Kolkata (PTI): Sunrisers Hyderabad vice-captain Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders here.

He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and accepted the match referee's sanction.

For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the match referee's decision is final and binding.

He scored 48 runs off 21 deliveries to get SRH to a flier in the powerplay.

SRH registered their first win of IPL 2026, with a thumping 65-run win, with Abhishek playing his part with the bat, hitting four fours and as many sixes.

But he was sanctioned for showing dissent on TV umpire Nitin Menon's decision after Varun Chakaravarthy took a diving catch off Blessing Muzarabani the ninth over but there seemed to be no conclusive evidence that the catch was taken cleanly.

But Menon deemed the catch to be legal which the batter disagreed and expressed his disappointment while walking off.

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Bengaluru: Gram panchayats across Karnataka have recorded a strong improvement in revenue mobilisation, realising 89% of the tax collection target for the financial year 2025-26, one of the highest levels in recent years, The Hindu reported.

According to the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, 5,943 gram panchayats reported higher collections compared to the previous year. The total tax collection stood at Rs 1,382.57 crore, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore from Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said state had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation with respect to village panchayats, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of “efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.”

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In 2024-25, gram panchayats had realised 80% of the demand, collecting Rs 1,272.54 crore for the first time in the department’s history. Building on this, the state has now reached a record 89% realisation.

Highlighting district-wise performance, the minister noted that Raichur recorded 129% tax collection, while 11 districts crossed 100% realisation.

He said the improvement was driven by awareness campaigns, focused collection drives, and sustained efforts of officials at all levels, from bill collectors to senior administrators.

“Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities. It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he said.