IPL Auction: Starc, Head In Highest Bracket. Ravindra's Base Price Is…

File photo of New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra© AFP

Australia’s World Cup heroes Travis Head, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have all kept their respective base prices in the highest bracket of Rs 2 crore along with out-of-favour India pacer Harshal Patel for the IPL auctions, scheduled in Dubai on December 19. As per ESPN Cricinfo, franchises have been sent a list of 1166 players, who have registered for the auction. There are 77 slots up for grabs and 30 of them would be overseas players. The 10 teams can collectively spend Rs 262.95 crore. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who made everyone stand up and take note with his batting exploits during the World Cup, is priced at Rs 50 lakh but he is expected go at least 15 if not 20 times more than his base price.

Surprisingly, former India batter Kedar Jadhav, who is well past his sell-by-date has also kept his base price at Rs 2 crore along with Umesh Yadav, whose India Test career has all but ended.

Jos Inglis, who recently scored his maiden T20 hundred against India, along with former skipper Steve Smith and pacer Josh Hazlewood, are also in top bracket.

Ditto for South Africa’s new pace bowling sensation Gerald Coetzee and the dangerous Rassie van der Dussen, who is likely to see the hammer go up multiple times.

Wanindu Hasaranga, one of the world’s top T20 wrist spinners and released by RCB, is in the Rs 1.5 crore bracket.

Topics mentioned in this article

Register For IIT Delhi's Certificate Course On Data Science and ML

Register For IIT Delhi's Certificate Course On Data Science and ML

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

New Delhi:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is inviting applications for a certificate programme in Data Science and Machine Learning.  Early and mid-level professionals who are interested in gaining a relevant and cutting-edge perspective on Data Science and ML for better career prospects can apply for the programme. The last date to apply for the certificate course is December 6, 2023.

The classes for the course will begin from February 11, 2024. The programme will be offered for a duration of six months in live online sessions. The class will be held for three hours from 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm on every Sundays. 

Candidates will be required to pay Rs 1,35,000 plus GST for enrolling in the certificate course. 

Eligibility
Graduates or diploma holders from any branch or discipline are eligible to apply for the programme. The candidates must have a background of Mathematics in 10+2 with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. Candidates who have completed a course in Mathematics or Statistics at the undergraduate level with 50 per cent marks are preferred. 

Professionals who have sufficient work experience in the data science field can benefit better from the course. Basic programming skills preferably Python will be helpful. 

Certificate for award
After the completion of the course, the participants will be awarded with a certificate from IIT Delhi on scoring at least 50 per cent marks on aggregate. The evaluation will be done based on three quizzes. The candidates will be required satisfactorily complete a group project and maintain a minimum attendance of 70 per cent. Participants who are unable to maintain 50 per cent marks in the evaluation components, but have a minimum attendance of 90 per cent will be awarded a participation certificate.

The programme will prepare the candidates for the current industry by providing them with an in-depth understanding of in-demand data science and machine learning tools and techniques with Python.
The industry-oriented curriculum will give an exposure to statistics for data science, optimisation formulations with ML, deep learning, and storytelling with data.

Italy's Leaning Tower Steady No Longer, On Verge Of Collapse: Scientists

Italy's Leaning Tower Steady No Longer, On Verge Of Collapse: Scientists

The 150-foot tall tower has been leaning at an angle of 4 degrees since the 14th century

New Delhi:

The Garisenda tower in Italy’s Bologna, also known as the ‘leaning tower’, has been steady for nearly 1,000 years. But the tallest tower in the town is now at risk of collapsing due to excessive leaning, according to reports.  

The 150-foot tall tower has been leaning at an angle of 4 degrees since the 14th century when officials tried to remove the top of the building with the aim of stabilising it. The iconic Tower of Pisa leans at 5 degrees.

Over the years, Italy has done extensive work over the years to maintain the integrity of the tower.

But now the tower is leaning excessively and has forced city officials to bring into action a civil protection plan. According to CNN, the tower is at risk of a “sudden and unexpected collapse”.

A metal cordon will now be put up around the tower to contain the debris and reduce the vulnerability of surrounding buildings in case of a collapse.

A protective cordon will be erected to contain debris resulting from a possible collapse, to reduce the vulnerability of surrounding buildings and the exposure to the population, as well as blocking access to the off-limits areas,” the city council said in a statement.

The warning was issued by a scientific committee which has monitored the site since 2019. They have installed sensors that measure the movements of the ancient tower. The committee said that the readings in October 2023 triggered alarm bells, reports CNN.

The ‘high alert’ warning states that an “unexpected and accelerated trend” of “crushing compression” of the base tower has been observed. It adds that the cracks in the stones used in the base could expand to the bricks above.

As soon as the report came out, civic officials shut down the area around the tower and closed all roads leading to it.

Telangana DGP directs police to heighten vigilance and security measures for vote counting day

Anjani Kumar asked the police officials not to allow gatherings around the counting centres and enforce 144 Section strictly.

Updated On – 11:44 AM, Sat – 2 December 23


Telangana DGP directs police to heighten vigilance and security measures for vote counting day

File Photo

Hyderabad: Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar asked the police officials in the State to be on high alert and plan proper arrangements for Sunday when counting of votes will be held.

He asked the police to be watchful over the developments at the counting centres and make security alterations depending upon the situation.


Anjani Kumar asked the police officials not to allow gatherings around the counting centres and enforce 144 Section strictly.

“Take adequate security measures in areas where their are chances of clashes between political groups after declaration of results. Remove debris and other material that can used as missiles to attack opponents,” he said.

The DGP asked the police officials to carefully accord permission for victory processions.

Excess ‘good cholesterol’ levels too may raise your risk of dementia

Researchers from Monash University in Australia explained that the very high levels of HDL-C were uncommon and not diet related, but more likely to reflect a metabolic disorder.

Published Date – 12:23 PM, Thu – 30 November 23


Excess ‘good cholesterol’ levels too may raise your risk of dementia


Sydney: Abnormally high levels of HDL-cholesterol, commonly known as ‘good cholesterol’, may also increase the risk of dementia in older adults, according to a study.

Researchers from Monash University in Australia explained that the very high levels of HDL-C were uncommon and not diet related, but more likely to reflect a metabolic disorder.


“While we know HDL cholesterol is important for cardiovascular health, this study suggests that we need further research to understand the role of very high HDL cholesterol in the context of brain health,” said Monira Hussain, research student at Monash’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

“It may be beneficial to consider very high HDL cholesterol levels in prediction algorithms for dementia risk,” she added, calling for more research.

The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, may help doctors to recognise a group of older patients potentially at risk of dementia, particularly in those aged 75 and older.

Over an average 6.3 years, participants with very high HDL-C (more than 80 mg/dL or less 2.07 mmol/L) were observed to have a 27 per cent higher risk of dementia compared to participants with optimal HDL-C levels, while those aged 75 years and older also showed a 42 per cent increased risk compared to those with optimal levels.

Very high HDL-C levels were categorised as 80 mg/dL (more than 2.07 mmol/L) or above. The optimal level of HDL-C of 40 to 60 mg/dL (1.03-1.55 mmol/L) for men and 50 to 60 mg/dL (1.55-2.07 mmol/L) for women was generally beneficial for heart health.

Among 18,668 participants included in this analysis, 2,709 had very high HDL-C at study entry, with 38 incidents of dementia in those aged less than 75 years with very high levels, and 101 in those aged 75 and more with very high levels.

Iran FM meets Yemeni Ambr. to discuss Palestine

In a meeting held at the Yemeni embassy in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, engaged with Ebrahim Al-Dailami, the ambassador representing Yemen’s National Salvation Government.

During the meeting, Iran’s foreign minister lauded the resolute stances adopted by Yemen’s leaders and people in their unwavering support for the Palestinians and Gazans. He said, “Yemen’s support  extended to the people of Gaza and the West Bank is commendable.”

Amir-Abdollahian conveyed warm regards to Seyyed Abdul Malik al-Houthi while expressing his support for the ongoing discussions between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He expressed hopes for a conclusive agreement to materialize between the two parties.

Ebrahim Al-Dailami, serving as the ambassador for Yemen’s National Salvation Government in Tehran, expressed gratitude towards Amir-Abdollahian and extended a warm welcome to him. He also conveyed Seyyed Abdul Malik al-Houthi’s heartfelt greetings to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the President of Iran.

Al-Dailami emphasized, “We consider it our duty to defend the people of Palestine and Gaza and will continue supporting Palestine as long as necessary.”

Moreover, he highlighted, “The decision made by Sana’a’s leaders to engage directly and confront the interests of the Zionist regime within occupied territories and seas aligns with our firm conviction to protect the people of Gaza.”

Al-Dailami emphasized, “The Yemeni people are peace-loving and hold an earnest desire for peace and stability in the region.”

The Yemeni ambassador said, “Talks between Sana’a and Riyadh are on the right track. We hope for a finalized agreement that would lift the complete blockade on Yemen, ensuring the rights of the Yemeni people.”

MNA/Iran Press

UN deplores ‘catastrophic’ resumption of Israel’s war on Gaza

The UN humanitarian office in Geneva said on Friday the resumption of Israeli attacks on the defenseless Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip meant “hell on Earth has returned to Gaza.”

Israeli warplanes restarted nonstop airstrikes on Gaza as an extended week-long ceasefire between the regime and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas expired on Friday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday he regretted that military operations had resumed in Gaza after the collapse of the truce.

“I deeply regret that military operations have started again in Gaza,” Guterres wrote on the X social media platform.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the “resumption of hostilities in Gaza is catastrophic.”

“I urge all parties and states with influence over them to redouble efforts, immediately, to ensure a ceasefire – on humanitarian and human rights grounds.”

Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the United Nations humanitarian office in Geneva, said the truce had seen significantly larger humanitarian convoys entering Gaza, even reaching north of Wadi Gaza, which prior to the pause had received almost no supplies. “With the resumption of war, we fear that the continuation of this (aid) is now in doubt.”

“The Rafah crossing is closed as of now. We need a resumption of a humanitarian pause, not a return to war.”

The World Health Organization has also sounded the alarm, warning about the grave situation of medical and relief operations in the Palestinian territory.

“We are extremely concerned about the resumption of violence,” the WHO representative in the Palestinian territories Richard Peeperkorn told reporters in Geneva via video-link from Gaza.

As the Israelis have resumed airstrikes, hospitals are expected to be witnessing the most horrific scenes as Palestinian casualties turn up at relatively small hospitals “in their tens if not hundreds,” the senior WHO emergency officer Rob Holden told reporters in Geneva via video-link from Gaza.

Holden said Gaza’s “healthcare service is on its knees.”

Since October 7, Israel killed more than 15,000 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza.

AMK/Press TV

ISL: Roy Krishna's Strike Powers Odisha FC To Fifth Successive Win

Odisha FC bagged their fifth win on a trot in all competitions as they defeated Jamshedpur FC 1-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24. “A lot of people ask me why I sign players who have worked with me before. It is because I know these players both as professionals as well as persons. It is very important to build a good connection between the Indian players and the foreign players,” Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera had recently said in an interaction with the league.

Lobera has some of his trusted lieutenants in his team. The gameplay that he unfolds on the field is a treat to the eyes of the viewers, and Ahmed Jahouh plays a pivotal role in helping bring that about.

From his timely tackles to amazing assists, Jahouh is a complete package running the show from the centre of the park. Incidentally, his goal-contributing effort came from a corner move in the 56th minute tonight, which was conceded to the Juggernauts by Jamshedpur FC defender Pratik Chaudhari, as per a press release from ISL.

With four strikes, Diego Mauricio is the top-scoring player in the fixtures between Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC. The Brazilian fancies playing against the Red Miners and has historically thrived against them. But, Lobera took a call that surprised many before the game.

Having both the luxury as well as the liberty to fall back on quality options on the bench, Lobera replaced Mauricio with Roy Krishna in the starting XI. The Fijian met the corner kick by Jahouh with utmost precision and slotted it into the net from close range to hand Odisha FC the eventual winner of the game.

For Jamshedpur FC, their challenges in front of the game further extended, as consistent efforts by the creative duo of Rei Tachikawa and Jeremy Manzorro, along with the imposing presence of Daniel Chima Chukwu could not help them find the elusive goal despite attempting 20 shots and directing three of them on target in the game.

Key Performer of the Match

Ahmed Jahouh (Odisha FC)

Jahouh was the heartbeat of the game for the Juggernauts, completing 75 passes with an 87 per cent accuracy, making four tackles, creating five goal-scoring opportunities, and attempting six tackles in addition to making the decisive assist that secured the three points for Odisha FC.

What’s next for both teams?

Odisha FC will next play the Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 6. Jamshedpur FC will be squaring off against Chennaiyin FC at home the following day.

Brief Scores

Jamshedpur FC 0 – 1 Odisha FC (Roy Krishna 56′).

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Topics mentioned in this article

Iran unchanged in FIFA Ranking

Japan moved up one spot to 17th, thanks to their recent stellar form, while the Korean Republic improved one rung to 23.

Australia moved up two spots to 25 while Saudi Arabia improved by one to 56.

Asia’s biggest movers were Malaysia, with the Southeast Asian side improving seven spots to 130.

England have returned to third in the FIFA men’s world rankings after cruising through their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with Brazil falling out of the top four.

World champions Argentina remained at the top with France second and Belgium in fourth spot.

The next FIFA World Ranking will be issued on Dec. 21.

AMK/TT