Pakistan dominated India in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, as India crumbled to 112/7 after 20.1 overs while chasing 348. India require 236 runs from 179 balls at 7.91 runs per over. Earlier, Pakistan posted a mammoth 347/8 in 50 overs, driven by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, entered the final unbeaten, having defeated UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan in the group stage, and Sri Lanka in the semifinals. Pakistan sought redemption after collapsing to 150 all-out in their previous encounter against India, finishing second in their group before beating Bangladesh in the semifinals. (PC: X)

Indian Railways will revise ticket prices from December 26, 2025, increasing non-AC fares by Rs 10 for every 500 km traveled. Ordinary class fares beyond 215 km rise by 1 paisa per kilometer, while Mail/Express Non-AC and AC class fares increase by 2 paise per kilometer. Suburban services, monthly tickets, and journeys under 215 km remain unchanged, protecting daily commuters. The revision aims to address rising operational costs, manpower expenses at Rs 1.15 lakh crore, pensions at Rs 60,000 crore, and total operations at Rs 2.63 lakh crore. Railways expects Rs 600 crore additional revenue this financial year while maintaining affordability and improving safety standards across India's second-largest cargo railway network. (PC: Getty Images)

India U19 collapsed to 69/4 after nine overs, chasing Pakistan's mammoth 348 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed after a brief 10-ball cameo featuring three sixes, losing his composure post-dismissal. Captain Ayush Mhatre and in-form Aaron George also fell cheaply. Vihaan Malhotra was bowled by Abdul Subhan attempting a leg-side drive. India reached 50 in just 4.3 overs but lost three early wickets. Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi now face immense pressure, requiring 280 runs from 246 balls. Earlier, Pakistan's Sameer Minhas smashed a record-breaking 172, posting the highest individual score in U19 Asia Cup final history. (PC: X)

Google and Apple warned H-1B visa holders against international travel due to embassy delays stretching up to 12 months. Immigration law firms BAL (Google) and Fragomen (Apple) issued memos cautioning employees that traveling abroad risks extended stays outside the US due to visa stamping appointment backlogs. The State Department confirmed embassies now prioritize thorough vetting over speed, implementing expanded social media screening for H-1B workers and dependents. Many Indian nationals had December appointments cancelled or postponed. Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman advised employees to "stay put" unless travel is essential. Both companies are monitoring the situation closely as disruptions could continue into 2025, urging staff to avoid non-essential international travel. (PC: India Today)

India's Ministry of External Affairs dismissed "misleading propaganda" in Bangladesh media regarding protests outside Dhaka's High Commission in New Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that 20-25 youth gathered on December 20, protesting the "horrendous killing" of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and demanding minority protection in Bangladesh. Jaiswal emphasized no attempt was made to breach the High Commission fence or create security threats. Police dispersed the group within minutes. The MEA stated visual evidence is publicly available and reaffirmed India's commitment to protecting foreign missions per Vienna Convention obligations. The clarification came amid heightened diplomatic tensions following violent protests and minority attacks in Bangladesh after Sharif Osman Hadi's death. (PC: ANI)

Pakistan U19's Sameer Minhas delivered a record-breaking 172 off 71 balls, powering his team to 347/8 against India U19 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Minhas set the highest-ever individual score in an U19 Asia Cup final, smashing 17 fours and nine sixes while accumulating 471 runs across five tournament matches. Ahmed Hussain contributed 56 runs. India dropped three catches but recovered late, taking five wickets in 24 balls through Deepesh Devendran (3), Khilan Patel (2), and Henil Patel (2). India now chase 348 runs, aiming for a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup title, while Pakistan seek their first since 2012. Focus shifts to 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. (PC: X/@Cricbuzz)

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotionally charged speech at Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral, vowing to fulfill the anti-India leader's ideals. Hadi, an Inqilab Mancha spokesperson who rose during last year's uprising against Sheikh Hasina, was shot by masked assailants on December 12 and died in Singapore on Thursday. Yunus told hundreds of thousands of mourners at Sangsad Bhaban that Hadi would remain in Bangladeshis' hearts forever, pledging "we will not bow before anyone." The funeral echoed with slogans like "Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka." Police suggest suspects fled to India, fueling diplomatic tensions. Hadi's death triggered violent nationwide protests, attacking media houses and resulting in Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das's lynching.

Utkarsh Amitabh, a 34-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur in the UK, earns approximately Rs 18,000 hourly training AI models as a side hustle. The founder-CEO of Network Capital began freelancing with micro1 in January 2025, making nearly Rs 2.6 crore including bonuses. With mechanical engineering credentials from Delhi College of Engineering, an Oxford philosophy master's, and six years at Microsoft on AI partnerships, Amitabh works 3.5 hours nightly after putting his daughter to bed. His role involves testing models with complex business problems, identifying AI confusion points, and reframing prompts. He emphasizes intellectual curiosity over money, stating the work aligns with his AI research interests while requiring immense attention to detail. (PC: LinkedIn)

Nine people were killed and ten injured after gunmen attacked a tavern in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg early Sunday morning. South African police reported approximately 12 unidentified assailants arrived in two cars at 01:00 local time, opened fire on patrons, and continued shooting randomly while fleeing. Authorities confirmed the tavern held a valid license and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The incident highlights South Africa's severe violence crisis, with the country recording one of the world's highest murder rates at 45 deaths per 100,000 people, according to 2023-24 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data. Police investigations continue as they pursue the suspects. (PC: X)

Pakistan reached 260/3 in 38 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final, with Sameer Minhas delivering an extraordinary 147* performance. Khilan Patel provided India's crucial breakthrough, dismissing Ahmed Hussain for 56 and ending a formidable 137-run partnership. Hussain dragged a ball straight to mid-on where captain Ayush Mhatre completed the catch. New batsman Farhan Yousaf immediately displayed aggression, pulling Patel for a six. Minhas continued his breathtaking innings, including a lofted backfoot punch through extra cover. Pakistan crossed 250 in the 37th over. Under new laws, the final 16 overs use one ball, potentially aiding India's bowlers as the softer ball requires more precision. (PC: X)