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‘India too good to think like that’: Gambhir shuts down pitch-tailoring claims after T20 World Cup

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly refuted claims of 'tailored' pitches favouring the home team, asserting India's strength makes such tactics unnecessary. He highlighted the team's consistent high scores globally, attributing them to player prowess and the T20 format's batting-friendly nature, not manipulated conditions. Gambhir also noted ICC oversight of pitches in global tournaments.

No Smoking Day 2026: Know The Health Benefits Of Quitting Smoking And Tips To Beat Cravings

Today, March 11, 2026, is being observed as No Smoking Day, an annual awareness campaign marked every year on the second Wednesday of March. The day aims to encourage smokers to take a step toward quitting tobacco while highlighting the serious health risks linked to smoking. By spreading awareness and promoting healthier choices, No Smoking Day serves as a reminder that breaking free from tobacco addiction can significantly improve both the quality and length of life. Smoking continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable diseases worldwide. It harms nearly every organ in the body and increases the risk of conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Quitting, even after years of smoking, can significantly improve health and quality of life. ALSO READ: Does Eating Rice At Night Really Cause Weight Gain? Here's What You Should Know Why Quitting Smoking Matters Health experts widely agree that stopping smoking is one of the most powerful steps a person can take to improve both the length and quality of their life. According to medical authorities, once a person quits, the body immediately begins repairing damage caused by tobacco. Beyond health, smoking also takes a toll on finances. Cigarettes and other nicotine products have become increasingly expensive, meaning regular users may spend substantial amounts each week or month. The decision to stop also benefits those around the smoker. Secondhand and thirdhand smoke can harm family members, especially children. Exposure can lead to respiratory illnesses, frequent infections, and serious health complications for infants born to mothers who smoke. By quitting, individuals protect both themselves and their loved ones from these risks. Health Benefits Of Quitting Smoking The advantages of quitting tobacco begin almost immediately and continue to grow over time. One of the most significant benefits is a longer life expectancy. Research suggests that people who quit smoking may add several years to their lifespan. Stopping smoking also lowers the risk of major diseases. The likelihood of cardiovascular conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various cancers drops significantly after quitting. For those already diagnosed with heart disease or lung conditions, quitting can still improve treatment outcomes and overall health. Respiratory health often improves as well. Many former smokers notice a reduction in coughing, wheezing, and mucus production within weeks. Lung function can improve, and the risk of respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia decreases. The cardiovascular system benefits greatly too. Quitting smoking reduces inflammation, improves cholesterol levels, and lowers the chances of heart attack and stroke over time. Even risks linked to blood clots and artery damage gradually decline. How To Quit Smoking: Practical Strategies Despite knowing the dangers, many smokers struggle to quit because nicotine triggers the brain’s reward system, creating both physical dependence and habitual behavior. Overcoming these challenges usually requires planning, patience, and support. Identifying personal triggers is a crucial step. Smoking habits are often linked to routines, such as taking breaks at work, social situations, or stress. Understanding these patterns allows individuals to develop strategies to handle cravings when they appear. Distraction can also help during moments of temptation. Cravings usually peak for a short period before fading. Engaging in an activity, taking a brief walk, or spending time in a smoke-free environment can make it easier to resist the urge. Some people find success by replacing the habit with healthier alternatives. Chewing sugar-free gum, snacking on healthy foods, or drinking water can keep the mouth occupied and reduce the desire to smoke. Physical activity and relaxation techniques can also play an important role. Exercise, deep breathing, yoga, or listening to calming music can help manage stress, which is often a trigger for smoking. Support also plays an important role in quitting smoking. Informing friends and family about the decision to quit can provide encouragement and accountability during difficult moments. [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

IPL 2026 First Match: Which Teams Will Face Off First?

IPL 2026 first match: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that schedule for  Indian Premier League 2026 will be announced on March 12. Earlier, IPL 2026 schedule was expected to be revealed on March 8 during the final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, just before the closing ceremony, but the announcement did not take place on that day. According to a report by news agency IANS, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the first phase of IPL 2026 schedule will include only 20 matches. Earlier reports had suggested that IPL 2026 schedule would be released in two phases. Although the full fixtures list has not been announced yet, discussions have already started about which teams could play the opening match. When will IPL 2026 first match be played? The official broadcaster of IPL, Star Sports, has confirmed that the 2026 season will begin on March 28. However, BCCI has not yet made an official announcement regarding the teams that will feature in the tournament’s opening match. Which teams could play IPL 2026 first match? According to several media reports, the opening match of IPL 2026 could feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. As per IPL tradition, the first match of the season is usually played at the home ground of the defending champions. If this pattern continues, the opening game could take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Speaking about the schedule announcement, Devajit Saikia said that the board is planning to release IPL 2026 fixtures on March 12 and will initially unveil a schedule covering the first 20 days of the tournament. RCB vs PBKS head-to-head in IPL The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is one of the most evenly contested in IPL history. As of their last encounter in the IPL 2025 Final, the two teams have faced each other 37 times. RCB holds a razor-thin lead with 19 wins, while PBKS follows closely with 18 wins.

Airlines hike fares as Middle East conflict sends fuel costs soaring

Escalating US-Iran tensions are causing sharp volatility in oil markets and significantly impacting the aviation industry. Airlines are raising fares and fuel surcharges due to surging jet fuel costs and airspace restrictions, leading to flight cancellations and passenger disruptions. Oil prices are whipsawing amid uncertainty, with potential emergency reserve releases being considered.

ABP Live Doc Talk | The Silent Progression Of Gallbladder Cancer: Why Early Screening Matters More Than Ever

Gallbladder cancer is a challenge because of its subtle progression and its tendency to escape early detection. Although it is a relatively rare form of cancer, it is often not diagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage, which has a significant effect on survival rates. The absence of a set of early symptoms, as is the case with other cancers, makes it a challenge to treat and is a major factor in its high mortality rate. Although, relatively uncommon worldwide, India carries a disproportionate burden, accounting for almost 10 percent of global cases. In northern India, especially among women, incidence can reach as high as 21.5 per 100,000 individuals. Important to note, most of these cases in India are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are poor.  ALSO READ: ABP Live Doc Talk: Rethinking Parkinson’s Treatment Through Patient Experience And Recovery Outcomes The Hidden Nature Of Gallbladder Cancer The primary challenge in early detection of the cancers comes from the gall bladder’s location in the body, that is under the liver, which is not easily accessible to palpation and the fact that initial symptoms in this case are almost vague, hardly causing any pain or discomfort. Even if the symptoms do occur, they are non-specific and include mild abdominal pain, nausea, or bloating. These symptoms can easily be attributed to common, benign problems. Diagnosis typically occurs only when the tumor has considerably grown, invaded surrounding tissues, or caused obstruction, leading to visible signs like jaundice, significant weight loss, or severe abdominal pain. By this point, the cancer has frequently spread, making treatment far more complex. The Critical Role Of Targeted Screening A major challenge here is the lack of awareness about gallbladder cancer and its risk factors. Although screening is not recommended for the general population due to the low prevalence rate, screening in high-risk populations appears promising. Those with chronic gallstones, which are hardened formations within the gallbladder that can cause chronic irritation if they are large or multiple, have a higher risk. Another risk factor is the “porcelain gallbladder,” a complication in which the gallbladder wall becomes calcified or hardened with calcium deposits, making it more susceptible to cancer. In certain people, an abnormally positioned pancreaticobiliary junction permits the reverse flow of pancreatic juices into the gallbladder, causing chronic irritation to the lining of the gallbladder over time and making it more susceptible to cancer.  The good news is that there are advanced diagnostic tools available today that are helping in early detection. Non-invasive imaging such as ultrasound can pick up suspicious changes, while CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound can give a clear view of the gallbladder and surrounding areas. Blood tests for tumor markers such as CA 19-9 can also provide a clue, although they are not conclusive. Early Detection: A Path To Curative Treatment Detecting gallbladder cancer early significantly improves outcomes. Patients diagnosed at an early stage have a 5-year survival rate of 30–40%, compared to only around 10% for those with locally advanced disease.  In its initial stages, gallbladder cancer can often be cured through surgery (cholecystectomy), sometimes combined with removal of adjacent liver tissue and lymph nodes. For advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation are used mainly to control symptoms, as curative options becomes limited. Gallbladder cancer’s silent progression makes it one of the most challenging cancers to treat. In India, where many cases are diagnosed late, raising awareness and promoting targeted screening in high-risk groups is vital. With the availability of advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, there is now real hope of catching this cancer earlier where curative treatment is possible. Continued improvements in detection and therapy remain central to saving lives from this aggressive disease. Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

IPL 2026: Top Five Highest Individual Scores In IPL History Ft. Abhishek Sharma

Indian Premier League 2026: As excitement builds for 19th season of Indian Premier League, set to begin on March 28, 2026, fans are revisiting some of the most remarkable batting performances in the tournament's history. Over the years, several batsmen have produced unforgettable innings, but a few stand out for their sheer dominance and record-breaking scores. Chris Gayle - 175 Runs Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in IPL history. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 against Pune Warriors India, Gayle smashed an incredible 175 runs off just 66 balls. His explosive innings included 13 fours and 17 sixes, making it one of the most iconic knocks in T20 cricket. Abhishek Sharma - 141 Runs Abhishek Sharma sits second on the list with a stunning knock of 141 runs off 55 balls against Punjab Kings. His aggressive innings featured 14 fours and 10 sixes, marking one of the most memorable batting displays in IPL history. Quinton de Kock - 140 Runs Representing Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 season, Quinton de Kock delivered a spectacular performance against Kolkata Knight Riders. He scored 140 runs from 70 balls, hitting 10 fours and 10 sixes to register the third-highest individual score in the tournament. AB de Villiers - 133* Runs In the 2015 IPL season, AB de Villiers played a breathtaking innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Mumbai Indians. He remained unbeaten on 133 off just 59 balls, smashing 19 fours and 4 sixes in one of the most entertaining knocks ever seen in the league. KL Rahul - 132* Runs KL Rahul completes the top five with his unbeaten 132-run innings in the 2020 IPL season against Royal Challengers Bangalore while playing for Punjab Kings. His knock came off 69 balls and included 14 fours and 7 sixes. These memorable innings highlight the incredible batting talent that has shaped the IPL over the years and continue to set the benchmark for future seasons. Also on ABP Live | IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement Date Revealed: BCCI Breaks Silence On Delay

IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement Date Revealed: BCCI Breaks Silence On Delay

IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement Date: The wait for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 fixtures is finally nearing its end. Following a brief delay that saw the announcement pushed past ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has officially broken the silence. The board is now set to unveil the schedule for the 19th edition in a staggered manner, with the first installment likely arriving on Thursday, March 12. Phased Release: Only First 20 Days BCCI will not release the full 84-match calendar at once due to the overlapping schedule of State Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Tomorrow’s announcement will cover only the first 20 days of the tournament (approximately March 28 to April 16). By waiting for the Election Commission to finalize polling dates, the BCCI ensures that match venues and security arrangements do not clash with the democratic process. Key Tournament Landmarks While the specific daily matchups are still under wraps until tomorrow, the broad structure of the season has been confirmed: Start Date: March 28, 2026. IPL 2026 first match: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host the first match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. IPL 2026 final date: Scheduled for May 31, 2026, also in Bengaluru. Why Was There a Delay? Apart from the election logistics, Saikia noted that the board was coordinating between franchises and state associations regarding specific venue availability. There were also reports of minor scheduling adjustments to allow a sufficient "recovery window" for players following the intense T20 World Cup campaign that concluded on March 8. Schedule Announcement (Phase 1): March 12, 2026 - Confirmed Opening Ceremony & First Match: March 28, 2026 - Confirmed Playoffs Begin: May 26, 2026 - Tentative Grand Final: May 31, 2026 - Confirmed Also on ABP Live | 'Useless Question': Ishan Kishan On Kirti Azad’s Trophy Taken To Temple Criticism-Watch Also on ABP Live | Complete List Of Each & Every Record Broken In T20 World Cup 2026