its symptoms in time. In the initial stages of infection, problems like fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite may occur. As the infection progresses, there is a risk of its symptoms increasing. What is doctors' advice to prevent mumps? Paramyxovirus is considered the main cause of mumps disease. The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with a person's saliva or through respiratory droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. To prevent this infectious disease, it is considered necessary to maintain proper distance from the infected person. People who have weak immune systems or who have not received the MMR vaccine may be at higher risk of developing this disease. If your child has a mumps infection, keep them from going to school to prevent its spread. What to do if you get infected with mumps? Health experts say, there is no specific treatment for mumps. Doctors give some medicines for its symptoms. Usually, this infection resolves on its own within a few weeks. In case of this infectious disease, it is advised to consume fluids, gargle with lukewarm salt water, and avoid acidic foods. To avoid the risk of viral infection, avoid close contact with an infected person and if you are showing symptoms, contact a doctor in time. (PC: ISTOCK)

Male cheetah rescued from Rajasthan's Karoli district

Male cheetah rescued from Rajasthan's Karoli district A male cheetah Pawan was rescued from Rajasthan's Karoli district under challenging conditions after after straying from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh and crossing into Rajasthan, said an official statement on Saturday. The animal is being shifted to Kuno National Park and will be released in the wild. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director Lion Project in a statement said, With an enormous crowd of onlookers and the animal cornered at the crest of the ravine after darting, the animal had to be handled physically to prevent it from tumbling over the ravine. After the successful rescue, the animal is being shifted to Kuno National Park and will be released in the wild. It is notable that Pawan was free-ranging in Kuno and crossed the inter-state boundary moving amidst a human-dominated landscape early today morning. Considering the safety of the animal and the people, a decision was taken to rescue Pawan. Kuno National Park management extends its gratitude to the staff of the forest and police department of Rajasthan for their support in the operation, the statement added. (ANI)

IPL 2024: LSG Might Have To Play The Rest Of The Event Without Mayank Yadav, Says Coach Justin Langer

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants are reconciled to probably playing the rest of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 without young tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav. Even if there is a possibility of getting him back, it would be a huge test for the pacer, said LSG head coach Justin Langer ahead of their upcoming clash with Kolkata Knight Riders at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Yadav had returned for the match against Mumbai Indians at the same venue on April 30 but pulled after bowling 3.1 overs, returning to the dugout as his injury flared up again. Langer said there were no updates on Mayank Yadav on Saturday but felt his injury was the usual one that young fast bowlers have to suffer early in their careers. No updates. He had a scan. He has got a small tear in a similar area where the last one was. So, it is very unfortunate. We saw the impact he had made, said Langer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. He came back into the game, but we can also see there's been a lot of discussion about fast bowlers, and he spoke to (Jasprit) Bumrah after the game and he reassured him that he's going to be a fast bowler, said the former Australia coach. Part of his journey as a young fast bowler, he's going to get injuries, and in my experience every young fast bowler, probably until they get to 24-26, are going to experience different injuries and also most unfortunate is he's got huge potential, he added. Langer dispelled the notion that Yadav had made a pre-mature return against Mumbai Indians, which led to his injury aggravating. He did his rehabilitation, (it) was excellent. He went into the game, had a couple of balls before the game, he was completely pain-free, so I was very sad for him and it's disappointing for LSG as well, said the LSG coach. He said even if there are chances of Mayank Yadav returning to the squad, it would be a big test for him. Already might have to play the rest of the tournament without him. You can fly him, hopefully for the playoffs but it will be a real test as well. It would probably be difficult for him to get up for the backend of the tournament, said Langer. LSG are currently placed third in the third position with 12 points from 10 matches and is in a tight contest with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the race for the playoff spots behind the top two -- Rajasthan Royals (16) and Kolkata Knight Riders (14).

Cong leader Gehlot attacks electoral bonds scheme, calls it a major scam

Cong leader Gehlot attacks electoral bonds scheme, calls it a major scam The electoral bonds scheme was the biggest scam in the world, alleged senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday. He was addressing a poll rally in Rajgarh, where party colleague Digvijaya Singh is pitted against two-time sitting BJP MP Rodmal Nagar. Even Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's husband Parakala Prabhakar, who is an economist, claims the electoral bonds scheme was not just the biggest scam of India but of the world, Gehlot alleged. On February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional and violative of the fundamental right to information. ''The BJP has a washing machine to clean the corrupt people who join it,'' Gehlot said, adding that the NCP was accused of being involved in scams totalling Rs 70,000 crore but its leader Ajit Pawar was now allied with the ruling party in Maharashtra. Gehlot also alleged the judiciary and the Election Commission were under pressure. Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the former Rajasthan CM said the BJP was telling people the Congress would take away one out of two buffaloes they owned if it came to power. Then it says Pakistan will be happy if the Congress wins the 2024 polls, he said in another swipe at the ruling party. ''The Lok Sabha polls are being fought to save democracy and the Constitution. The condition of the country is worrisome. They promised two crore jobs and bringing back black money stashed in foreign banks. None of it happened. Unemployment is at an all time high, while GST has ruined people,'' he claimed. Gehlot hailed Digvijaya Singh and said the latter had won in 1977 (in the assembly polls from Raghogarh) when there was a wave against the Congress and even Indira Gandhi had lost polls.

IPL 2024: Little And Suthar Come In As Unchanged RCB Win Toss, Elect To Bowl First Against GT

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: An unchanged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening. RCB are at the bottom of the points table with six points from 10 games. On the other hand, GT are in eighth place with eight points from 10 matches. The last time these two teams met in IPL 2024, a whirlwind century from Will Jacks and fifty from Virat Kohli helped RCB beat GT by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis said his playing eleven is unchanged. We are going to chase. The conversation has been good. To make that shift from the beginning, that's pleasing. From a batting perspective, we have found our mojo. The guys can come in and bat freely, he said. GT skipper Shubman Gill said left-arm fast-bowler Joshua Little and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who is making his IPL debut, have come into the playing XI. Suthar, hailing from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, picked 10 wickets in five games for India A in the Emerging Mens Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka last year. He also played two games for India A in this years four-day matches against England Lions in Ahmedabad. Little and Suthar come into the GT playing eleven in place of seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore, who is nursing a niggle. The talk is to win four in four (remaining games). It's important to turn up and deliver our best. I feel our fielding has let us down. We have had a chat about it. We need to be a better team as a fielding unit, we have had a chat. IPL is such a long tournament. It's important to turn up on the day, he said. Playing XIs: Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), B. Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma and Joshua Little Substitutes: Sandeep Warrier, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Darshan Nalkande, B.R. Sharath Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Vyshak Vijaykumar and Swapnil Singh Substitutes: Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Akash Deep, Rajat Patidar

Rajasthan CM Gives Green Light to Dismissal of Convicted Government Official

Rajasthan CM Gives Green Light to Dismissal of Convicted Government Official Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has approved the proposal to dismiss a man working with the Deputy Labour Commissioner from service after being convicted in a corruption case, according to an official statement. According to the statement, the Labour Department will take action to dismiss Deshraj Singh Gurjar, Junior Assistant to Deputy Labour Commissioner in Alwar from service, under the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. He was convicted by the court in a corruption case, the statement read. In another incident, the chief minister approved the proposal to initiate prosecution in the court against Alwar's M/s. S. S. B Engineers Pvt. Ltd., and Tapukada's M/s Khushkheda Steels Pvt. Ltd for allegedly violating safety norms in their factories that led to the death of three workers, as per the statement. The Labour Department will prosecute the managers of these factories under the sections of the Factories Act, the statement read.

Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Lucknow: Th e Meteorological Department has announced that relief from the scorching heat is on its way with the prediction of rainfall in many states, including UP and Bihar. The forecast indicates that the heat wave conditions in Eastern India will persist until May 5. However, there is good news for North-East India, with heavy to very heavy rain expected on May 5 and 6, along with a possibility of storms. Eastern UP may also experience rainfall between May 6 and 9. In the last 24 hours, heatwave conditions were observed in Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The highest temperature recorded was 46.2 degrees Celsius in the Nandyal area of Rayalaseema. Conversely, heavy rain was reported in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next five days. Additionally, warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh between May 3 and 5. In North-West India, light rain is expected in Western Rajasthan on May 3 and in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab on May 4. Strong winds are also likely in Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi on May 3 and 4. Furthermore, light to moderate rain is predicted in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand between May 6 and 9, with an alert for thunderstorms and lightning. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 18.3 degrees Celsius, six degrees below normal. The relative humidity in the national capital was 34 percent at 8:30 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted strong winds during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 38 degrees Celsius. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Candidate from Porbandar, Equates Party Workers to God

Rajasthan High Court disposes of PIL highlighting encroachment of village forest area

The Rajasthan High Court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in pro-bono capacity that village forest area has been extensively encroached by a large number of encroachers. Against them, proceedings under Section 91 of the Land Revenue Act have duly been drawn by Tehsildar and after hearing, orders of eviction were passed against []

Rajasthan JET 2024 registration re-opens at jetauj2024.com, direct link to apply here

Agriculture University, Jodhpur has re-opened the Rajasthan JET 2024 registration window. with an age limit update. Candidates can apply at jetauj2024.com before May 6. Exam scheduled for June 2, 2024, with different application fees for categories.

Rajasthan weather: 45 degrees Celsius at some places; possibility of heat wave in Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions

Jaipur Meteorological Centre forecasts a heatwave in West Rajasthan from May 7 to 10, with rising temperatures. People are advised to take precautions. Various animal parks are implementing measures to protect animals from the heat.

In Tough Scoring Period, Jaiswal Seeks Support from Positive Influences

In Tough Scoring Period, Jaiswal Seeks Support from Positive Influences Young Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal says he focussed on process and surrounded himself with people who gave him the right advice after the first phase of IPL when big knocks weren't coming his way. There were speculations if the Bhadohi-born Mumbai opener would be able to make it to the T20 World Cup-bound team but in his last three games for Rajasthan Royals, he scored an unbeaten 104, 24 and 67 after totalling only 121 runs in seven games at the halfway stage. ''I keep a lot of focus on my process and I try my best in the practice sessions and surround myself with right kind of people and keep working hard,'' Jaiswal said during a promotional event. Royals are all but through to the play-offs with 16 points from 10 games and Jaiswal wants his team to maintain the momentum. Asked about Royals' preparation, Jaiswal replied: ''It's going great right now, and I hope we can continue with the momentum prepare well and keep focusing on the process for upcoming matches.'' One of the biggest benefits of playing IPL, according to Jaiswal is the familiarity with opposition, which helps in doing a proper homework before the T20 World Cup in the Americas. ''We are going to benefit a lot. We are playing with the same players in the IPL and we know them and we can prepare well for it,'' said the stylish southpaw, who has already played 17 T20Is for India. He then went on to explain why IPL gives the best preparation platform in the T20 World Cup. ''I feel that IPL is the right platform for T20 World Cup where we can play well and learn a lot and gain a lot of experience,'' Jaiswal said, adding, ''It's a lot of fun to play the IPL. The way it's played in India with the kind of matches we have, they are very challenging in different venues. So it's a great experience.''

Cenre Lifts Ban on Onion Exports; Imposes Minimum Export Price of USD 550 Per Tonne

In just two weeks, onion price per quintal rose to Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 from Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 level, while retail price shot up to Rs 25 per kg from Rs 10 to Rs 15. In just two weeks, onion price per quintal rose to Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 from Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 level, while retail price shot up to Rs 25 per kg from Rs 10 to Rs 15. New Delhi: The government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports but imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne, amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country. Last night, the government imposed a 40 per cent duty on export of onions. In August last year, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023. The export policy of onions is amended from prohibited to free subject to MEP of USD 550 per metric ton with immediate effect and until further orders, the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. On December 8, 2023, the government banned export of onions from March 31 this year. In March, the export prohibition was extended till further orders. In March, the Union Agriculture Ministry released the data for onion production. As per the data, onion production in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is expected to be around 254.73 lakh tonnes compared to around 302.08 lakh tonnes last year. This is due to a decrease of 34.31 lakh tonnes output in Maharashtra, 9.95 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 3.54 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12 lakh tonnes in Rajasthan, the data showed. Last month, in an official statement, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the government has allowed export of 99,150 tonnes of onion to six neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Farmers in Maharashtra had protested against the export ban. The Congress last month accused the Narendra Modi government of callously neglecting Maharashtra's onion farmers reeling due to the ban on onion exports and said that its manifesto promises a predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers.

Big scores rendering stadium size irrelevant: Ashwin

He is happy that Rajasthan Royals' bowling attack hasn't suffered a lot unlike some of the other teams even though he marvels at the ball striking abilities of the batters over time.

Cheetah from Kuno National Park strays into Rajasthan's Karauli, rescued

The cheetah, from the Kuno National Park, reached the Simara village (around 50 km) via Sheopur and Sabalgarh

Mummy, driver uncle indulges in bad touch: Haji Muhammad booked under POCSO for sexually harassing 12-year-old Dalit girl while driving her to school in Rajasthan

Taxi driver named Haji Muhammad has been booked under the POCSO act for sexually harassing a minor girl who hails from the Dalit community.

Maximum temperature in Rajasthan likely to increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius

MeT department predicts heat waves in Rajasthan with a 2-3 degrees Celsius temperature rise. May 7 may reach 44-45 degrees Celsius in Western Rajasthan, causing heat waves in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer.

People fed up with false promises of BJP: Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

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Rajasthan: Ravi Prakash Meharda takes charge as DG, ACB; talks about govts zero-tolerance policy

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Onion Exports Resume with Minimum Price Threshold of USD 550/Tonne

Onion Exports Resume with Minimum Price Threshold of USD 550/Tonne The government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports but imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne, amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country. Last night, the government imposed a 40 per cent duty on export of onions. In August last year, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023. ''The export policy of onions is amended from prohibited to free subject to MEP of USD 550 per metric ton with immediate effect and until further orders,'' the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. On December 8, 2023, the government banned export of onions from March 31 this year. In March, the export prohibition was extended till further orders. In March, the Union Agriculture Ministry released the data for onion production. As per the data, onion production in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is expected to be around 254.73 lakh tonnes compared to around 302.08 lakh tonnes last year. This is due to a decrease of 34.31 lakh tonnes output in Maharashtra, 9.95 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 3.54 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12 lakh tonnes in Rajasthan, the data showed. Last month, in an official statement, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the government has allowed export of 99,150 tonnes of onion to six neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Farmers in Maharashtra had protested against the export ban. The Congress last month accused the Narendra Modi government of ''callously neglecting'' Maharashtra's onion farmers reeling due to the ban on onion exports and said that its manifesto promises a predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers.

17 swine flu cases reported in Jaipur, leptospirosis affects 10 districts in Rajasthan

Health officials in Jaipur and Sriganganagar are monitoring active cases of swine flu and leptospirosis in Rajasthan. Dr. Ravi Prakash Mathur, Director of Rajasthan Health Department, emphasizes the need for precautions and proper hygiene to prevent the spread of these diseases.

Meet CBI officer's daughter who worked in all time blockbuster film, became single mother at 45, is now..

Sakshi Tanwar was born in Alwar, Rajasthan, to Rajendra Singh Tanwar, a retired CBI officer. She completed her graduation from the Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi. Sakshi Tanwar has also briefly worked as a sales trainee at a five-star hotel.

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. According to Geojit insights, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above-normal rainfall, with the total from June to September anticipated to be 106 per cent of the long-period average. Private forecaster Skymet Weather Services and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Centre have echoed similar forecasts. Last year, the southwest monsoon ended with a 6 per cent deficit of the long-period average, mainly due to El Nino, resulting in wide spatial and temporal variations in rainfall distribution. However, regions that generally receive good rainfall experienced shortages, while dry regions like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch received bountiful rainfall. Out of the total 36 meteorological subdivisions, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall. The forecast of normal monsoon rains this year comes as a relief at a time when agricultural output is declining, and food inflation remains high, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in reservoirs. Slow growth in agriculture is mainly attributed to declining farm output, with food grain production expected to decline by six percent in 2023-24. The deficient monsoons last year and warmer, drier weather due to El Nino have left considerable impact on water levels in reservoirs across the country. Currently, reservoir storage stands at 31 per cent of the total live storage capacity, significantly lower than the 10-year average. With the summer approaching its peak, the situation in southern India, where reservoir levels are critically low, has worsened, increasing the threat of drought. Apart from affecting standing crops and agricultural productivity, dwindling water levels could impact other sectors as well. The prediction of normal monsoons this year brings hope for boosting the production of kharif crops such as rice, soybean, sugarcane, and pulses, cooling down food inflationary pressures, and replenishing water resources. However, the arrival, distribution, intensity, and departure of the monsoon remain crucial factors that will impact agricultural production and productivity. Skymet expects good rainfall in southern, western, and northwestern parts of the country, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh expected to receive adequate rainfall. However, eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal may face the risk of deficit rainfall during peak monsoon months, impacting kharif crops heavily dependent on early rainfall. Additionally, heavy showers during the latter half of the monsoon season may pose a threat to standing crops across the country. (ANI)

Saina's Royal Breakfast With Jos, Sanga

Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal caught with Rajasthan Royals' players and support staff.

Rajasthan: 17 active cases of swine flu reported in Jaipur; leptospirosis affects 10 districts in state

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Heatwave likely in West Rajasthan from May 7, several steps initiated to tackle rising temperature

The News Mill

'Modi created a new MCC,' says AIMIM chief Owaisi

HYDERABAD : Prime Minister Narendra Modi created a new MCC (Modi Criminal Code) under which he could say anything and nobody would stop him, alleged AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday. The four-time Hyderabad parliamentarian was referring to Modis recent remarks about ghuspethiyon (infiltrators) and those who have many children during a rally in Rajasthan that sparked a nationwide controversy. Addressing a meeting at Charminar on Friday, Owaisi asked why the PM was targeting only one particular community? Wherever he (PM Modi) goes, he abuses us. He can speak about opposition parties and their candidates, but why is he targeting a particular community? Using the term jihadi, he is pointing towards us, who constitute 17 crore citizens in the country. After all these speeches, he has created a new MCC (Modi Criminal Code), under which he can say anything and nobody could stop him. The AIMIM MP asserted that he could also counter the PM in a similar fashion while respecting the MCC (Model Code of Conduct). He (Modi) should know that God has given me the ability to speak at length as well. If there had not been an election code, I could have said so much about Modi, Shah, and the RSS that they would be ashamed of their words. But I am following the MCC, Owaisi said and added, Sometimes, we are killed over non-vegetarian food, sometimes due to reading azaan (prayer), and now our existence is in danger. Demanding that the PM stop delivering hate-filled speeches, Owaisi said, Modi should stop giving such speeches because elections will come and go, but the country will stay. We have also contributed to the countrys independence but we are being called infiltrators. Earlier in the day, Owaisi reportedly said the situation of Muslims in todays India is similar to that of the Jews in Germany during dictator Adolf Hitlers era in the 1930s.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Sunrisers Hyderabad's man for all seasons

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's outstanding bowling performance against Rajasthan Royals helped Sunrisers Hyderabad secure a crucial victory, marking the end of their losing streak and boosting their chances for the playoffs.

Two more Rajasthan men held for Muthapudupet gold robbery; Rs 1.5 crore worth gold robbed

CHENNAI: Police have arrested two more men hailing from Rajasthan in connection with the armed robbery case at Muthapudupet. As much as 703 gm of gold, 4.3 kg of silver and two iPhones were recovered from the suspects. The police have identified the key suspects as Ashok Kumar and Suresh. They were nabbed by a special team in Rajasthan on Tuesday. While Ashok was a resident of Rajasthan and was involved in nearly six cases, Suresh has been doing steel fabrication work in Chennai for the past decade, police said On April 28, the police arrested Dinesh Kumar (24) and Shetanaram (23) from Rajasthan. The duo had helped the main suspects by doing recce, providing accommodation and helping them escape. Police said that they had received a share of the stolen items. Based on the information provided by them, the police arrested Ashok and Suresh. According to the police sources, the victim, P Prakash (33) of Muthapudupet, was running a jewellery shop in the locality for the past four years. Around 12 pm on April 15, four men entered the shop posing as customers and after a few minutes, they pointed pistols at Prakash and tied him to a chair. They then stole jewellery and cash from the locker before fleeing.

Charming tunes

BENGALURU: The imageof snake charmers, controlling snakes with theirbeens(awind instrumentused in snake charming), has been part of Indiasidentity forthousands of years. It was also one of the first symbols of exotic India from which people wanted to distance themselves as quicklyas possible. Although the practice of snake charming has long been banned, those who used to practice it seek alternative ways to sustain themselves. Roysten Abel, a theatre personality known for working withindigenous folkmusicians like the Manganiyars of the Thar Desert, is bringing a uniqueshow to Bengaluru. For the first time, 100 snake charmers will takethe stage, performing a symphony that includes Bollywood tunes,Scottish bagpipemelodies, and traditional snake charmer songs. The ideafor the show originated when Abel met Bahar Dutt, anenvironmental activistrunning an NGO called Friends of Snakes. She was working in Molarband, Delhi, a village where snake charmers live. She washelping themgive upSnake Charmingbut needed to find an alternativevocation forthem. Since Ive been working with indigenous folk performers fora longtime, I suggested we do something with 100 charmers, says Abel, adding that the show aims to redefinesnakecharmers identities from street performers to concert musicians. Assembling 100 snake charmers for a single musical production was achallenging proposition, given that beenis typically played solo. Abel recounts, When I proposed this, I was told it wasnt possibleand thateven playing with ten beens together is a difficult task. Itsnice totake on challenges sometimes. So then we started calling up snake charmers in UP, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Rajasthan. After holdingauditions that attracted 500 charmers from across the country,a groupof 100 was formed, each bringing theirowntunes and styles.The one-hourconcert includes traditionalsnake-charmingtunes andtunes fromthe Scottish Highlands. I find the instrument similar tothe bagpipesof Scotland. So, we have two bagpipe tunes, shares Abel, adding, The challenge in creating a musical production of this scale was to getthe hundredcharmers to synchronize and play together like a musical concert. Known for creating immersiveset designsfor his productions, Abel notes that this time the set issimple tokeep the focus on the musicians. The main visual is thatthe hundredcharmers are on stage, wearing their traditional outfits,he adds. The show hastravelledto various cities in the country andeven openedfor a festival in Naples, which was a unique experience for Abel. We performed in one of the oldest opera houses in the world, traditionally a place frequented by the elite bourgeois class andoften associatedwith nobility. To have our snake charmers perform in frontof thewhos who of Italy was remarkable, he shares. Abels projectextends beyond artistic innovation to create a new world fora dyingart form and the hundreds of people dependent on it. You justput themon a map where everybody wants to get rid of the snakecharmer becausethey think thats the old India. Also, it is such aunique instrumentto our country, you can explore them and see themin differentcontexts, he says, hopeful of creating analternative livelihoodfor the community. Abel is currently collaborating onanother projectwith traditional folk drummers of the country and therenowned percussionistRanjit Barot. Roysten Abels A 100 Charmers will be staged today,5pmand8pmat Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleswaram

Villagers in Rajasthan set rape-murder accused's house on fire

Villagers in Nandri village, Dausa district, reacted violently to the alleged rape and murder of a pregnant woman, resulting in clashes with the police. The suspect's house was burnt, relatives' houses attacked, and suspects detained.

Refer Neha Hiremath case to CBI if you cant probe it, Shah tells Siddaramaiah govt

BELAGAVI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a rally at Hukkeri in Chikkodi Lok Sabha constituency on Friday, took on the Siddaramaiah government over the murder of 23-year-old Neha Hiremath, and said if the State Government cannot properly investigate the killing, then the case should be handed over to the CBI. Shah, who was campaigning for Chikkodi BJP candidate Annasaheb Jolle, said the Central agency would ensure stringent punishment for Nehas killer. I met Nehas mother and found that there was pressure on the girl to convert. The State Government should hand over the case to CBI if it is not possible for it to investigate the case properly. The CBI will hang the killer upside down and straighten up things, the Home Minister added. Neha, a 23-year-old student, was brutally killed on her college campus in Hubballi last month. Lambasting the Congress government over the issue of law and order, Shah said, The 10-month-old Congress government in Karnataka has destroyed the entire state. If you trust PM Narendra Modi and vote for the BJP, the party will develop Karnataka in the coming days. The BJP has plans to take up several irrigation projects and also link several rivers. Shah said for the last 70 years, the Congress put the issues of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Corridor project, development of Somnath Madir, Kedar Dham, and Badari Dham on the back burner due to its appeasement politics. He alleged that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stayed away from the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya, fearing their partys vote bank. Shah asked the gathering if they want the Parivarvad Congress or the Parivarvad mitanewali BJP to come to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. He asked the people whether Kashmir belonged to India or not and recalled Kharges statement, What was the connection of Rajasthan and Karnataka to the issue of Kashmir? Kharge saab... you have crossed 80 years of age but did not understand the people of Chikkodi, where every kid is ready to lay down his or her life for Kashmir. For the last 70 years, the Congress kept Article 370 in its lap and kept playing with it. Due to the Congress stand on Kashmir, terrorism continued. When Modi became the PM, the abrogation of Article 370 was done once and for all. When the Bill to abrogate Article 370 was tabled in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi opposed it, stating that a river of blood will flow in Kashmir if it is passed. I want to tell Rahul that nobody dared to even throw a stone, he added. He also defended the Centres decision to ban PFI and alleged that the Congress came to power in Karnataka with the support of SDPI, and soon after there was a bomb in a cafe in Bengaluru. Unfortunately, the State Government hastily claimed that it was a LPG cylinder blast. But the NIA investigation found that the anti-national SDPI carried out the blast, Shah said. Shah alleged Jolles political rivals were involved in cutting the hills, grabbing land, and insulting Hindu culture and warriors.

Hyderabad: 4 Arrested for Cricket Betting

Hyderabad : The LB Nagar special operations team and LB Nagar police arrested four persons for betting on cricket matches, and seized property and cash worth of Rs.23.8 lakh. The arrested individuals were identified as sub-bookie Thondalapally Karthik Reddy and three punters. The main bookies, Manjo and Sandeep Reddy, from Rajasthan, are absconding.

Avadi Jewellery shop dacoity: police arrest two masterminds in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Minister Receives Death Threat, FIR Registered: Cops

An FIR has been registered against an unidentified person for allegedly issuing a death threat to Rajasthan minister Babulal Kharadi, police said on Friday.

T20 World Cup: Former Ranji Trophy top-scorer Milind Kumar to play for USA

DALLAS: Former Delhi batter and 2018-19 Ranji Trophy top run-getter Milind Kumar found a place in the United States of America squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting June 1. The USA, a co-host of the event alongside the West Indies, announced its 15-member squad to be led by Gujarat-born Monank Patel. Right-handed batter Milind, who scored 1331 runs in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, had before that played seven seasons for Delhi and then migrated to the USA in search of better opportunities. Milind, a Delhi-born cricketer, played for the state, Sikkim and Tripura in the Indian domestic before migrating to the US. The 33-year-old batter also played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. During the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, he finished as the highest run-scorer for the season playing for Sikkim before making his cricketing debut in the US in 2021 with The Philadelphians in the Minor Cricket League. Former Mumbai left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh has also made it to the side. The 31-year-old Mumbai-born featured for the Indian team during the 2012 U-19 World Cup, besides playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2013 and state cricket for Tripura. T20 World Cup: Selectors keep faith in old in youngest format He made his US cricketing debut in 2021, leading Seattle Thunderbolts in the Minor League Cricket. Saurabh Nethravalkar, another Mumbai-born pacer, played in the 2010 U19 World Cup, the batch that saw stars like KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat and Mayank Agarwal going on to represent the senior Indian team. However, a couple of renowned Indians and members of the 2012 U-19 World Cup-winning team -- Unmukt Chand (skipper) and Smit Patel (wicketkeeper) -- failed to find a spot in the squad. Another well-known face in the squad is Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand all-rounder who represented the Black Caps in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cups in 2014 and 2016. He moved to the US in 2023 and made his debut with the side last month in a T20I against Canada. Pakistan-born pacer Ali Khan is also an inclusion in the squad, who was recruited by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020. USA will start their campaign against neighbours Canada here on the opening day, having also been clubbed alongside India, Pakistan and Ireland in Group A. USA squad for T20 World Cup: Monank Patel (c & wk), Aaron Jones (vc), Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor and Shayan Jahangir.

Powell To Lead Strong West Indies Team, Shamar Called In For T20 World Cup

Rajasthan Royals power-hitter Rovman Powell will lead a strong West Indies squad, filled with some of the world's best franchise freelancers, in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.

Piyush Chawla achieves incredible IPL milestone

Veteran Mumbai Indians spinner Piyush Chawla achieved a historic milestone on Friday by becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history. The 35-year-old accomplished this feat during the IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At the top of the list is Rajasthan Royals' spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken 200 wickets.

Modi Mocks Rahul for Contest from Rae Bareli, Taunts India Bloc

Kolkata : Painting a gloomy picture of two key INDIA partners in the ongoing Lok Sabha Election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted on Friday that neither Trinamul Congress can win more than 15 seats nor Congress would make a half century in the tally of seats across the country. Mr Modi, who addressed three BJP poll campaign rallies at three different parliamentary constituencies his highest in West Bengal so far also took a swipe at Congress scion Rahul Gandhi for his Lok Sabha poll contest from Rae Bareli seat instead of Amethi where he had lost in 2019 and sarcastically told him, Daro Mat, Bhaago Mat (Don't panic, Don't run away. On the INDIA partners fate, the PM said at Tehatta in Krishnanagar of Nadia, Who can form a government of the country? TMC can't even win 15 seats in the entire country. Now you tell me if TMC can form the government with just 15 seats! It is also difficult for the Congress this time to make a half-century irrespective of their efforts. He added, Can they form a government when they can't get 50 seats? Once the sun didn't set for the Left here. Now the red flags are not visible. They have been lying crushed. It is only BJP-led NDA which can form the government. Mr Modi then came down heavily on the Gandhi family hours after its scion Rahul Gandhi, presently Wayanad MP, was fielded by the Congress at Rae Bareli. In a veiled jibe at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the PM remarked, I had stated in the parliament when polls were two-three months away that their biggest leader would not dare to contest the polls and would run away out of fear. She fled to Rajasthan and from there made entry to the Rajya Sabha from there. That is what happened in fact. Mocking Mr. Gandhi who is going to contest the polls from a seat earlier vacated by his mother, Mr. Modi claimed, I also said earlier Shehzade going to lose at Wayanad and because of fear of losing in Wayanad, he will start looking for a third seat the moment voting ends there. He pointed out, Now all of his close aides started talking about his contest from Amethi. But he panicked so much that he ran away from there also and is now looking for a road at Rae Bareli. These people keep going around telling public Daro Mat. Today I am also telling them with a lot of happiness: Are Daro Mat, Bhaago Mat. The PM alleged, The Congress is set to be decimated in lesser number of seats that they got last time as they are contesting in few seats. The country has also understood that these people are not fighting the polls to win. He further tanuted the INDIA partners, claiming that all of them have been in a race to become the main opposition against the BJP. Reiterating his tirade against the TMC over violence against women in Sandeshkhali, Mr Modi earlier played the Hindutva card while speaking at Bardhaman-Durgapur parliamentary constituency. He referred to Bharatpur TMC MLA Humayun Kabir's recent threat to send the bodies of Hindus flowing at the Bhagirathi river in Murshidabad and wondered, What kind of political culture is this? The PM alleged that such threats showed that the Hindus have been reduced to second-class citizens in Bengal under TMC rule. On the School Service Commission job scam which led to the termination of 25,753 appointments of state education department staff including teachers by the Calcutta High Court last month, the PM pledged to support the meritorious candidates who were affected by the order. He informed that he has ordered the state BJP leadership to open a social media window and enlist the names of those candidates who had got the jobs because of their merit and not by paying a hefty amount of money to the TMC leaders.

Angered By Love Marriage, Rajasthan Woman's Family Cut Her Husband's Nose

Family members of a woman, angered by her love marriage to a man, allegedly thrashed her husband and cut off his nose on Pali-Jodhpur highway in Rajasthan, police said on Friday.

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

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

T20 World Cup: Rovman Powell To Lead 15-man West Indies Squad As Hetmyer Returns

West Indies Cricket Desmond Haynes: West Indies announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2024, which will be co-hosted by the Caribbean nations and the USA and scheduled to start on June 1. Shamar Joseph, who impressed in his Test debut series against Australia earlier this year, is now poised to mark his T20I debut after being picked in the T20 World Cup squad. Shimron Hetmyer makes a comeback after missing the T20I series against Australia. He has been in good nick in the ongoing IPL with the Rajasthan Royals, scoring 83 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 184.44 while playing the finisher's role. Kyle Mayers, who was part of the squad during the Australia series, was omitted as the Windies opted for a lower-order batter over an opener. Pacer Oshane Thomas is also left out. Johnson Charles, Brandon King, and Shai Hope are expected to fill the top-order positions. The Windies boast a plethora of big hitters and all-rounders, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Powell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd, providing the team with ample options. Akeal Hossain and Gudakesh Motie form the spin-bowling department, while the pace battery will be led by vice-captain Alzarri Joseph with the support of Shamar Joseph. Director of West Indies Cricket Desmond Haynes spoke about the big selection calls. We had a very long discussion with the situation of the batting line-up, he said. I want to state very clearly that our focus has always been (on) roles, roles that we want people to play. The situation of someone like Shamar Joseph, you really cant question someone like him, we saw him in Australia. He ticked the boxes for us. It was some very close decisions, regarding the selection of Kyle Mayers and Shimron Hetmyer but we looked at who we wanted the extra batter batting down the order. Part of Group C alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Uganda, the two-time Champions will kick off their campaign on 2 June against PNG in Guyana. Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hossain, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

Aurobindo arms facility in Rajasthan gets 7 U.S. FDA observations

TMC to get 15 Hardly, Congress not even 50: Modi

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted on Friday that neither would the Trinamul Congress win more than 15 Lok Sabha seats out of the 42 in West Bengal nor would the Congress score a half century in the tally of seats across the country. Modi said at Tehatta in Krishnanagar of Nadia, Who has the ability to form government of the country? TMC can't even win 15 seats in the entire country. Now you tell me if TMC can form government with just 15 seats! It is also difficult for the Congress this time to make a half century irrespective of their efforts. He added, Can they form a government when they can't get 50 seats? Once the Sun didn't set for the Left here. Now red flags are not visible. They have been lying crushed. It is only BJP-led NDA which can form government. Modi, addressing campaign rallies at three different parliamentary constituencies, also took a swipe at Congress scion Rahul Gandhi for shifting to Rae Bareli seat instead of Amethi, where he had lost in 2019. He sarcastically repeated Rahul Gandhis quote: Daro mat, Bhaago mat (Don't panic, Don't run away). In a veiled jibe at UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the PM remarked, I had stated in Parliament when the polls were two-three months away that their biggest leader would not dare to contest the polls and would run away out of fear. She literally fled to Rajasthan and from there made entry to the Rajya Sabha. That is what happened in fact. Mocking Gandhi, Modi claimed, I also said that Shehzade going to lose at Wayanad and because of fear of losing in Wayanad, he will start looking for a third seat the moment voting ends there. Modi pointed out, Now all of his close aides started talking about his contest from Amethi. But he panicked so much that he ran away from there also and is now looking for road at Rae Bareli. These people keep going around telling public Daro Mat. Today I am also telling them with lot of happiness: Are Daro Mat, Bhaago Mat. The PM said, The Congress is set to be decimated in lesser number of seats that they got last time as they are contesting in few seats. The country has also understood that these people are not fighting the polls to win. He said that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties were in the race to become the main Opposition against the BJP. Reiterating his tirade against the Trinamul Congress over violence against women in Sandeshkhali, Modi played Hindutva card while speaking at Bardhaman-Durgapur parliamentary constituency. He referred to Bharatpur TMC MLA Humayun Kabir's recent threat to send the bodies of Hindus flowing at Bhagirathi river in Murshidabad and wondered, What kind of political culture is this? The PM alleged that such threats showed that the Hindus have been reduced to second class citizens in Bengal under TMC rule. On the School Service Commission job scam which led to the termination of 25,753 appointments of state education department staff including teachers by the Calcutta High Court last month, the PM pledged to support the meritorious candidates who were affected by the order. He informed that he has ordered the state BJP leadership to open a social media window and enlist the names of those candidates who had got the jobs because of their merit and not by paying hefty amount of money to the TMC leaders.

Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Rae Bareli; BJP takes a dig at his 'escape' from Amethi

Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Rae Bareli; BJP takes a dig at his 'escape' from Amethi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his papers from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli constituency on Friday, barely an hour before nominations closed for the Lok Sabha seat. Earlier, in the morning, the Congress ended the suspense over Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies, announcing his candidature from the seat held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for the last two decades. She recently moved to the Rajya Sabha. Gandhi had lost from the adjoining Amethi constituency to BJPs Smriti Irani in 2019, but won from ''safe'' Wayanad in Kerala a seat he is contesting this time as well. On X, the former Congress president posted that filing his nomination papers from Rae Bareli was an emotional moment for him. Amethi and Rae Bareli are no different for me, both are family, he wrote in Hindi, seeking their love and blessings in what he called a fight against injustice. The BJP, however, mocked him for running away from Amethi. ''Bhag Rahul bhag (run Rahul, run),'' one leader said. In a rally in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had predicted that the prince would look for another seat after polling in Wayanad is over as he feared being defeated there. Now, he had to run away from Amethi and choose the Rae Bareli seat, Modi said. Gandhi was accompanied by party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as he handed over his papers to district election officer Harshita Mathur around 2 pm on the last day for filing nominations. Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra too was with him. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot accompanied the family. Also on Friday, Kishori Lal Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family, filed his papers from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. Priyanka Gandhi took part in roadshow there to support him. Polling in both parliamentary constituencies is on May 20. The party leaders arrived at the Fursatganj airport in Amethi, and then headed for Rae Bareli. A large number of Congress workers, and those from INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party, turned up at the district collectorate to cheer Gandhi. The SP workers, carrying flags and banners, included the partys district chief Virendra Yadav. After filing his nomination, Gandhi and other family members went to the district Congress office where family priest Radhe Shyam Dixit performed a puja. Rae Bareli Congress spokesperson Vinay Dwivedi said people in the party and local residents were demanding that only the Gandhi family should contest from the constituency, and the top leadership has lived up to their trust. Earlier Friday, BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh also filed his papers from Rae Bareli. He had lost to Sonia Gandhi in 2019. Singh had switched sides from the Congress in 2018, after being sent to the state legislative council twice by that party. Bahujan Samaj Partys Thakur Prasad Yadav filed his nomination from Rae Bareli on Thursday. ''Bhag Rahul bhag, Rahul bhag, Rahul bhag (run Rahul, run) -- this is what will go on now,'' BJP general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam told reporters in Delhi. Union minister and Amethi MP Smriti Irani, who is contesting again from that traditionally Congress constituency, too took a dig. ''The Gandhi family not being present in the election fray in Amethi indicates that the Congress has accepted its defeat in Amethi even before the polling on the seat,'' she told reporters. Gandhi is now contesting from a seat that has been held by his mother Sonia Gandhi, his grandmother Indira Gandhi and his grandfather Feroze Gandhi in the past. Feroze Gandhi won from Rae Bareli in the first two elections after Independence. His wife Indira Gandhi won in 1967, 1971 and 1980, followed by friends and family members of the Gandhis. Arun Nehru won the 1980 bypoll and subsequently in 1984. Indira Gandhis aunt Sheila Kaul represented the seat in 1989 and 1991. The only time the Congress did not represent Rae Bareli was in the wake of the Emergency in 1977 when Janata Party's Raj Narain defeated Indira Gandhi, who was then the prime minister. And the BJP's Ashoke Singh won in 1996 and 1998. Sonia Gandhi won from Rae Bareli four times between 2004 and 2019, though her winning margins had begun dwindling now. The party appeared to have concluded that Rae Bareli was the safer seat for Rahul Gandhi, who lost Amethi to Irani last time by nearly 50,000 votes. When Sonia Gandhi decided to leave Rae Bareli and switch to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, she addressed an emotional message to people of the constituency. ''After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you. I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past,'' she said in the February 15 message.

Weather update: IMD predicts heatwave, rainfall in several states in coming days; check full forecast

Amid the ongoing heatwave conditions in many parts of the country, there is a possibility of a heat wave at isolated places in Western Rajasthan, Saurashtra Kutch and North Interior Karnataka on May 07, 2024, said IMD.

Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife

Jhansi: A shocking incident occurred on April 29 when Mohammad Arshad, 28, gave triple talaq to his wife, Afsana, 26, on a moving train near Jhansi Junction and then fled the scene.As the train reached Jhansi station, Arshad pronounced triple talaq to his wife, beat her, and then got off the train. Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Afsana contacted the Government Railway Police, who sent her back to Pukhrayan in Kanpur Dehat, her initial boarding point for Bhopal that day. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged, and a search was initiated for the accused.Arshad, a computer engineer working with a private firm in Bhopal, had married Afsana, a graduate from Kota, Rajasthan, on January 12 this year. Their marriage was arranged through a matrimonial advertisement. During a visit to Arshad's ancestral home in Pukhrayan last week, Afsana was shocked to discover that Arshad was already married. When she confronted him, he and his mother began harassing her for dowry, as per the complaint.This harassment continued until Arshad abruptly pronounced triple talaq and then abandoned Afsana on the train.Afsana has since appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for help and urged action against those who divorce women and abandon them. Based on Afsana's complaint, a case has been registered against her husband Arshad, his maternal uncle Aqeel, father Nafeesul Hasan, and mother Parveen. Circle Officer (CO) Priya Singh assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken. PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam New Rape and Kidnapping Cases Filed Against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna and HD Revanna in Sex Tapes Scandal Tragic Accident: Student Run Over by Train While Filming Instagram Reel

Pilot: Modi government's grip loosening, signs of change in the air

Pilot: Modi government's grip loosening, signs of change in the air Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday said a wave of change was prevalent across the nation and the days of the Narendra Modi government were numbered. Addressing polls rallies in Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh, he said the Union government was resorting to vendetta politics against the opposition. ''The days of the BJP are numbered as a wave of change is prevailing across the country from Kerala to Udhampur. Earlier, the BJP was speaking of crossing 400 seats but now has gone silent since it knows it is on a sticky wicket,'' said Pilot, who was here to campaign for veteran Congressman Digvijaya Singh. The Union government did not fulfil its promises in the past 10 years and had failed to address issues like price rise, unemployment, farm distress, black money and corruption, the former Rajasthan deputy chief minister said. ''They are pursuing vendetta politics. Two chief ministers are in jail (referring to Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren) and the Congress' bank accounts have been frozen. They have created an atmosphere of fear in the country. To quell the voice of the people, 147 MPs were suspended in a day and thereafter bills were passed (in Parliament),'' he claimed. He said the Modi government promised to double the income of farmers and drive out infiltrators but apart from giving advertisements, nothing concrete had been done on the ground, he claimed. The previous UPA government brought Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act to generate massive employment in rural areas, Right to Information (RTI) and Right to Education (RTE) for all round progress of the country, while now the Congress has promised Rs 1 lakh to poor women annually, he said. ''A frightened BJP is spreading lies that the Congress, if it is voted to power, would snatch away people's mangalsutra, buffaloes and give it to others,'' Pilot added. Digvijaya Singh is up against two-time sitting MP Rodmal Nagar of the BJP in Rajgarh.

EC intensifies efforts to boost voter turnout after decline in LS polls

EC intensifies efforts to boost voter turnout after decline in LS polls The Election Commission on Friday said it has ''doubled up'' its voter participation interventions to overcome the ''small'' dip in turnout in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. The turnout stood at 66.14 per cent in the first phase and at 66.71 per cent in the second phase. Compared to the voter participation in the past, this is ''among the best'' but ''somewhat lags'' behind the high benchmarks of the 2019 general elections, it said. In 2019, a voter turnout of 69.43 per cent was recorded in the first phase and 69.64 per cent was recorded in the second phase. The weather conditions are predicted to be normal in the 11 states and union territories that will go to polls in the third phase of elections on May 7, the poll panel noted. Following the dip in the turnout in the first phase, the EC had directed state chief electoral officers of Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka to come up with additional set of plans to enhance voter participation. The poll panel also held one-on-one interactions with district electoral officers from low-turnout districts to enhance voter participation. The EC said it remains committed to taking up all possible interventions to boost voter turnout in the next five phases. The commission said it is leading a set of additional initiatives for this purpose with chief electoral officers and senior officers at Nirvachan Sadan.

Agniveer Women Corps Military Police Candidates From Rajasthan Report To Corps Of Military Police Centre

Jaipur : Headquarters Recruiting Zone, Jaipur informed that six women candidates from the state of Rajasthan joined Indian Army on 01 May 2024. These candidates have started their training at Corps of Military Police Centre, Bangalore on 01 May 2024. It has added to the glorious tradition of the state of Rajasthan being the foremost ... Read more

Siddaramaiah wishes Rahul Gandhi success in Raebareli contest, says seat nurtured by Sonia Gandhi with dedication

Siddaramaiah wishes Rahul Gandhi success in Raebareli contest, says seat nurtured by Sonia Gandhi with dedication Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wished success to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he filed his nomination from Raebareli, saying the seat has been nurtured former party chief Sonia Gandhi with her dedication and her enduring legacy in the constituency has been a beacon of progress and hope. After a lot of speculation, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers from Raebareli on Friday. Siddaramaiah said Rahul Gandhi is continuing the noble journey with the decision to contest from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. It's a touching moment as @RahulGandhi prepares to contest from Rae Bareli, a seat Sonia Gandhi has nurtured with her dedication and leadership for many years. Her enduring legacy in the constituency has been a beacon of progress and hope, Siddaramaiah posted on X. Wishing Rahul Gandhi immense success as he continues this noble journey, carrying forward the torch of service and commitment passed down by Sonia Gandhi. Together, may they inspire countless hearts across our nation he added. Sonia Gandhi, who represented Rae Bareli since 2004, is now a Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan. Rae Bareli is considered a traditional stronghold of the Gandhi family. There was anticipation earlier that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from either Amethi or Raebareli, two seats in Uttar Pradesh which are prestige battles for the party. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders offered prayers after he filed his nomination papers from Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli seat. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra were among those who offered prayers during the puja held at the house of late party leader Gaya Prasad Shukla in Raebareli. The house has been associated with the party for decades. Locals said the puja was held after filing the nomination due to paucity of time earlier. It started with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1967. It has become a norm that whenever a member of the Gandhi family files nomination, they first offer prayers here, KC Shukla, grandson of Gyan Prasad Shukla, told ANI. Rahul Gandhi, who is MP from Wayanad in Kerala and is re-contesting from the seat, lost from Amethi in 2019 Lok Sabha polls to Union Minister Smriti Irani. Rahul Gandhi had won the seat, also a Gandhi family stronghold, three times in a row till 2019. Congress has fielded KL Sharma, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, from Amethi against Smriti Irani. Rahul is pitted against BJP candidate and three-time MLC Dinesh Pratap Singh in Raebareli. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a dig at the Rahul Gandhi, saying that Sonia Gandhi has tried to launch Rahulyaan nearly 20 times and he will lose election from the Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. We launched Chandrayaan-3 and it was successful. On the other hand, Sonia Gandhiji has tried to launch Rahulyaan nearly 20 times and has failed every time. Now he has run from Amethi and is contesting from Raebareli. I want to tell you (Rahul Gandhi) the result from here, 'Rahul Baba' will lose to the BJP candidate, Dinesh Pratap Singh with a huge margin in Raebareli, Amit Shah said at an election rally in Belgavi's Hukkeri town. Voting in Amethi and Raebareli seats will be held on May 20. (ANI)

Heat wave conditions likely in TN during next 3 days; Nandyal recorded highest maximum temperature of 46.2C on May 2

Heat wave conditions are likely to continue over East India till May 5 and over south Peninsular India till May 6 and abate thereafter. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall spell accompanied with thunderstorms and gusty winds very likely over Northeast India on May 5 and 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. On Thursday, the highest maximum temperature of 46.2C was reported at Nandyal (Rayalaseema) over the country. On the same day, maximum temperatures were in the range of 43-46C in some parts of Odisha and Rayalaseema, in isolated pockets of Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; in the range of 40-43C over many parts of Gangetic West Bengal; in some parts of Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Gujarat; in isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Madhya Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka. These are above normal by 4-7C in some parts of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu; in isolated pockets of Assam & Meghalaya, north Odisha, east Bihar, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in the range of 44-47C likely to continue over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana and Rayalaseema till May 3 and decrease thereafter. Heat wave conditions very likely in some pockets over Gangetic West Bengal; at isolated pockets over Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu during next 3 days; over Kerala, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on May 3; Odisha, Bihar on May 3 and 4; Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada on May 4 and 5 and over West Rajasthan on May 7. Hot and humid weather very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal and Kerala and Mahe during next 4-5 days; Assam & Meghalaya, Tripura, Saurashtra and Kutch on May 3 and 4 and Konkan during May 3 to 5, 2024. According to Skymet, the first pre-monsoon spell of May is expected between May 9 and 11. The intensity and spread of activity will be large to cover parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. The southern parts, the private weather forecaster added, will have a large spread of pre-monsoon thunderstorms, simultaneously covering different pockets. Heat-struck regions of Rayalaseema, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu will be relieved of oppressive conditions. Severe thunderstorm activity is likely over South Interior Karnataka, Southern parts of Andhra Pradesh and farther parts of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu.

This is the best place to visit in Delhi

Delhi is said to be a big spot in terms of tourism. However, there are many excellent travel destinations around the country's capital Delhi. Here today we are going to give you information about some luxurious forts near Delhi. Although there are many famous forts in Jaipur, a few kilometers from Delhi, but you can also see some other forts of the capital. Well, the whole of India was once ruled by kings and they also built many forts. If we look at it, forts and palaces have their own attraction in every state of India, those who are fond of seeing ancient art and heritage must definitely explore these magnificent and luxurious forts located near Delhi. Let us tell you about some attractive and historical palaces and forts. This summer you will also be able to complete short trips by visiting fort places. Know about them Kalinjar Fort, Bundelkhand: A few kilometers away from New Delhi, there are many historical forts built in Bundelkhand and one of them is Kalinjar Fort which is situated on the top of a mountain. It has 7 gates for entry and here you will also be able to see many historical monuments and sculptures. It is said that it was built by the kings of Chandela dynasty. The special thing is that Neelkanth temple is also built in Kalinjar itself, in which a wonderful idol with 18 arms is installed. You will also be able to see beautiful views during your visit to the fort. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh: Reports say that Agra Fort, just 2 kilometers away from Taj Mahal, which is included in the 7 Wonders of the World, is also a popular tourist destination. People come from all over the country and the world to see the UNESCO heritage site. At one time this fort was with Prithviraj Chauhan, later it was captured by Mahmud Ghaznavi. The beauty of its architecture, carvings and colors makes one crazy. It is said that Mughal emperor Akbar started its construction in the year 1573. This is the favorite tourist destination of the people of Delhi-NCR. Neemrana Fort, Alwar: Rajasthan is famous for its royal style and you can see its glimpse in the palaces and forts located here. Sakti, the fort is present in Alwar city of Rajasthan. You will get a royal feeling by staying here. However, there are many hotels around it where you can stay and see this fort. Kuchesar Fort: If reports are to be believed, this fort is also present in Bundelkhand and here you will be able to see a glimpse of Indian as well as British architecture. Brijghat is present near this fort. If seen, it will take 3 hours to reach here from Delhi. Couple romantic activities happen in Manali, plan to go with your girlfriend soon Where do trains with rotating seats, glass windows and unique coaches run? Travel Reimagined: Concierge Introduces Bespoke First-Class and Private Jet Experiences

Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Rae Bareli; BJP accuses him of 'abandoning' Amethi

Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Rae Bareli; BJP accuses him of 'abandoning' Amethi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his papers from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli constituency on Friday, barely an hour before nominations closed for the Lok Sabha seat. Earlier, in the morning, the Congress ended the suspense over Amethi and Rae Bareli, announcing his candidature from the seat held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for the last two decades. She recently moved to the Rajya Sabha. Gandhi had lost from the adjoining Amethi constituency to BJPs Smriti Irani in 2019, but won from Wayanad in Kerala a seat he is contesting this time as well. The former Congress president was accompanied by party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as he handed over his papers to district election officer Harshita Mathur around 2 pm on the last day for filing nominations. Gandhis brother-in-law Robert Vadra too was with him. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot accompanied the family. Also on Friday, Kishori Lal Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family, filed his papers from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. Polling in both parliamentary constituencies is on May 20. The party leaders arrived at the Fursatganj airport in Amethi, and then headed for Rae Bareli. A large number of Congress workers, and those from INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party, turned up at the district collectorate to cheer Gandhi. The SP workers, carrying flags and banners, included the partys district chief Virendra Yadav. After filing his nomination, Rahul Gandhi and other family members went to the district Congress office where family priest Radhe Shyam Dixit performed a puja. Rae Bareli Congress spokesperson Vinay Dwivedi said people in the party and local residents were demanding that only the Gandhi family should contest from the constituency, and the top leadership has lived up to their trust. The BJP mocked the Congress decision to field Gandhi from Rae Bareli rather than Amethi. ''Bhag Rahul bhag, Rahul bhag, Rahul bhag (run Rahul, run) -- this is what will go on now,'' BJP general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam told reporters in Delhi. At a rally in West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Congress shehzada (prince) who went to Wayanad after losing Amethi is contesting from Rae Bareli. Union minister and Amethi MP Smriti Irani had earlleir filed her nomination papers from that constituency. ''The Gandhi family not being present in the election fray in Amethi indicates that the Congress has accepted its defeat in Amethi even before the polling on the seat,'' she told reporters. Earlier Friday, BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh also filed his papers from Rae Bareli. He had lost to Sonia Gandhi in 2019. Singh had switched sides from the Congress in 2018, after being sent to the state legislative council twice by that party. Bahujan Samaj Partys Thakur Prasad Yadav filed his nomination from Rae Bareli on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi is now contesting from a seat that has been held by his mother Sonia Gandhi, his grandmother Indira Gandhi and his grandfather Feroze Gandhi in the past. Feroze Gandhi held the seat in the first two elections after Independence. His wife Indira Gandhi won in 1967, 1971 and 1980, followed by friends and family members of the Gandhis. Arun Nehru won the 1980 bypoll and subsequently in 1984. Sheila Kaul, Indira Gandhis aunt, represented the seat in 1989 and 1991. The only time the Congress did not represent Rae Bareli was in the wake of the Emergency in 1977 when Janata Party's Raj Narain defeated Indira Gandhi, who was then the prime minister. And the BJP's Ashoke Singh won in 1996 and 1998. Sonia Gandhi won from Rae Bareli four times between 2004 and 2019, although of late, her winning margins have dwindled. The party appeared to have concluded that Rae Bareli is the safer seat for the former Congress president, who lost Amethi to Irani last time by nearly 50,000 votes. When Sonia Gandhi decided to leave Rae Bareli and switch to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, she addressed an emotional message to people of the constituency. ''After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you. I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past,'' she said in the February 15 message.

IPL 2024: Dont think any one of us threw our wickets, says Riyan Parag after RRs loss to SRH

Hyderabad, May 3: After Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a one-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), in-form batter Riyan Parag denied that some batters, including himself, threw their wickets away at a crucial juncture of the match. After losing Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in the opening over, Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 134 runs in [] The post IPL 2024: Dont think any one of us threw our wickets, says Riyan Parag after RRs loss to SRH appeared first on The Shillong Times .

IPL 2024 Points table, Orange and Purple Cap list after Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals by 1 run

Sunrisers bowlers staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the win on the final ball of the match.

IPL-17: SRH vs RR | I wasn't thinking much, was just focussed on the process: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Defending 12 in the final over, Bhuvneshwar trapped Rovman Powell in front of the wicket in the last ball to stop Rajasthan Royal's run chase at 200 for 7 and pull off a heist in the end

Wasn't Even In Going To Play IPL Right?: RR Star's Retort On T20 WC Snub

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag shut down the talks of 'disappointment' over missing out on India's T20 World Cup squad.

Nitish becoming one of my favourites: Shane Watson

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson hailed young Indian uncapped all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, saying that he is one of his favourite players to watch and lauded his dominance over the experienced spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin against Rajasthan Royals.

Wasn't Even In Contention To Play IPL Right?: Parag On T20 WC Snub Talks

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag shut down the talks of 'disappointment' over missing out on India's T20 World Cup squad.

In Awe Of Bhuvneshwar, Cummins Shares Lovely Picture. Don't Miss Caption

Pat Cummins took to Instagram to share a picture with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sunrisers Hyderabad's hero in the thrilling victory against Rajasthan Royals.

Here Are The Full Squads Of 20 Teams Participating In ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024

The ninth edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup will see 20 teams competing for the ultimate crown in the twenty-over format starting June 1. The 2024 T20 World Cup tournament will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, and will feature a total of 55 matches with the final taking place on June 29. With just a month to go before the international T20 tournament kicks off, many of the teams have announced their 15-member squad that will travel to West Indies and the USA. Below is the list of teams who have announced their T20 World Cup squads so far. India T20 World Cup Squad Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan. India's T20 squad sees the return of Rishabh Pant who was involved in a near-fatal car crash in December 2022 that required him to undergo multiple surgeries. Pant who is captaining the Delhi Capital's side is among the leading run-scorers in IPL 2024 with close to 400 runs in 11 matches played so far. The left-handed keeper batter is not the only one who has found a place in the 15-member squad. Sanju Samson who leads the Rajasthan Royals side has also been included in the 15-man squad. Other inclusions backed on solid performances are Shivam Dube and Yuzvendra Chahal who have shone for their respective sides in this year's IPL. Prominent players who failed to make the cut are KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan. Australia T20 World Cup Squad Mitchell Marsh (captain), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa Australia will look up to Mitch Marsh to conquer their second T20 title after being at the helm of the T20 side on an interim basis. Prominent players who failed to make the cut are Steve Smith, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short. England T20 World Cup Squad Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood England pace bowler Jofra Archer makes his comeback in the England squad after nearly a year away from international cricket. He was ruled out halfway through IPL 2023 due to a recurrence of his right elbow stress fracture. Will Jacks and Phil Salt who are currently doing well for their respective IPL franchises also feature in the 15-member provisional squad. New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad Kane Williamson (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears NZ were the first team to announce their provisional squad for the T20 World Cup, and as expected there weren't any major surprises. Rachin Ravindra who was slotted into the CSK franchise this year is the only NZ player to make his T20 tournament debut. South Africa T20 World Cup Squad Aiden Markram (captain), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs Reserves: Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi South Africa have included the uncapped duo of Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman in their 15-man squad. Afghanistan T20 World Cup Squad Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi Nepal T20 World Cup Squad Rohit Paudel (captain), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee Canada T20 World Cup Squad Saad Bin Zafar (captain), Aaron Johnson, Dilon Heyliger, Dilpreet Bajwa, Harsh Thaker, Jeremy Gordon, Junaid Siddiqui, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Pargat Singh, Ravinderpal Singh, Rayyankhan Pathan, Shreyas Movva. Reserves: Tajinder Singh, Aaditya Varadharajan, Ammar Khalid, Jatinder Matharu, Parveen Kumar. Oman T20 World Cup Squad Aqib Ilyas (captain), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale (wk), Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi (wk), Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad, Khalid Kail. Reserves: Jatinder Singh, Samay Shrivastava, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra The following teams are yet to announce their squads for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 West Indies Pakistan Sri Lanka Bangladesh Uganda United States Netherlands Ireland Namibia Scotland Papua New Guinea May 25, 2024, is the deadline set by ICC for making changes to the provisional 15-member squads announced by the 20 teams. After this date, any changes to the squads will require ICC Event Technical Committee's approval. ICC Men's T20 World Cup Groups These 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five teams each. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are part of Group A while Ashes rivalry will continue into the World Cup with Australia and England being placed in the same Group (group B). Group A: India Pakistan Ireland Canada Unites States Of America Group B: England Australia Namibia Scotland Oman Group C: West Indies Afghanistan New Zealand Papua New Guinea Uganda Group D: South Africa Bangladesh Sri Lanka Netherlands Nepal IPL 2024: Dates, Schedule, Format, Venues, Squads, Live Streaming And All You Need To Know . Read more on Sports by NDTV Profit.

Rape accused's house set on fire by victim's kin in Rajasthan's Dausa

Rape accused's house set on fire by victim's kin in Rajasthan's Dausa The relatives of a rape and murder victim allegedly set the accused's house on fire in Rajasthan's Dausa, police said on Friday. According to police, the incident occurred on Thursday night. However, no one was present in the house. Superintendent of Police Ranjeeta Sharma said that a married woman was allegedly raped and murdered on April 27 and her body was found the next day. The accused in the case was arrested on April 29, she said. A group of people reached the accuseds house and set it on fire. The house got partially burnt, she said. Deputy SP Manpur Deepak Meena said that 7-8 people who were involved in the incident received burn injuries and they were admitted to a hospital. He further alleged that they also damaged a police vehicle. The rape accused is still in police custody, he said.

LS polls: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli

Raebareli: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday filed his nomination papers from the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahuls mother and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi, brother-in-law Robert Vadra, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, AICC general secretary K C Venugopala and a host of Congress leaders Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Hyderabad steal a nail-biting one-run win over Rajasthan

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a gripping one-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in an thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Thursday. Continue reading Hyderabad steal a nail-biting one-run win over Rajasthan The post Hyderabad steal a nail-biting one-run win over Rajasthan appeared first on EasternEye .

Here's What 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Schedule: Seven Phases from April 19 to June 1

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are set to unfold in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, with results expected on June 4. The Election Commission has revealed the schedule, highlighting that April 19 will witness the highest number of constituencies, totaling 102, while the fifth phase, on May 20, will see the lowest number at just 49. Here's a breakdown of the election phases across different states: Single Poll Date (22 states): Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. Two-phase Voting (4 states): Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tripura, Manipur Three-phase Voting (2 states): Chhattisgarh, Assam Four-phase Voting (3 states): Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand Five-phase Voting (2 states): Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir Seven-phase Voting (3 states): Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal The Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule is as follows: Phase 1 (April 19): 101 Seats Phase 2 (April 26): 89 Seats Phase 3 (May 7): 94 Seats Phase 4 (May 13): 96 Seats Phase 5 (May 20): 49 Seats Phase 6 (May 25): 57 Seats Phase 7 (June 1): 57 Seats Each phase covers various states and Union Territories, ensuring a comprehensive electoral process across the nation. In the first phase on April 19, a total of 102 seats will be contested across several states and Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal West, Arunachal East Assam: Sonitpur, Kaziranga, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur Bihar: Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui Jammu & Kashmir: Udhampur Madhya Pradesh: Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara Maharashtra: Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur Manipur: Inner Manipur Meghalaya: Shillong, Tura Mizoram: Mizoram Nagaland: Nagaland Rajasthan: Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur Sikkim: Sikkim Tamil Nadu: Thiruvallur, Chennai North, Chennai South, Chennai Central, Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Sivaganga, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukkudi, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari Tripura: Tripura West Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit West Bengal: Cooch Behar, Alipurduars, Jalpaiguri Chhattisgarh: Bastar Uttarakhand: Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, Hardwar Andaman & Nicobar: Andaman Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep Puducherry: Puducherry These elections aim to engage citizens in the democratic process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote and shape the future of their nation. Congress Announces Candidates for Lok Sabha 2024, Rahul Gandhi to Contest from Rae Bareli Congress KL Sharma to Contest against BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi Trinamool Congress Accuses Congress Leader of Promoting BJP Agenda

IPL 2024: RR vs SRH

Hyderabad: Rajasthan Royals batter Rovman Powell dives to reach the cease during the IPL 2024 T20 cricket match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, in Hyderabad, Thursday, May 2, 2024. (PTI Photo) Hyderabad: Rajasthan Royals batter Rovman Powell plays a shot during the IPL 2024 T20 cricket match Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Demand for Air conditioners soar as temperatures continue to rise, some companies raise prices by 3-5 per cent

Demand for Air conditioners soar as temperatures continue to rise, some companies raise prices by 3-5 per cent The demand for air conditioners (ACs) have surged during the April month due to the increase in temperature, especially in North and Central India. It has prompted a strong outlook for AC demand until mid-June 2024. According to a report by Anand Rathi Financial Services Limited, after the surge in demand for AC's the manufacturing companies have increased prices. The AC manufacturing company Blue Star has increased prices by 3-5 per cent across various models. The report highlights that in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, AC volumes soared by 40-50 per cent year-on-year (y/y). While Karnataka and Telangana witnessed a 15-20 per cent y/y growth in AC volumes. In Central India, including Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP), AC volumes grew by 15-20 per cent y/y. However, the local dealers have reported shortages of the ACs across brands, leading to increased delivery times. In North India, particularly in Rajasthan and Haryana, AC demand has surged post-Holi, with volumes growing by 20-25 per cent in April 2024. The report highlights that some dealers anticipated further growth in AC demand by 25-30 per cent in May. In the Eastern region, Odisha saw a 25-30 per cent increase in AC volumes, while Jharkhand experienced a 10-15 per cent y/y growth. Despite rising demand, no pricing action was observed by any brand in the region, and dealers are facing a shortage in giving timely supply. The demand for AC in the Western region including Gujarat and Maharashtra have surged in the latter half of April, with volumes growing by 15-20 per cent y/y. According to the report several brands in Gujarat increased prices by 3-5 per cent across various models. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday that most parts of the country are likely to record above-normal maximum temperatures in May. The IMD, however, stated that some parts of northwest and central India and adjoining areas of northeast peninsular India are likely to record normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. According to IMD, the average minimum temperature (22 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901. (ANI)

Congress tally to be all-time low in LS polls; Rahul fighting from Rae Bareli sensing Wayanad defeat: PM Modi

BARDHAMAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that Congress' tally in the Lok Sabha polls will be an all-time low, as he mocked its leader Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli seat, sensing defeat at Wayanad where he is a sitting MP. Addressing a rally in the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat, Modi said that if Congress is voted to power, it would snatch quotas meant for the Scheduled Caste, Dalits and OBCs and give those to its jihadi vote bank to pursue the party's appeasement politics. Rahul to contest LS polls from Rae Bareli, KL Sharma from Amethi Modi also slammed the opposition bloc INDIA and Congress for supporting the vote jihad comments made by a candidate of the Samajwadi Party (SP), an ally of the grand old party in Uttar Pradesh. There is no need for opinion polls or exit polls, as I had talked about their (Congress) defeat long back in Parliament. When their senior leader quit her Lok Sabha seat and entered Parliament through Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, it was evident that they sensed defeat, Modi said, in an apparent dig at Sonia Gandhi. Now, the shehzada' of Congress, who went to Wayanad (Kerala) after losing the Amethi seat, is also contesting from Rae Bareli. He knows he would lose Wayanad this time, Modi said, referring to Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Rae Bareli. The prime minister challenged the Congress to give in writing that it will not amend the Constitution to provide reservations based on religion. They (Congress and INDIA bloc) have to give a written statement that they will not take away the reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs and give those to their vote bank on the basis of religion, Modi said. He also came down heavily on the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, alleging that the party has made Hindus second-class citizens in the state. Feroze Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi: Rae Bareli's tryst with Congress

I am not in my best form: Riyan Parag

Following his side's one-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match, Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag, who has had a breakout season with the franchise, admitted that he is not in his best form since he could not finish the game and has got a lot of areas to improve.

SRH Captain Pat Cummins recreates viral scene from 'Aavesham'

Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins enacted a viral scene from Fahadh Faasil-starrer 'Aavesham' after the 1-run win over the table topper Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. Sunrisers Hyderabad shared the video of Pat Cummins grooving to the folk song 'Karinkaliyalle' on X. In the video, Cummins makes a straight face while leaning to one side of the pillar and a happy face while leaning to another side of the pillar. SRH skipper can be seen making straight faces when Rajasthan Royals is progressing in the match and happy faces when Hyderabad team makes a comeback and wins the match. #OrangeArmy , happy alle? Audio courtesy: Karinkaliyalle | Black Bro pic.twitter.com/WlbdDs1nr3 SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 3, 2024 Karinkaliyalle song trend became viral all-over social media after Fahadh Faasil's character 'Ranga' grooved to the song in the Aavesham movie. With 6 wins in 10 matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad moved to the fourth place in the points table.

'Jab ball haath mei aayi, thoughtless tha' - Bhuvi on SRH vs RR thriller

Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched a thrilling one-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in their IPL match on Thursday, thanks to Bhuvneshwar Kumar's remarkable final over. The intense battle saw explosive batting performances and a tense finish, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats till the last ball of the match.

IPL 2024: 'I Was So Detached From The Result', Says Bhuvneshwar On Thrilling Final Over Vs RR

Impact Player Jos Buttler: Veteran India and Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar revealed that he was thoughtless while defending 12 runs in the final over against Rajasthan Royals (RR), adding that he was detached from the result and was just focusing on the process. Bhuvneshwar was entrusted with the responsibility of defending 12 in the thrilling final over. When the equation came down to two runs needed off the last ball, the 34-year-old bowled a low full toss, which Powell looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. SRH went up on an appeal, and the umpire raised the finger. Then, Powell opted for a review, but replays showed all three reds. As a result, SRH pulled off a thrilling one-run win over table-toppers RR. I told everyone the process is very important. I was literally thoughtless; I was not thinking about the result. I was just trying to do what I could. I was not thinking about the one extra fielder up, or whatever the restriction was there, I was so detached from the result. I wasn't thinking about where the fielder is, where he is going to hit, or where I'm gonna bowl, I was so focused on the process, that was the only thing I was doing. Earling in the defence, Bhuvneshwar had set the tone with the crucial wickets of Impact Player Jos Buttler and skipper Sanju Samson with a new ball in the first over. He first had Buttler caught at slip off the second ball of the innings and then castled Samson three balls later off an inswinger. It was the first match the ball swung so much. I can't really pinpoint where the ball swung last, but the way it swung I literally enjoyed it. When it swings, you are always on top of the game, you try to take wickets and luckily, I got wickets, he added. Bhuvneshwar picked a brilliant 3-41, while skipper Pat Cummins and T Natarajan took two wickets each as SRH came out of nowhere to clinch a thrilling win at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday.

I was thinking Super Over: SRH skipper Cummins on last over thriller match against RR

Hyderabad: After Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sealed a one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a nail-biting IPL 2024 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, skipper Pat Cummins revealed he had thoughts of Super Over crossing in his mind. SRH needed to defend 12 runs off the final over, which came down to two runs []

My role is to carry on till 13th-14th over so that Klaasen gets license to bang: Nitish Reddy

HYDERABAD: Entrusted with the task of shepherding Sunrisers Hyderabad's middle-order, young Nitish Reddy has been doing the job with aplomb at a time when he is seen by many as a future India all-rounder, thanks to his ability to bowl lively medium pace. Opting to bat in the IPL game against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday, Reddy (76 not out) and Travis Head (58) produced explosive fifties, while Heinrich Klassen made an unbeaten 19-ball 42 to power SRH to 201 for three. Experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar then did the star turn with a sensational final over as SRH pulled off a heist, stunning RR by just one run in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive. Nitish, 20, stated that his role was to rebuild the innings after quick wickets. From the last two matches, we are losing quick wickets and I have to go. My role is to carry on till the 13th and 14th over so that Klaasen gets a license to bang. There is no point in Klaasen and Samad coming early, but not getting to score freely, said Nitish at the post-match press conference. The all-rounder hailed Bhuvneshwar after the veteran pacer bowled a brilliant final over to help Hyderabad seal a dramatic win. Nitish said he was hopeful that Bhuvneshwar would be able to defend 13 runs in the last over. I was looking at who was going to bowl. When I saw Bhuvneshwar was going to bowl, I got the confidence that he was going to pull it off. During his prime, he had done it so many times. I did not think we were going to win, I thought either we'd lose or tie. But that last-ball wicket, I felt so happy, Nitish said. During his explosive knock, Nitish smashed RR's in-form Yuzvendra Chahal for two fours and two sixes in the 13th over. Nitish said that he backed himself to attack the seasoned leg-spinner. Reddy also said the victory against RR, following losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, is important. Beating RR will boost our confidence, they are at the top of the points table, he concluded. IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad edge Rajasthan Royals in one-run thriller Not in my best form: Parag Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag returned to the top five in the Orange Cape race after striking his fourth fifty of the season. The 22-year-old Parag slammed 77 off 49 balls but could not help his side chase down the target set by SRH. Despite his breakout season with the franchise, Parag said he was not in his best form since he could not finish the game. I got a lot of areas to improve. I am not in my best form, I would have finished the game otherwise. I got a lot of areas to perfect. I try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Is it my best innings? No. I would say that if I get a hundred, Parag told reporters. The Assam player said the loss was dramatic, adding that his team made a few errors. It is never good to end on the losing side. We did a lot of things right. We will focus on them more rather than dwelling on our mistakes. We are at a good position in the points table. Just one bad game I guess. We made a few errors in two-three overs and it cost us the game. That is how T20 is, IPL is, he said.

RR Vs SRH: Who Played Best Knock? Vote!

Half-centuries from Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy helped Sunrisers Hyderabad edge Rajasthan Royals by one run.

IPL 2024: 'Don't Think Any One Of Us Threw Our Wickets', Says Riyan Parag After RRs Loss To SRH

After Rajasthan Royals: After Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a one-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), in-form batter Riyan Parag denied that some batters, including himself, threw their wickets away at a crucial juncture of the match. After losing Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in the opening over, Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 134 runs in a counter-attacking third-wicket stand and were in sight of an impressive win. But Jaiswal fell for a 40-ball 67, while Parag was dismissed for a 49-ball 77 and from there, RR lost their way to suffer just the second loss of this season. I don't think any one of us threw our wickets. Jaiswal tried that scoop because Natarajan was bowling good slow bouncers and hence he predicted a yorker and went with that shot. I tried to muscle it for a six, probably an error in execution, but I don't really think we threw our wickets. It would have been nice to stay till the end, it was the plan for both of us, said Parag in a post-match press conference. He was quick to note that Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins and Natarajan bowled well in the last five overs to deny RR a victory. I was pretty confident but you have to give credit to how they bowled. It's their home ground, they bowled like they knew how the wicket was playing. You got to give credit to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Natarajan and Cummins. Cummins especially bowling that 19th over, going for 8 runs or something like that, they bowled better than us in the slog overs. It is never good to end on the losing side. We did a lot of things right. We will focus on more rather than dwelling on our mistakes. We are at a good position in the points table. Just one bad game I guess. We made a few errors in two-three overs and it cost us the game. That is how T20 and IPL is, he elaborated. In ten innings of IPL 2024, Parag has amassed 409 runs to be the fourth-highest run-getter in the competition, averaging 58.43 at a strike-rate of 159.14. His name was also taken by some people as a contender in Indias squad for the Mens T20 World Cup, but Parag feels his best is yet to come. I got a lot of areas to improve. I am not in my best form, I would have finished the game otherwise. I got a lot of areas to perfect. I try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Is it my best innings? No. I would say that if I get a hundred. Last year I wasn't even in contention to play the IPL. Now I've heard a few rumours, I'm not on social media anymore, I've heard a few noises here and there. I'm glad they are taking my name for the right reasons now. I wasn't really thinking about anything. I'm happy for the boys in our team, Sanju bhaiyya (Sanju Samson) especially getting the call-up. It is going to be great for our country and we can hopefully bring the World Cup home, he concluded.

'As If Im Staying In Rajasthan': Woman's Post On Bengaluru's Summer Goes Viral

Prerana Nireeksha Amanna in her post on X said that Bangaloreans can no longer play the weather card.

A proper cricket tragic...: Ricky Ponting opens up on his son's love for the sport

A proper cricket tragic...: Ricky Ponting opens up on his son's love for the sport Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach and Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting opened up on his son Fletcher's love for the sport and how he enjoys playing competitive cricket back in Australia and practice sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, which involves 20-30 throwdowns from his father. Ponting, who has been with the Capitals since 2018 as a head coach, said in an interview with ESPNCricinfo that his whole family has embraced the franchise over these years and travel to India to be along with them. Fletcher, nine years of age, who Ponting termed a proper cricket tragic, also travels with the team and has played some competitive cricket in Melbourne. He barely misses any practice session of DC and at the end of every session, he gets to hone his skills with his multi-time World Cup-winning father at the other end rolling over his arms for him. His bonding with the team started during the COVID-19 pandemic when he would play Playstation with the players and enjoy some breakfast and training with them. Our whole family has just really embraced the Delhi Capitals. We have been coming now for, guess, probably four or five years. They have been able to travel and be with the team. It probably all started to kick in when the whole IPL was in Mumbai [during the Covid-19 pandemic] and we lived in the bubble in the hotel, at the Taj, and for my kids and even Rianna [Ponting's wife] to be able to mix with the players and go and sit in the team room... Fletcher would go and play FIFA with them and sit on the PlayStation all day and have lunch and breakfast with the boys and then go to training, said Ponting. He is a proper cricket tragic now. He has just got to the age where he has played a couple of years of competitive cricket back in Melbourne. He just loves the game. He loves the team and gets a chance to hang out with the boys, and the boys look after him well. He's only missed a couple of training sessions since he's been here, but he will sit and watch and then he will just wait for his chance at the end of the day to put his pads on and go and face 20 or 30 throwdowns from me in the nets. Fletcher knows very well where he stands when it is cricket training. He gets nothing from me until the last ball is bowled and everyone has exited the net. So he sits and waits and then we go. He will honestly sit there for four hours and ask questions and talk with the boys and just wait for his turn. So he loves it, he concluded. Ponting said that even his daughters, Emmy and Matisse Ellie are invested in the franchise and just cannot wait to join the DC franchise every year. Even when we are at home, they sleep in this stuff [Capitals jerseys]. This is their pyjamas. Right through the year they are always just talking about the Delhi Capitals and can't wait to get back over there to the IPL, because what we've been able to do here is - and certainly we talk about it all the time - just really try and create one big family where everyone looks after each other and shares moments together. And my family's lucky to be a part of it, he added. The former Australian great admitted that it is good for him to have his family around, a privilege he could not enjoy during tours while playing the sport. But my family only know one way as well: they only know me around cricket and cricket teams. They have a really good understanding of when it is cricket time when it is Dad's turn to work, and when they can share a part of the day after I am done. As simple as that, said Ponting. I am lucky there that my wife has always been accepting of what comes with me being a player or me being a coach. We try and divide our time as well as we can, but, yeah, they know when it is Dad's turn to go to work, concluded Ponting. Coming to cricket, Ponting's franchise DC is at the sixth spot with five wins, six losses and 10 points. They lost their previous game to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 7. (ANI)

IPL 2024: 'I Was Thinking Super Over', Says Cummins After SRHs One-run Win Over RR

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: After Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sealed a one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a nail-biting IPL 2024 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, skipper Pat Cummins revealed he had thoughts of Super Over crossing in his mind. SRH needed to defend 12 runs off the final over, which came down to two runs needed off the last ball. Moreover, they could keep only four fielders outside 30-yard circle due to slow-over rate penalty. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, their veteran fast-bowler, trapped Rovman Powell plumb lbw with a low full toss on middle and leg to take 3-41 and complete a stunning win for SRH over the table-toppers, which now takes them to fourth place in the points table. Amazing game. That last ball I kind of forgot if we take a wicket, we could win. I was just thinking Super Over. It is T20 cricket, we get used to batters getting them over the line but when you get to that last over, you do feel like anything can happen. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) just nailed six yorkers pretty much, said Cummins after the match ended. Apart from Bhuvneshwar, Cummins and T Natarajan, the new leading wicket-taker in the competition, took two vital wickets each. Previously, with the bat, SRH reaching 201/7 was due to Nitish Kumar Reddy's scintillating 76 off 42 balls. Travis Head made 58 off 44 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen hit an unbeaten 42 off 19 deliveries. Natarajan is an awesome yorker bowler. He (Nitish) is fantastic. He sums up the conditions really well, took the first ten balls to get himself in and then hit the ball basically wherever he wanted. He is amazing, great in the field, and gives a couple of handy overs (with the ball) as well, added Cummins. Sanju Samson, the RR captain, lauded SRH bowlers for stopping the visitors from winning the match. We have really played some close games and won a couple of them. Lost one here, and we have to give credit to the SRH bowlers. We were going at 10 per over till the last over. Margin for error is very less in the IPL and you have to give SRH credit. Knowing the nature of the IPL, you never win the game until you actually win the game. Despite losing Jos Buttler and Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswals 40-ball 67 and Riyan Parags 49-ball 77 helped RR be in the hunt of clinching an impressive win, as the duo shared 134-run stand for the third wicket. It was very tough to bat on with the new ball. We bowled well in the powerplay. When the ball got old, it was easier to bat and they capitalised really well. You have to give credit to both youngsters (Jaiswal and Parag). They took care of the innings, played responsibility to get there. You tend to take those chances and you tend to get out also. They played really well.

Cummins and Bhuvi showed their class: Head

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Travis Head admitted that the hosts didn't expect to end the night at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium with a victory against Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Nitish Reddy: Aim to Set Base Before Klaasen Unleashes on Opposition

Nitish Reddy: Aim to Set Base Before Klaasen Unleashes on Opposition Entrusted with the task of shepherding Sunrisers Hyderabad's middle-order, young Nitish Reddy has been doing the job with aplomb at a time when he is seen by many as a future India all-rounder, thanks to his ability to bowl lively medium pace. Opting to bat in the IPL game against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday, Reddy (76 not out) and Travis Head (58) produced explosive fifties, while Heinrich Klassen made an unbeaten 19-ball 42 to power SRH to 201 for three. Experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar then did the star turn with a sensational final over as SRH pulled off a heist, stunning RR by just one run in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive. Nitish, 20, stated that his role was to rebuild the innings after quick wickets. ''From the last two matches, we are losing quick wickets and I have to go. My role is to carry on till the 13th and 14th over so that Klaasen gets a license to bang. There is no point in Klaasen and Samad coming early, but not getting to score freely,'' said Nitish at the post-match press conference. The all-rounder hailed Bhuvneshwar after the veteran pacer bowled a brilliant final over to help Hyderabad seal a dramatic win. Nitish said he was hopeful that Bhuvneshwar would be able to defend 13 runs in the last over. ''I was looking at who was going to bowl. When I saw Bhuvneshwar was going to bowl, I got the confidence that he was going to pull it off. ''During his prime, he had done it so many times. I did not think we were going to win, I thought either we'd lose or tie. But that last-ball wicket, I felt so happy,'' Nitish said. During his explosive knock, Nitish smashed RR's in-form Yuzvendra Chahal for two fours and two sixes in the 13th over. Nitish said that he backed himself to attack the seasoned leg-spinner. Reddy also said the victory against RR, following losses to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, is important. ''Beating RR will boost our confidence, they are at the top of the points table,'' he concluded. Not in my best form: Parag ================= Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag returned to the top five in the Orange Cape race after striking his fourth fifty of the season. The 22-year-old Parag slammed 77 off 49 balls but could not help his side chase down the target set by SRH. Despite his breakout season with the franchise, Parag said he was not in his best form since he could not finish the game. ''I got a lot of areas to improve. I am not in my best form, I would have finished the game otherwise. ''I got a lot of areas to perfect. I try to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. Is it my best innings? No. I would say that if I get a hundred,'' Parag told reporters. The Assam player said the loss was ''dramatic'', adding that his team made a few errors. ''It is never good to end on the losing side. We did a lot of things right. We will focus on them more rather than dwelling on our mistakes. We are at a good position in the points table. Just one bad game I guess. ''We made a few errors in two-three overs and it cost us the game. That is how T20 is, IPL is,'' he said.

Village Heads To Be Held Accountable If Child Marriages Solemnised In Rajasthan Says High Court

The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to ensure that no child marriage takes place in the state, and said village heads and panchayat members will be held accountable if they are solemnised. The court's order came on Wednesday ahead of the Akshay Tritiya festival on May 10. Many child marriages are solemnised on Akshay Tritiya in Rajasthan. A division bench of the court, while hearing a PIL seeking the court's intervention to prevent child marriages, noted that inspite of the Prohibition of Child Marriage act 2006 being in force, child marriages are still taking place in the state. The court said though there is a reduction in the number of child marriages due to efforts put in by the authorities, a lot still needs to be done. RP Singh, counsel for the petitioners, said a list was also provided to the court wherein details of child marriages scheduled in the state around Akshya Tritiya was given. As per Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules 1996, a duty is cast upon sarpanch to restrict child marriages. Thus, as an interim measure, we would direct the state to call for the report with regard to investigation done to prevent child marriages, which have taken place in the state and also to keep a hawk eye on the list which has been annexed with the public interest litigation, the court said. The respondents should also ensure that no child marriages take place within the state. Sarpanch and Panch should be sensitised and informed that they will be held responsible under section 11 of The Prohibition of Child Marriage act 2006, if they negligently fail to prevent child marriages from being solemnised, the order said.

Rahul Gandhi to Contest Lok Sabha Elections from Rae Bareli, Ally Kuldeep Rai Sharma from Amethi

Rahul Gandhi to Contest Lok Sabha Elections from Rae Bareli, Ally Kuldeep Rai Sharma from Amethi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh, the constituency held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for the last two decades. Kishori Lal Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family, has been fielded from the Amethi Lok Sabha seat, the party said in a statement on Friday. Sharma was the key person who looked after the two prestigious constituencies in the absence of the Gandhis. Rahul and Sharma will file their nomination papers on Friday, the last date for the filing of nominations for the seats. Rahul Gandhi along with his mother Sonia Gandhi, sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and brother-in-law Robert Vadra have arrived at the Fursatganj Airport in Amethi ahead of the nomination filing.They were accompanied by former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will also be in Rae Bareli for the nomination filing besides a large number of party workers and leaders. The two seats will go to polls on May 20 in the fifth of the seven-phase general election. Ending days of suspense, the party announced the candidates from the two seats early Friday. Rahul Gandhi will be contesting from the seat which has been held by his mother Sonia Gandhi, his grandmother Indira Gandhi and his grandfather Feroze Gandhi. The constituency has also been represented by family members and friends of the Gandhi-Nehru family. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a message said, ''Kishori Lal Sharma ji has been associated with our family for years. He has always been dedicated towards serving the people of Amethi and Rae Bareli. His passion for public service is an example in itself.'' ''Today it is a matter of joy that Congress party has made him the party candidate from Amethi. Kishori Lal ji's loyalty and dedication towards duty will definitely bring him in success in this election. Many best wishes,'' she said in a post in Hindi on X. Deliberations had been on in the party since Thursday on the names of the contenders for the two seats, which have been traditionally held by the members of the Gandhi-Nehru family. The BJP had on Thursday announced Dinesh Pratap Singh as its candidate from Rae Bareli. He had lost to Sonia Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Posters and banners of Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were also brought late last evening to the Congress office in Gauriganj. BJP leader Smriti Irani has already filed her nomination papers from Amethi. The Uttar Pradesh leadership of the Congress had earlier called upon the Gandhi family to contest both the seats.

Flanked by Sonia, Priyanka, Cong top guns; Rahul lands in UP ahead of filing nomination from Raebareli

A chartered flight with Rahul, his mother and several Congress top tuns landed at the Fursatgunj airfield ahead of his nomination filing from Raebareli. The Wayanad MP was flanked by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Robert Vadra, former Rajasthan chief minister and AICC member Ashok Gehlot, as he arrived at the airstrip

'When Bhuvi came to bowl the final over...'

Following his side's one-run win over Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said that when he realised that Bhuvneshwar Kumar was defending 13 runs in the final over, he got the confidence that the veteran pacer could pull off a match-winning performance.

Cool solution: how ice-cream saved drought-hit farmers in India

As the climate crisis forces people to abandon their land in Rajasthan, a new industry has sprung up in the desert state, with thousands of gaily decorated vans setting off to sell ice-cream across the country The parched villages of Gangapur in the desert state of Rajasthan have a new season in their calendar. Between November and February , car workshops along the towns dusty mile-long market open before sunrise, cylindrical stainless-steel food containers are put on display, and traders stock up on chocolate and strawberry syrups. Come March, the villagers start preparing to migrate. In the workshops, thousands of vehicles are converted into vans for selling a variety of ice-cream, from plain condensed milk flavoured with cardamom to chocolate, vanilla and pistachio, while local farmers turned dessert makers have their old mini-trucks serviced in readiness for the drive to distant towns and cities, where they will sell the sweet treat for the next nine months. Continue reading...