India lock horns against New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back in action in the series, while Shreyas Iyer makes a return to international cricket after a gap of three months. India opted to bowl first in the series opener in Kotambi as the venue hosts the first men’s international match. India return to action after a break of 22 days and will look to make the most of the series. However, a few senior players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested from the series due to workload management with the T20 World Cup coming up.

A full dress rehearsal of the Indian Army was held on Sunday on Mahal Road in Jaipur, ahead of Army Day (January 15).

A large number of people arrived to watch the parade from early morning, and a “patriotic” atmosphere prevailed throughout the area.

During the rehearsal, the army contingents marched in disciplined steps. The synchronised movements of the soldiers to the tunes of the army band mesmerised the audience. People on both sides of the road cheered the soldiers with applause and slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.The full dress rehearsal also showcased the Army’s modern capabilities, including state-of-the-art weapons and technology. The parade featured modern tanks and cannons, missile systems, and drones for surveillance and security. A special attraction was the army’s dog squad unit, which assists with tasks such as surveillance and explosive detection in enemy territory.

The full dress parade also showcased ‘Nari Shakti’. Women officers and soldiers of the Army participated in the parade with full confidence. Their precise marching and discipline greatly impressed the people. A large number of women and young girls were also seen watching the parade. Many schoolgirls, college students, and women with their families witnessed this “historic” moment.

Every year, January 15 is commemorated as ‘Army Day’ to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.