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J&K’s Chitra Singh Jamwal Selected for BCCI Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy

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Chitra Singh Jamwal, a promising all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, has been selected to represent Team-A in the prestigious BCCI Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy, currently taking place in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, from March 25.

Her selection follows a series of impressive performances in recent tournaments. In January 2025, she amassed 270 runs in the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy, including a vital 65-run knock against Madhya Pradesh. She also showcased her batting prowess by scoring a century in the Women’s U-23 One-Day Trophy against Goa.

Although not originally part of the 15-member squad, Chitra was later called in as a replacement for Anaadi Tagde from Madhya Pradesh. She joined the team on March 24 but was not included in the Playing XI for the opening match against Team-B.

Team-A Squad for the Tournament:

  • Minnu Mani (Captain)

  • Richa Ghosh (WK)

  • Shipra Giri

  • Shubha Satheesh

  • Shweta Sehrawat

  • Vrinda Dinesh

  • Mukta Magre

  • Henreitta Pereira

  • Tanuja Kanwar

  • Priya Mishra

  • Vasavi A Pavani

  • Anundhati Reddy

  • Sayali Sathgare

  • Chitra Singh Jamwal

  • Pragati Singh

RCB Aims to Break 17-Year Jinx Against CSK at Chepauk

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s hopes of overcoming their long-standing struggles against Chennai Super Kings rest on their experienced batting lineup when the two teams clash in the IPL on Friday.

RCB has won only once at Chepauk, back in 2008, with Virat Kohli being the only member of the current squad to witness that victory. Now, he will look to lead his side to another historic win.

However, CSK remains formidable at home, with a spin-heavy attack featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad. The trio excelled against Mumbai Indians, collectively picking up five wickets in 11 overs while conceding just 70 runs.

To counter CSK’s spinners, RCB’s batters, led by Kohli, must employ a mix of aggression and smart shot selection. Kohli’s improved sweep and slog-sweep techniques could be key, but he will need support from Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma.

RCB may also consider including Jacob Bethell for his left-arm spin option, possibly replacing Tim David. The team will assess the fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who missed the previous match, and he could return in place of Rasikh Salam.

Meanwhile, CSK will hope for stronger contributions from Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, and Sam Curran to support Rachin Ravindra and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. MS Dhoni’s late-game presence remains a potential game-changer.

CSK will also monitor the fitness of Matheesha Pathirana, who was absent against Mumbai. If he returns, Nathan Ellis may make way.

Match Details:
📍 Venue: Chepauk, Chennai
Time: 7:30 PM IST

Squads:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, Syed Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Shaik Rashid, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Deepak Hooda, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishnan Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

Delhi High Court Seeks Police Response on Sharjeel Imam’s Plea in 2019 Jamia Violence Case

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of the city police on a plea by activist Sharjeel Imam challenging a trial court’s order to frame charges against him in the 2019 Jamia violence case.

Justice Sanjeev Narula also refused to stay the trial court proceedings in the case at this stage. The court issued a notice to the police on the main petition as well as on the stay application and listed the matter for further hearing on April 24.

Imam has challenged the trial court’s March 7 order, in which it stated that he was not only an instigator but also one of the “kingpins of a larger conspiracy to incite violence” and had ordered to frame charges against him.

The trial court observed that Imam’s December 13, 2019 speech near Jamia Millia Islamia University was “venomous”, “pitted one religion against another,” and was “indeed a hate speech”.

The case is being heard against Imam and others, who were booked at New Friends Colony Police Station under various provisions of the IPC, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPP), and the Arms Act. The Delhi Police Crime Branch is investigating the matter.

Additionally, the trial court ordered framing of charges under various IPC and PDPP Act provisions against Anal Hussain, Anwar, Yunus, and Jumman, stating that police witness testimony and their mobile phone records established their participation in the riotous mob.

The case stems from the 2019-2020 protests at Jamia Millia Islamia and Shaheen Bagh, following the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Parliament on December 11, 2019.

ED Conducts Fresh Raids in Bihar in Money Laundering Probe Against IAS Officer Sanjeev Hans

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted fresh searches at multiple locations in Bihar as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation against IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, official sources said.

Around six to seven locations in Patna were raided, targeting government officials and engineers suspected of involvement in bribery. Sources confirmed that some cash and incriminating documents were seized during the searches.

The case against Hans, a 1997-batch IAS officer who previously served as the Principal Secretary of Bihar’s Energy Department, originates from an FIR registered by the Bihar Police’s Special Vigilance Unit.

The ED has alleged that Hans accumulated illicit wealth through corrupt practices while holding key positions in the Bihar government and during his central deputation from 2018 to 2023.

Hans was unavailable for comment on the allegations leveled against him.

Earlier, the ED had attached assets worth ₹23 crore allegedly acquired by Hans’ associates.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Attends NITI Aayog Workshop on MSME Sector at IIM Jammu

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended NITI Aayog’s workshop on the promotion of innovation, investment, and industry in the MSME sector at IIM Jammu.

In his inaugural address, Sinha extended his felicitations to NITI Aayog, IIM Jammu, and other stakeholders for bringing together policymakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders for the workshop aimed at exploring challenges and opportunities in three key sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy—Textiles, Food Processing, and Tourism.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that deliberations on reforms to create a growth-oriented environment will have a wide-ranging impact on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the Union Territory. He stressed the importance of deepening communication between all stakeholders in the MSME sector, ensuring seamless reforms, and fostering a collaborative relationship between policymakers and entrepreneurs.

Reiterating his commitment to empowering small and micro entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha stated, “We stand committed to ensuring that our industry moves ahead with confidence and without fear or apprehension. Food processing remains an area where we need to improve our performance, and we must boost infrastructure in the tourism sector and accelerate the development of new tourist destinations.”

He also highlighted key policy interventions and institutional support extended by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent years to promote local entrepreneurship and encourage industrial development in J&K.

Sinha noted that incentives under the New Industrial Scheme have significantly transformed Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial landscape. He added that peace and favorable conditions have led to increased direct investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors of the UT.

“It is a matter of great pride for J&K that the handloom sector has been revived, and through better market linkages, our products are being recognized globally. I am confident that our MSMEs in this sector will meet new challenges and benefit from emerging opportunities,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized the crucial role of private players in diversifying tourism offerings and developing better tourist-centric facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Peace is a prerequisite for development, thriving businesses, and a flourishing tourism sector. We are also witnessing a rise in peace stakeholders, reflecting the changed picture of Jammu and Kashmir. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and its future is with India. No power in the world can separate Jammu and Kashmir from India,” Sinha asserted.

The workshop is part of NITI Aayog’s State Workshop Series—an initiative under the State Support Mission.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Senior Advisor NITI Aayog Anurag Goyal, Secretary of Planning Development & Monitoring Department Talat Parvez Rohella, Director of IIM Jammu Prof. B.S. Sahay, senior officials from the Government of India and the UT of J&K, as well as entrepreneurs and experts from the MSME sector.

 

PM Modi to Flag Off First Train to Kashmir on April 19

The long-awaited moment of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by train will finally arrive on April 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the first train to the Valley from Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine. The inauguration will take place in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, among other dignitaries.

This marks the end of decades of anticipation for direct train connectivity to Kashmir. At present, train services operate only between Sangaldan and Baramulla and from various parts of the country up to Katra. With successful trial runs and all safety and security clearances in place, PM Modi has given his nod to flag off the first train to Kashmir.

PM’s Visit and Inauguration Schedule

According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi will land at Udhampur Army Airport in the morning of April 19 and then proceed to the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. He will inspect the bridge, which is considered an engineering marvel globally. Senior railway officials will brief him about its construction and significance.

Following this, the Prime Minister will reach Katra to flag off the historic train. After the inauguration, he will address a public rally in the holy town before returning to New Delhi via Udhampur Army Airport.

Train Route and Future Expansion

Initially, the train will run between Katra and Baramulla, but once expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed, the service will operate from Jammu to Baramulla, likely starting July-August.

For now, there will be no direct train from Delhi or other cities to Kashmir. Passengers will have to de-board at Katra and switch trains to reach the Valley. Later, this transition will take place at Jammu instead of Katra.

Security Arrangements and Trials

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently reviewed security arrangements for the train launch. The Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) also assessed the situation at Katra.

Several successful trial runs, including that of Vande Bharat, have already been conducted. Security concerns have been addressed, ensuring a safe and smooth journey for passengers.

Project Timeline and Cost

The 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been under development for years, with various sections commissioned in phases:

  • Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) – October 2009

  • Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) – June 2013

  • Udhampur-Katra (25 km) – July 2014

  • Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km) – February 2024

The remaining 17-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed three months ago, allowing for final trials, including Vande Bharat. The entire project has cost around ₹41,000 crore.

On January 4, 2025, a successful trial run of an electric train was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Vande Bharat Express for Kashmir

Kashmir will receive a new specially designed Vande Bharat Express Train, connecting Katra and Srinagar. This will be the third such train in Jammu and Kashmir.

Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, the train is equipped with anti-freezing technology, allowing it to function smoothly in extreme cold conditions, as low as -20°C. It features an advanced heating system to ensure passenger comfort.

For safety and security, the train is equipped with CCTV cameras, Emergency Talk Back Units, and shatterproof windows. However, it does not have bulletproof glass.

With this new development, train connectivity to Kashmir is set to become a reality, boosting travel, tourism, and economic activities in the region

Bhaderwah Football Tournament Concludes with Thrilling Final

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The three-day football tournament in Bhaderwah came to an exhilarating conclusion, drawing a large crowd of sports enthusiasts and community members. The grand finale witnessed an intense battle on the field, with Chakka Football 11 emerging as the champions, showcasing outstanding skill and teamwork.

The closing ceremony was graced by SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta, Addl. SP Bhaderwah Vinod Kumar Sharma, SDPO Bhaderwah Shoket Ali, Principal Boys Hr. Sec. School Bhaderwah Dr. Nazir Ahmed Butt, and other distinguished guests.

The tournament aimed to promote sportsmanship, discipline, and youth engagement, bringing together talented footballers from across the region. The competition was fierce, with teams putting in their best efforts to claim the coveted title.

Speaking at the event, SSP Sandeep Mehta congratulated the players for their remarkable performances and emphasized the importance of sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle. He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting such constructive activities for the youth.

At the closing ceremony, trophies, medals, and cash prizes were awarded to the winning team and runners-up. Special awards were also presented to emerging talents who displayed exceptional skills throughout the tournament.

The tournament was hailed as a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on Bhaderwah’s sports community and inspiring young athletes to pursue their passion for football.

J&K Fencers Shine on Global Stage, Secure Spots in Senior Fencing World Cup

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Three talented fencers from Jammu and Kashmir have made their state proud by securing places in the prestigious Senior Fencing World Cup, scheduled to take place from March 27 to 30 at various international venues.

International fencer Shreya Gupta will represent India in the Women’s Sabre Fencing team at the Senior Fencing World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. She has consistently demonstrated her skill and dedication, making her one of the most promising athletes in the country.

In the men’s category, Shivansh Kapoor and Vishal Thapar, both from Jammu and Kashmir, have also earned their spots. Shivansh Kapoor will compete in the Epee World Cup in Morocco, while Vishal Thapar will showcase his talent at the Sabre Fencing World Cup in Budapest, Hungary.

This incredible achievement underscores the growing dominance of Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes on the international stage. Their participation in these elite tournaments reflects the state’s increasing presence in fencing, a sport that continues to gain popularity in India.

The fencers have been sponsored and cleared by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which has been instrumental in providing support and training for athletes competing at the highest levels.

As these young fencers prepare to represent the country, their success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation.

UP Witnesses Unprecedented Growth Under CM Yogi Adityanath

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday asserted that his government has propelled the state’s development to an unparalleled level over the past eight years, surpassing the progress made in the previous seven decades.

Speaking at an event marking the eight-year anniversary of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath emphasized his administration’s transformative policies that have reshaped the state’s landscape.

“We have replaced the past administration’s ‘one district, one mafia’ approach with ‘one district, one medical college,’ bringing significant improvements to public welfare,” he stated. The CM highlighted that development projects and policy reforms were being showcased across Uttar Pradesh to reflect the monumental changes since 2017.

End of Lawlessness, Rise of Prosperity

Adityanath recalled how, before 2017, law and order were in shambles, youth were struggling with unemployment, and businesses faced a crisis of trust. “Today, Uttar Pradesh is self-reliant, attracting investments and executing key development projects that have positioned it among the country’s leading states,” he declared.

He credited his government for eliminating the influence of mafias and bringing about significant infrastructural and industrial transformations. “Earlier, riots were commonplace, and each district had its own mafia. Now, we have established medical colleges, ensuring better healthcare access,” he said.

Boom in Infrastructure and Connectivity

CM Adityanath underlined the extensive infrastructural progress, noting that Uttar Pradesh now boasts the most expressways in India, robust connectivity with Bihar, Jharkhand, and Nepal, and the nation’s most comprehensive railway network.

Additionally, the state has the highest number of metro rail cities and has pioneered India’s first island waterway system, further enhancing economic and commercial activity.

Agriculture and Industrial Expansion

Highlighting agricultural growth, the CM noted that Uttar Pradesh remains India’s top food grain producer. The state also leads in implementing over 45 central government schemes, ensuring better services and benefits for its citizens.

In the industrial sector, he revealed that once-neglected regions like the GIDA industrial area are now thriving. Companies such as Indian Glycols, Apollo Tubes, and CP Milk & Food Products have collectively generated over 50,000 jobs. He also announced upcoming ventures, including a Rs 1,200 crore distillery and large-scale investments by Varun Beverages and Tatva Plastics.

Educational and Social Welfare Reforms

Adityanath emphasized his government’s achievements in education and social welfare. Gorakhpur, once lagging in educational facilities, now boasts two new polytechnic institutes, 23 degree colleges, four ITIs, and a veterinary college. Additionally, two universities have been established, with a third underway.

The administration has also distributed 1.25 lakh free smartphones and tablets to students, enhancing digital learning accessibility.

In housing and welfare, over 56 lakh underprivileged families have received homes, while 15 crore people benefit from free ration schemes. More than one crore elderly, widows, and disabled citizens receive regular pensions. Under the Mukhyamantri Sumangala Yojana, 22 lakh girls have been financially supported, with an expansion of the mass marriage scheme soon to offer Rs 1 lakh per beneficiary.

Revival of Cultural and Religious Heritage

The CM also shed light on efforts to restore Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Significant renovations have been undertaken at revered temples such as Budiya Mai, Tarkulha Devi, Mansarovar, and Muktinath. Major pilgrimage sites in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura have also seen unprecedented development, boosting spiritual tourism.

Adityanath assured that his government remains committed to making Uttar Pradesh a model state for governance, investment, and citizen welfare.


 

India-Myanmar Ties Strengthened: Jaishankar Holds Talks with UN Special Envoy

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary General on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, to discuss crucial issues concerning Indo-Myanmar relations. Key topics of discussion included border stability, the refugee situation, transnational crime, and economic support to Myanmar.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar stated:

“Glad to meet UN Special Envoy of the SG on Myanmar Julie Bishop this evening in Delhi. Discussed our border stability, refugee situation, transnational crime out of Myanmar, and providing economic support. Exchanged views on the political situation.”

Concerns Over Bishop’s Business Ties

Bishop’s visit to India comes at a time when civil society organizations are calling for an investigation into a potential conflict of interest concerning her involvement with a China-linked rare-earth mining company operating in Myanmar.

An open letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN General Assembly, signed by 260 Myanmar and international organizations, criticizes Bishop’s business engagements. The activist group Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has accused her of maintaining ties with Energy Transition Minerals (ETM), an Australian-listed company where she serves as a strategic advisor.

One of ETM’s key partners is Shenghe Resources, a Chinese rare-earth conglomerate with a 9% stake in ETM and a seat on its board. The company has played a crucial role in Myanmar’s rare-earth mining sector, which has been linked to environmental degradation and allegations of funding Myanmar’s military, according to reports from Myanmar Now.

Bishop Denies Conflict of Interest

Julie Bishop has strongly denied allegations regarding a conflict of interest, stating that her advisory role at ETM does not interfere with her duties as UN Special Envoy.

Bishop was appointed as the UN’s Myanmar Special Envoy in April last year, following the controversial tenure of her predecessor, Singaporean diplomat Noeleen Heyzer. Heyzer was criticized for her approach to Myanmar’s junta after meeting with military leader Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing in August 2022.

As geopolitical tensions in the region grow, India remains committed to maintaining stability and fostering positive relations with Myanmar. The outcome of Jaishankar’s discussions with Bishop could play a key role in shaping the future diplomatic course between India, Myanmar, and the international community.