Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is currently under investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after returning a positive test for recreational drug use, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The development has also led to the collapse of his proposed stint with Surrey in England’s T20 Blast.

Nawaz, who has represented Pakistan in 98 T20 Internationals, was set to join Surrey for the duration of the T20 Blast, scheduled from May 26 to July 18. The PCB had granted him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the tournament just two weeks ago, and the county side was expected to officially announce his signing shortly.

However, those plans have now been put on hold following the positive test result. Surrey have decided not to proceed with the deal, and Nawaz will no longer feature for the club this season. The county declined to comment on the situation.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the matter is being handled in coordination with the International Cricket Council (ICC). “The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about this matter, and PCB has begun the due process. The results of this process will be communicated to the ICC today,” the spokesperson said.

It is understood that the positive test traces back to the ICC T20 World Cup held earlier this year. Nawaz, 32, played all seven matches for Pakistan during the tournament in Sri Lanka, where the team was knocked out in the Super Eight stage. He had a modest outing with the bat, scoring 15 runs, while picking up seven wickets with the ball.

Despite this ongoing issue, Nawaz has continued to feature in domestic cricket and remains part of the Multan Sultans squad in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In their recent match against Rawalpindi in Karachi on Tuesday night, he bowled three overs but went wicketless as his team secured a six-wicket win.

The ICC, meanwhile, has declined to comment on the matter at this stage. The investigation remains ongoing, and further clarity on Nawaz’s situation is expected once the PCB completes its process and shares its findings with the ICC.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said here on Wednesday that continuous electoral defeats may have affected Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s mental balance.

Speaking to media persons here after a cabinet meeting, Fadnavis said, “Continuous defeats must have affected Mallikarjun Kharge’s head. So, he used abusive language against Modi, a patriot who created modern India. This is the same Congress which had called Modi a merchant of death. But, whenever the Congress criticises Modi, the people defeat them in elections. Kharge should withdraw his statement and apologise publicly”.

On Tuesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said at a press conference in Chennai, “How can people who put up Annadurai’s photo go with Modi? He (Modi) is a terrorist. His party does not believe in equality and justice. Going with such people means weakening democracy”.

Kharge’s reference was to the AIADMK putting up Modi’s pictures along with pictures of the late Dravidian movement stalwart and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CN Annadurai.

Meanwhile, BJP Maharashtra state president Ravindra Chavan launched a strong attack against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. “The whole world looks yellow to a jaundiced person. Those whose rule gave free rein to terrorists now see everyone as terrorists even in the new terror-free India. Kharge Saheb, before blaming others, read the history of Congress, which is adorned with ‘love’ for terrorists!” BJP Maharashtra state president Ravindra Chavan on his X handle.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hinted a possible breakthrough in his efforts to revive peace talks with Iran. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said that a “good news” is “possible” in the next 36-72 hours.

According to the Post, renewed mediation efforts with Tehran may see peace talks happening in Islamabad later this week.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that he has directed the US military to continue with its blockade of Iranian ports and remain “ready and able”.

He also confirmed the extension of ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal.

“I have … directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he said in a post to Truth Social.

The development comes amid the co tinued uncertainty over the second round of peace talks between the US and Iran.

Despite the extension of the ceasefire, Iran has been firm on its stand, saying talks with the US will be held only when rational conditions exist.

Ealrier today, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Tehran stands ready to defend itself militarily.

He, however, added that the Islamic Republic was open to the prospect of further talks provided rational conditions exist.

According to the official IRNA news agency, Baghaei said that Iran will negotiate “whenever we conclude that the necessary and rational conditions exist to use this tool to achieve national interests.”

Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, continued to face backlash on Wednesday over his intemperate remarks about women in politics, with several women BJP leaders demanding a public apology from him for what they termed an “objectionable” statement, adding that such comments reflect a “malicious mindset.”

Speaking at a press conference on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill on Monday, Pappu Yadav had remarked, “90 per cent of women cannot succeed in politics without entering the rooms of politicians.”

Former Bihar minister Shreyasi Singh strongly condemned the remarks, saying they not only reflect an individual’s thinking but also reveal his attitude toward women and how he treats them.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office in Patna, she said those who make inappropriate comments about women and consider them justified should publicly apologise, not only to women party workers but to all women across the country.

Expressing anger over the statement, the Jamui MLA questioned the Congress leadership. Referring to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, she asked whether they still support Pappu Yadav. She posed a similar question to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, asking him if he stands with the MP.

She added that BJP and NDA workers are prepared to respond strongly to such remarks, both politically and socially, reiterating that “such statements reflect a malicious mindset.”

Shreyasi Singh further pointed out that Pappu Yadav’s wife is currently a Rajya Sabha member and has previously served in the Lok Sabha. She questioned whether he would make similar remarks if his own daughter were to enter any professional field, adding that women achieve success through struggle and determination.

MLA Maithili Thakur said women attain success in every field through hard work, and irresponsible comments about any profession can deeply hurt not only women but also their families. Terming the remark highly condemnable, she said it insults both women and men. “Women in politics today are hurt by this statement,” she added, urging Pappu Yadav to issue a public apology.

MLA Sangeeta Kumari described the remarks as an attack on women’s dignity, identity, and self-respect. Noting that his wife is herself a Member of Parliament, she said such comments expose his mindset. “This is a land where women are revered. How did he dare to make such a statement?” she asked.

She also demanded a response from Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, reiterating that the BJP stands firmly for women’s dignity and self-respect.

MLC Anamika Singh Patel said the statement refle

Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said that the state government’s ambitious initiative, Haryana Super 100, has once again set a new benchmark in the field of education by delivering exceptional results.

He informed that 16 students associated with the programme secured 99-plus percentile in IIT-JEE Main 2026 (Session-2), bringing pride to the state at the national level. He said this achievement is an inspiration not only for Haryana but also for government schools across the country.

The Minister stated that the Haryana Super 100 programme is being run in collaboration with Vikalpa Foundation Trust, under which meritorious students of government schools are provided high-quality coaching free of cost. The main objective of this initiative is to ensure equal opportunities for students from economically weaker sections to succeed in competitive examinations.

He said that a total of 263 students from Super 100 appeared in the examination this year, out of which 235 students (151 boys and 84 girls) qualified for JEE Advanced, reflecting an impressive success rate of nearly 89 percent. In particular, 16 students securing 99-plus percentile stands as testimony to the quality of the programme and the hard work of the students.

Sharing further details, the Education Minister said that 35 students secured 98-plus percentile, 57 students achieved 97-plus percentile, 85 students scored 95-plus percentile, while 161 students obtained 90-plus percentile. He said these figures represent not only success, but also the dedication of students, commitment of teachers, and the strength of an effective academic system.

Highlighting the role of Mission Buniyad, the Cabinet Minister said that out of the 16 students who secured 99-plus percentile, four students had been associated with this mission. This proves that a strong foundation is the basis of future success.

Congratulating all successful students, teachers and supporting institutions, Dhanda said that Haryana’s model would serve as a guiding example for other states in the country. He expressed confidence that students of the state would continue to excel in national-level competitions and take Haryana to new heights in the future.

In a crucial decision in the interest of farmers in rural areas, the Madhya Pradesh BJP government on Wednesday doubled the multiplication factor for agricultural land acquisition to 2.0, which would enable farmers to receive four times the market rate, instead of the present double, for compensation for acquired agricultural land in rural areas.

The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav at the State Secretariat in Bhopal. The decision would be applicable for agricultural land in rural areas across the state, while the cabinet has kept the compensation multiplication factor unchanged within urban limits.

The Cabinet also approved approximately Rs 33,985 crore for infrastructure construction and development works such as irrigation, health, education, and roads.

The Cabinet increased the multiplication factor for rural areas to 2.0 under the ‘Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Rules, 2015’.

The Cabinet also decided to grant administrative approval for the Indaukh-Rudhahera Micro Irrigation Project in Ujjain district, costing Rs 157.14 crore, and with a catchment area of 10,800 hectares. The project will benefit 35 villages in Jharda tehsil.

The Cabinet approved a special rehabilitation package of approximately Rs 969 crore, replacing the approved amount of Rs 840.80 crore for rehabilitation under the Chhindwara Irrigation Complex Project. This special package has been decided to be equivalent to the Ken-Betwa Interstate River Linking Project, for speedy implementation and to provide the necessary support to the displaced people.

The Cabinet approved Rs 25,164 crore for development works under the Public Works Department.

For the benefit of students, the Cabinet approved Rs 990 crore for the continuation of the Free Bicycle Scheme, which provides bicycles to students in grades 6 and 9 in government schools in rural areas under the School Education Department, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31, and Rs 1,200.44 crore for the operation of eight schemes related to salary payments, office expenses, and strengthening of teacher training institutions.

The Cabinet also approved Rs 5,479 crore for the provision of advanced medical services in the state, upgrading medical colleges, and establishing a new government medical college in Mandla under the Public Health and Medical Education Department.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of Family Rest Houses through charitable organisations on the campuses of selected medical colleges in the state.

According to state government officials, these institutions will establish such Family Rest Houses using their own financial resources, with no government financial assistance. The fees charged by the institutions for services will be determined by a committee constituted by the government. The proposed arrangement will provide patients’ families with better care at lower rates and a better mental well-being, which will directly benefit the hospital’s facilities and streamline operations.

The Cabinet also approved Rs 23.9 crore for the third phase of the Chief Minister’s Young Professionals for Development Programme for three years.

The Rajasthan State Secondary Education Department has terminated the services of 26 physical education teachers (PTIs) of various government-run schools in Banswara and the Dungarpur districts for getting the job on the basis of ‘fake degree’.

While the termination orders of 18 PTIs serving in different schools in the Banswara district were issued on Tuesday, eight more PTIs serving in the adjoining Dungarpur district were terminated on Wednesday, an official spokesman said.

The busting of a fake degree scam around June-July last year led to filing of FIRs by the Special Operation Group (SoG) in cases of 61 suspected PTIs on the recommendation of a high-powered three-member committee constituted on the order of the Rajasthan High Court.

The tainted candidates were selected for the service, after clearing the PTI Direct Recruitment Exam-2022. However, they appeared for the exam on the basis of a fake degreed that they had claimed to have been issued by a Shikohabad based university.

The investigations in some other such suspicious cases were still on, spokesman said.

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma credited careful planning, patience and smart shot selection for his explosive, unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals, explaining how his innings was built around reading conditions and targeting the right matchups.

The whirlwind knock from Abhishek, India’s No. 1 T20I batter, powered SRH to a massive 242/2, setting up a comprehensive performance that was backed up by a disciplined bowling effort. The win marked SRH’s third in a row and helped them climb to third place on the points table.

Reflecting on his innings, Abhishek said the plan was clear from the start and had been worked on over time.

“We’ve been preparing for this for a long time. So, obviously, there was a little wicket today. I had to go to the last in one of the top three. So, that was the plan. And I think it was good. The total was good. I was talking to our batting coach, Frankie, for a long time. I talked to him. And I told him, Frankie, it’s been a while that I haven’t reached the second strategic timeout. So, I want to try that someday,” he said in a video shared by the IPL.

He also spoke about how discussions in training translated into execution during the match.

“We were talking about it in practice yesterday. So, then we had a plan that we’ll talk about the situation in the first strategic timeout. And when he came in, the plan was to keep playing as it was. And I personally felt that it was difficult to hit every ball here. So, you have to be waiting for your matchups. That’s what I was doing. And that’s what I was waiting for. And it actually went well. So, that was the plan,” he added.

Abhishek further explained how he approaches batting against spin, especially during the powerplay overs.

“If the spinners come, obviously, we’ve been practicing for so long. Even if the ball is stopping or moving, it’s a very obvious plan for me that I have to plan and play according to the feel. So, for spinners and powerplay, the way they are on the field, and I can dominate them, just to make them in some pressure. That’s the plan,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships and maintaining pressure on the opposition. “And whoever is batting with me, especially Hadi or Ishaan, I know how they hit. So, it’s just a simple plan. Whoever is on strike, if there’s a boundary on the first two or three balls, then we try to make it a boundary. If it’s a long over in power play, then obviously, the ball comes under pressure,” he said.

Mental strength and a clear approach key to SRH’s success: Ishan

Elated after recording their third win in a row, skipper Kishan said mindset and clarity of thought have played a big role in his team’s strong run in IPL 2026.

“At this level, skill sets are quite similar. The real difference comes from mindset. For me, it was about improving how I reset between games, whether after a good performance or a bad one. Staying focused, hungry, and mentally present is key. You can’t carry the fear of failure, if that thought comes in, you have to overcome it and stay positive. Over time, that awareness grows, and you start understanding your game better. It’s about learning from your experiences but making sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes,” he told JioStar.

Kishan’s remarks came after a well-rounded performance from SRH, where their batters controlled the game from the start before the bowlers held their nerve, even as Delhi Capitals tried to fight back.

He also spoke about how he manages his bowlers, especially younger players, in a format like T20 cricket where things can quickly go wrong.

“My relationship with the bowlers is about keeping things simple and positive. With someone like Sakib Hussain, there’s a natural understanding, and I’ve told him to stay relaxed. This is T20 cricket, everyone gets hit. What matters is how you come back. Even if an over doesn’t go well, it’s important to reset, stay calm, and focus on the next opportunity. If you can pull things back later in the game,” he said.

As the world observes World Earth Day 2026 under the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” Indian Railways reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Carrying over 2 crore passengers daily across a vast and diverse geography, Railways is not merely a mode of transport but an institution that drives India’s transition towards a greener tomorrow with the scale and reach it boasts of.

“Over the past decade, Indian Railways has systematically transformed its operations, embedding environmental accountability into infrastructure planning, station management, rolling stock, and land use. Today, it stands as one of the world’s most consequential actors in sustainable transportation,” the Ministry of Railways said on Wednesday.

Indian Railways’ tree plantation drive is being carried out across all zones, reflecting a coordinated nationwide effort towards environmental sustainability.

For the 81.59 lakh trees planted during year 2025-26 across all zones, significant contributions have come from leading zones such as Northeast Frontier Railway (9.3 lakh trees), South Central Railway (9 lakh trees), Northeast Railway (8.7 lakh trees) and Northern Railway (8.5 lakh trees).

Extensive plantation along railway tracks, station premises and available railway land is enhancing green cover across diverse regions. This initiative is reducing carbon footprint, supporting biodiversity and improving environmental conditions, making rail travel greener and healthier for passengers.

The large-scale plantation effort is also strengthening climate resilience by acting as a natural carbon sink, while helping in noise and dust mitigation. Improved green cover contributes to better microclimatic conditions at stations and along railway routes, enhancing passenger comfort during travel.

Additionally, the plantation along railway tracks plays a vital role in improving infrastructure safety. Tree roots help bind soil, reducing erosion and preventing landslides, especially in hilly and high-rainfall areas.

Vegetation cover further regulates surface runoff and enhances water absorption, minimizing risks of track destabilisation. These nature-based interventions not only protect railway assets but also ensure safer and more reliable journeys for passengers.

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the marriage of a Prayagraj Mahakumbh fame blue-eyed girl from Madhya Pradesh to a Muslim man, Farmaan Khan, in Kerala, the latter has reportedly told a Madhya Pradesh Police team that she is about a month pregnant and unable to record her statement, as doctors have advised complete bed rest.

A team of the Madhya Pradesh Police is currently in Kerala investigating allegations by the girl’s family, including claims of ‘love jihad’ and that she was a minor when she married Farmaan in Kochi, Kerala, on 11 March this year.

The police are trying to record her statement to proceed with the investigation.

According to sources, Farmaan Khan has told the MP Police team that his wife is about a month pregnant and has been advised by doctors to stay home.

The MP Police team is likely to have the claim verified through a medical check-up of the girl by government health authorities in Kerala.

The girl is a resident of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, where her parents currently live.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said having faced successive electoral defeats of the party in the national capital and other states, the AAP leadership has reached a stage delusion where it is promoting astrological predictions on social media in their favour.

After coming to power with the slogan of change, the Delhi BJP leader said, the AAP leaders pushed the national capital into corruption. After losing the Lok Sabha and Delhi Assembly elections last year and losing power in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), they are so demoralized that now they see a lifeline in a social media predictions in their favour.

Commenting on AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj’s post, the Delhi BJP spokesperson said this is the first instance in Delhi or the country’s politics where a state unit chief is promoting an astrological prediction on social media.

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday said seizures in poll-bound Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have exceeded Rs 1,000 crore since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, highlighting a stepped-up drive against inducements ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections.

‎According to an official statement, the total value of seizures in the two states reached Rs 1,072.13 crore between February 26, when the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) was activated, and April 22. Of this, Tamil Nadu accounted for Rs 599.24 crore, while West Bengal recorded Rs 472.89 crore.

‎Providing a detailed break-up, the Commission said Rs 127.67 crore in cash has been seized, along with more than 40 lakh litres of liquor valued at Rs 106.3 crore. Authorities have also confiscated drugs worth Rs 184.83 crore, precious metals valued at Rs 215.19 crore, and freebies and other inducements amounting to Rs 437.97 crore.

‎“The Commission has directed all enforcement agencies to maintain strict vigilance to ensure elections remain free from inducements and undue influence,” the poll body said, reiterating its commitment to conducting “violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free elections.”

‎The ECI had announced the election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on March 15, bringing the Model Code of Conduct into immediate effect. Since then, it has held a series of review meetings with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, Directors General of Police and senior officials from poll-bound and neighbouring states to streamline enforcement and surveillance efforts. ‎To intensify monitoring on the ground, over 5,000 Flying Squad Teams and more than 5,300 Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The Commission said West Bengal has 2,728 Flying Squads and 3,142 Static teams in operation, while Tamil Nadu has deployed 2,283 Flying Squads and 2,221 Static teams. These units are responsible for responding promptly to complaints and setting up surprise checkpoints to curb the movement of illicit cash, liquor and other inducements.

‎“The Flying Squads have been specifically instructed to respond to complaints within 100 minutes,” the statement said, adding that surveillance teams are carrying out random checks at key locations.

‎At the same time, the Commission stressed that enforcement should not inconvenience the public. “Authorities have been directed to ensure that ordinary citizens are not harassed during inspections,” it said, adding that District Grievance Committees have been constituted to address complaints related to enforcement actions.

‎The ECI also called on citizens and political parties to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct through the C-Vigil module on the ECINET platform, as part of efforts to ensure greater transparency and public participation in the electoral process.

‎The scale of seizures underscores heightened vigilance by authorities as the multi-phase elections approach, with the Commission seeking to curb the influence of money power and ensure a level playing field for all contestants.

Battling for consistency and plagued by injury concerns, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are undoubtedly the most iconic sides of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, both sides, with five titles each under their belts, have to overcome those challenges when they reignite their rivalry in IPL’s very own classico at the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday.

Both teams head into this contest searching for rhythm and stability in what has been a stop-start campaign so far. Adding to the intrigue is the possible return of their former captains, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, though their availability remains uncertain.

Rohit, who is recovering from a hamstring issue, missed training during the optional session on Tuesday, while Dhoni, who has been sidelined with a calf strain and is yet to play this season, was seen going through his drills. His presence at training has raised hopes that he could feature, possibly as an Impact Substitute.

But beyond the uncertainty around the two stalwarts, both teams have deeper concerns to address. Despite their rich legacy and combined 10 IPL titles, neither side has managed to build consistent momentum this season. Mumbai Indians have a slight upper hand in the overall head-to-head record, winning 21 of the 39 matches against Chennai Super Kings. However, CSK have had the better of this rivalry in recent seasons, claiming four wins in their last five meetings.

Having said that, Chennai Super Kings have struggled to settle on a stable combination in IPL 2026. Just as they seemed to be finding some balance, a hamstring injury to Ayush Mhatre, who had scored 201 runs, disrupted their plans again. The team is now back to reassessing its options, with Gujarat wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel among those being considered as a replacement in the batting line-up.

Their batting unit will need to take more responsibility after a disappointing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. In that match, CSK were in complete control while chasing 130, needing just 60 runs from 90 balls with eight wickets in hand, but a lack of intent in the middle overs allowed the opposition to claw their way back into the contest.

Sarfaraz has shown some consistency with 147 runs so far, but he has not been able to convert his starts into a big innings. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has also struggled, managing just 82 runs, which has further added to the team’s batting concerns.

Sanju Samson, who has scored 192 runs, will once again be key, especially as he returns to a venue where he enjoyed success during the T20 World Cup. CSK will also be hoping to draw confidence from their recent head-to-head record, having won four of their last five matches against Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, come into the game after finally breaking their losing streak, thanks to Tilak Varma’s brilliant century in Ahmedabad. While that win has lifted the mood in the camp, the five-time champions are still trying to recover from a difficult start to the season.

Tilak’s hundred could prove to be a turning point, given Mumbai’s history of bouncing back strongly in the tournament. However, concerns remain around the form of key players. Suryakumar Yadav has managed just one half-century so far, while captain Hardik Pandya has not yet made a significant impact with either bat or ball in crunch moments.

Naman Dhir has been one of the few positives, stepping up when needed and providing some stability in the middle order.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah’s return to form is a major boost for Mumbai. His performance, along with Ashwani Kumar’s four-wicket haul in the previous game, has eased some pressure on the attack, especially with Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar and Hardik yet to deliver consistently with the new ball.

Mumbai have also been strengthened by the arrival of England all-rounder Will Jacks, who has joined the squad and trained at the Wankhede ahead of the match.

With both teams sitting on four points and separated only by net run rate, this match could prove pivotal in shaping their campaigns and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Squads:

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Robin Minz (wk), Rohit Sharma, Danish Malewar, Sherfane Rutherford, Suryakumar Yadav, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tilak Varma, Ashwani Kumar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Krish Bhagat, Mayank Markande, Mohd Izhar, Raghu Sharma.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Kartik Sharma (wk), Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel (wk), Aman Khan, Shivam Dube, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Matthew Short, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Matt Henry, Akeal Hosein, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Noor Ahmad.

When Acharya Balkrishna shared a home-style recipe for fighting viral fever, the internet didn’t scroll past. People paused, screens went still, and suddenly everyone was talking about one steaming cup of “kadha” that promises relief from fever, body pain, and that heavy drained feeling that comes with viral infections.

The viral kadha recipe everyone is talking about

According to Acharya Balkrishna’s Facebook post, the remedy is simple, almost like something your grandmother would whisper during fever nights.

Take one cup of water. Add half a teaspoon of dry ginger powder, two small pinches of turmeric, and one pinch of black pepper powder. Boil it for two to three minutes. Strain it, add a little sweetener if needed, and sip it warm. Not once but three to four times a day.

The idea behind this mix is not just tradition, but the natural properties hidden inside each ingredient. Ginger is known for its pain-relieving qualities and works as a strong antioxidant. Turmeric brings its golden anti-inflammatory strength, while black pepper helps the body absorb the goodness better.

Why ginger and turmeric are being called nature’s medicine duo

Behind the buzz, science has been quietly studying these two ingredients for years. Ginger and turmeric are often seen as a powerful pair when it comes to reducing inflammation inside the body.

Inflammation is not just swelling or pain. It is linked to serious long-term conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders such as arthritis. Studies suggest both ginger and turmeric may help calm this internal stress.

Ginger has shown results in reducing inflammation markers in the body and easing stiffness in conditions like osteoarthritis. Some research even suggests regular use may lower substances linked to inflammation in the bloodstream.

Turmeric, especially its active compound curcumin, has been studied for pain relief. In several cases, it has shown effects similar to common pain-relief medicines for joint pain and arthritis. It has also been observed to reduce inflammation markers that signal stress inside the body.

From body pain to immunity

What makes this kadha even more popular is its multi-action effect. It is not being talked about only as a fever drink, but as something that touches several health concerns at once.

For pain relief, both ginger and turmeric have shown results in reducing discomfort from arthritis, muscle soreness, and even menstrual pain. Ginger has also been linked with easing exercise-related muscle pain after physical strain.

On the immunity front, ginger has been studied for its ability to fight certain respiratory viruses and support the body during seasonal infections. Turmeric also shows antiviral properties in lab studies, helping reduce the severity of flu-like symptoms.

And then there’s the stomach story. Ginger has long been known to reduce nausea. Whether it is motion sickness, pregnancy-related discomfort, or post-illness weakness, it has shown calming effects on the digestive system. Some studies even suggest turmeric may help ease stomach trouble linked to medical treatments.

Also Read: Acharya Balkrishna recommends age-old ayurveda practice of mulethi churna and honey for mouth ulcers

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Wednesday targeted the arch rival Congress for dishonouring the Army and acting against the interests of the soldiers and committing scams in defence procurements from foreign companies.

Speaking at the Shaurya Ke SaathSankalp Diwas programme after unveiling a statue of Lt General Sagat SinghRathore in Churu city, Sharma said, “Since the installation of Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the country in 2014, continued initiatives and efforts have been made for strengthening the Army set-up and welfare of the soldiers. “Continuous steps were taken under the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister ModiJi for updation and capability building of armed forces, cautious procurement of high quality arms, ammunition and essential equipment were ensured from foreign firms. Moreover, focus was kept on developing – enhancing our capacity and capability of enhancing domestic production in the defence manufacturing sector.”

Contrary to this, he said, the Congress-led previous regimes had always overlooked the needs of the armed forces and interests of soldiers. All this, they did for their political gains under previous rules while under the Modi regime they have been opposing every of our government’s initiatives taken for the cause of the nation.

Under their regimes, they kept in abeyance even the soldiers’ long-pending demand of One Rank; One Pension. They used to procure poor quality of defence items from foreign manufacturers at high prices and thus put in peril the safety (of life) of our soldiers. Their leaders dishonoured the Army by questioning the success and effectiveness of Surgical Strikes, the Balakot air strikes by our airforce and even spoke against Operation Sindoor.

Their leaders used to undertake foreign visits and dishonour the Indian nation by their (offending) utterances, the CM alleged.

He also criticised the grand old party’s stance on defeat of the Women’s Quota related 131st constitution amendment bill and the failure to keep the promise made by the previous government for fetching the Yamuna river water from Haryana for the areas of Shekhawati. .

Sikkim Governor Om Mathur, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, senior BJP leader and former Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Rajendra Rathore also spoke on the occasion. These senior leaders recalled memoirs and relieved deeds of bravery and leadership demonstrated by Lt General Sagat SinghRathore in every ward including the Goa liberation task against Portuguese forces, the Indo China Nathula pass war and the 1971 Indo Pak Bangla war in Dhaka.

In a disturbing incident of cruelty towards animals, unidentified miscreants allegedly killed at least a dozen stray dogs by feeding them poison-laced food at the posh Shyamla Hills Apartments in Bhopal on Tuesday night.

The incident came to light on Wednesday when some dog-loving residents of the apartments found a few dogs dead and some in critical conditions inside the apartment premises and also nearby.

On getting information, members of animal NGOs and other dog lovers also reached the spot. They informed the police and the local administration.

As per sources, the bodies of a couple of dogs were sent to the State Veterinary Hospital at Jehangirabad in Bhopal for conducting a postmortem to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Dog lovers alleged that some residents of the apartments, who hate dogs, have poisoned them.

Police officials at the Shyamla Hills police station confirmed that some NGO members and dog lovers submitted a complaint application against unidentified persons in the matter at the police station.

The police, however, did not register an FIR in the matter immediately.

In a similar incident in February this year, 12 stray dogs were poisoned to death by hitherto unidentified miscreants in the same apartments.

India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to jointly navigate the challenges and opportunities over the next decade in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), to help attain their respective domestic goals, and to bring their countries and peoples of the next generation closer together than ever before.

The inaugural India–Japan AI Strategic Dialogue was held on Tuesday in Mumbai. The dialogue was co-chaired by Amit A. Shukla, Joint Secretary (Cyber Diplomacy) in the Ministry of External Affairs and Hanada Takahiro, Deputy Assistant Minister for Cyber Security in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The dialogue was attended by stakeholder Ministries, Departments and Agencies from both the gGovernments and included a component that brought together representatives from Government and AI industry from both sides.

Both sides engaged in substantive discussions on strategic cooperation across the entire AI stack, with a view to promoting co-creation, enhancing policy convergence, and encouraging the development of AI solutions in industrial domains to foster a robust, innovative and trustworthy AI ecosystem.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the dialogue also explored avenues to strengthen international mobility of AI talent and expand joint research through exchanges and collaborative projects. Furthermore, both sides deliberated on international cooperation in AI governance, policy formulation, and engagement in multilateral fora.

The AI Strategic Dialogue advances the India-Japan AI Cooperation Initiative, announced by the Prime Ministers of India and Japan during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in August 2025. Cooperation in this field constitutes a central pillar of the India–Japan Joint Vision for the next decade.