National News

Following a rigorous two-month-long Test series, India emerged victorious against England with a dominant scoreline of 4-1. The hosts had already secured their 17th consecutive home series win after a triumphant performance in the fourth Test in Ranchi. The decisive victory of the visitors by an innings and 64 runs in Dharamsala underscored the ruthlessness of the young Indian side under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma warned Sarfaraz Khan nearly two weeks ago, after the youngster attempted a risky stunt by fielding at forward short leg without wearing a helmet. Rohit's warning proved prescient on Saturday when Sarfaraz narrowly avoided a potentially serious head injury while fielding. This incident occurred shortly before India secured a convincing win by an innings and 64 runs in the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala.

The future of out of favour cricketers Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan has been debated loudly after BCCI omitting them from the central contract list, but India head coach Rahul Dravid on Saturday refused to close the door on them. Kishan has not played any cricket after skipping the two-Test series against South Africa but he has been preparing for IPL along with Mumbai Indians' teammate Hardik Pandya at a private centre in Baroda.

When discussing cricket statistics, the focus is typically on the number of centuries, the total runs amassed by a batsman, or the quantity of wickets taken by a bowler. Cricket enthusiasts also gravitate toward statistics that bring an additional layer of intrigue to the game.

Biswajit Shanpui, the officer-in-charge of Sandeshkhali police station, has been replaced by Gopal Sarkar amid allegations of sexual abuse and land grabbing by TMC leaders. Shajahan Sheikh, a TMC leader, was arrested and the case was handed over to the CID. The CBI obtained custody of Sheikh from the West Bengal CID following orders by the Calcutta High Court.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated developmental projects worth Rs 4500 crore, emphasising commitment to state's development and criticising neglect of eastern India. He highlighted increased train speed, fake job cards, 'tolabaz' problem, family dominance in politics, removal of Article 370, and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Two sisters in Kabul, Afghanistan, initiated the Last Torch, a singing movement on social media, defying the Taliban's restrictions on women's freedoms and music. Despite the risks, they released songs addressing women's limitations and human rights violations. The sisters, hidden beneath burkas, gained popularity, with fans posting their own performances.

Asif Ali Zardari has been elected as Pakistan's 14th President for the second time. Zardari, who is the co-chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), formed a national government in collaboration with Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (PML). The 68-year-old Zardari was the joint candidate of the PPP and PML-N, while his opponent, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, 75, represented the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag couldn't put a check on his feelings as he came out with a long and stern post on social media platform X after India's innings victory over England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala. England's 'Bazball' approach totally backfired, but skipper Ben Stokes still defended the swashbuckling batting that has become the hallmark of their current style of play.

Despite Geoffrey Boycott expressing the opinion that Rohit Sharma is past his prime, the Indian skipper emphatically asserted that he is currently delivering the finest cricket of his career. "One day, when I wake up and feel, I am not good enough then I will retire straight away but in the last few years I am playing the best cricket of my life," Rohit said.

The Delhi CM lauded Finance Minister Atishi for presenting a "magnificent" budget that took care of every section of the Society.

“It merely provided a platform to express dissent or one’s anger for political parties to take note and nothing more,” Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Anil Verma, Head of ADR, said.

11 MLAs, including 6 rebel Congress legislators, arrived in Rishikesh's Taj Hotel under heavy security. They were suspended from the party for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls. The rebel MLAs have been kept under CRPF security amidst the ongoing Congress Party crisis.

The Prime Minister unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of ‘Ahom general’ Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat

India beat England by an innings and 64 runs in the final Test to win the five-match series 4-1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium on Saturday. Having conceded a lead of 259, England were all out for 195 in the second session on day three of the contest. Joe Root made 84 and Jonny Bairstow (39) also got a start while other England batters simply surrendered before India's formidable spin attack. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 5-77 in his 100th test for a match haul of nine wickets.

"I welcome the reduction. But Modi should assure that he will not increase the price if his party comes to power again," said Senior Congress leader and ex-Union Minister when asked for his reaction to PM Modi's LPG-announcement on International Women's Day to slash the domestic gas cylinder price by Rs 100.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' to boost Test cricket and provide financial incentives to the Indian cricketers. Starting from the 2022-23 season, the scheme offers additional rewards beyond the existing match fee of INR 15 lakh for Test matches.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP for choosing a path of destruction and targeting opposition parties. He praised the recently presented budget for its focus on development and expressed confidence in the AAP-Congress alliance winning all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. The budget includes the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojna, providing Rs 1,000 to every woman in a family. Kejriwal's remarks reflect the political rivalry between the AAP and the BJP, highlighting the contrasting approaches to governance and allegations of targeting opposition parties.