1st Test: Bangladesh Win Toss; Opt To Bowl First Against India

The top eight nations have qualified from the Group Finals and will battle it out from November 19 to 24 at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in the coastal city of Malaga, Spain.

The Italian team, which emerged victorious in all three of its Group Finals ties despite being without world number one Jannik Sinner, will look to reinforce its squad for the knockout stages. Sinner, who missed the group phase, could return for Italy’s quarterfinal clash against Argentina, adding firepower to a team already brimming with talent.

Argentina secured its spot in the final eight after navigating a tough group that included heavyweights like Great Britain and Canada. The South American nation will have its hands full as it prepares to challenge the defending champions, with two singles matches and a doubles decider determining the outcome of each tie.

Meanwhile, the United States, the most successful team in Davis Cup history with 32 titles, are set to take on Australia, the second most successful nation with 28 crowns. Both teams were missing key players during the Group Finals, but the stakes in Malaga could see a full-strength American lineup go head-to-head with a formidable Australian side.

In the other quarterfinals, host nation Spain will face the Netherlands, and Canada will take on Germany. Spain could count on world number three Carlos Alcaraz, positioning them as strong contenders on their home turf. Should Spain and Italy both advance, a potential final showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz could be on the horizon.

--IANS
 

Teams saw science laboratories, centres and various departments. Prof SN Dash, nodal officer of the Vigyan Jyoti Programme from NIT Rourkela, guided the students. A total of 49 female students attended this one-day educational tour of NITR. 

“Under this prestigious programme, this is the third visit of the school students to NIT Rourkela, Under-representation of women is a multi-dimensional problem, and we need to see the problems from all angles and give a little push to get the desired result. Through this Vigyan Jyoti Programme, we can also increase the number of women in science from an early age. Throughout the day, the students will visit various undergraduate labs, research facilities, Student Activity Centre etc," said Prof Dash. 

Chief guest Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao said, “As we stand in a world where women are breaking barriers in every field, I encourage each of you to dream big and work hard for it. Life is a one-time opportunity, so aim high and make the most of it. The exposure visit to NIT Rourkela will help you explore different science streams and career possibilities."

JNV Principal T K Chattopadhyay said, “The visit allowed the students to witness first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and resources that an engineering college of this stature offers. I am sure that this experience will broaden their thinking and dreams."

Addressing the event, Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar of NIT Rourkela said that NIT Rourkela will organize more such programs to support and promote such programs and encourage female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Kumari Jaishree, Coordinator at JNV Sundargarh, concluded the inaugural event with a vote of thanks. 

The Vigyan Jyoti Programme, launched by India's Department of Science and Technology, aims to empower young women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. It provides support through workshops and exposure visits to premier institutions, scholarships, career counselling, etc. boosting a more inclusive environment for women in science and technology.

"They (cops) tied my hands and legs and pulled down my pant.  They hit me on my private parts. The IIC exposed beat me and used slang at me," Ankita told reporters. 

It was around 1 am on September 15 when we (Ankita and Major Gurbansh Singh) met some scoundrels on the road. Somehow, we managed to escape their nuisances and reached Bharatpur police station. 

"A lady official was in her nighty. I urged her to lodge my complaint. As she didn't listen to my request and started hackling me, I boldly told her that it was his duty to accept the complaint. She got infuriated and started beating me. Soon, a patrol vehicle reached the P. From the vehicle, two women officials came and pulled down my pant.

They beat me in my private part area. The IIC too beat me and used slang at me," Ankita told reporters, failing to control her tears. 

Taking sou moto cognizance of the ghastly police act, the Nation Commission for Woment sought an action taken report from the Director General of Police. IIC Dinksrushna Das was earlier accused of demanding bribe a video of which had gone viral. However, the BJD government didn't take any action against him and posted him in the Model police station.