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  • Pakistan Accepts ICC Champions Trophy Hybrid Model: What’s Next?

    Pakistan Accepts ICC Champions Trophy Hybrid Model: What’s Next?

    After months of discussions and excitement about the ICC Champions Trophy and where it will be held, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally accepted a new plan. This plan allows India to play their matches in Dubai, while all other games will take place in Pakistan.

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously told the International Cricket Council (ICC) weeks ago that they wouldn’t travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to lack of approval from the Indian government, mostly because of ongoing political issues between India and Pakistan. This situation led to talks about using a “hybrid model,” which was already tried during last year’s Asia Cup. In that tournament, only a few matches were played in Pakistan, while most took place in Sri Lanka. The ICC was also reportedly supportive of BCCI because of instability in Islamabad.

    Initially, PCB was not willing to accept the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. However, according to a report in Times of India, they were warned that they might lose the right to host the tournament. The ICC and BCCI were firm on this matter, so PCB decided to agree. “I don’t want to comment too much because that can ruin things. We have shared our views with the ICC, and the Indians have shared theirs. The goal is to find a solution that works for everyone,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Dubai. He added, “Cricket should win, and that’s the most important thing for us. We want to do what is best for cricket, and we will ensure that it is fair.”

    In return, the PCB asked the ICC to use the hybrid model for all future ICC tournaments held in India until 2031. India is set to host four ICC tournaments in the next seven years, including the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the ODI World Cup in 2031. They will also hold the Champions Trophy in 2029 and the Women’s World Cup in 2025.

    Additionally, the PCB requested a bigger share of the ICC’s revenue as compensation. Currently, they receive six percent less than the BCCI’s share of 38%. The ICC had offered compensation above the hosting fees, but it is unlikely they will meet PCB’s demands since other countries would not agree to lower their shares, which would put pressure on BCCI. So far, BCCI has not committed to any additional requests.

  • Severe Flooding in Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Fengal Causes Major Disruptions

    Severe Flooding in Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Fengal Causes Major Disruptions

    Heavy rain struck several areas in Tamil Nadu after Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30. The worst-hit area is Cuddalore, where many homes are underwater and rescue teams are using boats to help people escape. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), led by district collector Balaraman, is busy rescuing those trapped in the floods.

    In Chinna Gangankuppam, near the Cuddalore-Puducherry border, disaster teams managed to clear a large tree that had fallen on the national highway using heavy machinery. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal landed on the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and has remained almost stationary for six hours, about 30 kilometers north of Cuddalore.

    As of early morning, the cyclone is about 120 kilometers south-southwest of Chennai. It is expected to slowly move westward and weaken into a deep depression over northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry within the next few hours. The IMD has warned of severe weather, issuing a red alert for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and nearby parts of Andhra Pradesh.

    According to Puducherry’s Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, the Union Territory received 50 centimeters of rain overnight, causing serious flooding in the city. He stated, “We are inspecting the flood-affected areas, and rescue teams are working hard to help those stuck in the water.”

    To assist in the rescue, Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison were called in early Sunday morning. The troops were requested around 1 a.m., and a team of about 70 soldiers, led by Major Ajay Sangwan, quickly traveled 160 kilometers to reach Puducherry by 5:30 a.m.

    Upon arrival, they found the Krishna Nagar area severely flooded, with water levels reaching nearly five feet, leaving around 500 homes stranded. The army began rescue operations at 6:15 a.m. and successfully evacuated over 100 people within the first two hours.

  • RBI to Hold Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation and Growth Challenges

    RBI to Hold Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation and Growth Challenges

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to keep interest rates the same in its upcoming meeting, set for December 4 to 6, 2024. This is because inflation (how much prices are rising) has gone above the safe limit of 6%, and there have been disappointing reports about how fast the country’s economy is growing.

    The RBI, led by Governor Shaktikanta Das, has kept the interest rate steady at 6.5% since February 2023. Experts believe it might reduce rates in February 2025 if inflation shows signs of going down. Madan Sabnavis, the Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda, suggests that given the uncertain global situation and rising inflation, the RBI is likely to hold the interest rate steady this time.

    India’s economy has recently grown at its slowest pace in two years, with an increase of only 5.4% in the last quarter, mainly due to poor performances in manufacturing and mining. Despite this, India is still the fastest-growing large economy. Aditi Nayar from ICRA believes the RBI will keep the interest rate unchanged even though growth numbers were disappointing.

    The government wants the RBI to keep inflation, based on retail prices, at about 4%, with some room to go up or down. The RBI last raised the rate in February 2023, and it chose not to make any changes in its last review in October due to high food prices.

    Dhruv Agarwala, CEO of Housing.com and PropTiger.com, thinks the RBI faces a tough challenge between boosting economic growth and controlling inflation. Although inflation might seem too high for a rate cut, ongoing concerns about slow growth might influence the RBI to reconsider.

    Upasna Bhardwaj from Kotak Mahindra Bank highlighted that poor GDP growth reflects disappointing earnings from companies, and while there might be small improvements, overall growth will still fall short of the RBI’s earlier estimates.

    In summary, the RBI is likely to keep interest rates steady as it navigates between rising inflation and slowing economic growth.

  • IndiGo Flight’s Close Call Amid Cyclone Fengal at Chennai Airport!

    IndiGo Flight’s Close Call Amid Cyclone Fengal at Chennai Airport!

    A scary incident happened at Chennai airport when an IndiGo Airlines Airbus A320 neo faced trouble due to Cyclone Fengal on Saturday evening. A video shared online shows the plane almost landing but then suddenly taking off again. The pilot decided not to land at the last second when the wheels were just inches above the runway. As Cyclone Fengal hit Chennai, heavy rains caused many problems, flooding homes and hospitals.

    The airport announced it would be closed until 4 AM on Sunday, December 1, 2024, advising travelers to check with their airlines about their flights. The viral video of the IndiGo flight caught a lot of attention, receiving over 100,000 views. Many people expressed their opinions online. Some said the pilot made a risky choice not to land, while others praised the quick decision-making.

    IndiGo responded to the video, explaining that the plane’s crew did a “go-around,” a normal safety practice when landing isn’t safe. They assured passengers that their safety is their top priority.

    Cyclone Fengal hit the north coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry late that night, bringing strong winds and rain. The storm is expected to weaken soon. The Indian Army and a disaster response force began helping those affected around 6 AM on Sunday.

  • Understanding Acne: Causes, Myths, and How It May Slow Aging

    Understanding Acne: Causes, Myths, and How It May Slow Aging

    Acne is a common skin issue caused by hormones, genes, and the environment. While many people think only teenagers get acne, it can actually affect anyone, no matter their age.

    What Causes Acne?
    Dr. Shareefa Chause, a skin doctor, explains that acne happens when tiny holes in our skin, called hair follicles, get blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage can lead to different types of acne, from small bumps called whiteheads to larger, painful cysts. Acne can make people feel embarrassed or stressed about their looks.

    The Gut-Skin Connection
    Studies show that our gut health can impact our skin. Dr. Chause mentions that an unhealthy gut may increase inflammation in the skin, making acne worse. Stress is another factor since high stress can lead to more oil production, worsening breakouts.

    Can Acne Help Your Skin Stay Young?
    Interestingly, research suggests that people with acne-prone skin may experience slower aging, especially when it comes to wrinkles. Dr. Chause notes that the extra oil from acne can naturally hydrate and plump the skin, which helps it from drying out. But, this idea isn’t fully proven, and it’s best to talk to a skin expert to understand it better.

    Healthy Skin Tips
    To keep your skin looking young, Dr. Chause suggests some dermatologist-recommended tips like:
    – Use natural skincare products and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
    – Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
    – Eat a balanced diet, and cut down on greasy and sugary foods.
    – Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day and manage stress through yoga or meditation.
    – Get enough sleep.

    By managing acne and following these tips, you can keep your skin glowing and healthy!

    Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you have questions about your skin.

  • Rohit Sharma’s Son Ahaan: A Heartfelt Christmas Reveal!

    Rohit Sharma’s Son Ahaan: A Heartfelt Christmas Reveal!

    India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, have welcomed their second child – a baby boy named Ahaan. Ritika shared the exciting news with a fun Christmas-themed post on Instagram. In the post, the family was depicted as cut-out figures with their names: Rohit and Ritika were called ‘Ro’ and ‘Rits,’ their daughter was named ‘Sammy’ for Samaira, and their newborn son was revealed to be Ahaan.

    Rohit missed the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia because the baby was born on November 15. He joined the Indian team about a week later in Perth, where India won the match by a huge 295 runs.

    As Rohit prepares for the second Test in Adelaide, he hinted at a position change. Normally, he bats at the top of the order, but due to KL Rahul’s impressive performance in the first Test, Rohit might bat at number 5 instead. This news came after the team list was shared for a practice match against the Prime Minister’s XI, showing Rohit’s name listed at number 5.

    Interestingly, it’s been a while since Rohit batted at this position; the last time was in 2018, where he played 16 innings and scored 437 runs in 9 matches.

  • Vir Das Gifts Free Tickets to Fan After 2-Year Wait!

    Vir Das Gifts Free Tickets to Fan After 2-Year Wait!

    Vir Das, a popular comedian and actor, wanted to make a special memory for a fan who had waited two years to see his show. Recently, Vir shared a chat on Instagram with this fan.

    The fan, who is from Vadodara, wrote to Vir in 2022, saying he couldn’t buy tickets because he was getting ready to move to Canada for studying. He explained that he was not earning money yet, and his father couldn’t afford the tickets either. The fan said, “Hey Vir, I’ve always wanted to see you live. I hope you come to Toronto one day so I can finally go to your show.”

    Fast forward to now, the fan sent a new message saying he finally started earning money and bought tickets for Vir’s ‘Mindfool’ show in Toronto! He was extremely excited about it. Vir saw the message and wrote back saying, “Hey kid, if you see this before the show, my team has sent you a direct message. Your tickets are on me. I’m so proud of you!”

    He then added, “We’re trying to reach you. If you see this, please respond. You waited two years to see me, and I want to treat you. You’re NOT paying!”

    Fans were touched by this sweet gesture. One comment read, “Making people cry at 9 am in the morning!” while another joked, “We need warnings before you post such messages, Vir!”

    Vir’s ‘Mindfool’ tour will kick off in Toronto on December 1, with two shows at Meridian Hall. After Toronto, he will perform in Dublin on December 4 and finish the tour in London on December 6.

  • 7 Maoists Killed in Major Clash with Security Forces in Telangana

    7 Maoists Killed in Major Clash with Security Forces in Telangana

    In Telangana’s Mulugu district, security forces encountered a group of seven Maoists early Sunday morning. This clash came just a week after two tribal men were killed by suspected Maoists for allegedly being informers for the police.

    The special anti-Maoist unit, called the Greyhounds, spotted the Maoists in the Chalpaka forest around 5:30 AM and ordered them to surrender. However, instead of giving up, the Maoists shot back. In the end, seven of them were killed, including a notable figure named Bhadru, also known as Papanna. He was the commander of the CPI (Maoist) in the Yellandu-Narsampet area and was part of the Telangana State Committee.

    The other six killed were identified as Egolapu Mallaiah (43 years old), Mussaki Deval (22), Mussaki Jamuna (23), Jai Singh (25), Kishore (22), and Kamesh (23). Police said Bhadru led this group. Security forces recovered weapons from the scene, including AK-47 and G3 rifles, which they confiscated.

    This incident marks the first major confrontation with Maoists in the area in several years. There has been concern about the Maoists trying to regain influence in Mulugu. Just a week earlier, on November 21, two tribal men named Uika Ramesh and Uika Arjun were killed for supposedly spying for the police. Ramesh was the secretary for the local Gram Panchayat. A note found with their bodies claimed they were providing information to the authorities. It is still unclear if the seven Maoists who were killed were involved in those murders.

  • Pran: The Villain Who Became India’s Highest-Paid Actor!

    Pran: The Villain Who Became India’s Highest-Paid Actor!

    In the world of movies, heroes usually get the spotlight. They are featured on posters and billboards, and that’s why they often get paid the most. However, back in the 1970s, during a time when Amitabh Bachchan was super famous, there was a villain who became the highest-paid actor in India. His name was Pran Kishan Sikand, simply known as Pran.

    Who was Pran?

    Pran was born in 1920 and was known as one of the greatest villains in Bollywood. He started acting as a hero in Punjabi and Hindi films in the 1940s. But by the late 1940s, he switched to playing bad guys. From then until the 1980s, he became famous for his villainous roles in films like Ram Aur Shyam, Madhumati, and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai.

    Pran Takes the Spotlight

    In the late 1960s, Pran’s face became common on movie posters, and his presence in films was showcased in advertisements. This fame allowed him to increase his fees. Between 1968 and 1982, he charged several lakhs for each movie, often more than famous heroes like Dharmendra and even Amitabh Bachchan. For some time, Pran was the highest-paid actor in India until Amitabh raised his fees in the early 1980s.

    Switching Roles

    Even though he played villains, Pran did try out different kinds of characters. He played good guys and roles with shades of grey, like in the movies Zanjeer and Amar Akbar Anthony. By the 70s, his good roles became very popular too.

    The Power of the Name

    During his peak as a villain in the 50s and 60s, many people were scared of his character. It became so bad that some parents chose not to name their children ‘Pran’ because they worried it would bring bad luck!

    Pran continued to act in smaller roles through the 80s and 90s before he stopped acting after a heart attack in 1998. He appeared in a few guest roles after 2000. Sadly, he passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.

  • Salman Khan Shocks Avinash for Insulting Chahat on Bigg Boss 18!

    Salman Khan Shocks Avinash for Insulting Chahat on Bigg Boss 18!

    This week on Bigg Boss 18, Salman Khan will join the contestants for the Weekend Ka War episode. A new teaser shows him getting upset with Avinash Mishra. Why? Because during a task, Avinash called Chahat Pandey ‘gawaar,’ which means uncouth.

    In the teaser, Chahat and Avinash were doing a challenge where she had to push one of them into the swimming pool using a large flip-flop. She chose Avinash, and he didn’t like it. Instead of taking it lightly, he insulted her by calling her ‘gawaar.’ Chahat fired back, saying, “Phir log kehte hain gawaar,” meaning “Then people say I am uneducated,” and hit him with the flip-flop.

    This made Salman quite angry. He asked Avinash, “Gawaar kya hai? What is this language? Yeh kya badtameezi kar rahe ho?” which means, “What does gawaar even mean? Why are you being rude?” Avinash tried to defend himself by saying, “Agar padha likha insaan hota, yeh kaise karta?” asking if an educated person would act like that. Salman replied, “Oh, you think you are educated?”

    When Avinash said that Chahat crossed a line, Salman reminded him that he had crossed many lines too in the house.

    Bigg Boss 18 is filled with surprises this year, following the theme of time—“Time Ka Taandav.” The tagline promises lots of drama: “Iss baar ghar mein bhuchaal aayega, kyunki Bigg Boss mein Time Ka Taandav chaaeyga!” which means “Chaos will strike the house as the wrath of time reigns over Bigg Boss!”

    Catch Bigg Boss 18 on Colors TV every night at 10 PM and streaming on JioCinema.