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IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Punjab Kings – Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

State of Play

A six-wicket defeat to defending champions Chennai Super Kings was certainly not the way Royal Challengers Bangalore wanted to open their 2024 IPL campaign but a run of three home matches will give them added hope of putting their fortunes back on track.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has not always offered much advantage to RCB, and there should be several entertaining individual showdowns when the Punjab Kings arrive off the back of a four-wicket win at the Delhi Capitals, including a player of the match display by Sam Curran.

The 25-year-old starred with 63 runs off 47 balls, supported by fellow England international Liam Livingstone, who sealed victory with a six.

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For the visitors, the likes of Faf du Plessis and Jonny Bairstow should profit from a high-scoring setting, while the Challengers’ Virat Kohli should also enjoy the surface.

Kohli has fared well against the Kings’ Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, hitting 44 runs off 23 balls against the former without being dismissed.

Those numbers pale in comparison to Bairstow’s rate of more than 200 against each of Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma and Glenn Maxwell, amassing 101 runs in 42 balls without being dismissed.

The hosts won this fixture in 2023 but their opponents shade the overall record, winning 17 of the 31 encounters between the sides.

Expected line-ups

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj

Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar

How to watch

Sky have the rights to show the IPL to UK viewers in 2024 and will broadcast every game live. Monday’s game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket from 1.50pm GMT. Coverage on Sky Sports Main Event starts at 2pm.

Prediction

The embryonic stage of the season and first performances from these teams makes this contest a tight one to call, with much likely to depend on who goes in first and whether the Challengers’ enviable fleet of potential match-winners can move through the gears.

Both teams will have realistic ambitions of reaching more than 200. The Kings have the better bowling options but back Bangalore’s stars to see them to victory.

Greater Manchester launches new digital support resource for residents with disabilities

Disabled people in Greater Manchester are now able to access support in the digital world, thanks to the launch of a new resource.

“Get Online Greater Manchester: for disabled people” is a comprehensive guide that signposts people with disabilities, and those supporting them, to organisations that can help overcome digital barriers and help people benefit from opportunities in the digital world.

The booklet, which is available in various accessible formats, brings together information on assistive technology; digital skills and skills courses; broadband and mobile connectivity; and advice about staying safe online.

The guide has been developed with input from partners and organisations of Greater Manchester’s Disabled People Panel. They had been told that disabled people and care professionals are unaware of where to access digital support, such as assistive technology, digital skills and getting online, and that more guidance was needed to help disabled people understand and utilise the range of technology available.

Chris Hamnett, co-chair GM Disabled People’s Panel, said: “Digital exclusion is growing in the UK. This guide to support in Greater Manchester is a good start for all disabled people and our organisations. Whether it is data, devices, or learning support, you will find the help you need to remove barriers to inclusion and make use of online services safely.”

Driving ambitions

Greater Manchester’s Digital Inclusion Agenda for Change drives the ambitions, set out by mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to become one of the first city-regions in the world to equip all under-25s, over-75s and disabled people with the skills, connectivity, and technology to confidently get online.

Having the ability, tools and support to get online is essential to ensure equal access to the opportunities that digital can bring. Digital inclusion means enabling people to actively participate in society, access information and public services and having the ability to fully participate in life.

Greater Manchester’s Digital Inclusion Agenda for Change drives the ambitions, set out by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to become one of the first city-regions in the world to equip all under-25s, over-75s and disabled people with the skills, connectivity, and technology to confidently get online.

The recently launched Good Things Foundations’ Minimum Digital Living Standards (MDLS) Report outlines a set of minimum standards of digital tools, skills and access that UK households with families need and identified that 66% of those with a health issue or disability are more likely not to meet MDLS.

Struggle

Research from Good Things Foundation also shows that disabled people often have lower levels of digital skills, with 32 percent of people with an impairment lack basic digital skills.

The Nominet Youth Index 2022 reported that many disabled young people struggle to use devices due to accessibility challenges. Furthermore, digital tools and services are of considerable importance for many disabled people allowing them to undertake many everyday tasks and activities, and expensive equipment may mean that some residents living with disabilities do not have the opportunity to explore options that could support them with getting online, particularly as a higher proportion of disabled people are living in poverty.

Councillor Nick Peel, GMCA lead for Digital, said: “This is another great step in Greater Manchester’s vision to become a world leading digital city-region. With our ambitions for Greater Manchester to become one of the first city-regions in the world to equip all under-25s, over-75s and disabled people with the skills, connectivity and technology to get online and this new resource helps ensure we’re on our way to achieving that ambition and leaving no one behind.”

University of Manchester recognised as Academic Centre of Excellence in cyber security research

The University of Manchester has been named an Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE-CSR) in recognition of its internationally leading cyber security research.

The university is one of 21 to receive the status by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – the UK’s lead technical authority on cyber security.

It is one of several initiatives outlined in the UK government’s National Cyber Strategy ‘Protecting and promoting the UK in a digital world’, which describes how the government is working with academia and industry to make the UK more resilient to cyber attacks.

The scheme aims to enhance the quality and scale of academic cybersecurity research and postgraduate training being undertaken in the UK; make it easier for potential users of research to identify the best cybersecurity research and postgraduate training that the UK has to offer; and help to develop a shared vision and aims among the UK cybersecurity research community, inside and outside academia.

The centre will be led by the university’s Centre of Digital Trust and Society, which has a long history of world-leading cyber security research and will be directed by Professor Nicholas Lord and co-directed by professor Daniel Dresner and Dr Mustafa Mustafa.

Nicholas Lord said: “We are very proud to be recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research. Receiving this status is further recognition of our long-standing commitment to world-leading cyber security research and key to the realisation of our five-year research plan.

“Our cyber security research has been a focal point for the University since founding our Digital Futures platform in 2018, with our sociotechnical approach to cyber security coming together recognisably in 2021 by the creation of our Centre for Digital Trust and Society – a truly unique centre with a strong interdisciplinary nature.

“Over the next five years we hope that we can use our ACE-CSR recognition to strengthen our collaborations with other ACEs and NCSC, as well as enhance our collaborations with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority with a view to integrating cybersecurity into the city region’s business community.”

Professor Colette Fagan, vice president for research at The University of Manchester, added: “I am thrilled that our University has been recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research. This achievement, led by our Centre for Digital Trust and Security, underscores our commitment to pioneering cyber security research and innovation through interdisciplinary collaborative research. This approach and ambition is vital to ensure that the benefits of the rapid pace of technological change are developed in ways that ensure a safe and more secure digital world for our citizens and organisations.”

The University was required to show evidence of NCSC’s tough standards to be considered, including: commitment from the university’s leadership team to support and invest in the university’s cyber security research capacity and capability; a critical mass of academic staff engaged in leading-edge cyber security research; a proven track record of producing high impact cyber security research; and sustained funding from a variety of sources to ensure the continuing financial viability of the research team’s activities.

Dr Mustafa, senior lecturer in systems and software security at The University of Manchester, said: “While our cybersecurity research across the Department of Computer Science provides the fundamentals and foundations of our Centre’s research, our social science academics provide the societal relevance and context: secure cyber- and digital systems are grounded in everyday human behaviours and interactions.

“It is for this reason that we coordinate our sociotechnical cybersecurity research activities ensuring the people and social factors remain central. We do this by engaging in cross-cluster and cross-disciplinary research activities, realising our sociotechnical work through internally and externally funded research.”

Over the next five years, researchers will work on a wide range of projects from cyber security controls, building secure and safe (AI) software to counter threats, through understanding offending and victimisation of cybercrimes, to the application of our cyber security research in development and industry, as well as the cyber risks to political-economic systems and organisational workplaces, and the need for data privacy and security.

Andy Murray: Miami Open swansong for Briton ends in defeat to Machac in epic

Andy Murray lost an epic lasting three hours and 27 minutes as the former world number one’s final Miami Open appearance came to an end against Tomas Machac in the third-longest contest ever played at the tournament.

The 36-year-old recovered from 3-0 down in the deciding third set to force a tie break and saved match point before eventually succumbing to the 23-year-old in the last 32.

Murray had said he wanted to provide action on and off the court even if he lost and the Scot lived up to his ambitions, including a row with umpire Carlos Bernardes over fans moving in between points.

The two-time Wimbledon champion also required attention on an ankle issue, having admitted before the match that the physical demands of his remarkably durable career – he has now played 996 times on the ATP Tour – were impacting him.

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“It was like a Davis Cup match because the crowd was for Andy,” the Czech said afterwards.

“I understand that he’s a great player, so I was expecting that. It was a really tough match mentally because the emotions were going up and down.

“He’s managed to win lots of matches from match-point down, so it’s tough to describe the emotions now.”

British number one Cameron Norrie was knocked out in straight sets by world number four Daniil Medvedev and Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner came back from a set behind to beat the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor.

Miami Open results: Osaka out

Seventh seed Casper Ruud secured a routine win over Davidovich Fokina but there was a shock for 14th seed Ugo Humbert, who lost in three sets to world number 50 Dominik Koepfer.

World number seven Holger Rune won only two games on his way to being ousted by Fabian Marozsan, an opponent ranked 50 places below him.

In the women’s draw, four-time Grand Slam title winner Naomi Osaka lost 7-6, 7-5 to Caroline Garcia, who will play Coco Gauff next.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek lost a first-set tie break – the first of the Pole’s last 14 sets she had dropped – before seeing off 26th seed Linda Noskova.

Sachin Dev Duggal Shines at ‘The AI Moment’ During Web Summit Qatar 2024

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The Web Summit Qatar was the recent setting for an engaging dialogue on the current AI landscape and its widespread impact across various industries. Julia Sieger of FRANCE 24 initiated the session with two esteemed guests: Mohamed Al-Hardan from the Qatar Investment Authority, and Sachin Dev Duggal, the innovative founder of Builder.ai.

Sachin Dev Duggal, leveraging his vast experience with Builder.ai, delved into the historical progression of AI, recalling landmarks such as Google’s BERT model from ten years prior. He elucidated how the transformative phase in 2022 was propelled not solely by technological advancements but significantly by user-centric design improvements. These enhancements in user interfaces, coupled with intentional response delays, marked a pivotal chapter, rendering AI more approachable and user-friendly.

Mohamed Al-Hardan, following the recent closure of Builder.ai’s Series D funding by the Qatar Investment Authority, discussed the rationale behind their investment. He emphasised the prudence of Builder.ai in streamlining the development process and its proactive stance towards AI, while also advocating for stringent due diligence to ensure AI’s effectiveness. He touched upon the emerging trend among AI startups to not only navigate the risks posed by AI but to strive to be pioneers in adapting to AI technological advancements.

Addressing the potential impact of AI on employment, Duggal and Al-Hardan offered perspectives beyond the conventional narrative of job displacement. Sachin Duggal envisioned a future where human identity is intertwined with creative pursuits over mundane tasks, challenging traditional job paradigms. Al-Hardan echoed this sentiment, urging a proactive approach to embracing the AI era through continuous learning.

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On the topic of AI governance, both speakers highlighted the intricate ethical and regulatory challenges in its advancement. Al-Hardan cautioned against stifling over-regulation that could deter technological progress, advocating for a collaborative approach between regulators and technologists to bridge the gap in understanding between these pivotal groups.

The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the need for educational reform, aimed at equipping the youth for success in an AI-dominated future. Sachin Dev Duggal stressed the importance of infusing educational programs with human-centric skills like creativity and adaptability, ensuring they are equipped to respond to various situations.

The conversation offered profound insights into the human aspects, freedoms, biases, and responsibilities in the impending AI era, underscoring the imperative for human-focused innovation in AI development.

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis in moving statement

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The Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer and revealed her illness to the world in a moving video message.

Kate Middleton (42) said that cancer was found when she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.

Her medical team had advised her to start preventative chemotherapy.

In her video, which was filmed at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, triggered an outpouring of support from well-wishers.

In it, she said: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.”

The news is another blow to the royals, with King Charles having already recently announced he has pancreatic cancer.

But he praised Catherine for the way she spoke with courage about her news.

The palace said Catherine had wished to provide a medical update in order to put an end to the speculation sparked by her admission to the London Clinic for her surgery.

At the time, the palace refused to confirm what Catherine was being treated for, but said the condition was non-cancerous.

Coco Gauff: Miami Open contender aims to inspire Dolphins in NFL after setting up potential Osaka match

Coco Gauff said she had taken extra pleasure from winning in her home county of Florida as the 20-year-old won 10 games in a row to thrash big-hitter Oceane Dodin in the last 32 of the Miami Open.

Lucky loser Dodin won the first two games of the match and had a break point to make it 3-0 before Gauff responded in remarkable style to win 6-4, 6-0.

“I’m really happy to be here in South Florida – it’s where I grew up,” Gauff told a suitably appreciative audience. “I have a lot of family [near here]. It’s really nice to play in front of them and in front of the home crowd.”

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Gauff, who has now won 22 of her last 23 matches in the US, will play the winner of the match between former world number one Naomi Osaka and 23rd seed Caroline Garcia in the next round on Monday.

“I’m looking forward to both,” Gauff told the Tennis Channel, praising the returning Osaka’s straight-sets win over 15th seed Elina Svitolina.

“The last time I played Naomi, I won – but I think I lost the last time I played Caroline, so maybe I should get revenge on her.

“Naomi’s playing some great tennis. I watched a little bit of the last set of her match against Svitolina and she’s playing great.

“Caroline is always a threat on tour. She can play some big tennis and they both play similar games a little bit, with hitting big. It’s going to be something like I saw today but at a different level.”

Dolphins can win Super Bowl – Gauff

Gauff has never been beyond the fourth round in Miami, recording four wins and four defeats since her debut at the tournament.

She has won 24 of her 31 matches since triumphing at Flushing Meadows and may have to beat the likes of top-ranked Iga Swiatek if she sees off Osaka or Garcia.

“It would be really cool to win here at home,” said Gauff. “The best bit would be being able to drive home with the trophy and not having to fly and pack.

“It is something I want to do. I grew up going to this tournament. I really want to do well here. I’m a [Miami] Dolphins fan, so maybe if I do well here they can win the Super Bowl.”

Mohammad Amir: Pakistan bowler reverses retirement in time for 2024 T20 World Cup

Bowler Mohammad Amir says he has followed a “dream” by reversing his retirement from Pakistan cricket in a decision which could result in him playing at the T20 World Cup.

The 31-year-old made 146 international appearances across three formats before retiring in 2020, saying he had been “mentally tortured” by Pakistan’s management.

Amir had joined Derbyshire for the first half of their Championship season and T20 Blast group games but will only be available for six group matches after the T20 World Cup, which starts on June in the USA and West Indies.

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“I still dream to play for Pakistan,” Amir told his millions of social media followers. “Life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions.

“There have been positive discussions between myself and the [Pakistan Cricket Board] where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan.”

Derbyshire head of cricket Mickey Arthur told the club website the development “disappointing on the eve of the season” but said he respected the decision.

“Following recent conversations with the Pakistan Cricket Board, I know he had aspirations to return to international cricket if the opportunity would arise,” Arthur added.

Amir to return for Pakistan

Pakistan are likely to name Amir in their squad for a five-match T20 series at home to New Zealand from April 18.

“I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions,” he added.

“Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspiration.”

All-rounder Imad Wasim announced on Saturday that he was also changing his decision to retire from Pakistan duty.

Fernando Alonso: F1 star ‘surprised’ by Formula One penalty over 2024 Australian Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso has said he was “a bit surprised” to have been penalised 20 seconds and given three points on his licence at the end of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

Mercedes’ George Russell crashed on the final lap while chasing Alonso, of Aston Martin, before both drivers were called to the stewards.

Alonso, who dropped to eighth in a race won by Carlos Sainz, was found to have driven in a manner deemed “at least ‘potentially dangerous’, given the very high speed nature of that point of the track”.

Alonso originally admitted slowing too early and accelerating again before braking, adding that his manoeuvre had been performed “slightly wrong”.

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“At no point do we want to do anything wrong at these speeds,” Alonso said on social media on Sunday.

“I believe that without gravel on that corner, on any other corner in the world, we would never be even investigated.

“I was a bit surprised by a penalty at the end of the race regarding how we should approach the corners or how we should drive the race cars.”

Alonso penalty: Aston Martin driver punished

The 42-year-old added that sacrificing speed to exit corners more effectively had led to “epic duels” in past races and is “part of the art of motorsport.”

“We never drive at 100% in every race lap and on every corner,” he explained. “We save fuel, tires, brakes, so being responsible for not making every lap the same is a bit surprising.”

Alonso finished sixth – a place above team-mate Lance Stroll – and said the team would have to “accept” the decision and “have more pace and fight for positions further up the field” at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 7.

Sainz returned from a one-race absence through appendicitis to end reigning champion Max Verstappen’s perfect start to the season in a Ferrari one-two with Charles Leclerc.

Red Bull’s Verstappen retired for the first time since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix because his brakes were on fire.

Tech Innovations Transforming Entertainment Industries

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The entertainment landscape is rapidly evolving, thanks in large part to a range of technological innovations. From the immersive experiences of the metaverse to the personalized content delivered by artificial intelligence, these advancements are reshaping how we consume and interact with media. But have you ever considered how these technologies are interwoven into our daily entertainment experiences?

The Rise of the Metaverse

The concept of the metaverse, often seen as a sci-fi fantasy, is now a burgeoning reality. This digital universe offers an immersive experience where physical and virtual realities merge. In the metaverse, avatars represent us, allowing interaction in a world without physical boundaries. It’s where concerts, social gatherings, and even business meetings occur. Imagine attending a concert with friends worldwide, all from the comfort of your living room.

Streaming Video-on-Demand (SVOD)

Remember when waiting a week for a new TV episode was the norm? Streaming services have changed all that. Now, entire seasons are at our fingertips, revolutionizing what we watch and how and when we watch it. The convenience and variety SVOD platforms offer cater to our increasingly digital lifestyles. But it’s not just about watching; it’s about experiencing media tailored to our unique preferences.

Artificial Intelligence in Entertainment

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool for tech giants; it’s become a creative partner in the entertainment industry. AI algorithms are used to create more engaging content, tailor recommendations, and produce music and scripts. However, the influence of AI extends beyond content creation to enhancing user experiences. For instance, online casino games are beginning to leverage AI to revolutionize gameplay.

In these digital arenas at platforms like PokerStars Casino, players step into a world of popular games, from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to a diverse range of slots and gameshows. There’s a variety of themes and styles to choose from, suiting the preferences of all.

Players can now enjoy a personalized experience, all tailored by AI to individual preferences. This is where technology meets leisure, offering a unique, user-centric experience in the digital gaming realm.

Blockchain: Securing Digital Transactions

Blockchain technology is a game-changer for protecting digital rights and transactions in the entertainment industry. The decentralized nature of blockchain allows for transparent and secure transactions, be it in music, movies, or digital collectibles. This technology ensures creators get their fair share and consumers enjoy a more secure and authentic experience.

Smart Home Entertainment

The concept of a smart home is no longer futuristic. It’s here, transforming our living spaces into hubs of personalized entertainment. Technology is making home entertainment more convenient and enjoyable, from smart projectors that turn any room into a cinema to intelligent home automation systems that sync our entertainment devices.

These advancements extend to voice-controlled environments where your favorite music plays with just a command and smart lighting that adjusts to the movie’s mood. Integration with mobile apps allows you to control your entertainment setup from anywhere, adding a layer of flexibility and convenience. We’re seeing an era where the lines between technology and leisure blur, bringing a futuristic cinema-like experience into our living rooms.

Immersive Technology

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Immersive technology, including AR and VR, is opening new frontiers in entertainment. Imagine being transported to different worlds, experiencing stories in a previously impossible way. This technology is transforming how we experience art, history, and education. With VR headsets, you can virtually visit art galleries worldwide or enter historical events, bringing a new dimension to learning and exploration.

Augmented reality (AR) is blending the digital with the physical world, offering interactive experiences that overlay information on our real-world view. Museums are adopting AR to provide visitors with enriched, interactive tours. These technologies offer students experiential learning opportunities in education, making complex subjects more engaging and accessible. The potential of immersive technology is vast, bridging gaps between imagination and reality.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they’re reshaping our everyday experiences. From the metaverse to AI, blockchain to immersive technologies, these innovations are creating a more personalized, immersive, and secure entertainment landscape. So, the next time you stream your favorite show, attend a virtual concert, or dive into an online game, take a moment to appreciate the incredible tech innovations that make these experiences possible.

In this rapidly changing world, one thing remains constant: our quest for engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable entertainment experiences. And thanks to technology, these experiences are just getting started.