Month: April 2025

Following the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) loss to the Delhi Capitals (DC) at their home ground of Chepauk Stadium, the five-time champions’ head coach Stephen Fleming, said that he has “no idea” about rumours of their former captain MS Dhoni retiring and added that the 43-year-old is still going strong.

The clash against DC was another disappointing outing for CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad led side slipped to eighth side, losing to the Red and Blue side by 24 runs while chasing 184 as they fell to a spin choke by Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav. Rumours about Dhoni’s retirement started doing the rounds before the match as the legend’s family, including his parents and wife Sakshi, were present at the venue to watch the game.

After the match in the post-match presser, Fleming said on Dhoni’s retirement, “No, it is not my role to put an end to it. I have no idea. I am just enjoying working with him still. He is still going strong. I do not even ask these days (to Dhoni on retirement).”

During the match, Dhoni played an average knock of 30 in 26 balls, with just a four and six, not firing in death overs like he would have expected to. So far, in IPL 2025, Dhoni has made 76 runs in four innings and five innings at an average of 76.00 and a strike rate of over 138.18. His best score is 30.

Dhoni is the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history, with 5,319 runs at an average of 39.40 and a strike rate of over 137, with 24 fifties and a best score of 84.

Over the last couple of years, Dhoni has embraced a new role as a finisher for CSK, coming in to tonk fours and sixes, mostly in the last two or three overs. Last season, he handed the captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ever since his international cricket retirement in 2020, there has been speculation about whether every upcoming IPL season would be his last. This time, it is no different.

Coming to the match, DC won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing Jake Fraser McGurk early, a 54-run stand between KL Rahul and Abishek Porel (33 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and KL’s 56-run stand with Sameer Rizwi (20 in 15 balls, with a four and six) kept DC at a healthy run rate. KL scored his first fifty in DC colours, scoring 77 in 51 balls, with six fours and three sixes. Tristan Stubbs (24* in 12 balls, with two fours and a six) played a fiery cameo towards the end, helping DC finish at 183/6 in 20 overs.

Khaleel Ahmed (2/25) was the top bowler for CSK.

CSK was not into the match during the chase, losing their five wickets for 74. Vijay Shankar (69* in 54 balls, with five fours and a six) and MS Dhoni (30* in 26 balls, with a four and six) tried to fight it out, but the Men in Yellow fell short by 24 runs, restricted to 158/5.

Vipraj Nigam (2/27) was the standout bowler for DC. Mitchell Starc delivered a classy spell of 1/27, and Kuldeep Yadav also took 1/30 in four overs.

KL Rahul secured the Player of the Match award.

With this win, DC is at the top of the points table with three wins in three games. On the other hand, with just one win and three losses, CSK has slid down to the eighth spot. (ANI)

‘Laapataa Ladies’ writer Biplab Goswami on Saturday issued a statement, denying claims that the movie’s plot has been plagiarised.

Lately, a section of social media users pointed out that the hit Hindi film, produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Kiran Rao, had similarities to an Arabic-language short film titled Burqa City.

Reacting to plagiarism allegations, Biplab, who co-authored the film with Sneha Desai, mentioned that first detailed synopsis for the movie was submitted in 2014 with the working title ‘Two Brides’. He also provided the ‘relevant documents’ to support his stance.

“The screenplay for Laapataa Ladies was developed extensively over many years,” he wrote in his note.

Biplab added, “I first registered the film’s detailed synopsis, outlining the entire story with the working title ‘Two Brides’, with the Screenwriters Association on July 3, 2014. Even within this registered synopsis, there is a scene that clearly describes the groom bringing home the wrong bride and being shocked and stricken upon realising his mistake because of the veil, along with the rest of his family. This is where the story takes off. I had also clearly written about the scene of the worried groom going to the police station and showing the only photograph he had of his missing bride to the police officer, but the bride’s face was covered with a veil, resulting in a comedic moment. On June 30, 2018, I registered the feature-length script ‘Two Brides’ with the SWA. This script won the runner-up award at the Cinestaan Storytellers Competition in 2018. Again, in this screenplay, I had the scene of the policeman amused by the photograph of the veiled bride.”

“Our story, characters, and dialogues are 100% original. Any allegations of plagiarism are completely untrue. These allegations not just undermine my efforts as a writer, but also the tireless efforts of the entire filmmaking team,” he said.

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The film, which was released in March 2024, also Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan in key roles. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday flagged off the Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sunayna from the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka as the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) marking a key milestone in India’s maritime outreach initiative, and reinforcing India’s role as a regional maritime partner committed to peace, prosperity, and collective security.

The event was attended by 44 naval personnel representing nine friendly nations from the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), underlining the spirit of regional cooperation that IOS SAGAR embodies.

In a post on X, Singh said, “Visited Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka and flagged-off INS Sunayna as Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR from Karwar with 44 personnel of nine friendly nations of Indian Ocean Region. IOS SAGAR is a reflection of India’s commitment to peace, prosperity & collective security in the maritime domain. Also inaugurated modern operational, repair & logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird.”

During his visit, the Defence Minister also inaugurated several critical components of Project Seabird, India’s largest naval infrastructure project, worth over Rs2,000 crore.

Project Director of Project Seabird, Commander Daniel Tauro, said that the Defence Minister inaugurated three major parts, including marine infrastructure and residential accommodations. He said that the base will be the largest base post-completion.

“…Today, the Defence Minister inaugurated three major parts of our project. The first was the marine infrastructure, which has around six piers. Second are the residential accommodations, and third are some trunk facilities like the roads and bridges, which will connect this entire place. When this base is completed, it will be the largest base in Asia,” he said.

Project Director of Project Seabird, Commander Amit Turan, said, “Project Seabird is the largest naval base in Asia. It’s spread over almost 11,000 acres of land. The Defence Minister inaugurated seven piers, 400 accommodations, and certain trunk facilities here today… Ships are not only about steel and machinery. It is also about men supporting them. So facilities like accommodations and a hospital are being constructed here by Project Seabird.”

Singh said that India is committed to protecting the interests of all nations in the Indian Ocean while maintaining their sovereignty.

“India is committed to safeguarding the interests of all in the Indian Ocean while upholding the sovereignty of every nation,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Karwar on Saturday.

Singh also attended the Naval Commanders’ Conference and inaugurated the newly developed infrastructure at the naval base under Project Seabird.

“Our Navy ensures that in the Indian Ocean Region, no nation can suppress another on the basis of its overwhelming economy or military power. India ensures that everyone’s interests are protected without compromising anyone’s sovereignty,” he said.

Singh highlighted that India’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region serves not only its national interests but also enhances the security of friendly nations, ensuring safety for all.

“On this historic occasion, I feel both proud and happy to be present on the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR initiative. IOS SAGAR is now embarking on its journey to the Indian Ocean. This naval deployment is the result of collaborative efforts not only by India but also by all our friendly nations in the region,” he said.

He said the Indian Ocean Region is important for India not only from a security perspective but also in terms of trade, economy, tourism, culture, and overall national interest. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Sri Lanka’s cricket legends who won the 1996 Cricket World Cup, including Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Aravinda de Silva, Marvan Atapattu, and others in Colombo.

PM Modi is on a State visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Disanayaka. His arrival in Colombo on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.

During his visit, he met members of the 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan team, who brought the country its maiden world title by defeating Australia in the final at Lahore.

The Prime Minister took to his X handle and posted, “Bonding through cricket! I am delighted to have had the opportunity to speak with the players of the Sri Lankan cricket team that won the 1996 World Cup. This team captured the hearts of countless sports fans!”.

After the meeting, several Sri Lankan players spoke to the media about the interaction and the strong cricketing ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Marvan Atapattu, who scored 14,036 runs for Sri Lanka across formats in 360 matches, said, “It was an extraordinary meeting. We have been lucky. Meeting a head of state who is a strong leader who has brought India to its heights was a dream come true. It was our honour and privilege to meet the Prime Minister this evening.”

Chaminda Vaas, who took 760 wickets in 438 matches for Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2009, praised PM Modi’s cricket knowledge.

“It’s a great honour to meet him personally as the 1996 World Cup team. We just talked about sports and during 1996, how we won the World Cup and how we beat India (during the semifinal at Eden Gardens in Kolkata). The Prime Minister follows cricket, he knows everything and not only as a leader, being the most powerful person in the South Asian countries, his cricket knowledge is very good. He asked me about how we beat India. India is the most powerful country when it comes to cricket as well. The way we interacted with him is really good.”

Aravinda de Silva, , who scored a match-winning century in the final against Australia in 1996, also said, “He’s a well respected person around the world and he has done so much for India. Becoming the Prime Minister for the third time in such a large country is a remarkable achievement. His influence on this country will be very important. It was quite nice chatting to him and we really enjoyed it.”

Sanath Jayasuriya, an explosive all-rounder who scored 21,032 runs, took 437 wickets and hit 42 centuries in 586 matches, said, “It was really nice meeting the Prime Minister. We discussed a few things, about cricket, the present and past and what we are going through currently. It was a great experience for us. He also talked about how he became the PM, developed India and what he did for India. We also discussed on the international ground in Jaffna.”

Romesh Kaluwitharana, who revolutionised ODI batting with Jayasuriya in the 1990s and scored 5,644 runs across Tests and ODIs with five centuries, also said, “From the time he (PM Modi) came to power, he changed a lot of things. He did a lot of things for Sri Lanka as well. India has always been there for us in the time of crisis, in cricket as well.”

Kumar Dharmasena, a member of the 1996 team who later became an international umpire, said, “For the first I have seen a leader like him. He is very friendly and casual and that was fantastic. One thing I want to mention is that as a neighbour of Sri Lanka, he has given a lot of support for us.”

Over the years, India-Sri Lanka cricketing ties have grown stronger, with both nations facing each other in numerous bilateral series and major ICC tournament clashes, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai and the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup final in Bangladesh–won by India and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Notably, both countries will be co-hosting next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, with Men in Blue defending their second title. (ANI)

The much-awaited sequel to the 2021 horror film ‘Chhorii’ is all set to release on April 11. Titled ‘Chhorii 2’, the film stars Nushrratt Bharuccha in the lead once again and brings Soha Ali Khan as an antagonist.

While speaking to ANI, Soha opened up about her experience in the film and shared that playing the antagonist was a great opportunity for her, adding that her role in the film was “totally out of her comfort zone.”

“I am very proud to be part of this film. I liked the first part. I enjoy the horror genre a lot. And playing a negative role as an antagonist is a great opportunity for any actor, especially for me,” Soha told ANI.

Soha, who plays the character of ‘Daasi Maa’ in the film also spoke about how the role was different and a “big challenge” for her in many ways.

“To be given the role of Daasi Maa with her many forms, prosthetics, VFX and a different kind of dialect — it was a big challenge for me. It was very different, totally out of my comfort zone, but that’s the challenge,” she said.

“The role was very physically demanding. First, because of the dialect, she speaks in a different way. Her costume made her walk differently, too. So yes, it had a strong physical element,” she said.

In one scene, Soha even had to perform while being suspended in the air, which made her feel nervous.

“In one scene, I was tied up and hanging from wires. I felt that if I fell, how would I protect myself? It was scary and made me feel vulnerable,” Soha said.

The trailer for ‘Chhorii 2’ was released earlier this week. It begins with a dark and emotional tale told by Nushrratt’s character to her daughter, where a king, angry at the birth of a girl, orders a daasi to kill the child.

Directed by Vishal Furia, who also directed the first part, Chhorii 2 also features Gashmeer Mahajani, Saurabh Goyal, Pallavi Ajay, Kuldeep Sareen, and Hardika Sharm.

The film is set to premiere worldwide on April 11, 2025, under the banners of T-Series, Abundantia Entertainment, Psych, and Tamarisk Lane Production. (ANI)

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday strongly opposed the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, Waqf (Amendment) Bill, declaring that if his party returns to power in Bihar, the Bill would be “thrown in the dustbin.”

Addressing reporters in Patna, Yadav condemned the bill and said, “We will form the government and throw this (Waqf Amendment Bill) in the dustbin.”

Yadav also claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would continue its alliance with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar only until the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled for October 2025.

“BJP will keep Nitish Kumar with them until the elections. After that, both we and the people of Bihar know very well what will happen to him,” he added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed after extended proceedings in Parliament, with Rajya Sabha approving it past midnight on Thursday. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the results: 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha passed the bill the previous night after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key features include improving the registration process and incorporating technology to enhance the efficiency of Waqf board operations.

After the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill sparked a rift within the Janata Dal (United), party MLC Khalid Anwar said that the JD(U) is a secular and liberal party, asserting that all leaders continue to stand firmly behind Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Speaking to ANI, Anwar dismissed concerns of any mass exit of Muslim leaders from the party. “We sent our concerns, and all our concerns were duly answered, and we gave a transparent stand to the public. JDU is a secular, liberal and democratic party, and all its leaders stand firmly with Nitish Kumar. No Muslim leader will leave the party,” Khalid Anwar said.

This comes after five JD(U) leaders resigned from the party after it supported the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament. Party leaders, including Nadeem Akhtar, Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Kasim Ansari, resigned from the JD(U). (ANI)

As large parts of India brace for an unforgiving summer, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for several northern and western states, warning residents to prepare for scorching days ahead.

From the dry plains of Rajasthan to the bustling streets of Delhi and the sunbaked Saurashtra-Kutch region of Gujarat, citizens are already feeling the heat — and it’s only going to intensify over the next week, according to the weather department officials.

Speaking to ANI, IMD Scientist Akhil Srivastava said that Rajasthan will also experience a severe heatwave over the next 4-5 days.

“Heatwaves are being reported in Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch region, which are expected to continue for the next 5-7 days. Rajasthan will also face severe heatwave conditions over the next 4-5 days, for which an alert has been issued,” he said.

Srivastava also mentioned that states in North India, such as Punjab and Haryana, may experience heatwave conditions.

“Delhi is currently witnessing temperatures 3 degrees above normal, hovering around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. There is a possibility of heatwave-like conditions by April 7. A western disturbance is expected to affect the Western Himalayan region between April 8 and 10, possibly leading to thunderstorms, strong winds and rainfall,” he added.

Speaking on South India, the IMD scientist said that Tamil Nadu and Kerala are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days.

“Heavy isolated rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and south interior Karnataka over the next two days. From April 7 or 8, eastern parts of India may experience thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds,” he said.

Earlier in the day, several parts of Chennai received rainfall. The IMD’s regional centre in Chennai issued warnings for rain, light thunderstorms, and lightning in a few districts of Tamil Nadu.

Heavy rainfall in Tiruppur district on Friday night caused waterlogging in homes. Municipal corporation workers were deployed to drain the excess water.

According to IMD data, Tiruppur North witnessed 11 centimetres of rainfall, while the Kozhiporvilai station in Kanyakumari recorded 19 cm. Nambiyur in Erode district, Coimbatore AP, and Sulur stations in Coimbatore district recorded 8 cm each.

Kavundapadi in Erode, Kil Kotagiri Estate in Nilgiris, and Sothuparai in Theni received 9 cm of rainfall each.

Similarly, the Ramanathapuram district received 7 cm of rainfall, followed by Kadaladi, which recorded 5 cm; Mudukulatur and Mandapam received 2 cm each; and Tondi and Pamban with 1 cm of rainfall each.

Meanwhile, the IMD has ruled out the presence of El Nino conditions for the upcoming monsoon but has warned of an exceptionally hot summer ahead. The latest forecast indicates above-normal temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days across several parts of the country from April to June 2025.

“We are not expecting El Nino conditions during the monsoon season. April- June to be hotter than usual, with more heatwave days likely in many states,” said IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

The forecast predicts above-normal maximum temperatures in most parts of India, except in some areas of west peninsular India, east-central India, and eastern India, where temperatures are likely to remain normal. Minimum temperatures are also expected to remain above normal across most regions.

States likely to experience more heatwave days from April to June include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and northern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. (ANI)

The sight of watching MS Dhoni take the field in yellow once again lit up the MA Chidambaram Stadium as Chennai Super Kings face Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2025 clash. However, while fans were excited to see ‘Thala’ back in action, one question that has stormed the internet once again is whether this is going to be his last IPL match.

Speculation began when Dhoni’s parents, who usually keep a low profile and mostly avoid public appearances, were spotted in the stands, making fans wonder if this might be a farewell for the former India captain.

The pictures shared by CSK’s official account on X also showed Dhoni’s wife Sakshi and his daughter Ziva as they posed for the cameras.

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Dhoni is the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history, with 5,289 runs at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of over 137, with 24 fifties and a best score of 84.

In three innings so far in IPL 2025, Dhoni has scored 46 runs at an average of 46.00, with a best score of 30.

Over the last couple of years, Dhoni has embraced a new role as a finisher for CSK, coming in to tonk fours and sixes, mostly in the last two or three overs. Last season, he handed the captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Ever since his international cricket retirement in 2020, there has been speculation about whether every upcoming IPL season would be his last. This time, it is no different.

Coming to the match, DC won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing Jake Fraser-McGurk early, a 54-run stand between KL Rahul and Abishek Porel (33 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and a 56-run stand between KL and Sameer Rizwi (20 in 15 balls, with a four and a six) kept DC at a healthy run rate. KL scored his first fifty in DC colors, making 77 off 51 balls, with six fours and three sixes. Tristan Stubbs (24* in 12 balls, with two fours and a six) played a fiery cameo towards the end, helping DC finish at 183/6 in 20 overs.

Khaleel Ahmed (2/25) was the top bowler for CSK.

DC needs to defend 184 to register their third successive win in the tournament. (ANI)

After KL Rahul’s blissful 77 runs in the first innings, Delhi Capitals (DC) posted a commanding total of 183/6 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Delhi faced an early jolt when opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a duck by Khaleel Ahmed in the very first over. However, KL Rahul and Abishek Porel steadied the innings, taking DC past the 50-run mark during the powerplay.

Ravindra Jadeja removed Porel right after the powerplay in the seventh over for 33(20, with four boundaries and a six). Axar Patel joined KL Rahul in the middle when DC was 54/2. He smashed his first bowl for a six straight over the bowler’s head towards the side screen.

Axar was later removed by the current purple cap holder Noor Ahmad in the 11th over for 21(14), consisting of two fours and six. DC was 90/3 in 10.4 overs. From there, KL Rahul took the responsibility and increased the scoring rate with Sameer Rizvi. Both the batters took over Noor in the 15th over, smashing 17 runs with one six and two fours.

Rahul and Rizvi brought up their 50-run partnership in just 27 bowls in the 16th over, KL Rahul being the aggressor. Rahul reached his first IPL fifty for DC in 33 balls, with two fours and three sixes.

Rizvi was removed by CSK’S most economical bowler, Khaleel Ahmed, in the 16th over for 20 15). Tristan Stubbs joined KL Rahul in the 17th over when DC were 146/4.

Stubbs boosted DC after he took over Mukesh Chaudhary in the 19th over, smashing 15 runs in his last over. Both the batters took over CSK’s bowling in the final four overs. Matheesha Pathirana finally took Rahul’s wicket in the previous over for 77 (51), consisting of six fours and six, followed by Ashutosh Sharma, who was run out courtesy of a brilliant throw from Jadeja. DC finished at 183 for 6, with KL Rahul having the highest run score for DC. Stubbs remained not out on 24* (12), striking at 200.

Khaleel was the pick of the bowlers for CSK, picking up two wickets in his four overs and giving away only 25 runs/25. His new-ball partner, Mukesh Choudhary, had a tough outing, going wicketless and giving away 50 runs in his four overs 0 50. Jadeja 1/19 and Noor 1/36 each picked a wicket, and R Ashwin 0/21 also went wicketless. Pathirana took the vital wicket of KL Rahul in his last over, finishing his spell with figures of 1/31 in his four overs.

Brief score: Delhi Capitals 183/6 in 20 overs ( KL Rahul 77, Abishek Porel 33, Khaleel Ahmed 2/25) vs Chennai Super Kings. (ANI)

Preparation is in full swing, and security has been tightened ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Pamban New Railway Bridge in Rameswaram on April 6.

Authorities are ensuring all arrangements are in place for the event, which is expected to enhance connectivity and boost the region’s infrastructure. The new bridge marks a significant milestone in India’s railway development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed Pamban Railway Bridge on April 6. On Sunday, PM Modi will also offer prayers at the Ramanathswamy Temple in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, to mark the occasion of Ram Navmi.

The new Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, is located in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district and will connect Rameswaram Island to the mainland. The bridge spans a total length of 2,070 meters and is supported by 333 piles and 101 pile caps.

A key feature of the bridge is its 72.5-meter lift span, which allows ships to move. 200 meters of the 428-meter span have already been launched. A successful trial run of a tower car and a light engine trial were recently conducted. The bridge will also include a 1.5 km track linked from the Mandapam end, with the remaining 0.6 km under construction.

Standing three meters higher than the existing bridge, this new structure will greatly improve sea connectivity. While the substructure is designed to accommodate two tracks, the superstructure will initially support a single line.

The use of modern materials and engineering techniques ensures the bridge’s durability and longevity. The vertical lift system will facilitate smoother passage for ships, reducing traffic delays and enhancing both sea and rail connectivity. Furthermore, the bridge is expected to provide a significant economic boost by improving regional transportation and stimulating economic development in the area. (ANI)