Engineered for durability in a seismically active belt, the structure boasts friction pendulum bearings for base isolation, high-performance stay cables, and a real-time Bridge Health Monitoring System. These innovations guarantee safety and longevity amid the region’s challenging terrain and frequent tremors.

Modi’s visit packed a double punch: he also commissioned the Northeast’s inaugural Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Dibrugarh’s Moran on a 4.2-km national highway stretch. Capable of handling fighter jets and civilian planes, it offers vital backup during emergencies, strengthening aerial operations near borders.

The IAF stole the show post-launch with a thrilling display—Rafales, Sukhois, and MiGs thundering down the highway runway. Over 100,000 attendees cheered the spectacle, marking a milestone in national security. This ELF enhances swift deployment in critical zones, blending civilian highway use with military might.

These projects exemplify India’s push for ‘Atmanirbhar’ infrastructure, fostering trade, tourism, and defense resilience. As Modi put it, ‘Connectivity is the bridge to progress.’ Assam’s transformation accelerates, promising jobs, growth, and unbreakable links.

The Indian squad faces a significant setback with the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who has been sidelined due to a neck injury. Stepping into the leadership role for the first time in his Test career will be vice-captain Rishabh Pant. Pant now shoulders the immense responsibility of rallying India against a formidable South African side, led by Temba Bavuma, that remains undefeated in Test matches under his captaincy.

Addressing the pressure of captaincy, Pant expressed his pride in the opportunity bestowed upon him by the BCCI, stating, “Whenever you’re leading your country, it’s the proudest moment.” He acknowledged that stepping in for an injured captain isn’t the ideal scenario but is determined to give his best.

A unique aspect of this Test will be an adjusted match schedule, approved by the BCCI. In an unusual move for Test cricket, tea will be taken before lunch. This change is a direct consequence of Guwahati’s early sunset and rapidly diminishing evening light, a common adjustment in day-night fixtures. The early sunrise and sunset patterns in the region necessitated this shift to prevent any loss of playing time.

Here’s the revised session timing for the IND vs SA 2nd Test:

First Session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Tea Break: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
Second Session: 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM
Lunch Break: 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
Third Session: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The second Test kicks off at 9:00 AM IST on November 22. Live television coverage will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network in various languages. For those who prefer streaming, the match can be watched live on JioHotstar.

**Squads:**

**India:** Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.

**Sri Lanka:** Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl. India’s innings saw Smriti Mandhana getting out early after scoring 8 runs off 10 balls. Harleen Deol and Pratika Rawal then built the score to 81, with Rawal contributing 37 runs. However, India faced a setback, losing six wickets with the score at 124. Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma then stabilized the innings.

Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma added 103 runs for the 7th wicket. Amanjot Kaur scored 57 runs off 56 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. Deepti Sharma scored 53 runs off 53 balls, with three boundaries. Sneh Rana added an unbeaten 28 runs off 15 balls, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes, taking India to 269 runs for 8 wickets in 47 overs.

Due to rain, Sri Lanka was given a target of 271 runs in 47 overs. Sri Lanka had a decent start with the opening pair scoring 30 runs. At one point, they were at 103 runs for 2 wickets. But Indian bowlers made a comeback and disrupted Sri Lanka’s innings. The entire team was all out after playing 45.4 overs, scoring 211 runs.

Deepti Sharma was the most successful bowler for India, taking 3 wickets in 10 overs, conceding 54 runs. Sneh Rana and Shri Charni also took 2 wickets each. Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, and Pratika Rawal each took 1 wicket.

Smriti Mandhana, who has been consistently scoring runs for Team India for nearly a decade in international cricket, has often failed to replicate her performance in tournaments like the World Cup. In such situations, she has also been a victim of criticism. But this time, the left-handed batsman has a chance to end these criticisms, and given the form she is in, all this is possible. Mandhana signaled that she is ready to do wonders in the World Cup by scoring 2 consecutive centuries against Australia in the ODI series.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained the government’s decision to authorize a second post-mortem, citing public demand and the importance of transparency. “A new demand has cropped up on social media on Tuesday seeking another post-mortem of Garg’s body in Assam. In view of that and after taking consent of his family, the state government has decided to conduct another post-mortem on Garg’s body in Guwahati on Tuesday,” Sarma stated.

CM Sarma also shared an emotional tribute to Zubeen Garg on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a video. He wrote, “A few hours left before #BelovedZubeen begins his final journey. A short while ago, I joined his well wishers at Sarusajai Stadium to pay my tributes. The last 2 days symbolised the love he commands over people. There will never be another Zubeen?”

Zubeen Garg’s funeral procession will commence at 7:30 am from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, with the cremation ceremony to be held in Kamarkuchi, Sonapur. The final rites will be performed with full state honors.

Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19th. His death was confirmed by a representative of the North East India Festival in Singapore. The representative stated that while scuba diving, Zubeen experienced breathing difficulties and received immediate CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead in the ICU around 2:30 pm IST.

Zubeen Garg began his professional singing career in 1992 with the release of his debut album, ‘Anamika’. He recorded his first songs, ‘Tumi Junu Pariba Hun’ and ‘Tumi Junaki Hubakh,’ in 1993. He released his first bihu album, Ujan Piriti, before relocating to Mumbai in 1995. His breakthrough came with the song ‘Ya Ali’ from the 2006 film ‘Gangster’.

Earlier, CM Sarma announced that the remains of the ‘Ya Ali’ singer will be kept at the Arjun Bhogeshwar Barua Sports Complex in Guwahati, Assam, for the final viewing by fans and well-wishers.

Assam government announced that the mortal remains of Zubeen Garg, a larger-than-life artist, cultural icon, filmmaker, and the heartbeat of millions, will be kept at the Arjun Bhogeshwar Barua Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm today for the final viewing by friends and fans.

Large numbers of fans have gathered outside Garg’s Guwahati residence and the airport to catch a final glimpse of their beloved singer. Musician and singer Manas Robin expressed that this is heartbreaking news for Indian music lovers and the Assamese community. He stated that they loved Zubeen Garg and live through his songs, his untimely demise has broken the hearts and souls of everyone. India has lost a sacred soul, a great artist.

Congress MLA Diganta Barman said that Zubeen Garg was the soul of Assam. He added that they are all saddened by the news of the demise. Zubeen had a very big heart; he was a very good person, and he helped the poor. Another singer or artist is not so selfless. He used to give back whatever he earned to the public. They appeal to the government to honor him with the Padma Vibhushan.

Congress MLA Nandita Das said that it still does not feel like this is real. She added that they are with him on his final journey. Zubeen Garg will always be with them through his music and ideology. He was a very simple person, and Assam can never compensate for this loss. Their PCC president Gaurav Gogoi is also with them.

CM Sarma mentioned that Zubeen Garg’s body is being brought back to Guwahati by a special plane. He said that his mortal remains will first be taken to Zubeen’s home. They request the public to allow Zubeen’s family to spend some private time with him, as these will be the last moments they spend together.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has declared three days of state mourning on the demise of singer Zubeen Garg. The Chief Medical Officer of Assam said that there will be no official entertainment, formal programs, or public events during this period. People from all over the country have expressed their condolences.