Month: September 2022

  • Riddhima Kapoor Sahni to make LFW runway debut

    Riddhima Kapoor Sahni to make LFW runway debut

    Both brands collaborate to bring to life the great design legacies of their respective regions and to enable a craft exchange on this globally renowned platform…reports Asian Lite News

    Riddhima Kapoor Sahni will make her London Fashion Week runway debut, opening the show for ace British fashion designer Helen Anthony. This is the first time the influencer and Indian jewellery designer is set to walk the runway on an international stage. Riddhima will open the show wearing her own creations as well as Anthony’s.

    “I’ve always been proud of the shows I have walked for in India, but I’m excited and nervous, this is the first time I will be walking on an international platform, that too at London Fashion Week. I have two looks for the show, but they are both surprises, I trust Anthony completely, so I can’t wait to see what they are like,” says Sahni.

    This show is set to be held on September 19, 2022, at the Parckcro in London, and will feature Riddhima X Punjab Jeweller’s exclusive jewellery paired alongside Anthony’s clothes. Both brands collaborate to bring to life the great design legacies of their respective regions and to enable a craft exchange on this globally renowned platform.

    This is also the first time the jewellery designer will be presenting her creations to a global audience. “The show is themed around East meets West and this collaboration is very close to my heart. It has taken numerous zoom calls planning this, among both teams, and I’m glad we are on the same page. My collection titled ‘Samara’ is inspired by my daughter, it is a confluence of the East and West, it has a mix of contemporary pieces as well as polki and diamond statement designs,” adds Riddhima.

    On the runway, a plethora of jewels crafted using age-old techniques such as kundan polki, jadau, minakari, and others will be showcased. Traditional yellow and white gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets and waist belts will be paired with Anthony’s modern silhouettes.

    ALSO READ-Riddhima shares a ‘classic’ Kapoor family portrait

  • Planning for a girls only trip?

    Planning for a girls only trip?

    Elixir Hills, located in Mankulum is the ideal vacation destination for tourists and families since it offers stunning views, exciting wildlife interactions, and frequent glimpses of the dense rainforest…reports Asian Lite News

    Would you want to go to an area that is peaceful and unspoiled? Here are some places your female gang should visit for some well-deserved relaxation:

    Munjoh Ocean Resort, Andaman and Nicobar Island

    Munjoh Ocean Resort, an opulent resort on a lovely island, is close to Vijayanagar Beach and features a natural freshwater stream that flows into the Andaman sea.

    Luxurious villas and suites are tucked away among swaying betel nut and coconut trees on a private beachfront, with a freshwater stream naturally trickling through to the Andaman sea. Who wouldn’t describe it as the ideal location for the ultimate in pampering?

    Vythiri Resort, Wayanad

    Luxury forest getaway — The Vythiri Resort, Wayanad — is encircled by enormously beautiful mountains and surrounded by a dense tropical rainforest canopy. Discover the diverse wildlife that lives in the lush Vythiri rainforest, including the amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, flowering plants and butterflies.

    Elixir Hills Suites Resort & Spa, Munnar

    Elixir Hills, located in Mankulum is the ideal vacation destination for tourists and families since it offers stunning views, exciting wildlife interactions, and frequent glimpses of the dense rainforest. In addition to offering the largest luxury rooms in Munnar, it also offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature. The interiors are carefully designed with wooden furnishings and natural colours to blend in with their surroundings and maintain the tranquil atmosphere outside.

    Heritage Resort, Coorg

    Heritage Resort, Coorg, provides a quiet view of the hill station that will refresh your senses with a variety of activities, including a coffee plantation tour, an elephant camp, bicycle paths, and waterfall trails, because it is positioned on a mountaintop and surrounded by a lush jungle.

    Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom

    Retreats by Niraamaya located on the beaches of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom, is one of the most stunning waterfront resorts in the entire city. It has two upscale restaurants providing both local and foreign cuisine, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, a world-class wellness spa rooted in Kerala’s ancient wellness practices, a big outdoor pool and a performance deck.

    Wild Planet Resort Devala, Wayanad

    The tropical rainforest of Kerala, where this resort is located, gives visitors a peek of its wild splendour. A magnificent resort surrounded by the vast hills of the Nilgiris mountain range and offering majestic views of the wildness of the jungle. Visitors who stay at this resort during their vacation can connect with the amazing beauty of nature while taking advantage of the many amenities it offers.

    The Naini Retreat, Nainital

    Experience a stay at the Naini Retreat, which offers views of mountains and forests, while in the winter you can dine in a restaurant that serves a wide variety of Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental cuisines while admiring the breathtaking Naini lake and snow-covered Himalayan peaks from above.

    ALSO READ-Healthy and energy-filled snacks for road trip

  • Faith, love conquers hate at Ajmer Dargah

    Faith, love conquers hate at Ajmer Dargah

    It was a pleasure to see them hugging each other, tying safas on each other’s head and offering prayers together, said Ravindra Nagar, a resident of Jaipur who came here recently…reports Archana Sharma

    Faith, love and devotion have finally conquered hate in Ajmer as the narrow lanes which went silent after the Udaipur terror attack are buzzing with activity again with people from different castes and religions visiting in large numbers to offer prayers.

    It was surprising to see spiritual gurus of different castes doing ziyarat here.

    It was a pleasure to see them hugging each other, tying safas on each other’s head and offering prayers together, said Ravindra Nagar, a resident of Jaipur who came here recently.

    In fact, two spiritual gurus, Sarangi Maharaj from Lucknow and Salman Chishti from the dargah were seen praying together here. Before the prayers, Chishti tied a safa on Sarangi Maharaj and the two got together for ziyarat. They sat for the qawwali programme too and the scene thereafter was different. People of all faiths were seen kissing the hands of these gurus and were least concerned about their faith or caste, Nagar said.

    This has been a regular practice here for spiritual gurus who are respected by all, said people present in the dargah.

    A team of civil aviation officials from Delhi and Kishangarh was also there at the same time. They were from different castes and communities but sat together silently to meditate and offer prayers, said another visitor Riya.

    They had come to figure out the viability of restarting the Kishangarh airstrip but were seen immersing themselves in the serene aura and doing ziyarat.

    They said, “There is a big potential in the city as people have been coming to offer prayers at two pillars of faith here from different parts of the world; these are Pushkar and the Khwaja dargah. So we are studying the formalities for restarting the operations at Kishangarh airport,” adding that “We are surprised to see the crowd. We have been informed that people have come from different parts of the world here,” they added.

    Chishti said, “The faith and love spread by Khwaja centuries back has been bringing people to this place who come and offer prayers.”

    The beauty of this place is that caste and creed never limit the visitors. In fact the flowers (rose petals) offered here come from Pushkar which is known for its centuries old Brahma temple.

    Also, the food cooked in degs (big vessels) for thousands of people is vegetarian. This ritual has been followed since centuries. The candles offered for prayers in the evening for the Dua-e-Roshni ceremony are organic and devoid of any animal fat, he added.

    That’s how the sentiments of all are respected here, he stated.

    He spoke about the centuries old rituals and informed, “Love towards all, malice towards none” – is the message from Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Dargah Sharif which welcomes people of different religions, castes, creeds and colour to banish their grief and trouble.”

    As the narrow lanes buzz with activity, people are happy as the shades of hatred which were hovering around have disappeared and faith and love seem to have conquered.

    ALSO READ-POK: Ajmer Dargah Diwan Supports Army Chief

  • ‘They are strong-willed and invincible no matter what life throws at them’

    ‘They are strong-willed and invincible no matter what life throws at them’

    Sulu from ‘Tumhari Sulu’: Dia says, “Vidya Balan is one of the bravest actors we have and I can vouch for it because she worked in my production ‘Bobby Jasoos’ and played one of Hindi cinema’s few female detectives…reports Asian Lite News

    It is a myth that strong female characters have emerged only in recent times. As actor, producer, investor and climate champion, Dia Mirza points out, they have been around since the inception of Hindi cinema. She says, “I remember watching V Shantaram’s 1959 film ‘Duniya Na Maane’ on Doordarshan as a child and being mesmerised by the great Shanta Apte. She played a rebellious young woman who refuses to accept a forced marriage to an older man and does not sacrifice her happiness despite being pressured to do so. Films like ‘Arth’, ‘Bhumika’, ‘Subah’, ‘Sparsh’ and ‘Mirch Masala’ further expanded the space occupied by a Hindi film heroine. Even in a purely commercial space, stars like Nargis, Meena Kumari, Rekha, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, and so many others have commanded equal footing as their male counterparts and played strong uncompromising characters.”

    In recent times too, Dia has loved many female protagonists on the big and small screen and says, “The reason why I like them is that they are strong-willed and invincible no matter what life throws at them. Women who tend to find their own way on and off the screen inspire me.” Here is her pick of some memorable female characters:

    Sulu from ‘Tumhari Sulu’: Dia says, “Vidya Balan is one of the bravest actors we have and I can vouch for it because she worked in my production ‘Bobby Jasoos’ and played one of Hindi cinema’s few female detectives. In ‘Tumhari Sulu’, she plays a very ordinary homemaker but what makes her extraordinary is her self-belief because that is what transforms her life. The scene where she dances to a Sridevi song very subtly shows how women can inspire each other to realise their dreams. It was such a lovely, empowering moment.”

    Vidya Vincent from ‘Sherni’: “As someone who has worked over many years for the environment and is deeply concerned about issues like deforestation and compromised animal habitats, this film touched me deeply,” says Dia and adds, “The themes of ecofeminism and environmental empathy in collision with entrenched patriarchy and administrative corruption are very new to Hindi cinema. Vidya played a straight-backed idealistic forest officer in the film and I rooted for her and the tiger mom she was trying to protect, all through.”

    Shabana from ‘Naam Shabana’: This film is about a tragedy-scarred young girl who becomes a field agent to deal with her past and manages to avenge the murder of a loved one. Dia says, “I loved working with Taapsee Pannu in ‘Thappad’ and ‘Naam Shabana’ was one of the first films of hers that I watched and loved. I really liked the fact that she is not treated as a victim but a hero in the film. Issues like eve-teasing and domestic abuse were also dealt with so well and the film powerfully showed how much courage women are capable of even in the most horrific circumstances.”

    Kainaaz from ‘Kaafir’: This web television series on ZEE5 told the poignant story of a displaced woman played by Dia herself, and the actor says, “I play Kainaaz in ‘Kaafir’, a woman from Pakistan-administered Kashmir who ends up on the Indian side of the Line-of-Control (LOC), is mistaken as a militant and imprisoned. She spends seven years in incarceration and even gives birth to a daughter and her courage astounded me because women, though most vulnerable in volatile situations, also display the most resilience. It was an absolute honour to play this character and to live and breathe her extraordinary journey.”

    Piku: “I know from experience that after a certain stage in life, the roles of parents and children are reversed and you end taking care of those who once devoted their lives to you,” says Dia and adds, “This is why I loved ‘Piku’ because it explores this shift with such affection, wit, ease and simplicity. This is not a film that preaches subservience to parents or guilt-trips children. In fact, Deepika Padukone’s Piku is such an irreverent daughter, and yet her devotion to her father is unshakable. This was such a realistic film that makes you laugh and cry and makes you see life through the gaze of a very spunky and yet sensitive woman.”

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  • Modi to visit Uzbekistan for SCO Summit

    Modi to visit Uzbekistan for SCO Summit

    Topical issues of regional and global importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting, it said…reports Asian Lite News

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan on September 15-16 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit where leaders are expected to review the grouping’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the prospects of multilateral cooperation.

    The summit will be attended by leaders of SCO member states, observer states, Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests, a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

    At the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Modi will be visiting Samarkand on September 15-16 to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), it said.

    During the summit, the leaders are expected to review the organisation’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation in the future, the statement said.

    Topical issues of regional and global importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting, it said.

    The prime minister is also likely to hold a few bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

    ALSO READ-Hasina recieved by PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan

  • Delectable recipes to recall childhood memories

    Delectable recipes to recall childhood memories

    What a better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee that contains chocolate? Spend some time alone indulging in delicious coffee drinks with chocolate as the base. Girish Chandra, Beverage Training Manager, Lavazza India, shares some delectable recipes to remember your fondest childhood chocolate memories!

    HEAVENLY MOCHA SHAKE

    Category: Cold Beverage

    Your favourite vanilla shake with chocolate and fresh espresso

    Serve Ware: 360 ml Pilsner glass or Linz glass

    Ingredients

    * Milk (100 ml)

    * Espresso (1 Shot — 30ml)

    * Vanilla ice-cream 2 scoops (200 ml)

    * HCF — Chocolate syrup (30ml)

    * Ice cubes 80gms (around 5 to 6 cubes)

    Method

    * Blend together milk and vanilla ice-cream in a Hamilton blender for 30-40 seconds until smooth

    * Take a pilsner glass, glaze the glass with HCF, add ice cubes and pour the mixture into the glass

    * Pour the espresso on the top of mixture

    BLACK FOREST COFFEE BLAST

    Category: Cold Beverage

    Your favourite Dessert cold coffee with cream

    Serve Ware: 360 ml Pilsner glass or Linz glass

    Ingredients

    * Milk (100 ml)

    * Espresso (1 Shot — 30ml)

    * Vanilla ice-cream 2 scoops (200 ml)

    * HCF — Chocolate syrup (20ml)

    * Ice cubes (40gms) (around 3 to 4 cubes)

    * Whipped cream (1 shot — 30gms)

    * Choco chip muffin (1 muffin — 80gms)

    * Monin Irish syrup (15ml)

    Method

    * Blend together milk, Espresso, ice cubes and vanilla ice-cream in Hamilton blender for 20 seconds. Then add half portion of muffin, Irish flavour and blend about 10 to 15 seconds

    * Take a pilsner glass, in the bottom of the glass pour HCF roll the glass to spread HCF, pour mixture into glass, add shot of whipped cream, take another half portion of muffin cut in to two pieces keep on the top of whipped cream.

    * Garnish with drop of Irish syrup and sprinkle muffin chunks

    FRAPPE BLAST


    Category: Cold Beverage

    Your favourite indulgence cold coffee

    Serve Ware: 360 ml Pilsner glass or Linz glass Ingredients:

    Ingredients

    * Milk (100 ml)

    * Espresso (1 Shot — 30ml)

    * Vanilla ice-cream (3 scoop — 300 ml)

    * HCF — Chocolate syrup (20 ml)

    * Whipped cream (1 shot — 30 gms)

    * Chocolate chips to garnish

    Method

    * Blend together milk, espresso and 2 vanilla ice-creams in Hamilton blender or Blendtec for 30-40 seconds until smooth

    * Take a pilsner glass, glaze glass with HCF pour mixture into it. Add 1 scoop of vanilla ice- cream on the top of mixture

    * Put 1 shot of whipped cream and garnish with chocolate chips

    HAZELNUT MOCHA

    Category: Hot Beverage

    Your favourite Hot coffee with chocolate and hazelnut

    Serve Ware: 240 ml Kenyan tea cup

    Ingredients

    * Milk (140 ml)

    * Espresso (1 shot (30ml)

    * HCF — Chocolate syrup (30ml)

    * Hazelnut Flavour (20ml)

    Method

    Take fresh shot of espresso into Kenyan tea cup, put HCF into it, froth the milk pour on the top of espresso and add hazelnut flavour

    (Girish Chandra, Beverage Training Manager, Lavazza India)

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  • What’s happening in Bollywood?

    What’s happening in Bollywood?

    What is happening recently is that rather than have fun watching a film at the cinemas, people, the netizens, are having fun at the cost of films and filmmakers. They are being trolled mercilessly…writes Vinod Mirani

    What exactly is happening in the Mumbai film industry? A sense of uncertainty prevails. There is an all-round nervousness and lack of confidence. The bigger the film due for release, the more the confusion between the makers, the exhibitors and the others concerned.

    This situation has prevailed since before the pandemic and has only amplified after the industry reopened post lockdown. The films are failing to draw audience. The films of the biggest of stars are being rejected. What’s worrisome is that these films are being rejected wholesale, not even being given the privilege of the initial audience that used to throng the cinemas for any film with big stars.

    It would be understandable if a film failed because of bad word of mouth. A lot of filmgoers decide whether to watch a film or not after getting audience reports. But that has not been happening recently.

    The film critics (if such a tribe exists in India) have become the line of first defence for films that have failed. Not only do they not accept the fact, they try to find excuses on behalf of the filmmakers and stars. Some of them said that ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ and ‘Raksha Bandhan’ failed because they were bad films. And, to think that most of these so-called critics had rated both the films with four stars each!

    What is happening recently is that rather than have fun watching a film at the cinemas, people, the netizens, are having fun at the cost of films and filmmakers. They are being trolled mercilessly.

    The latest subject of ridicule in social media is the film ‘Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva’. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Like with many other Hindi films, social media groups have taken a strong stand against the film. And there are many takers for such groups and the stand they take! Those connected with films would keep quiet for some time. Instead, they come out with statements that get the trolls started.

    The example is the PVR multiplex chain’s social media post on Monday before the release of ‘Brahmastra’ that it had already sold 1,00,000 tickets in advance. This claim was followed by the chain saying that they were offering one ticket free against three bought for ‘Brahmastra’! Wasn’t the chain’s management contradicting its own claim on the demand for the film?

    The responses that followed this announcement were anything but complimentary. They were humiliating, if one may say so. For a film claiming to have been made at a budget of Rs 400+ crore, the multiplex chain was claiming a sale of 1,00,000 tickets on Day One. This was a contradiction. And why the discount even before the film opened to the public?

    ‘Brahmastra’, between its announcement and hitting the screens, has taken a long time, say, seven years. When you take such a long time, you need to be careful about the information you release. Especially in this era of social networks.

    That the film’s production was either not planned with foresight, or that things were going out of hand, was first noticed when the special effects costs started ballooning. As a solution, the provider was roped in as a partner.

    Later came this Rs 400+ crore cost appeal to raise the admission rates. What it means is that the film has cost Rs 400+ crore, so please bear with us and pay extra. What is this? An exercise in crowd funding? Further, a claim is made that the film will give you your money’s worth! Now, who guarantees that, the filmmaker or the cinema management, which wants to raise the admission rates?

    Money’s worth is a phrase used in Hindi as ‘paisa vasool’ and it was always the audience that decided it. The more reasonable the admission rates, the better the chances of that happening. The 1975 film, ‘Sholay’, had gone heavily over budget, so should the producers or the cinemas have raised the admission rates? No, they remained the same at Rs 2 to Rs 5 even after it became an all-time blockbuster after a slow start! There have been many films that went over budget, but there was no system of increasing the admission rates at whim!

    The word was out that there is not going to be much provision for the pre-release promotion of the film, the budget for it having been cut down drastically. Such news has the tendency of trending on social media and proves to be detrimental.

    The film promotions got weirder by the day. Earlier, the filmmaker and stars launched a film’s promotion in Mumbai with all the television, web and print media present. The media networks being what they are today, your message reaches all corners of the world within hours. It is covered all over, be it any media.

    Next, you travel to Delhi, followed by some other place, such as Ahmedabad or Pune. Follow the same routine; address the media. What purpose does it serve? None. It has all been covered. And, they used the expression Road Show for this silly exercise.

    A couple of weeks back, the unit of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ travelled to London and Dubai to promote the film! If a film does well in India, it works well in these countries, too. If you promote your film in Indian media, it is covered all over the world. So what was the idea? Such ideas come only from the stars for whatever the reason. A producer knows there is no benefit in this for him or the film, but he has to comply.

    Finally, what is this new fashion of temple runs by stars on the eve of a release? The stars never did this, though a film’s producer and director did go to seek divine blessings. It was very personal for them and a matter of beliefs. Now, it is more a part of a promotional strategy. The visit is well-publicised in advance with the media following closely! It backfired on the stars of ‘Brahmastra’ on their visit to Ujjain’s Mahakal temple.

    Now that the film, ‘Brahmastra’ has hit the screens, the final stage of promotion will start now. Trade experts will be convinced to praise the film with half-a-dozen posts. Of course, they have their rates, but, sadly, no credibility. Then there will be critics gifting four-to-five stars to the film.

    Looks like the best minds in the film industry have stopped working. The way the release strategy of the film has been handled shows total lack of confidence. The people concerned come across as a confused lot. Why, in the first place, release this cost-heavy film now, during a dull period? Why not wait for the more opportune Diwali release?

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  • Lanka’s cup of glory

    Lanka’s cup of glory

    Among all Sri Lankan batters, Dhananjaya de Silva looked most comfortable and it seemed he would bail his team out of trouble. But, Iftikhar Ahmed got rid of De Silva with a brilliant reflex catch off his own bowling in the ninth over…reports Asian Lite News

     A collective impressive performance by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga and Pramod Madushan led Sri Lanka to Asia Cup 2022 title with a clinical 23-win over Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, here on Sunday.

    This is Sri Lanka’s sixth Asia Cup title — 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014 & 2022. After losing their opening game against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and then again Pakistan to clinch the 2022 Asia Cup.

    An impressive fighting fifty by Bhanuka Rajapaksa (71 not out off 45) and an attacking knock by Wanindu Hasaranga (36 off 21) propelled Sri Lanka to a fighting total of 170/6 in 20 overs. Apart from Rajapaksa and Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva (28 off 21) and Chamika Karunaratne (14 not out off 14) also played vital knocks for Sri Lanka, during their stay at the crease.

    Chasing a challenging total, Pakistan were helped by some wayward bowling of Dilshan Madushanka, who gave 12 runs in the first over rife with wides and uncontrolled swing. However, Pakistan couldn’t take advantage of that momentum as Sri Lanka found a hero in Pramod Madushan, who dismissed Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman off consecutive deliveries and helped his team get on top.

    Babar, who now does not have a fifty in six T20I games on the trot, first flicked one straight to short fine before Zaman chopped the ball onto his wicket. At 22/2 after 3.3 overs, Pakistan were in a spot of bother, but the in-form Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed batted cautiously to lead the recovery for their team.

    Rizwan was picking crucial boundaries at regular intervals to keep the scoreboard ticking. On the other hand, Iftikhar, who got a reprieve in between, was also giving the much-needed support as Pakistan were 68/2 after 10 overs.

    Though Pakistan were keeping wickets in hand, the required rate was rising with every passing over. Iftikhar hit Hasaranga for a much-needed six and boundary to give impetus to the run-chase. He tried to do the same against Madushan but the ball only got the height not the distance, with the fielder at deep backward square got under it and held it safely, leaving Pakistan at 93-3 after 13.2 overs.

    From there on, Pakistan needed to put the foot down on the accelerator but Sri Lanka bowled and fielded with excellence. They dried up the runs, increasing the pressure while upping the required run rate.

    All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz couldn’t deliver the big hits, falling for 6 against Karunaratne. It was now up to Rizwan, who was the set batter to guide Pakistan home, as they needed 69 off 28 deliveries.

    After bringing up his half-century, Rizwan was outfoxed by Hasaranga as Sri Lanka etched closer to victory with the required run rate almost touching the 16-run mark. Hasaranga then dismissed Asif Ali for a first-ball duck and followed it up with Khushdil Shah for 2.

    Eventually, Karunaratne got the final scalp of Haris Rauf (13) as Pakistan were bowled out for 147 in 20 overs, losing by 23 runs. Pramod Madushan (4/34) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/27) were the highest-wicket takers for Sri Lanka while Chamika Karunaratne (2/33) and Maheesh Theekshana (1/25) also chipped in with a crucial wicket.

    Earlier, put into bat first, Sri Lanka were off to a terrible start, losing three wickets inside the power play against the quality pace bowling. In the very first over, pacer Naseem Shah clean bowled Mendis, who was late to bring his bat down on a quality length ball. Pathum Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva then hit a few boundaries to show some fight back.

    However, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam brought Haris Rauf into the attack and he put Sri Lanka back in trouble by taking the wickets of Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka.

    On a quick delivery at 146 kph, Nissanka played a lofted shot but the ball went only to mid-off, where Babar Azam took a good catch running back. The pacer then dismantled the stumps of Gunathilaka, to leave Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 36/3 after 5.1 overs.

    Among all Sri Lankan batters, Dhananjaya de Silva looked most comfortable and it seemed he would bail his team out of trouble. But, Iftikhar Ahmed got rid of De Silva with a brilliant reflex catch off his own bowling in the ninth over.

    And in the next over, Shadab Khan breached the defence of Sri Lanka spinner Dasun Shanaka, who went for a wild slog but couldn’t connect. With 58/5 in 8.5 overs, Sri Lanka were in danger of getting bowled but Rajapaksa and Hasaranga showed fighting spirit and did counter-attack.

    Both Rajapaksa and Hasaranga looked in control against spinners and hit three boundaries off Shadab Khan. Hasaranga then slammed one boundary and a huge six over backward point to give impetus to the Sri Lankan innings.

    From who else but Hasaranga — 36 off 21. He was aggressive against Shadab, Hasnain and now Rauf again, hitting the pacer for two fours before he edged one to the keeper. What this wicket has done though is brought the match alive. Up until the ninth over, it was all Pakistan.

    Hasaranga continued his aggressive approach and welcomed Haris Rauf with two boundaries before the pacer dismissed the batter to break a crucial 58-run stand for the sixth wicket, which brought the match alive. After the wicket of Hasaranga, Rajapaksa had the responsibility of batting till the last over and he did that with perfection. He hit boundaries and sixes to complete his half-century in 35 balls.

    The left-hander also got able support from Chamika Karunaratne, which was required for a strong finish for Sri Lanka. Both Rajapaksa and Karunaratne remained not out, added 54 runs off only 31 balls and took Sri Lanka to 170/6 in 20 overs.

    For Pakistan, Haris Rauf (3/29) was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name while Iftikhar Ahmed (1/21), Shadab Khan (1/28) and Naseem Shah (1/40) were the other wicket takers.

    Brief scores: Sri Lanka 170/6 in 20 overs (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 71 not out, Wanindu Hasaranga 36; Haris Rauf 3/29) beat Pakistan 147 all out in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 55, Iftikhar Ahmed 32; Pramod Madushan 4/34, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/27) by 23 overs

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  • India issues advisory for students planning to study in China

    India issues advisory for students planning to study in China

    More than 23,000 Indian students enrolled in various Chinese universities have been affected by the Chinese visa ban…reports Asian Lite News

    India has issued a detailed advisory related to studying at Chinese medical schools as thousands of enrolled students continue to remain stuck at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    More than 23,000 Indian students enrolled in various Chinese universities have been affected by the Chinese visa ban.

    “Embassy of India in Beijing has been receiving several queries from prospective Indian students and their parents with respect to seeking admission for undergraduate clinical medicine programme in China,” the embassy said in a statement on September 8.

    China in July said that the country has made progress on facilitating the return of Indian students and is working in tandem with relevant departments to see that the first batch of Indian students can come back to study in China at the earliest.

    The Indian Embassy also shared the link to a study conducted by the National Board of Examination to highlight that only 6387 out of 40,417 students, who appeared in the FMG Examination from 2015 to 2021 have cleared it.

    “The study shows that only 6387 out of 40,417 students, who appeared in FMG Examination from 2015 to 2021 have cleared it. Here, the pass percentage of Indian students who have studied clinical medicine programme in China in that period in these 45 universities was only 16 per cent,” it statement further added.

    Indian students pursuing medicine from Chinese Universities are unable to return to China to attend classes due to COVID-19-induced restrictions.

    Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting also stressed the need for expediting the process of return of Indian students to China to attend classes at an early date.

    In order to facilitate the return of Indian students, Jaishankar met with Wang Yi on March 25.

    Earlier in April, the Chinese side had expressed its willingness to consider facilitating the return of Indian students to China on a need-assessed basis, said the Indian Embassy in China.

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  • After Shah’s departure, Raj BJP walks alone on padyatra

    After Shah’s departure, Raj BJP walks alone on padyatra

    While veteran leaders said goodbye to Shah after being given a message to stay together, Poonia stunned all by starting this padyatra all alone…reports Asian Lite News

    The factionalism in the Rajasthan BJP was exposed once again when party state president Satish Poonia went on a ‘padyatra’ from Pokaran to Ramdevra all alone as no other senior leader of the BJP joined him.

    Surprisingly this episode happened a few hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah departed from Jodhpur on Sunday. Shah was there to inaugurate a border tourism project, and to address the party’s national OBC working committee and booth presidents.

    While veteran leaders said goodbye to Shah after being given a message to stay together, Poonia stunned all by starting this padyatra all alone.

    He posted on social media: “There will be sunshine in the journey, let’s walk. Everyone is in the crowd, if you can go out, then go. Where do paths change for someone? If you can change yourself then come on.”

    Poonia started his journey on foot from Gomat village after visiting Jajwala Mata temple in Pokaran at 2 p.m., travelled 8 kms to reach Ramdevra at 5 p.m. Even after Poonia’s social media post, none of the senior party leaders and Union ministers joined him, but on the way, local leaders joined him in the padyatra. Poonia prayed for the prosperity and progress of the country and the state after having darshan of Baba Ramdevra.

    Those who accompanied Poonia during the padyatra were MLA Pabbaram Vishnoi, former MLA from Pokhran Shaitan Singh Rathod, Chhotu Singh, Mahendra Pratap Puri Maharaj, District President Chandraprakash Sharda, former District President Jugal Kishore Vyas, among others.

    Poonia shared pictures of his visit at Ramdevra temple and said on his Twitter, “After darshan of Jajwala Mataji in Pokhran along with Sant Shri Pratap Puri Ji Maharaj, reached Runicha Dham and bowed head at Baba Ramdev ji. Prayed for the prosperity of the BJP family and of the state and for disease-free Gaumata.”

    Meanwhile, through his social media post, he tried to give a clear message to the BJP leaders that he is not going to change his ways and programmes on the advice of someone. Whoever wants to walk with him can walk.

    Earlier on September 6, Poonia, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Kailash Chaudhary had planned a padyatra from Pokaran to Ramdevra. According to sources, a complaint was conveyed to the party high command in Delhi by a state leader of the opposition faction that he and several party leaders were not invited to attend the padyatra.

    Hence this march was cancelled on the directions of party high command. Now after Amit Shah’s visit, Poonia did not accompany the party leaders and left for Ramdevra from Pokaran all alone to give a look of a private religious padyatra. Shekhawat and Chaudhary were also not with him.

    Earlier, Poonia gave a warm send off to Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Jodhpur airport on Sunday morning. During this, State Organisation General Secretary Chandrashekhar, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathod, Union Minister Kailash Chaudhary, MP Rajendra Gehlot, P.P. Chaudhary, C.P. Joshi amongst others were present with him. The BJP’s Rajasthan team was hosted for a tea party at the residence of Pali MP P.P. Chaudhary in Jodhpur where Vasundhara Raje and Poonia could be seen sitting together.

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