NEW DELHI: What if spotting a cluster of fevers or sudden diarrhoea cases in your neighbourhood could help stop an outbreak? A new nationwide system launched by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is now making that possible — by turning ordinary citizens into the country’s earliest disease sentinels.At the heart of the system is a simple QR code. Anyone can scan it from the Health Ministry or NCDC website, or from posters and materials being rolled out across states. Once scanned, the user enters basic details and selects what they’re reporting — a fever cluster, recurring diarrhoea, jaundice, dog bites, suspected food poisoning or any other unusual health event. Photos or short videos can also be uploaded. The moment a report is submitted, the alert lands simultaneously in district, state and national surveillance dashboards, where officers verify it and initiate investigations if required.Dr Ranjan Das, director NCDC said that the tool fills a critical gap in India’s surveillance network. Many outbreaks begin silently in homes, neighbourhoods or small gatherings well before patients reach hospitals. A citizen report — sometimes within hours — can help health authorities intervene early, contain spread and prevent large-scale outbreaks.Dr Himanshu Chauhan, additional director and HOD IDSP call this a “game changer,” especially during dengue, diarrhoea, influenza and waterborne disease seasons. But they caution that the system will work only if citizens use it responsibly — and consistently.To protect users, all submissions are routed through secure government servers, with personal data safeguarded under national cyber-security protocols. False or irrelevant reports are filtered through a combination of automated checks and manual verification by trained district teams.The Community Reporting System, introduced in January 2024 under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), was envisioned to give communities a direct role in early outbreak detection. Despite being launched in 2024, the tool remained largely unknown due to poor efforts to popularize it, resulting in only about 100 valid reports so far. The low utilisation highlights the gap between technology and public engagement, though officials say even this early trickle shows that once people know the platform exists, they are willing to report.The message from NCDC is clear: public health isn’t just a government job — it needs citizen vigilance too. Sometimes, a QR scan and 30 seconds may be all it takes to stop the next outbreak.

New Zealand will face West Indies in the opening Test of the three-match series at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval from December 2 to 6.

New Zealand boast formidable numbers at this ground, registering nine Test wins, driven by experienced pacers who thrive in home conditions. Among the current players, Matt Henry relishes bowling in Christchurch, pairing effectively with his fellow pacers to build relentless pressure through accuracy and movement. With conditions again favouring seam, New Zealand’s pace battery will be central to their game plan.

For West Indies, young quicks like Jayden Seales could exploit the early swing and seam, but their batters face a significant challenge – only two visiting teams have won here in 15 matches. Surviving the first session against the new ball will be key, as most successful chases at Hagley have been below 200, demonstrating the difficulty of batting fourth on this pitch.

NZ vs WI, 1st Test: Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval pitch is expected to offer classic seamer-friendly conditions when Fresh green grass and cool weather are forecast to assist swing and seam movement, particularly on Day 1, before the surface settles into a more balanced track.

Historically, teams bowling first have enjoyed significant success at the venue, winning 9 of 15 Tests (60%), underlining how crucial the toss and new-ball periods can be. The average first-innings score sits around 284, but scoring becomes increasingly difficult later in the match, with fourth-innings totals averaging just 179, reflecting Hagley Oval’s consistent assistance to pacers throughout the game.

The surface at Hagley Oval is known for its true bounce and pronounced seam movement, especially in the opening session. With pacers claiming nearly 90% of the wickets historically at the ground, both teams are expected to lean heavily on their fast-bowling units.

The grass cover can sometimes deceive captains at the toss, but experts warn that while the pitch appears extremely green, the sharpest movement often fades after Session 1. Once set, batters can accumulate meaningful totals – as seen in England’s massive 499 posted at the venue recently. However, sustained discipline is crucial, as any lapse in technique is quickly punished by the seamers.

Spinners, on the other hand, traditionally play minimal roles, averaging just three wickets per Test, making pace combinations the likely go-to strategy. As a result, captains have opted to bowl first 60% of the time – a trend that could continue in this Test.

Also READ: Kane Williamson returns as New Zealand announce 14-man squad for first Test against West Indies

Hagley Oval Test Stats and Records

• Total matches: 16
• Matches won batting first: 4
• Matches won bowling first: 10
• Average 1st innings score: 288
• Average 2nd innings score: 315
• Average 3rd innings score: 271
• Average 4th innings score: 173
• Highest total recorded: 659/6 (158.5 Overs) by New Zealand vs Pakistan
• Lowest total recorded: 95/10 (49.2 Overs) by South Africa vs New Zealand
• Highest score chased: 286/8 (70 Overs) by New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 227/10 (93.5 Overs) By New Zealand vs South Africa
• Most runs scored: Tom Latham (971)
• Most wickets: Tim Southee (61)

Also READ: Breakdown of Andre Russell’s IPL salary since his debut – From 2012 to 2025

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LUDHIANA: A 32-year-old businessman who was caught in a shootout between gangsters invited to a wedding in Ludhiana on Sunday night died trying to shield his wife and their three-year-old son. Vasu Chopra’s pyre was lit by the toddler Monday as the victim’s mother broke down: “ Mainu apne naal leja ,Vasu (Vasu, take me along with you).” The toddler was heard asking relatives to let him talk to his father on phone as he “hadn’t seen him since last night”.

Around 30 rounds were fired at the wedding, attended by VIPs, including politicians and at least one MLA. Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma said it “wasn’t a gang war”, but a “fight between local boys for supremacy”. The prime accused are wanted in several cases, including attempted murder.Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma said it “wasn’t a gang war”, but a “fight between local boys for supremacy”. The prime accused are both criminals, wanted for several cases, including attempted murder.But the criminal record of the prime accused — Shubham Arora alias Mota and Ankur — make it clear they are no amateurs. Shubham faces as many as 18 FIRs, including for attempted murder. His rivalsAnkur, Rubal and Jasvir Singh Jassa have a shorter crime history but they too face cases of attempted murder. Now, it’s double murder.Vasu fell victim to the senseless shootout at his friend’s wedding. The groom’s aunt, Neeru Chhabran, was also killed, shot in the face. Both of them died on the spot.Vasu’s family said he, his wife and son were eating dinner when the criminals started firing. Vasu picked up his son, grabbed his wife’s hand and started running into thewedding hall, keeping them both shielded by his body. A bullet hit him on the left of the stomach, killing him on the spot. Ankur was arrested on Monday, along with four people who allegedly harboured him. One of them is a woman. Three private security guards at the wedding venue have also been arrested for “allowing armed people to enter”.Of the 18 accused, six of whom are identified, only two are in custody — Ankur and Jatindar Kumar Dawar, whose licensed pistol was allegedlyused in the shootout. Shubham is on the run.Vasu’s brother-in-law Parul Malhotra, a local Congress functionary, said, “Those criminals were firing gunshots brazenly, without any fear, and people were running for their lives.” He said he counted at least 30 spent bullet shells at the wedding venue.“My sister lost her husband. They have two little kids. Vasu lost his father a year ago and he was the sole earning member.”

Coach Bibiano Fernandes’ record in the Qualifiers is impeccable

Panaji: Bibiano Fernandes is expecting an urgent call from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).The India U-16 coach’s short-term contract with the AIFF ended with the memorable win against Iran last night. Now with the team making it to the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next year, a new improved deal is expected to be inked, and of course, there are plans to be drawn to ensure that India is in best shape for the continental tournament in May.This will be India’s tenth assignment at the continental stage, and for Bibiano, it will remarkably be the fourth time he is managing the team. His record in the Qualifiers is impeccable: four out of four, since 2018.“This was the most difficult campaign because we didn’t have a long camp and exposure tours like in the past,” Bibiano told TOI on Monday. “It was difficult for the boys in the Qualifiers. We knew it would be a tough task and the challenge was to keep the boys motivated, make them believe that we can qualify.”Nobody had more belief than Bibiano that India can make it to the AFC U17 Asian Cup. It is precisely for this reason that the former midfielder from Goa quit a secure two-year contract at Bengaluru FC to take up the India assignment on a short-term basis. “(Training) Reserves wasn’t really for me. When I got an offer (to work) for the national team, I said, this is where I want to work, and this is how I want to work.”Seeing his desire, Bengaluru agreed to free him from his contract.At the Qualifiers in Ahmedabad, India started gingerly with a draw against Palestine, put it across Chinese Taipei and then lost to Lebanon in what turned out to be an inconsequential tie. In the end, it all came down to the ‘final’ against Iran, which India won 2-1 to top the group and qualify.“The win against Iran proves that we are not short of talent in India. I’ve seen different batches and one thing we cannot deny is the talent at our disposal. Against Iran, a powerhouse, we knew they had better players in every position. They were strong physically and our best chance was to defend really, really well. Because if we held them, we would surely have our chances,” explained Bibiano.For someone who has won five SAFF titles and dedicated his life to shaping India’s future in football, qualification isn’t enough. He wants to take India to the World Cup and that’s only possible if the team makes it to the semifinals in Saudi Arabia, a goal that Bibiano has set for himself and the team.“With the first batch (in 2018), we made it to the quarterfinals (before losing to South Korea). If we can prepare the way we did that year and make it to the quarters, it’s anybody’s game. We are very close (to qualification), just have to do what’s needed from our side and play our part well. We have to get these boys at the highest level possible.“We have to start scouting immediately. We have a batch of 23 players, there’s a need to scout for another 23, merge and finalise the best (team). Exposure is a must too. Playing these matches in qualifiers, we have improved so much. If we go into any qualifier, we will be a different team. We need to play these kind of qualifiers, higher-level matches,” said Bibiano.

Jaxson Dart’s necklace (Getty Images)

Jaxson Dart’s necklace sparkles during every New York Giants game, but beneath the bright stadium lights, it stands for something far more personal. This small piece of jewelry has been with him through bowl games, draft day expectations, and now the roaring NFL stage. It is never just part of his outfit. It is a ritual, a reminder, a heartbeat from home woven into every snap and every throw.He takes the field with confidence, toughness, and real emotion. It is a demanding job to step into the spotlight as a rookie quarterback in New York, but Dart brings a piece of family faith to steady him in every moment. That little chain carries a lot of heart.

Jaxson Dart‘s necklace: The deeper meaning behind a Giants good luck charm

When asked about the necklace, Dart explains it openly. “I haven’t missed a game with it. I make sure it’s one of the first things that I pack,” Dart said. For him, it is not crafted from diamonds or forged by luxury jewelers. It is something much more meaningful. It came from his sister.He still remembers the moment he first picked it up. “I remember I was walking out the door, and I was just grabbing my headphones, whatever it may be on the table, and I saw this necklace,” he said. “I looked at it and I was like, dang, I like that necklace. I asked my mom, I said, ‘Whose is it?’ And she’s like it’s your sister’s.”That day, he wore it into a college bowl game and threw four touchdowns. From then on, it became tradition. “It started out because I felt like it looked cool, you know, during the games. And that was kind of a swag piece that I’d put together each game day,” he said. “It’s a good luck charm for sure. But at the same time, it’s a cool thing between me and my sister.”Through every rough tackle and every triumphant first down, it stays with him. “I try to do my best to adjust it if it’s kind of messed up when I come back on the sideline,” Dart said. “It’s definitely held its own because I’ve taken a lot of hits.”The hearts on the chain are not real gemstones, but they might as well be priceless. “It’s definitely very valuable to me, because like I said, it’s a relationship thing between me and my sister,” Dart said. Then he shared the meaning that goes beyond football. “I’ve kind of thought of it as a deeper meaning to love all that you’re around … a special reminder that we live in a world where maybe not everybody agrees with everybody’s opinion. I think that’s kind of the beauty of our identity as people. But at the same time, I think it’s important to share love and bring people together. So that’s just kind of like the emoji of a heart, bringing people together and kind of spreading joy and love to all.”In a league full of glare and glitter, Jaxson Dart reminds us that the most powerful symbols are not worn for show. They are carried from home, from family, and from the people who held belief long before the world ever did.Also Read: While Drake Maye prepares for Giants, his wife Ann’s Patriots-themed cookies become unexpected pre-game sensation