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3 players who are RCB’s biggest burden in IPL 2026
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3 players who are RCB’s biggest burden in IPL 2026


The RCB management would be thrilled, as two of their match-winning players from the victorious season of 2025 might emerge as the biggest burden for them, owing to different reasons like injury, lack of form, and others.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked many new players in their squad after releasing one or two players who didn’t seem to be the best-performing cricketers the last time. Led by Rajat Patidar, they picked players like Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, and many other Indian youngsters.

They won their maiden title in 2025 after a long wait of 18 editions. They will be preparing for their maiden title defence this season and will kickstart their campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

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3 players who are RCB’s biggest burden in IPL 2026

Venkatesh Iyer

One of the costliest Indian players in the history of the IPL, Venkatesh Iyer, was bought for a whopping price in the mega-auction for IPL 2024. However, after a failed season, the KKR team released him ahead of the mini-auction.

RCB acquired his services as a batter for INR 7 crores. Despite his dip in price, Venky seems to be a weak link in the RCB side. The reason for this is his poor form across any format of the game. Iyer has failed miserably with the bat, even in domestic cricket for his state team.

The batting all-rounder will be seen in a jersey other than that of KKR for the first time. However, his role in the RCB team is to strengthen the middle-order batting in the absence of Liam Livingstone. Not useful with his medium pace, Iyer could be used only as a batter, and if he flops in that department, the Challengers do not have many options to replace him.

Josh Hazlewood

Another lead pacer in the side, Josh Hazlewood, was their best player when he picked the most wickets for the IPL-winning side. Having picked up these many wickets, Hazlewood was their match-winner with the ball.

He has picked wickets in the power play with the new ball and has given RCB the upper hand. On the other hand, Hazlewood has also been remarkably economical in the death overs for the RCB. In his absence, it would be very tough for players to fill his shoes.

The Australian has been out of cricket action since the Ashes series due to several injuries. His return to the IPL has been blocked by these injuries, as he would miss out on the first half of the competition.

Though the Royal Challengers have Jacob Duffy as his backup, it would be a huge burden for RCB, since they can neither release the player, due to his importance, nor can they have his services at the start of the competition.

Phil Salt

Lastly, the English opener Phil Salt, who was one of the highest-scoring cricketers in 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The opener was their most dynamic batter and often gave them splendid starts within the first six overs.

The explosive batter has not given away his batting style; however, he has been out of touch over the past year. Salt has lacked runs in international as well as franchise-level cricket, and this will be a huge concern for the Royal Challengers going into the upcoming IPL edition.

They also do not have many backup players to replace him in the playing XI. Instead, Virat Kohli could open with the English youngster Jacob Bethell. However, promoting Bethell or Devdutt Padikkal in the batting order will expose the weakness of the middle order to their opponents.

ALSO READ: 3 players who are CSK’s biggest burden in IPL 2026 – ft MS Dhoni



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Koneru Humpy withdraws from Women’s Candidates, cites safety concerns | Chess News
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Koneru Humpy withdraws from Women’s Candidates, cites safety concerns | Chess News


Koneru Humpy withdraws from Women’s Candidates, cites safety concerns
India’s Koneru Humpy (PTI Photo)

Top Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has announced her decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing personal safety and well-being as her primary concern. The tournament, which begins on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus, is the only pathway to the Women’s World Championship match.

​Koneru Humpy post

Koneru Humpy post

Taking to X on Sunday, Humpy wrote, “After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances. This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it.” The 38-year-old veteran, who qualified for the Candidates after finishing runner-up at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, has previously expressed concerns about travelling amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While her withdrawal will allow the next eligible player, Anna Muzychuk, to take her place, it may have wider implications for Indian chess, both in terms of representation and potential financial penalties. FIDE regulations allow for fines up to €10,000 if a player withdraws without a satisfactory reason, though the final decision rests with the FIDE Council. With Humpy stepping back, India will still be represented in the Women’s Candidates by R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, while R Praggnanandhaa will lead the country in the open section. Humpy’s decision highlights the delicate balance elite players face between competitive ambition and personal security in uncertain times.

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‘Fighter Didi’ teaser casts Mamata as Bengal’s lone shield, signals TMC’s battle pitch for polls | India News
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‘Fighter Didi’ teaser casts Mamata as Bengal’s lone shield, signals TMC’s battle pitch for polls | India News


'Fighter Didi' teaser casts Mamata as Bengal's lone shield, signals TMC's battle pitch for polls

KOLKATA: With the battle lines for the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls steadily sharpening, the Trinamool Congress on Sunday rolled out an animated teaser titled ‘Fighter Didi’, projecting chief minister Mamata Banerjee as the last line of defence for the Bengali identity against what the party calls “outsider forces”.The slick 16-minute video, divided into episodes, released on the party’s social media platforms, blends political messaging with cinematic symbolism- dark clouds gathering over Bengal, worried citizens looking skyward, and a looming silhouette carrying a saffron flag, an unmistakable dig at the BJP.

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Eid Politics Heats Up Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Attacks BJP, Suvendu Adhikari Pushes Sanatan Narrative

If the opening frames evoke a state under threat, the closing sequence is designed to deliver the punchline- a resolute Banerjee emerging as a combative figure, flanked by imagery of Goddess Durga and a Royal Bengal Tiger, before the screen flashes the slogan ‘Fighter Didi’.The teaser is the second instalment of the TMC’s campaign video series and comes days after the party unveiled its “10 pledges” and released a candidate list for 291 seats, signalling that the ruling party has begun shifting gears for what promises to be one of the fiercest electoral battles in the state’s recent political history.At the heart of the teaser lies a theme the TMC has increasingly foregrounded in recent years – the defence of Bengali identity.In one of the striking frames, a giant hand stamps the word “Bangladeshi” on official-looking documents as Bengali text flashes across the screen, warning against attempts to “snatch away identity”.The imagery is widely seen as a swipe at the BJP’s push for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) -the issues the TMC has repeatedly framed as existential threats to Bengalis and migrants in the state.The teaser also dips into Bengal’s cultural psyche – a terrain where Banerjee has often sought to counter the BJP’s aggressive Hindutva narrative with a blend of regional pride and cultural symbolism.Animated sequences show portraits of Bengal’s icons, such as Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, being vandalised, while a statue of Tagore is shown collapsing – an apparent reference to past political flashpoints that the TMC has used to accuse the BJP of disrespecting Bengal’s heritage.Another character, visually resembling a prominent BJP leader with glowing eyes and shadowy enforcers behind him, appears as the antagonist in the sequence – reinforcing the narrative of an external political force threatening the state’s cultural fabric.Political observers said the teaser underscores a campaign template that has served Banerjee well in the past- turning elections into a binary contest between “Bengal’s daughter” and “Delhi’s outsiders”.The formula played a decisive role in the 2021 assembly elections, when Banerjee defied a massive BJP campaign blitz to secure a third consecutive term, riding a wave of Bengali sub-nationalism and welfare politics.With the BJP once again positioning itself as the principal challenger in the 2026 contest, the TMC appears keen to revive that narrative early in the campaign cycle.Within the party, the ‘Fighter Didi’ pitch is being seen as more than just campaign branding.Strategists said the idea is to frame Banerjee not merely as an incumbent seeking re-election but as a combative protector of Bengal’s political and cultural autonomy – a narrative aimed at consolidating the TMC’s core support base while energising cadres ahead of the long election grind.The message is blunt: the coming polls are not just another electoral contest but, in the TMC’s telling, a battle to defend Bengal itself.If the teaser is any indication, the 2026 assembly elections are likely to be fought not only on governance and welfare but also on the emotive terrain of identity, culture and regional pride themes that have repeatedly shaped the state’s political battles.And in that storyline, the TMC is making it clear who it wants cast as the protagonist.



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LSG’s big call for IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant to bat no.3, Pooran pushed down? | Cricket News
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LSG’s big call for IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant to bat no.3, Pooran pushed down? | Cricket News


LSG's big call for IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant to bat no.3, Pooran pushed down?
Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran (ANI Photo)

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three in a potentially make or break IPL season beginning on March 28. Stakes are high for Pant going into second season as LSG skipper with the franchise having shelled out a record Rs 27 crore for his services at the 2025 mega auction.Following the disappointment of last year, a successful season as a leader as well as a top-order batter can make him part of India’s T20 plans going forward. Across formats, Pant is only an integral member of the Indian Test side while being a back up wicket-keeper to K L Rahul in ODIs.

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Ajit Agarkar knocks BCCI door, makes a huge extension request | World Cup

Fight for India T20 Comeback

The 28-year-old lost his place in the T20 side following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024 and would need to do something special to make a comeback considering Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have made themselves automatic picks by the sheer weight of their recent performances.Therefore, the upcoming IPL is not just about delivering on a exorbitant price tag, it is also about staying relevant in the shortest format.Pant majorly batted at number four last season before rightly pushing himself to number three towards the end of the season by when it was too late to turn LSG’s fortunes. Nicholas Pooran will move down the order to make way for Pant with number four, five, six being used as floating positions.The squad had a camp in Chennai and at the moment, they are going through the paces at their home ground in Lucknow ahead of their opener against Delhi Capitals on April 1. The Justin Langer-led support staff and Pant are on the same page when it comes to their leader’s batting position.“It is clear to the team management as well as Pant that his game is best suited for number three. This season the top-order is locked in with Aiden, Marsh and Pant. The middle-order is flexible and players will be floated as per the game situation,” an IPL source told PTI.

Flexible Middle Order Setup

Pant batted at an underwhelming strike rate of 133.17 last year and 118 not out of his 269 runs came only in one innings. The LSG middle-order comprises Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and Shabaz Ahmed.Bowling was LSG’s weakest link last season with pacers including Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan not available due to injuries. The other pace options include Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje, who is another injury prone quick.“The batting is settled. The bowling group looks a lot better than last year but combinations are yet to be worked. Mayank is fit but needs to bowl a lot more in the nets. Hopefully he will repay the faith the team has shown him over the past four to five years,” the source added.

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The 50 Winner: Shiv Thakare lifts the trophy; takes home Rs 50 lakh for a lucky fan
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The 50 Winner: Shiv Thakare lifts the trophy; takes home Rs 50 lakh for a lucky fan


The 50 Winner: Shiv Thakare lifts the trophy; takes home Rs 50 lakh for a lucky fan

The 50 has finally come to an end, and the show has found its winner after weeks of tough competition and entertaining episodes. The reality show, which was initially conducted with 50 contestants from television, social media, and the entertainment world, saw only a few contestants reach the final episode. Shiv Thakare has emerged as the winner of the show, winning Rs 50 lakh for a lucky fan.In the final episode, Shiv Thakare was announced as the winner of the show. Shiv won the trophy after competing against Mr Faisu, Kaka, Rajat Dalal, and Krishna Shroff. Fans congratulated Shiv on social media and called his win well-deserved. With this victory, he once again proved his strong fan following and popularity in reality shows.Reflecting on the win, Shiv Thakare said, “The 50 was a completely new experience for me, and I wanted to show a different side of Shiv Thakare, one that believes you don’t need to shout or fight to be heard. You can play with heart, stay true to yourself, and still win. Being the winner of the very first season, especially among 50 strong players, is something that will always be remembered, and that makes me incredibly happy. This was also a game of alliances, and I’m proud that my people stood strong with me throughout.”He further said, “Coming from humble beginnings to winning one of India’s biggest reality shows feels surreal, like my own life story unfolding as a film. I’ve truly enjoyed every moment of this journey, and I’m grateful for all the love and support. This win is as much mine as it is for my fans, and I’m especially happy that one of them will be taking home ₹50 lakhs. Thank you so much, I’m overwhelmed and excited for what’s ahead.” Reality show The 50 began with 50 contestants from the world of television, social media, sports, entertainment, etc. The contestants of the show included popular faces like Karan Patel, Faisal Shaikh, Divya Agarwal, Ridhi Dogra, Shiv Thakare, Prince Narula, Urvashi Dholakia, Krishna Shroff, Nehal Chudasama, Rajat Dalal, Lovekesh Kataria, etc.



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Coal gasification to boost energy security and cut imports, says G Kishan Reddy
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Coal gasification to boost energy security and cut imports, says G Kishan Reddy


Coal gasification to boost energy security and cut imports, says G Kishan Reddy
G Kishan Reddy (File photo)

Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy on Sunday said coal gasification will play a critical role in enhancing India’s energy security, reducing import dependence and supporting industrial growth.The renewed push has gained urgency amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has led to a surge in global energy prices.Speaking at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, the minister described coal gasification as a transformative technology that converts coal into syngas, which can be used to produce cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen, as reported by PTI.He said the approach would enable more efficient and sustainable utilisation of domestic resources while strengthening economic resilience.Reddy highlighted India’s dependence on energy imports, noting that the country imports about 83 per cent of its crude oil requirements, 50 per cent of natural gas and more than 90 per cent of methanol and fertilisers, making energy security a strategic priority.To promote adoption of the technology, the Centre has launched the National Coal Gasification Mission with a target of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.“…. An incentive framework of Rs 8,500 crore has been introduced to support public and private sector projects, with several large-scale initiatives already underway and investments exceeding Rs 64,000 crore in the pipeline,” he said.The minister also pointed to advanced technologies such as Underground Coal Gasification, which can help tap previously inaccessible reserves while lowering environmental impact.Calling for greater collaboration, Reddy said coal gasification spans multiple sectors including power, oil and gas and fertilisers, and requires a coordinated ecosystem involving industry, academia, start-ups and research institutions.He reiterated the government’s commitment to streamlined approvals, supportive policies and incentives to encourage early participation and investment.Expressing confidence in India’s potential, the minister said that with innovation, indigenous technology development and coordinated efforts, the country can emerge as a global leader in clean coal technologies while advancing energy security, sustainability and self-reliance.



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Owaisi announces alliance for Bengal polls: AIMIM to contest with Humayun Kabir’s AJU party | India News
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Owaisi announces alliance for Bengal polls: AIMIM to contest with Humayun Kabir’s AJU party | India News


Owaisi announces alliance for Bengal polls: AIMIM to contest with Humayun Kabir’s AJU party

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday announced that the party will contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP).Announcing the tie-up, Owaisi said, “AIMIM has decided to form an alliance with Janata Unnayan Party for the West Bengal elections. We want to strengthen the AIMIM and ensure that our candidates in every corner of the country, succeed, and raise the voice of the poor and oppressed in the assembly… In West Bengal, 5 lakh backward category certificates have been cancelled, majority of which belong to Muslims. There are many stories of oppression as well. They secure votes in the name of secularism but when the Majlis advocates for share and representation, they don’t like it…”He also said, “I will hold a press conference in Kolkata with Humayun Kabir on March 25.”

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‘Bunch Of Lies’: Bengal Poll War Heats Up As BJP And Congress Attack TMC’s Poll Manifesto Claims

Kabir, a former All India Trinamool Congress leader and founder of AJUP, had earlier said his party would contest 182 seats in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. “I had already announced 15 candidates earlier. Now, Humayun Kabir will contest from Raninagar; he is also doing an additional job. Then, another businessman named Humayun Kabir will contest from Bhagwangola. Also, Manisha Pathak Pandey will contest from the 64-Murshidabad seat. So, with the 15 announced earlier and these three now, we have opened a list of 18 candidates today,” he said.He added, “My party, along with the alliance we are in, will contest in 182 seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) will be a partner and will contest in approximately 8 of those seats.”The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with counting scheduled for May 4, according to the Election Commission of India. The first phase will cover 152 constituencies, while the second phase will cover 142 seats.West Bengal has a total of 294 Assembly seats and over 6.45 crore electors, including more than 5.23 lakh first-time voters aged 18 to 19 years.The main contest is expected between the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress retained power with a decisive victory, while the Congress and Left Front failed to win any seats.



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Former opener predicts SRH’s leading run-scorer and highest wicket-taker for IPL 2026
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Former opener predicts SRH’s leading run-scorer and highest wicket-taker for IPL 2026



The excitement surrounding IPL 2026 is reaching fever pitch as teams fine-tune their preparations for the new season. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), one of the most followed franchises in the league, are set to kick off their campaign with a high-voltage clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 28 in Bengaluru.

With a revamped squad and renewed ambitions, SRH fans are eagerly waiting to see how their team performs this season. The anticipation is particularly high given the firepower in their lineup, featuring a mix of explosive batters and experienced bowlers. As the countdown begins, discussions around potential match-winners and standout performers have taken centre stage.

Former opener picks top run-getter and leading wicket-taker for SRH

Adding to the pre-season chatter, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his predictions for SRH’s key performers in IPL 2026. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra picked Ishan Kishan as the team’s leading run-scorer and Harshal Patel as their highest wicket-taker for the upcoming edition.

“Who could be this team’s highest run-scorer? I would say Ishan Kishan. Highest wicket-taker? I would say Harshal Patel,” Chopra said.

His predictions come despite SRH having multiple proven performers in both departments. Notably, Heinrich Klaasen was the franchise’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2025, amassing 487 runs in a consistent campaign. He was well supported by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 439 runs, and Travis Head, who contributed 374 runs.

Kishan, meanwhile, finished as SRH’s fourth-highest run-getter last season with 354 runs. While those numbers may not have topped the charts, his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate powerplays make him a strong contender to lead the scoring this year.

On the bowling front, Pat Cummins and Harshal were joint leaders for SRH in IPL 2025, picking up 16 wickets each. Chopra’s backing of Harshal suggests confidence in the pacer’s variations and death-over expertise, which could prove crucial in tight encounters.

Also WATCH: Shubman Gill trolls Abhishek Sharma and SRH in fun segment with Sahiba Bali

High expectations from the two stars

With a star-studded squad at their disposal, SRH will be expecting big performances from their key players in IPL 2026. Kishan, likely to play a pivotal role at the top of the order, will be tasked with providing explosive starts and anchoring innings when required. Similarly, Harshal’s role with the ball will be vital, especially in pressure situations. Known for his clever variations and ability to pick wickets in the death overs, he remains a crucial asset in SRH’s bowling attack.

There is little doubt that expectations will be high from both players as the franchise looks to make a strong statement this season. If Kishan finds consistency with the bat and Harshal delivers with the ball, SRH could emerge as serious contenders for the title.

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan’s heartening reaction after fiery send-off from teammate in SRH intra-squad clash ahead of IPL 2026



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Vedanta moves NCLAT, challenges NCLT nod to Adani’s bid for acquiring Jaiprakash Associates
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Vedanta moves NCLAT, challenges NCLT nod to Adani’s bid for acquiring Jaiprakash Associates


Vedanta moves NCLAT, challenges NCLT nod to Adani's bid for acquiring Jaiprakash Associates

Business conglomerate Vedanta Group has approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), challenging the NCLT’s approval to Adani Group‘s bid for acquiring Jaiprakash Associates Ltd for Rs 14,535 crore. Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Group was in the race to acquire Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) through an insolvency process, but the lenders in November last year approved the resolution plan or bid of Adani Enterprises Ltd. On March 17, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Allahabad bench, approved Adani Enterprises Ltd’s Rs 14,535 crore bid to acquire Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) through the insolvency process. In a regulatory filing, JAL had informed that the NCLT, Allahabad bench, has “orally pronounced an order on March 17, 2026” approving the resolution plan submitted by Adani Enterprises Ltd. Now, mining giant Vadanta has filed an appeal against the said NCLT order before the appellate insolvency tribunal NCLAT. The matter is listed for hearing on Monday before a two-member bench comprising Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan and Member (Technical) Barun Mitra. In November last year, a Committee of Creditors (CoC) approved the resolution plan by business tycoon Gautam Adani to acquire JAL. Adani Enterprises had outbid Vedanta and Dalmia Bharat to win the bid for JAL. Adani got the maximum 89 per cent votes from creditors, followed by Dalmia Cement (Bharat) and Vedanta Group. The committee of creditors (CoC), however, defended their decision, saying the process complied with all insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) rules. They maintained that no bidder has a guaranteed right to win, even if it offers the highest value. They said plans were evaluated on multiple factors, including upfront cash, feasibility, and execution, not just headline value. Adani’s bid was preferred as it offered around Rs 6,000 crore upfront and faster payments within two years, compared with Vedanta’s longer payment timeline of up to five years. Lenders also rejected Vedanta’s revised offer, saying it was submitted after bidding had closed and accepting it would require restarting the process. They added that all bidders were given equal opportunity and multiple chances to improve their bids. JAL, which has high-quality assets and business interests spanning real estate, cement manufacturing, hospitality, power and engineering & construction, was admitted to the CIRP in June 2024 after it defaulted on payments of loans aggregating Rs 57,185 crore. JAL has major real estate projects like Jaypee Greens in Greater Noida, a part of Jaypee Greens Wishtown in Noida (both on the outskirts of the national capital), and the Jaypee International Sports City, located near the upcoming Jewar International Airport. It also has three commercial/industrial office spaces in Delhi-NCR, while its hotel division has five properties in Delhi-NCR, Mussoorie, and Agra. JAL has four cement plants in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and a few leased limestone mines in Madhya Pradesh. It also has investments in subsidiaries, including Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd, Yamuna Expressway Tolling Ltd, Jaypee Infrastructure Development Ltd, and several other companies.



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