#ahmedabad

Marnus Labuschagne's Struggles in ODIs: Australia's Dilemma Forgotten behind the heroics of Travis Head on November 19, 2023, was the performance of Marnus Labuschagne. He entered the match with Australia 47 for 3 chasing 241 against a rampant India in Ahmedabad with a World Cup trophy on the line. Just over two hours later, he remained unbeaten on 58 when the winning runs were struck. That innings capped a 19-match run for Labuschagne where he averaged 48.93 in ODI cricket, with one century, five fifties, and just one single-figure score. Two-and-a-half years on, on the verge of his 32nd birthday, more often than not the most prolific age of an international batter's career, Labuschagne appears lost in the wilderness with the look of a man who has no idea how he will find his way out. Since the 2023 World Cup final, he is averaging 17.73 in ODI cricket with just one half-century. That half-century, in Nottingham, came only 10 months and two innings on from the one in Ahmedabad. Since Nottingham, he averages 11.64 in 14 innings with two scores above 19. In seven ODIs across the last 12 months, he has scored 27 runs off 70 deliveries, averaging 4.5, with 25 of those runs coming in his four innings on the current tour of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Australia's selectors are only 12 months on from dropping Labuschagne from the Test team. It was a move, at the time, described as a "circuit-breaker" to try and snap him out of a Test century slump that had dated back to the 2023 Ashes. Labuschagne has spoken openly about both the need for the axing and the technical work he has done to rectify the vulnerabilities that were being exposed at Test level in particular.#india #australia #ahmedabad #travis_head #marnus_labuschagne

The provided text is a mix of weather updates, local news, and website-related information. Here's a structured summary and analysis: --- Weather Alerts & Updates Regional Alerts: Gujarat & 24 States: Pre-monsoon rains and cyclones are expected. Sabarkantha District (Ahmedabad): Heavy rainfall with hail, 1.5 inches of rain recorded. Surat: Flooding concerns, 10 locations with fallen trees, power outages, and flood control measures. Vadodara: Thunderstorms with lightning at night. Rajkot: Flood control room activated for monsoon preparedness. Ahmedabad: Late-night hailstorms and heavy rain. Other Regions: Temperature drops (3–4°C), drought alerts, and water scarcity in Mumbai (only 45 days of water storage left). Monsoon Impact: Pre-monsoon rains are expected to continue, with potential for flooding and landslides in hilly areas (e.g., Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh). Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan: Heavy rainfall and hail warnings. --- Local News & Events Mumbai Water Crisis: Only 45 days of water storage left in reservoirs. BMC (Mumbai Municipal Corporation) is planning for 2027 droughts. 7 main reservoirs are under constant monitoring. Community Response: Residents in Surat and other areas are moving to coastal regions for relief from heatwaves. Local authorities are conducting pre-monsoon meetings to address flood risks. Environmental Concerns: Trees in Mahisagar (Gujarat) are falling due to extreme heat. A call to complete the construction of the Vagheshwari Lake before the monsoon. --- Website & Ethics DNPA Code of Ethics: The website adheres to ethical guidelines for news reporting. A request to prioritize the website as a preferred source on Google. --- Key Takeaways Weather Preparedness: Cyclones, heavy rains, and floods are imminent in multiple states.#mumbai #ahmedabad #vadodara #gujarat #surat

Kohli Reveals the Secret to Success Virat Kohli, the 37-year-old captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), secured his team’s second IPL title in two years with a thrilling performance in the final against Gujarat Titans. The victory, achieved after a 14-year wait for his first IPL trophy, marked a significant milestone in his career. Kohli, who has consistently evolved his game to adapt to the demands of modern cricket, emphasized the importance of mental preparation and strategic adjustments over traditional batting techniques. Kohli’s innings of 75 runs off 25 balls in the final against Gujarat Titans proved pivotal in securing RCB’s second title. The match, held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw the crowd largely supporting RCB despite the venue being Gujarat Titans’ home ground. Kohli, reflecting on the moment, described it as the realization of a long-held dream. “This innings was my biggest dream come true. I’ve thought about this moment countless times,” he said, expressing his joy and gratitude. The victory was not just a personal triumph for Kohli but also a testament to the team’s collective effort. RCB’s squad delivered exceptional performances throughout the season, with eight different players winning the Man of the Match award in the first 10 matches. Bowling stars like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rashid Khan played crucial roles, while young talents like Krunal Pandya and RasiKh Salam Dhar showcased their potential. Kohli credited the team’s unity and the support from fans as key factors in their success. Kohli’s approach to the game has shifted over the years, particularly in response to the rise of young talent in the league.#ahmedabad #narendra_modi_stadium #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bangalore #gujarat_titans

ICC Suspends Cricket Canada, Approves Pink-Ball Trial at Board Meeting The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Cricket Canada’s membership with immediate effect following allegations of "serious breaches" of its obligations, according to a statement released during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 31. The decision was part of a broader set of resolutions aimed at addressing governance, administrative reforms, and evolving playing conditions in international cricket. While the suspension was imposed, the ICC confirmed that Canadian national teams would continue to participate in ICC events and receive funding through a controlled mechanism to avoid adverse impacts on players. Cricket Canada was also given a set of reinstatement conditions to address governance and administrative shortcomings, with progress monitored by the ICC’s Normalisation Committee. A key decision at the meeting was the approval of a trial for using pink balls in conventional Test matches under specific conditions. The proposal allows teams to switch from traditional red balls to pink balls during Tests when poor light is anticipated, aiming to reduce delays caused by visibility issues. The ICC emphasized that both participating teams must agree to the switch, and the move follows earlier reports by Cricbuzz about the proposal. The ICC also confirmed plans to collaborate with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on research into lighting technology to further minimize interruptions from poor weather conditions. The board also approved the establishment of a Global Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, tasked with finalizing the competition structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team qualifier.#icc #ahmedabad #mcc #cricket_canada #cricket_canada_suspension

IPL 2026: Shubman Gill Highlights Sai Sudharsan's Consistency and Partnership Success Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans (GT) praised Sai Sudharsan's ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the IPL 2026 tournament, emphasizing the English batter’s discipline and intensity as key factors in their successful partnership. Sudharsan, who has accumulated over 700 runs in two consecutive seasons, has formed a formidable opening duo with Gill, contributing significantly to GT’s campaign. Their partnership has evolved from a strong start in IPL 2025 to an even more dominant presence in 2026, with their 886-run tally at a strike rate of 10.56 surpassing previous records. Gill highlighted the importance of their on-field chemistry and off-field camaraderie, noting that their shared experiences in both domestic and international cricket have strengthened their relationship. “We spend a lot of time together, both on and off the field, and that helps us understand each other’s game,” Gill explained. He also credited Sudharsan’s mental resilience, particularly his ability to sustain high intensity across a grueling two-month tournament. Sudharsan’s preparation includes rigorous routines like yoga, meditation, and visualization, which Gill described as critical to his consistency. The article also delves into the broader context of IPL evolution, with Gill addressing how modern T20 cricket has shifted toward higher scoring but retained core batting principles. He noted that teams that minimize dot balls and exploit gaps remain competitive, even as wickets have become flatter and venues more varied.#ahmedabad #shubman_gill #ipl_2026 #gujarat_titans #sai_sudharsan

India Bakes At 47.6 Degrees: Heatwave Explained, From Urban Heat To El Nino Large portions of India endured extreme heat Tuesday as temperatures surged far beyond seasonal averages, with Delhi recording 42 to 44 degrees Celsius and cities like Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Jaipur, and Lucknow experiencing 41 to 43 degrees. In Uttar Pradesh’s Banda, the mercury climbed to a staggering 47.6 degrees Celsius, a record for the region, while similar conditions persisted in Vidarbha, Maharashtra. Coastal cities like Hyderabad and Chennai saw daytime highs in the mid-to-high 30s, while Mumbai remained in the high 30s but with high humidity. Even nighttime temperatures in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir exceeded normal levels by five degrees, leaving residents without relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that heatwave conditions would persist for several days, with temperatures likely to remain several degrees above normal. In some areas, temperatures could surpass 45 degrees before western disturbances or localized thunderstorms bring relief to the north and northeast. The south will face hot days and humid nights, while the northeast and parts of eastern India may see increased rainfall and thunderstorms. Health advisories issued by the government and medical professionals emphasize hydration, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and monitoring for heatstroke symptoms. Hospitals are preparing for an influx of heat-related illnesses, while power grids face heightened demand for cooling. In rural areas, farmers must contend with heat stress on crops and livestock. The intensity and spread of the heatwave are attributed to both domestic and global factors. Domestically, the "urban heat island" effect exacerbates temperatures in cities, where concrete and steel structures absorb heat instead of vegetation.#nagpur #delhi #india #jaipur #ahmedabad

India Hosts Asia Cup U-18 Men’s Basketball Tournament After Qatar Shift Nagpur: For the first time since 2004, India will host the Asia Cup U-18 men’s basketball tournament, scheduled to take place from August 13 to 23. The 11-day event will be held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, marking the first time Gujarat’s capital city will host an international basketball championship. The tournament, originally assigned to Qatar in July, was relocated to India due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The World Basketball Federation (FIBA) requested India to take over the event, citing the unstable security situation in the region. Shaktisinh Gohil, president of the Gujarat Basketball Association, explained that the decision was influenced by Ahmedabad’s status as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its confirmed bid for the 2036 Olympics. “With these major international events on the horizon, the president and secretary of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) decided to allocate the Asia Cup to Gujarat,” Gohil told The Times of India. This will be the first international basketball championship to be held in Ahmedabad. The shift to India also aligns with the city’s growing prominence in sports. Ahmedabad will host the World Cup qualifiers for the Indian men’s team in July, further solidifying its role as a key venue for international basketball. The last time India hosted an Asian championship was in 2022, when the women’s meet was held in Bengaluru. While women’s international competitions have been a regular feature in India’s calendar, the men’s Asia Cup in any age category has been rare for the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). Historically, India has hosted the U-18 men’s Asia Cup twice: in Kolkata in 1998 and Bengaluru in 2004.#india #ahmedabad #asia_cup_u18_men_basketball_tournament #fiba #gujarat_basketball_association

Washington Sundar's Record Six Steals Spotlight in IPL 2026 Clash Between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad Gujarat Titans all-rounder Washington Sundar delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the IPL 2026 season during a high-stakes encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The match, which saw Gujarat Titans secure a commanding 82-run victory, was highlighted by Sundar’s audacious six off Eshan Malinga in the 19th over. The shot, a low full toss whipped over the deep mid-wicket fence while Sundar was almost sitting on the ground, sent the crowd into a frenzy and earned thunderous applause from the Gujarat Titans dugout. The match unfolded as a masterclass in execution, with Gujarat Titans building a formidable total of 168/7 on a challenging batting surface. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar anchored the innings, contributing half-centuries of 61 and 50 respectively. Sudharsan’s innings was marked by composure, as he struck five fours and two sixes in 44 balls, while Sundar’s 33-ball 50 featured seven fours and the iconic six. The duo’s partnership laid the foundation for a competitive total, which proved decisive in the chase. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting line-up crumbled under the pressure, as Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder dismantled the opposition with precision. Rabada’s early dominance with the new ball, coupled with Holder’s relentless accuracy post-powerplay, led to a collapse that saw Hyderabad bowled out for 86 in 14.5 overs. Rabada’s figures of 3/28 and Holder’s 3/20 underscored the effectiveness of Gujarat’s bowling attack, which secured the fifth consecutive win for the IPL 2022 champions. Sundar’s post-match comments revealed the strategic mindset behind his record-breaking shot.#ahmedabad #narendra_modi_stadium #sunrisers_hyderabad #gujarat_titans #washington_sundar

Gujarat Titans' Jason Holder Dominates Punjab Kings in Crucial IPL Clash Gujarat Titans' all-rounder Jason Holder delivered a match-defining performance to secure a tense four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The West Indian pacer showcased exceptional control and precision, claiming four wickets for 24 runs in his four-over spell, earning the Player of the Match award for the second consecutive game. His disciplined bowling dismantled Punjab's middle order, setting the stage for Gujarat's dominant chase of a modest target of 164. Holder's spell began immediately after the Powerplay, as he struck with his third delivery to dismiss Nehal Wadhera for a duck. Bowling a back-of-a-length delivery outside off stump, he forced an edge that was brilliantly caught by wicket-keeper Jos Buttler diving to his left. Maintaining tight control, Holder conceded just six runs in his first two overs, then accounted for Punjab's skipper and key batsman Shreyas Iyer. A well-angled back-of-a-length ball with extra bounce saw Iyer misjudge the line, dragging the ball onto his stumps and leaving Punjab in deep trouble. The momentum shifted further when Marcus Stoinis briefly counterattacked with consecutive boundaries, but Holder had the final say. In the 18th over, he dismissed the Australian with a slower short-of-length delivery that resulted in a mistimed pull, safely caught by Washington Sundar at long-on. Holder then struck again off the very next ball, removing Xavier Bartlett to threaten a hat-trick. Bowling from wide of the crease, he angled the ball in, which nipped back slightly to beat the inside edge and crash into the stumps. Holder's performance was marked by his ability to exploit the pitch's pace and bounce, using a mix of lengths and pace variations to unsettle Punjab's batsmen.#ahmedabad #gujarat_titans #punjab_kings #ipl #jason_holder

India Retains ICC T20 Top Ranking After World Cup Win India retained its number-one position in the ICC T20 team rankings following its victory in the T20 World Cup. The team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, secured the title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad on March 8. This win solidified their place at the top of the rankings, which were updated by the ICC on Tuesday. The latest rankings show India leading with 275 points, followed by England (262 points) and Australia (258 points). The ICC rankings are calculated using a weighted system, with 100% weightage given to matches played in the past 12 months. Matches from the previous two years carry 50% weightage. The current update includes data from May 2023 to April 2024 and May 2024 to April 2025, with the latter period receiving 50% weightage. Starting May 2026, matches from the next 12 months will carry 100% weightage, and data from 2023-2024 will be excluded from future calculations. The top-7 positions in the T20 rankings remained unchanged after the update. Sri Lanka suffered a six-point drop, falling to ninth place, while Bangladesh gained two positions to rank eighth. The United States (USA) made a significant leap, moving up six places to 13th after a strong performance. The USA surpassed teams like the Netherlands and Scotland. Italy also made a notable jump, climbing three positions to 23rd after a successful debut in the T20 World Cup. The ICC rankings now include 98 teams, down from 102. Fiji, Gambiera, Greece, and Israel were removed due to not meeting the minimum match requirements over the past three years. In the Women’s T20 rankings, Australia retained its top position with 287 points, followed by England (275 points) and India (264 points). The top-16 positions in the Women’s rankings remained unchanged.#icc #india #t20_world_cup #ahmedabad #surayakumar_yadav

AMC Issues Yellow Heat Alert for Ahmedabad Amid Expected Temperature Surge The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued a yellow heat alert for Ahmedabad, warning residents of rising temperatures from May 4 to May 10. The alert highlights that maximum temperatures are projected to range between 41°C and 42°C during this period, prompting the civic body to activate its Heat Action Plan to mitigate risks. Under the plan, the AMC has identified 50 hotspots across 15 wards in six zones of the city. These areas, determined based on air temperature data, are flagged for their high probability of experiencing extreme heat conditions. The identification of these zones aims to enable residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves. To enhance public awareness, the AMC has launched a dedicated digital portal and a QR code-based system. These platforms provide three-day advance forecasts of maximum temperatures, with a focus on peak heat hours between 12 pm and 5 pm. While the forecasts may have a margin of error of 2–3°C, the data is updated every three days to ensure accuracy. Residents are encouraged to use these tools to plan their activities during the heatwave. Key High-Risk Zones Identified Several areas across Ahmedabad have been marked as critical hotspots due to consistently high temperature readings. These include: Industrial and Residential Areas: Vatva GIDC, Piplaj (near Jindal Worldwide factory and Popat Kaka House), and Narol–Sarkhej Road North and West Zones: Areas near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Sardarnagar, Chandkheda (near H.B.#ahmedabad #amc #heat_alert #heat_action_plan #vatva_gidc

Unseasonal Rains and Thunderstorms Hit Parts of Gujarat Gujarat experienced unusual weather on Tuesday as unseasonal rains and thunderstorms struck several districts in the state. While many cities remained under a yellow alert for extreme heat, parts of North and East Gujarat saw unexpected rainfall and severe weather conditions. The rainfall occurred during the pre-monsoon period, providing temporary relief from the intense summer heat but raising concerns among farmers about potential crop damage. The affected districts included Aravalli, Mahisagar, and Dahod. In Aravalli, areas such as Modasa, Malpur, Meghraj, and Shamlaji received heavy rain along with strong winds. Mahisagar’s Kadana and Khanpur areas also experienced intermittent showers. In Dahod, dark clouds formed after an extended dry spell, leading to rain and localized waterlogging on roads. These weather events deviated from the typical summer pattern, which had been marked by relentless heatwaves and high humidity. The sudden rainfall brought a brief cooling effect to the affected regions, reducing temperatures temporarily. However, the weather department warned that most of Gujarat would remain dry in the coming days. Officials noted that heat and humidity are likely to persist due to ongoing changes in weather patterns. Meanwhile, major cities continued to face extreme conditions, with Ahmedabad under a six-day yellow alert for temperatures potentially reaching 41°C. Gandhinagar and Rajkot were also expected to see temperatures exceeding 40°C. Coastal areas like Surat and Dwarka experienced slightly milder conditions, ranging between 31°C and 34°C. Farmers expressed concerns about the impact of the unexpected rainfall on crops.#ahmedabad #gujarat #aravalli #mahisagar #dahod

Ahmedabad Experiences Temperature Drop, Ends 21-Day Heat Streak Ahmedabad, India, saw a significant cooling trend on Monday as a weather trough brought relief from a prolonged heatwave, marking the end of a 21-day streak of temperatures exceeding 40°C. The mercury dipped to 39.4°C, a 2.3-degree drop from the normal range, offering temporary respite to residents grappling with the sweltering conditions. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that this cooling phase was short-lived, with temperatures expected to rebound to 42°C by the weekend. The heat action plan, already in effect, has been activated to manage the extreme conditions, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) advising residents to prepare for temperatures between 41°C and 42°C through May 10. While daytime highs are projected to stabilize, nighttime temperatures remain elevated, with the minimum hovering around 28.2°C—2 degrees above the seasonal average. This persistent warmth has raised concerns about the health and safety of vulnerable populations, prompting authorities to emphasize the need for continued vigilance. The cooling trend was attributed to a trough extending from an upper air cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and Gujarat, which temporarily disrupted the heatwave pattern. However, the IMD’s seven-day forecast indicates that temperatures will remain above 40°C in isolated regions of Gujarat, with coastal areas facing additional discomfort due to hot and humid conditions expected on May 9 and 10. Despite the brief reprieve, the heatwave has had a lasting impact on the region. Rajkot emerged as the state’s hottest city on Monday, recording 42.2°C, followed by Surendranagar at 41.8°C, Bhuj at 41°C, Bhavnagar at 40.7°C, and Amreli at 40.5°C.#india #rajasthan #ahmedabad #india_meteorological_department #ahmedabad_municipal_corporation

IMD Issues Weather Forecast for April 26, 2026: Rain, Snow, and Heat Alerts Across Major Indian Cities The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a detailed weather forecast for April 26, 2026, highlighting intense heatwaves, rain, and snowfall across various regions of India. The forecast indicates that large parts of the country are experiencing extreme summer conditions, with temperatures nearing or surpassing 44°C in several northern and western cities. Delhi recorded one of its hottest April days in recent years at 42.8°C, while Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Rajasthan remained under sharp thermal stress. Coastal areas, however, remained humid, with the monsoon season showing signs of an early push toward southern India by late May. The heatwave is attributed to a combination of factors, including dry continental winds, clear skies, delayed pre-monsoon thunderstorms, and strong solar heating during late April. Urban heat retention in metropolitan areas has exacerbated nighttime discomfort, with temperatures remaining elevated even after sunset. The IMD warns that the prolonged heat could lead to heat stress, dehydration, and increased power demand, alongside risks of wildfires in dry regions and worsening air pollution episodes. Snowfall and precipitation are expected in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh, where light snowfall or mixed precipitation may occur. Lower hill towns are likely to see light rain and cloudy conditions, which could help moderate daytime temperatures. The forecast also highlights the potential for thunderstorms and isolated showers in several regions, including Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Punjab. City-specific forecasts reveal varying conditions.#delhi #lucknow #rajasthan #ahmedabad #india_meteorological_department

Gujarat Titans Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL Clash at Narendra Modi Stadium Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a crucial IPL match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. This encounter follows a recent encounter where RCB chased down 206 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, securing a five-wicket victory. GT, currently sitting mid-table with four wins and four losses in eight games, faces challenges in balancing their batting lineup. Their top three players—Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—have been the primary sources of runs. Despite a century from Sudharsan and a partnership with Gill that added 205 for the third wicket, GT fell short against RCB’s disciplined bowling attack. RCB enters the match in stronger form, having secured six wins from eight matches. Their recent nine-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals highlighted their attacking prowess, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood dismantling the opposition for 75. The duo’s ability to dismantle GT’s top order could be pivotal, as the Titans’ middle order remains inconsistent. Washington Sundar and Jason Holder have provided stability, but the finishing roles remain unsettled. A strong start from RCB’s bowlers could force GT into a precarious position, particularly if Gill, Sudharsan, or Buttler are dismissed early. GT’s bowling department has also faced scrutiny, particularly after the Powerplay. While Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have delivered solid starts, the team has struggled to maintain control in the middle and death overs. In contrast, RCB’s batting lineup offers flexibility, with Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, and Devdutt Padikkal providing options at the top.#ahmedabad #narendra_modi_stadium #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #ipl

Gujarat Local Body Elections 2026: BJP Sweeps Municipal Corporations, AAP and Congress Suffer Major Defeats The 2026 Gujarat local body elections concluded on April 28, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a decisive victory across all 15 municipal corporations. The results marked a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), which faced heavy losses in the state’s urban and rural local governance elections. The outcome is seen as a strong indicator of BJP’s dominance ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The election, which included contests for 15 municipal corporations, 84 nagar panchayats, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats, saw over 41.8 million eligible voters participate. BJP’s victory in the municipal corporations was particularly notable, as these are considered key battlegrounds for political parties. In Ahmedabad, the BJP won 158 out of 192 seats, reinforcing its stronghold in the state’s largest city. In Surat, the party secured 115 seats out of 127, while AAP managed only four seats and the INC won a single seat in the same municipal corporation. In rural areas, BJP also emerged as the dominant force. The party won 568 seats out of 1,090 in district panchayats, compared to 77 seats for the INC and 30 for other parties. In taluka panchayats, BJP captured 2,397 seats from a total of 5,234, with the INC securing 591 and others claiming 329. The results underscored BJP’s ability to consolidate support across both urban and rural constituencies. Key cities like Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Morbi saw BJP’s complete dominance, with the party winning all 72, 64, and 52 seats respectively in their municipal corporations. In Vapi, BJP secured 37 seats out of 52, while the INC claimed 11.#ahmedabad #indian_national_congress #bharatiya_janata_party #aam_aadmi_party #gujarat_local_body_elections_2026

Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR Seek First Win in IPL 2026 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a critical challenge as they prepare to take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in a crucial IPL 2026 match at Ahmedabad. The game marks a pivotal moment for KKR, who have struggled to find form this season and are desperate for their first victory. GT, on the other hand, enter the contest in confident form, having already secured a hat-trick of wins and positioning themselves strongly in the race for the top four. The match carries significant implications for KKR, as a loss could push them into a do-or-die scenario in the tournament. KKR’s batting woes have been a major concern throughout the season. The team’s reliance on Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been evident, with their partnership run rate ranking among the lowest for any pair that has faced at least 30 balls together since the start of IPL 2025. This inefficiency has hampered their ability to accumulate runs consistently, leaving them vulnerable to early collapses. Analysts suggest that addressing this issue is KKR’s most pressing need, as their struggles with the bat have overshadowed their strong bowling attack. The situation for KKR has deteriorated significantly compared to their dominant 2024 campaign, when they won the IPL with one of the most balanced squads in the tournament’s history. This season, injuries to key fast bowlers have disrupted their plans, and despite these setbacks, the team still has the potential to turn things around with a few standout performances. Players like Finn Allen, Cam Green, or Rovman Powell could provide the spark needed to revive their fortunes. However, the absence of key contributors like Matheesha Pathirana, who is unavailable due to logistical reasons, further complicates their prospects.#ahmedabad #ipl_2026 #kolkata_knight_riders #gujarat_titans #ajinkya_rahane

Will Banks Remain Closed on April 3, Good Friday 2026 in Your City? Check Holiday List Banks across India will remain closed on April 3, 2026, which falls on Good Friday, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar. This date, observed as part of the Paschal Triduum in Christian traditions, marks the solemn commemoration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death at Calvary. The closure applies to 28 cities, including major metropolitan areas such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. However, bank branches in other regions of the country will remain operational on April 3. Customers are advised to check the RBI’s official list of bank holidays for their specific city, as closures vary by location. The RBI’s holiday calendar for April 2026 includes additional days when banks will be closed, such as Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. These dates are part of the broader schedule for regional festivals and observances, including Ambedkar Jayanti, Baisakhi, Bihu, Tamil New Year, and other state-specific celebrations. The closure on Good Friday is distinct from other holidays in April, which include April 1 (annual account closing in most states), April 11 (second Saturday), April 14 (Ambedkar Jayanti, Baisakhi, Bihu, Tamil New Year), April 15–16 (regional New Year festivals), April 20 (Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya in Karnataka), April 21 (Garia Puja in Tripura), and April 25 (fourth Saturday). Sundays on April 5, 12, 19, and 26 are also marked as non-operational days. Despite the physical branch closures, customers can continue using ATMs, internet banking platforms, mobile apps, and UPI services without interruption.#delhi #bengaluru #chennai #ahmedabad #reserve_bank_of_india

Wealth First Portfolio Managers Secures Sebi Approval to Launch Mutual Fund Business Wealth First Portfolio Managers has received regulatory clearance from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to commence mutual fund operations. The company will establish Lakshya Asset Management Company (Lakshya AMC) as its new asset management entity, which will be headquartered in Ahmedabad. This marks a significant milestone in the firm’s strategy to develop an innovation-driven asset management platform in India. The new AMC will be sponsored by Wealth First Portfolio Managers, a publicly listed wealth management firm traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Lakshya AMC will be the first asset management company to be based in Ahmedabad, signaling a shift in the financial sector’s focus beyond traditional metropolitan hubs. The company plans to introduce a range of differentiated investment products tailored to meet the evolving needs of Indian investors. Key members of the founding team from Benchmark Asset Management, pioneers of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in India, have joined Lakshya AMC. These include Sanjiv Shah, Rajan Mehta, and Sanjay Gaitonde, who are recognized for their contributions to the ETF market. “We aim to identify gaps in the investment landscape and create products that effectively address those needs,” said Ashish Shah, Managing Director of Wealth First Portfolio Managers. “Our goal is to deliver meaningful value to investors through innovative offerings.” The press release noted that further details about product launches and timelines will be shared in due course.#ahmedabad #securities_and_exchange_board_of_india #lakshya_amc #wealth_first_portfolio_managers #benchmark_asset_management

Lakshya Asset Management Company (Lakshya AMC) has secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its mutual fund business, marking a key step in its goal to establish an innovation-driven asset management platform in India. The new AMC is backed by Wealth First Portfolio Managers Ltd., a publicly listed wealth management firm on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which has a strong presence across the country. Lakshya AMC has also brought on board key members of the founding team from Benchmark Asset Management Company — Mr. Sanjiv Shah, Mr. Rajan Mehta, and Mr. Sanjay Gaitonde — who are recognized as pioneers in the development of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in India. These individuals were instrumental in introducing several groundbreaking products, including India’s first ETF, Nifty BeES; the country’s first Gold ETF, Gold BeES (which was also the world’s first Gold ETF to be filed with regulators); and the world’s first money market ETF, Liquid BeES. Their return to the industry signifies a strategic move to leverage their expertise in creating innovative investment solutions. Benchmark AMC, founded in 2001, was the first mutual fund in India to focus exclusively on passive and quantitative investment strategies, which have since become one of the fastest-growing segments in the financial industry. Its product lineup was later acquired by Nippon Life India Asset Management from Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Lakshya AMC’s leadership team brings a wealth of experience in shaping the Indian mutual fund landscape.#ahmedabad #securities_and_exchange_board_of_india #lakshya_amc #wealth_first_portfolio_managers_ltd #benchmark_asset_management_company