Month: September 2023

ISL 2023: Jamshedpur gears up for the Kerala Blasters FC amidst the sea of yellow

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Kerala Blasters FC will look to build on the win from its opening match of the season as the team will host Jamshedpur FC at its home ground of Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. The Blasters registered a 2-1 win over Bengaluru to get its season underway in a sublime fashion. While Kerala is on a high after the win, Jamshedpur will be eyeing its first win after it managed a goal-less draw in an away game against East Bengal in its first outing of the season.

What’s at stake?

Kerala Blasters FC

After finishing outside the top four in the previous season and thus missing a play-off berth, Kerala Blasters will be happy with the start of the new season. Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic wants to bring the best out of the young Indian players. Ahead of the start of the new season, Vukomanovic backed the club’s decision to bring in India forward Ishan Pandita. Vukomanovic was upright in saying that foreign forwards are preferred over Indian players as the ISL coaches search for positive results. Expect Vukomanovic’s philosophy to be extended to other areas of the pitch and more homegrown players to flourish in the iconic Yellow jersey this season.

Jamshedpur FC

The 2022-23 season was a challenging one for Jamshedpur FC as it finished second from the bottom with only 19 points from 20 league games. But the outcome of its season opener has satisfied the Interim Head coach Scott Cooper. Drawing a point against East Bengal and keeping a clean sheet gave Cooper enough reasons to be content. Another point from this fixture before the team returns to its den would give Cooper enough reasons to build momentum for this season and bury the memories of last campaign.

Key Players

Sachin Suresh (Kerala Blasters)

Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh had a good outing against Bengaluru FC as he made four saves and was involved in one clearance. He will play a key role as the team looks for its first clean sheet of the season.

Elsinho (Jamshedpur FC)

Elshinho was one of the main reasons why Jamshedpur was able to keep a clean sheet against East Bengal. The Brazilian defender made 11 clearances in the contest and was rightly adjudged Player of the Match. With another away game on the horizon, Elshinho’s defensive work will be crucial for the team.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 14

Kerala Blasters wins: 4

Jamshedpur FC wins: 3

Draws: 7

Trivia: In terms of scoring goals against each other, these two teams are dead even. In their 14 faceoffs they each side has netted 18 goals against the other.

Team Talk

Jamshedpur FC Interim Head Coach Scott Cooper had an interesting take on rain having its effect on the match. “Rain is a factor in games. It can make the pitch wet. It can stop the ball. So, we have to take a look at the field to make sure that it is playable. It is a bit of a concern. It has been raining non-stop since we got here. There are 90% chance of rain during the match. I would like it to be a football game, not water polo. I know the best fields in the world can’t handle this much rain. Rain is going to have an effect unless we have a roof. Let us just hope that the ball can bounce 3 or 4 times and roll 10 meters because that is what it should do. If we are going to play football.”, Cooper said ahead of the match.

Frank Dauwen, Kerala Blaster’s Assistant Coach had a slightly different take on rain. He also spoke highly about the team’s goalkeeper Sachin Suresh “This week there was a lot of rain in Kochi. The pitch was okay. Sometimes we had to stop for 5 to 10 minutes. But it is part of the job. We did good training. I think it is no problem for us. We trained well and that is most important. I think the pitch is good. I think it can rain. I think there is no problem for us. Sachin (goalkeeper) did a good job. It was his first ISL game. I think the team performed well”, Dauwen said before the match.

Where to Watch

Viacom18 is the new home of Indian football and the match between Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur FC will kick off at prime time of 8 PM on October 1, 2023. Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam.

Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 SD & HD (English), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), DD Bangla & Colors Bangla Cinema (Bengali).

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Multiplicity of curricula desirable: CBSE tells Delhi HC on PIL for common syllabus in schools

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The multiplicity of curricula and resources in addition to a “core element” is desirable as a uniform board or syllabus across the country does not take into account the local culture, context and language, the CBSE has told the Delhi High Court.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) states this in response to a public interest litigation by lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking a common syllabus and curriculum in all schools.

In a counter affidavit filed in the matter, the CBSE sought dismissal of the petition and said there is a national framework that provides flexibility for emphasis on local resources and ethos so that a child can better relate to the curriculum and education.

Education being in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, it is for the respective state governments to frame syllabus, curriculum and conduct examinations for their schools, the reply said.

“Uniform Board/Syllabus across India does not take into account the local context, culture and language. There is a national framework with flexibility for the emphasis on local resources, culture and ethos.

“A child can better relate to a curriculum that is more closely related to his/ her life outside the school. Therefore, the multiplicity of curricula and other educational resources is desirable in addition to a core common element,” the counter affidavit said.

In the response, the CBSE explained that a national curriculum framework developed by the NCERT as per the mandate of the National Policy on Education (NEP) sets the guidelines and direction for the development of syllabi and textbooks at all the school stages.

State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and State Education Boards either adopt or adapt NCERT’s model syllabi and textbooks or develop their own syllabi and textbooks based on the framework, it added.

“NCERT prepares model syllabus and textbooks for school education, which is in the concurrent list. Therefore, states and UTs have the freedom to either adopt or adapt NCERT textbooks,” the response said.

The CBSE, the response said, adopts NCERT’s syllabi and prescribes NCERT textbooks for schools affiliated to it.

The reply further informed that as per NEP, the formulation of a new and comprehensive National Curricular Framework of Schools Education or NCFSE 2020-21 would be undertaken by NCERT based on the principles of policy and frontline curriculum needs.

Also, discussions will be held with all stakeholders including state governments, ministries, relevant departments of the central government and other expert bodies.

The NCFSE would be made available in all regional languages. It shall be revisited and updated once every 5-10 years, taking into account the frontline curriculum, it stated.

“NCERT develops a National Curriculum Framework based on the recommendations given by the National Policy on Education. It also develops model syllabi and textbooks on school subjects across different stages of schooling keeping in view the core concerns like inclusive education, gender concerns, value education etc.,” the affidavit said.

“It is most respectfully prayed that this Hon’ble Court may graciously be pleased to dismiss the present writ petition of the petitioner as the same is devoid of merits, in the interest of justice,” it stated.

In the petition, the petitioner claimed that the different syllabus and curriculum by CBSE, ICSE and State Board are contrary to Articles 14, 15, 16, 21, and 21A of the Constitution of India and that the Right to Education implies the Right to Equal Education.

“Syllabus and curriculum is common for all entrance examinations viz. JEE, BITSAT, NEET, MAT, NET, NDA, CU-CET, CLAT, AILET, SET, KVPY, NEST, PO, SCRA, NIFT, AIEED, NATA, CEPT etc.

“But, the syllabus and curriculum of CBSE, ICSE and State Board is totally different. Thus, students don’t get equal opportunity in the spirit of Articles 14-16,” the petition has said.

The petition contended that a common syllabus and curriculum in the mother tongue will not only achieve the code of a common culture, remove disparity and discriminatory values but also enhance virtues and improve quality of life, elevate thoughts that advance the constitutional goal of an equal society.

The petitioner has alleged that the “school mafias don’t want One Nation-One Education Board, coaching mafias don’t want One Nation-One Syllabus and book mafias don’t want NCERT books in all schools”.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

‘Introducing Blaze and Tonk’; ICC unveils names of World Cup mascots

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The International Cricket Council announced the names of the ICC World Cup mascots after fans voted for – ‘Blaze’ and ‘Tonk’. The mascots were unveiled in August and ICC had requested fans across the globe to vote for the names.

The two mascots will be seen in action during the Cricket World Cup in India, starting October 5 with a heavyweight clash between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

The female mascot will be called ‘Blaze’, stated the ICC press release, “will be bowling at a rapid pace, leaving batters in sheer awe. She is a fast-bowling sensation due to her pinpoint accuracy, unmatched reflexes, boundless flexibility, and unwavering determination. She is adorned with a belt carrying six power cricket orbs, each meticulously prepared for various game-changing tactics.”

Introducing BLAZE & TONK! 📢 👫 🏏

You spoke, we listened, the ICC mascots are named and ready to engage and entertain young fans starting with the #CWC23 🤩

More 👉 https://t.co/inSvWrrw21 pic.twitter.com/J640DFUwqF

— ICC (@ICC) September 30, 2023

The two mascots will be seen in World Cup matches around all the venues, engaging and interacting with fans in attendance and adding to the excitement of the showpiece event. The duo was unveiled back in August and fans from around the globe were asked to help name them, with Blaze and Tonk emerging as the winners, said ICC.

“Tonk is a male mascot, with icy-cool composure, making him a batting champion. His range of shots sizzle and leave the crowds electrified, with finesse and power on display in equal measure. Tonk has an electromagnetic bat and versatile shot repertoire, lighting up the grandest stage,” the release added.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Kane Williamson scores a half-century post-knee injury against Pakistan in the warm-up match

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Kane Williamson scores a half-century against Pakistan in New Zealand’s first warm-up match of the ICC World Cup post-knee injury. Seeing Williamson nearing full fitness on the ground, must have strengthened NZ’s confidence for the upcoming World Cup.

He mentioned knee icing post-match would be helpful for his recovery. “The knee a little bit of icing afterwards but it’s all part of the process. Yeah, it wasn’t a reality certainly five months ago and been quite fortunate with some of that recovery and to be named in the squad is really exciting for me and just really looking forward to getting out there again. It was nice to do that today,” he added.

Due to his recent surgery, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will not be available for New Zealand’s first game of the ICC World Cup 2023, which will be played against England. “Just great to get through some batting out in the middle and be part of a match, which was really nice and it (knee) held up pretty well,” Williamson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Kane had to undergo surgery after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament during the IPL earlier this year. Coach Gary Stead said the priority was ensuring Williamson had time to progress his return to match fitness. “Right from the start, we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play,” said Coach Gary Stead.

“It was largely pretty good, which was pleasing. Nice to sort of build on that. It was a fantastic hit-out obviously. Pakistan are an outstanding side. I mean both teams were trying to get what they wanted out of it, in terms of bowlers getting overs they needed and time in the legs. So, it’s an exercise, but also nice to compete and do all those things,” Williamson said.

Senior pacer Tim Southee, who is recovering from surgery on his fractured thumb, will depart for India on Saturday. He is expected to be available for the World Cup opener against defending champions England.

“As a bowling unit and batting unit, plenty to take away from it. There are always things to work on and it was a great batting performance today. It was a really good surface and it’s nice that we were able to put together partnerships and get time in the middle,” he added.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow’s shares frustration on 38 hour long travel for the ICC World Cup

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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England wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow and his team traveled to Guwahati for their first warm-up match against India ahead of the ICC World Cup. The English players travelled to India and the journey was not smooth according to Bairstow’s Instagram story.

The wicketkeeper batter posted a picture of the ‘chaotic’ exit after the flight landed and it was already 38 hours of them traveling. India and England’s first warm-up match was called off due to persistent rain on Saturday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. It began raining a little before the start of the match on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in the toss being delayed but later in the evening the umpires decided to abandon the contest, a little before 6 pm local time owing to inclement weather.

All 10 teams will get to play two warm-up matches each before the group stage of the 50-over World Cup which gets underway in Ahmedabad on October 5. England will face New Zealand in the World Cup opener. England, who arrived in India a day before their first warm-up match, will remain in Guwahati to play their second and final warm-up game against Bangladesh on October 2.

On the other hand, India, who traveled all the way to Guwahati on Thursday after completing a 2-1 series win over Australia, will now fly to Thiruvananthapuram for their second warm-up match against the Netherlands on October 3. The warm-up matches began on Friday with Sri Lanka suffering a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Bangladesh here, while New Zealand defeated Pakistan in a high-scoring contest in Hyderabad. The warm-up matches are being played at three venues Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad.

(With PTI inputs)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Registration of properties in Mumbai surge in festive season: Knight Frank

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Mumbai city (area under BMC jurisdiction) experienced a surge of 12,602 units in property registrations between Navratri and Bhai Dooj, spanning October 15 to November 15, 2023, resulting in a 30.0% year-on-year (YoY) growth, according to Knight Frank India. This marked an increase from the 9,659 units registered during the same period last year.

In September, registration of properties in the Mumbai municipal area rose 23% year-on-year to around 10,600 units — the highest in 10 years — on better housing demand, according to Knight Frank India.

Data pertains to both primary and secondary property markets.

The registration process was slow in September because of the start of ‘shradh’ period.

As many as 8,628 units were registered during September last year. In August, 10,902 units were registered.

Registration of properties is expected to contribute ₹1,127 crore to the state government’s revenues.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, ” … for the first nine months of 2023, we have observed a monthly average of 10,420 property transactions. The growing prominence of properties valued at Rs 1 crore and above indicates a shift in preference towards more spacious and upscale accommodations, mirroring the upward trajectory of property prices.” Amit Goyal, MD, India Sotheby’s International Realty, said Mumbai’s luxury housing market has been steadily rising for the last three years.

“This signifies that real estate has made a meaningful come-back into the ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNIs) portfolios,” Goyal said, and expected sales momentum to continue, especially in the luxury homes segment.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

October 2 extended weekend sparks surge in flight searches and hotel bookings

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The October 2 holiday on account of Gandhi Jayanti falling on a Monday has given another extended weekend opportunity to travellers, resulting in a more than 40 percent spike in flight searches.

Majority of the travellers are planning a four-five days long family holiday, noted Aloke Bajpai, Co-founder & Group CEO, ixigo, an online travel platform.

“We have seen a 44 percent week-on-week increase in flight searches for the Gandhi Jayanti long weekend. The strong demand around this weekend is an indicator of growth in travel in the coming festive months of October and November,” he added.

In addition to the World Cup, the long weekends and festivals in October, such as Gandhi Jayanti and Durga Puja, are further contributing to the rise in travel, said Rikant Pittie, Co-founder, EaseMyTrip.

He added that after the Gandhi Jayanti long weekend, Durga Puja and Dussehra is another long weekend which is attracting more travel with twice as many flight searches for Kolkata this year. “Visitors are predominantly coming from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Assam, and Orissa,” he added.

Pittie said that the October 2 long weekend has seen increased travel from Delhi to popular destinations like Mumbai, Goa, Rajasthan, and Himachal. “Travel searches during Gandhi Jayanti have significantly increased for routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Himachal, Delhi-Goa, and Delhi-Rajasthan,” he said.

Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi , Pune, Coorg, Dubai , Singapore and Maldives are some of the popular destination picks for the upcoming weekend, said Bajpai.

“We’re witnessing a 15 percent boost in spiritual retreats like Tirupathi, Varanasi, Puri, Mathura, and more. There’s a clear shift away from bustling cities towards the charm of smaller towns,” said Sripad Vaidya, Co-founder, Confirmtkt, a travel ticket search engine.

Beach destinations are also in high traction among travellers. “Beach enthusiasts are flocking to Pondicherry, Goa, Kanyakumari, and Calicut post monsoon, with a surge in bookings approximately twice as high when compared to the previous month, said Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, an online bus booking service.

He added that with Himachal opened for tourism again, Shimla and Manali are experiencing a two-fold to three-fold increase in advance bookings compared to the previous month.

Hotel demand

Hotels are also recording a surge in room bookings for the October 2 long weekend.

“For the upcoming long weekend, we have seen an uptrend in the demand for leisure and tourist destinations such as Goa, Jaipur, Bangalore, Chennai, Kerala, and Agra. These destinations have recorded average occupancy rates of 80 – 90 percent. This is an increase of 15 percent from last year. The RevPar (revenue per available room) during this holiday period has grown by 30 percent at leisure destinations, while city hotels display a stagnant demand, said Sudeep Jain, MD, SWA, IHG Hotels and Resorts.

He said that there is a significant surge in bookings as compared to FY23.

Pan-India premium hotel occupancy is expected to be at 70-72 percent in FY24, as compared to 68-70 percent in FY23, according to brokerage firm ICRA. It estimates premium hotel average room rates (ARRs) to be in the range of Rs 6,000-6,200 in FY24.

“The demand recovery has been strong in the last year, and we anticipate it to continue in FY24 as well. Sustenance of domestic leisure travel, higher bookings from meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), and business travel, along with an increase in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), would support demand,” the brokerage firm said.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Dell considers reinvestment in Bengaluru R&D centre to boost presence

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Tech giant Dell announced on Saturday that it is exploring fresh investments in its Bengaluru Research and Development (R&D) facility to bolster its presence in Karnataka.

Dell already operates a significant R&D centre in Bengaluru, with 14 of its 25 global manufacturing facilities dedicated to R&D efforts. On Friday, top Dell executives met with Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure, M. B. Patil.

“The company also sought support from the Karnataka government to overcome import restrictions on Special Economic Zone (SEZ) operations, which would enhance cost sustainability for Dell’s expansion in India. Dell also put forth its requirements with respect to ESDM ecosystem players and suppliers in the state,” Dell said in a statement.

The delegation is also said to have met Global Foundries (GF), a semiconductor manufacturing company, interested in expanding its Bengaluru workforce by 200 skilled workers. Minister Patil promised government support for Dell and assistance to GF in establishing connections with customers and suppliers.

GF, valued at $30 billion, also expressed interest in growing its Aerospace and Defense (A&D) presence in Karnataka, indicating plans for a comprehensive business strategy.

The delegation participated in a Business Roundtable hosted by the US-India Chamber of Commerce and AKKA, organised jointly by TiE Austin and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, uniting around 60 entrepreneurs, VPs, and CEOs to strengthen business ties between Karnataka and the US.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

ICC World Cup 2023 could be Ashwin’s last one for India; take a look at some of his top international records

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ahead of India’s first warm-up match, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke his heart out about playing the last ICC World Cup for India. The veteran spinner was roped into the World Cup squad at the very last moment after Axar Patel failed to recover from his injury.

“Being in a good space and enjoying this tournament will keep me in good stead. This could be my last World Cup for India, so enjoying the tournament is of utmost importance,” Ashwin told Star Sports.

“I would have said that you were joking. Life is full of surprises. Honestly, did not think I would be here. Circumstances have made sure I am here today, the team management has shown trust,” said Ashwin while talking about his inclusion in the Indian squad.

Ashwin has played 10 matches for India in World Cup history with his last appearance coming in 2015. He has bagged 17 wickets in the competition at an average of 24.88 and an economy of 4.36 with his best figures being 4/25.

Here are some of the top international records of R Ashwin: 

Test matches

– 2nd Most Player of the Series awards

– 5th Most ten-wickets-in-a-match

– 1st one to reach the Fastest 350 wickets in a test match

– 8th Outstanding bowling analysis in an innings

– 8th Most wickets taken lbw

– A hundred and five wickets in an innings

Combined Test, ODI and T20I records

– 8th Most Player of the Series awards

– 8th Most five wickets in an innings in a career

– 10th Most wickets taken lbw

Twenty20 Internationals

– 9th Worst economy rate in an innings

Apart from Virat Kohli, Ashwin is the only member of the current Indian side who was also a part of their World Cup-winning campaign in 2011. Ashwin said dealing with pressure would be crucial. “All you can do is turn the ball both ways, and I think I can do it. Dealing with pressure is paramount in these tournaments, and it will dictate how the tournament goes,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow