Saturday, July 18, 2026
Home Blog Page 205

Smriti Mandhana Rises to Second in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings

Himalayan Express
-
0
Smriti Mandhana Rises to Second in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings

DUBAI, Dec 17: India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has climbed three spots to secure the second position in the latest ICC Women’s ODI rankings, while also advancing to third among T20I batters. Mandhana’s remarkable performances against Australia and the West Indies have driven her surge in the rankings, as per the ICC update released on Tuesday.

The left-handed opener smashed 105 runs in the final ODI against Australia in Perth and followed it up with a stellar 54 in the first T20I against the West Indies in Mumbai.

Indian Players in ICC Rankings

Mandhana remains the sole Indian batter in the ODI top 10, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur dropped two spots to 13th. Jemimah Rodrigues moved up six places to 15th, and Harleen Deol climbed nine spots to 64th.

Among bowlers, Deepti Sharma slipped two spots to fifth in the ODI rankings. Arundhati Reddy made a significant leap, advancing 48 places to 51st after a four-wicket haul against the West Indies, while Renuka Thakur rose to a joint 26th position.

In T20I rankings, Kaur returned to the top 10 with Rodrigues climbing six slots to secure 15th place. Deepti Sharma has moved to the second position among T20I bowlers, with young pacer Titas Sadhu rising to 52nd.

Notable International Performances

England’s Tammy Beaumont moved up to 11th in the ODI rankings, thanks to an unbeaten 65 in the series-deciding match against South Africa.

Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner advanced to 16th among batters and climbed to a career-best third in the bowling rankings after claiming five wickets for 30 runs. She also rose to second in the all-rounders’ list. Teammates Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland made significant gains, with McGrath advancing to 24th and Sutherland moving 15 places to 29th after scoring a match-winning century in Perth.

South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp moved up two slots to reach the fourth position among bowlers, while England’s Charlie Dean, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell also saw upward movement in their rankings.

West Indies Players Shine

For the West Indies, veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin rose 21 places to 59th after a half-century. Qiana Joseph climbed 22 spots to 65th among batters, while Karishma Ramharack entered the top 20 bowlers, gaining six places.

Summary of Key Gains

  • Smriti Mandhana: Second in ODI rankings, third in T20I rankings.
  • Deepti Sharma: Fifth in ODI bowling, second in T20I bowling.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur: Back in T20I top 10.
  • Ashleigh Gardner: Third among ODI bowlers, second among all-rounders.
  • Marizanne Kapp: Fourth among ODI bowlers.
  • Tahlia McGrath & Annabel Sutherland: Significant batting gains for Australia.

India will look to capitalize on these strong performances in their upcoming matches as they continue their campaign against the West Indies.

India Avoids Follow-On as Jadeja and Rahul Lead Fightback

Himalayan Express
-
0
India Avoids Follow-On as Jadeja and Rahul Lead Fightback

BRISBANE: India managed to avoid the follow-on, reaching 252 for nine at stumps on day four of the third Test against Australia, with bad light forcing an early close of play on Tuesday.

Resilient knocks from Ravindra Jadeja (77) and KL Rahul (84) kept India’s hopes alive as they trailed the hosts by 193 runs. The lower-order duo of Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akash Deep (27) added crucial runs with a spirited last-wicket stand of 39 off 54 balls, ensuring India stayed in contention.

Australian Bowlers Dominate

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins led the bowling attack, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 80. Mitchell Starc supported him well with 3 for 83, while Nathan Lyon claimed one wicket for 54 runs. The Australian bowlers were relentless, despite Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the match due to injury.

Key Partnerships Revive India

KL Rahul was instrumental in India’s recovery after resuming the day at 51 for 4. Despite the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma (10), Rahul displayed patience and class, scoring a solid 84 off 133 balls, including 12 boundaries. He shared a crucial 67-run partnership with Jadeja to stabilize the innings.

Jadeja continued the fightback after Rahul’s dismissal, forging a 53-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy (16) before Reddy fell to Cummins. Jadeja’s gritty 77 off 110 deliveries, featuring 11 fours, was the highlight of India’s innings until his dismissal left the lower order exposed.

Rain and Bad Light Interrupt Play

The post-lunch session saw a rain interruption of over an hour, further slowing down India’s progress. Towards the end of the day, bad light brought an early halt to proceedings with Bumrah and Akash Deep frustrating the Australian bowlers.

Series Update

With the five-match series tied at 1-1, the final day of the Test promises an exciting finish as India aims to narrow the deficit and push for a draw.

Brief Scores:
Australia 1st Innings: 445
India 1st Innings: 252 for 9 in 74.5 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4/80, Mitchell Starc 3/83).

Union Government Pushes Organic Farming with Key MoUs Signed in Raipur

Himalayan Express
-
0
Union Government Pushes Organic Farming with Key MoUs Signed in Raipur

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting organic farming as a sustainable solution for health and environmental challenges. Speaking at a landmark event in Raipur, Shah highlighted the growing global recognition of the dangers posed by chemical fertilizers and the need for an organic revolution in agriculture.

The occasion marked the signing of two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the National Cooperative Organic Ltd. (NCOL), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Chhattisgarh government. These agreements aim to advance the dairy sector and bolster the marketing and pricing of minor forest produce.

Concrete Steps for Organic Agriculture

“The Union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken concrete steps towards promoting organic farming,” Shah said. He noted that organic farming benefits not only individual health but also the environment and soil fertility.

Shah pointed out two key challenges that hindered organic farming:

  1. Trust Deficit in Organic Products: With many uncertified products claiming to be organic, consumers doubted their authenticity.
  2. Low Farmer Returns: Farmers struggled to receive fair prices for their organic produce due to the lack of trust and certification.

To address these issues, the government established the National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL). Shah announced that certified organic products under two leading cooperative brands—‘Bharat’ and ‘Amul’—are now available. These products undergo rigorous soil and food testing, ensuring their quality and authenticity.

“In the next four years, certified organic grains will be available in Indian markets after comprehensive testing in every district,” Shah assured. He further added that 16 organic products are already available online, backed by the credibility of the Bharat and Amul brands.

Empowering Tribal Farmers

Shah stressed that the MoU related to minor forest produce will significantly benefit tribal farmers. “Forest produce, which was earlier sold at very low prices, will now fetch reasonable prices through certification and better marketing. This will empower tribal communities and increase their income,” he said.

Chhattisgarh’s Role in Development

Highlighting the natural resources of Chhattisgarh, Shah remarked that the state has abundant water, land, and hardworking people. “What was needed was a good start, and today’s programme marks two new and positive initiatives in the dairy and forest produce sectors through cooperatives,” he said.

The Chhattisgarh government also signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to develop the dairy sector. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who was present at the event, lauded the agreements as a step towards economic empowerment and sustainable development in the state.

Conclusion

With these initiatives, the Union government aims to not only popularize organic farming but also provide tribal and rural communities with tools for economic upliftment. By leveraging the cooperative model, the agreements signed in Raipur signal a transformative phase for agriculture and allied sectors in India.

India’s Leading Premium Watches & Eyewear Destination Now in Jammu

Himalayan Express
-
0
India’s Leading Premium Watches & Eyewear Destination Now in Jammu

Jammu 16 Dec 2024- Today Titan Company Limited, the Tata Group’s lifestyle company, Opens Titan World, Helios, Fastrack & Titan Eyeplus-  Quadrombo format store, First of its kind in North Region at Apsara Road, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
This Titan Company’s flagship store has been inaugurated by BJP State President CA Sat Sharma, MP Rajya Sabha Er Gulam Ali Khatana and MLA Bahu Mr. Vikram Randhawa. Whereas DIG Jammu Samba Kathua range IPS Mr. Shiv Kumar Sharma Sp Ajay Sharma was special invitee on this inaugural function. Mr. Kavinder Gupta former deputy chief minister of state also graced the event. Many senior official from the Titan Company Ltd , various dignitaries, members of many associations and a large no. of customers were also present in this inaugural event.
Our store represents timeless tradition, authenticity promising quality.
Our collection of top premium watch & eyewear brands endorses craftsmanship, unique designs and embraces innovation. We take a personal interest and make the extra effort for those who cherish quality timepieces.
At Titan World, Helios, Fastrack & Titan eyeplus Quadrombo store, we bring you the largest & exclusive collection of Titan watches , Fastrack watches  & Helios with 40+ International premium, fashionable, Swiss and smart watches. Along with watches this stores also offers exclusive collection of Eyewear with 20+ national and international brands all under one roof.
Our store has free eye check up clinic, good quality lenses with fitting lab and watch care centre.
We are sure that our Helios & Titan world store will become your go-to destination to buy Premium and Fashion watches. We cater to the changing tastes of Indian customers, from casual to sophisticated timepieces that are sure to make styling effortless for you.
The Helios store features renowned international brands like Seiko, Michael Kors, Citizen, Emporio Armani, Fossil, Armani Exchange, and Swarovski,
Titan world features Titan’s exclusive collections like Titan Edge, Nebula, Raga, Xylys and Titan Smart.
Eye wear brands include Swarovski, Rayban,Stepper,Burberry, Prada, Tomford, Gucci,Mont Blanc and many more.

 Promise of Authenticity
With the trust of Tata group, you can be sure of the authenticity of our exquisite collection of watches. As India’s leading retailer of premium branded watches, Helios watch store embraces innovation and 100% authentic craftsmanship and design.
The strategic expansion aimed to increase footprints of Helios & Titan World in Jammu and Kashmir.
This expansion reflects Titan’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of consumers and strengthens its leadership in the J&K market.

Jammu residents can now enjoy access to a wider selection of prestigious brands and elevate their style.
On this occasion, CA Anil Sharma & Mrs. Aruna Sharma, the owners of this flagship store stated that it is an exclusive showroom of Titan company ltd offering wide variety of top brands including an affordable range to the premium ones in terms of both watches and eye wear.

BJP Targets Congress Over Omar Abdullah’s Remarks on Leadership and EVMs

Himalayan Express
-
0
BJP Targets Congress Over Omar Abdullah’s Remarks on Leadership and EVMs

New Delhi, Dec 16: The BJP on Monday seized upon Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s criticism of the Congress and its leadership to launch an attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of failing to lead and unfairly targeting Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra took aim at Gandhi during a press conference, stating, “Leadership is not earned by demand but by demonstrating capability. You cannot impose yourself as a leader.” He further added that Abdullah’s blunt remarks reflected growing discontent among Congress allies over the conduct of its leadership.

Abdullah’s Critique of Congress Leadership

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Omar Abdullah called on the Congress to justify its leadership role within the INDIA alliance, rather than assuming it was a natural right. The National Conference (NC) leader highlighted that leadership must be earned and not taken for granted.

He also dismissed the Congress’s skepticism towards EVMs, pointing out the inconsistency in their stance. Abdullah remarked, “When you get over a hundred MPs using the same EVMs and celebrate it as a victory, you can’t then question the credibility of these machines when results don’t go your way.”

He cited his party’s own experience in Jammu and Kashmir, where the NC won assembly elections despite earlier losing in the Lok Sabha polls conducted with the same EVMs.

BJP’s Response

Patra backed Abdullah’s comments, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy and alleging that the INDIA bloc, spearheaded by the party, was nothing more than a “scam.” He noted that opposition alliance members often fight elections separately and project different leaders as their face, highlighting a lack of unity and coherence.

Congress Leadership Under Fire

The BJP spokesperson claimed that the Congress’s allies were beginning to question the Gandhi family’s legacy and influence within the opposition. Abdullah’s remarks, according to Patra, were a reflection of this growing frustration, especially regarding Rahul Gandhi’s perceived shortcomings as a leader.

The BJP has leveraged Abdullah’s candid critique to bolster its defense of EVMs and to further undermine the opposition alliance ahead of the upcoming electoral battles.

India Women Secure Ninth Consecutive T20I Victory Against West Indies with Dominating 49-Run Win

Himalayan Express
-
0
India Women Secure Ninth Consecutive T20I Victory Against West Indies with Dominating 49-Run Win

India extended their unbeaten streak against the West Indies in T20Is to nine matches with an impressive 49-run victory in the series opener on Sunday.

Batting Brilliance Sets Up Record Total

Jemimah Rodrigues (73) and Smriti Mandhana (54) showcased stellar performances with the bat, propelling India to their highest-ever total against the West Indies in T20Is — 195 for four. This also marked India’s third-highest total in the format overall.

West Indies’ Response Falls Short

Chasing a daunting target, the West Indies managed 146 for seven. While young Qiana Joseph impressed with a brisk 33-ball 49, and veteran Deandra Dottin scored a solid 52 — her first T20I fifty since her return to the format earlier this year — their efforts were insufficient to chase down the target.

Key Turning Points

The West Indies faced an early setback in the second over when substitute fielder Minnu Mani pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss skipper Hayley Matthews (1) off the bowling of Titas Sadhu (3/37).

Joseph’s innings, featuring five fours and three sixes, kept the scoreboard moving, but the lack of substantial partnerships in the middle order hindered their chase.

India’s clinical all-round performance underscored their dominance, leaving West Indies with much to ponder ahead of the next match in the series.

D. Gukesh Returns to Hero’s Welcome After Historic World Chess Title Win

Himalayan Express
-
0
D. Gukesh Returns to Hero’s Welcome After Historic World Chess Title Win

Chennai, Dec 16: Newly-crowned world chess champion D. Gukesh was greeted with an electrifying reception as hundreds of fans, Tamil Nadu government officials, and representatives from the national chess federation turned up at the Chennai airport on Monday to celebrate his historic achievement.

The 18-year-old prodigy recently defeated China’s Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in Singapore, becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion. Gukesh broke the decades-old record previously held by Russia’s Garry Kasparov, cementing his name in chess history.

Heartfelt Gratitude from the Champion

Expressing his joy, Gukesh addressed the crowd and media:
“It’s an incredible feeling to win the world championship. The overwhelming support from everyone has been a tremendous source of energy for me,” he said as fans and reporters vied for his attention.

Second Indian to Win the Title

Gukesh joins the legendary Viswanathan Anand as the only Indian players to claim the prestigious world chess title. Notably, Anand has played a significant role in mentoring Gukesh, guiding him through pivotal moments in his career at his academy in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu, known as the chess capital of India, celebrated Gukesh’s win as another feather in its cap, reaffirming the state’s prominence in nurturing world-class chess talent.

SC to Examine Plea for Pan-India Guidelines for Safety of Women, Children, and Transgender Persons

Himalayan Express
-
0
SC to Examine Plea for Pan-India Guidelines for Safety of Women, Children, and Transgender Persons

New Delhi, Dec 16: The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear a plea seeking the framing of pan-India guidelines to ensure a safe environment for women, children, and transgender persons in society.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notices to various ministries and instrumentalities of the Central Government and scheduled the next hearing for January.

Concerns Raised

Senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pawani, representing the petitioner Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, highlighted the prevalence of unreported cases of sexual abuse, especially in smaller cities. She cited instances such as the RG Kar Medical College Hospital case in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered, and emphasized the need for stricter measures.

Pawani advocated for stringent punishments like chemical castration, akin to Scandinavian countries, to deter offenders. However, the bench expressed reservations about extreme punitive measures, terming some proposals “barbaric” and “harsh.”

Focus on Social Behaviour

Justice Surya Kant suggested creating awareness around proper conduct in public transport, including buses, metros, and trains. He emphasized the importance of implementing and publicizing “do’s and don’ts” for social behavior in public utility vehicles, citing recent incidents in airlines as examples.

“Awareness about proper social conduct should not only be taught but strictly enforced,” Justice Kant remarked.

Implementation Challenges

The bench pointed out the need to examine gaps in the implementation of existing laws and guidelines. Pawani noted that despite stringent laws and guidelines, their enforcement remains inconsistent.

On the 12th anniversary of the Nirbhaya case, the plea underscored the importance of addressing systemic shortcomings to prevent crimes against women and marginalized groups. The bench directed notices to be issued to the concerned ministries and instrumentalities through the office of the Attorney General.

“We appreciate the efforts to seek relief for the common woman, who faces struggles in day-to-day life,” Justice Surya Kant remarked during the hearing.

The association has sought comprehensive guidelines and reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable groups across the country

NSA Ajit Doval Likely to Visit China for Boundary Talks

Himalayan Express
-
0
NSA Ajit Doval Likely to Visit China for Boundary Talks

New Delhi, Dec 16: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is expected to travel to Beijing in the coming weeks to lead the Indian delegation at the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue, authoritative sources have confirmed. This dialogue will mark the 23rd round of talks and will be held after nearly five years.

The last SR dialogue took place in New Delhi in December 2019. The decision to revive the mechanism was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on October 23.

Upcoming Talks

NSA Doval is set to attend the 23rd round of SR talks, which may take place later this month or in early January. While the venue is yet to be officially announced, preparations for the dialogue have been underway since the diplomatic talks held on December 5.

In this dialogue, NSA Doval represents India, while the Chinese side is headed by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Background

The SR dialogue has been on hold for five years due to tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The military standoff began in May 2020, followed by a deadly clash in Galwan Valley in June that year, straining ties between the two nations.

However, the recent disengagement from friction points in Demchok and Depsang, completed on October 21, has paved the way for renewed dialogue. This development was followed by a meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where both leaders agreed to revive various dialogue mechanisms, including the SR talks.

Focus of Discussions

The upcoming talks are expected to address:

  • Long-standing boundary disputes.
  • Mechanisms to ensure peace and stability along the LAC.
  • Ways to prevent future conflicts through strengthened communication channels.

India and China aim to use this dialogue as an opportunity to rebuild trust and address unresolved issues, signaling a cautious but constructive step forward in bilateral relations.

Ministers Visit Kotranka to Address Health Crisis Following Unidentified Illness

Himalayan Express
-
0
Ministers Visit Kotranka to Address Health Crisis Following Unidentified Illness

In the wake of seven tragic deaths due to an unidentified health illness in two families from Budhal village, Ministers Sakina Itoo (Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education) and Javed Ahmed Rana (Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs) visited Sub-Division Kotranka to review the situation and assess ongoing measures.

The Ministers chaired a detailed review meeting attended by senior officers, including Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah.

Immediate Interventions

Minister Sakina Itoo stressed the urgency of strengthening health systems, expediting forensic lab results, and testing food and milk samples. She directed:

  • The deployment of a team of doctors to remain stationed in Kotranka.
  • Establishing an MRI facility in Kotranka to improve diagnostic capabilities.

Minister Javed Rana emphasized water quality testing in adjacent areas and announced two mobile medical units for Rajouri and Poonch districts. These units, costing approximately Rs. 1 crore each, are equipped to deliver healthcare services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatment.

Long-Term Solutions

Minister Rana also directed Forest officials to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for water conservation through check dam construction to address long-term water management challenges.

A central team comprising experts from NCDC, PGIMER Chandigarh, and ICMR is enroute to Rajouri to assist in the investigation and provide technical support.

Support for Affected Families

Both Ministers reiterated the government’s commitment to providing necessary facilities and support to affected families and communities. MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, appreciated the district administration’s efforts.

District Administration’s Role

Secretary Health Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah briefed the meeting on interventions such as rapid response team deployment, ensuring drug and ambulance availability, and setting up isolation wards at GMC Rajouri, Jammu, and SMGS Hospital.

Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, provided a detailed presentation outlining the timeline of events, spot maps, and objectives. The meeting was attended by SSP Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar; ADDC Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa; Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Mangotra; Principal GMC Rajouri, AS Bhatia; Medical Superintendent Shamim Ahmed; CMO Rajouri, Manohar Rana, and other district officers.

 

1...204205206...1,132Page 205 of 1,132

Travel

Upsc

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Contact us: info@himalayanexpress.in

FOLLOW US

© Himalayan Express Designed And Developed By TR Technology Solutions.