GIFT City allows non-resident visitors to consume liquor

AHMEDABAD: In what is seen as the perfect Christmas-New Year bonanza for employees and visitors to the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, the state govt has issued a notification further easing prohibition norms. The notification gives easier liquor access to non-resident visitors to GIFT, including people from other states and foreign countries.A key highlight of the notification issued on Saturday is the formal inclusion of ‘external persons’, defined as ‘a person who is not from the state of Gujarat, who holds a photo ID card of another state or who is a foreign national’.

Such visitors can consume liquor by simply producing a valid photo ID, without requiring a liquor access permit. This is a marked shift from the tightly controlled relaxation framework first announced in Dec 2023.The latest notification also eases norms for permit holders sponsoring visitors, allowing employees with liquor access permits to host up to 25 guests at a time, and clarifies that diners without permits can freely enter wine-and-dine areas for food. Sources in the know also said that employees of GIFT City can now get a liquor access permit based on their ID cards by submitting Form A1. “Earlier, employees were required to take authorisation/approval from company HR, which is no longer needed. An employee can get his permit and host up to 25 guests without extra approvals,” a source close to the development said. “Additionally, the company will no longer be held responsible for the employee who leaves GIFT City without submitting his permit,” the source said.The relaxed rules now allow liquor service across hotel and restaurant premises, including lawns, poolside areas, terraces, and even private hotel rooms, provided the outlet holds an FL-III licence. Earlier, it was permitted only within designated ‘wine and dine’ zones for employees holding special permits.Sanjay Kaul, managing director and group CEO, GIFT City, said the notification was a pragmatic step to support GIFT City’s role as an international financial and business district. “It addresses the operational needs of global institutions and professionals working within a clearly defined and regulated framework. The objective is to enhance GIFT City’s competitiveness as a global financial centre, while ensuring that all provisions are implemented in a controlled and responsible manner, in line with its mandate as a project of national importance,” he said.

Industry players said that the move is in sync with the state’s ambition to become a global financial nerve centre and host international sporting events, namely the Commonwealth Games (CWG 2030) and Olympics 2036. Stakeholders said that the fresh relaxations will encourage leading domestic and international food and beverage brands to set up shop in GIFT City. It will also help companies to attract talent to GIFT City and meet its goal of 100,000 employees by 2030.“This is a very positive move and a strong boost for both GIFT City and Gujarat. It sends the right signal for the hospitality and real estate sectors at a time when the state is positioning itself to host the Commonwealth Games,” said Narendra Somani, president, Hotels and Restaurants’ Association (HRA), Gujarat. Somani advocated controlled relaxation of liquor laws across the state. “A calibrated, regulated expansion of liquor access beyond GIFT City would not only align Gujarat with international expectations but also generate substantial revenue for the govt. Alcohol consumption is ultimately a lifestyle choice, and experience shows that outright bans are no longer effective.”Sources said that with the relaxation norms, a group permit structure is also available in GIFT City. “Any company can organise an event and avail group permit for all the guests. This permit will be issued by authorised GIFT City officials,” a source close to the development said.The minimum drinking age remains 21, and all consumption continues to fall under the regulatory ambit of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have long been the embodiment of consistency in the Women’s Premier League, yet the ultimate prize has remained tantalizingly out of reach. After securing three consecutive runner-up finishes, the franchise entered the 2026 cycle with a bold vision to reshape its identity and finally bridge the gap between excellence and championship glory. This strategic shift began with the tough decision to move on from a legendary leadership era of Meg Lanning , prioritizing a core that resonates more deeply with the local fan base.

Delhi Capitals officially named World Cup winner as their new captain for the 2026 WPL season

In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, DC officially named India star Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old takes over from Australian icon Lanning, who led the side to three finals but was released ahead of the mega auction as the franchise sought an Indian face for the top job.

Jemimah, who was DC’s first-ever signing in the inaugural WPL auction, has scored 507 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 139.66 and has been a cornerstone of the team’s locker room culture. Her appointment follows a “dream year” in international cricket, headlined by her historic unbeaten 127 in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia. The franchise on December 14, orchestrated an emotional reveal during a fake “fan meet,” where Jemimah was surprised with videos of her family and childhood coach before being presented with her customized captaincy jersey.

“It is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team. It has truly been a dream year for me and my family, winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPL. We are gonna win this year. That’s the change I want to bring. Credit to Meg, too, for the way she has led the team over the last three years and the culture she has set for the team. She has inspired me and I have to owe that credit to her. I have learned so much over the last three years and shared some of my best moments here, and I can’t wait to finally cross that line that has eluded us.” Jemimah was quoted as saying Delhi Capitals official website.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal on the leadership shift

Delhi co-owner Parth Jindal clarified that the decision to appoint Jemimah was driven by a clear organizational philosophy to empower Indian leadership. Despite the presence of high-profile overseas stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, Jindal emphasized that the franchise wanted a leader who could foster a deep connection with the domestic players and the Indian supporters.

During the mega auction, DC remained disciplined in their strategy, building a squad designed to support a young Indian captain while adding tactical depth through signings like Sneh Rana and Chinelle Henry. Jindal noted that Jemimah’s “magical” performances on the world stage, combined with her years of service as Lanning’s deputy, made her the undeniable choice to lead the next cycle. The management believes that her boundless energy and newfound maturity as a World Cup winner are the exact ingredients needed to turn their streak of finals into a trophy.

“Jemimah has been with us since Day one, and there was never any doubt that she would one day captain the team. Beyond her on-field heroics, her infectious smile and boundless energy have made her a much-loved presence in the dressing room, and I am confident she will lead the squad exceptionally well. We are very clear that we would like to have an Indian as the captain. Laura (Wolvaardt) will add a lot of leadership into the dressing room, but we are clear that we want to go with an Indian captain. Her magical innings against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final was truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud to have her represent Delhi Capitals and now lead the team. I wish her the very best as she starts this new chapter, and I am certain she will excel in this role and help us cross the line after three consecutive finals.” Jindal said.

Also READ: What if India legend Jhulan Goswami was part of WPL auction?

Delhi Capitals’ WPL 2026 blueprint

The new-look Delhi Capitals squad for 2026 has been meticulously crafted to complement Jemimah’s aggressive but calculated style of play. While Lanning has moved on to the UP Warriorz, DC successfully retained their ‘spine,’ consisting of Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, each at ₹2.2 crore. The WPL 2026 auction addition of Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore is viewed as one of the best value picks of the season, providing a stable opening partner for Shafali. By bringing in domestic veterans like Sneh Rana, DC have ensured that Jemimah has an experienced ‘leadership group’ to consult on the field. The squad now features more than six viable bowling options and a batting order that runs deep, addressing the explosiveness that the management felt was lacking in previous seasons. With a core that has already experienced the pressure of three finals and the confidence of a World Cup victory, the 2026 Capitals appear more balanced than ever before.

Also READ: What if India legend Mithali Raj was part of the WPL auction?

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Indian cricket has witnessed its fair share of questionable umpiring decisions over the years, but one call continues to stand out as uniquely baffling. It came in 2007 during an India vs South Africa match at the Belfast Oval, when veteran umpire Aleem Dar made a decision that still sparks debate nearly two decades later. Aleem Dar, widely respected and long considered one of the finest umpires the game has produced, was at the centre of a moment that perfectly illustrated the saying that even the very best can err. South Africa’s young batting prodigy AB de Villiers, then just 23, was given a huge let-off despite clearly edging the ball when he was yet to open his account.

The match was a rain-affected encounter, reduced to 31 overs per side. South Africa were already in trouble at 8 for 2, having lost Jacques Kallis and opener Morne van Wyk for ducks. On the first delivery of the fifth over, Zaheer Khan delivered a ball that de Villiers nicked sharply. The edge flew to Sachin Tendulkar at second slip, who completed a clean catch. There was little ambiguity about the dismissal. The sound of the edge was loud enough to be picked up by the stump microphone, and the deviation off the bat was clearly visible. It was the sort of wicket that rarely requires deliberation. Yet, to the astonishment of the Indian players, Dar ruled de Villiers not out. The reaction on the field said it all. Tendulkar stood visibly stunned, while captain Sourav Ganguly and the rest of the fielding side looked on in disbelief as the umpire remained firm in his decision. De Villiers eventually went on to score 15 before being dismissed, and India went on to win the series 2-1. Still, the moment has endured as one of the most talked-about incidents of de Villiers’ career, even 18 years on.

Herschelle Gibbs post

Herschelle Gibbs, who was at the non-striker’s end at the time, later admitted that he too was shocked by the decision. Responding to a video of the incident on X, Gibbs recalled, “I was at the other end, couldn’t believe what I was seeing. AB said he hit his pads.” The Belfast series, played for the Future Cup, came in the immediate aftermath of India’s disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign. Following Greg Chappell’s dismissal, India travelled to Ireland without a head coach, with Rahul Dravid continuing as captain. Despite the turbulence, Sachin Tendulkar emerged as the standout performer, earning the Player of the Series award after scoring 200 runs, including knocks of 99 and 93 in the first two matches, and also chipping in with two wickets.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/libyas-army-chief-mohammed-al-haddad-killed-in-plane-crash-in-turkey-9914524” on this server.

Reference #18.77fdd417.1766532146.506a2f61

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.77fdd417.1766532146.506a2f61

BHOPAL: A sweeping revision of Madhya Pradesh’s electoral rolls has led to the deletion of 42.7 lakh voters, or 7.4% of the electorate, following a 44-day special intensive revision (SIR) that officials said ranks among the largest voter list clean-ups undertaken in the state.The draft electoral rolls published on Tuesday show the voter count falling from 5.7 crore before the revision to 5.3 crore – a net reduction of 42.7 lakh names after door-to-door verification across 65,014 polling booths.Election officials said the deletions included 8.4 lakh voters found to be deceased, 31.5 lakh who had shifted from their registered addresses, and 2.7 lakh duplicate entries. The scale of deletions reflects extensive demographic churn over two decades, with the stated goal of producing clean, accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls, officials said.Alongside the deletions, poll officials identified about 8.4 lakh “unmapped” voters whose details could not be linked to records from the SIR in 2003. Their names remain in the draft poll rolls for now but will be reviewed.“The unmapped voters will have to produce the required documents within seven days of receiving the notice from the BLO (booth level officer),” joint chief electoral officer Ram Pratap Singh Jadaun said. Failure to respond could result in deletion when final rolls are published.The exercise ran from Nov 4 to Dec 18, following an extension granted by the Election Commission, with more than 65,000 BLOs conducting house-to-house checks across cities, towns and villages. Enumeration forms were received from 5.31 crore electors, covering over 92% of the electorate, officials said. The drive spanned 55 districts and involved 230 electoral registration officers, 532 assistant EROs, and large-scale support from panchayat secretaries, revenue staff, Gram Rojgar Sahayaks and volunteers. Six recognised national political parties took part through 1.3 lakh booth level agents.Officials stressed that deletions remain provisional. Under revision guidelines, no name can be removed without prior notice and a speaking order from an ERO or AERO. The claims and objections window opened Tuesday and runs until Jan 22, 2026, allowing voters to seek inclusion, correction or restoration of names. Appeals may be filed before the district magistrate and, subsequently, the chief electoral officer under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Ranveer Singh is basking in the glorious momentum of Aditya Dhar directed ‘Dhurandhar’s blockbuster run. Trade experts have predicted that the action-packed thriller is on track to cross the Rs 600 crore nett by Thursday. Its fourth week looks set to deliver huge earnings, pushing the lifetime total toward Rs 700 crore nett. Now, buzz suggests Singh is leaving the much-awaited Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s ‘Don 3’.

According to Pinkvilla, with ‘Dhurandhar’s massive success, Singh is very clear about the kind of films he wants to do next. He is keen to collaborate with filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Atlee. At the same time, Singh doesn’t want to be seen in back-to-back gangster films, especially since ‘Dhurandhar’ is already established in that space. That’s one of the reasons he has asked Jai Mehta to prepone the shoot of ‘Pralay’. Ranveer is keen on fast-tracking the project and bringing it on floors sooner than planned.

About ‘Pralay’

Under the working title ‘Pralay’, Applause Entertainment’s zombie thriller unfolds a gripping human drama centered on a man’s relentless drive to rescue his family from utter chaos. As per the report, now that Ranveer has walked out of ‘Don 3’, Singh is now personally involved in aligning dates and schedules for Jai Mehta’s film to ensure the film moves quickly.

About ‘Don 3’

Reportedly, Ranveer was set to kick off preparations for ‘Don 3’ right after Dhurandhar’s release. But now, with the latest developments, producers are hunting for a fresh face to play Don, aiming to start shooting by late January 2026.

Kriti Sanon in ‘Don 3’

For the uninitiated, Farhan Akhtar and the ‘Don 3’ crew have confirmed Kriti Sanon as the leading lady in this action-packed thriller. The project promises a lavish production, with extensive filming planned across various European spots.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered a golden era of tactical precision, with their last two auction cycles being hailed as masterclasses in squad building. After finally breaking their title drought and entering the 2026 season as defending champions, the franchise continued its momentum with a highly successful mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.

By retaining a powerhouse core and making surgical additions, the management has silenced critics who once questioned their auction strategy. This year’s proceedings were no different, as they navigated a limited purse to secure high-value targets that complement their existing championship structure. Now, in the aftermath of the event, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the results, identifying one specific RCB signing that he considers to be an absolute steal of the tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin hails RCB’s IPL 2026 auction buy as an ‘absolute steal’

According to Ashwin, the acquisition of New Zealand speedster Jacob Duffy for a base price of ₹2 crore is nothing short of a “absolute steal.” Ashwin pointed out that 2025 has been a transformative year for the 31-year-old pacer, who has recently ascended to the top echelons of global rankings.

Duffy’s form reached its zenith during the recent Test series against the West Indies, where he claimed a staggering nine-wicket haul in the final match at Mount Maunganui to secure the Player of the Series award. His performances have been so dominant that he recently broke Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old record for the most international wickets taken by a New Zealander in a single calendar year, finishing 2025 with 81 scalps. Ashwin noted that Duffy is currently ‘operating at peak efficiency,’ making him a dangerous addition to an already formidable RCB bowling attack.

“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming-of-age year. 23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate, and MOS in the tests against Windies. He’s also the current #2-ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89 economy, and an elite 53.1% dot ball rate. At 31, he’s operating at peak efficiency. Absolute steal by RCB to pick him up at a base price of 2C. Sensational coup.” Ashwin wrote on X.

What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year.

23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 Strike rate and MOS in the tests against Windies.

He’s also the current #2 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89… pic.twitter.com/Oda9LxdqxX

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 22, 2025

Also READ: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 full schedule: Which Delhi and Mumbai games will they be part of?

RCB’s tactical versatility by strengthening the championship defense ahead of IPL 2026 edition

Beyond the statistical brilliance, the signing of Duffy provides RCB with immense tactical flexibility as they attempt to defend their IPL crown. Ashwin highlighted that Duffy is not just a backup option but a legitimate frontline starter who can challenge for a spot in the playing XI alongside his compatriot Josh Hazlewood. In 2025 alone, Duffy claimed 35 wickets in 21 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.08, proving his mettle in the shortest format on the international stage.

Duffy’s ability to maintain an elite dot-ball rate while taking wickets makes him a perfect fit for the high-scoring environment of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The RCB management, led by Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, appears to have prioritized injury cover and squad depth, ensuring that the team remains competitive even if key overseas players like Josh Hazlewood or Nuwan Thushara face availability issues.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin faces accusations of revealing CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans; breaks his silence

Shafali Verma (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India continued their dominant run in the women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka with another authoritative win on Tuesday. Chasing a small target, India cruised to a seven-wicket victory in the second match, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The star of the night was Shafali Verma, who played a fearless and fluent knock to finish the game quickly. Sri Lanka were first asked to bat and struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. The visitors could only manage 128 for 9 in their 20 overs.

India’s spin unit did most of the damage, led by experienced off-spinner Sneh Rana and well supported by young spinners Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani. They bowled with control and patience, not allowing Sri Lanka to build any real momentum.While chasing, India lost vice-captain Smriti Mandhana early for 14. However, Shafali Verma looked in complete control from the moment she arrived at the crease. Full of confidence after her strong showing in the World Cup final, she attacked the bowlers and took the game away from Sri Lanka. Shafali remained unbeaten on 69 from just 34 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and one six, as India wrapped up the chase in only 11.5 overs.Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera bore the brunt of Shafali’s attack. Whenever the ball was tossed up, Shafali stepped out and struck cleanly over extra cover. Her footwork against spin was impressive, whether coming down the track or playing from the back foot. Seeing her confidence, newly appointed Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues joined the assault. Rodrigues scored a quick 26 off 15 balls, and together they added 58 runs in just 4.3 overs. By the time Rodrigues got out, the result was already decided.Earlier, Sneh Rana made full use of her opportunity after Deepti Sharma missed out due to fever. She returned excellent figures of 1 for 11 in four overs, including a rare maiden in T20 cricket. Shree Charani picked up 2 for 23, while Vaishnavi Sharma finished with 2 for 32. India’s fielding also stood out, with sharp efforts resulting in three run-outs after a below-par show in the previous match.Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu showed some fight with a quick 31 but was kept quiet by Rana’s smart bowling. Once she fell, Sri Lanka lost wickets quickly and never recovered.