On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.

The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament’s much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.

“This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.

“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.

“Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all.”

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

1. 19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi
2. 20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
3. 21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
4. 22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
5. 23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
6. 24 Feb – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
7. 25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
8. 26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
9. 27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
10. 28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
11. 1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi
12. 2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
13. 4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*
14. 5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**
15. 9 Mar – Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time

* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

Over the decades, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have personally guided and inspired the karyakars to progress, both in their personal spirituality and in rendering community services.

In Surat, on 28 January 2024, Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the year-long Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav celebrations, which will conclude with the grand finale celebration assembly on
7 December 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Volunteers from various parts of India and across the world, including the UK, Europe, the USA, Australia, and the Middle East, will come together to attend this historic event.

The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav reflects the journey of BAPS volunteers through the symbolic stages of Seed, Tree, and Fruits, capturing their sacrifices and the profound impact of their services.

The Seed represents the foundation of service, marking the humble beginnings of the volunteers, nurtured by the teachings of their gurus. Just as a seed requires care and dedication to sprout, the volunteers began their journey with discipline, humility, and faith. This stage reflects the early sacrifices made to lay the groundwork for a greater cause, instilling values of selflessness and devotion that inspire a lifetime of service.

The Tree signifies growth and expansion, as the seed of service flourishes into a strong and nurturing presence. The dedication of the volunteers, guided by the blessings of the gurus, has allowed their efforts to touch countless lives across the globe. This phase highlights resilience, teamwork, and collective spirit as volunteers work tirelessly toward social, spiritual, and cultural betterment. The tree stands as a symbol of how service grows to provide support and sustenance for humanity, spreading its branches far and wide.

The Fruits represent the outcomes of tireless dedication, manifesting as peace, harmony, and love that uplift individuals and communities. Volunteers’ selfless efforts have brought spiritual awareness, societal unity, and global compassion, leaving an enduring legacy of altruism. Through education, healthcare, disaster relief, and spiritual guidance, countless lives have been transformed, showcasing the impact of their unwavering commitment.

This theme ties together the progression from personal commitment to global benefit, celebrating the volunteers’ journey from planting seeds of service to nurturing a tree of unity and finally sharing its fruits for the betterment of all.

For the first time in history, this remarkable celebration will honour over 100,000 volunteers from India and abroad through captivating performances, narrations and throwback videos that will feature their extraordinary contributions and sacrifices for the welfare of countless individuals. The blessings of senior swamis and Mahant Swami Maharaj, and speeches by stage guests will further enlighten and inspire all.

This Suvarna Mahotsav embodies the enduring legacy of service inspired by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and nurtured by the love and guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. 

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s recent threat to international passengers comes amid a diplomatic stalemate between India and Canada.

The recent standoff between India and Canada was triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistani American terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

Canada also went ahead to name outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma as a ‘person of interest’ along with other diplomats in its investigation into Nijjar’s killing. After this, India recalled its outgoing High Commissioner to Canada.

Last week, Trudeau said that there was no hard evidence provided by Canada to back his allegations and that all of it was just based off of intel. 

Pannun had issued a similar threat around the same time in 2023. Last year, American Terrorist Pannun released a video asking Sikhs to not fly Air India after November 19 as their lives could be in peril. He claimed that the Tata Group-owned airline would not be allowed to operate after November 19. 

• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced
• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

American Terrorist Pannun say “We are asking the Sikh people not to fly via Air India. From November 19, there will be a global blockade. Air India won’t be allowed to operate. Sikh people, don’t travel by Air India after November 19. You life can be in danger,” the SFJ founder said. 

He also claimed in the video that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would be renamed. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had booked the Khalistani American Terrorist Pannun over his Air India threat video in 2023. 

The NIA charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, and various offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). 

In July 2020, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs designated Pannun as a terrorist on grounds of sedition and secessionism. Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) advocates for a separate Sikh state known as Khalistan.

While acknowledging the situation, the Pentagon stated, “We of course take it seriously, but these exercises don’t pose a threat to the United States.” Press secretary Sabrina Singh noted that such activities align with “routine naval visits that we’ve seen under different administrations.”

According to Russia’s defense ministry, the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan submarine are equipped with advanced weaponry, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, and had previously conducted missile drills in the Atlantic. However, Cuba’s foreign ministry asserted that none of the vessels carry nuclear weapons, and their five-day visit poses no threat to the region.

US officials are closely monitoring the situation. Reports from CBS, a US partner of the BBC, indicate that the US Navy deployed sea drones to track the Russian ships as they approached Cuba.

The Russian vessels entered Havana Bay early in the morning under overcast skies, accompanied by smaller support ships and were greeted with a 21-gun salute. In a statement, Russia’s defense minister described the visit as unofficial, allowing the crews to “rest and get acquainted with local attractions.”

Historically, Russia has sent warships to Cuba, and the two countries share a longstanding alliance. However, the timing of these exercises is notable due to heightened tensions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Some interpret this move as a form of saber-rattling by Moscow, conveying a clear message to Washington regarding perceived interference in their sphere of influence.

The visit serves as a significant symbol of support for Cuba’s communist government and its socialist ally, Venezuela, which may be the warships’ next destination after their stay in Havana. While the visit might be considered routine, the broader context of global hostilities is anything but ordinary.

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) tests were performed on hundreds of kilograms of beef-stuffed samosas seized during the raid. The police acted on information provided by local animal activist Neha Patel, who informed them about the shop’s popularity and its alleged sale of beef-filled samosas. Patel’s tip-off prompted the police raid.

• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced
• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

DCP Panna Momaya stated that the FSL tests confirmed the presence of beef in the samosa filling, leading to the booking and arrest of six individuals, including the shop owners and employees. The accused were identified as Yusuf and Naeem Sheikh, along with Hanif Bhathiyara, Dilawar Pathan, Moin Habdal, and Mobin Sheikh. Authorities believe that many residents of the city consumed these beef samosas.

DCP Momaya explained that the shop owners prepared the uncooked samosas in large quantities daily and supplied them to various shops across the city for frying and sale. The accused operated from a five-story facility, with one room converted into a deep freezer for storing beef and other meats. Yusuf Sheikh informed the police that he joined his father’s samosa business, but investigations revealed that they did not have a license for their operation.

The police are now investigating how long Huseni Samosa has been selling beef-filled samosas. The six accused were remanded into one-day police custody by the court.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar case reported in Gujarat the previous year. In May 2023, Surat Police booked Ismail Yusuf and another individual for selling beef-stuffed samosas and cow slaughter. Yusuf operated a snack shop in Kosadi village and was found selling beef samosas to unsuspecting customers. The police seized 2 kg of beef samosas from a suspicious auto rickshaw and arrested Ismail Yusuf.

Yusuf confessed to purchasing beef and using it to stuff the samosas he sold. The FSL certificate confirmed the presence of cow meat in the seized samosas, leading to the registration of an FIR against the accused by the Gujarat police.

During a small gathering in Rajkot on March 22, Parshottam Rupala made remarks about the historical interactions of ‘maharajas’ with foreign rulers and the British. These comments were perceived as insulting by members of the Rajput community, leading to protests and calls for the BJP to withdraw Rupala’s candidature.

Despite the tension, experts believe that this issue is not indicative of a larger conflict between Patidars and Rajputs. The Rajput leaders are specifically against Parshottam Rupala, and there is no widespread animosity towards the Patidar community as a whole. They note that in the past, the two communities had been rivals, but under BJP rule, these rivalries have largely dissipated.

• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced
• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

Analysts suggest that the impact of the Rajput community’s stance on the elections may be minimal, considering the urban makeup of the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat and the lack of a strong Congress candidate. They point out that the unity of the Hindu vote bank, which has been strengthened under BJP rule, is likely to outweigh any caste-based issues in this election.

Parshottam Rupala has since apologized twice for his remarks, seeking forgiveness from the Rajput community. Some Rajput leaders have accepted his apology, while others continue to demand his replacement. However, experts believe that this incident is unlikely to revive the old caste fault lines between Patidars and Rajputs, which had caused significant tensions in the past.

However, Rajkot BJP leaders have dismissed these claims, stating that they are mere rumors. Raju Dhruv, spokesperson of the Rajkot BJP, firmly denied any speculation regarding Kundariya potentially replacing Rupala on the Rajkot seat, emphasizing that Rupala is actively engaging with BJP leaders in Rajkot. Another BJP leader, Ram Mokaria, supported Dhruv’s stance, reiterating that the circulating rumors lack substance.

The controversy surrounding Rupala escalated after his attempt to offer a public apology in the presence of Kshatriya leaders under the leadership of Rajendrasinh Jadeja. However, the Karni Sena criticized Rupala’s apology for not including all factions of the Kshatriya community. The uncertainty surrounding Rupala’s candidature reflects the growing discontent within the Kshatriya community and the potential repercussions it may have on the upcoming elections. As Rupala navigates through the challenges posed by internal dissent, the political landscape in Rajkot remains dynamic.

The speculation regarding Kundariya’s potential candidacy adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. With his credentials as a former Union MoS for Agriculture and a seasoned politician with local roots, Kundariya emerges as a viable alternative amidst the uncertainty surrounding Rupala’s candidacy. As the BJP grapples with internal tensions and strives to maintain unity ahead of the elections, the fate of the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat hangs in the balance. Whether Rupala retains his candidacy or if Kundariya emerges as the frontrunner, the ensuing developments are poised to shape the political trajectory of Rajkot in the coming days.

• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced
• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

Along with this, BJP has released the fourth episode titled ‘Ghamandiya Files’ from its social media handle Twitter. In this chapter, BJP has targeted the ruling TMC in West Bengal and wrote, ‘Winning elections in Bengal under the rule of TMC. How democracy is being torn to pieces, Mamata Banerjee’s activists have spread fear from village to village through attacks, murders and rapes.

Importantly, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi has attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for sharing Rahul Gandhi’s Ravana poster. He said that the BJP has become nervous and is therefore cornering Rahul Gandhi by issuing such statements and posters. BJP is upset with INDIA Alliance and wants to break INDIA Alliance with such statements but it will not happen. There is no greater devotee of Shiva than Rahul Gandhi.

The India-Pakistan cricket match is to be held on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. There is a huge craze among cricket fans to watch this match. As soon as the date of the match is announced, the rooms in the hotels are fully booked and the fares of some hotels have increased by 4 to 5 times. For which cricket lovers from outside India have booked rooms in the hospital. On October 14, people from outside will go to watch the match after having a body check-up at the hospital.

• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced
• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

Doctor Paras Shah of Bhopal Sanidhya Hospital has said that, ‘October 14 is the match between India and Pakistan. There are constant inquiries regarding that. On a normal day, five star hotel rooms are available for 5 to 10 thousand rupees, but rooms are not available despite paying 50 thousand to 2 lakh rupees. So decided to stay in the hospital so that the health check-up will also be done and the match will also be watched. Getting a body checkup done abroad is very expensive. So tourists have hit two targets with one arrow. Body checkup and accommodation will also be arranged at a low cost and those people will also be able to watch the match.

There are different packages for hospital rooms. There are different rooms ranging from 5 thousand to 10 thousand rupees. Each room has a bed for one patient along with one relative of the patient. Diet food for the patient and regular food for the patient’s relatives will be provided. The hospital will not have gourmet meals but patients can order food through Zomato and Swiggy if they want. In which relaxation has been given. Thus, the patient will get hotel-like facilities in the hospital itself.

He further states that, ‘October 14 is the match for which a large number of people from Africa, USA and UK are going to come to watch the match. People will arrive on October 13 midnight who will be picked up by hospital ambulances or hospital vehicles. After being brought to the hospital, the medical checkup will be started at 6 am. After medical checkup will go to watch the match in the afternoon. After watching the match, he will stay at the hospital again late at night. He will go to the airport again on October 15 from the hospital.

The event, organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, was addressed by Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized that this event is not merely about branding; it signifies a strong bond between him and the seven crore citizens of Gujarat.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi stated that Vibrant Gujarat has grown into a symbol of progress. When he initiated this summit, some central ministers were initially reluctant to participate. There were attempts to disrupt the investment environment, with threats made to discourage investors from putting their money into Gujarat.

Prime Minister Modi further revealed that he invited other states to participate during that period. He encouraged states to set up stalls at the event and reap the benefits. States like Haryana, Odisha, and several others seized this opportunity for their advantage.

• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced
• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

During his address at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Prime Minister Modi also remembered the Godhra incident. He recalled the violence that erupted in Gujarat following the incident. At the time, despite having limited experience as Chief Minister, he maintained unwavering faith in the people of Gujarat. He acknowledged that some individuals had ulterior motives and were intent on tarnishing Gujarat’s image. However, he and his government made the necessary decisions to lift Gujarat out of this negativity.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that those pursuing their agenda were interpreting events according to their own perspective. They propagated the idea that Gujarat would witness an exodus of youth, businesses, and industries. There was a concerted effort to discredit Gujarat on the global stage. The narrative that Gujarat would never recover prevailed. In the face of this crisis, Prime Minister Modi made a resolute commitment to lead Gujarat out of it, regardless of the challenges.

He underscored that their efforts not only transformed Gujarat but also envisioned a brighter future for the state, with ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ serving as a vital platform to boost the self-confidence of the state’s residents.”