Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants in a dramatic Super Over finish in IPL 2026 after a tense league match at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday ended in a tie. The KKR vs LSG contest produced multiple turning points, including Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s controversial dismissal for obstructing the field, Rinku Singh’s late hitting and Mohammed Shami’s last-ball six that dragged the match into the extra over.

In one of the most gripping IPL finishes this season, Kolkata held their nerve in the Super Over to seal two crucial points, while Lucknow’s poor run at home continued in front of their own crowd.

Raghuvanshi Exit Row

The biggest talking point came during Kolkata’s innings when Angkrish Raghuvanshi was given out for obstructing the field, triggering debate over the decision. The dismissal added immediate tension to the contest and shifted momentum at a key stage of KKR’s innings.

As per reports, the on-field decision left Kolkata briefly unsettled, but the side recovered through a counter-attack led by Rinku Singh in the closing overs. The dismissal quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the game and is likely to remain part of the wider IPL debate in Latest News Today.

Rinku’s Stunning Finish

Rinku Singh delivered one of the standout knocks of IPL 2026, smashing 83 and changing the course of the game in the final over. With Kolkata under pressure, the left-hander hit four consecutive sixes to turn a fading innings into a match-winning total.

Rinku also completed five catches in the field, making it a rare all-round impact performance. With that effort, he became only the fourth player in IPL history to score 50-plus runs and take four or more catches in the same match.

According to match records, only Jacques Kallis, Riyan Parag and Daryl Mitchell had managed that feat before him, placing Rinku in elite company in this India News Update.

Shami Forces Tie

Lucknow looked set to fall short before Mohammed Shami produced the shot of the night under pressure. Needing six off the final ball, Shami cleared the ropes to level the scores and force the first major twist of the closing act.

That blow sent the home crowd into celebration and gave Lucknow a brief opening in the contest. However, KKR responded with composure in the Super Over and closed out the result.

Shami’s six will remain one of the defining moments of IPL 2026 and one of the season’s standout finishes in National and International News coverage.

Lucknow’s Home Woes

The defeat extended Lucknow Super Giants’ miserable run at home. The franchise has now lost eight consecutive matches in Lucknow, equalling one of the worst home losing streaks in IPL history.

Lucknow now shares that unwanted record with Deccan Chargers, while Delhi remains at the top of the list with nine straight home defeats. The trend has become a growing concern for the franchise and a Public Interest Story for fans tracking team form in Trending News India.

The latest loss also raises fresh questions over Lucknow’s inability to convert home conditions into an advantage this season.

Mohsin’s Five-Wicket Haul

Despite the defeat, Mohsin Khan delivered the best bowling spell of IPL 2026 so far. The left-arm pacer returned figures of 5 for 23 in four overs and became the first bowler this season to claim a five-wicket haul.

Mohsin removed Ajinkya Rahane, Tim Seifert, Cameron Green and Rovman Powell during a sharp spell that kept Lucknow in control for large parts of the innings. His effort now stands as the best bowling return of the season. That performance offered one of the few positives for Lucknow despite another damaging defeat at home.

Playoff Race Tightens

For Kolkata, the win could prove significant in the playoff race as the league stage enters a decisive stretch. Two points from a high-pressure finish strengthen KKR’s position and offer momentum at a critical stage of the campaign.

For Lucknow, the defeat deepens concerns around form, execution and home performance. With the playoff race tightening, LSG now face mounting pressure to recover quickly.

Auto Driver Robbed Near Police Station in Rewa

Three Accused Attack Victim

In a shocking incident late on 19 April, three men allegedly beat up an auto driver and robbed him just metres away from the Civil Lines police station. The accused took his mobile phone and Rs 1,500 in cash before fleeing the spot.

Attack Happened Close to Thana

The victim, Rabbu Sondhiya, a resident near Tiwari Hotel in Rewa, stated that three young men boarded his auto from College Chowk. He later identified them as Nihal Shrivastava, Shubham Pandey, and Lal Patel.

As he drove near the Civil Lines police station, the trio suddenly turned violent. They punched him, snatched his phone, and grabbed the cash kept beside him.

Accused Knew the Victim

Sondhiya told the police that the accused had been harassing him for some time. He claimed they had threatened to beat him up on multiple occasions in the past. The latest assault, however, took a more serious turn with the loot.

Police Begin Probe

Following the complaint, Civil Lines police registered an application and launched an investigation. Officers confirmed that multiple teams are now looking for the three absconding accused.

“We have taken the victim’s statement. Raids are being conducted at possible locations,” a police official said on condition of anonymity.

Brazen Act Raises Safety Concerns

The incident has left locals surprised, given that the crime occurred barely a stone’s throw from the police station. Residents questioned how three men could commit such an act without fear of immediate arrest.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the lapses, but sources indicated that patrolling near the station will be reviewed.

Victim Demands Quick Action

Sondhiya has appealed for strict action against the accused. He also expressed fear of further retaliation, given the prior threats. Police assured him that necessary steps would be taken once the accused are caught.

What Happens Next

Civil Lines police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby establishments. Officials expect to make arrests soon. The investigation will also examine whether the accused have a prior criminal record. A formal FIR is expected once the primary probe confirms all allegations.

Madhya Pradesh Property Rates Hiked from April 1, Impacting 65,000 Locations

Purchasing property across Madhya Pradesh became more expensive from April 1, with the state government implementing a revised schedule of guideline rates. The hike, which averages around 16% statewide, affects approximately 65,000 locations, with the commercial and residential hubs of Indore and the state capital Bhopal witnessing the most significant increases.

Statewide Revision Takes Effect

The new rates, approved on March 26, came into force at the start of the new financial year. According to official data, out of a total of 105,000 registered locations in the state, rates have been increased at nearly 65,000. In Bhopal, prices have risen at 740 locations, while Indore tops the list with revisions at 2,625 locations. The average hike of 16% is higher than last year's 13% increase.

Bhopal’s Sharp Spike

In the state capital, the hike ranges from 20% to a steep 181% in areas such as Bhanpur, Kolar Road, and the Ayodhya Bypass. This marks the second consecutive year of rate increases in Bhopal. Last year, the District Valuation Committee had raised rates by an average of 11% across over 1,300 locations.

Sources indicated that the district committee reviewed 63 claims and objections related to the proposal. Of these, 34 suggestions were partially accepted, four were fully accepted, and 22 were rejected. Three suggestions, including one from the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) Bhopal, have been forwarded to the Central Valuation Board for further consideration.

Indore’s Extensive Impact

Indore, the state’s commercial capital, saw the highest number of revised locations. The minimum hike in the city is 10%, with some acquisition-affected villages witnessing increases of up to 200%. Areas like Malakhedi saw residential plot rates jump from ₹1,600 to ₹2,600 per square metre, while commercial plots soared from ₹1,600 to ₹4,000 per square metre.

Urban pockets also felt the heat, with Talawali Chanda seeing a 200% hike in residential plots. Commercial rates in Kalindi Park rose sharply from ₹31,400 to ₹108,000 per square metre. Other cities like Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur also reported significant hikes, with increases reaching 150% and 99% in key areas respectively.

The Reason Behind the Hike

Officials attributed the widespread revision to a combination of infrastructure development and urban expansion. According to government sources, the development of new colonies approved by the Town and Country Planning department impacted 38 locations, while the construction of national highways, bypasses, and ring roads influenced 18 others.

In Bhopal district alone, 720 locations proposed for rate hikes were approved. The rise is also linked to enhanced connectivity, such as the Indore-Ujjain corridor, and major upcoming events, which are seen to be increasing property values.

Stakeholder Concerns and a Key Proposal

The rate hike has sparked concern among property buyers and developers. A key suggestion put forward by CREDAI, now awaiting a decision by the Central Valuation Board, seeks to address the issue of double stamp duty on property re-transfers.

As per the proposal, if a property is re-transferred within three years, the stamp duty paid earlier should be adjusted in the new registration. Currently, buyers face the burden of paying full stamp duty again, a practice many in the industry deem impractical and a hindrance to market liquidity.

Transparency Measures in Place

To manage the new rates and ensure a transparent registration process, the state has implemented the Sampada 2.0 online system. Under this system, all property registrations are processed through sub-registrar offices with a mandatory physical inspection of the property.

Geo-tagged photographs are uploaded to verify the location and details, a measure officials say is designed to curb fraud and bring greater accountability to the registration process.

Outlook for Property Buyers

With the new guideline rates now in effect, prospective homebuyers and investors will face a higher upfront cost in the form of stamp duty. While the government maintains the revision reflects true market value and is driven by infrastructure growth, analysts suggest it may lead to a short-term slowdown in transaction volumes as buyers recalibrate their budgets. The final decision on the re-transfer proposal will be closely watched by the real estate sector, which sees it as a potential relief measure in an increasingly costly market.

FASTag Payments Set to Expand Beyond Toll Plazas

In a major boost to digital mobility and cashless travel, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is preparing to roll out a nationwide scheme that will make FASTag payments multipurpose. After a successful six-month pilot project, FASTag will soon be used not only for toll payments but also for parking fees, petrol, EV charging, and other travel-related services.

The move is expected to significantly improve the ease of travel while reducing dependence on cash and multiple payment apps.

Why FASTag Payments Matter Right Now

With rising vehicle numbers and increasing focus on seamless digital payments, the government aims to transform FASTag into a unified travel wallet. Officials say limiting FASTag only to toll booths restricts its potential, while expanding its use can simplify everyday travel expenses.

According to ministry officials, this step will also help curb digital fraud. Since FASTag functions like a prepaid wallet linked to verified vehicle details, the risk of financial loss due to fraud is expected to reduce.

Where FASTag Can Be Used Soon

After consultations with fintech firms, banks, payment service providers, and toll operators, a consensus has been reached on expanding FASTag payments to the following services:

Toll plazas

Petrol pumps

EV charging stations

Parking facilities

Food outlets on highways

Vehicle maintenance services

City entry charges

Other travel-related facilities

This change aligns with the government’s broader push towards smart mobility and integrated digital infrastructure.

FASTag Parking Payments at New Delhi Railway Station

One of the first major implementations will be seen at New Delhi Railway Station, where parking fees will be deducted directly via FASTag. Northern Railway CPRO Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said a new parking policy has been prepared under the leadership of Delhi DRM Pushpendra Kumar Tripathi.

Key benefits of the new system include:

Reduced traffic congestion at entry and exit gates

Automatic fee deduction, ending disputes over overcharging

Faster drop-offs and pick-ups, with nearly 80% of vehicles expected to exit immediately

Deployment of ex-army personnel as marshals for parking and traffic management

Officials believe the discipline and training of former army personnel will also enhance passenger safety and overall security.

What’s Next in the New Policy

The tender process for the new parking management system has been completed, and a new company will take charge from December 28. As per the policy, all passenger facilities, vehicle management norms, and security standards must be implemented within one month.

Additionally, three dedicated pathways are being developed towards Ajmeri Gate to ensure smooth passenger movement, easy luggage handling, and hassle-free access to taxis, buses, and the metro.

The expansion of FASTag payments marks a significant step towards smarter, safer, and more efficient travel in India. By turning FASTag into a comprehensive digital wallet, the Road Transport Ministry is paving the way for a smoother travel experience while strengthening transparency and security in digital transactions.

FIR Against 7 in Jhabua Over Alleged Forced Conversion: What We Know So Far

An FIR against 7 in Jhabua over alleged forced conversion has sparked tension in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal belt, bringing issues of religious freedom, tribal rights, and law and order back into focus.

The case involves two Christian pastors and five other named individuals accused of pressuring a tribal youth to change his religion and assaulting him when he refused.

The incident has triggered protests by tribal organisations and Hindu groups, prompting swift police action late on Friday night.

Incident Reported From Madrani Village

According to police officials, the alleged incident occurred in Madrani village under the jurisdiction of Kakanwani police station in Jhabua district. The complainant, identified as Gendal Damor, is a tribal youth from the same village.

In his statement, Gendal said that while returning home on Friday, he was stopped by two Christian pastors along with some local residents. He alleged that they tried to force him to convert to Christianity, using intimidation and pressure.

Allegations of Threats and Assault

The FIR states that when the youth refused to convert, the accused allegedly threatened to kill him. Gendal also claimed that he was physically assaulted during the confrontation and that stones were pelted at him, causing injuries.

Later, stones were reportedly thrown towards the accused’s house as well, escalating tensions in the village and prompting increased police presence in the area.

Sarva Adivasi Samaj Leads Protest

Following the incident, members of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj gathered in large numbers and staged late-night protests. Protesters reached both the Kakanwani Police Station and the Madrani police outpost, raising slogans and demanding strict and immediate action.

Key demands raised by the tribal body included:

Arrest of all accused named in the FIR

Strong action against alleged forced conversion attempts

Protection of tribal culture, traditions, and religious freedom

Several Hindu organisations also joined the protest, amplifying pressure on the administration.

Memorandum Submitted to Administration

Community representatives submitted a memorandum to district officials, alleging that forced conversion attempts using greed, pressure, and threats are increasing in tribal areas. They warned that such incidents could disturb social harmony and weaken tribal identity if not dealt with firmly.

An expert on tribal affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said such cases often highlight “deep-rooted mistrust and the need for transparent investigations to ensure justice without communal bias.”

Police Response and Investigation Underway

After sustained protests, police registered the FIR late Friday night. Officials confirmed that the FIR against 7 in Jhabua over alleged forced conversion includes serious charges and that the investigation is ongoing.

Police sources said statements are being recorded and all aspects of the incident will be examined to establish the facts.

Why This Case Matters Now

The Jhabua forced conversion case comes at a time when debates around religious conversion laws and tribal protection are intensifying across Madhya Pradesh. The incident underscores the need for balanced enforcement of the law, safeguarding individual choice while preventing coercion.

Authorities have appealed for calm, assuring that action will be taken strictly as per the law once the investigation is complete.