Author: Sarita Jena

  • World Test Championship News: South Africa Leads in 2023-25 Standings!

    World Test Championship News: South Africa Leads in 2023-25 Standings!

    The ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 is entering a crucial stage! Recently, New Zealand and England wrapped up a three-match Test series, with both teams no longer in the race for the title. Right now, India and Australia, the finalists from last year, are competing hard in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while South Africa is preparing for a tough series against Pakistan at home.

    Australia briefly claimed the top spot in the 2023-25 standings after South Africa won against Sri Lanka, but South Africa managed to take the lead with a strong victory. They are looking like the favorites to make it to the final at Lord’s next year!

    In the recent England vs. New Zealand series, both teams faced penalties for a slow over-rate, leading New Zealand to drop in rankings. Despite winning the final Test by 423 runs, New Zealand finished fourth in the overall standings.

    Here’s how the teams currently stand:

    – 1st – South Africa: 63.33% of possible points
    – Remaining matches: 2 against Pakistan
    – Best possible finish: 69.44%

    – 2nd – Australia: 60.71% of possible points
    – Remaining matches: 2 against India and 2 against Sri Lanka
    – Best possible finish: 71.05%

    – 3rd – India: 57.29% of possible points
    – Remaining matches: 3 against Australia
    – Best possible finish: 64.04%

    – 4th – New Zealand: 48.21% of possible points
    – Finished with a strong win, but still ended 4th overall.

    – 5th – Sri Lanka: 45.45% of possible points
    – Remaining matches: 2 against Australia
    – Best possible finish: 53.85%

    – 6th – England: 43.18% of possible points
    – Finished below the top teams, ending up 6th.

    – 7th – Pakistan: 33.33% of possible points
    – Remaining matches: 2 against South Africa and 2 against West Indies
    – Best possible finish: 52.38%

    – 8th – Bangladesh: 31.25% of possible points
    – Finished their matches but need better results in the future.

    – 9th – West Indies: 24.24% of possible points
    – Remaining matches: 2 against Pakistan
    – Best possible finish: 35.90%

    It has been an exciting series so far, and we can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds!

  • Christmas Light Controllers Recalled: Safety Alert for Shoppers

    Christmas Light Controllers Recalled: Safety Alert for Shoppers

    More than 44,600 Christmas light controllers sold at stores like Cracker Barrel, Target, and Walmart are being recalled because they can cause fires. The warning comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mr Christmas LLC.

    These light controllers, made by Mr Christmas LLC in Memphis, Tennessee, have wireless receivers that can overheat when plugged in, creating a fire hazard. The company reported at least ten cases of overheating, with one resulting in a fire. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

    Mr Christmas is recalling these light controllers for safety and is asking customers to stop using them. If you return your controller, which costs between $25 and $40, you will get a full refund.

    The controllers sold at Cracker Barrel and Walmart are called “Christmas Light Controller.” At Target, they are sold under the brand name “Tree Lighting Switch.”

    If you bought one of these products, please stop using it and go to the Mr Christmas website or the CPSC website for details on how to return it.

    Leslie Hermanson, the President of Mr. Christmas, said, “As a 91-year-old family business, nothing is more important than the safety of families. If you bought one of these products this season, we urge you to return it.”

    Remember, controllers made before 2024 are not part of this recall.

  • Nadda Slams Congress: Article 370, Emergency & India’s Constitution Explained

    Nadda Slams Congress: Article 370, Emergency & India’s Constitution Explained

    Union Health Minister JP Nadda criticized the opposition, especially the Congress party, during a discussion marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. He used the now-abolished Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir to show how past Congress governments tried to change the Constitution. Nadda praised the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for fully integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India.

    He explained that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru allowed Article 370 despite concerns from law minister B.R. Ambedkar. Nehru also imposed Article 35(A) through a presidential order without following proper parliamentary procedures. Nadda highlighted that Sardar Patel united most princely states into India, while Nehru was responsible for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that Ambedkar believed Article 370 was harmful to India, but Nehru pushed it through.

    Nadda pointed out that the Jana Sangh party, which is the precursor to the BJP, opposed having two separate laws and governments in India when Article 370 was in place. He mentioned the sacrifices made by leaders like Syama Prasad Mookerjee for this cause, emphasizing the BJP as the “good lot” in contrast to the “bad lot” of previous governments.

    He accused Congress of keeping central laws out of Jammu and Kashmir, denying benefits like reservations and voting rights for refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Nadda also criticized Congress for the Emergency declared in 1975, saying it was meant to protect Indira Gandhi’s position rather than the country.

    Nadda urged Congress to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Emergency in 2025 by joining the “Anti-Democracy Day” to reflect on past wrongs. He discussed how the Congress added terms like “secular” and “socialist” to the Constitution for political gain, arguing that they were not needed. He emphasized that many governments were unfairly removed using Article 356 under Congress rule.

    He questioned why practices like triple talaq were not banned when many Islamic nations had done so. Nadda spoke about the original Constitution’s symbols, including the lotus, representing resilience and strength in democracy.

    Nadda also highlighted Nehru’s failures in managing national security and international relations, especially during the 1962 India-China war. He recalled how India lost significant territory due to diplomatic mistakes.

    In conclusion, Nadda remarked that the Constitution creators understood India wasn’t just becoming a nation; it was already established, rooted in its rich culture and history.

  • 15-Point Flatmate Pitch Goes Viral!

    15-Point Flatmate Pitch Goes Viral!

    A woman named Nimisha Chanda from Bengaluru decided to find a flatmate in a very creative way. She made a fun list of 15 reasons why someone should live with her and her current flatmate, Agrima, in their fully furnished 3BHK flat in HSR Layout.

    Nimisha posted on social media, inviting a female roommate to join them. She said, “We are cooler than your ex!” and they have been looking for a third flatmate for a month without any luck.

    Here are some highlights from her list:

    – Both women work in marketing, so they’ll have lots of cool conversations about startups and creative ideas.
    – Their home is a “no-judgment zone,” so you can wear whatever you want, even if that means using the chair as a closet.
    – They love listening to music, from hip-hop to ghazals, and have many books to share.
    – They enjoy cooking together, going out, and chatting about life and crushes. They promise it will be a fun and supportive atmosphere.
    – If you like cats, that’s a big plus, as Agrima loves them.
    – They like to keep their home nice and tidy but are not obsessed with cleanliness.

    Nimisha’s unique post quickly caught people’s attention online, and many wanted to become their new flatmate. One person even said, “This is the best flatmate pitch I’ve ever seen!”

  • Sitara Ghattamaneni Celebrates Dad Mahesh Babu as Mufasa!

    Sitara Ghattamaneni Celebrates Dad Mahesh Babu as Mufasa!

    Actor Mahesh Babu’s daughter, Sitara Ghattamaneni, is super excited to see her dad as Mufasa in the new Disney movie, “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Sitara thinks her dad is a lot like Mufasa because he is caring and protective. She feels proud that he is voicing such an important character.

    In a new video, Sitara talks about how her dad worked hard for this role. “Mufasa is an iconic character, and I’m thrilled that my dad is playing him,” she said. She joked about how she worked with Disney first when she was part of “Frozen.”

    Mahesh practiced a lot for his role, and Sitara can’t wait to watch the whole movie. She even shared a funny story about their pet dog, Snoopy. “My dad used to hold Snoopy like how Rafiki holds Simba in the movie,” she said.

    Sitara also dreams of growing up to voice Kiara, Mufasa’s daughter, in the future.

    “Mufasa: The Lion King” is directed by Barry Jenkins and tells the story of Mufasa’s journey from a small and scared lion cub to a strong leader. The movie is inspired by the famous 1994 animated film that was reimagined by Jon Favreau in 2019.

    In addition to Mahesh Babu as Mufasa in Telugu, other voices include Brahmanandam as Pumbaa and Ali as Timon. For the Tamil version, actor Arjun Das voices Mufasa. In Hindi, superstar Shah Rukh Khan is Mufasa, while his son Aryan voices Simba.

    This exciting new movie will be in theaters in India on December 20 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu!

    —

  • Josh Hazlewood Injured: Australia Faces a Tough Challenge Against India

    Josh Hazlewood Injured: Australia Faces a Tough Challenge Against India

    On Day 4 of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane, the Australian team faced a tough situation. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood had to leave the field after bowling just one over because he felt discomfort in his calf. An Australian team spokesperson said he needed scans to check how serious the injury was. This raises concerns about whether he can continue playing in the Test.

    Before the match, Hazlewood talked with doctors and coach Andrew McDonald. However, he seemed to struggle when he bowled his first delivery, which was too short and clocked at 128 kilometers per hour. After finishing his over, he spoke with captain Pat Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith, and physiotherapist Nick Jones during a drinks break.

    There were worries about his fitness since he missed the previous Test due to a side injury. Australia had said he was ready to play, and he seemed fine when he bowled five overs on the rain-impacted third day, even getting the important wicket of Virat Kohli. But on the fourth day, he was only able to bowl one more over before leaving.

    Nathan Lyon, speaking to the media during a break, mentioned that Hazlewood’s side was okay, although he hadn’t spoken to him directly during the break. Some former cricketers, including the famous Sunil Gavaskar, speculated that Hazlewood’s injury might have been a consequence of his comments about the batting performance after Australia lost the first Test.

    Despite earlier doubts about Hazlewood’s ability to play, the Australian team chose to include him in the Brisbane Test, which paid off as he bowled effectively. In his limited overs, he gave away 22 runs and took the key wicket of ‘Chase Master’ Virat Kohli. With Hazlewood now uncertain to continue, Cummins will need to re-adjust his bowling strategy as India tries to recover in this Test.

  • Bengaluru Techie Suicide: Uncle Granted Bail Amid Ongoing Investigations

    Bengaluru Techie Suicide: Uncle Granted Bail Amid Ongoing Investigations

    The Allahabad High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Sushil Singhania, the uncle of a woman involved in the suicide case of a tech worker from Bengaluru. Justice Ashutosh Srivastava listened to the arguments from Singhania’s lawyer, Manish Tiwary, who said that Singhania is facing unfair media attention.

    The tech worker, Subhash, was found dead in his apartment in Bengaluru on December 9. He had left behind a long 24-page suicide note and a 90-minute video explaining his struggles. In these, he accused his estranged wife and her family of harassing him, especially regarding money. He mentioned that his wife asked for ₹2 lakh every month for their child, which had increased from an initial demand of ₹1 crore.

    So far, the police have arrested Subhash’s wife, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law for allegedly contributing to his suicide. They were taken into custody from different locations and have been sent to jail for 14 days.

    While discussing the bail, the court decided that Singhania, who is elderly and not in good health, should be allowed to avoid arrest for now. He has to follow some rules, like cooperating with the police when needed and not leaving India without court permission.

  • Can You Solve These Trending Brain Teasers?

    Can You Solve These Trending Brain Teasers?

    Are you a fan of brain teasers? If so, you’re in for some fun! These tricky puzzles are trending on social media because they challenge your mind and get people talking. Whether on Threads or X (formerly Twitter), brain teasers have caught the attention of many.

    Can You Solve This Puzzle?

    One brain teaser shared on Threads by user @mrs_stephanief_2000 has many people puzzled. Here it is:

    A father is three times as old as his son. In 15 years, their combined age will be 75. How old is the son?

    Options:
    A) 10 years
    B) 11 years 3 months
    C) 12 years
    D) 15 years

    Think you can figure it out?

    Another Puzzle Making Waves on X

    Another fun puzzle shared on X has also gotten a lot of people talking. It was posted by the account Maths/Technology & Other Facts and goes like this:

    A + A = 2, A + B = 3, A + B + C = 6, A + B + C x 4 = ?

    This puzzle has sparked a lot of debate, with many people trying to find the answer.

    Why Are Brain Teasers So Popular?

    Brain teasers are more than just puzzles; they’re a fun way to test your problem-solving skills while connecting with others. They often go viral as people share them with friends, challenging them to solve them faster.

    Solving these riddles gives a great sense of achievement. They appeal to lots of different people, from students to adults, all eager to show off their skills and start conversations.

    So if you think you’re a brain teaser pro, why not test your skills with these fun puzzles?

  • Indian Cities See 31% Rise in Property Tax Collections for 2022-23

    Indian Cities See 31% Rise in Property Tax Collections for 2022-23

    On Monday, the Union government shared exciting news in the Rajya Sabha: nearly 3,700 local cities and towns (called urban local bodies or ULBs) in India saw their property tax collections grow by 31% in the financial year 2022-23 compared to the year before.

    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokanu Sahu, responded to a question from TMC MP Nadimul Haque about how the government is helping local finances. He explained that the 15th Finance Commission (15th FC) has started new rules to make sure local bodies are collecting property taxes better. For example, they’ve tied funding to how well cities collect these taxes and have required them to share financial reports with the public to improve transparency.

    Between 2020 and 2025, cities that performed well received a total of ₹76,580.90 crores in grants. Moreover, 18 states earned extra rewards for their efforts under a special capital investment scheme for 2022-23.

    Sahu mentioned that the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 now requires cities to reform their property tax systems. This means they must clearly define how property taxes are calculated, have set guidelines for property values, and plan regular increases.

    He also highlighted that cities gained ₹315.83 crores in incentives for using bonds to raise money between 2018 and 2024, which helps local financial management. Another key point is that to receive funds for the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, states must align property tax rates with market values and revise them in line with Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) recommendations.

    Lastly, Sahu talked about the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), which has encouraged new ways to finance projects. Through this program, 195 projects worth ₹9,193 crores have been completed using public-private partnership models in 51 cities.

    When asked about slow spending of central funds, Sahu assured that money is released only after cities get good reviews from independent monitoring agencies. He added that usage of funds for AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission is impressive, standing at 92% and 94%, respectively, since these programs started in 2015.

  • Pujara’s Key Advice to Jaiswal for Facing Starc in Test Cricket

    Pujara’s Key Advice to Jaiswal for Facing Starc in Test Cricket

    Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has shared some thoughts about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s batting after he got out early in the first innings of the third Test match in Brisbane. Jaiswal, known for his remarkable century in the second innings at Perth, struggled recently, getting dismissed by Mitchell Starc twice in just three innings.

    In the last match, Jaiswal faced only two balls before getting out for four runs. He tried to hit a ball straight into the air, which Mitchell Marsh caught easily. Pujara, who has a lot of experience batting in Australia, advised Jaiswal to learn from his teammate, KL Rahul. He mentioned that it’s not smart to try to drive the new ball, and Jaiswal needs to wait for balls that are closer to his body to hit.

    Pujara said, “You cannot drive the new ball in Australia. Jaiswal is looking for full deliveries to drive, but it’s really tough to do that. He should only play drives when the ball is close.” He also suggested that Jaiswal should change his mindset and be okay with defending some balls in Test cricket.

    Jaiswal and Starc had some light-hearted moments during the Perth Test, but Starc has since gotten the better of him. Pujara praised Starc’s improved control with the ball, making it hard for left-handed batsmen like Jaiswal to play against him.

    Pujara added that he would prefer KL Rahul to face Starc at the start of the next innings. He believes that if Jaiswal keeps facing Starc first, he might be in trouble again.