Wednesday, 9 July 2025

🌏 Earthquake Strikes Haryana: What Happened at 9:05 AM?

 Date & Time: A minor earthquake was reported in northern India at 9:05 AM IST in Haryana.

📍 Epicenter & Magnitude

  • Geolocation data from the National Centre for Seismology and earthquake lists indicate this quake hit within Haryana, around 5–10 km depth, classifying it as a shallow seismic event.

  • While exact magnitude details are still being confirmed, similar quakes in the region this year have ranged between 2.5 and 4.0, typically causing mild tremors.


🧭 Haryana’s Seismic Context

🌐 Seismic Zones

  • Haryana lies partly in Zone III and Zone IV, which are moderately to highly earthquake-prone areas as per BIS classification.

📈 Recent Activity

  • In the first half of 2025, Haryana experienced several quakes:

    • A 3.3 M quake near Mahendragarh on June 28 at ~19:33 IST.

    • A 2.5 M quake struck Rewari on June 23 at 22:02 IST.

    • A magnitude 3.5 event hit Sonipat in December 2024.

  • Historically, such tremors happen a few times yearly, with occasional stronger jolts but rarely causing major damage.


🧱 Impact & Public Response

🏗️ Structural & Human Impact

  • No immediate damage or casualties reported.

  • Residents in urban centers like Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Sonipat may have felt light shaking—common for quakes of 3–4 magnitude at shallow depths.

📊 Expert & Administrative Reaction

  • Local disaster management authorities regularly update plans and conduct drills—for earthquakes and other emergencies.

  • However, earthquake-specific preparedness drills are less frequent, and structural audits in high-rise areas of Gurgaon are still in progress.


✅ Safety Tips: What You Can Do

  1. Drop, Cover & Hold On during tremors.

  2. Secure tall furniture and check emergency supplies.

  3. Participate in local emergency drills.

  4. Stay informed via the National Centre for Seismology feed.


🧠 Final Thoughts

This 9:05 AM quake in Haryana was minor yet timely, serving as a reminder of the region’s seismic risk. With several shallow quakes already recorded this year, residents and authorities alike are being urged to:

  • Increase awareness of local seismic zones,

  • Improve building safety audits, and

  • Conduct regular earthquake preparedness drills.

🏏 India vs England – 3rd Test Preview: Lord’s Showdown

 

🎯 Series Context & Stakes

  • The five-match Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy is tied 1–1 after England’s win at Headingley and India’s commanding 336‑run victory at Edgbaston—their first at the famous ground .

  • The winner at Lord’s will seize the series lead 2–1, making this a pivotal clash .


🏟️ Battleground: The Home of Cricket

  • Lord’s Test record:

    • 19 Tests between India and England: England have won 12, India only 3, with 4 draws .

    • Since 2000, the head-to-head is balanced—2 wins each .

  • Pitch Report:

    • A green, seam-friendly surface is expected—English groundsmen aiming to favor pace .

    • Teams winning the toss might choose to field first, hoping for early wickets.


🔄 Key Team News & Strategies

  • India:

    • Bumrah returns after resting at Edgbaston .

    • Pant teased a mix of “three pacers + one or two spinners” but left the final call open .

  • England:

    • Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson rejoin, bolstering their pace attack .

    • Their Bazball style may be tested on a pace-friendly track.


👤 Players in Focus

PlayerHighlight
Shubman Gill (India)Captain with 3 consecutive centuries vs England this tour, including a 269 at Edgbaston.
Rishabh Pant (India)Vice‑captain in top form—centuries at Headingley + vital 50 at Edgbaston .
Jasprit Bumrah (India)Premier pacer, expected to exploit the Lord’s conditions .
England pace batteryArcher, Atkinson, Carse plus Shoaib Bashir: designed to trouble India early .
Ben Stokes (England)Captain with aggressive game-plan—toss tactics under scrutiny .

🧠 Possible Match Dynamics

  1. First-innings momentum: With seam-friendly conditions, winning the toss and bowling first could be decisive (aligns with Stokes's aggressive style) .

  2. Middle-order impact: Gill and Pant's form could anchor India; England will target their middle order.

  3. Pace vs spin balance: India may bring two spinners if conditions shift; England's seam corps will aim to dominate early .


🔍 Why This Test Matters

  • A win will tilt the series and place immense pressure on the trailing side.

  • Lord’s victories carry symbolic weight in Test cricket lore.

  • Continued dominance would bolster India’s World Test Championship campaign.


💬 Expert Insights

  • Rishabh Pant affirmed strategy flexibility, citing wicket changes over two days.

  • R. Ashwin criticized England’s Bazball approach, questioning its adaptability to helpful conditions .


⏰ Match Details

  • 📅 Dates: July 10–14, 2025

  • 🕚 Start Time: 11:00 AM local (18:30 IST)

  • 📍 Venue: Lord’s, London


🔚 Final Thoughts

Expect a fierce battle driven by pace, form, and tactical nuance. The toss may have outsized influence. With momentum on both sides, Lord’s is set to deliver classic Test cricket.

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Bharat Bandh: What’s It All About?

 On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a massive nationwide strike—a Bharat Bandh—is set to reshape the rhythm of life across India. Organized by a coalition of 10 central trade unions, joined by farmers' groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and rural labour collectives, this is more than just a one-day protest. It's a collective outcry against what unions see as anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies from the central government.



Imagine 25 crore workers—every fourth person in the workforce—deciding not to step out tomorrow. That's the scale here: bankers, insurance staff, postal workers, miners, factory hands, public transport employees—all converging under a common call.


✊ Why Now? Demands That Struck a Chord

So, what’s fueling this surge?

  1. Four labour codes passed in recent years are perceived to weaken workers' rights—affecting their ability to strike, unionize, and negotiate collectively.

  2. No Indian Labour Conference has taken place in the last ten years—a glaring gap in dialogue between workers and government.

  3. Economic distress—a mix of rising unemployment, soaring inflation, falling wages, and cuts in budgets for health, education, and civic services—has made the fight for fair livelihoods urgent .

  4. Workers are demanding government-backed solutions: a hiring push, filled vacancies, increased workdays and wages under MGNREGA, urban workforce guarantees, and stronger public services.

Bottom line: it's a fight for respect, rights, and real economic security—not just a day's protest.


🚧 What Will Be Affected?

Impact Zones

  • Banking & Financial Services: Major public and cooperative banks, along with insurance firms, are expected to shut operations.

  • Postal & Coal Mines: Post offices and mining activities may grind to a halt.

  • PSUs & State Transport: Units like NMDC, steel plants, and state-run bus services will likely shut down.

  • Public Services: Government offices may be understaffed, causing slowness in administrative tasks .

What Will Still Run?

  • Schools & Colleges: No official closures—though local protests may cause transport snarls.

  • Private Sector: Private companies and app-based services (e.g., cabs) are expected to operate as usual.

  • Railways: Not on official strike, but delays are possible due to crowd movements or local blockades.

  • Stock Markets: NSE and BSE will remain open with standard trading hours (9 am–3:30 pm).


🛣️ What You Can Do

  • Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for travel; expect closed banks and postal offices.

  • Stay Informed: Follow local advisories or school/employer notices.

  • Be Prepared: Keep some emergency cash on hand—ATMs may be affected.

  • Remote Ready: Consider working from home if offices are reachable but transport isn’t.


❤️ A Human Perspective

Day-to-day life will shift tomorrow—from calm rides to sudden detours. But this bandh is more than disruption—it's a mirror. It's asking:

Are workers, farmers, public-sector employees being heard?

For many, tomorrow is a stand—silent but deeply resonant—for dignity, rights, and a future where their voices matter in shaping India's path.

Sunday, 6 July 2025

India Make History at Edgbaston: Complete 2nd Test Breakdown with Stats & Highlights

  India vs England, 2nd Test, Edgbaston

📅 Match Dates: July 2–6, 2025
📌 Result: India won by 336 runs — historic first win at Edgbaston, series leveled 1–1




🔥 Match Overview & Context

After conceding the first Test at Headingley, India stormed back with a commanding performance at Edgbaston. The hosts chose to bowl first, but India responded in emphatic fashion, setting up a memorable victory through majestic batting and clinical bowling.


🌟 Day-by-Day Recap & Key Stats

📝 First Innings – India Declares at 587

  • Captain Shubman Gill led the demolition with a phenomenal 269 runs — the highest-ever Test score by an Indian captain in England .

  • Ravindra Jadeja provided sterling support with 89 runs, sharing a pivotal 203‑run partnership with Gill.

  • The England attack struggled on a flat pitch, with Shoaib BashirWoakes, and Tongue sharing the wickets.

⚡ England’s Reply – Day 2 Collapse

  • England stumbled to 77/3 at stumps, trailing by 510 runs, as Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj struck early .

🎇 Day 3 – England Fightback & Collapse

  • Jamie Smith (184)

    • and Harry Brook (158) stunned all with a 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

  • India regained dominance as Siraj (6/70) and Deep (4/88) dismantled England’s lineup, bowling them out for 407.

📈 Second Innings – Gill’s Double Heroism

  • Gill struck again with 161 in the 2nd innings, completing a record-breaking 430 runs in a single Test — second-highest ever after Graham Gooch .

🎯 England’s Chase & Final Collapse

  • Asked to chase a gigantic 608, England folded miserably, bowled out for 271.

  • Akash Deep starred with a stunning 6-wicket haul, finishing with a ten-for and sealing victory .

  • Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar also made key inroads.


🏅 Standout Performances

PlayerStats & Highlights
Shubman Gill (c)269 & 161 → 430 runs total; first Indian captain to score double‑hundreds in England 
Akash Deep10 wickets in match (6 in 2nd innings); match-winner
Mohammed Siraj6/70 in England’s 1st innings – crucial support
Ravindra Jadeja89 runs & key partnership in the first innings
Jamie Smith & Harry BrookCounterattacked brilliantly: 184* & 158 partnership

🧠 Turning Points That Defined the Test

  1. India's Massive First-Innings Total: Gill-Jadeja stand forced England on backfoot.

  2. England's Brief Resurgence: Smith-Brook partnership offered hope, but quickly quashed.

  3. Gill’s Second Innings and Record: Commanding another century further dented England's morale.

  4. Akash Deep's 2nd Innings Magic: Early blows ended England’s chase before it truly began.


🎙️ Expert & Player Reactions

  • Brendon McCullum (England Coach): Called the toss decision to bowl first a mistake .

  • Ben Stokes: Struggled with form; endured golden duck, highlighting England's batting woes .

  • Gill’s Captaincy: Lauded for taking the mantle firmly and delivering record-setting performances .


🔍 Final Thoughts & Series Outlook

  • India leveled the series 1–1 by clinching their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston .

  • The series now heads to Lord’s (July 10–14) with momentum firmly with India and England forced to rethink strategy and lineup.

  • Gill’s extraordinary run tally (430 in a single Test) and Deep's breakout performance signal India’s depth across batting and bowling.

  • Note: Some interesting facts

  • Most Tests taken by Asian teams to register maiden win at an away venue
    19 Edgbaston, Birmingham (India, 2025) *
    17 Lord's, London (Pakistan, 1982)
    17 Kensington Oval, Bridgetown (Sri Lanka, 2018)
    16 Gabba, Brisbane (India, 2021)
    15 Newlands, Cape Town (India, 2024)

    Biggest away wins for India (by runs)
    336 vs Eng Birmingham 2025
    318 vs WI North Sound 2019
    304 vs SL Galle 2017
    295 vs Aus Perth 2024
    279 vs Eng Leeds 1986

    Best match figures for India in England
    10/187 Akash Deep Birmingham 2025
    10/188 Chetan Sharma Birmingham 1986
    9/110 Jasprit Bumrah Trent Bridge 2021
    9/134 Zaheer Khan Trent Bridge 2007

Thursday, 3 July 2025

🏏 India vs England 2nd Test – Day 2 at Edgbaston: Gill Powers India to 587, England Stumbles Early

  📅 Date: July 3, 2025

📍 Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
📊 Series: England lead 1–0 in 5-match series


📝 Day 2 Match Summary

India resumed at 310/5 and put up a massive 587 all out, powered by captain Shubman Gill’s historic 269, the highest Test score by an Indian captain in EnglandHere's the breakdown:



🧠 Morning Session – Batting Masterclass

  • Gill & Jadeja added a monumental 203-run stand before lunch; Jadeja scored a brisk 89, just eleven shy of a century.

  • At Lunch, India stood at 419/6 with Gill unbeaten on 168 and Washington Sundar at the crease .

☀️ Post-Lunch – Gill Goes Big

  • Gill breached the 150200, and eventually 269, rewriting history. He became the first Indian captain to score a double-hundred in England, surpassing legends like Kohli, Tendulkar, and Gavaskar.

  • England’s bowlers struggled in a flat pitch; spinner Shoaib Bashir took 3/167, while Woakes and Tongue shared four wickets .

🎯 Afternoon Shift – England in Trouble

  • In response, Akash Deep removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks in a sensational two-ball burst .

  • England slumped to 55/3, with top order collapsing under early pressure.


🌟 Key Performers

PlayerPerformance Highlights
Shubman Gill (c)An unbeaten 269 — record-breaking, composed domination in England
Ravindra JadejaCrafted a pivotal 89, stabilizing the innings alongside Gill
Akash DeepStruck early with two quick wickets to dent England’s confidence

🧠 Expert Insights

England veteran Chris Woakes criticized umpiring decisions going India's way, hinting they could have shifted momentum had marginal calls gone the other way . Meanwhile, Ben Stokes continued his all-round captaincy, though India's total clearly swung advantage to the visitors.

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

🏏 IND vs ENG 2nd Test Day 1 Report: Gill’s Century Anchors India at Edgbaston

  📅 Date: July 2, 2025

🗺️ Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
📌 Series Score: England lead 1–0 in the 5‑match Test series


📝 Match Summary – Day 1 at Edgbaston

India, put into bat by England's Ben Stokes, responded with a solid total of 310/5 at stumps—thanks largely to captain Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 114 and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brisk 87, forming a vital base for India's innings . 



📊 Key Performances & Stats

PlayerScoreRemarks
Shubman Gill (c)114*Anchored innings; second consecutive Test century as captain 
Yashasvi Jaiswal87Aggressive start, missed century narrowly
Ravindra Jadeja41*Kept the momentum with a 99-run unbroken stand with Gill
Chris Woakes2 wicketsKept England competitive despite pitch flattening
Ben Stokes1 wicketRemoved Jaiswal with a sharp short delivery

🌟 Match Turning Moments

  • Stokes Breakthrough: Dismissal of Jaiswal via a sharp short ball injected crucial momentum .

  • Umpire’s Call Drama: Several near LBWs called against Jaiswal and Karun Nair went to India’s favor, leaving England frustrated with “umpire’s call” rulings .


🗣️ Captain’s Reaction & Strategy

Gill reaffirmed the decision to rest Bumrah, reserving him for Lord’s, while reinforcing confidence in the current top order’s ability to deliver .




🌤️ Day 2 Outlook

  • England will attack early with the new ball, hoping to break partnerships quickly. Woakes, Carse, and Tongue will be key .

  • India aim to bat deeper, with the Gill–Jadeja partnership providing a solid platform for big runs.


🧠 Why This Day Matters

  • Gill joined elite company—first Indian captain with consecutive Test hundreds in England .

  • India steadied after England’s early bowling dominance, finishing day one in a commanding position both mentally and on the scoreboard.


🎯 Top Takeaways

  1. Gill’s composure under pressure as captain is a major boost.

  2. Jaiswal’s assertive approach showed strong intent.

  3. England’s bowling lacked consistency; missed opportunities may prove costly.

  4. Day 2 pitch behavior will reveal if spinners gain traction or seamers hold sway.


✅ Final Thoughts

Day 1 at Edgbaston set a fast-paced tone for this Test. India displayed resilience, England stayed in touch, and the match remains delicately poised. With swing likely to return day two, the real test begins now.

Stay tuned for our Day 2 analysis, live updates, and expert insights!

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

India vs England 2nd Test 2025 at Edgbaston: Preview, Probable XIs, Practice Highlights & Key Stats

As the cricketing world turns its attention to Edgbaston, Birmingham, the India vs England 2nd Test (July 2–6, 2025) promises high drama, tactical intrigue, and a fierce battle for momentum in this five-match series. With England leading 1-0 after a thrilling chase at Headingley, India must regroup quickly to level the series at a venue where history has rarely been on their side.



Match Details

  • Date: July 2–6, 2025

  • Venue: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham

  • Start Time: 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local

  • Series Status: England lead 1-0

Edgbaston: The Venue Challenge

Edgbaston has traditionally been a fortress for England. India have played eight Tests here without a single win, their best result being a draw back in 1967. In 16 innings at this venue, India have crossed 300 runs only twice, highlighting the challenge for their batters. The pitch typically offers early assistance to seamers, but can flatten out as the match progresses, bringing spinners into play later.

Recent Form

TeamLast 5 Tests
EnglandW W L W W
India L  L  L  D  L

England come in with the momentum of a successful chase, while India’s recent record shows inconsistency, making this Test a critical juncture.

Probable Playing XIs

India:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal

  • KL Rahul

  • Sai Sudharsan

  • Shubman Gill (Captain)

  • Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

  • Karun Nair

  • Ravindra Jadeja

  • Kuldeep Yadav

  • Mohammed Siraj

  • Prasidh Krishna

  • Akash Deep / Arshdeep Singh

Key Notes:
Jasprit Bumrah is rested for workload management, so Siraj leads the pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin is expected to play a major role, especially if the pitch dries out.

England:

  • Zak Crawley

  • Ben Duckett

  • Ollie Pope (Vice-Captain)

  • Joe Root

  • Harry Brook

  • Ben Stokes (Captain)

  • Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)

  • Chris Woakes

  • Brydon Carse

  • Josh Tongue

  • Shoaib Bashir

Key Notes:
Jofra Archer is not in the squad due to some unknown reasons. England are likely to stick to their winning combination unless conditions demand otherwise.

Key Stats & Head-to-Head

  • Total Tests Played (India vs England): 137

    • England Wins: 52

    • India Wins: 35

    • Draws: 50

  • India at Edgbaston (Tests): 8 matches, 0 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses

  • Highest Test Score at Edgbaston: England 710/7 (vs India, 2011)

  • Recent Edgbaston Memory: In 2022, England chased 378 in just 76.4 overs against India, underlining the venue’s unpredictability.

Players to Watch

  • India: Shubman Gill (captaincy under scrutiny), Kuldeep Yadav (potential X-factor), Rishabh Pant (return to form), Mohammed Siraj (pace spearhead).

  • England: Joe Root (batting mainstay), Ben Stokes (all-round impact), Ollie Pope (vice-captaincy), Chris Woakes (home conditions specialist).

Tactical Talking Points

  • India: Need to address lapses in crunch moments, especially with the bat, and find the right bowling combination in Bumrah’s absence. Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion could add much-needed variety.

  • England: Will look to exploit India’s historical struggles at Edgbaston and press their advantage with a settled attack and in-form top order.

Practice Gallery



Conclusion:
With history, momentum, and team selection all in the spotlight, the Edgbaston Test is set to be a classic. Can India break their winless streak at this venue and level the series, or will England tighten their grip? Stay tuned for live action and updates as this storied rivalry continues.

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Jahnavi Dangeti: India’s Aspiring Astronaut Selected for Earthloop Orbital Cruise 2029

  🚀 “Meet Jahnavi Dangeti: India’s Youngest Astronaut Candidate for Earthloop 2029 Mission”


🌌 Who is Jahnavi Dangeti?



Jahnavi Dangeti, a 22-year-old from Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district, is making waves in the global space community as she’s been selected as one of the astronaut candidates for the 2029 Earthloop Orbital Cruise — a private space mission designed to orbit Earth.

She is an alumna of NASA's International Air and Space Program (IASP) and has become a symbol of India’s rising space potential, especially among youth and women.


🎓 Educational Background

  • Schooling: Visakhapatnam

  • Graduation: B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering

  • Advanced Training:

    • Completed training at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center under the IASP

    • Attended various international workshops on aerospace, robotics, and space simulation


🧑‍🚀 What is the Earthloop Orbital Cruise?

The Earthloop 2029 mission is a commercial, low-Earth orbit (LEO) spaceflight planned by Earthloop Space, which aims to offer orbital experiences to specially trained astronaut candidates from across the globe.

This is not a space tourism trip, but a real orbital mission involving earth circling, space training, and experiments — and Jahnavi is among the few Indian participants chosen so far.


🛰️ Achievements So Far

✅ First Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program
✅ Trained in zero gravity, underwater astronaut simulations, space survival, and Mars walks
✅ Participated in Analog Astronaut Missions with analog space environments
✅ Selected for various international space youth forums and panels
✅ Delivered TEDx Talks on her journey and space future


🎯 Mission Timeline (Earthloop 2029)

  • Pre-Mission Training (2025–2028):

    • Space medicine, orbital mechanics, zero-G training

    • Simulated spacewalks and system operation

  • Launch Target: 2029

    • Vehicle: TBD (likely via commercial partners like SpaceX or Blue Origin)

    • Duration: Several orbits around Earth over a few days


🔥 Why Is This a Big Deal for India?

Jahnavi represents the new era of space talent from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. She:

  • Breaks the stereotype of astronauts coming only from elite institutes like ISRO, NASA, or the military

  • Inspires girls and STEM students to dream beyond boundaries

  • Reinforces India’s image in the private space race and youth innovation


📸 Images of Jahnavi & Her Journey





💬 Quote from Jahnavi:

“I never thought a girl from a small town in Andhra could train for space, but I believed in my dreams. This is just the beginning.”


📢 How You Can Support or Follow Her


🎯 Final Thoughts

Jahnavi Dangeti is not just India’s next astronaut-in-making, but a beacon for every student with sky-high dreams. Her journey shows that no matter where you come from, with focus, effort, and belief — space is not the limit.