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DDA to handle day-to-day upkeep of flats from April 1, all you need to know


DDA to handle day-to-day upkeep of flats from April 1, all you need to know

In a move aimed at improving upkeep in its residential complexes and boosting demand for its housing inventory, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has decided to take over day-to-day maintenance of its flats, including those constructed before 2021. The new system will come into force from April 1, 2026, according to a notification reviewed by TOI.Under the decision, DDA will collect quarterly service charges from flat owners and directly manage routine services across housing pockets. These services will include security, sweeping of common areas, cleaning of roof and overhead and underground water tanks, basement upkeep, maintenance of electrical installations and lifts, and cleaning of garbage chute areas.The authority will also undertake minor repairs and maintenance of common spaces such as staircases, lift lobbies and corridors, besides maintaining STP-treated water supply lines used for horticultural purposes.DDA will continue to manage maintenance until occupancy in a housing pocket reaches 80% or until a residents’ welfare association (RWA) is registered with DDA, whichever occurs later. In the case of unsold flats, DDA will pay service charges to the RWA as determined under its bylaws.The mechanism has been formalised through a standard operating procedure (SOP) approved by the competent authority to create a structured system for handling day-to-day maintenance across DDA housing complexes.“The SOP will be operationalised in a time-bound and coordinated manner to ensure efficient delivery of maintenance services, clarity of roles and accountability among the departments concerned,” the notification stated.According to the SOP, the provisions will apply to housing pockets under schemes launched between 2010 and 2021. Flats allotted under schemes introduced in 2023 and thereafter already include maintenance costs for the first year, collected along with capital maintenance charges. As a result, regular service charges for these projects will be levied only after completion of the first year.“Where this period is already completed, bills will be generated with the addition of arrears,” the SOP stated.Officials explained that when DDA sold flats earlier, it collected a one-time capital maintenance charge from buyers for major repair works such as improving sewerage systems, whitewashing and structural repairs.“However, day-to-day maintenance charges were not collected under the schemes introduced till 2021. That is why a decision has now been taken to implement a regular maintenance mechanism,” an official said.Under the new system, monthly service charges will be calculated per square metre of plinth area, based on the flat category and building typology, with GST applicable separately. Initial rates have been derived from estimated inputs provided by engineering zones and averaged to ensure uniformity.From subsequent financial years onward, rates will be determined pocket-wise based on actual expenditure in the previous year, pending liabilities and the cost inflation index notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. These revised charges will be approved annually by the competent authority or the chief engineer of the concerned zone.Residents will receive quarterly bills and will have a grace period of 10 calendar days from the date of billing to make payment without interest.“Payments can be made through digital platforms or at cash deposit counters in the complex. If payment is not received within 10 days, simple interest at the rate of 12% per annum will be levied. Interest will be calculated from the date of billing,” the authority stated.In cases of continued non-payment, dues may be recovered as arrears of land revenue under Regulation 17 of the Delhi Development Authority (Management and Disposal of Housing Estates) Regulations, 1968.



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‘We know who’s talking to who’: US defence secy Pete Hegseth on reports of Russia aiding Iran


'We know who's talking to who': US defence secy Pete Hegseth on reports of Russia aiding Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens during the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Fla., Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Reacting to reports that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran amid the Middle East conflict, US secretary of war Pete Hegseth stated that the United States has the “best intelligence” in the world and knows “who is talking to who.”Also Read: Russia helping Iran? Moscow providing real time intelligence to Tehran on American military assets“Oh we’re tracking everything. Our commanders are aware of everything. We have the best intelligence in the world. We’re aware of who’s talking to who, why are they talking to them, how accurate that information might be. We know what’s going on,” Hegseth told CBS News’ Major Garett.Praising Donald Trump, he called the US president someone with an “incredible knack for knowing how to mitigate those things.”“The American people can be assured that their commander-in-chief is fully aware of who is talking to who. This shouldn’t be happening, whether in public or through back channels,” the secretary of war added.When asked whether Washington would ask Moscow to stop providing intelligence to Tehran, Hegseth highlighted Trump’s “unique relationship” with world leaders and brought his predecessor Joe Biden into the discussion.Also Read | After Russia’s intel support for Iran, ‘Chinese’ whispers of financial aid to Tehran? What report says“President Trump, as people have seen, has a unique relationship with a lot of world leaders, where he can get things done that other presidents, certainly Joe Biden, never could have. Messages definitely can be delivered,” he said.On whether Russia’s alleged assistance to Iran puts US troops in danger, Hegseth replied that no one is putting the Americans in danger, and it is the Americans who are putting “other guys” in danger, saying “that’s our job.”“The only people who should be worried are the Iranians who think that ‘they’re going to live,’” he concluded.Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also downplayed the report that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information about US forces in the Middle East.“It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them. We are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue,” Leavitt told reporters.The Washington Post, citing officials familiar with the intelligence, reported that Russia has provided Iran with the locations of US military assets, including ships and aircraft.Six US service members were killed in a drone attack on a US base in Kuwait on Sunday and the CIA station in Saudi capital Riyadh has also been hit.According to The Post, China did not appear to be aiding Tehran’s defenses.Russia and China have longstanding diplomatic and trade ties with Iran, while Russia has close military links to the Islamic Republic.Both Moscow and Beijing have criticised the US-Israeli war against Iran.(With AFP inputs)



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From Tamil Nadu to West Bengal: How governor RN Ravi’s transfer impacts two poll-bound states | India News


From Tamil Nadu to West Bengal: How governor RN Ravi’s transfer impacts two poll-bound states<sup></sup>

NEW DELHI: Is the BJP converting Raj Bhavans into “war rooms”? Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress thinks so, especially after the Centre’s move to shift Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal. Appointment and transfer of governors is a routine administrative decision, but when the change involves poll-bound states, allegations of political motives driving the decision is a given. Ironically, the ruling BJP has high stakes in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, states which go to polls in some months. In West Bengal, the BJP is going all out to oust Mamata-led Trinamool Congress government, while in Tamil Nadu, the saffron party has played a key role in stitching anti-DMK coalition alongwith its ally the AIADMK.Why has R N Ravi’s transfer evoked strong reactions?RN Ravi’s tenure in Tamil Nadu has been eventful. As the governor of the state, Ravi, a former deputy national security adviser, was frequently locked in public battles with the M K Stalin-led DMK government over different issues. Little wonder the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has reacted to this change with alarm. DMK MP P Wilson’s reaction sums it all up: “I am sad on two counts-firstly that DMK is losing a star campaigner in the upcoming elections. R N Ravi was a constant reminder of the BJP’s intentions with Tamil Nadu. Secondly, I am sad for the people of West Bengal and my good friends at the All India Trinamool Congress. Wherever he (R N Ravi) goes, the casualty is the Constitution, federal structure and parliamentary democracy,” the DMK’s Rajya Sabha member wrote on X.Senior political analyst R Kannan welcomed the transfer of R N Ravi. “He was on a stiff confrontational course with the state government and some things that he insisted on like playing the national anthem at the beginning of the assembly session were completely off. Some things like the inadequacy of college teachers were apt. A mixed performance but welcome departure,” he said.The Trinamool leaders have been quick to attack the BJP for this “unilateral decision.” TMC’s deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose alleged: “By unilaterally appointing a new governor for Bengal, the Modi government again displays its contempt for constitutional federalism. Raj Bhavans becoming BJP war rooms.” Why DMK MP called RN Ravi party’s star campaignerR N Ravi, who took charge as the 26th governor of Tamil Nadu in 2021, a few months after the DMK govt led by M K Stalin assumed office, had a tumultuous tenure in the state marked by recurrent confrontations with the state govt. Ravi walked out of the assembly without delivering the customary address for the fourth consecutive time this year, alleging disrespect for the national anthem. The governor sat on several bills passed by the assembly prompting the state government to move the Supreme Court. There were differences over the appointment of vice-chancellors leading to a situation where 14 out of 22 universities in the state were without a head for periods ranging from one to three years.Then there were policy-driven fights like over the National Education Policy.And while all these issues impacted the ruling DMK, what the BJP and its ally the AIADMK perhaps would have been worried about is the many confrontations that RN Ravi had with the state government over his remarks on Dravidian ideology and its icons. That perhaps explains why MP P Wilson said that DMK had lost a star campaigner. Perhaps, not just the DMK, but also the AIADMK would be relieved with this change.Why is the Trinamool worriedFor the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, confrontation with governors has been a part of its politics for long. It started with Jagdeep Dhankar, who as governor of West Bengal had frequent run-ins with the Mamata government. Then came C V Ananda Bose. After a brief period of bonhomie, his tenure was also filled with confrontations over various issues. Now, with R N Ravi and his track record of confrontations with the DMK government, the Trinamool Congress would be ready for another round of turbulence. The BJP, as expected, has welcomed Ravi’s appointment. Senior West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh made an interesting remark when he said that the change in Governor should not automatically be interpreted as a step towards the imposition of President’s Rule even while suggesting that the situation in the state could lead to such an outcome if conditions worsen.“New Governor is coming, and we welcome him. We are happy that an IPS officer is taking the position of Governor. The law and order situation in Bengal is in a very poor state, and we hope it will improve under his supervision,” Ghosh told news agency IANS.“If President’s Rule is to be imposed in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee cannot stop it. But if the Governor is changed, it does not necessarily mean that President’s Rule has been imposed. However, because of their attitude, President’s Rule could happen. The way the SIR process has been disturbed and delayed, and the lack of cooperation from their employees has led to violence,” he said.The remarks partially explain why the Trinamool has reacted aggressively to the new appointment. Already, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that outgoing governor Bose may have been pressured by Union home minister Amit Shah to “serve certain political interests” ahead of the assembly polls.Can governor act independently of elected state governmentThe Constitution grants dual roles to the governor. The governor is the executive head of a state (Article 154) and also the constitutional representative of the Centre. They act as the nominal head, normally acting on the advice of the chief minister and the council of ministers (Article 163), but they possess discretionary powers.Article 163 reads: “There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.” Clearly, the governor has discretionary powers. Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Gyanant Singh says “There is no doubt that the governor has powers to act independently of the state government under certain circumstances. However, this power should not be misused as is happening in recent times.”“If you look at the text of the oath of office which a governor takes, it is different from that of the political executive or even judges, including the Chief Justice of India, in so far it says the governor will act to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law,” Gyanant Singh says.The oath is similar to that of the President. Whereas for the political executive and judges of the Supreme Court, the oath talks of bearing “true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India” and not “preserve, protect and defend the Consitution.” The Consitution bestows this special responsibility on the Governor but problem arises when his actions are politically motivated and against the spirit of the Constitution.The oath of office of Union ministers reads: “That I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties as a Minister for the Union and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”Clearly, the Constitution gives the governor discretionary powers. But when this discretion appears to favour the party ruling at the Centre, it leads to political controversy and allegations of misuse of the post. The state governments have always demanded a say in the appointment of governors. The Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions have made recommendations to this effect. But clearly no political party has the will to implement these recommendations. So, this political tussle is unlikely to end any time soon.



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IND vs NZ T20 World Cup final: What happens if rain washes out Ahmedabad clash? | Cricket News


IND vs NZ T20 World Cup final: What happens if rain washes out Ahmedabad clash?
Ahmedabad: Kajal, a worker, sprinkles water while cleaning seats at the Narendra Modi Stadium (PTI Photo/Gurinder Osan)

NEW DELHI: India will face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, with Suryakumar Yadav’s side aiming to create history by defending their title. India reached the summit clash after beating England in the semifinal and became the third team after Pakistan and Sri Lanka to make back-to-back T20 World Cup finals.

India leave Mumbai for Ahmedabad | Team India heads to T20 World Cup final vs New Zealand

However, New Zealand remain a tough opponent and have never lost to India in their previous T20 World Cup meetings.With such a big match ahead, fans are also curious about what happens if weather or other situations affect the final.

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Should the ICC consider making changes to the Super Over rules?

According to ICC rules, the organisers will first try to complete the match on the scheduled day, even if the game has to be shortened due to rain.If the match cannot be completed that day, a reserve day is in place.The game will continue from the same point where it stopped rather than starting again. However, if rain prevents any result even after the reserve day, both teams will be declared joint winners of the tournament.Another possibility is the match ending in a tie. In that case, the winner will be decided through a Super Over, where both teams get one extra over to bat and bowl.If the Super Over also ends in a tie, another one will be played.This rule was introduced after the controversial finish of the 2019 ODI World Cup final. Earlier, only one Super Over was played and if it was tied, the team that hit more boundaries won. Now, Super Overs will continue until a clear winner emerges.



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EPS-95 pension demand: EPFO retirees to hold 3-day protest in Delhi seeking Rs 7,500 minimum pension


EPS-95 pension demand: EPFO retirees to hold 3-day protest in Delhi seeking Rs 7,500 minimum pension

Pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) will hold a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9, pressing for an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500 from the current Rs 1,000, PTI reported.The protest has been called by the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee, led by its National President Commander Ashok Raut.According to a statement, around 8.1 million pensioners from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative and private sectors, mills and media establishments have been raising their demands for the past nine years.“Appeals have been made to the Prime Minister, all Union Ministers, and MPs from all parties. But the government is ignoring the cries of elderly pensioners and making hollow claims of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”, the committee said.The pensioners said that despite contributing to the EPFO for 30 to 35 years of service, many retirees receive an average monthly pension of only Rs 1,171.However, the committee alleged that under various government schemes, pensions are being distributed without any contribution.It also claimed that due to very low pensions and the absence of free medical care, an average of 200-250 pensioners across the country are dying prematurely every day.“Enraged by the government’s inhumane behaviour and continued neglect of the interests of elderly pensioners, pensioners will hold a “do or die” protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on March 9, 10, and 11, at the start of the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament,” the statement said.The protest is expected to see participation from pensioners across states, while Members of Parliament from various political parties are also likely to attend.Among the key demands raised by the pensioners are a minimum monthly pension of Rs 7,500 along with dearness allowance, and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.They have also demanded that the benefits of higher pension be extended equally to all eligible pensioners, in line with the Supreme Court’s November 4, 2022 decision.Additionally, pensioners who were excluded from the EPS-95 scheme have sought a monthly pension of Rs 5,000, the statement added.



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Woman assaulted by daughter, son in law after domestic dispute in Thane | Thane News


THANE: A 55-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by her daughter and son-in-law after a domestic dispute turned violent in a Wagle Estate tenement area, officials informed Saturday.Authorities said the clash erupted on Friday in the low-income settlement in the Indira Nagar area after water spillage from the daughter’s upper-floor unit into her mother’s room downstairs. This fuelled an already simmering property-related dispute between the mother and daughter, leading to a fresh argument that eventually resulted in the assault.“The 38-year-old daughter financed the house redevelopment, and ever since, she frequently argued with her mother over vacating the premises. During Friday’s incident, water from a pipe used to lift water to the upper floor spilled into the mother’s room, triggering an argument. The daughter’s husband intervened and allegedly attacked his mother-in-law with a bamboo stick,” the police said.The victim later approached Shrinagar police, who registered a case against both the daughter and son-in-law. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the assault.

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50 Israeli jets strike, destroy Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s underground military bunker; IDF shares video


The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday shared footage showing air strikes on the underground military bunker that was sometimes used by former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The IDF claimed that 50 Israeli jets dismantled the underground military bunker in Tehran.“50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets dismantled Ali Khamenei’s underground military bunker beneath the Iranian regime’s leadership compound in Tehran,” IDF said sharing the ariel footage.The Israeli military further informed in a statement that the underground bunker, constructed beneath the compound as a secure emergency facility where the leader could direct combat operations, was destroyed before it could be used during Operation “Roar of the Harrier.” Following Khamenei’s assassination, the compound continued to serve as a base for senior officials of the Iranian regime.

IRGC Unleashes Missile Wave Against Israeli & U.S Targets; Pieces Of Destroyed Israeli Drone Paraded

Fresh strikes hit Iran and Lebanon on Friday as Israel pledged to escalate the conflict into a new phase of the Middle East war, which has rapidly expanded across the region and beyond.Now in its seventh day, the war has drawn in global powers, disrupted the world’s energy and transport sectors, and spread turmoil even to areas of the region that are usually relatively calm.Loud explosions echoed across the skies over Iran’s capital, Tehran, early Friday as Israel said it was targeting “regime infrastructure” in the city.Internet connectivity has dropped to around one percent, according to monitoring group Netblocks, severely restricting information about how the war is affecting ordinary Iranians.In Tehran, normally congested roads have largely emptied, but residents told AFP that security forces are maintaining tight control over the population.



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AUS-W vs IND-W: Fans erupt as Annabel Sutherland lights up Perth with record-breaking century on Day 2 of the one-off Test



Australia Women’s star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland delivered a sensational performance on Day 2 of the one-off Day-Night Test against India Women at the WACA in Perth, smashing a magnificent century and sending fans into a frenzy on social media.

After making a major impact with the ball on the opening day, Sutherland continued her dominance with the bat, producing a brilliant 133-ball hundred that helped Australia build a commanding position in the match. Her remarkable effort not only strengthened Australia’s lead but also highlighted her growing stature as one of the most influential players in women’s Test cricket.

Bowling brilliance to batting masterclass: Annabel Sutherland produces all-round show

Sutherland had already laid the foundation for Australia’s strong position with the ball on Day 1. The talented all-rounder picked up 4 wickets for 46 runs in 17 overs, playing a key role in restricting India Women to 198 in their first innings.

Australia finished the opening day on 96/3, with experienced batter Ellyse Perry and Sutherland holding fort at the crease. The duo had already added 38 runs in the final session before stumps, setting up an intriguing Day 2.

When play resumed, the pair continued to build momentum for the hosts. Perry and Sutherland extended their partnership with confident stroke play and smart running between the wickets. The partnership added another 90 runs, putting pressure firmly back on the Indian bowlers.

India finally managed to break the stand when Deepti Sharma dismissed Perry, but by then the damage had already been done. Sutherland remained unfazed and continued to dominate the bowling attack.

Sutherland’s century strengthens Australia’s grip

Following Perry’s dismissal, Sutherland stitched together another crucial partnership with Beth Mooney, ensuring Australia moved past India’s first-innings total.

The highlight of her innings came when she brought up her century in just 133 balls, a moment that drew loud cheers from the crowd at the WACA. Her knock combined elegance with authority, featuring crisp drives, powerful pulls, and confident footwork against both pace and spin.

The hundred marked several personal milestones for the 23-year-old star. It was Sutherland’s fourth international century in Tests for Australia Women and notably her first against India. Her previous centuries had come against England and South Africa.

Even more impressively, the knock marked her third consecutive Test century, underlining her extraordinary form in the longest format. All three of those centuries have come on Australian soil, where she continues to maintain a remarkable average of over 100.

Also WATCH: AUS-W vs IND-W : Darcie Brown cleans up Harmanpreet Kaur with a beauty on Day 1 of the one-off Test

Sutherland’s stunning innings quickly became one of the biggest talking points online, with fans, analysts, and cricket pages praising the young all-rounder’s brilliance. Several posts on X celebrated her growing reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the game. Many fans highlighted how rare it is to see a player dominate with both bat and ball in the same Test match.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Australia vs India, Women’s one-off Test: Schedule, Team News, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

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





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‘Give him a break’: Ex-India batter urges India to drop Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup final | Cricket News


'Give him a break': Ex-India batter urges India to drop Abhishek Sharma for T20 World Cup final

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has urged the team management to consider a bold change ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final, suggesting that out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma should be rested for the title clash against New Zealand national cricket team. India will face the Kiwis in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Kaif believes the Indian think tank, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, should not hesitate to make a change for such a crucial game. Abhishek has endured a difficult campaign in the tenth edition of the tournament, crossing the 50-run mark only once and repeatedly struggling against spin bowling.

T20 World Cup Final: Greenstone Lobo predicts India vs New Zealand winner | Astrological analysis

Opposition teams have targeted this weakness by introducing spinners during the powerplay. On four occasions in the tournament, Abhishek has fallen to spin, often while trying to attack from the outset. The aggressive approach that usually defines his batting has not paid off this time, and he has struggled to adapt by rotating the strike or taking time to settle at the crease.The situation has also been complicated by a health issue before the tournament began. Abhishek suffered a stomach infection and had to be hospitalised shortly before the competition started. The illness resulted in noticeable weight loss, and the lack of physical strength appears to have affected his bat swing and overall confidence. His struggles have also extended to the field, with the left-hander dropping two catches during India’s Super 8s encounter against the West Indies cricket team.Considering these factors, Kaif believes the team could benefit from bringing in Rinku Singh for the final.“India can give Abhishek Sharma a break. He has played many matches now. There is no harm in making changes. You can make changes in the shortest format. Roston Chase opened against India as Brandon King was out of form. They backed him for five or six matches, but they gave him a break for a big match. I believe that, like you brought in Sanju, and he did a great job, so that change worked in your favour,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.“India have proven players. Rinku Singh scores runs everywhere, be it Tests, Ranji Trophy, or the IPL. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj also take wickets everywhere. When you look in the dugout to see who can replace Abhishek Sharma, you see Rinku Singh sitting there. So, bring him in. A guy is struggling, and another guy is sitting outside despite doing well,” he added.Abhishek’s lack of runs at the top also prompted the team management to reintroduce Sanju Samson into the playing XI. The wicketkeeper-batter responded impressively, producing match-winning knocks against the West Indies and the England cricket team and earning Player of the Match awards in both games.Kaif also pointed out that Samson’s experience in high-pressure tournaments sets him apart from Abhishek, who is still relatively new to global events.“The biggest difference between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson is that Abhishek Sharma is still quite new to ICC events. He has a fantastic record, if you leave ICC events aside. There is a big difference when playing in an ICC event like the World Cup,” said Kaif.“Sanju has scored over 8000 runs in T20S. Be it the runs or six-hitting ability, his name comes in the top 10 in the IPL. He is already an established player. Abhishek Sharma is still young and has to work on his game. He is not a finished product. Don’t compare him with Sanju. Sanju is already a finished product. He made his India debut 11 years ago,” he concluded.



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Watch: Moment Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport’s runway


Watch: Moment Iranian drone struck Dubai International Airport's runway

Flight operations were suspended at Dubai airport after an aerial interception during attacks from Iran.In a video, a huge plume of smoke was seen rising after an object fell near one of the airport’s terminals of the airport after the aerial interception.According to witnesses, a loud explosion was heard followed by a huge cloud of smoke. The government’s Dubai Media Office, in a social media post, said, “For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended.”Meanwhile, the Flightradar24 tracking website earlier showed planes circling above the airport in an apparent holding pattern.Additionally, Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, also announced on Saturday that it was suspending all its flights to and from Dubai until further notice. “Please do not go to the airport,” the airline said.The Dubai government said in a post that there had been “a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception”, which caused no injuries. It also denied “information circulating on social media regarding incidents at Dubai International Airport”, without elaborating.“The air defences of the United Arab Emirates are currently responding to missile and drone threats coming from Iran,” the Emirati Ministry of Defence said, without specifying the targets of the attacks.Hours after the incident, Dubai airport partially resumed its services. “We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC,” it said, referring to Dubai’s main airport as well as the city’s Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport.“Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change,” it told passengers, after an aerial interception in the area during attacks from Iran forced the airport to suspend operations.Last Saturday, four staff members were injured and a concourse was damaged at Dubai airport, as war erupted following US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Iranian attacks have also hit the upmarket Palm Jumeirah development and the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel, while drone debris caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday.



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