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‘Exciting new start’: Tom Curran on his BBL move from Sixers to Stars

New Delhi, Aug 15 2024-

England allrounder Tom Curran has made a significant shift in his Big Bash League (BBL) career, leaving the Sydney Sixers after six successful years to join the Melbourne Stars. Curran’s decision to switch clubs ahead of the BBL 14 season was driven by the Stars’ offer of a multi-year contract, a proposition that the Sixers were unable to match.

The 29-year-old, who had been a key figure for the Sixers, signed a two-year deal with the Stars in June, making him the second player to bypass the league’s draft in favour of a long-term commitment under the new contracting rules. This move came after a tumultuous season with the Sixers, where Curran faced a four-match suspension for intimidating an umpire and was sidelined for the final games due to a knee injury.

Despite the challenges of the previous season, Curran emphasised that his departure from the Sixers was amicable.

“When the Stars asked if I was keen to come … I didn’t get the same from Sixers and it felt like an amazing opportunity,” Curran told cricket.com.au. He noted that the timing felt right for a change, especially after discussions with Glenn Maxwell during their time together in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Curran’s form since returning from a broken arm has been impressive, with standout performances in The Hundred for the Oval Invincibles. This resurgence will no doubt please Stars coach Peter Moores, who will be looking to Curran to bring his experience and skill to the team. Curran’s injury, which required a small plate to be inserted in his left forearm, hasn’t hampered his recent performances, and he’s been back to his best, taking six wickets in his past two matches.

One of the key factors in Curran’s decision to join the Stars was the opportunity to work with Moores, a coach renowned in English cricket circles. Curran has long admired Moores, who joined the Stars last season after David Hussey stepped down, and is eager to work under his guidance. “I’ve just heard amazing things about him,” Curran said, citing feedback from friends and former teammates who have worked with Moores.

Curran is also looking forward to immersing himself in Melbourne’s cricket culture, a city he feels he hasn’t fully explored during his time in Australia. Despite nominating Optus Stadium in Perth as his favourite venue, he is excited about the prospect of being based in Melbourne. “I’ve spent some amazing years in Sydney and I absolutely loved it,” Curran shared. “But at the same time, I feel like I haven’t fully explored Melbourne.”

He leaves the Sixers as the most prolific overseas fast bowler in BBL history, with 51 wickets to his name, and is eager to bring that success to the Stars. Curran’s departure from the Sixers adds an intriguing dynamic to the upcoming season, particularly when the Stars face off against his former team. “It’s two very big franchises … so that’ll have a bit more fuel on the fire that game,” he remarked.

As Curran embarks on this new challenge, he remains optimistic about what lies ahead. “It’s an exciting new start for me. I feel like I’ve got some good years ahead of me and I’m really excited by this next challenge and chapter.” (Agency)

Ukraine hit 4 Russian military airfields in major drone attack

Moscow, Aug15 2024-

Ukraine hit four Russian military airfields in its “largest long-range drone strike” during the conflict as it furthered its offensive into Russia’s Kursk region, local media reported.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian General Staff on Telegram, the primary objectives of the drone attack in Russia’s Voronezh, Kursk, and Nizhniy Novgorod regions were the fuel warehouses and aviation weapons, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We continue to advance further in Kursk,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram, “from one to two kilometres in various areas since the start of the day.”

Foreign media reported that approximately 12,000 Ukrainian soldiers had entered Russia’s Kursk region, establishing a strategic buffer zone in the border areas.

Zelensky said a military commandant’s office will be established “if needed” in the occupied area that Ukraine claims exceeds 1,000 square kilometres.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier characterized the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk as a “large-scale provocation” and accused Ukraine of indiscriminately targeting civilian areas. He stated that Ukraine would face a “proper response” for its actions.

Russia’s defence ministry announced that in the past 24 hours, their forces successfully repelled six Ukrainian attacks in the Kursk region. Additionally, it claimed to have destroyed 117 drones and four tactical missiles launched by Ukraine at several areas including Kursk.

Also, the ministry added that Ukraine had lost up to 2,300 soldiers and 37 tanks during its incursion into Kursk.

In response to the conflict, Russia’s National Guard said it has increased security measures at the Kursk nuclear power plant, located only 35 kilometres from the conflict zone. (Agency)

Injured Johnson out of Scotland, England T20Is; Abbott named replacement

Melbourne, Aug 15 2024-

Australia pacer Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England in the UK after sustaining a side injury while playing for The Oval Invincibles in The Hundred.

Cricket Australia has named Sean Abbott as the injured pacer’s replacement in the squad. Abbott was initially selected for the five-match ODI series against England.

In the recent The Hundred, Johnson picked only two scalps in six matches, however, he bowled a sensational spell of 1/10 against Northern Superchargers in his 20 deliveries.

Johnson, who quickly made a name for himself in the BBL with Brisbane Heat, has played five T20Is and one ODI since his debut against South Africa last year. He is considered a strong candidate to fill Mitchell Starc’s spot in the T20I squad.

Starc has been rested for the T20Is against Scotland and England but will participate in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour, while Josh Hazlewood is included in both squads.

Abbott, with 15 T20I appearances, has been somewhat unlucky not to have featured more for Australia. He holds the record for the most wickets in BBL history with 165 and has also made an impact in The Hundred, taking nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.

Xavier Bartlett, who made a splash in international cricket last season, and Nathan Ellis are the other main seamers in the T20I squad, alongside allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis.

Selectors are keeping an eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months, though they haven’t ruled out Starc or Cummins for the format.

Johnson’s goal is to recover in time for the start of the Australian domestic season, where he plays for South Australia. After the UK tour, Australia’s next T20Is are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, which could offer Johnson another chance as the Test players will be unavailable due to the upcoming first Test in Perth.

Following the Pakistan series, Australia’s T20I schedule is set to resume next July in the West Indies.

Australia T20I squad vs Scotland and England: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. (Agency)

I-Day features farmers, tribals, Indian Olympic athletes as special guests

New Delhi, August 15 2024-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the historic Red Fort in Delhi to mark the 78th Independence Day on Thursday. This year, approximately 6,000 special guests attended the celebrations.

The diverse group included the country’s youth, students, tribal members, farmers, women, Border Road Organisation workers, Indian Olympic athletes, nurses, and Anganwadi workers among others.

Many elected women representatives, sarpanches, and hundreds of people dressed in traditional attire of different states also participated in this Independence Day celebration.

This year’s Independence Day theme was ‘Developed India @ 2047.’ Approximately 2,000 people from various states and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, attended the grand ceremony at the Red Fort. To boost public involvement, around 6,000 special guests were invited to the celebrations. These guests, invited by the Central Government, represent a broad spectrum of society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, and others.

The Independence Day celebrations also featured tribal artisans and entrepreneurs supported by the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation. Additionally, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), Anganwadi workers, elected women representatives, and beneficiaries of various initiatives such as Sankalp, Mahila Empowerment Centre, Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, Sakhi Kendra Yojana, Child Welfare Committee, and District Child Protection Units were present at the event.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent from the recent Paris Olympics was invited to the celebrations. There was one guest from each block of the Aspiring Block Programme, Border Roads Organisation workers, students from the Prerana School Programme, and Sarpanchs from Gram Panchayats who excelled in priority sector schemes. Additionally, 3,000 winners of online competitions organised by the Defence Ministry in collaboration with MyGov and All India Radio attended the event. (Agency)

PKL stars Pardeep, Maninder hoist Tricolour in Mumbai ahead of auction

Mumbai, Aug 15 2024-

As the nation celebrates the 78th Independence Day, Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars Pardeep Narwal and Maninder Singh visited the Mumbai Public School for the special flag hoisting ceremony.

After the ceremony, Pardeep and Maninder, who are among the most loved kabaddi players in the country, had a fun kabaddi session with the school’s kabaddi team.

After what was a very enjoyable kabaddi session, the two legends of the sport, on behalf of the Pro Kabaddi League presented the Mumbai Public School, a government school supported by Disney Star in collaboration with Yuva Unstoppable, with gifts and a token of appreciation.

“Kabaddi is a very important part of India’s culture, and it has been played from before independence as well. I am very happy to see that so many kids are still very interested in the sport. Today has been a heartwarming moment for us, here with the students at the special flag hoisting ceremony. I would also like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day!” Pardeep sadi.

Maninder added, “Every corner in our country has kids playing kabaddi and we hope to see this continue for years to come. Kabaddi is in everyone’s blood and the love people show for the sport, keeps us motivated. I want to thank every Indian for doing their bit to support Kabaddi, and I hope they continue to do so. And we would also like to thank the PKL as they have helped make the sport better from all aspects. Happy Independence Day, India!”

India’s revered kabaddi players will go under the hammer at the PKL season 11 player auction on August 15 and 16, in Mumbai. It will be broadcast live on August 15, 7 pm onwards on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+Hotstar. (Agency)

Two dead after boat capsizes in Australia

Canberra, Aug 15 2024-

Two male fishermen have died after a boat capsized off the coast of South Australia (SA), the police said in a statement.

South Australia Police said that the bodies of two 65-year-old men were found in waters between mainland SA and Kangaroo Island off the state’s south coast on Wednesday night, Xinhua news agency reported.

Authorities were alerted that a boat had been located upturned off the north coast of Kangaroo Island on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an emergency search from the sea and air.

“Two bodies were subsequently located in the water near the boat and recovered by emergency personnel,” SA Police said.

Investigation is underway, further details are awaited. (Agency)

India will become the skill capital of the world, says PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 15 2024-

Highlighting the growing significance of skills and skill development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the country will become the skill capital of the world.

Referring to the recently announced Union Budget 2024, the Prime Minister, in his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech from Red Fort, highlighted the landmark initiatives announced by the government to train India’s youth to build the country as the skill capital of the world.

He called for “enhanced focus on skill-building across all sectors, including agriculture and sanitation”, and informed of the more extensive Skill India Programme in the current Budget.

“This programme also emphasises internships to provide young people with practical experience and marketability,” PM Modi said, while also expressing a vision for India’s skilled manpower to play a prominent role in the global job market.

“India will become the skill capital. Indian universities should attain global prominence,” the PM said.

The Prime minister also envisioned transforming India into a global manufacturing hub, leveraging its resources and skilled workforce.

He noted that the “skilled youth” in the country will become “the first choice in the world.”

In July, the Union Budget allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling.

The government also promised financial support of up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions.

In addition, a scheme to provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in 500 top companies with Rs 5,000 per month as internship allowance and one-time assistance of Rs 6,000 was also announced. About 20 lakh youth will be skilled over five years.

A Rs 2 lakh-crore Prime Minister’s package of five schemes was also introduced to facilitate employment and skilling in the country.

The government in 2015, launched Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to encourage and promote skill development in the country by providing free, short-duration skill training and incentivising it by providing monetary rewards to the youth for skill certification.

Till June this year, more than 1.15 crore youth have received certification under the PMKVY, while more than 1.48 crore youth have received training since its inception in 2015, government data shows.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) also delivers skill, re-skill, and up-skill training under various schemes — PMKVY, Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to all sections of the society.

The government has also announced the setting up of 30 Skill India International Centres to cater to the demand for skilled workers from foreign countries. (Agency)

From Sachin Tendulkar to Saina Nehwal, Indian sports icons share Independence Day wishes

New Delhi, Aug 15 2024-

In a touching show of patriotism, Indian sports icons have come together to extend their heartfelt wishes on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

From cricket legends to Olympic and Paralympic champions, athletes have taken to social media to share their greetings with the nation.

“Sportspersons aren’t the only ones playing for India. Every Indian who does their job with honesty and sincerity is a key player for Team India. So, when the national anthem plays today, know that it’s for you, and I hope you’ll feel the same way I did when I heard it every time I stepped out to play for India,” Sachin Tendulkar posted on X.

Olympics medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal said, “As a sportsperson, I’ve learned the value of freedom on the field, but it’s the freedom of our nation that gives us the strength to dream big. Happy Independence Day!”

Indian men’s hockey stalwart PR Sreejesh, said “Proud Indian, Wishing you all a memorable Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride.”

Indian men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir, shared “Freedom comes at a price. Our heroes pay it everyday with their blood! Never forget #HappyIndependenceDay”

Ex-India women’s cricket captain, Mithali Raj wrote, “Every time our tricolour flutters in the wind, it tells a story of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Our nation’s journey is a testament to the strength we find in unity and the dreams we share. Today, we honour our past and look ahead to a future filled with endless possibilities. Happy Independence Day to every Indian, wherever you are.”

Paralympics champion shuttler Pramod Bhagat also conveyed his greeting on the occasion, “Happy Independence Day! Let’s take a moment to reflect on our journey as a nation and pledge to contribute towards a brighter future for all. Together, we are unstoppable!”

Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, wrote “Let us celebrate the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. Let us stay united and work towards progress, and equality for all Indians. Happy Independence Day”

“Always proud and honoured to stand with our tricolor! Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day,” posted former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh.

The theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration is ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, which aims to propel the country towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by the year 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the Red Fort’s ramparts.

Around 6,000 special guests representing diverse sections of Indian society, including youth, tribal communities, farmers, women, and beneficiaries of various government schemes, were invited to witness the ceremony. (Agency)

My dream is to make TN best in the world: CM Stalin says on I-Day

Chennai, Aug 15 2024-

Chief Minister, MK Stalin, on Thursday said that his dream was to make Tamil Nadu the best place in the world.

CM Stalin was addressing the people after hoisting the Tricolour during the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George.

CM Stalin said that India achieved Independence after 300 years of relentless struggle and the country should not forget the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country.

CM Stalin said that Tamil Nadu achieved multifaceted development in the last three years since the DMK government under him assumed office in May 2021.

CM Stalin cited several development and welfare programmes initiated by his government, including the flagship breakfast programme for schoolchildren.

He said that breakfast for all was a programme which was unique in the country and added that it had led to an increase in school attendance.

CM Stalin said that as per Union government statistics, Tamil Nadu excels in education and added that this was due to such welfare programmes initiated by his government.

CM Stalin added that the ‘Puthumai Pen’ scheme providing Rs 1,000 each month for girl students of government and government-aided schools that was launched by him, had been a resounding success and resulted in increasing enrolment of girls in higher education institutions.

He said that Tamil Nadu has launched the ‘Thamizh Pudhalvan’ scheme on similar lines aimed at increasing the enrollment of boys in higher education.

The CM said that since his government came to power, the Dravidian model of government appointed 32,774 people through the Tamil Nadu selection Board and added that more than 75,000 people will be given government jobs by January 2026. (Agency)

Maldives President reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with India in I-Day greetings

Male, Aug 15 2024-

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday hailed the “invaluable partnership” between the two neighbouring countries in his greetings sent to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day.

“India continues to be an invaluable partner in the development of the Maldives. The long-standing partnership, based on mutual respect and trust, has evolved into a close and cooperative friendship that has been instrumental in advancing the development and prosperity of the Maldives,” his office said in a statement.

The Maldivian President reaffirmed his administration’s “full commitment” to strengthening the “historic and close connections” between the two neighbouring countries.

Taking to X, Muizzu wrote, “On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.”

“Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. As we look to the future, I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen, driving mutual prosperity and shared goals,” he added.

Earlier this week, calling India one of the “closest allies” and “invaluable partners”, the Maldivian President also extended “deep gratitude” to PM Modi, the Indian government, and the friendly people of India for their “generous and continued assistance” to the Maldives.

“India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it,” Muizzu acknowledged in External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s presence during a ceremony held at the President’s Office to handover the completed water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 islands in the Maldives, funded by the Government of India’s Line of Credit (LoC) facility through the Exim Bank of India.

In his remarks, Muizzu highlighted that these projects are key milestones in the Maldives’ bilateral relations with India and would provide significant economic benefits, boost the local economies, and together contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

During his meeting with EAM Jaishankar, the Maldives President also recalled his recent visit to India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and expressed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister as well as President Droupadi Murmu.

India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day this year. On this occasion, PM Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort and paid tributes to the freedom fighters.

The theme of this year’s Independence Day is ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, underscoring the government’s goal of making India a developed country by 2047, which would mark 100 years of Independence. The focus is on government policy and programme announcements that generate headlines. (Agency)

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