Author: Vividh Bharathi

PKL Season 11: Bengal Warriorz coach Surve aims for maximum points to secure playoff spot

Pune, Dec 11 (IANS) The Bengal Warriorz stormed past the Bengaluru Bulls, in the process registering an important fifth win of PKL Season 11. As the race for the playoffs heats up, the pressure is on the Bengal Warriorz, who took a massive step in the right direction during their resounding win on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the 15-point win, coach Prashant Surve said, “Our defensive unit is a very strong one and we have full faith in them. Fazel and Nitish have shown what they are capable of and our raiders also stepped up as well, and that’s what helped us pick up this win.”

When asked about qualification for the playoffs, the Bengal Warriorz’s coach responded confidently. Prashant Surve said, “Definitely we have not given up hope of making it to the PKL Season 11 Playoffs and we have to win our upcoming games to make the next round. We are preparing and planning one game at a time and the team is confident that we can get the required results.”

“It was very important for us to win the game against Bengaluru Bulls in terms of playoff qualification. We will try to pick up the maximum points in the coming games so that we can make the playoffs,” the coach added.

Nitesh Kumar, who scored 7 points in defence, said, “The coach told us that we have to play a solid unit in defence, and we were doing that in the initial games in the season also. We had complete clarity in terms of the fact that we will go all out from the beginning and try to execute our plans properly.”

Nitesh also spoke about the impact of having a legend like Fazel Atrachali on the team. He said, “Fazel is an absolute top player and the intensity he brings to the mat is something to learn from. I also try to replicate that on the mat. As a senior player, he is always helping us with tips if we make mistakes in the game. His experience and the inputs are very valuable for me, and the young players.”

–IANS

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BGT 2024-25: Enjoying the experience of working on a game plan against Bumrah, says McSweeney

Brisbane, Dec 11 (IANS) Australia opener Nathan McSweeney said he is enjoying the experience of working on countering India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and is hoping for him to play in the third game at Brisbane.

Bumrah trapped McSweeney lbw for 10 and 0 in Perth, in what was the opener’s debut Test. But McSweeney responded back by making 39 in Australia’s first innings in Adelaide under lights before being dismissed by Bumrah on day two’s first session.

But by then, McSweeney had shared a 67-run stand for the second wicket with Marnus Labuschagne that set up Australia’s series-levelling ten-wicket win at the Adelaide Oval, which also saw Bumrah suffering an injury scare after suffering pain in his left adductor muscle.

“If you want to win you want to do it with the best guys. Hopefully he is charging in and hopefully we can play really well. Facing him for the first time, he is a unique bowler and obviously world class. He is a little bit different to most bowlers I have faced so it is about adapting to his angle and where he delivers on the crease.”

“I got two pretty good balls from him (in Perth) so you’ve got to wear that on the chin and trust what you have been doing is good enough. He got me again in Adelaide. I am really enjoying the experience of trying to work out a game plan on the run against a world class bowler.”

“Hopefully I will get better the more I face him and hopefully throw a few more punches here at the Gabba. To get a bowler like Jasprit early on in my career, it is not going to get much tougher than that. It is awesome fun. It is challenging no doubt but it is nice to get a little confidence from Adelaide and hopefully continue through the series,” said McSweeny to reporters on Wednesday.

Australia playing third Test against India at the Gabba, starting on December 14, also brings McSweeney, 25, back in Queensland, where he began his cricket career, before moving on to South Australia. The right-handed batter said batting on the Gabba pitch, known for its true bounce, will help him show his array of shots.

“I know I can withstand a bit of pressure and hopefully I can get a big score here in Brisbane. You never really know if you are up to it until you spend some time in the middle and get a bit of confidence,” he concluded.

–IANS

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Australia name 15-player squad for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Melbourne, Dec 11 (IANS) Cricket Australia on Wednesday named a 15-player squad for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in to be held in Malaysia early next year.

Fifteen-year-old Caoimhe Bray has been named for her first World Cup squad following stand-out performances for Australia against New Zealand and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Bray was the youngest member of the Australian Under-19 squad for September’s tri-series in Brisbane, scoring 84 (76) and taking 4-20 during a 119-run victory over New Zealand at Ian Healy Oval.

Chloe Ainsworth, Maggie Clark, Lucy Hamilton, Eleanor Larosa and Kate Pelle have all been selected for their second ICC Under 19 World Cups, having all been part of Australia’s previous T20 campaign in South Africa in 2023.

Fourteen of the 15 players selected have senior domestic experience, having played matches in the Weber WBBL, WNCL or T20 Spring Challenge competitions.

Also in the squad is 16-year-old Tegan Williamson, who will tour as an underage player and will still be eligible for selection in the 2027 tournament.

The squad was finalised following the Under 19 National Championships in Perth this week.

The ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be held in Malaysia across January and February, with Australia placed in Group D alongside Bangladesh, Scotland and Nepal.

All of Australia’s group games will be played at UKM YSD Oval on the southern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur starting from January 18, with the Super Six stage and finals to follow.

Cricket Australia’s National Development Lead Kristen Beams will coach the Australia Under 19 squad. A captain will be announced ahead of the World Cup.

Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, said:

“It’s been wonderful to see the amount of talent on display at this year’s Under 19 Female National Championships. We’ve seen some fantastic individual performances, and I’d like to congratulate NSW Metro on their win.

“We’re excited by the level of talent in the World Cup squad, which includes many players who have experience in senior domestic cricket environments.

“The Under-19 World Cup provides players with an exceptional development opportunity, and we look forward to watching the team play in Malaysia.

“The National Youth Selection Panel worked closely with State Talent Managers to select the World Cup Squad, with consideration is given to performances across a variety of competitions, including the T20 Spring Challenge, WNCL, Weber WBBL, International U19 series as well as the National Championships.

“Inevitably, there were difficult selection decisions, but we will continue to support and monitor the development of all players in our pathway systems.”

Australia Under 19 T20 World Cup squad:

Chloe Ainsworth, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Caoimhe Bray, Ella Briscoe, Maggie Clark, Hasrat Gill, Lucy Hamilton, Amy Hunter, Sara Kennedy , Eleanor Larosa, Grace Lyons, Ines McKeon, Juliette Morton, Kate Pelle, Tegan Williamson.

–IANS

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Malaria cases, deaths in India decline by 69pc between 2017-2023: WHO

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) India has seen significant progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality rates, according to the latest World Malaria report, from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.

The report showed that the number of estimated malaria cases in India decreased to 2 million cases in 2023 from 6.4 million in 2017 (69 per cent decrease).

Similarly, the estimated malaria deaths decreased to 3,500 from 11,100 (68 per cent decrease) during the same period.

As a result, “India exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group officially in 2024”, the WHO said.

The HBHI approach is a targeted malaria response that is used in several countries to accelerate the pace of malaria elimination in countries with high malaria burden. India joined the HBHI initiative in July 2019.

The HBHI initiative was launched in four states in India: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Further, the report showed that in 2023, India accounted for half of all estimated malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region, followed by Indonesia, which accounted for just under one-third.

The Region had eight malaria endemic countries in 2023 — accounting for 4 million cases and contributing 1.5 per cent of the burden of malaria cases globally.

Just over 48 per cent of all estimated cases in the region were due to P. vivax.

However, from 2000 to 2023, malaria cases reduced by 82.4 per cent, from 22.8 million in 2000, and incidence reduced by 87.0 per cent, from 17.7 to 2.3 per 1000 population at risk, the report said

“The decrease can mainly be accounted for by a decrease in India of 17.7 million estimated cases and a decrease in incidence by 93 per cent, from 20 to 1.5 per 1000 population at risk,” the WHO reported.

At the same time, India and Indonesia accounted for about 88 per cent of all estimated malaria deaths in this region in 2023.

Notably, Bhutan and Timor-Leste, from the Region, reported zero malaria deaths since 2013 and 2015, respectively, while Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free in 2016.

“The progress follows the highest ever political commitment by Member countries, matched by tangible actions and unstinted efforts over the years down to the sub-national level,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia.

“However, accelerated efforts against malaria must continue, to eliminate the disease in countries where malaria persists, and to sustain the progress in countries where the disease is on the decline or has been eliminated,” she added.

Globally, the WHO data reveals that an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region.

In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide — representing about 11 million more cases in 2023 compared to 2022, and nearly the same number of deaths.

“An expanded package of lifesaving tools now offers better protection against the disease, but stepped-up investments and action in high-burden countries are needed to curb the threat,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

–IANS

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‘Karate Girls’ trailer promises a thrilling round of clashes, loyalty and pursuit of identity

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) The trailer of the upcoming streaming series ‘Karate Girls’ has been unveiled, and it showcases rivalry commencing between two girls, Komal and Abha who navigate love, loyalty, and identity through karate.

The show is set against the backdrop of Nashik, a town roughly 4 hours away from India’s financial capital, Mumbai.

Komal and Abha clash when Komal is forced to join Abha’s father’s Karate training academy – Navodaya, but soon realise that despite their clashing personalities, they must unite for a greater purpose.

The Nashik Karate Federation Tournament acts as a catalyst to the story as tension escalates between the two girls as they encounter unlikely situations having to fight against each other.

Manav Gohil, who portrays the role of Ajay Sensei in this series, said, “Being part of ‘Karate Girls’ has been a transformative experience for me as I got to revisit the art of Karate! Being trained in Muay Thai and Karate, I was excited from the word go and with this being my first title with Amazon MX Player, made this a really fun experience”.

He added, “My character Ajay Sensei leans towards discipline to bring about a change in society. Viewers will enjoy the twists and turns that the show has to offer as the gripping narrative keeps them engaged”.

The show is created by Dice Media and also stars Ashlesha Thakur, Celesti Bairagey, Meiyang Chang, Chirag Katrecha and Rohan Joshi.

Meiyang Chang said, “Being a part of ‘Karate Girls’ has been an enriching experience. It is rare to come across such stories that, against the backdrop of a relatively niche but exciting sport, delve deep into the emotions & relationships that make us human: love, envy, rebellion, friendship. JD is the menacing dark cloud of the series, a shrewd and manipulative man who won’t take no for an answer. I’m certain fans will love him & the series”.

Ashlesha Thakur, who portrays the character of Komal in the series, said, “It was a challenging experience to prepare for my character Komal, as I had to undergo a lot of physical training. Towards the end of it, my scope as an actor definitely expanded and I am grateful for the experience. Komal’s character embodies courage and determination, inspiring self-belief and resilience. Her journey showcases the transformative power of friendship and perseverance. I’m honoured to be part of this series”.

‘Karate Girls’ is set to drop on December 13 on Amazon MX Player.

–IANS

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Mohanlal welcomes Akshay Kumar at ‘Barroz’ trailer launch with a warm hug

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Superstar Mohanlal was joined by the “Khiladi” of Bollywood for the trailer launch of “Barroz”, which marks the debut directorial of the Malayalam star.

Mohanlal welcomed Akshay at the launch event in Mumbai city. The Bollywood hero was welcomed with a warm bear hug by Mohanlal. The two later posed for the camera and shared a fun chat.

The Bollywood star looked dapper in a white shirt paired with khakee shaded pants and sunglasses. While Mohanlal looked every-inch handsome dressed in a rust hued blazer paired with a white shirt and dark blue pants.

Barroz is set to release worldwide in 3D and multiple formats on December 25.

“Barroz” is a children’s fantasy based on his novel Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure. The film also stars Maya, Cesar Lorente Raton, Kallirroi Tziafeta, Tuhin Menon, and Guru Somasundaram in other significant roles.

Production on the film Barroz began in March 2021 and the unit was shot in Kochi, Gao, Bangkok and Chennai, among other places.

Talking about Akshay, he revealed on December 10 that he is excited to be on set with his favourite director Priyadarshan as he started shooting for his next “Bhooth Bangla”, which he revealed is set to hit the screens on April 2, 2026.

Akshay took to his Instagram, where he shared a new poster of the film and captioned it: “Beyond excited to be on set with my favourite @priyadarshan.official as we begin the shoot of our horror comedy #BhoothBangla today.”

“Yeh darr aur hasi ka double dose aapke liye ready hoga 2nd April, 2026 ko! Tab tak ke liye aapke best wishes chahiye,” he added.

Along with Akshay, actors Paresh Rawal, Asrani and Rajpal Yadav will be seen in the upcoming horror comedy “Bhooth Bangla” by filmmaker Priyadarshan.

The film is set to begin production in early 2025, with a theatrical release planned by the end of the year. The casting process is still ongoing, with three female lead roles yet to be filled.

Akshay has previously worked with Paresh in films such as “Hera Pheri”, “Phir Hera Pheri” and “Garam Masala”. The “Khiladi” star shared screen space with Rajpal in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” and “Bhagam Bhag”. Asrani and the “Khel Khel Mein” actor worked together in “Khatta Meetha”.

On his 57th birthday on September 9, Akshay announced that he is joining forces with director Priyadarshan once again after 14 years for the film.

Akshay took to X, formerly called Twitter, where he shared the motion poster of the film. In the image, Akshay could be seen holding a bowl filled with a black cat standing on his shoulder.

“Thank you for your love on my birthday, year after year! Celebrating this year with the first look of ‘Bhooth Bangla’! I’m beyond excited to join forces with Priyadarshan again after 14 years,” wrote the actor, who last worked with the filmmaker in 2010 in the film “Khatta Meetha”.

“This dream collaboration has been a long time coming… can’t wait to share this incredible journey with you all. Stay tuned for the magic!”

Akshay and Priyadarshan have given several blockbusters together including “Hera Pheri”, “De Dana Dan”, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, “Garam Masala” and “Khatta Meetha” to name a few.

–IANS

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B’luru man kills self over Rs 3 cr divorce settlement demand; body for harassed men to move SC

Bengaluru, Dec 11 (IANS) Following the death of an automobile company executive from Uttar Pradesh in Bengaluru allegedly over the demand of Rs 3 crore for a divorce settlement and allegations against the sitting judge, the Ekam Nyay Foundation, fighting for the rights of men, is preparing to approach the Supreme Court.

Atul Subhash, 34, ended his life in his apartment in Marathahalli police station limits in the wee hours of Tuesday, leaving behind a 90-minute video and a 40-page-long death note, explaining how the harassment by his wife Nikita Singhania and her family was compelling him to end his life.

The development has sparked outrage and debate across the country about rights of men and how the law views them in cases of divorce and child custody.

Deepika Narayan Bharadwaj, the founder of the Ekam Nyay Foundation, speaking to IANS on Wednesday stated, considering the serious allegations against the judiciary and the sitting judge over alleged demand of bribes, the organisation will approach the Supreme Court.

“We will make a submission in this regard to the Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court,” she stated.

This isn’t just a Bengaluru story but a story of every married man facing false accusations and exorbitant alimony demands in India.

The 90-minute video details what a person is subjected to if he doesn’t pay despite having every evidence to prove innocence.

“Succour is needed for people who are killing themselves due to biased laws,” Deepika stated.

Bikas Kumar, the brother of the deceased Atul, stated, “The family of Atul’s wife was demanding Rs 3 crore for a settlement. The unreasonable demand of Rs 3 crore was acute mental harassment.”

“The wife made demands for money in front of the judge and told Atul that if he was not able to give the money, why doesn’t he end his life? The judge was laughing in the court over this statement. Is this not torture? Is this not mental harassment?”, Bikas Kumar asked.

“My brother has sacrificed his life. He had written everywhere “Justice is Due”. I want justice at any cost. My brother had sent email messages to the President of India, the Supreme Court of India. I expect them to change the law so that men will get some rights,” he demanded.

“Not all men are culprits. Let them also get some legal immunity to present their case and prove that they are right,” Bikas stated.

Commenting on his brother’s suicide, he said, “We didn’t know that he would do something like this. When I spoke to him, he did not give any clue about what he was up to. He also did not give hints to our parents. I spoke to him last Sunday and everything was normal. Later he also spoke to parents and it was fine. That was his last call.”

“On Monday at 2 A.M., he sent a message but I was asleep. Later, on Tuesday I got a call from an unknown number asking me about the death note. When I checked my phone, I saw messages on my mobile,” he recounted.

In his video, Atul Subhash, had stated that he got married in 2019 and his wife allegedly demanded Rs 3 crore alimony after they filed for divorce.

She allegedly didn’t let him even see the face of his child after she filed for divorce. He stated in the video that the Family Court Judge demanded Rs 5 lakh to settle the case.

Atul stated that his father-in-law died of a disease soon after his marriage but his wife got an FIR registered under sections of murder against his family claiming he died of shock because of a demand for dowry.

Atul said in the video that he faced extreme harassment as he had to attend 120 case dates in the last two years.

The Family Court judge passed an order of Rs 40,000 per month maintenance for a 2-year-old child, he stated.

Atul said that when he was married, he used to do household chores, got his wife a job in a reputed MNC, helped his brother-in-law financially, and spent lakhs on the birth of his child.

Atul stressed in the video that, “I refuse to pay and I choose death because I don’t want my money to be used against me by my opponents to torture me and my family. I don’t want my wife and her family to come anywhere near my dead body.” Meanwhile, Marathalli police have registered an FIR against deceased Atul’s wife and three other family members on charges of abetment to suicide under Sections 108, 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The complaint in this regard was filed by Atul’s brother Bikas Kumar.

–IANS

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South Korean ex-Defence Minister attempts suicide at detention facility

Seoul, Dec 11 (IANS) South Korean former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted to take his own life while being held at a detention facility on charges of insurrection, but he is currently in stable condition, the justice ministry said on Wednesday.

Kim was found trying to hang himself with a rope made from tying together innerwear inside a bathroom at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Centre in eastern Seoul at 11:52 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly before a court issued a warrant to arrest him, Yonhap news agency reported quoting the ministry.

“There was an immediate dispatch to restrain him,” the ministry said. “The medical team’s treatment showed he was in stable condition with no abnormalities, and he is currently being held under normal conditions.”

Kim was placed under formal arrest early Wednesday on charges of helping President Yoon Suk Yeol stage an insurrection through his short-lived imposition of martial law last week.

Prosecutors suspect the then-defence minister proposed the declaration of martial law to Yoon and ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly compound and the National Election Commission headquarters.

By law, those who participate in plotting an insurrection are punishable by death, life imprisonment or a prison term of at least five years.

Shin Yong-hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, told a parliamentary legislation committee meeting that Kim is being held in a protective cell following the attempt on his own life.

Rep. Jung Chung-rai of the main opposition Democratic Party, who chairs the committee, suggested the former defence minister may have taken the extreme measure after feeling “wronged” that the prosecution was targeting him, not Yoon, over the alleged insurrection.

Justice Minister Park Sung-jae dismissed the notion

“I don’t think so,” he said during the meeting. “I don’t have a basis for this, but someone who tried to commit suicide likely had various reasons, and there is no way for me to know.”

Kim was brought in for further questioning by prosecutors at the detention centre later Wednesday.

–IANS

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South Korea’s ex-Defence Minister attempts suicide at detention facility

Seoul, Dec 11 (IANS) South Korea’s former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted to take his own life while being held at a detention facility on charges of insurrection, but he is currently in stable condition, the justice ministry said on Wednesday.

Kim was found trying to hang himself with a rope made from tying together innerwear inside a bathroom at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Centre in eastern Seoul at 11:52 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly before a court issued a warrant to arrest him, Yonhap news agency reported quoting the ministry.

“There was an immediate dispatch to restrain him,” the ministry said. “The medical team’s treatment showed he was in stable condition with no abnormalities, and he is currently being held under normal conditions.”

Kim was placed under formal arrest early Wednesday on charges of helping President Yoon Suk Yeol stage an insurrection through his short-lived imposition of martial law last week.

Prosecutors suspect the then-defence minister proposed the declaration of martial law to Yoon and ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly compound and the National Election Commission headquarters.

By law, those who participate in plotting an insurrection are punishable by death, life imprisonment or a prison term of at least five years.

Shin Yong-hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, told a parliamentary legislation committee meeting that Kim is being held in a protective cell following the attempt on his own life.

Rep. Jung Chung-rai of the main opposition Democratic Party, who chairs the committee, suggested the former defence minister may have taken the extreme measure after feeling “wronged” that the prosecution was targeting him, not Yoon, over the alleged insurrection.

Justice Minister Park Sung-jae dismissed the notion

“I don’t think so,” he said during the meeting. “I don’t have a basis for this, but someone who tried to commit suicide likely had various reasons, and there is no way for me to know.”

Kim was brought in for further questioning by prosecutors at the detention centre later Wednesday.

–IANS

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HPCL inks pact with Sea6 Energy to convert seaweed biomass into fuels

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Government-owned oil major HPCL and Sea6 Energy Private Limited have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for R&D collaboration to take up joint development and commercialisation of technologies for valorising seaweed biomass, according to a company statement issued on Wednesday.

Under this MoU, HPCL will develop and scale up technologies jointly with Sea6 Energy for the conversion of seaweed biomass into fuels and chemicals. While these technologies are being developed and piloted, Sea6 Energy will also work on the upstream portion of making seaweed farming and harvesting more cost-effective.

Seaweeds provide an attractive alternative to traditional biomass as far as biofuel production is concerned because it doesn’t compete with food security, does not require fertilisers or irrigation, and can be practised in areas unsuitable for traditional agriculture such as coastlines. Moreover, seaweeds grow much faster than terrestrial crops, with some species capable of doubling their biomass in just a few days and they are an excellent option for carbon capture for meeting India’s net-zero commitments by 2070.

HPCL has set up its state-of-the-art HP Green R&D Centre in Bengaluru and is carrying out research in various areas related to petroleum refining, development of novel catalysts & additives, biofuels, alternate energy, nanotechnology, etc. and has developed patented technologies and products for various applications.

Sea6 Energy Private Limited headquartered in Bengaluru, was founded in 2010 to develop innovative solutions for key global problems. Over the last decade, it has become a pioneer of innovative technologies for sustainable, large-scale and mechanised farming of seaweeds and the conversion of this biomass to novel products.

“HPCL and Sea6 Energy Private Limited, recognising the similarity of their interests, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for R&D collaboration in areas of mutual interest on 9th December 2024, particularly on joint development and commercialization of technologies for valorizing seaweed biomass,” HPCL said in a statement.

This strategic collaboration also marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in cutting-edge technology, aligning with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, National Biofuel Policy and the greater objective of energy security, the statement added.

–IANS

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