In a major counter-terrorism operation conducted just 13 days before the annual Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrests were made during coordinated raids across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh following specific intelligence inputs, officials said.

According to the ATS, the suspects were allegedly attempting to strengthen the terror organisation's network in Gujarat. Multiple ATS teams simultaneously carried out search operations at different locations, leading to the detention of all eight accused. They are currently being interrogated to determine the extent of their alleged involvement and identify any wider network or operational plans.

Officials said the action is part of heightened security measures being implemented ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, one of Gujarat's largest religious processions that attracts thousands of devotees and remains under extensive security surveillance every year.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala alias Abu Ubaida (19), Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha alias Abu Hamza (30), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala alias Abu Aya (22), Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Ibn Ammar and Zakariya Palanpuri (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa alias Mufti Sahab (40), Mohammad Amin Shera alias Amin Palanpuri (21), Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi alias Mohammad Palanpuri and Abu Unisa (22), and Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Abu Dujana, Abu Sufiyan, Abu Zundal and Umar bin Khattab (18), who hails from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh.

Investigators said the accused are being questioned over their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, recruitment efforts and suspected links with Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security agencies are also examining their communication records, financial transactions, digital devices and possible contacts with other individuals associated with extremist organisations.

The ATS has not disclosed whether the group had any immediate plans to target the Rath Yatra or any other public event. Officials maintained that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and further details will emerge after sustained interrogation and forensic examination of the seized material.

A criminal case has been registered against all eight accused under Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, along with Sections 148 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These provisions deal with unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorism, conspiracy, membership and support to terrorist organisations, as well as offences related to criminal conduct.

Officials said additional legal action could follow depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The ATS is also coordinating with central intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities in other states to trace any interstate or cross-border links connected to the accused.

Security agencies routinely intensify surveillance before major religious gatherings such as the Rath Yatra due to the large public participation. The latest operation is being viewed as part of preventive security measures aimed at disrupting suspected terror modules before they can establish operational capabilities.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and assured that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra.

The Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 match turned into a one-sided contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night, where Gujarat Titans produced a commanding all-round display to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs. With this result, Gujarat Titans registered their fifth consecutive win of the season, climbing to the top of the points table with 16 points and strengthening their claim for a playoff spot. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, suffered a heavy defeat that exposed their batting fragility under pressure.

The match began after Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bowl first, expecting early assistance from the surface. However, Gujarat’s top order responded with composure and intent, setting up a competitive total of 168 for 5 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan anchored the innings with a well-compiled 61 runs, playing the role of stabiliser after early wickets. Washington Sundar provided the much-needed acceleration in the middle overs, scoring a fluent 50 off just 33 deliveries, ensuring Gujarat maintained a strong scoring rate despite disciplined bowling from the opposition.

Hyderabad’s bowling unit showed moments of control, with Praphul Hinge and Saqib Hussain picking up two wickets each, while skipper Pat Cummins chipped in with a crucial breakthrough. However, the inability to contain partnerships during the middle overs allowed Gujarat to rebuild and push towards a fighting total. The innings reflected Gujarat’s growing depth and flexibility in handling pressure situations, a key factor behind their consistent performance this season in the Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 fixture.

In response, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chase never gained momentum. The team was bundled out for just 86 runs in 14.5 overs, collapsing under sustained pressure from Gujarat’s bowling attack. Early breakthroughs shattered their top order, and the middle order failed to recover from the initial setback. Captain Pat Cummins top-scored with just 19 runs, highlighting the lack of resistance from the batting lineup. The innings quickly slipped away as Gujarat’s bowlers maintained relentless accuracy and intensity throughout.

The bowling performance from Gujarat was led by Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder, who picked up three wickets each and dismantled Hyderabad’s batting structure. Their spells were complemented by Prasidh Krishna, who added two wickets and kept the pressure intact during the middle overs. The coordinated effort ensured Hyderabad never found a foothold in the chase, turning what could have been a competitive game into a dominant win for Gujarat in the Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 encounter.

The turning point of the match came early in Hyderabad’s innings when they lost quick wickets inside the powerplay. Once the top order collapsed, the required run rate began to climb rapidly, forcing risky shots that only led to further dismissals. Gujarat’s fielding standards also remained sharp, cutting off singles and applying pressure on new batters, which ultimately contributed to the batting collapse.

With this victory, Gujarat Titans moved to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points from 12 matches, overtaking other strong contenders in the race for playoff qualification. The win not only boosted their net run rate but also gave them a significant psychological advantage heading into the final stage of the league phase. Hyderabad, despite being in a relatively strong position earlier in the season, slipped to third place with 14 points, making their path to the playoffs more challenging.

From a broader perspective, this result has intensified the competition in the top half of the table, with multiple teams still vying for the remaining playoff spots. Gujarat’s consistent performances have established them as one of the most balanced sides this season, combining strong top-order batting with a versatile bowling attack capable of defending modest totals. The Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 match further reinforced their reputation as serious title contenders.

Looking ahead, Gujarat Titans now stand just one win away from officially confirming their place in the playoffs. Their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining final seeding and momentum heading into the knockout stage. Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and address their batting inconsistencies if they are to remain in contention for a top-four finish.

The Ahmedabad clash will be remembered as a statement performance from Gujarat Titans, showcasing their dominance in both departments and their ability to execute under pressure. As the league stage moves towards its conclusion, the Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 encounter could prove to be a defining moment in Gujarat’s campaign, underlining their growing stature as one of the most formidable teams of the season.

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India bids to host 2038 Asian Games in Ahmedabad; OCA team to visit

India formally proposes Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2038 Asian Games, with the Olympic Council of Asia set to conduct a feasibility recce soon.

India has formally submitted a proposal to host the 2038 Asian Games, earmarking Ahmedabad as the primary host city. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) presented the vision during the Executive Board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) held in Sanya, China, on Thursday.

The continental governing body has acknowledged India's interest and confirmed that an evaluation team will visit the country shortly. This technical committee will assess the existing infrastructure and the rapid development currently underway in Gujarat’s capital. The move aligns with India's broader strategy to establish itself as a global sporting superpower.

Multi-nation race for 2038

India is not alone in its pursuit of the 2038 slot. According to officials, South Korea and Mongolia have also expressed formal interest in hosting the event. The OCA board discussed these preliminary proposals in Sanya, noting that the competition for the games will be rigorous given the long-term infrastructure commitments required.

The 2026 edition is slated for Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, followed by Doha in 2030 and Riyadh in 2034. By targeting 2038, India aims to secure the next available window in the continental calendar, reinforcing its recent successful bid for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games.

Ahmedabad as sports epicenter

The Gujarat government has already fast-tracked the construction of world-class facilities to support this ambitious bid. Central to this plan is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave. This massive complex, spread over 355 acres, is designed to house an aquatics center, a tennis hub, and multiple indoor arenas.

Further infrastructure is being developed at the Karai Sports Hub in Gandhinagar. This 143-acre site will feature a dedicated athletics stadium and a high-tech shooting complex. These projects are intended to serve a dual purpose, supporting both the 2038 Asian Games and India’s ongoing pitch for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Return after five decades

If successful, the 2038 Games would mark the return of the "Asiad" to Indian soil after a gap of 56 years. India famously hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 and the 1982 edition, both of which were centered in New Delhi. This would be the first time the event is hosted outside the national capital.

"We have shared our vision for 2038 with the OCA leadership," an IOA statement confirmed. The meeting, attended by IOA President PT Usha and OCA chief Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, focused on athlete pathways and regional collaboration alongside the formal hosting pitch.

Strategic infrastructure cost benefits

Sports ministry sources indicated that hosting the 2038 Asian Games is a "logical and cost-effective" step. Since Ahmedabad will already have completed its infrastructure for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and potentially the 2036 Olympics, the marginal cost for the Asian Games would be significantly lower.

By reusing existing world-class venues, India hopes to avoid the "white elephant" syndrome often associated with large-scale sporting events. The integrated urban development plan for Ahmedabad includes multimodal transport hubs and athlete villages that can be repurposed for residential use post-games.

Evaluation team’s upcoming visit

The upcoming OCA recce is expected to focus on technical specifications, including broadcast capabilities, transport logistics, and hotel inventory. The evaluation team will also review the "Sports City" draft budget, which has seen record allocations from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation this year.

"The visit will be a critical milestone," said a senior official from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. "It allows us to demonstrate that our timelines for the 2030 and 2036 projects are on track, making 2038 a seamless transition for the continental body."

Long-term sporting roadmap

This latest development is part of a larger "India News Update" regarding the country’s 10-year mission to boost its Olympic profile. Beyond the Asian Games, India has already secured the hosting rights for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar.

The 2038 Asian Games bid is viewed as the final piece of the puzzle in India's decade of dominance in sports administration. As the nation awaits the OCA's feedback, the focus remains on the rapid execution of ground-level projects in Ahmedabad to ensure the city is "Games-ready" well ahead of schedule.

Desperate Knights seek revival against Titans as Rinku returns to Ahmedabad

Kolkata Knight Riders look to break their four-match losing streak against a resilient Gujarat Titans in the 25th fixture of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

AHMEDABAD: A struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face a formidable challenge on Friday as they take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, the Knights are desperate to secure their first points of the season. Meanwhile, the Titans, led by Shubman Gill, occupy the sixth spot and will aim to consolidate their position in the top half of the standings.

High stakes in Ahmedabad

The encounter, scheduled for a 7:30 PM IST start, carries significant weight for the visitors. Kolkata has endured a dismal run this season, failing to secure a single victory in four outings. Their only point came from a washed-out game against Punjab. For the Titans, a win today would propel them further up the ladder, building on the momentum of their two victories so far in IPL 2026.

Memories of Rinku’s heroics

The primary talking point heading into this clash is the return of Rinku Singh to the venue where he scripted IPL history three years ago. The southpaw’s legendary five sixes in the final over against Yash Dayal remains etched in cricketing folklore. As KKR’s middle order struggles for consistency, the team management will be hoping for a similar spark from their premier finisher to turn their fortunes around.

Tactical battle in focus

Statistical trends suggest an intriguing tactical battle between the two sides. Historically, Gujarat holds a slight edge with three wins in five meetings. However, individual match-ups could dictate the flow of the game. Veteran spinner Sunil Narine has historically kept a tight lid on GT’s Jos Buttler, dismissing him thrice in the past while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.47.

Rising stars for Kolkata

Despite the team’s poor form, young Angkrish Raghuvanshi has emerged as a silver lining for the Knights. The youngster has amassed 182 runs in five matches at a brisk strike rate of 155.55. On the bowling front, Vaibhav Arora remains the leading wicket-taker for the franchise with six scalps, though his economy rate remains a concern for the team management ahead of this high-pressure India News Update.

Titans’ balanced bowling attack

Gujarat Titans boast a well-rounded unit, spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna, who has been in sensational form. Krishna has already bagged 10 wickets in just four matches, providing early breakthroughs consistently. Coupled with Rashid Khan’s ability to choke the runs in the middle overs, the Titans’ bowling attack poses a significant threat to a vulnerable Kolkata batting lineup that has struggled to post competitive totals.

Pitch and conditions report

The surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favor the batsmen initially, offering a true bounce and good carry. According to officials and local groundsmen, the pitch may slow down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into play. Given the clear weather forecast and a temperature hovering around 32°C, the toss-winning captain is likely to opt for batting first to capitalize on the early conditions.

Outlook for the season

For Kolkata, the road ahead is steep. Every match is now a virtual knockout if they wish to remain in contention for the playoffs. For Gujarat, the focus remains on consistency. As the tournament reaches its mid-way point, this Public Interest Story highlights the widening gap between the leaders and the laggards. Fans can expect a high-octane clash as the Knights fight for survival in a must-win Government Updates-monitored sporting environment.

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM IST. This remains a crucial Trending News India topic for cricket enthusiasts nationwide.

Fresh off a thrilling 7-run victory over England in the semifinals, Team India is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. However, as the Men in Blue descend upon the Narendra Modi Stadium for the March 8 clash, the conversation isn't just about yorkers and powerplays. It’s about psychological warfare and breaking the dreaded Ahmedabad jinx.

Determined to avoid a repeat of past heartbreaks, the team management has reportedly swapped tactical playbooks for a touch of "spatial realignment," changing their hotel and even their locker room to shift the energy of the venue.

What is the ‘Ahmedabad Jinx’ Haunting India?

For Indian cricket fans, the Motera Stadium has recently become a place of "what ifs." The Ahmedabad jinx took root on November 19, 2023, when an unbeaten Indian side fell to Australia in the ODI World Cup final. The sight of a silenced 130,000-capacity crowd remains a vivid nightmare for the "Bleed Blue" faithful.

The superstition gained further traction during the current T20 World Cup. On February 22, 2026, India’s flawless winning streak was once again snapped at the Narendra Modi Stadium, this time by South Africa, who secured a 76-run victory. These high-profile losses at the world’s largest cricket stadium have led many to believe that the venue holds a "bad omen" for the home side during knockout or streak-defining games.

New Hotel, New Dressing Room: Changing the Vibe

In elite sports, the line between superstition and sports psychology is thin. To settle pre-match nerves for the Team India vs New Zealand final, the squad is making two major logistical shifts:

• A Change of Scenery: Reports indicate the team will stay at a completely different hotel than the one used during the 2023 debacle.

• The ‘Away’ Advantage: In a rare move, India will ditch the designated "Home" dressing room. Instead, they will occupy the visiting team’s locker room, symbolically entering the contest with a fresh perspective.

These moves follow a recent trend of cautiousness; the team notably delayed a practice session on March 4 to avoid the lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan), highlighting a collective desire to keep "bad luck" at bay.

Why These Changes Matter Right Now

While skeptics might dismiss these acts as mere superstition, seasoned sports analysts view them as a "mental reset." In a T20 World Cup 2026 final, the pressure is immense. By altering their routine, the players can physically and mentally distance themselves from the memories of 2023.

Key Factors for the Final:

• Mental Freshness: Using the "Away" facilities may help the players feel less burdened by the weight of home expectations.

• Momentum: India’s narrow win against England shows they can handle pressure; now they must conquer the venue.

• The New Zealand Factor: The Black Caps are historically disciplined in ICC finals, making India's mental preparation just as vital as their on-field drills.

Can Rituals Bring Results?

Whether the Ahmedabad jinx is a genuine statistical anomaly or just a social media narrative, Team India isn't taking any chances. By changing their environment, Rohit Sharma’s men are looking to write a new chapter at the Narendra Modi Stadium—one that ends with a trophy rather than a heartbreak.

As the nation holds its breath for March 8, one thing is certain: India is leaving no stone unturned, spiritually or tactically, to ensure the gold stays home.