RAJKOT: It’s time to recalibrate batting plans now that ODIs are being played with only one ball after the 34th over. With the ODI World Cup in South Africa less than two years away, teams are trying to gauge what a significantly older ball will mean at the back-end of an innings.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was upfront about the challenges posed by the revised playing conditions. Forming a new template is one of the goals for the team management in this series. The presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gives India an edge, as they are among the few active batters who grew up playing ODIs with an old, softer ball in the final phase of an innings.

“We will have to adjust in the batting department. We have to try to set up one template based on how we play after this new rule,” Kotak said, adding that the differences become clear late in the innings. “We played 25 overs any way with each ball. After this rule, you don’t feel the difference till the 42nd over, since it is 25 overs with one ball. We have to plan for the remaining eight overs,” he added.New Zealand opener Henry Nicholls was quick to point out the challenge his team faced. “At the end of our innings, the ball was obviously a lot darker and probably a lot softer as well, which made it harder to get away. It won’t be as easy to score as much right at the end. You need to take on the bowling a little bit earlier,” Nicholls said.

The management is studying the trend. The sample size is still too small to draw firm conclusions and there aren’t many ODIs scheduled over the next 20 months. Teams may have to wait for harder surfaces to fully understand the effect of the older ball after the 34th over. White balls are not expected to turn as soft or as discoloured outside South Asia.“Looking ahead to the World Cup, there will be (new) plans about how you go about the powerplay and the 30-40th over period,” Kotak said, adding, “It will also dictate the bowling combination.”

MUMBAI: A band plays as NCP candidate Kaptan Malik and his party workers hit the congested new mill road and its bylanes including Gandhi nagar at Kurla (West) on Friday evening.Addressing a gathering in a bylane near Mehboob Subhani Masjid, two-time corporator Malik lists the issues faced by the constituents of BMC Ward No. 165, including low pressure water supply and contaminated water, and assured them that a “capable corporator” would be able to resolve them.Malik, who had represented the neighbouring Ward No. 170, which has been reserved for women this time round, shows no sign of being a newcomer. He explains that his family had moved to Kurla in 1977 and has been associated with the area and its people since then.Malik is pitted against Ashraf Azmi of Congress, a two-term corporator who had represented Ward No. 165 from 2017-22.As Malik walks through the bylanes, announcements are made appealing to local residents to press the ‘ghadi wala button’ on the ballot unit on Jan 15, when the BMC goes to polls. Some of the party workers accompanying Malik request residents at their doorstep, “ Abhi change karna hai (Need to make a change now)”, while others shout slogans such as ‘Captan Malik, aage bado, hum tumhare saath hain (Go ahead, we are with you)’ and ‘ Jeetenge bhai, jeetenge, ghadi wala jeetenge ’.Malik is foregrounding civic issues, especially water woes and the need for playgrounds and gardens. He said he would organise a meeting with NGOs, residents, and various departments to resolve the issue of traffic congestion. He points that zero beautification has been carried out in the ward and traffic islands do not have high-mast lights. “I have spent my own money to address the issues of people, even when I was not a corporator,” says Malik, as he throws an open challenge to show any waterlogging in Ward No. 170, which he represented earlier.When locals point out that Gandhinagar playground is frequented by drug addicts and anti-social elements, and complain about garbage collection issues and the absence of a library for students, residents of Ward No. 170 provide testimonials for Malik, saying he is available even at 2am, and is a call away.

Eggs are a universally eaten food item in India and the world, famous for their high protein and culinary uses. Right from egg breakfasts to new recipes, eggs are an aptly used component in our day-to-day meals. But due to the ever-increasing concern regarding adulterated food products, many individuals began questioning the authenticity of eggs in the market. The growing viral videos regarding plastic or fake eggs in the market have raised many concerns, doubts, and fears in the minds of the public. It is a necessary task to know the difference between authentic and poor-quality or fake eggs.

Understanding fake or plastic eggs and why it is important to identify them

Although this is not a primary or serious topic related to food technology or processing, I shall address this question. “Fake eggs,” or “plastic eggs,” are man-made products that are produced with chemicals, resin, or “plastic” substances that resemble real eggs. In other words, they don’t contain any real egg substance. In all honesty, there aren’t very many reported incidents of fake eggs being widely sold. In most cases, eggs that seem “funny” or fake might just be from substandard storage or eggs that are coated with chemicals to make them more aesthetically appealing.

Being able to identify genuine eggs is important for health and safety:

How to identify a real or fake egg without breaking it

Although specific lab testing is usually the only way to be absolutely positive, here are several very simple ways to evaluate quality and freshness of the eggs:Hold the egg near to your ear and gently shake. The fresh ones say nothing, while the older ones, because of their changes inside, might slosh.

Real eggs usually have a slightly rough or granular surface. Those feeling too smooth, brilliant, or waxy could have some chemical coating to enhance appearance or increase shelf life.It might just be that an egg will have a more subtle or off smell when spoiled. Sometimes, even without cracking, a noticeable odour can be a warning that the quality is not appropriate.

Can egg shell colour indicate authenticity

Coloration of the eggshells is determined by the type of hen. Eggshells may be white, off-white, light brown, or dark brown. The presence of coloration on the eggshells does not signify whether the eggs are real or fake. On the other hand, if the shells look too polished or are of the same coloration, then the chemical content may affect the quality.

What is the water test, and how does it work

The water test is a common way to assess freshness:

This test indicates freshness rather than authenticity. Eggs develop air pockets as they age, causing them to float over time.

Common myths about fake eggs

There are quite a few myths floating around on social media when it comes to plastic eggs,

Food safety practices for eggs

To ensure you consume safe eggs:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival observed across India in accordance with regional traditions. The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival.

“This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya for everyone’s happiness, prosperity, and excellent health,” PM Modi said through a post on X.PM Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Pongal, describing the harvest festival as a celebration of the bond between human effort and nature, and a tribute to agriculture, farmers, rural life, and the dignity of labour. Calling Pongal a reflection of the richness of Tamil traditions, PM Modi said India takes pride in Tamil as the world’s oldest language and noted that the festival is now celebrated globally by Tamil communities. He wished that Pongal would bring prosperity, success, and good health to all.“Pongal is a shining symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions. We in India take pride in the fact that we are home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil. It is gladdening to see Pongal emerge as a global festival. It is celebrated enthusiastically in Tamil Nadu, in different parts of India and by the Tamil community across the world. Once again, warm Pongal wishes to you. May this festival bring an abundance of prosperity, success and good health to everyone’s lives,” PM Modi said through a letter.

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The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend Pongal celebrations on Wednesday at the residence of union minister L Murugan in the national capital.PM Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Magh Bihu, describing it as a festival that reflects the essence of Assamese culture and promotes joy, warmth and brotherhood. He said the festival symbolises contentment and gratitude, marking the completion of the harvest season and recognising the contributions of farmers. PM Modi added that Magh Bihu encourages generosity and care, and expressed hope that it would bring peace, good health, happiness, prosperity and success in the year ahead.“Embodying the best of Assamese culture, this beautiful festival is indeed an occasion of joy, warmth and brotherhood. The essence of Magh Bihu lies in contentment and gratitude. It marks the completion of the harvest season and offers an occasion to appreciate the efforts of those who enrich our lives, particularly our hardworking farmers. It also encourages generosity and care among us. May this Magh Bihu bring peace, good health and happiness in everyone’s lives. I wish that the year ahead is filled with prosperity and success,” PM Modi wrote through a letter addressing the people of Assam.

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Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in the month of Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti and Uttarayan, it reflects the diverse ways harvest festivals are observed across India.

China registered a trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, the government reported on Wednesday. The record figure comes as strong exports to international markets offset slowing shipments to the United States. According to customs data cited by AP, the country’s exports rose 5.5% to $3.77 trillion last year, while imports remained steady at $2.58 trillion. The nation’s trade surplus in 2024 had stood at $992 billion. Back in December, exports rose 6.6% from the previous year in dollar terms, surpassing economists’ expectations and improving on November’s 5.9% year-on-year increase. At the same time, imports in the last month of 2025, rose 5.7% year-on-year, compared with a 1.9% increase in November.Though shipments to the United States have fallen drastically after President Donald Trump’s return to office and his escalation of the trade war with China, the decline has been largely offset by exports to South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.China’s economic growth has maintained its annual rate close to the official target of about 5%, thanks to strong exports. Other countries, meanwhile, are facing concerns about the impact of cheap imports on local industries. Last month, the head of the International Monetary Fund urged China to address economic imbalances and accelerate its shift away from export dependence by boosting domestic demand and investment. Meanwhile, a prolonged downturn in the property sector, triggered by the authorities’ crackdown on excessive borrowing and subsequent developer defaults, continues to weigh on consumer confidence and domestic spending.

Chinese economy — Outlook for 2026

Despite ongoing trade friction and geopolitical tensions, experts are anticipating that this year too exports will be driving Chinese economy.“We continue to expect exports to act as a big growth driver in 2026,” said Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas.Gary Ng, senior economist at French investment bank Natixis, extimated the trade surplus to remain above $1 trillion this year and exports will grow around 3% in 2026.

India head into the second ODI at Rajkot with a 1-0 series lead and a chance to clinch the trophy. After a high-scoring thriller in Vadodara where India successfully chased down 301, the action moves to the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a venue legendary for being a batting paradise.

While the veterans continue to lead the charge, the narrative of this series has shifted toward the young brigade and injury management. With the series on the line, the New Zealand face a “do-or-die” scenario to keep the three-match contest alive.

The Indian camp faces a tactical reshuffle following a significant injury blow, as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a rib injury sustained during the opening match. In his absence, the selectors have handed a maiden ODI call-up to Ayush Badoni, who could potentially make his debut if the team management decides to bolster the batting depth on the flat Rajkot deck. India’s confidence remains high, however, thanks to the sublime form of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. After his match-winning 93 in the first ODI, Kohli finds himself on the verge of history, steadily closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in the India-New Zealand rivalry.

For New Zealand, the primary objective is to find more penetration in their bowling attack. Despite posting a formidable 300-plus total in the opener, the Kiwi bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters; while Kyle Jamieson impressed with a four-wicket haul, he lacked consistent support from the rest of the pack. On the batting front, although Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway have shown great adaptability to Indian conditions, the visitors will be looking for more late-inning fireworks. Captain Michael Bracewell will be urging his middle order to accelerate more effectively in the final ten overs to ensure they can set or chase a target that puts the Indian powerhouse under real pressure.

Niranjan Shah Stadium Pitch Report

The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot is renowned for hosting some of the flattest tracks in India, making it a certified batter’s paradise. With a staggering recent average ODI score of 322, fans should expect another high-octane run-fest. The surface offers true bounce and consistent pace, allowing batters to trust their technique and play through the line with ease. While spinners might extract a hint of grip during the middle overs, the combination of a lightning-fast outfield and relatively small boundaries offers little margin for error.

Under clear, sunny skies and a peak temperature of 28°C, the pitch will remain firm. However, the evening dew factor is the most critical variable. The moisture will make the ball difficult to grip for the side bowling second, rendering the toss decisive. Consequently, the captain winning the toss will almost certainly opt to bowl first to capitalize on the better batting conditions under the lights.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Rib injury sidelines Washington Sundar for remainder of ODI series; replacement announced

Niranjan Shah Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 7
• Matches won batting first: 6
• Matches won bowling first: 1
• Average 1st innings Score: 332
• Average 2nd innings Score: 254
• Highest total recorded: 435/5 (50 Ovs) by India Women vs Ireland Women
• Lowest total recorded: 131/10 (31.4 Ovs) by Ireland Women vs India Women
• Highest score chased: 241/4 (34.3 Ovs) by India Women vs Ireland Women
• Lowest score defended: 270/7 (50 Ovs) by South Africa vs India

Also READ: Fastest to 28,000: Here’s the breakdown of Virat Kohli’s international runs

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