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80 Pleas, 0 Answers: Female Banker Accuses Central Bank of India of ‘Orchestrated Silence’ and Two-Year Salary Withholding

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80 Pleas, 0 Answers: Female Banker Accuses Central Bank of India of ‘Orchestrated Silence’ and Two-Year Salary Withholding

MUMBAI — In a staggering escalation of a long-standing grievance, a female Manager at the Central Bank of India has accused the institution of utilizing “orchestrated silence” as a tool of mental harassment. Pragati Srivastava, currently posted in the Cooch Behar Region, alleges she has been subjected to 43 months of willful neglect, during which 80 official representations regarding her service and benefits have gone entirely unacknowledged.

Systemic Harassment and Financial Starvation

Ms. Srivastava reports that she has not received her salary for over two years. This period includes six months of maternity benefits that were allegedly withheld during a high-risk pregnancy and a subsequent C-section delivery. The officer describes this as a direct violation of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, labeling the financial freeze an “inhuman, strategic tool” to target a female employee during her most vulnerable period.

A Pregnancy Under “Rigorous” Enquiry

The complaint outlines a harrowing timeline where a departmental enquiry was initiated and conducted throughout the entirety of Ms. Srivastava’s nine-month pregnancy.

Even while bedridden with severe typhoid in July 2025, she was allegedly forced to respond to bank correspondence within a 7-day window to avoid “consequences”.

Despite the enquiry concluding six months ago, the bank has reportedly failed to communicate any outcome, maintaining a state of “unlawful” uncertainty.

A request for sabbatical leave to care for her ailing two-year-old son was also declined, marking her as “Loss of Pay” and further compounding her financial distress.

Demands for Humanitarian Intervention

The officer is currently facing threats of termination if she does not report to Cooch Behar immediately. Ms. Srivastava argues that rejoining a post 1,000 km away from her native Varanasi is impossible as she is the primary caregiver and lactating mother of a five-month-old infant.

In her escalation to the General Manager of Human Capital Management, she is demanding:

Immediate credit of all pending salary and maternity pay.

Compassionate posting to Varanasi, as per bank policies for mothers with infants under two years.

Procedural closure regarding the pending enquiry that has remained in limbo since July 2025.

“Such orchestrated silence cannot be dismissed as procedural delay,” the grievance states, “it demonstrates a patriarchal mindset within management, where non-response is used as a tool of vengeance”.

Kohli’s 93, Gill’s 56 Power India to Nervy Four-Wicket Win Over New Zealand in 1st ODI

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Kohli’s 93, Gill’s 56 Power India to Nervy Four-Wicket Win Over New Zealand in 1st ODI

Virat Kohli reigned supreme once again with a fluent 93 off 91 balls, while skipper Shubman Gill struck 56, as India survived a late scare to notch up a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI of the three-match series here on Sunday.

Chasing 301, India appeared firmly in control before a sudden collapse injected drama into the contest. The hosts eventually crossed the line at 306 for 6 in 49 overs, but not before New Zealand threatened an unlikely comeback.

Kohli fell agonisingly short of what would have been his 54th ODI century, departing in the 40th over with India needing 67 runs from 66 balls and seven wickets in hand. His dismissal triggered a wobble as Ravindra Jadeja (4) and Shreyas Iyer (49) followed soon after, opening the door for the visitors.

However, KL Rahul (29 not out) held his nerve, adding a crucial 37-run stand with Harshit Rana (29) before guiding India home alongside an injury-hit Washington Sundar (7 not out). New Zealand were also let down by a couple of uncharacteristic dropped catches in the closing stages.

It was Kyle Jamieson (4/41) who spearheaded New Zealand’s fightback, dismissing Kohli with a catch at mid-on and removing both Iyer and Jadeja to briefly tilt the momentum.

Despite missing out on a century, Kohli achieved a major milestone during his knock, becoming the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs, overtaking Kumar Sangakkara and moving behind only Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time list.

With New Zealand fielding a depleted bowling attack, Kohli dominated from the outset, unfurling a series of crisp drives and authoritative boundary shots. He was particularly severe on young leg-spinner Adithya Ashok, who bore the brunt of Kohli’s fluent strokeplay.

There was an element of luck too, as Kohli survived an inside edge off debutant Kristian Clarke that narrowly missed the stumps. Alongside Gill, he stitched together a pivotal 118-run second-wicket partnership, calmly controlling the chase even during a boundary drought of 52 balls.

Gill brought up his 16th ODI half-century but appeared to struggle with cramps as the innings progressed. After receiving on-field treatment, he fell attempting to force the pace, holing out to mid-off for a 71-ball 56, which included three fours and two sixes.

India’s chase began cautiously before Rohit Sharma (26) took charge early, smashing a few trademark sixes to bring up 650 sixes in international cricket. However, Jamieson outfoxed him in the ninth over as Rohit miscued a big hit.

Earlier, Daryl Mitchell anchored New Zealand’s innings with a commanding 84 off 71 balls, rescuing his side after a strong opening stand faded. Openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) had put on 117 runs for the first wicket, laying a solid platform.

India clawed back through Harshit Rana (2/65), whose second spell turned the tide as New Zealand slipped from 117 without loss to 198 for five. Mitchell then forged vital partnerships, while debutant Clarke chipped in with a brisk 24 not out at the death to take New Zealand to a competitive 300 for 8.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 300/8 in 50 overs (Devon Conway 56, Henry Nicholls 62, Daryl Mitchell 84; Harshit Rana 2/65, Mohammed Siraj 2/40, Prasidh Krishna 2/60)

India 306/6 in 49 overs (Virat Kohli 93, Shubman Gill 56; Kyle Jamieson 4/41)

Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Plea to Declare AYUSH Doctors as Registered Medical Practitioners

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Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Plea to Declare AYUSH Doctors as Registered Medical Practitioners

 The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Union Ministries of Law, Health and AYUSH on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to declare AYUSH doctors as “Registered Medical Practitioners” under the law, on par with allopathic doctors.

The PIL also seeks the constitution of an expert committee to review and update the schedule of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, in line with present-day scientific developments.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the submissions made by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who appeared on behalf of the petitioner, law student Nitin Upadhyay, and issued notices to the concerned ministries.

During the hearing, the CJI remarked in a lighter vein upon learning that the petitioner was the advocate’s son. “Is he your son?” the Chief Justice asked, to which Upadhyay replied in the affirmative. “We thought he would get some gold medal, but he is filing PILs now. Why don’t you study now?” the Bench observed, before issuing notice.

The plea seeks a declaration that AYUSH doctors fall within the definition of “registered medical practitioner” under Section 2(cc) of the 1954 Act. The law aims to regulate advertisements of drugs and prohibit claims of remedies possessing “magic qualities.”

Section 3(d) of the Act imposes a prohibition on advertisements relating to certain diseases and conditions. According to the plea, AYUSH practitioners and other non-allopathic registered medical professionals are excluded from the exception provided under Section 14 of the Act, resulting in a blanket ban on their advertisements—even when the information is truthful and scientifically supported.

Filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey, the petition contends that the law, though enacted to protect the public from misleading advertisements, has become outdated and disproportionate. It argues that the complete ban restricts dissemination of genuine medical information and infringes upon the public’s right to information regarding diagnosis, prevention and treatment of serious diseases.

“The initial aim of the Act to curb harmful advertisements has devolved into a blanket prohibition on all genuine medical advertisements by non-allopathic doctors,” the plea stated.

The petitioner further argued that truthful, evidence-based and non-deceptive advertisements constitute legitimate communication to patients and consumers. The plea seeks directions to the Centre to constitute an expert committee to revise and update the schedule of the Act in accordance with contemporary scientific knowledge and medical practices.

Hundreds of Youth Join Harshvardhan Singh to Protest Closure of SMVD Medical College; Activist Blames BJP for ‘Political Sabotage’

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Hundreds of Youth Join Harshvardhan Singh to Protest Closure of SMVD Medical College; Activist Blames BJP for ‘Political Sabotage’

JAMMU — In a massive show of strength, hundreds of students and youth activists led by prominent social activist Harshvardhan Singh held a fierce protest demonstration at the historic Jewel Chowk today. The protesters voiced their strong objection to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) withdrawal of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), labeling it a “dark day” for the educational aspirations of Jammu.

The demonstration, which saw a heavy turnout of students and civil society members, brought traffic at the busy junction to a standstill for several hours. Protesters carried placards reading “Save Our Medical College” and “Stop Politicizing Merit,” while raising slogans against the UT Administration and the BJP for allegedly engineering the closure of the institution to settle a communal controversy.

Addressing the gathering at Jewel Chowk, Harshvardhan Singh launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing the party of orchestrating a “manufactured deficiency report” through the NMC to shut down the college rather than defending the merit-based selection of its first MBBS batch.

“Today, Jewel Chowk stands witness to the anger of the youth who see their future being bartered for cheap political gains,” Singh declared. “The BJP and the UT administration have committed a historic blunder. By allowing this college to be shut down, they haven’t just lost 50 seats; they have destroyed an institution that took years and crores of public money to build. This is nothing but a political surrender to divisive forces.”

During the protest, Singh highlighted the following points:

Betrayal of Jammu’s Interest: He noted that while the BJP claims to champion Jammu’s development, they have remained silent as a premier medical facility in the region was “sacrificed” on the altar of communal politics.

Infrastructure Farce: Singh questioned how a “surprise inspection” suddenly found massive deficiencies in an institution that had been granted a Letter of Permission just months prior. He called for a high-level probe into the timing and motives of the NMC’s latest report.  

Merit vs. Politics: He stated that the youth of Jammu will not tolerate a system where a student’s hard-earned NEET rank is invalidated by the religious demands of political groups.

“We are here to tell the government that the youth will not stay silent while you dismantle our institutions,” Singh told the cheering crowd. “If the administration thinks that shifting 50 students to other colleges ends the matter, they are mistaken. We demand the immediate rectification of deficiencies and the full restoration of SMVD Medical College.”

The protest concluded with a warning that if the decision is not reviewed, the youth of Jammu would intensify their agitation across all districts of the division.

Hundreds of Youth Join Harshvardhan Singh to Protest Closure of SMVD Medical College; Activist Blames BJP for ‘Political Sabotage

Himalayan Express
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Hundreds of Youth Join Harshvardhan Singh to Protest Closure of SMVD Medical College; Activist Blames BJP for ‘Political Sabotage

JAMMU — In a massive show of strength, hundreds of students and youth activists led by prominent social activist Harshvardhan Singh held a fierce protest demonstration at the historic Jewel Chowk today. The protesters voiced their strong objection to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) withdrawal of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), labeling it a “dark day” for the educational aspirations of Jammu.

The demonstration, which saw a heavy turnout of students and civil society members, brought traffic at the busy junction to a standstill for several hours. Protesters carried placards reading “Save Our Medical College” and “Stop Politicizing Merit,” while raising slogans against the UT Administration and the BJP for allegedly engineering the closure of the institution to settle a communal controversy.

Addressing the gathering at Jewel Chowk, Harshvardhan Singh launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing the party of orchestrating a “manufactured deficiency report” through the NMC to shut down the college rather than defending the merit-based selection of its first MBBS batch.

“Today, Jewel Chowk stands witness to the anger of the youth who see their future being bartered for cheap political gains,” Singh declared. “The BJP and the UT administration have committed a historic blunder. By allowing this college to be shut down, they haven’t just lost 50 seats; they have destroyed an institution that took years and crores of public money to build. This is nothing but a political surrender to divisive forces.”

During the protest, Singh highlighted the following points:

Betrayal of Jammu’s Interest: He noted that while the BJP claims to champion Jammu’s development, they have remained silent as a premier medical facility in the region was “sacrificed” on the altar of communal politics.

Infrastructure Farce: Singh questioned how a “surprise inspection” suddenly found massive deficiencies in an institution that had been granted a Letter of Permission just months prior. He called for a high-level probe into the timing and motives of the NMC’s latest report.

Merit vs. Politics: He stated that the youth of Jammu will not tolerate a system where a student’s hard-earned NEET rank is invalidated by the religious demands of political groups.

“We are here to tell the government that the youth will not stay silent while you dismantle our institutions,” Singh told the cheering crowd. “If the administration thinks that shifting 50 students to other colleges ends the matter, they are mistaken. We demand the immediate rectification of deficiencies and the full restoration of SMVD Medical College.”

The protest concluded with a warning that if the decision is not reviewed, the youth of Jammu would intensify their agitation across all districts of the division.

Hundreds of Youth Join Harshvardhan Singh to Protest Closure of SMVD Medical College; Activist Blames BJP for ‘Political Sabotage

Himalayan Express
-
0
Hundreds of Youth Join Harshvardhan Singh to Protest Closure of SMVD Medical College; Activist Blames BJP for ‘Political Sabotage

JAMMU — In a massive show of strength, hundreds of students and youth activists led by prominent social activist Harshvardhan Singh held a fierce protest demonstration at the historic Jewel Chowk today. The protesters voiced their strong objection to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) withdrawal of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), labeling it a “dark day” for the educational aspirations of Jammu.

The demonstration, which saw a heavy turnout of students and civil society members, brought traffic at the busy junction to a standstill for several hours. Protesters carried placards reading “Save Our Medical College” and “Stop Politicizing Merit,” while raising slogans against the UT Administration and the BJP for allegedly engineering the closure of the institution to settle a communal controversy.

Addressing the gathering at Jewel Chowk, Harshvardhan Singh launched a blistering attack on the BJP, accusing the party of orchestrating a “manufactured deficiency report” through the NMC to shut down the college rather than defending the merit-based selection of its first MBBS batch.

“Today, Jewel Chowk stands witness to the anger of the youth who see their future being bartered for cheap political gains,” Singh declared. “The BJP and the UT administration have committed a historic blunder. By allowing this college to be shut down, they haven’t just lost 50 seats; they have destroyed an institution that took years and crores of public money to build. This is nothing but a political surrender to divisive forces.”

During the protest, Singh highlighted the following points:

Betrayal of Jammu’s Interest: He noted that while the BJP claims to champion Jammu’s development, they have remained silent as a premier medical facility in the region was “sacrificed” on the altar of communal politics.

Infrastructure Farce: Singh questioned how a “surprise inspection” suddenly found massive deficiencies in an institution that had been granted a Letter of Permission just months prior. He called for a high-level probe into the timing and motives of the NMC’s latest report.

Merit vs. Politics: He stated that the youth of Jammu will not tolerate a system where a student’s hard-earned NEET rank is invalidated by the religious demands of political groups.

“We are here to tell the government that the youth will not stay silent while you dismantle our institutions,” Singh told the cheering crowd. “If the administration thinks that shifting 50 students to other colleges ends the matter, they are mistaken. We demand the immediate rectification of deficiencies and the full restoration of SMVD Medical College.”

The protest concluded with a warning that if the decision is not reviewed, the youth of Jammu would intensify their agitation across all districts of the division.

Jammu Motor Mahindra Revolutionises Mobility with the Launch of XUV 7XO and XEV 9S

Himalayan Express
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Jammu Motor Mahindra Revolutionises Mobility with the Launch of XUV 7XO and XEV 9S

Jammu, January 9, 2026: Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP (an Authorised Dealership of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer) at B C Road, Rehari, Jammu, today unveiled the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S, two game-changing vehicles that are set to redefine the automotive industry. The event was held at the prestigious Amar Singh Club in Jammu. The vehicle was unveiled by Sh. Anil Kapahi, Hon’ble Secretary and & Sh. Naresh Gupta Tony, Executive member of Amar Singh Club, in the presence of Sh. Swatantar Aggarwal, Chairman of Aggarwal Group, Mr Vineet Aggarwal, Mr Nitin Aggarwal, other Directors & Family members of Aggarwal Group, along with dignitaries from prestigious Banks, NBFCs, Customers and Staff Members of Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP

Mahindra XUV 7XO, A New Era of Innovation: The XUV 7XO is a premium SUV that boasts a range of innovative features & is the company’s latest trendsetter. Starting at a price of ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 7XO raises the benchmarks set by the game-changer XUV 7OO, which has had over 300000 customers since its launch in 2021. The XUV 7XO delivers an experience that rewrites the rules of high-end SUVs by elevating sophistication and technology like never before>

-World’s first DAVINCI suspension system that promises better body control and ride plushness.

-India’s first ICE SUV with coast-to-coast triple screen across all variants for digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and passenger entertainment display

-India’s first ICE Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)

-India’s first ADAS Level 2 with Dynamic Visualisation, 540-degree camera system, and multiple airbags

-India’s first Integrated Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision Experience with ventilated seats, powered seats with memory, panoramic sunroof, and 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

-Engine Options: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and 2.0-litre diesel engine, paired with manual and automatic gearboxes

Mahindra has consistently worked towards democratising technology, and the XUV 7XO further exemplifies this commitment by offering advanced features starting from the base variant. The AX variant, featuring Coast-to-Coast 31.24 cm Triple HD screens, Intelligent ADRENOX, Wireless Android

Auto & Apple CarPlay, Alexa Built-in with ChatGPT, Cruise Control, Push Button Start/Stop, and 75 safety features—all as standard—make cutting-edge technology and premium features more accessible than ever. There are Introductory Prices for the first 40,000 customer deliveries (terms and conditions apply). Automatic transmission available at an additional ₹ 1.45 Lakh. All Wheel Drive variant available at an additional cost of ₹ 2.45 Lakh. The XUV 7XO starts at ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be available in six variants: AX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7T, and AX7L. Bookings start January 14, 2026, & Deliveries will begin on January 14, 2026, for the AX7, AX7T, and AX7L variants, while the AX, AX3, and AX5 variants will arrive in April 2026¹.

Mahindra XEV 9S — India’s Big New Electric 7-seater SUV, Starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh

Stylish, Authentic SUV with a very quiet and smooth ride

Based on the INGLO platform and the brain of MAIA

Best in Space compared to SUVs/MPVs

Introducing 70 kWh battery offering best-in-class power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque

Total 6 variants with the fully loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh priced at Ex-showroom ₹ 29.45 Lakh

Bookings open: January 14, 2026, Deliveries start: January 23, 2026

If there’s one thing modern life rarely gives us, it’s space — space to pause, space to think, space to be ourselves, and space to be with the people who matter. Today, Mahindra brings that feeling back with something refreshingly meaningful: the XEV 9S, India’s first authentic electric origin 7-seater SUV built ground-up on the INGLO architecture. The XEV 9S arrives as India’s Big New Electric — a bold idea crafted into an intelligently spacious SUV for people whose lives, dreams, and daily journeys are getting bigger. It’s designed for families, creators, travellers, and everyday Indians who want one simple thing from their car: space for everything they want to do and everything they want to be. Powered by MAIA, India’s fastest automotive mind, and shaped with Mahindra’s expressive design philosophy, the XEV 9S doesn’t just introduce a new vehicle — it introduces a new feeling of electric freedom. With its expansive cabin, clever three-row electric-first layout, whisper-quiet drive, and an almost magical sense of openness, the XEV 9S gives families, travellers, creators, and commuters something Indian mobility has long denied them: Comfort that isn’t negotiated. Space that isn’t apologised for. Electric that isn’t small.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vineet Aggarwal, Managing Partner, Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S in Jammu. These vehicles represent a new era of innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry, and we are confident that they will appeal to the discerning customers in Jammu. Bookings for the XUV 7XO are open, with a token amount of ₹21,000. Test drives will begin on January 8, 2026. Deliveries for the XUV 7XO are scheduled to begin on January 14, 2026. Bookings for the XEV 9S will open on January 14, 2026, with deliveries starting from January 23, 2026.”

Mr Vineet Aggarwal further said, “Jammu Motor Mahindra has a wide range of Mahindra Vehicles & Network across Jammu province by way of having Showrooms at B C Road Rehari, Kunjwani, Poonch, Reasi, Banihal and Kishtwar, offering a complete range of Premium & Personal SUVs like New Thar, Thar Roxx, SCORPIO-N, XUV 7OO, SCORPIO CLASSIC, BOLERO Neo and BEV vehicles XEV 9E and BE6 in their different variants along with the facility of In-House Finance & Exchange of Used Cars to Customers”.

Going further, Mr Vineet Aggarwal stated that Jammu Motor Mahindra has established its active presence in the Commercial Vehicles Segment as well by having its Showrooms in Greater Kailash, Mishriwala, Poonch, Reasi, and Kishtwar, presenting vehicles like Bolero Pick up, Maxx Pick up, Bolero Camper, and Veero. Jammu Motor Mahindra also offers Last Mile Mobility Vehicles like Treo Plus Auto, Alfa Load, Jeeto, and Treo Auto, etc., at its showrooms at Greater Kailash, Digiana, Poonch & Kishtwar. He continued, “Jammu Motor Mahindra has its state-of-the-art Workshop and Bodyshop with professionally trained manpower and high-tech diagnostic and repair equipment at Lane No. 12, Industrial Area, Gangyal, Jammu to provide the best possible services to customers.”

The Chief Guest, Sh Anil Kapahi, Hon’ble Secretary of Amar Singh Club, spoke on the occasion and said, “ I am honoured to stand before you today to introduce two groundbreaking vehicles from Mahindra – the XUV 7XO and the XEV 9S. These vehicles embody the perfect blend of innovation, style, and performance, reflecting Mahindra’s commitment to delivering exceptional driving experiences. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence. On the other hand, the Mahindra XEV 9S is a revolutionary electric SUV that combines sustainability with performance. Both vehicles are set to take the Indian automotive market by storm, and I am excited to see the impact they will have on the industry. I would like to congratulate the Mahindra team for their hard work and dedication in bringing these incredible vehicles to life. I hope you will experience the thrill of driving these exceptional vehicles and create unforgettable memories. Thank you, and I wish the Jammu Mahindra Team continued success.”

While concluding the function, Mr Nitin Aggarwal, Partner of Jammu Motor Mahindra, thanked the Chief Guest and all distinguished guests for gracing the occasion with their presence. He also assured that Jammu Motor Mahindra strives hard to serve its customers and makes every possible effort to provide the best services at all times it remains.

Thanks, and Warm regards 

 

Jammu Motor Mahindra (Jammu Motor Vehicles LLP) | Mahindra and Mahindra |  

Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

Kohli, Rohit in Focus as India Take on New-Look New Zealand in ODI Series Opener

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Kohli, Rohit in Focus as India Take on New-Look New Zealand in ODI Series Opener

The spotlight will firmly be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as a full-strength India take on a revamped New Zealand side in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi on Sunday.

With the T20 World Cup less than a month away, the ODI series may not be the immediate priority, but Kohli and Rohit are expected to play a decisive role in driving India’s campaign over the next seven days. Both veterans come into the series in prime form, having enjoyed valuable game time in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they piled up runs to underline their continued relevance in the 50-over format.

India captain Shubman Gill, however, will be under pressure to respond after being omitted from the T20 World Cup squad. Concerns over his form, coupled with injuries that sidelined him for much of the South Africa series late last year, have put the focus on his performances. Gill’s return to the XI is likely to push Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the top order, despite the latter scoring his maiden ODI century in the final match against South Africa.

The comeback of Shreyas Iyer is set to bring stability to India’s batting order, with the 31-year-old expected to reclaim his preferred No. 4 position after a series of experiments. KL Rahul is likely to continue as the wicketkeeper-batter in the lower middle order, keeping Rishabh Pant as the second-choice option in the ODI format.

While Iyer, Pant and Mohammed Siraj missed the early preparation sessions in Kotambi, Ravindra Jadeja trained at full intensity on Friday, indicating his availability for the series. India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, both rested to manage workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. The pace attack will therefore be led by Siraj, with support from Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The spin department will be handled by Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Jadeja. Given the flat nature of Indian wickets and the likelihood of evening dew, spinners may be asked to focus more on containment than aggressive wicket-taking.

Sunday’s match will mark the first men’s international fixture at the new Kotambi stadium, which has previously hosted a women’s ODI series between India and the West Indies.

For New Zealand, the series offers a valuable opportunity to test fresh and second-line players. Their loss to India in last year’s Champions Trophy final holds little relevance, as the Black Caps look ahead with a squad missing several frontline names. Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the ODIs due to a groin injury, Tom Latham has returned home for the birth of his first child, and former captain Kane Williamson is in South Africa fulfilling SA20 commitments.

Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy have been rested, while Matt Henry is being managed carefully following a calf injury, with an eye on the T20Is. In Santner’s absence, Michael Bracewell will lead the side, with the all-rounder set to hand over the captaincy once Santner returns for the T20 leg.

Despite the absentees, New Zealand retain considerable batting depth with the likes of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young and Glenn Phillips. The series will also be a test for emerging players such as Kyle Jamieson and 23-year-old leg-spinner Adithya Ashok, while Jayden Lennox has been drafted in as a like-for-like replacement for Santner.

With contrasting objectives and a blend of experience and youth on both sides, the opening ODI promises to set the tone for an intriguing series.

Teams (from):

India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Devon Conway (wk), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.

JPC Invites Public Suggestions on Three Bills Including 130th Constitutional Amendment

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JPC Invites Public Suggestions on Three Bills Including 130th Constitutional Amendment

 The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted to examine three key bills, including the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, has invited memoranda from the public and stakeholders seeking their views and suggestions.

The Committee has also called for inputs on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The JPC is chaired by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Aparajita Sarangi.

According to a statement issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, written submissions have been invited from the general public as well as NGOs, experts, stakeholders and institutions. Interested individuals or organisations may send two copies of their memoranda, in English or Hindi, to the Additional Secretary (DR), Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 018, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi–110001, within 15 days of the publication of the advertisement. Submissions may also be sent via email at [email protected]. Contact numbers provided are 23035743 and 23034335.

The Committee said that all memoranda and suggestions received would form part of its official records and would be treated as confidential, enjoying the same privileges as the Committee’s proceedings. Those wishing to appear before the Committee in addition to submitting written memoranda have been asked to indicate their willingness, though the final decision on appearances will rest with the Committee.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to disqualify Ministers, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, who face serious criminal charges carrying imprisonment of five years or more and detention for over 30 days.

Aquib Nabi, Vanshaj Sharma Star as J&K Beat Hyderabad by 3 Wickets in Ranji Trophy Match

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Aquib Nabi, Vanshaj Sharma Star as J&K Beat Hyderabad by 3 Wickets in Ranji Trophy Match

 An outstanding all-round performance by Aquib Nabi, well supported by Vanshaj Sharma, guided Jammu and Kashmir to a convincing three-wicket victory over Hyderabad in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group match played here on Wednesday.

Earlier, put in to bat, Hyderabad posted 268 for 9 in the stipulated 50 overs. Aman Rao top-scored with 60 runs, while Nitesh Reddy played a vital unbeaten knock of 54. For Jammu and Kashmir, Aquib Nabi was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs. Abid Mushtaq picked up two wickets, while Vanshaj Sharma, Abid Mushtaq and Yudhvir Singh chipped in with one wicket each.

In reply, J&K put up a strong batting display to chase down the target in 47.5 overs. Aquib Nabi played a masterclass innings, smashing 114 runs off just 82 balls, including 10 fours and seven sixes. Vanshaj Sharma provided excellent support with a composed unbeaten 69 off 78 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes.

For Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj and C V Milind took two wickets apiece but were unable to stem the flow of runs.

Aquib Nabi was adjudged Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance.

Praising the players, Brigadier Anil Gupta, Member Administration of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), said, “Aquib Nabi has proved that champions are made of different stuff. He was well supported by Vanshaj, who played a patient and responsible unbeaten half-century.”

The victory further strengthens Jammu and Kashmir’s campaign in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group.

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