Women Cricketers Celebrate World Cup Victory with Lavish Rewards
India's triumphant women's cricket team continues to bask in the glory of their World Cup victory, with rewards flowing in from all directions. The champions are receiving everything from cash prizes and luxury cars to government jobs and lucrative brand endorsements, transforming their lives and careers overnight.
The celebrations have taken deeply personal turns in some cases. Madhya Pradesh authorities have promised to reinstate fast bowler Kranti Gaud's father, who was suspended from his position fifteen years ago. Meanwhile, player Harleen Deol secured a skincare endorsement deal after playfully questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his personal routine during a celebratory event.
Social Media Stardom and Soaring Endorsement Values
The World Cup success has dramatically boosted the players' public profiles and marketability. Star players Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma have seen their Instagram followings double since the tournament, with their endorsement values now soaring past the crore mark.
The recognition has been both professional and deeply personal. Punjab's Amanjot Kaur returned home to a hero's welcome with a cavalcade procession. Reflecting on the dramatic changes, she observed, "You can see what changes have happened since we won the World Cup." Her statement captures the transformative impact the victory has had on the entire team.
Maharashtra Land Controversy Involving Ajit Pawar's Son
In other news, a significant land controversy has emerged in Maharashtra involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's family. Maharashtra's Joint Inspector General of Registration Rajendra Muthe has declared that 40 acres of Pune land at the center of the controversy belongs to the state government and cannot be legally sold.
The property, originally watan land of the Mahar community (now Scheduled Caste), was taken over by the government in 1955 and leased to the Botanical Survey of India until 2038. Despite this, the land was sold in May 2025 for Rs 300 crore by a power of attorney holder to Amadea Enterprises LLP, which is co-owned by Parth Pawar (Ajit Pawar's son) and Digvijay Patil.
The sale utilized a stamp duty waiver introduced months after Ajit Pawar joined the Shinde-Fadnavis government. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has promised "strong action" and assured that the investigation will continue even after the deal's cancellation. Ajit Pawar has maintained that "not a single paisa was exchanged" in the transaction.
Dalmianagar: The Rise and Fall of Bihar's Industrial Hub
Meanwhile, in Bihar, the story of Dalmianagar serves as a sobering reminder of industrial decline. Once a thriving industrial township, Dalmianagar produced everything from cement and sugar to paper, soap, and asbestos sheets. At its peak, Rohtas Industries Limited employed more than 10,000 workers, attracting people from across multiple states.
Often compared to Jamshedpur during its heyday, the town now stands largely abandoned, representing a relic of Bihar's lost industrial age. The dramatic transformation from bustling industrial center to what many describe as a "ghost town" raises questions about industrial policy and economic development in the region.
Political Developments and Cultural Highlights
In political analysis, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has become a subject of curiosity in Bihar's crowded political arena. Political scientist Suhas Palshikar describes the party as an "unknown, untested player" that maintains distance from both major political blocs. Kishor faces the challenge of establishing a political platform outside the dominant ideological nodes of Mandal and Hindutva politics.
Internationally, former US President Donald Trump's social media post about "THE G2" convening shortly ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Seoul has created ripples in diplomatic circles. The term 'G2', first coined in 2005, takes on new significance in today's era of strategic rivalry and tariffs, with India particularly watching developments warily given recent trade tensions and a postponed Quad summit.
In entertainment news, the film 'Haq' revisits India's landmark 1985 Shah Bano court case through the story of Shazia Bano, portrayed by Yami Gautam Dhar. Director Subhash Kapoor handles the sensitive subject with "welcome restraint," avoiding melodrama while presenting an ordinary woman's fight for her rights that inadvertently made history.
