"We Cannot Turn A Blind Eye": Calcutta High Court On Bengal Waqf Violence

Underlining that constitutional courts cannot be a mute spectator, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central forces in Bengal's Murshidabad where anti-Waqf protests have resulted in the death of three people.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were thrown at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence erupted in Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts during protests over the new legislation yesterday.

The High Court underlined that every citizen has right to life and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that the life and property of every citizen is secured.

"Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger. The deployment of Central Armed forces earlier could have escalated the situation as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time," said the court.

The court noted that the situation is "grave and volatile", underlining that action is to be taken against the culprits to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on "war footing".

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie show vandalism in few districts of the state of West Bengal. The purpose of deployment of the para-military forces or Central Armed Police Force is only for the purpose of facilitating the state administration to ensure the safety and security of the population in this State," said the court, adding it cannot be denied that "there is an internal disturbance" in some of the districts in the state.

The central forces will operate in coordination with the state administration. The court also instructed both the state government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation.

A special bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury was constituted by the Chief Justice to urgently hear a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, seeking the deployment of central forces in the district.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday night welcomed the Calcutta High Court's directive for the deployment of central forces in violence-hit areas of Murshidabad district.

"I have been told about the deployment of CAPF in the riot-affected areas of Bengal, including Murshidabad. I am glad that the Calcutta High Court stepped in and given the appropriate decision in appropriate time," the Governor said in a video message released by Raj Bhavan.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that her state would not implement the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act and appealed for peace and harmony.

"We have made our position clear on this matter - we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?" she said in a post on X.

Ms Banerjee cautioned against political misuse of religion and warned of legal action against those inciting riots.

"Remember, we did not make the law that many are agitating against. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," the Chief Minister added.

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar cautioned the agitators that the state police will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt law and order in the name of the protests.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/x2gYlaS
via IFTTT

"This Is For...": Abhishek's Mysterious Note After 40-Ball 100 Revealed

Abhishek Sharma batted like a man possessed during SunRisers Hyderabad's 246-run chase against Punjab Kings. The SRH batter slammed a 40-ball 100 as SRH made a mockery of the chase against PBKS. After reaching the century-mark Abhishek could be seen bringing out a note and displaying it to the public. The note became a matter of intrigue as rival captain Shreyas Iyer started reading it. Later, visuals showed the note said: "This one is for orange army". When Abhishek Sharma crossed 132 he became the highest individual Indian scorer in an innings in the IPL. 

"THIS ONE IS FOR ORANGE ARMY".

- The message from Abhishek Sharma pic.twitter.com/2tBNSsKybF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 12, 2025

WHAT. A. MOMENT.

100 reasons to celebrate #AbhishekSharma's knock tonight! PS. Don't miss his special message for #OrangeArmy

Watch the LIVE action https://t.co/HQTYFKNoGR
#IPLonJioStar #SRHvPBKS | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/DECkzxRYhi

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2025

wered the Punjab Kings (PBKS) side to a massive total of 245/6 in their 20 overs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Saturday. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Batters Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya came out in the middle to open the innings for their side.

In the first over, Prabhsimran blasted Mohammed Shami for three fours. In the second over, skipper Pat Cummins gave away 16 runs, with Priyansh being the aggressor with four and six. In the third over, Shami is taken down for three sixes and a four. PBKS is 53/0, with Priyansh (29*) and Prabhsimran (23*) unbeaten.

The first wicket fell in the fourth over at the score of 66 as Harshal Patel sent back Priyansh (36 runs off 13 balls) to the pavilion.

Following Arya's wicket, team skipper Shreyas Iyer came out in the middle to bat, along with Prabhsimran. Iyer ended the powerplay with a six. After the end of six overs, PBKS were 89/1 with Prabhsimran (41*) and Iyer (9*) unbeaten.

Debutant Eshan Malinga took his maiden IPL wicket as a fine catch at mid-off from Pat Cummins to dismiss Prabhsimran (42 in 23 balls, with seven fours and a six) at the score of 91 in the seventh over.

Left-hand batter Nehal Wadhera came out to bat next. After the end of 10 overs, PBKS were 120/2, with Shreyas (24*) and Nehal Wadhera (13*) in the middle.

20 runs came from leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari's over as Iyer smashed a four and two sixes. After the completion of the 12th over, PBKS were 149/2, with Iyer (48*) and Wadhera (17*) on the crease.

Shreyas Iyer went on to score his third half-century of IPL 2025 in just 22 balls, which came with two fours and five sixes.

Eshan Malinga got his second wicket, as he removed Nehal for 27 in 22 balls, with two fours and a six. PBKS is 164/3 in 13.3 overs.

In the 15th over, Harshal Patel dismissed Shashank Singh (2) when the team score was 168.

In the 17th over, a four from Iyer brought the 200-run mark in the 17th over with Iyer (82*) and Glenn Maxwell (3*) unbeaten.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/97uconP
via IFTTT

Watch: Shreyas Iyer Left Fuming At Punjab Kings Teammate Over DRS Call vs SRH

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer was left fuming during their IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). PBKS' Glenn Maxwell thought he had dismissed Travis Head caught behind by wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh. However, upon seeing the umpire giving it not out, signalled for a DRS review straight away. Moments later, though, Shreyas Iyer was shown to be angry at one of his teammates. Iyer pointed at himself, with his teammates vying for a review. Eventually, Iyer decided to go up with a DRS review upon Maxwell's insistance.

As it turned out, Travis Head remained not out after the whole saga. NDTV could not verify which teammate Iyer seemed to be frustrated on. While what Iyer said was not audible, It was quite apparent that he said: "Pehle merese puch na (Ask me first)"

Watch: Shreyas Iyer angry after DRS saga

Shreyas Iyer's angry reaction over DRS call. pic.twitter.com/huZBhbDn4F

— CricAsh (@ash_cric) April 12, 2025

Earlierm Punjab Kings unleashed an all-out assault against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, riding on a blazing half-century from Shreyas Iyer (82) and late fireworks from Marcus Stoinis, who scored 34 in eleven deliveries to reach 245/6 in 20 overs, here at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

While the innings had contributions across the board, it was Iyer's calculated aggression that stood out, giving PBKS the perfect launchpad for a mammoth total.

Stoinis finally announced his arrival in IPL 2025 with a sensational finish, smashing four consecutive sixes to close out Punjab Kings' innings in stunning fashion. The Australian all-rounder, who had struggled to make an impact with the bat so far this season, turned on the heat in the final over, propelling PBKS to a commanding total of 245.

Unfortunately for Mohammed Shami, it was a night to forget as the seasoned pacer bore the brunt of Stoinis' onslaught. Shami's final over went for 27 runs, capping off a rough spell that read 4-0-75-0 — second most expensive in IPL history.

After electing to bat, PBKS came out swinging from the very first over. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a flurry of boundaries off Mohammed Shami, charging at the veteran seamer and carving him through mid-off and cover with disdain. He was in no mood to show respect and gave PBKS a flying start.

Harshal Patel bowled a game-changing over in the 18th, conceding just five runs and removing both Shreyas Iyer and Maxwell in quick succession. Iyer's 82 off 36 had anchored PBKS' innings but his departure meant PBKS had to rebuild in the final overs and Stoinis did it perfectly.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/g1sYNHB
via IFTTT

ICC Eyes Big Changes In ODI Rule That Faced Massive Criticism From Sachin

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering altering the rules with the use of two new balls in ODI cricket in a bit to balance the game for bowlers. While this isn't a complete reversal of the current Playing Conditions (PCs), the potential change is designed to give bowlers an edge by reintroducing the possibility of reverse swing. Additionally, the ICC is exploring the introduction of in-game clocks for Test matches to help regulate over rates and is also evaluating the idea of transitioning the men's Under-19 World Cup to a T20 format, Cricbuzz reported.

The recommendation is set to be reviewed during the ongoing ICC meetings in Zimbabwe.

The proposal to phase out the second new ball in ODIs reportedly stems from the ICC Cricket Committee. As per the suggested change, teams would start with two new balls but would have to choose one to continue with from the 25-over mark onward. This means that while the rule isn't being entirely scrapped, it would help reintroduce reverse swing - a feature that's been missing due to the prolonged shine on two newer balls.

The two-ball rule has faced significant criticism, with legends like Sachin Tendulkar labelling it detrimental to the game. Tendulkar argued that using two new balls prevents them from ageing enough to allow reverse swing, a crucial skill especially during the final overs. He has long advocated for a better balance between bat and ball in ODIs.

"Having two new balls in one day cricket is a perfect recipe for disaster as each ball is not given the time to get old enough to reverse. We haven't seen reverse swing, an integral part of the death overs, for a long time," Tendulkar had famously said in a social media comment some years ago.

Former fast bowler Brett Lee has also publicly backed Tendulkar's stance on the matter.

Led by Sourav Ganguly, the Cricket Committee seems to have conducted a thorough evaluation. In the past, the white ball would often deteriorate or lose its colour by the 35th over, prompting umpires to replace it. Under the proposed system, a single ball could be used for up to 37-38 overs by the end of an innings, as opposed to the current setup where each of the two balls is used for only 25 overs.

Another significant rule under discussion is the use of countdown clocks in Test cricket, setting a 60-second limit between overs. These clocks are already in use in limited-overs formats and have helped speed up matches. The ICC Cricket Committee aims to ensure that 90 overs are bowled each day in Test matches through this move.

The ICC is also considering a shift in format for the men's Under-19 World Cup, potentially converting it to a T20 tournament. While some officials prefer to retain the traditional 50-over format, others point to the success of the Women's Under-19 World Cup, which is already held in the T20 format. The two editions played so far - in 2023 (South Africa) and 2025 (Malaysia) - have both used the shorter format. Any format change for the men's edition would only take effect from the 2028 broadcast cycle.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/nliOwXx
via IFTTT

"No Excuses For This": Ravi Shastri Rips Into CSK Crawl To 103/9 vs KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders produced an inspired bowling effort to restrict Chennai Super Kings to a lowly 103 for 9 in an Indian Premier League match here on Friday. Sent into bat, CSK never really got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals to be limited to their lowest total at home. Shivam Dube ( 31 not out), Vijay Shankar (29) and Rahul Tripathi (16) were the main run getters for CSK.

"No excuses for this," Ravi Shastri was blunt in his analysis while doing commentary for Star Sports.

Sunil Narine didn't concede a single boundary in his miserly spell of 3-13 as a clinical performance of Kolkata Knight Riders' bowlers helped them restrict a listless Chennai Super Kings to a below-par 103/9, their lowest total at their home venue MA Chidambaram Stadium, here on Friday.

On a black-soil pitch, spin dictated terms from the word go, Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali, brought to counter left-handed batters, picked six wickets collectively as CSK's batting never got going.

CSK wanted to bat first after losing the toss, but didn't take full advantage of their decision as they could never break free from the disciplined bowling by KKR bowlers. It took Shivam Dube's unbeaten 29-ball 31 to save CSK from being all out for their lowest total (79) in IPL's history.

Devon Conway began by taking two boundaries off pacer Vaibhav Arora, before being dismissed for 12 when his attempt to reverse-sweep off Moeen resulted in him being trapped lbw in a wicket-maiden over. In the next over, CSK were dealt another blow when Rachin Ravindra miscued a slog off Harshit Rana and was caught at cover.

KKR could have got another wicket if Vijay Shankar wasn't dropped by Moeen at mid-off when on zero. From there, Shankar pulled and lofted Chakaravarthy for boundaries, before hoicking Moeen over mid-wicket for six. Shankar's charmed life continued when Venkatesh Iyer dropped him at mid-wicket on 20.

With PTI and IANS inputs 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/wZcHlnS
via IFTTT

China Sends Proposal To Australia Amid Bitter Fight With US, Gets Rejected

Australia has declined China's proposal to form an alliance against the United States' tariffs, imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. The decision comes as Washington escalates its trade war with Beijing, imposing a 10 per cent import tax on Australian goods and significantly higher tariffs on Chinese products - 125 per cent.

China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, suggested that joint resistance is the only way to counter the US' "hegemonic and bullying behavior." He also said, "The international community... should firmly say no to unilateralism and protectionism."

However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his country will prioritise its national interests, "speak for ourselves" and not align with China's stance.

Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasised that Australia will not be "holding China's hand" and instead focus on diversifying its trade relationships.

“We're not about to make common cause with China, that's not what's going to happen here. I don't think we'll be holding China's hand,” Marles told Australia's Nine News. “We don't want to see a trade war between America and China, to be clear, but our focus is on actually diversifying our trade," he added.

Australia has expressed frustration over the tariffs but has opted not to retaliate. Instead, the country is seeking further negotiations with the White House. Xiao Qian argued that the US has "weaponised" trade issues, potentially sabotaging the international order and dragging the global economy into chaos. He emphasised the need for Australia and China to cooperate in safeguarding a fair and free trading environment.

Australia is actively exploring alternative export opportunities outside the US. The country aims to reduce its reliance on China and bolster economic resilience by diversifying trade with nations like Indonesia, India, the UK, and the UAE. "Eighty percent of trade does not involve the United States. There are opportunities for Australia and we intend to seize them", Albanese said. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell has recently met with counterparts from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and India.
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/PwKS8FR
via IFTTT

Student Dies By Suicide, Cops Find "I Quit" Written On Mirror With Lipstick

A 23-year-old law student died by suicide in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi over a failed affair, the police said.

In her room, the police found a mirror on which the words "I quit" were written with lipstick. She had an affair with a dental doctor, who promised to marry her, but later got engaged with someone else.

Reports said the law student, Danish Ara, was allegedly taken by the dental doctor identified as Asad and his family to their house, where she was tortured. She died by suicide after returning home and following the alleged torture.

Danish Ara was pursuing LLB. Her family said she met Asad 4-5 months ago during treatment, and both eventually became close to each other. The family said he promised to marry her, but chose another woman.

"As soon as information was received, the police reached the spot and took the body for autopsy. We are investigating the case," Jhansi circle police officer Laxmikant Gautam said.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/NbJ8isO
via IFTTT