Month: March 2025

Shortly after Parliament reconvened on Monday as the as the second part of the Budget session began, Opposition MPs staged a walk out from the Rajya Sabha over the issue of delimitation and New Education Policy (NEP).

The DMK attacked the government over the implementation of National Education Policy in Tamil Nadu.

In Lok Sabha too, the MPs walked into the well of the House and protested as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in his address in the lower house of Parliament accused the DMK of being “dishonest” and playing “politics” at the cost of Tamil Nadu students’ future.

DMK MP P Wilson said that the DMK party staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha after the Deputy Chairman refused to allow a discussion on fair delimitation for Tamil Nadu. in a post on X, Wilson said “The DMK floor leader Tiruchi Siva and I submitted a notice under Rule 267 of the Business Rules of the Rajya Sabha to discuss fair delimitation for Tamil Nadu. This is critical, as the state has seen minimal population growth due to family planning policies. There is a growing concern about impending delimitation changes set to take effect in 2026.”

Union Health Minister JP Nadda slammed the opposition over the notices under Rule 267 over the walkout. He said that it was a vicious design by the Opposition to demand the institution of Parliament was they were interested in debate but wanted to give an impression that the government does not want to answer or enter into a debate.

Speaking on the adjournment motion notices by Opposition members, Nadda stated that they should read the rules before giving notices for the adjournment motion.

“They should read rules before giving notices for adjournment motion,” Nadda said in Rajya Sabha. Terming it as an “irresponsible behaviour”, he said, “Opposition members, including LoP, should go for a refresher course, understand rules and regulations.

Referring to daily adjournment notices by opposition members, Nadda said “It is vicious design to demean the institution of Parliament and government is ready to discuss everything under rules.”

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said that they have a very “genuine concern” about the delimitation exercise and if it is done on the basis of population, there won’t be fair representation in the Parliament, claiming that many southern states would lose their seats.

On delimitation issue, Tiruchi Siva said, “We have a very genuine concern about the delimitation exercise that is due to be done in 2026…the birth control process has not been equal (in north and south)…If it is done based on population, Tamil Nadu and other states will be losing so many seats…we will come down from 39 to 31, Kerala from 20 to 12…some states will get 30-40 more seats, so there won’t be fair representation in the Parliament…”

Earlier, the DMK MP said that they are insisting on the government to evolve a way in which the Southern states would not be affected by the delimitation exercise.

“The delimitation exercise is due to be done in 2026. As per the constitution, it has to be done under the population. Earlier in the 42nd Amendment and the 84th Amendment, it was decided to have it after 25 years because the birth control progress has to be noted…If the delimitation exercise is done on that basis, all the Southern states will be at a disadvantage, including Tamil Nadu…We are insisting that the government should evolve a way that the Southern states will not be affected by way of this delimitation exercise, and they have to find an alternate way…” Siva told reporters.

Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma accused opposition of obstructing the House and said they would do similar things today also.

“The opposition always obstructs the House and important issues are left behind…Today also they will do something similar and we are ready for that too…only those issues will come up in Parliament which are for the public…whatever is in our agenda will happen…” Sharma told ANI.

Hitting out at the opposition, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said the opposition is ready to create an uproar and to obstruct the House.

He said, “Today’s need of democracy is that the opposition should have a healthy discussion and question the ruling party and the ruling party should satisfy the opposition by informing them about its good work but the opposition is not ready. The opposition is ready for uproar and to obstruct the House…”

Earlier today, MPs in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha raised adjournment motions on urgent issues, including internal security in Manipur and Jammu, underfunded railway projects in Tamil Nadu, stock market losses, and concerns over the delimitation exercise affecting southern states.

The second part of the budget session of the Parliament began today and will continue till April 4. (ANI)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has strongly criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party regarding the ongoing controversy over the three-language policy in the New Education Policy.

During his address in Lok Sabha, Pradhan accused the DMK of being “dishonest” and playing “politics” at the cost of Tamil Nadu students’ future.

“They (DMK) are dishonest. They are not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are ruining the future of Tamil Nadu students. Their only job is to raise language barriers. They are doing politics. They are doing mischief. They are undemocratic and uncivilised,” Pradhan said.

In the Rajya Sabha the DMK staged a walkout after raising the issue of the three language policy and the issues of delimitation. health Minister, JP Nadda slammed the opposition over walk out, saying that they should read rules before giving notices for adjournment motion.

Nadda termed it irresponsible behavior and said that opposition members including LoP, should go for a refresher course, understand rules and regulations. Referring to daily adjournment notices by opposition members, Nadda saids it was a “vicious design to demean the institution of Parliament” and government is ready to discuss everything under rules.

Earlier, amid the ongoing war of words over allegations of imposing the National Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Stalin lashed out at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and stated that he faced the consequences of reviving a fight he would never win.

CM Stalin said, “The tree may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside.” It was the Union Education Minister who provoked us to write this series of letters when we were simply doing our job. He forgot his place and dared to threaten an entire state to accept Hindi imposition, and now he faces the consequences of reviving a fight he can never win. Tamil Nadu will not be blackmailed into surrendering.”

“The biggest irony is that Tamil Nadu, which rejects NEP, has already achieved many of its goals, which the policy aims to reach only by 2030. This is like an LKG student lecturing a PhD holder. Dravidam does not take dictations from Delhi. Instead, it sets the course for the nation to follow,” he further said.

Congress leader P Chidambaram said that unless the two-language policy is successful, discussing the three-language policy is redundant.

P Chidambaram said, “Three languages should be taught in schools. No state in India is implementing the three language formula. Perticularly in Hindi speaking states, it is effectively a one language formula. The common language is Hindi, the official state language is Hindi, the medium of instruction is Hindi, and the subject they study is Hindi. If at all another language is taught, it is Sanskrit. Very few government schools have English teachers. And there is no question of a Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam teacher. ” (ANI)

Manipur Police have arrested 15 cadres of various insurgent groups in multiple raids across the state on March 8 and 9, Manipur police said in an official statement.

Manipur Police have arrested 15 cadres of various insurgent groups in multiple raids across the state on March 8 and 9, Manipur police said in an official statement.

“During the last 24 hours, the situation in the state was tense but under control. Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley Districts,” Manipur Police said in an official statement.

On March 9, Manipur Police arrested five active cadres of NRFM organization from Gandhi Avenue, Thangal Bazar under City-PS, Imphal West District namely, Keisham Robertson Meitei @ Nanao (29) , Moirangthem Tanu Devi @ Chinglembi @ Ichanthoi (21) , Nameirakpam Rashini Devi @ Thoibi @ Mangaleima (25), Meikam Ichan Chanu (32) and Laishram Menaka Chanu @ Lanchenbl (27). They were involved in extortion and transportation of arms and ammunition. One two-wheeler, five mobile phones and one ID card were found from their possession.

“On March 9, Manipur Police arrested one active cadre of NRFM organization from Golapati Masjid Achouba Awang Leirak under Porompat-PS, Imphal East District identified as Laiphrakpam Soniya Devi @ Tombi @ Lamjingbi (24). She was involved in extortion from general public, private firms, govt. officials etc. A mobile phone and a wallet with a sum of Rs 1,07,260 were recovered from their possession,” Manipur Police said in the statement.

On March 9, Manipur Police arrested two active cadres of PREPAK (Pro) from Khongman Nandeibam Leikai under Irilbung-PS, Imphal East District namely, Chirom Rostam Meitei @ Chiromba (25) and Heikrujam Arvind Singh @ Micheal @ Heiroiba (32). They were involved in extortion from general public, private firms, govt. officials etc. From their possession, two mobile phones were recovered.

“On March 9, Manipur Police arrested three active cadres of PREPAK (Pro) from Heinoupok near Ima Medhapati School, Imphal West District namely, Laishram Boboi Meitei @ Boishemba (28), Palujam Babu Singh @ Luthumba (25) and Yumnam Athoibi Chanu. They were involved in extortion from the general public, private firms, govt. officials etc. From their possession, three mobile phones items were recovered,” Manipur Police said in the statement.

On March 9, Manipur Police arrested an active member of KCP (PWG), one Sorokhaibam Inaoton Singh (38) from RIMS Main Gate, Lamphel along with one mobile handset. He was involved in extortion from government officials and general public in and around Imphal area.

“On March 9, Manipur Police arrested an active member of KCP (PWG), one Shandham Romen Singh (39), along with incriminating eleven demand letters from Samurou, Imphal West district,” Manipur Police said in the statement.

On March 9, Manipur Police arrested three active cadres of UPPK from Langol Type – II, Imphal West. The arrested people have been identified as Ngangbam Nishan Meitei (24 yrs), Ashangbam Manikanta Singh (37yrs) and Sorokhaibam Nganthoi Singh (23 yrs). They were involved in extortion from general public through their tribunal by doing illegal trails. Two four-wheelers, three mobile handsets and other miscellaneous items were recovered from their possession.

“On March 8, security forces apprehended one KYKL cadre identified as Mohen Takhellambam @Renyai (29) from Gate no 2 near BP 79 under Moreh-PS, Tengnoupal District,” Manipur Police said in the statement.

Movement of vehicles carrying essential items along NH-2 has been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles, Manipur Police said.

“A total of 109 checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and no one was detained by Police in connection with violations in different Districts of the State,” Manipur Police said in the statement.

The police have appealed to the public not to believe in rumours and to be aware of false videos and social media posts. They have also requested people to immediately return looted weapons, ammunition and explosives to the police or the nearest security forces.

“Appeal is made to general public not to believe in rumour and be aware of false videos. Any circulations of unfounded videos etc. may be confirmed from the rumour free number 9233522822 of Central Control room. Also, there are many fake posts being circulated in social media. It is hereby cautioned that uploading of such fake post in social media will face legal action. Further, appeal is made to public to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately,” Manipur Police said.

On February 13, the President’s rule was imposed in Manipur after receiving a report from the state governor.

The proclamation, published in the Gazette of India and issued by the Union Home Ministry, stated that the powers of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be transferred to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government’s authority.

Violence erupted in the northeastern state on May 3 last year following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. (ANI)

At the prestigious IIFA 2025 awards, actress Nitanshi Goel’s journey from debutant to Best Actress in a Leading Role (Female) was nothing short of extraordinary.

The actress, who made her debut in Kiran Rao’s acclaimed film ‘Laapataa Ladies’, found herself overwhelmed with emotions as she accepted the award for her portrayal of Phool Kumari in the film.

Bollywood legends Boman Irani and Bobby Deol presented her with the award, and Nitanshi stunned attendees in a mesmerizing ruby-red gown.

However, it was her heartfelt acceptance speech that truly moved the audience.

While speaking to ANI about the win, she said, “I wasn’t expecting this,” adding, “I was hoping Laapataa Ladies would win big, but I didn’t think I would win myself. The other nominees were incredible, and I’m a huge fan of all of them. I’m truly overwhelmed by the love I’ve received.”

Asked about the emotional moment when she couldn’t hold back tears, she revealed, “It’s become a thing now. Honestly, I couldn’t stop crying because winning this award is a dream come true for every actor, and it’s finally come true for me. I’m just so grateful.”

Nitanshi also expressed her gratitude, saying, “I dedicate this to my mom, to everyone who loved Phool, to those who accepted me–Nitanshi and Phool. A special thanks to Kiran ma’am, Aamir sir, and the entire team of Laapataa Ladies. And of course, the universe for making this happen.”

After receiving the honor, Nitanshi spoke about the overwhelming nature of the moment.

“The first thing I did was cry and try to put together a speech because I couldn’t believe it was happening. Then I gave my mom a big hug, and a huge hug to Kiran ma’am. It was all just happy tears,” she said.

Looking to the future, Nitanshi expressed excitement about working with more stars.

“There are so many people on my list,” she said, adding, “But Shah Rukh sir tops the chart, followed by Kartik Aaryan. It would be amazing to work with any of them.”

‘Laapataa Ladies’, released internationally as Lost Ladies, is a 2023 Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by Kiran Rao.

It tells the story of two newlywed brides who are mistakenly exchanged during a train ride to their husbands’ homes.

The film, which also stars Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, garnered praise for its compelling story and performances.

Although it did not make it to the longlist for the Best International Feature category at the 97th Academy Awards, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ continues to win hearts worldwide. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday conducted ‘Jan Milan Samaroh’ at her residence, where she greeted and interacted with people.

A large number of people gathered at her residence to meet the Chief Minister. Citizens and supporters also presented bouquets to the Delhi CM as they met her during the event.

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation, with attendees engaging in discussions with the Chief Minister. Several party workers were also present at the gathering.

On Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met slum dwellers in the RK Puram assembly constituency in the national capital. She said that her government was seeking public suggestions for preparing the upcoming budget, and the meeting was part of that exercise.

“Delhi government is going among the public to take suggestions for the Delhi budget. Today, I met the people living in the slums in the RK Puram assembly constituency and took suggestions from them,” Gupta said.

The Chief Minister also visited Bhanwar Singh Camp in Vasant Vihar and interacted with women.

The Delhi Budget 2025-26 is expected to be tabled between March 24 and 26.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister held an interactive session with traders, businessmen, and business organisations to gather suggestions for the upcoming Delhi Budget 2025.

Business representatives from across the national capital participated in the discussion, highlighting key issues faced by the business community.

Speaking to the media, CM Gupta acknowledged the challenges raised during the session and outlined the government’s plans to resolve them.

“As part of the Viksit Delhi Budget 2025-26 consultation series, we invited representatives from all business organisations, industrial bodies, and people from the business community across Delhi. Today, I received very valuable suggestions from them. From what I understood, years of past governments’ rule have left them with pain and suffering. They are deeply troubled–both by bureaucracy and impractical policies. In the name of development, there has been zero performance,” said CM Gupta.

She emphasised infrastructure challenges, saying, “Even today, industrial areas remain neglected. Streets, drains, and basic infrastructure are still in poor condition. The necessary updates and improvements that should have taken place in industrial areas have not been done. Even small market complexes and large commercial hubs like Lajpat Nagar continue to face numerous issues, including a lack of public toilets and other essential facilities.”

She further said the government aims to include all sections of society and wishes to provide a Budget that brings Delhi closer to PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Delhi. (ANI)

The rescue teams traced the body of a worker from the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool which collapsed on February 22 entrapping eight workers.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed condolences over the death of the worker, identified as Gurpreet Singh, an official statement from Telangana CMO read.

The Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakhs for the kins of the deceased.

The rescue teams had recovered one body on Sunday, as per officials.

The Kerala cadaver dog squad were roped in to assist in the rescue efforts have found human remains inside the tunnel.

According to rescue officials, the deceased was found trapped in a machine inside the collapsed section of the tunnel.

“We found one dead body stuck in the machine, with only the hand visible. The rescue teams are currently cutting the machine to retrieve the stuck body,” said the official.

On Saturday, Telangana Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that robotic technology had been deployed to accelerate the ongoing rescue operations at the SLBC tunnel near Domalapenta in the Nagarkurnool district, where eight workers remain trapped.

Calling the incident a national disaster, he emphasised that the State government is utilizing the best global technology to overcome the challenges in the final stretch of the 14-kilometre-long tunnel.

Visiting the site, he reviewed the situation with officials from multiple national agencies, including State Disaster Management Secretary Arvind Kumar and Army Commandant Parikshit Mehra, who are overseeing the rescue efforts.

Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that cadaver dogs from Kerala detected a strong odour at a specific location, indicating the presence of three individuals. He assured that the government would provide full support to the families of the missing workers. The minister also reviewed the ongoing dewatering and desilting efforts, confirming that updates would be provided after a review on March 11.

Despite continuous efforts by 11 national-level rescue teams over the past two weeks, locating and retrieving the trapped workers has remained a challenge. The government has consulted tunnel construction and rescue experts from across the globe to determine the safest course of action. On Saturday, 525 personnel were engaged in the rescue efforts.

On February 22, a three-metre section of the roof of an under-construction stretch of the SLBC tunnel collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district in Telangana. The collapse occurred just four days after construction work had resumed following a lengthy hiatus. While some workers managed to escape, the eight remained trapped. (ANI)

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor paid tribute to her grandfather and legendary actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor with her stunning performance at the 25th Silver Jubilee edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards 2025 (IIFA) in Jaipur.

She took over the stage with her dance steps on iconic tracks of Raj Kapoor like ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’, ‘Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua’ and others. Her performance caught the attention of everyone.

The official Instagram handle of IIFA posted the video.

The caption reads, “We’re truly in love with this beautiful tribute to Raj Kapoor for our Silver Jubilee celebration! #IIFA2025 #RajasthanTourism #IIFAJaipur #NEXA #CreateInspire #SobhaxIIFA”

“Poo ki performance ko hum denge 10/10 score – There is simply no one like Kareena Kapoor Khan!,” read the caption.

Earlier, Kareena expressed her excitement about the performance at IIFA 2025.

“Celebrating Indian Cinema’s Global Triumph in the Heart of Jaipur, I’m excited to be returning to the IIFA stage after many years, and what better time than for their Silver Jubilee Edition. In a sense, IIFA’s journey and mine have almost run parallel – we’re celebrating 25 years together in the cinema. This performance is especially close to my heart as it pays tribute to my legendary grandfather, Raj Kapoor, whose 100th birth anniversary was recently celebrated across the country with so much love. It’s a surreal moment for me to be able to connect these dots and be a part of this celebration of legacy, family, and the enduring power of cinema,” she said in a press note.

Raj Kapoor’s status as one of the most important figures in Indian cinema remains undisputed. His films often tackled social issues and addressed the dreams and struggles of ordinary people.

As an actor, director, and producer, he revolutionized Bollywood with his unique approach to storytelling, his unparalleled screen presence, and his ability to blend music, drama, and humour in a way that captivated audiences.

Kapoor’s work was also instrumental in taking Indian cinema to international audiences, ensuring that his legacy reached far beyond the Indian subcontinent. (ANI)

India’s skipper Rohit Sharma put an end to all the speculations around his retirement, after leading his team to a historic ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.

With this historic win, Rohit Sharma became only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to lead India to 2 ICC titles, after narrowly missing out on the ultimate prize in 2023 ODI World Cup. He is also the only captain in the world to lead his team to the finals of all ICC championships.

Leading from the front, Rohit played a match-winning knock of 76, earning him the Player of the Match award as India secured a four-wicket win to claim their third Champions Trophy title.

“Just to clarify, I am not retiring. Please do not spread any rumours,” he stated in the post-match press conference.

This comes as speculations were long going on about whether the stalwart India captain, who has led Team India to 2 ICC titles, will finally hang off his boots after Champions Trophy win.

Skipper Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role, scoring a match-winning 76, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Alongside fine contributions from Shreyas Iyer and standout performances from spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, India dominated the contest to seal the trophy.

India etched their name in history by securing their third ICC Champions Trophy title with a commanding four-wicket win over New Zealand in the final in Dubai on Sunday.

With this victory, India became the first team to win the ICC Champions Trophy three times, further solidifying their dominance in global white-ball cricket.

Coming to the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first.

Kiwis got off to a fine start with a 57-run stand between Will Young (15) and Rachin Ravindra (37 in 29 balls, with four boundaries and a six). However, Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) applied some breaks and reduced NZ to 75/3.

A 57-run stand between Daryl Mitchell (63 in 101 balls, with three fours) and Michael Bracewell pushed Kiwis towards 150-plus runs. Bracewell played a fine hand of 53* in 40 balls, with three fours and two sixes, taking NZ to 251/7 in their 50 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) were top wicket-takers for India. Mohammed Shami also took a wicket, but conceded 74 runs in his nine overs.

During the run-chase, India had a fine 105-run stand to start off things, between skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (31 in 50 balls, with a six). While Gill, Virat and eventually Rohit (76 in 83 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) lost their wickets quickly, leaving India at 122/3, Shreyas Iyer (48 in 62 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Axar Patel (29 in 40 balls, with a four and six) stitched a 61-run stand.

After India lost Axar following crossing of 200-run mark, KL Rahul (34* in 33 balls, with a four and a six) and Hardik Pandya (18) did their job of taking India to the finishing line with six wickets and an over left.

Michael Bracewell (2/28) and Mitchell Santner (2/46) were top wicket-takers for NZ. (ANI)

A swift half-century from skipper Rohit Sharma, fine knocks by Shreyas Iyer and fine spells from spinners, in particular Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, helped an all-round India seal their third ICC Champions Trophy title, beating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai on Sunday.

This is India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title, having shared one with Sri Lanka in 2002 and securing the second under ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni in 2013.

During the run-chase of 252 runs, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a fine start once again. Rohit was the aggressor against pacers, including 14 runs against Nathan Smith in eighth over, with two fours and a six.

India reached the 50-run mark in 7.2 overs.

At the end of 10 overs in the powerplay, India was 64/0, with Rohit (49) and Gill (10) unbeaten.

Rohit reached his half-century in 41 balls, with five fours and three sixes.

The Hitman continued collecting boundaries against spinners as India reached the 100-run mark in 17 overs.

The 105-run stand between Rohit and Gill ended with Gill being removed by Mitchell Santner thanks to a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips at covers. Gill was gone for 31 in 50 balls, with a six. India was 105/1 in 18.4 overs.

Michael Bracewell got the big wicket of Virat Kohli for just one run. India was 106/2 in 19.1 overs.

Spinners continued to bring Kiwis back in the game, with Rachin Ravindra removing Rohit for 76 in 83 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. India was 122/3 in 26.1 overs.

Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel stitched a partnership for India, with Iyer finding some timely boundaries and taking India to the 150-run mark in 32.5 overs.

Kiwis made a comeback as Santner removed Iyer for 48 in 62 balls, with two fours and two sixes, with a fine catch from Rachin near short fine leg. India was 183/4 in 38.4 overs, needing 69 in 69 balls.

KL Rahul and Axar helped India cross the 200-run mark in 40.5 overs. However, India’s run-chase encountered another obstacle, with Axar throwing away his wicket for 29 (in 40 balls, with a four and six) to Bracewell with a fine catch by William O’Rourke. India was 203/5 in 41.3 overs.

Hardik and KL brought back India into the equation with some fine strike rotation and odd boundaries, leaving India with 32 runs in 30 balls.

Hardik(18) holed it back to Kyle Jamieson while trying to pull it away. Ravindra Jadeja stuck the winning boundary to seal a memorable win for India.

Earlier, India’s spinners put on a stellar show to restrict New Zealand to 251/7 in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai. Despite a late counter-attack from Michael Bracewell, the Blackcaps struggled to accelerate in the middle against India’s disciplined bowling attack.

After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner opted to bat first. The Kiwis got off to a flyer, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra putting on a strong partnership. They brought up 50 runs inside seven overs before Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Young for 15, breaking the opening stand at 57.

Ravindra continued his attacking approach, scoring 37 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six, but was cleaned up by Kuldeep Yadav as New Zealand found themselves at 69/2 in 10.1 overs. Kane Williamson, who scored a century in the semi-final against South Africa, couldn’t make an impact this time, falling to a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort by Kuldeep for just 11.

New Zealand reached 100 in 19.2 overs but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Tom Latham (14) was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, while Glenn Phillips (34) was bowled by Chakravarthy, leaving the Kiwis at 165/5 in 37.5 overs.

Daryl Mitchell played the anchor role, scoring a patient 63 off 101 deliveries before falling to Mohammed Shami in the 46th over. Shami, despite being expensive (1/74 in 9 overs), claimed his ninth wicket of the tournament. Skipper Santner (8) was run out by Virat Kohli, adding to New Zealand’s troubles.

However, Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 off 40 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes, provided a late flourish, ensuring New Zealand reached a competitive total of 251/7.

India’s spinners were the key architects of the bowling performance. Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were the standout performers, while Jadeja (1/30) and Axar Patel (0/29 in 8 overs) kept the pressure on with their economical spells.

With 252 runs required for victory, India will look to capitalize on the slow conditions and chase down the target to secure their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

Brief score: New Zealand 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*; Kuldeep Yadav 2/40) vs. New Zealand. (ANI)