Akshar Patel warned the other teams. “Let’s make Kotla our fort,” he said on the eve of Delhi Capitals’ first IPL 2026 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Capitals followed suit by comfortably defeating Mumbai Indians at home last week. Now, they face a struggling Gujarat Titans team who are hoping to complete a hat-trick of wins in the opening season.

Having won just one out of five at the Kotla last season, Delhi will aim to continue their strong start as they play all seven home matches in the capital this year.

However, the threat of rain is looming their way, as North India continues to feel the impact of western disturbances. Shubman Gill’s return The Titans are hamstrung by neck muscle spasms, but Delhi – who appear to be a well-oiled machine – will start as favorites against a Gujarat team that looks strong on paper but is being hampered by the poor form of several of their key players.

Delhi Capitals will take on Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 PM IST. JioHotstar will broadcast the match live in India, while Star Sports will telecast it on television.

Ringside View: DC vs GT

On the eve of the game in Delhi, evening rain gave both teams a chance to overcome their shortcomings. In the Gujarat Titans camp, all the attention was on their weak middle-order. Washington Sundar, who was tasked with strengthening the unit, conducted a 40-minute workout. Tested by the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, the young all-rounder gradually found his rhythm. After taking his time to settle down, Sundar began to strike the ball with pace, sending balls into the stands – something the Titans will be hoping he can repeat in Wednesday’s match.

Next came their captain Shubman Gill, who missed the game against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad – where their middle order collapsed after a strong start in an unsuccessful chase of 211.

Gill entered the net session with ease, arriving minutes after his opening partner Sai Sudarshan confirmed that the captain would be fit to play. Once he got his timing right, Gill sent a few balls tumbling into the stands. As is typical of India’s ODI and Test captain, there was nothing extraordinary – just precise timing and brilliant strokeplay, which put the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar under pressure.

Rahul Tewatia, who has been looking out of form, also spent time in the nets as Gujarat look desperate to stabilize their middle order.

On the other side of the main strip, KL Rahul was the focal point. Following the routine, wicketkeeper-batsman Pathum went in with Nissanka, but it was Rahul who dominated the session, clearly eager to make a significant contribution after two consecutive failures (0 and 1). While the Sri Lankan openers looked in great form, Rahul looked sharp, although at times he struggled with the pace of Auqib Nabi.

Nitish Rana, brought in as a dependable presence at No. 3, also spent time in the middle, taking throwdowns near the boundary in a specially curated session.

Team News: DC vs GT

Delhi Capitals are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. Mitchell Starc is still in Australia And with the early season momentum firmly in their favour, they are expected to build on the work they have done so far.

Bowling coach Munaf Patel echoed this sentiment, while also indicating that Sameer Rizvi will remain an impact player despite consistent match-winning performances with the bat. He did not rule out the possibility of including an additional bowling option in Ashutosh Sharma or Nabi if the situation demanded, highlighting the team’s flexibility.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans are set to make a straightforward change, with Gill returning in place of youngster Kumar Kushagra. They may also consider bringing in Jason Holder in place of Kagiso Rabada to strengthen the lower middle order, which is lacking confidence at the moment.

They will also be keen to see Rashid Khan regain his rhythm with the ball after a slow start to the season. Express Their pace attack, featuring Ashok Sharma, has the potential to trouble Delhi’s inconsistent top order.

Delhi pitch and weather conditions

The pitch used for the game against Mumbai Indians last Saturday afternoon was helping the bowlers. On the eve of this match, there was a light green color on the surface, which suggests that the bowlers may once again get some help.

That said, Delhi continues to be one of the high-scoring venues, especially in the evening matches.

While it rained overnight in the capital, the forecast is more favorable during match hours. It may rain once or twice in the afternoon, but full play is expected on Wednesday.

Estimated Playing XI and Impact Subs

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (captain), Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.

Impact Sub: Sameer Rizvi

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.

Effect Sub: Prasad Krishna

See the press: what they said

Sai Sudarshan on GT’s poor middle order: “If one of the top three batsmen plays for a long time, it is always a good thing for the team. We believe in our middle order. This is the team that played last year and we qualified. So it is just two games and I and the entire team are confident that our middle order will win the game.”

On Mitchell Starc’s absence, DC bowling coach Munaf Patel said, “We have won two matches, so his absence has not been felt so far. But if the results are not in our favor then questions will be raised. Starc is one of the best bowlers in the world. In the IPL, only a player like Jasprit Bumrah can be compared to him. He brings pace, swing and experience. We are keeping a close eye on his fitness as he is very important for us.” Are.”

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tune in

New Delhi: The government has called on researchers and innovators to develop technology-driven solutions to automate claims processing under Ayushman Bharat to reduce delays and improve efficiency under the country’s largest health insurance scheme.The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Union Health Ministry is organizing an Auto-Adjudication Hackathon aimed at building scalable tools to streamline how insurance claims are assessed and settled under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).The move comes amid growing recognition that faster and more transparent claims processing is important to strengthen confidence in public health insurance schemes for both hospitals and beneficiaries.According to a public notice issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the hackathon will focus on developing automated systems that can handle large volumes of claims while ensuring accuracy and compliance.The initiative will culminate in a two-day offline event on May 8 and 9 at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where the selected teams will present their solutions.Registrations for the hackathon are open from March 31 to April 13. “All medical colleges and institutions are advised to disseminate information about the hackathon among the stakeholders and encourage participation of researchers, innovators and professionals from academic and professional networks,” the National Medical Commission said in its notice.Experts say automating claims adjudication can significantly cut processing time, reduce manual errors and improve transparency – which are major challenges in large-scale health insurance programs.The event is expected to bring together policy makers, healthcare leaders, technology experts and startups. Senior officials including industry leaders like Dr. Sunil Kumar Baranwal, CEO of NHA and Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty are scheduled to participate in the inaugural session.On the second day, the discussion will focus on the future of claims adjudication, including the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the need for regulatory guardrails to ensure the safe deployment of such technologies.

उत्तर प्रदेश समाचार: उत्तर प्रदेश की राजधानी लखनऊ से एक सनसनीखेज मामला सामने आया है, जहां खुद को बिल्डर बताने वाले एक युवक ने मैट्रिमोनियल साइट के जरिए छत्तीसगढ़ की एक लड़की को फंसाया. आरोप है कि युवक ने शादी का झांसा देकर पहले तो युवती से दुष्कर्म किया और फिर निजी फोटो और वीडियो बनाकर ब्लैकमेल करने लगा। इस मामले में आरोपी के खिलाफ गोमती नगर विस्तार थाने में गंभीर धाराओं में एफआईआर दर्ज की गई है. पुलिस आरोपियों की तलाश में जुटी हुई है और मामले की जांच जारी है.

फर्जी प्रोफाइल बनाकर किया संपर्क, दोस्तों ने भी निभाई भूमिका
रायपुर (छत्तीसगढ़) की रहने वाली पीड़िता ने बताया कि आरोपी हर्ष रघुवंशी ने एक वैवाहिक वेबसाइट पर फर्जी प्रोफाइल बनाकर उससे संपर्क किया था. धीरे-धीरे उसने उनका विश्वास जीत लिया। इस पूरी साजिश में हर्ष के दोस्त शक्ति प्रताप सिंह और आदित्य सिंह भी शामिल बताए जा रहे हैं, जिन्होंने आरोपियों का साथ दिया.

होटल में बुलाकर वीडियो बनाया, शादी का झांसा देकर चुप रखा
पीड़िता के मुताबिक 12 अगस्त 2025 को हर्ष ने उसे शादी का झांसा देकर लखनऊ बुलाया. उन्हें गोमती नगर स्थित होटल क्रिस्टल स्वीट्स में ठहराया गया था, जिसके मालिक विवेक पांडे बताए जा रहे हैं। आरोप है कि यहीं पर आरोपी ने उससे जबरन शारीरिक संबंध बनाए और चोरी-छिपे उसकी निजी तस्वीरें और वीडियो बना लीं। जब लड़की ने विरोध किया तो आरोपी ने शादी का वादा कर उसे चुप करा दिया।

1.80 लाख रुपए की वसूली, अब 5 लाख रुपए की मांग
लखनऊ से लौटने के बाद आरोपी ने ब्लैकमेल करना शुरू कर दिया। वीडियो वायरल करने की धमकी देकर वह अब तक पीड़िता से 1.80 लाख रुपये वसूल चुका है। नवंबर 2025 में उसे फिर से लखनऊ बुलाया गया और फिर से उसके साथ दुराचार किया गया। अब आरोपी उससे 5 लाख रुपये और मांग रहा है और पैसे न देने पर वीडियो वायरल करने और जान से मारने की धमकी दे रहा है।

दोस्तों से संबंध बनाने का दबाव, जांच में जुटी पुलिस
पीड़िता ने यह भी आरोप लगाया है कि आरोपी उसे अपने दोस्तों के साथ संबंध बनाने के लिए मजबूर कर रहा था. शिकायत मिलने के बाद गोमती नगर विस्तार पुलिस ने भारतीय न्याय संहिता की धारा 69 समेत कई गंभीर धाराओं में मामला दर्ज कर लिया है. पुलिस के पास व्हाट्सएप चैट और पैसे के लेनदेन के सबूत हैं। फिलहाल आरोपी फरार है और उसकी गिरफ्तारी के प्रयास किये जा रहे हैं. इस बात की भी जांच की जा रही है कि क्या उसने पहले भी अन्य लड़कियों के साथ इस तरह की घटना को अंजाम दिया है।

Lakes are often thought of as calm bodies of water with clear inflows and outflows, part of a continuous cycle that eventually connects back to the ocean. Some lakes are located in closed valleys where water enters but never leaves through rivers or streams. These are known as endorheic lakes. Water simply collects, then slowly disappears through evaporation. It sounds simple, yet the behavior of these lakes is quite different from normal freshwater systems. Many of them are large, highly saline, and shaped by climate more than anything else. Some are famous across continents, and each tells a slightly different story about geography, isolation and environmental balance.

From Caspian Sea to Lake Chad: endorheic lakes of the world who never reach the ocean

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is reputed to be the largest endorheic lake on Earth. Despite its name, it is landlocked and has no direct connection to the sea.It is bordered by several countries including Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran. It extends for hundreds of miles and reaches great depths in some areas. The lake receives large inflows from rivers such as the Volga. This constant supply helps maintain its volume, even though evaporation remains a strong opposing force.Its ecosystem is diverse. Fish species, seals and migratory birds all depend on it. Additionally, pressures such as pollution, fishing and changing river flows continue to affect its condition.

Balkhash Lake

Lake Balkhash is another major endorheic lake located in Kazakhstan. Its structure is quite unusual. One side has fresh water, while the other side is more salty.This difference comes from geography. The lake is divided by a narrow expanse of land, and the flow of the Ili River mainly nourishes one section. The second section experiences more evaporation and less replenishment. Over time, human activity has affected its balance. Water diversion and upstream use have reduced flow levels. Reports suggest that this has contributed to increased salinity in some parts of the lake.It freezes during the colder months, which adds another layer to its seasonal behavior. The lake is not at all stable but varies with rainfall, river flow and temperature cycles.

lake chad

When talking about shrinking lakes, Lake Chad is often discussed. It is located in Central Africa and serves as an important water source for surrounding communities.In earlier decades, the lake covered a much larger area. Today, its size fluctuates greatly depending on rainfall and the flow of rivers such as Chari. Experts say a combination of low rainfall, water use and population pressure has contributed to the decline. Agriculture and irrigation utilize huge amounts of its resources. Also, climate variability affects its recharge.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is located high in the Andes Mountains between Bolivia and Peru. It is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. Its rise is remarkable and so is its cultural importance. Indigenous communities have lived around it for centuries. The lake supports agriculture, fishing and tourism.Although a small outflow is present, the system behaves largely like an endorheic basin. Much of its water balance depends on rainfall, river flow and evaporation.The environment around it is relatively stable compared to some other endorheic lakes. Nevertheless, there remain continuing demands on resource use and tourism in the area.

Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake in the United States is known for its high salt concentration. It is one of the saltiest large bodies of water in the world. It was formed as the remains of a very large prehistoric lake. Over time, the climate changed and the water body reduced to its present size. What remains is shallow and highly mineralized.Due to the salinity level no fish can survive in its waters. Instead, special microorganisms and some bird species thrive around it. The islands within the lake support wildlife such as bison and antelope.Water flows from many rivers, but evaporation dominates. The size of the lake varies depending on seasonal conditions, although its salty nature remains constant.

What makes endorheic lakes different from other lakes?

An endorheic lake forms in a drainage basin that has no outlet to the sea. Water flows from rivers, rain or melting snow, but it has nowhere else to go. It remains stored until it evaporates. This process leaves behind minerals and salts. Over time, these build up. This appears to be one of the main reasons why many endorheic lakes are saltier than normal freshwater lakes.

बिंदुखत्ता, रावतनगर, लालकुआं निवासी विक्रम सिंह की पत्नी पूनम बिष्ट की दो बेटियां हैं। पहली बेटी छह साल की है जबकि दूसरी ढाई साल की है। मंगलवार शाम को पूनम अपनी छोटी बेटी के साथ ऑटो से मंगलपड़ाव आई और यहां से दूसरा ऑटो पकड़कर काठगोदाम के लिए निकल गई। रेलवे स्टेशन के पास ऑटो रुका तो पूनम बच्चे को गोद में लेकर उतरने लगी। इसी दौरान हादसा हो गया.

काठगोदाम एसओ विमल मिश्रा ने बताया कि परिजनों को सूचना दे दी गई है। महिला का इलाज जारी है. मासूम के शव को मोर्चरी भेज दिया गया है.

महिला लालकुआं से काठगोदाम क्यों आई?

पुलिस जांच में पता चला कि महिला अपने परिवार के सदस्य के साथ अपनी बेटी को लेकर लालकुआं आई थी। यहां उन्हें एक मेडिकल कैंप में अपनी बेटी के स्वास्थ्य की जांच करानी थी. यहां से अचानक वह गायब हो गई। कुछ देर बाद परिजनों को काठगोदाम में हादसे की जानकारी हुई। एसओ ने बताया कि पूनम कैसे और किन परिस्थितियों में काठगोदाम पहुंची, इसकी जांच की जा रही है।

ऑटो से उतरते समय चक्कर आने से महिला बच्चे समेत गिर गयी और मासूम बच्चे की मौत हो गयी. काठगोदाम पुलिस घटना की असली वजह और अन्य तथ्यों की जांच में जुटी है। -मनोज कुमार कत्याल, एसपी सिटी

Director Vignesh Shivan emotionally recalls the setback of a big project, comparing it to a groom walking away from a wedding. He also addressed doubts about his abilities and how people suggested him to make short films. Shivan expressed his enduring faith in the audience’s support while looking forward to a positive reception for his upcoming film ‘Love Insurance Company’ on April 10.

director Vignesh Shivan spoke emotionally during the grand pre-release event of his upcoming film ‘Love Insurance Company’ (‘LIK’) held in Chennai. After facing several delays, the film is scheduled to release in theaters on April 10. It also marks the next big release Pradeep Ranganathan After the success of his previous films ‘Dragon’ and ‘Dude’. The film has music by Anirudh Ravichander and stars Kriti ShettySJ Suryah and Seeman are in important roles. At the event the cast and crew shared their excitement ahead of the release.

The director compares a dropped film to a painful wedding moment

During his speech, Vignesh Shivan spoke about the struggles he faced when a big project did not take off. As reported by Cinema Vikatan, he used a powerful comparison to explain how difficult that moment was for him. He said, “I once got a chance to make a very big film. But when a film gets shelved, it becomes very difficult to start again with the next project.” Explaining this sentiment further he said, “It is like the moment at a wedding when the groom suddenly leaves before tying the sacred thread. Just like how difficult it would be for the bride after that, it is equally painful for a filmmaker when a project comes to a sudden halt.