Irfan Pathan Directs Strategic Overhaul for LSG Ahead of IPL 2026

LUCKNOW — As the countdown to the March 28 season opener begins, former India all-rounder and veteran analyst Irfan Pathan has outlined a blueprint for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to redeem themselves following a lackluster seventh-place finish in 2025. Pathan’s recommended playing combination emphasizes tactical stability in the top order and a much-needed aggressive reinforcement of the bowling department. Fixing the “Fractured” Bowling Unit LSG’s 2025 campaign was largely derailed by a toothless bowling attack. To rectify this, the franchise has been hyper-active in the trade and auction markets.…

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Zero Tolerance: DCP Akansha Yadav Spearheads Massive Crackdown on Crime in North-West Delhi

NEW DELHI — In a definitive blow to organized crime and street-level lawlessness, the North-West District Police, under the sharp command of DCP Akansha Yadav (IPS), has unleashed a relentless multi-pronged offensive. This intensified operation marks a turning point in the district’s security strategy, sending a chilling message to the criminal underworld: the era of impunity is over. The crackdown, characterized by surgical precision and aggressive field intelligence, has effectively dismantled several modules involved in bootlegging, illegal arms, and high-stakes gambling. In a series of high-octane raids across the district,…

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Democratic Resilience or Institutional Erosion? India’s 824-Seat Battleground heats up

Kolkata: The upcoming Assembly elections across Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry represent far more than a routine exercise in regional power; they are a high-stakes stress test for the very architecture of Indian democracy. As the Election Commission of India marks March 18 as the starting line for this marathon, the atmosphere is thick with a volatile mix of institutional scrutiny and unprecedented political polarization. With 824 seats hanging in the balance and an electorate of 174 million voters preparing to cast their…

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JMM Decides to Go Solo in Assam, Alliance Talks with Congress Collapse

New Delhi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has decided to contest the upcoming Assam Assembly elections independently, effectively ending alliance talks with the Indian National Congress in the state. After weeks of negotiations, the two parties failed to reach a consensus on seat-sharing. While Congress reportedly offered JMM between five to seven seats, the regional party pushed for a larger share. With neither side willing to уступ ground, the talks eventually broke down. JMM has now announced candidates for around 19–21 seats in the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, signalling its…

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Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone to acquire cricket franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE (Blackstone) have signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), encompassing both the men’s Indian Premier League franchise and the Women’s Premier League franchise, from United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo plc. The transaction values the franchise at INR 166.6 billion (approximately US$1.78 billion). The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Competition…

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Rajasthan Royals gets a new owner for IPL

New Delhi: In a major development in the world of franchise cricket, reports suggest that Rajasthan Royals—the inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League—have been sold for a staggering $1.63 billion to a consortium led by US-based businessman Kal Somani. The news gained traction after noted commentator Harsha Bhogle shared on social media that the franchise had been sold at the reported valuation, highlighting the massive growth of IPL team worth over the years. For comparison, London Spirit—one of the most expensive teams in The Hundred—was valued at around $370…

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Iran’s Irfan Defeats India’s Harsh Rana in Thrilling Wrestling Bout in Lucknow

Lucknow: The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall at KD Singh Babu Stadium came alive with thunderous applause as Iranian wrestler Irfan delivered a commanding performance to defeat India’s Harsh Rana in an exhibition bout on Wednesday. The much-anticipated contest drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the international star in action. Facing Irfan was SSB wrestler Harsh Rana, known for his strength and resilience. However, the Iranian grappler’s superior experience and agility proved decisive. From the opening moments, Irfan adopted an aggressive approach, maintaining constant pressure on his opponent. Showcasing…

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Lucknow to Host India–West Indies T20 Opener on October 6 at Ekana Stadium

Lucknow: In a major boost for cricket lovers in the city, Lucknow has been awarded the hosting rights for a high-profile T20 International between India national cricket team and West Indies cricket team. The opening match of the five-match T20 series will be played on October 6 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The announcement has sparked excitement across the “City of Nawabs,” as fans look forward to witnessing top-tier international cricket action after a long gap. The clash between the reigning T20 world champions India and the Caribbean side is…

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Rishabh Pant Lights Up Fan Event as Thousands Cheer in LSG Colours

Lucknow: A vibrant atmosphere filled with music, energy and cricketing excitement marked a grand fan engagement event, where more than 5,000 students turned up wearing Lucknow Super Giants’ new jerseys to cheer for their favourite players. The stadium buzzed with enthusiasm as young fans participated in activities and encouraged the team amid live music performances. The highlight of the event was the much-anticipated Super Six Ball Contest, which drew loud cheers from the crowd. Captain Rishabh Pant stole the show with his explosive batting display, smashing towering sixes with ease.…

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Project Hail Mary Review: A Quiet, Powerful Ode to Hope in a Cynical Sci-Fi Era

Mumbai: There is a quiet defiance at the heart of Project Hail Mary. At a time when science fiction is increasingly preoccupied with collapse—of systems, morality, and hope—this film takes a far riskier route: it chooses optimism. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, the film strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and sincerity. On the surface, it tells the story of a dying sun and humanity’s last desperate mission. Beneath that, however, it explores something far more intimate—connection, trust, and what it…

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