Thursday, November 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 1203

Sarfaraz Khan welcomes a little miracle

0

India’s rising cricket star Sarfaraz Khan is experiencing a week of joyous milestones. Just days after scoring his maiden Test century, Sarfaraz took to Instagram to announce the arrival of his baby boy. In heartfelt posts, he shared pictures of himself with the newborn, celebrating this new chapter in his life.

Sarfaraz, 27, expressed his excitement with a simple yet joyful message: “IT’S BABY BOY.” He married his wife, Romana Zahoor, in August 2023. Both Romana and Sarfaraz’s father were present during his much-anticipated Test debut earlier this year against England in Rajkot, a moment that showcased their strong family bond.

During the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, Sarfaraz has showcased his batting prowess. Initially benched for India’s series against Bangladesh, he returned to the lineup following an injury to fellow batsman Shubman Gill.

Also Read: CSK Awaits MS Dhoni’s Decision Before IPL 2025 Retention Deadline

In a dramatic Test match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz’s skills were on full display as he scored 150 runs off 195 balls. His innings included 18 fours and 3 sixes, contributing significantly to India’s recovery after a shocking collapse that saw them dismissed for just 46 runs—their lowest ever at home. Sarfaraz’s performance helped turn the tide, leading to a competitive response from the team.

Sarfaraz’s rise in cricket is remarkable. He first gained attention through his performances with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL but struggled for a while to secure a place in first-class cricket. After a transformative stint with Uttar Pradesh, he returned to Mumbai cricket and excelled, amassing over 4,500 runs at an outstanding average of 69.27 in 52 matches.

As Sarfaraz reflects on his achievements, he describes his Test century as a “dream come true.” He stated, “Since I started playing cricket, it was my dream to play for India and score a 100 for India. I am happy.” This blend of personal and professional triumphs signifies an exciting future for the young cricketer and his family. With a promising career ahead, Sarfaraz Khan is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of cricket.

Engine partner Honda pushes Red Bull to sign Yuki Tsunoda

Sergio Perez has been underperforming for over a year now. Despite a good start, Perez struggled to keep up with top guns and sits at a mediocre 8th at the drivers standings. His performances have cost Red Bull p1 in Constructors and left the outfit in a vulnerable position. Right from the beginning, there had been talks of him getting replaced by Daniel Riccardo, Carlos Sainz, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda. Amid speculations, Perez was re-signed along with purported performance clauses in his contract. Now Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe urged Red Bull to replace Perez with its Japanese protege Yuki Tsunoda.

Also Read: Amid uncertain future, Perez is haunted by his father’s health

As a part of the engine deal with Honda, Red Bull groomed Yuki Tsunoda under its junior programme. Tsunoda was given a seat at the sister team Visa Cash App RB (then Alpha Tauri) in 2021. The Japanese driver surely showed his potential though he never got to test with the Red Bull car. He had always been on the sidelines and his performances are often undermined.

WhatsApp Image 2024 10 22 at 7.09.32 PM
Yuki Tsunoda (left), Max Verstappen (Right)

In an interview with Autosport, Koji said- “Regarding Tsunoda, our goal is for him to work hard and secure a seat at Red Bull Racing. We believe he has the talent. Of course, driver decisions are ultimately up to the team, but as a partner we’ve strongly requested that Tsunoda be given the chance to drive and test in a Red Bull car. We want to at least give him the opportunity to showcase his ability.”

“I’ve also spoken directly with Christian [Horner] about this. He hasn’t ruled it out. Nothing has been decided yet, but I think we need to proceed properly,” added the Honda chief. He’s optimistic that if everything goes well, Tsunoda could get that elusive second Red Bull seat and can serve the team beyond 2026. He is backing Tsunoda for that seat and said it would not mean ‘parting ways’ with Honda.

Red Bull will be partnering with Ford to develop their own Power Unit from 2026 onwards. Honda has a deal with Aston Martin as their engine supplier from 2026. Next year i.e. 2025 will be the last year for the successful Red Bull-Honda partnership.

The Formula 1 Caravan will have a pitstop this week at Mexico before heading to Brazil to complete the triple header. Brazil will be followed by a 2 week break. And the championship wraps up with another triple header at Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Rail Mishap in Maharashtra: Coaches of CSMT-Shalimar Express Derail, All Safe

On Tuesday, two coaches and a parcel van of the CSMT-Shalimar Express derailed near Kalamna station in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The incident took place around 2 PM when the train, traveling from Mumbai to Kolkata, switched tracks at the Itwari-Kalamna junction. The derailment involved the S2 coach and the parcel van, with four wheels from each coach leaving the tracks. Fortunately, no passengers were injured in the incident, and no fatalities or significant damage was reported.

Railway authorities responded swiftly. Emergency teams arrived at the site within minutes of the incident and took immediate steps to ensure the safety of passengers. The railway administration also launched an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment, though no official reason has been disclosed yet. Senior officials, including Dilip Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) of South East Central Railway, were on-site to oversee the restoration efforts.

Also Read: CM Shinde Announces 45 Candidates for Elections

Speaking to the media, Dilip Singh reassured that passenger safety was the top priority. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the passengers reach their destination safely. Basic amenities such as food, water, and medical assistance are being provided, and alternative transportation arrangements are being made for the affected passengers,” he stated.

Helplines have been set up to provide information to the families of those on board, and updates on the train’s status are being regularly communicated by railway officials. Restoration work on the affected coaches is currently underway, and railway operations in the region are expected to normalize soon.

Passengers praised the prompt response of the railway authorities, citing the efficient handling of the situation and the provision of necessary facilities. “Though it was a frightening experience, the railway staff acted quickly, and we were all safely escorted out,” said one of the passengers.

While the incident caused some delays, the proactive measures taken by the authorities ensured that the situation remained under control. The railway administration has expressed its commitment to thoroughly investigate the incident to prevent any such occurrences in the future.

Chirag Paswan: The Game Is On! NDA Eyes Jharkhand Win

Union minister Chirag Paswan expressed strong confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure a decisive victory in the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, suggesting that the INDIA bloc is on the verge of experiencing another significant defeat following recent setbacks in Haryana.

Paswan, the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), asserted that he is “fully satisfied” with the BJP’s decision to allocate one seat to his party in Jharkhand, dismissing any claims of being undervalued within the alliance. “There are many trying to create divisions between my PM and me. They will not succeed. Our party appreciates the respect given to us by the BJP in Jharkhand, just as in Bihar,” Paswan stated during a press conference.

Also Read: After BJP Return, Pauskar Gears Up for 2027 Sanvordem Challenge

Scheduled to visit Jharkhand on October 24, Paswan will oversee the nomination of his party’s candidate, Janardan Paswan, a former MLA with two terms of experience. He emphasized that his party aims not only for its own success but also to support its allies in the elections.

The BJP is contesting 68 out of the 81 seats in the Jharkhand assembly, with the AJSU Party fielding candidates in 10 constituencies and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) in 2. Paswan criticized the INDIA coalition, which includes the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), RJD, and Left parties, arguing that it is fractured and discredited, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who faced jail time related to a money laundering case.

“The INDIA alliance is facing its next big defeat after Haryana. With a leader who has been jailed, the coalition’s internal strife over seat-sharing reveals its disarray,” Paswan commented.

Looking ahead, Paswan indicated that the Lok Janshakti Party is gearing up for future challenges in Bihar, with a major rally planned for November 28 at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna. This rally will mark the anniversary of the party’s founding by his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, and is expected to serve as a launchpad for their campaign ahead of the Bihar assembly elections next year.

After BJP Return, Pauskar Gears Up for 2027 Sanvordem Challenge

Former Goa PWD minister Deepak Pauskar has declared his intent to contest the 2027 Assembly elections from the Sanvordem constituency, following his quiet return to the BJP earlier this year. However, Pauskar has not yet confirmed if he will contest on a BJP ticket or as an independent, keeping his options open for now. “I am weighing all possibilities, including contesting independently. What matters is serving the people of Sanvordem,” Pauskar said in a recent statement.

Also Read: Mahayuti and MVA Finalize Seat Sharing in Maharashtra

Pauskar’s political journey has been marked by twists and turns. He was elected as an MLA in 2017 on a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) ticket, defeating BJP’s Ganesh Gaonkar. In 2019, he switched his allegiance to the BJP and served as the state’s PWD minister under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. However, his tenure as minister was overshadowed by controversies, particularly related to recruitment in the PWD, which cost him his party’s support in the 2022 elections. The BJP replaced him with Ganesh Gaonkar as its candidate, leading Pauskar to run as an independent in 2022, where he was defeated by Gaonkar.

Despite the loss, Pauskar remains confident in his connection with the Sanvordem electorate. “I did good work during my tenure as MLA. The people still approach me with their issues, and I try to resolve them,” he said, expressing optimism about his chances in 2027. Pauskar highlighted his efforts to push for development in the constituency, adding that even BJP leaders, including CM Sawant, have supported many of his proposals aimed at improving local infrastructure.

On another front, Pauskar has been actively engaging with local issues, recently lending his support to Dudhsagar Falls jeep operators who are protesting the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s control over online bookings. “Their demand for handling online bookings through their association is reasonable, and I stand with them,” Pauskar stated.

Pauskar’s political future in 2027 will depend on whether the BJP offers him a ticket or if he chooses to contest independently, but his re-emergence suggests he is far from exiting the political stage.

Maharashtra Politics Heats Up: Sachin Waze Gets Bail, Deshmukh’s Troubles Deepen

Mumbai; In a significant development, the Bombay High Court granted bail to dismissed Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze in the ongoing corruption case involving former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Waze, who was arrested in March 2021 in connection with the Antilia bomb scare and the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran, has remained in jail for over two years. Despite securing bail in this corruption case, Waze will remain in custody due to other pending charges.

The case stems from allegations that Deshmukh, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), used his position to extort money from bar and restaurant owners in Mumbai through police officers. Waze has alleged that Deshmukh instructed him to collect Rs 100 crore from establishments across the city. He further accused Deshmukh of pressuring him to engage in illegal activities, stating that he was coerced into following orders under the pretext that they came from political leaders like “Pawar Saheb”.

In a letter submitted to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Waze named Deshmukh and NCP state president Jayant Patil as key players in the extortion racket. He claimed to have provided substantial evidence, including documents and testimonies, to support his allegations. Waze, who has been declared an approver in the case, argued that his prolonged incarceration was a violation of his rights, as other accused in similar cases had already been granted bail.

However, Anil Deshmukh has strongly denied the charges. He dismissed Waze’s claims, accusing Fadnavis of using Waze as a pawn to further a political agenda. Deshmukh, who was in judicial custody for over a year before being granted bail in 2022, has repeatedly claimed that the allegations against him are part of a political conspiracy aimed at damaging his reputation and that of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government. Deshmukh went as far as to call Waze’s accusations a tactic orchestrated by Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut labeled Waze as a “terrorist,” referring to his involvement in the Antilia bomb scare case, and criticized the BJP for relying on such individuals.

Can Congress Salvage Its Position in MVA Post-Haryana Loss?

Mumbai: The Congress party’s defeat in the Haryana assembly elections has cast a shadow over its position within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra. With the November 20 state assembly elections fast approaching, the party faces mounting pressure to resolve internal conflicts and seat-sharing disagreements with its allies, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). The MVA, formed to challenge the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, is battling internal fractures, especially over key seats in Mumbai and Vidarbha.

Congress’s insistence on claiming 125 seats despite its weakened position after Haryana has frustrated its partners, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT). Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed dissatisfaction with Congress leader Nana Patole’s confrontational approach, which he believes is hindering negotiations. The impasse has led to public spats, exposing rifts within the alliance.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, attempting to maintain unity, downplayed the significance of Haryana’s results on Maharashtra’s elections, announcing that consensus has been reached on 200 of the 288 assembly seats. Pawar insisted that while Congress must reflect on its defeat, the focus should be on the upcoming Maharashtra polls, where the stakes are higher. Pawar emphasized the need for strategic coordination to counter the ruling BJP, which has been emboldened by its victory in Haryana.

The BJP’s confidence, following its electoral success, poses a significant challenge to the MVA’s cohesion. Congress’s perceived weakness could not only reduce its negotiating power within the MVA but also impact voter sentiment. As voters in Maharashtra witness the splintering of both Shiv Sena and NCP, a disunited Congress could further alienate an already uncertain electorate.

Congress must now reassess its electoral strategy and mend alliances to present a united front. Its ability to do so could determine its relevance in both the upcoming state election and the 2024 national elections. The road ahead is difficult, but with careful planning, Congress can still regain lost ground in Maharashtra.

Amid uncertain future, Perez is haunted by his father’s health

Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver for Red Bull Racing, is facing difficult times in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Despite early promise, his recent performances have raised concerns about his future at Red Bull and in F1 as a whole. To make matters worse, a crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz had off-track ramifications—his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, experienced a health scare shortly after the incident, reportedly suffering a pre-heart attack.

  • Performance Decline and Red Bull’s Frustration

Perez’s 2023 and 2024 campaign has been inconsistent. He fell off after a having a solid start. In 2023, a championship fight seemed possible until Perez began to struggle. While his teammate Max Verstappen changed the definition of domination. Errors during races, including qualifying missteps and mid-race incidents, have diminished his standing within Red Bull. The crash with Sainz in Baku was just one example of how his recent misjudgments have cost the team valuable points, further straining the relationship between Perez and Red Bull’s management.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted at frustrations, but public statements continue to emphasize that Perez will remain with the team through 2024. However, the lack of sustained top-tier performances, especially when compared to his dominant teammate Max Verstappen, has fueled speculation about whether Perez will be part of the team beyond the next season. Discussions of potential replacements are intensifying, with younger drivers emerging as possible candidates to partner Verstappen in the future.

  • The Impact of the Azerbaijan Crash

The crash with Sainz occurred during the penultimate lap as both drivers were fighting for a podium finish. Although both walked away unharmed, the aftermath of the incident was far more serious for Perez’s family. His father, Antonio, suffered a medical emergency, believed to be a pre-heart attack, and had to be rushed to a hospital in Mexico City for urgent care. Perez Sr. attributed his collapse to the stress of witnessing the accident, emphasizing how deeply personal and emotional racing remains for the family.

antonio perez checo perez infarto emergencia

Antonio Perez is now in stable condition, but the incident has undoubtedly placed additional emotional pressure on the Red Bull driver. This unfortunate event adds complexity to Perez’s already challenging season, as he attempts to find form amidst personal and professional turmoil.

  • What Lies Ahead for Perez?

His performances forced Red Bull to p2 in constructors and even that is not safe. Ferrari is sitting in 3rd just 8 points behind. Ferrari arguably has best driver pairing in the form of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. Whether Perez can salvage his seat in 2025 remains uncertain. Much will depend on his performances in the remaining races of the season and whether he can overcome both personal challenges and on-track difficulties to regain his rhythm.

The next few races are critical not only for Perez’s immediate future but also for his longer-term prospects in Formula 1. A strong finish to 2024 could restore faith in his abilities, but continued underperformance may prompt Red Bull to explore other options moving forward.

The situation illustrates how racing is not just about individual results but also about balancing team dynamics and personal resilience. Perez finds himself torned between his struggles. He must rediscover his form or risk falling out of favor at the highest level of motorsport.

Sanjay Raut Confirms MVA’s Seat-Sharing Almost Complete, Shiv Sena Set for 100 Seats

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has confirmed that 99% of the seat-sharing arrangement within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is complete. This alliance, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has been engaged in extensive discussions to finalize seat allocations across the state.

Raut, while addressing the media, expressed confidence that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would contest around 100 seats, stating, “Our party is an experienced player, and we aim to hit a century.” He also highlighted that detailed discussions over individual constituencies were ongoing and would soon be fully resolved.

The MVA, which aims to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, has delayed its candidate announcements compared to its rivals. However, Raut assured that the alliance’s candidate selection process was thorough, prioritizing strong candidates in winnable seats. He took a dig at the BJP, saying, “Forming a government requires careful planning, which is why we took our time.”

Balasaheb Thorat of Congress and Sharad Pawar of NCP also played crucial roles in bringing the seat-sharing talks to a near conclusion. Thorat, after holding lengthy discussions with Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, confirmed that only a few contentious seats were still under negotiation. The final announcement is expected shortly, as leaders are keen to project unity within the alliance.

As the campaign gears up, the MVA remains focused on retaining key constituencies, particularly in Mumbai, where Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to dominate. NCP leader Jeetendra Awhad emphasized the role of Shiv Sena (UBT) as the leading partner in Mumbai, while Congress leaders have been advocating for a unified front to counter the BJP’s influence in the state.

The MVA faces an uphill battle, but the alliance is confident that their collective strategy will resonate with voters in the upcoming elections.

Nilesh Rane Poised to Join Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, Eyes Kudal-Malvan Seat in Upcoming Elections

Mumbai: Amid growing political maneuvers in Maharashtra, speculation is rife that Nilesh Rane, son of former Union minister Narayan Rane, may soon align himself with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena. A significant meeting took place between Nilesh Rane, Narayan Rane, and Shinde at the latter’s official residence on Sunday, lasting around 30 minutes, which has fueled rumors of a potential party switch.

Also Read: CM Shinde Announces 45 Candidates for Elections

Sources indicate that Nilesh Rane is likely to contest the upcoming state assembly elections from the Kudal-Malvan constituency under the Shiv Sena banner. A formal announcement regarding his induction into the party is expected within days, adding to the excitement surrounding this political development.

This potential switch occurs against the backdrop of ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the Mahayuti alliance, comprising Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and other regional parties. While the final decision on Nilesh Rane’s party affiliation is pending, his candidacy from Kudal-Malvan appears increasingly probable.

Senior leaders from Shinde’s Shiv Sena have expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Nilesh Rane. Minister Gulabrao Patil stated, “If Nilesh Rane is indeed joining our Shiv Sena, we will certainly welcome him. We have always been open to those coming from the BJP.” Meanwhile, Minister Uday Samant remarked, “If Nilesh Rane joins us, we will stand firmly behind him, strengthening the Shiv Sena in the process.”

Conversely, Deepak Kesarkar, another key leader, offered a more cautious perspective, acknowledging the likelihood of Rane’s candidacy but emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the party affiliation. He noted, “There is a tradition within the Mahayuti alliance of swapping candidates between our parties, as we saw in Palghar.”

Given the Rane family’s significant influence in the Konkan region, this development could notably impact local politics. As the Mahayuti alliance continues finalizing its candidate list, the shifting dynamics underscore a strategic effort to secure dominance in this critical electoral battleground. With more updates anticipated, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains fluid as elections approach.