Croma has announced one of the most notable Apple deals of the 2025 shopping season, offering a major price drop on the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 during its Black Friday sale. The offer allows buyers to combine several discount components to bring the laptop’s effective price down from its retail tag of Rs 99,900 to Rs 55,911. This significant reduction is achieved through a mix of student and teacher pricing, bank cashback, and an exchange program that includes both bonus value and device-specific trade-in benefits.The deal gives customers multiple pathways to savings, depending on their eligibility. Those who meet all conditions can unlock the lowest price, while others can still access meaningful discounts through individual schemes. The sale highlights Croma’s Black Friday strategy and offers an opportunity for students, professionals, and Apple enthusiasts to buy the latest MacBook Air at one of its most competitive price points in India.The deal is available through Croma’s retail stores, official website, and Black Friday promotional channels. Customers can check their eligibility at the time of purchase and combine applicable offers during the sale period.

Apple MacBook Air M4 Black Friday offer on Croma: Key discount offers

Croma’s deal is built using several layered benefits, each contributing to the final reduced price. Customers can stack these offers to unlock the lowest possible amount.

Customers can trade in an old laptop or device to unlock more savings:

This combined exchange benefit can total up to Rs 23,000, further lowering the net payable price for buyers who have an eligible device to trade in.

How Apple MacBook Air M4 drops to Rs 55,911

When all discounts are combined:

Effective price: Rs 55,911

The final amount varies depending on customer eligibility. Those without an exchange device or bank offer may still access the academic discount, while those without academic verification can still benefit from bank and exchange options.

MacBook Air M4 specifications

The MacBook Air M4 continues Apple’s iconic thin-and-light design. Its compact aluminium frame makes it easy to carry for daily travel, office use, or academic work.

The laptop features a bright and sharp 13.6-inch screen suitable for reading, watching content, studying, and creative work.

The M4 chip allows the device to handle:

The chip is designed to balance performance and power efficiency.

The MacBook Air M4 maintains a fanless architecture. Even during heavier tasks, it continues running silently, which is useful in classrooms, libraries, meetings, and shared workspaces.The device offers all-day battery support, enabling extended use without frequent charging. This makes it suitable for students attending long sessions or professionals working through daily schedules.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction in New Delhi on Thursday opened up with a crackle and quickly turned into a blaze as Asha Sobhana became the first Malayali cricketer to breach the Rs 1-crore mark. In a pulsating, seesawing bidding war, the UP Warriorz snapped up the 34-year-old leg-spinner from Thiruvananthapuram for a staggering Rs 1.1 crore, capping one of the most dramatic tussles of the evening.The action began innocuously, after the Delhi Capitals kicked things off at the base price of Rs 30 lakh. But the tempo surged swiftly as Delhi and UP Warriorz traded bids up to Rs 55 lakh.

Delhi bowed out, only for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) — Asha’s former home franchise — to storm in at Rs 60 lakh, determined to reclaim the leggie who had helped power through their title charge in the 2024 season.But the Warriorz refused to blink. The bids climbed into uncharted territory, and when the hammer finally came down at Rs 1.1 crore, UP Warriorz had clinched one of the most compelling stories from Kerala at the auction.For Asha, the moment was surreal.“I was watching the auction at my home in Thiruvananthapuram, glued to the television,” she tells TOI. “I got nervous during the bidding war…very happy with the result.”The milestone is a natural culmination for the player built on persistence and doggedness.RCB had first signed Asha in the inaugural 2023 WPL season for just Rs 10 lakh — a modest sum for the bowler who went on to claim 12 wickets and finish joint second-highest wicket-taker. Her unforgettable five-wicket haul against the UP Warriorz remains one of the defining spells of that year. Incidentally, she is the only Indian to claim a five-for in the WPL.“It was against the Warriorz two seasons back that I bagged my first five-for in WPL, and now to play for them is incredible. Too many things happening at the moment,” she chuckles.The RCB contract came to her at the right time as she was toying with the idea of quitting the game because of the lack of recognition after toiling away in domestic cricket for over a decade.A die-hard fan of former Australian legspinner Stuart MacGill, Asha’s WPL heroics earned her a long-awaited India call-up in April last year for the Bangladesh tour, followed by her T20I debut in May.In October, she ticked off another dream, when she made her ICC T20 World Cup debut in Dubai, and started in India’s opener against New Zealand.But the journey has hardly been linear. A knee injury forced her out of the last WPL season and sidelined her for nearly a year.Far from dimming her spark, the layoff seemed only to sharpen her resolve. On her return to domestic cricket for Kerala, she struck immediately, delivering a Player-of-the-Match performance in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy game against Vidarbha last month.Her career has been as itinerant as it has been inspirational: stints with the Railways, Kerala, Pondicherry, and then back to Kerala, all while juggling her employment with the South Central Railways in Hyderabad.With the WPL beginning in January next year, Asha stands on the cusp of a luminous chapter — proof that perseverance, patience, and craft can script a heartwarming tale in Kerala cricket.

TOI Correspondent from Washington: Bluntly accusing the South African government of genocide of white people, US President Donald Trump said he would bar the country from attending the G-20 summit in Miami late next year, throwing the world’s main forum for international economic cooperation, of which India is a part, into turmoil.In an angry social media post, the US President, who boycotted the just concluded G-20 meet in Johannesburg, said he did not attend because the South African Government “refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human Right Abuses endured by Afrikaners, and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers.” “To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people, and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them,” he alleged. The narrative, mostly from a small minority of white nationalists in South Africa and US., has been widely debunked by independent observers amid acknowledgment that the country faces a law-and-order situation. The US President further maintained that South Africa “has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere,” and said he will “stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately.” U.S aid to Pretoria, mostly in the health sector, peaked at $ 564 million in 2024 before tailing off to a planned $ 103 million in 2025 amid deteriorating ties underscored by an Oval Office ambush of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa where Trump showed him a multimedia presentation of “white genocide.” Ramaphosa maintained that the farm attacks were part of broader crime affecting all races and the allegations Trump referenced was from a “small minority party” not reflective of government policy.Ramaphosa’s narrative was backed by golfing greats Ernie Els and Retief Goosen (brought in to appeal to Trump’s love of golf) and billionaire Johann Rupert (South Africa’s richest man) even as Trump surrogate Elon Musk, who has promoted the white genocide allegations, glowered over them. “I am sorry I don’t have a plane to give you,” Ramaphosa joked at one point during the meeting, referring to a story at that time about Trump receiving a jet from Qatar. “I wish you did,” the U.S President kidded back. But beyond the banter ties continued to sour, with Trump taking exception to what he claimed was South Africa’s refusal to hand off the G20 Presidency to a Senior Representative from the U.S. Embassy, who attended the closing ceremony in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa rejected the charges saying the “instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official,” amid doubts over whether the Miami event will take place at all given the growing fissures in global politics and the adversarial position the U.S has taken on several fronts.In a blistering rebuttal to Trump’s effort to evict South Africa from the G-20, Ramaphosa said the country is a member of the group “on its own name and right” and called on other member nations to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structure. “South Africa… does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms,” he lashed back. Legal and institutional norms surrounding the G20 cast serious doubt on the possibility and legitimacy of a unilateral ban on South Africa by Trump. The G20 is an informal, consensus-based forum without a binding charter or formal exclusion mechanism. No single member state — including the U.S — has the right to expel another, a fact that has been widely acknowledged in prior controversies, such as attempts to exclude Russia, where other members, including China, defended Russia’s status. The U.S is currently feuding with several other G-20 members including Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, with on-off spats with Russia, China, and India.

AMBALA: A devastating cylinder blast in Ambala’s Friends Colony on Thursday led to a massive fire, claiming lives of a 1.5-year-old boy and his 31-year-old mother, and leaving her 13-year-old daughter critically injured. The deceased were identified as Ekta and her son Priyans, while her daughter Tanushka is critically injured. Officials confirmed that the blaze intensified due to a large quantity of diesel stored inside the house, turning the incident into a major tragedy. Firefighters have since brought the fire under control, but the house was completely gutted.According to eyewitnesses, the house was being used for making

gachak

(sweet made of peanuts and jaggery), when a loud explosion shook the area. The impact triggered flames that shot high into the sky, fuelled by the diesel stored in drums. Neighbours reported seeing the house engulfed within minutes, and the fire quickly spread to an adjacent property before the blaze could be contained.Fire brigade teams rescued the three occupants trapped inside and rushed them to the Civil Hospital. Despite receiving medical care, the child and the woman succumbed to their injuries. The injured teenage girl was referred to a higher medical facility at PGI, Chandigarh for advanced treatment.Dr Aditi from the Civil Hospital, Ambala City confirmed the casualties, stating that the victims suffered severe burn injuries. “A 1.5-year-old child and a 32-year-old woman were brought dead. A 13-year-old girl has been referred due to critical condition,” she said.SDM Darshan Kumar, who reached the site, said preliminary findings indicate that the fire was caused by a cylinder blast. “An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause,” he noted.Fire brigade officials informed that four fire tenders were pressed into service. “We received information about a cylinder blast. Four vehicles were dispatched one after another, and the fire was brought under control. Three people trapped inside were rescued,” an officer said.Officials are continuing to probe the circumstances leading up to the blast and the large stock of diesel inside the residential premises.Investigation officer from Ambala City police station, Roshan, said that Priyansh and Ekta could not be saved while Tanushka is undergoing treatment. To a query about gachak unit being run in residential area, Roshan said the matter is being investigated.

Mumbai: After bagging the Dharavi slum redevlopment project, Adani Group is now part of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Rs 1,700-crore Mithi River Rejuvenation Project (Package 3). The contract will be carried out by Adani Transport in partnership with Ashoka Buildcon Limited and Akshaya Infraproject Pvt Ltd. The development has stirred yet another controversy with the Congress alleging the current “government is not of the Mahayuti, but of Adani.” The stretch of work, from the CST bridge at Kurla to Mahim where the river meets the Arabian Sea, focuses on critical flood-control measures. These include installing gate-pump assemblies at 18 outfalls, building a major sewerage pumping station—likely at Machhimar Colony near Mahim—and creating a dry-weather flow interceptor to divert sewage to the Dharavi treatment plant. The project also involves construction of sewer lines, service roads, and retaining walls. “The project includes installing gate-pump assemblies at multiple river outfalls so that during heavy rains, accumulated water can be pumped out and discharged back into the sea,” said a civic official. He added that all phases of the work stem from recommendations made by consultant Frischmann Prabhu, whom the BMC appointed in 2017 to propose short- and long-term pollution-control measures. After conducting a detailed survey, the consultant suggested four project packages aimed at diverting nearly 285 MLD of dry-weather discharge from the Mithi into the municipal sewer system.According to civic officials, the SPV initially quoted 7.7% above the base cost, which BMC negotiated down to 7.1%. However, this still means that the BMC would be paying more than it estimated as the project cost. Other bidders in the fray included Afcons and Hindustan Construction Company Limited (HCC).Officials said this package is among the final phases of the Mithi rejuvenation effort, and with the proposal now forwarded for administrative approval, work is expected to expedite next year — subject to environmental clearances. “This is a design, build, and operate project, which means that the contractor is expected to operate and maintain it for the next 10 years after construction works are completed,” said an official. The project’s duration is 48 months, excluding monsoons. The BMC had earlier also planned to construct a promenade under this phase of the work, which was later dropped as it was leading to a steep cost escalation.Sachin Sawant, secretary of the All India Congress Committee, in a post on social media X, said, “I raised allegations of corruption in the tender process for the Mithi River Package-3 around 1.5 months ago. This tender completely violated the guidelines of the Central Vigilance Commission. At that very time, I hinted that these manoeuvres were carried out to benefit an industrialist close to the BJP. Now it has become clear that this work has been awarded to the Adani company. From the very beginning, this tender was consistently postponed to ensure the work went to Adani.”The BMC and MMRDA have so far already spent over Rs 2,000 crores on the rejuvenation of the Mithi River, but the restoration of this vital waterway still remains incomplete. So far, at the head of the 18km river, near Filterpada, improvements are visible. Slums have been cleared for a retaining wall and service road that lets cleaning machines access the river. A sewer line has been laid to run sewage water to a new treatment plant at Powai, where the water is cleaned and discharged back upstream.

The shooting of two US National Guard soldiers near the White House is being investigated as an act of terrorism, FBI director Kash Patel said on Thursday. The confirmation came a day after the attack left both troops critically wounded, according to AFP.Patel told reporters, “It is an ongoing investigation of terrorism,” adding that multiple agencies were coordinating on the case.The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon a few blocks from the White House, close to the intersection of 17th Street NW and I Street NW, an area that includes the Eisenhower executive office building used by White House staff, US media reported.The White House, Main Treasury and Freedman’s Bank Building were placed under lockdown following the gunfire, according to USA Today and other outlets.President Donald Trump issued a statement saying the attacker would face severe consequences.“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen… is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” he said. He added: “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement… I… am with you!”

Suspect identified as Afghan national

Authorities have identified the accused as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US in 2021. He reportedly worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.A spokesperson for joint task force DC, Andrew Enriquez, said they were supporting local and federal responders. “We have a response under way right now… we’re not going to release details at the moment.”White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was monitoring developments. “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” she said.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction produced several headline-grabbing moments, but none bigger than veteran pacer Shikha Pandey’s sensational rise in value. The experienced campaigner, once considered past her prime in the eyes of selectors, stunned the cricketing world after UP Warriorz secured her services for an astounding price.

Shikha Pandey triggers fierce bidding war

The auction hall erupted into excitement as soon as Pandey’s name went up on the board. Starting at a modest base price of INR 40 lakh, the 36-year-old quickly became the centre of a heated contest between UP Warriorz (UPW) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Both franchises, keen on bolstering their bowling arsenal with an experienced seamer who brings control and composure under pressure, kept pushing the paddle with relentless intent. What began as a measured exchange soon transformed into a high-voltage tug-of-war, with the bid soaring past the 1-crore mark in minutes.

The intensity only grew as RCB momentarily took the lead at INR 2.2 crore, appearing poised to land the veteran. But UPW, armed with the biggest purse of the auction, made a decisive late surge — sealing the deal at INR 2.40 crore and leaving the room buzzing.

Also READ: Deepti Sharma emerges as the second most expensive player in WPL history

Second-most expensive Indian at the auction

Pandey’s mega signing elevated her to the position of the second-costliest Indian player of the day, just behind Deepti Sharma, who was retained through the Right to Match (RTM) card at a staggering INR 3.2 crore.

This outcome marks a remarkable turnaround for Pandey, who fetched only INR 60 lakh at the previous mega auction. Her exponential rise in value highlights the increasing demand for experienced Indian seamers in the WPL ecosystem, especially those who offer swing, discipline, and adaptability.

Here’s how fans reacted:

🚨 36 years old veteran Shikha Pandey went to UP Warriors for huge 2.40 crores!

– Getting paid 2.40 crores at age of 36.

– She has been a great player in WPL & WBBL.

RCB went for her till 2.20 crores. Dont know why Indian team ignored her for 2 yrs❤️🐐pic.twitter.com/x3nv8bskYv

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 27, 2025

Experience 🤝 Class

New threads for Shikha Pandey as she joins @UPWarriorz for a whopping INR 2.4 Crore 💛💜#TATAWPL | #TATAWPLAuction pic.twitter.com/nMvcWjsfvC

— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey becomes the third most expensive buy at the auction 💰
The veteran star goes to UP Warriorz 🎯#ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction pic.twitter.com/5hmSJp5iGy

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 27, 2025

Abhishek Nayar brings in Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin to UP Warriorz from the WPL Auction.

TKRW → Abhishek Nayar’s Mentorship touch in WPL! ❤👌 pic.twitter.com/EgNcUsP5eU

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) November 27, 2025

🚨 Shikha Pandey in UP Warriorz 🚨

Matches – 27 || Wickets – 30

She is 36 years old sold to Up Warriorz by 2.40 CR 🤯

2nd highest bid for Indian player in WPL 26 Auction..!! pic.twitter.com/ECaKe3KHFU

— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) November 27, 2025

2.40 cr for shikha pandey. SO SO DESERVING

— s (@_sectumsempra18) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey’s smile when she said “I’m so glad Meg Lanning is going to be there” 🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/bfHJrXtGyQ

— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍💻 (@lav_narayanan) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey becomes 4th most expensive player in WPL history with a 2.4 Cr bid from UPW#shikhapandey #WPLMegaAuction #WPL2026

— Ambika (@apmahapatra) November 27, 2025

• Wolvaardt to Delhi!
• UPW going all in! 💜Dottin ✅Sophie ✅Deepti ✅Kranti ✅Kiran ✅Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 Cr UPW building a powerhouse! #UPWarriorz • Lauren Bell → RCB 🔴
• Linsey Smith → RCB Another smart bowling addition. #WPLAuction
• Lizelle Lee to Delhi Capitals

— Samartha (@samartha_ggg) November 27, 2025

A big payday for Shikha Pandey! 💰 #WPLAuction #wpl2026 #UPWarriorz #Delhi #india pic.twitter.com/AL9VrumLPb

— devil (@manojchawla979) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey Sold :- 2.6Cr
Up Warrior #WPLAuction

— Cricnow (@CricketNew73688) November 27, 2025

🔥 Shikha Pandey → RCB ₹1.80 Cr (3rd most expensive)
RCB & UPW’s bidding war was EPIC! 💥 #ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction #WPL2026 #WPLAuction2026 pic.twitter.com/4IwnhewwTS

— Er.Rajiv (@Rajiv_siait) November 27, 2025

Shikha Pandey deserves all of this and more.

Great pick, UP! https://t.co/BbJyKxe4gE

— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) November 27, 2025

Also READ: Fans stunned as Australia captain Alyssa Healy goes unsold in WPL 2026 mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.