Milan vs Napoli: AC Milan beats 10-man Napoli 1-0 in Champions League QF

 

AC Milan beat Napoli for the second time in the space of less than two weeks — and this time with more at stake — as the Rossoneri won 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.

Ismaël Bennacer scored shortly before the end of a first half that Napoli had dominated for long stretches. Both teams also hit the crossbar before Napoli midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was sent off 16 minutes from time, following two yellow cards in quick succession.

The teams will meet again in Naples next Tuesday with the winner to play either Inter Milan or Benfica in the semifinals. Inter won the first leg of their quarterfinal 2-0.

While Milan's victory was not as comprehensive as its 4-0 rout of Napoli when the two teams met in Serie A on April 2, it left the club in pole position to reach its first Champions League semifinal since it won the last of its seven titles in 2007.

The match pitted the defending Italian champion against the team likely to take its trophy, with Napoli boasting a 16-point in Serie A.

It was Napoli's first ever appearance in the quarterfinals and it was without a recognized striker as leading Serie A goalscorer Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Simeone were out injured and coach Luciano Spalletti opted to start Giacomo Raspadori on the bench and play Eljif Elmas in the false nine position.

Nevertheless, the visitors got off to an aggressive start and had four clearcut opportunities in as many minutes.

The best of those was after only 50 seconds as Milan failed to deal with a cross and a horrible Rade Krunic clearance fell straight to Napoli dangerman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But Krunic atoned for his error by clearing the shot off the line and Mário Rui ballooned the follow-up over.

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan also came to his team's rescue several time before the Rossoneri had their first real chance in the 25th minute, completely against the run of play.

Rafael Leão, who had scored two goals in Naples in the league match, raced from inside his own half and past two Napoli players before unleashing a shot that went just the wrong side of the right upright.

The Portuguese forward took his frustration out on the corner flag, shattering it in the process.

Milan broke the deadlock five minutes from halftime as Brahim Díaz sped forward from midfield and laid the ball off to the right of the area to Leão. His attempt at a one-two didn't quite come off but it came through to Bennacer to fire into the top near corner.

That was only Milan's second attempt compared to Napoli's eight.

The Rossoneri almost doubled their lead in stoppage time but Simon Kjær's thumping header came off the underside of the bar and bounced just the wrong side of the line for Milan.

Napoli should have leveled five minutes after the break but Maignan finger-tipped an Elmas header onto the bar. Its chances of doing so diminished when Anguissa was shown a second yellow card for a high tackle on Theo Hernández four minutes after being booked for a foul on the same Milan defender.

Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0 in the other quarterfinal match on Wednesday.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/milan-vs-napoli--ac-milan-beats-10-man-napoli-1-0-in-champions-league-qf.html

India records 7,830 new COVID-19 cases, highest in over 7 months

 

India has registered a single-day rise of 7,830 new coronavirus infections, the highest in 223 days, and the count of active cases in the country has increased to 40,215, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The death toll due to the disease has increased to 5,31,016 with 16 new fatalities being reported – two each in Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, and one each in Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, and five reconciled by Kerala – the data updated at 8 am stated.

The tally of Covid cases in the country was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,76,002), it showed.

The country had recorded a single-day jump of 7,946 COVID-19 cases on September 1 last year.

The count of active cases now comprises 0.09 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.72 per cent, according to the health ministry website.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has surged to 4,42,04,771, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent, the data showed.

According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of vaccines have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/india-records-7-830-new-covid-19-cases--highest-in-over-7-months.html

Active Covid cases in country rise to 37,093

 

India recorded 5,676 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 37,093, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll has increased to 5,31,000 with 21 deaths.

While three deaths each were reported from Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan, two were recorded in Karnataka and one each in Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu besides six reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,68,172)

The active cases now comprise 0.08 per cent of the total infections and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.73 per cent, the ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,42,00,079 and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/active-covid-cases-in-country-rise-to-37-093.html

'The Elephant Whisperers' triumphs at Oscars 2023, director dedicates award to 'motherland India'

 

Tamil documentary “The Elephant Whisperers” created history at the 95th Academy Awards by becoming the maiden Indian production to win in the Documentary Short Subject category.

Directed by debutante Kartiki Gonsalves, the Netflix documentary bested “Haulout”, “How Do You Measure a Year?”, “The Martha Mitchell Effect” and “Stranger at the Gate” to scoop the trophy.

"I stand here today to speak for the sacred bond between us and our natural world, for the respect of indigenous communities, and empathy towards other living beings we share space with and finally, for coexistence," Gonsalves said in her acceptance speech.

The director went on to thank the Academy, producer Guneet Monga, her family and dedicated the win to her "motherland India".

"Thank you to the Academy for recognising our film, highlighting indigenous people and animals.. To Netflix for believing in the power of this... To Bomman and Belli for sharing their sacred tribal wisdom to Guneet, my producer...

"My mentor and my entire team and finally, to my mother, father and sister who are up there somewhere and you are the centre of my universe, to my motherland India," she added.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/-the-elephant-whisperers--triumphs-at-oscars-2023--director-dedicates-award-to--motherland-india-.html

Rohit Sharma becomes sixth Indian player to complete 17,000 international runs

 

During his knock of 35 in the first innings of fourth Test against Australia, India captain Rohit Sharma became the sixth Indian batter to complete 17,000 runs in international cricket.

Rohit was unbeaten on 17 runs at stumps on day two at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and by scoring four more runs in the morning session of day three's play, he completed 17,000 runs in international cricket.

He now joins a list of Indian batters like legendary Sachin Tendulkar, talismanic Virat Kohli, head coach Rahul Dravid, ex-captains Sourav Ganguly and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to get above 17,000 runs in international cricket.

Rohit made his international debut for India against Ireland in June 2007, and has since played in a total of 48 Tests (currently playing in Ahmedabad Test), 241 ODIs, and 148 T20I matches, in which he has scored 3348 (could bat in second innings at Ahmedabad), 9782, and 3853 runs, respectively.

He is also the only cricketer in the world to have scored three double hundreds in ODIs. Rohit could have got more runs in the first innings at Ahmedabad as he thwarted short-ball ploy of Mitchell Starc.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/rohit-sharma-becomes-sixth-indian-player-to-complete-17-000-international-runs.html

Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas celebrate South Asian excellence ahead of Oscars

 

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra and her American popstar husband Nick Jonas are celebrating South Asian excellence.

ET's Denny Directo spoke to Chopra and Anjula Acharia, at the South Asian Excellence pre-Oscars celebration Thursday night, where they highlighted the importance of celebrating South Asian culture, reports etonline.com.

"I'm so grateful that we've had the ability to not just return, but do it in such an amazing capacity and be hosted by Paramount Pictures," Chopra, who is co-hosting Thursday night's event with Mindy Kaling shared.

"I mean, this is iconic. And to be able to look around me, and see my peers and colleagues that have hustled and pounded the pavement for years, and to be able to have them receive a moment that's just theirs, makes me like, cry."

As for what to expect at the event, Chopra said the night is all about the nominees, all of whom are nominated in some capacity for an Academy Award.

Nominated films at this year's ceremony include RRR, Turning Red, All That Breathes, The Elephant Whisperers and Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/priyanka-chopra--nick-jonas-celebrate-south-asian-excellence-ahead-of-oscars.html

Holi 2023: How Holi is celebrated across different parts of India

 

If you enjoy colour and want to discover interesting information about Holi, here are the various names the holiday of colours is referred to and how it is celebrated across different regions in the country.

Holi is observed in a variety of ways depending on the state, reflecting India's diverse cultural heritage.

Lathmar Holi - Uttar Pradesh

Lathmar Holi is observed four to five days before Holi in other states. However, it's fascinating to observe how this festival is observed in the Uttar Pradesh towns of Nandgaon and Barsana in a rather unusual manner by playfully hitting men with wooden sticks in response to their teasing as part of a ritual. The towns, which are 42 kilometers from Mathura, are very well-known for their Lathmar Holi festivities.

Rang Panchami - Maharashtra

Holi is observed as "Rang Panchami" in Maharashtra, a province in western India. On this day, people enjoy traditional sweets and savory dishes while playing with coloured powders and singing and dancing to the rhythm of dhols. A distinctive practice of singing and playing musical instruments on the streets is also followed in some areas of the state.

Manjal Kuli - Kerala

Holi is observed as "Manjal Kuli" in Kerala, a province in the south. People take part in processions that feature traditional music and movement as well as coloured powders being thrown at one another. There is also a distinctive practice of singing songs of devotion to Lord Krishna.

Holla Mohalla - Punjab

The Punjab region commemorates "Hola Mohalla," which is like Holi for warriors in appearance, sound, and feel. It is observed the day prior to Holi. The purpose of the celebration, which includes a stirring display of martial arts, horseback riding, and poetry recitation, is to honour the valor of Sikh warriors, especially those of the Nihang Sikh sect. Later, this is followed by movement, music, and colour.

Royal Holi- Udaipur

As the name implies, Udaipur celebrates Holi on a grand stage. The Mewar royal family still celebrates the dynasty's customary holidays in the city that was once their kingdom. The present custodian starts the bonfire the night before Holi and burns the effigy of Holika. The next step is a flamboyant equestrian parade with the royal band. It's quite the show!

Shigmo - Goa

Shigmo is the name of Goa's spring celebration. In addition to playing with colours, it is planned as a huge carnival with traditional folk music and street dances. Goa is a coastal state where fishing is the main source of income, so fishermen's boats are colourfully decorated with mythological and religious motifs. Shigmo is observed in two different ways: "Dhakto Shigmo" and "Vhadlo Shigmo," which respectively mean "small Shigmo" and "big Shigmo." Farmers and workers in rural areas enjoy Dhakto Shigmo, while everyone else celebrates Vhadlo Shigmo.

Kumaoni Holi - Uttarakhand

In many towns throughout the Kumaon area of Uttarakhand over the course of a few months, people celebrate Kumaoni Holi. The beginning of the sowing season for the agricultural community is marked by this celebration, which is more of a musical event than a celebration of colours as in the other states.

Source : https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/trending-news/holi-2023--how-holi-is-celebrated-across-different-parts-of-india.html