Nagpur: Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday slammed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying he was protecting his corrupt cabinet ministers. Uddhav said the Mahayuti govt is working only with the aim of contesting elections. “Every day, the corruption of some minister is being exposed. Their videos and photos are coming out. Still, the chief minister is silent. CM should now create a new department and keep its name ‘Shielding Department’. Seeing this, I feel sorry for the CM. He took all these corrupt people under his cover. What he was, what has he become?” Uddhav said.Uddhav also launched one of his sharpest attacks on Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing him of trying to overpower Maharashtra. He said, “Amit Shah is behaving like an anaconda that has wrapped itself around Maharashtra and is trying to swallow the state—especially Mumbai.”Speaking at Vidhan Bhavan during the fourth day of the winter session, Thackeray said the state must show “courage” and resist what he called the Centre’s “overreach.”Uddhav said Shah need not teach him Hindutva. Shah had recently accused the opposition parties of “appeasement” politics, criticising their move to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madras high court’s Madurai bench. He had expressed surprise that Shiv Sena (UBT) had also signed the petition along with other INDI bloc MPs. Uddhav also questioned the delay in appointing leaders of the opposition (LOp) in both the legislative assembly and the council, noting that the Sena (UBT) had proposed MLA Bhaskar Jadhav for the assembly LOp post months ago, but no progress has been made. He asked, “If the BJP-led Mahayuti government can name two deputy chief ministers, why is it not appointing LOps?”Uddhav raised concerns about financial aid for farmers affected by excessive rains. He said that last month, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that his ministry had not received any proposal from Maharashtra. Only in the last week of Nov did the state govt send a proposal to the Centre for assistance.“We want to know what the state govt has sent to the Centre, how much relief is demanded, and who will benefit. The details should be tabled in the legislature so people know whether the central govt will help,” Uddhav said. “Farmers are not receiving crop insurance benefits. The govt must discuss cultivator-related issues during the ongoing session.”Reacting to PM Narendra Modi accusing the Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru of ripping apart our national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Lok Sabha, Uddhav said the controversy over the Vande Mataram is an insult to the country’s national song. “Is this discussion really about stripping the clothes of the Sangh (RSS)? Shyama Prasad Mukherjee is a guru for BJP leaders. Many people consider him a role model. However, during the discussion on Vande Mataram, the PM has dared to expose many things about Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. No one is ready to talk about the demolition of an ancient Hindu temple to make way for the newly formed RSS office in Delhi. Home minister Amit Shah is covering it up. Therefore, those who went with the Muslim League and had no part in the freedom struggle, home minister Amit Shah, who had no part in the freedom struggle, do not need to teach me Hindutva,” Uddhav said.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive conversation, reaffirming bilateral cooperation and discussing regional and global issues. The call signals renewed engagement, with progress noted in most areas except trade, where US tariffs remain a point of contention. Both leaders emphasized continued collaboration for global peace and prosperity.

NEW DELHI: Amidst ongoing efforts by India and the US to finalise a bilateral trade deal, PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump spoke on Thursday, reaffirming their shared commitment to carrying forward bilateral cooperation while also discussing regional and global issues.The conversation came within a week of Modi’s summit with Russian President Putin and in the middle of renewed efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the back of Trump’s peace plan.The two sides are looking to arrive at a common understanding on issues amid indications that US is still seeking access for its farm products like corn and soybean, among other issues. The two sides have been in talks for a bilateral trade pact since March.“Had very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi posted on X.PM-Trump call signals greater India-US willingness to engagePM Modi is learnt to have reiterated India’s position that it will support all international efforts for peace. “Modi and Trump reviewed the steady progress in India-US bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments,” said an Indian readout. This was the first conversation between the two since they had a call days after Diwali.Thursday’s telephonic conversation signals a greater willingness on both sides to engage as there has been progress in most areas, barring trade, for which Trump has imposed 50% import duty on Indian products, comprising 25% reciprocal tariff and another 25% secondary tariffs for purchasing Russian oil and defence equipment.The move has hit several Indian exports, including textiles, leather, gems and jewellery and shrimps. While negotiators from the two sides have been engaging in a dialogue to resolve the issue, the Trump administration is yet to ease the tariffs, despite an acknowledgment by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the offer on the table is the best received so far.The conversation follows recent efforts by both sides to revive bilateral engagements after the trade-related impasse. US also joined India and other Quad nations in condemning the Red Fort terror incident in a Quad counter-terrorism dialogue. Both sides also separately held their own terrorism dialogue.India and US held foreign office consultations this week with a focus on key bilateral issues, including trade and investment, defence, the TRUST initiative for cooperation in critical technologies, energy, including civil nuclear collaboration, and critical minerals.According to US, the meeting was an opportunity to translate President Trump and PM Modi’s vision from their Feb meeting this year into “concrete progress that enhances US security, jobs and competitiveness, while supporting India’s long-term goals”.“The Under Secretary emphasised US’ aim to deepen cooperation in defense, energy, technology, space, and trusted supply chains and the value of US-India cooperation that fuels US innovation while supporting India’s rise as a global technology leader,” a US embassy spokesperson said.While the US statement did not mention the Indo-Pacific, an Indian readout said that the discussions also covered regional and global developments of mutual interest, with both sides underscoring their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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NEW DELHI: More than nine months pregnant now, and visibly exhausted, Sunali Khatun’s voice carried a strange mix of tired resolve and simmering anger when she spoke to TOI on Thursday. “I’m tired from inside. The worst part is that despite showing all documents, no one listened to us,” she said, fighting back tears.The 26-year-old domestic worker from Paikar village in West Bengal’s Birbhum district was detained during an identity verification drive in Delhi’s Rohini in late June this year. Sunali said she and her husband, Danish Sekh, immediately produced every document they had – Aadhaar, PAN and ration card. “I even quickly presented my in-laws’ ID proofs arranged over WhatsApp the same night.” Nothing worked.

Why will we run away from own country: Sunali

We did everything in our power,” Sunali said. “We showed every single document. We kept telling them, ‘We are not Bangladeshi. We are Indian.’ Who will listen to people like us?”Within 48 hours, on June 26, after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office deportation order, police seized the couple’s belongings from their Rohini jhuggi and took them and their eight-year-old son, Sabir Sekh, to Guwahati. From there, she said, they were pushed across the Bangladesh border in hot haste.The deportation was sudden and unexpected for the couple and their families back in West Bengal. For the next five months, Sunali was trapped in a maze of suspicion. What followed, she says, “broke something inside her.”After filing a missing-person complaint at his local Palkar police station on 6 July 2025, Sunali’s father, Bhodu Sekh, moved the Calcutta HC three days later. On 9 July 2025, his habeas corpus petition seeking production of his daughter, son-in-law and grandson was registered.With no information from authorities & fearing his heavily pregnant daughter might be left to deliver without medical help in an unknown country, Bhodu filed pleading for urgent intervention. In his petition, he, too, said family had supplied Aadhaar, voter IDs, PAN cards and land records to show their Indian roots, yet authorities deported them.Back in Bangladesh, the time there for Sunali and her family were a blur of hunger, fear and humiliation. “We remained in hell. We didn’t even have Rs 5 to feed our children,” she said. “We had a single set of clothes, my yellow kurta and blue salwar. My son his red T-shirt and black half-pants. For food & shelter, there was the mercy of strangers.”When they initially attempted to return a few days after entering Bangladesh, she says the Indian side beat them brutally despite their pleas. “We were profiled simply because we were Bengali-speaking Muslims.”When produced before a Bangladeshi court, Sunali says she expected questions about who they were, how they crossed, why they were there. But it was over in minutes. “They didn’t ask us anything, just put us in jail,” she said. “Humne sirf bola hum Bharat ke hain. Documents hote hue koi kyun bhejega? Wo log bhi hairaan thhe. (We only said in court there that we are from India. Why will we run away from our own country when we possess valid papers. They, too, were surprised).” Sunali described the months in the jail as “mental torture”. Though she is home for now, Sunali says her heart is heavy with fear & foreboding. “Are there any other documents we can get? What if we are shoved out again? I can’t sleep thinking about that.”

Visakhapatnam: India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal with teammate Virat Kohli (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

MUMBAI: A mouth-watering contest between two of India’s leading players — opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and premier pacer Mohammed Siraj — is set to light up the Mumbai-Hyderabad clash as both teams begin their campaigns in the knockout stage (to be played in a Super Four format) of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, on Friday.Mumbai will be buoyed by the presence of Jaiswal, who smashed his maiden, match-winning ODI century (116 not out off 89 balls) against South Africa in the third and final ODI at Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

Siraj, who was rested from the white-ball leg of South Africa’s ongoing tour of India after featuring in all four home Tests this season, will meanwhile be keen to underline his value in the T20 format. The 31-year-old played Hyderabad’s final league match of SMAT, taking 1 for 15 in four overs against Uttar Pradesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, to play a key role in his side’s three-wicket win.Jaiswal, who joined the squad on Thursday, has replaced young opener Ayush Mhatre, currently leading the India Under-19 team in the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, in the Mumbai side. Mhatre had struck two centuries in the SMAT league stage. Siraj, it is learnt, travelled to Pune from Hyderabad on Thursday and is expected to feature in Friday’s match.Both Mumbai and Hyderabad qualified for the knockouts in style. Mumbai topped Elite Group A with six wins in seven matches to finish with 24 points, while Hyderabad registered five wins in seven games to top Elite Group B with 20 points.The Mumbai-Hyderabad match will begin at 4:30 pm and will be streamed live on JioHotstar.Mumbai will face Haryana in their second Super Four match at the Dr DY Patil Academy ground in Ambi on December 14, before taking on Rajasthan on December 16 at Gahunje in their final Super Four fixture. The final will be played on December 18.

Maya Angelou, born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an extraordinary poet, author, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist whose influence transcended generations. From her earliest years, she faced immense hardships, including a tumultuous childhood and periods of silence due to trauma. Yet, she transformed her personal struggles into powerful expressions of art and literature, making her one of the most celebrated voices in American history. Her works resonate with themes of resilience, identity, love, and justice, inspiring millions across the globe.Over her lifetime, Angelou embraced many roles; she was a performer on stage and screen, a prolific writer, and a mentor to countless young artists. Her autobiographical series, beginning with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, established her as a literary icon, offering readers profound insights into the human experience. Beyond literature, Angelou was a formidable public speaker and activist, advocating for civil rights. Her wisdom, conveyed through both words and deeds, continues to leave a lasting legacy of courage, creativity, and hope.Today’s quote of the day — “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you,” — is widely attributed to Maya Angelou.

Meaning of this quote

This quote emphasises the importance of passion as the driving force behind mastery. When people focus on work they genuinely love, their dedication, creativity, and commitment naturally grow. Success, in this sense, is not measured solely by material gain but by the level of excellence achieved and the satisfaction derived from the pursuit itself. Angelou’s words remind us that true accomplishment is a product of devotion, practice, and authenticity rather than external validation or monetary incentives.Moreover, this quote highlights the idea of standing out through excellence. By immersing oneself fully in what they love and striving to excel, individuals naturally attract recognition and respect. This approach encourages personal growth, innovation, and long-term achievement, creating a life filled with purpose and impact. It suggests that the pursuit of passion, rather than profit, ultimately leads to a richer, more meaningful experience for both the individual and those influenced by their work.The wisdom of Maya Angelou is still inspiring and encourages people around the world to follow their passion and pursue it with complete commitment. Her quote is a great wake-up call that accomplishment and fulfillment do not involve money and making a fortune, but loving what you do and working hard to perform it brilliantly. Through this philosophy, people can live happy, meaningful lives, which sounds very close to the legacy of Maya Angelou herself, guiding us to embrace our passions with heart, intention, and unwavering dedication – creating lives rooted in purpose, joy, and the courage to shine through our truest gifts, ultimately becoming the best versions of ourselves.Also See: Quote of the day by Richard Simmons: “No one is perfect… absolutely no one. Like precious stones, we have…”

Mumbai: While girls make the majority of students in most health science courses across the state, MBBS admissions continue to lean slightly in favour of boys, who secured 53% of the seats this year. The representation of girls in the state’s top 100 ranks also fell to a six-year low, with less than 30 making the list. This trend persists despite the fact that, at the national level, more girls traditionally register for and qualify in NEET-UG. In other health science courses such as dental, Ayurveda, and homeopathy, girls consistently make up for 60-70% of admissions each year.Data from the state’s CET cell, based on this year’s MBBS admissions, show that girls make up for 47% of the total 8,535 seats in the state. Last year, too, the numbers were similar. In fact, data from the past seven years show that girls’ representation has hovered between 42% and 47%, with boys consistently securing a larger share of the MBBS seats.In contrast, last year’s dental admissions data show that girls secured three-fourths of the seats filled in the state. In Ayurveda courses as well, over 60% of the seats were taken by female students. Nationally, women make up nearly 60% of the total candidates who register for and qualify in NEET-UG for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other health science courses.However, despite this strong overall representation, girls continue to fall short when it comes to securing top ranks. This year, only 25 of the top 100 students in the state merit list were girls, compared to 33 last year, and 46 in the 2023-24 session. Nationally, too, only 15 girls made it to the top 100.Dr Pravin Shingare, former director of the state’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research, said there could be multiple reasons why boys are currently securing more MBBS seats and higher ranks. “It is possible that parents are spending more on coaching for boys compared to girls. But there also was a time when the situation was reversed, girls made up more than 50% of medical students. In fact, some parents even demanded that the 30% quota for girls be scrapped, but it was rejected because such a revision could not be implemented for MBBS alone. Another factor is the long duration of medical education. Earlier, even an MBBS graduate could enjoy job stability. Now, the degree holds limited value. Even an MD or MS is no longer sufficient, and a super-specialisation is becoming important. Girls, therefore, could be also more inclined towards pursuing technical courses,” said Dr Shingare.

South Africa produced a commanding performance in the second T20I against India, defeating the hosts by 51 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. After being put in to bat, the visitors powered their way to a formidable total before their bowlers dismantled India’s chase with discipline and sustained pressure.

Quinton de Kock leads South Africa to a formidable total

Opting to bowl first, India were immediately put under pressure as Quinton de Kock unleashed a spectacular assault. The left-hander hammered 90 off just 46 balls, striking five fours and seven sixes, and dominated India’s attack with his clean ball-striking, mainly targeting the deep square-leg region. Though India managed early success with Reeza Hendricks falling for 8, de Kock’s fluency kept the innings moving briskly.

Aiden Markram chipped in with a steady 29 off 26, while Dewald Brevis added a quick 14. The finishing touch came from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed 30 off 16, and David Miller, who contributed 20 off 12, helping South Africa post an imposing 213/4. Varun Chakaravarthy stood out with the ball, claiming 2/29, while Axar Patel took one wicket. However, India’s pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, proved expensive as they conceded 54 and 45 runs respectively.

India falter in steep chase despite Tilak Varma’s brilliance

Chasing 214, India needed a fast start but were rocked early when Shubman Gill departed for a golden duck. Abhishek Sharma provided a brief spark with 17 off 8, but the middle order struggled to stitch meaningful partnerships. Captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 5, leaving India reeling in the powerplay.

Tilak Varma was the lone bright spot, crafting an outstanding 62 off 34 deliveries, striking five sixes and giving India hope of reviving the chase. Jitesh Sharma added a brisk 27 off 17, but regular wickets at the other end halted any momentum. Hardik Pandya managed 20, while the lower order crumbled quickly, resulting in India being bundled out for 162 in 19.1 overs.

Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir gets furious as Arshdeep Singh bowls 7 wides in one over during 2nd T20I – IND vs SA

Ottniel Baartman’s four wicket burst seals the contest

South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans superbly, with Ottniel Baartman emerging as the star of the innings. The pacer delivered a stunning spell of 4/24, breaking the back of India’s chase. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi supported him well with two wickets each, while Lutho Sipamla also chipped in with key breakthroughs. Despite a strong crowd and India’s reputation for chasing, the visitors maintained control throughout, denying the hosts any sustained momentum. With this emphatic 51 run win, South Africa bounced back strongly to square the series.

Here’s how fans reacted:

WELL PLAYED, QUINTON DE KOCK. 🔥

– 90 (46) against India in the 2nd T20i, missed out on a very well deserving hundred. pic.twitter.com/e62W5yLfWU

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 11, 2025

𝗩𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻 with another classy half-century 🔥

[Quinton de Kock | IND vs SA | Play With Fire] pic.twitter.com/zItBwHrm6j

— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) December 11, 2025

Quinton De Kock today he was batting not for his country. Bro is on a mission 💀 pic.twitter.com/EDhD4Uvnch

— Dev (@refocus21) December 11, 2025

This is the Baartman we came to know and love!! We saw his quality tonight, excellent T20 bowler!! Well done Ottas (4-24) 👏🔥

Just a message to the coach & selectors, please dont now mess with his confidence by “rotating” him next game, I beg 🙏#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EiKhbWTrX3

— Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) December 11, 2025

Fantastic work by Ottneil Baartman today, who finishes with figures of 4/24 in his 4 overs.

Economical and incisive ⭐

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) December 11, 2025

India 🇮🇳 vs South Africa 🇿🇦
South Africa beat India by 51 Runs. South Africa levels the series 1-1 . Ottneil Baartman took 4 wickets , Marco Jansen, Lungi Nigidi and Lutho Sipamla took 2 wickets each

— Shivansh rajpal (@RajpalShiv46534) December 11, 2025

Ottneil Baartman hit the jackpot.
3 wickets in a single over.#INDvSA

— Sukumaran BP (@BpSukumaran) December 11, 2025

Ottneil Baartman ne wickets ki jhadi lga di #INDvSA #INDvsSA

— Sharma (@panditrockss) December 11, 2025

Quinton de Kock is the player of the match for his 2 catches n 90 runs .. He just proved his worth for fastest cricket.. IPL Frenchise must have a look

— ¥0 m@n! (@maniwinz) December 11, 2025

South Africa vs India batting today felt like a copy–paste template.
Tilak Varma literally playing the Quinton de Kock role, and baaki sab players bhi dono teams mein almost same pattern follow kar rahe.#INDvSA #TilakVerma #ShubhmamGill #SuryakumarYadav #JaspritBumrah…

— sagar // unserious (@unserioussagar) December 11, 2025

Quinton de Kock batting at 195 SR right before the IPL auction, subtle. Man is basically sending franchises a pre bid remind 😂🙌 #INDvsSA #IPL2026 #IPLAuction #SAvsIND

— Op (@Opr0007) December 11, 2025

Quinton de kock

Is a CLUTCH. !!!! 🐐 #INDvsSA #T20I

— Rohit Jagtap (@iRohit97) December 11, 2025

Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Varun Chakaravarthy castles Reeza Hendricks with a stunning carrom ball in 2nd T20I

Mexico’s Senate approved a bill imposing 5-50% tariffs on over 1,400 Asian products, including India’s, starting next year. This move, targeting China’s massive output, could significantly impact India’s automotive and auto parts exports, valued at $1.1 billion. The tariffs aim to boost Mexican revenue and potentially ease US trade pressure.

Mexico’s Senate Wednesday voted in favour of a bill that imposes tariffs of 5% to 50% on over 1,400 products from Asian nations, including India. The levies will take effect from next year and hit products ranging from clothing to auto parts, with the massive output of Chinese factories emerging as the legislation’s focus.

Exports Of Auto, Components, Among Others Will Be Hit

For India, which has a trade surplus with Mexico, this could be bad news for automobiles and auto parts. Annual exports of firms such as Volkswagen, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki added up to around $1.1bn with 90,000 units being shipped. Two-wheeler brands like Royal Enfield, TVS, Bajaj and Honda may also be hit.

Mexico’s decision to impose 5-50% tariffs to affect India

After the US, now Mexico is erecting tariff barriers for countries with which it does not have a trade agreement, including India.Mexico’s Senate on Wednesday voted in favour of a bill that imposes tariffs between 5% and 50% on more than 1,400 products from Asian nations, Bloomberg reported. The new levies will take effect starting next year and hit a wide range of products from clothing to metals and auto parts, with the massive output of Chinese factories emerging as the legislation’s focus.For India, which has a trade surplus with Mexico, the move could be bad news for automobiles and auto parts. Companies such as Volkswagen, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, whose exports added up to around $1.1 billion in 2024-25, shipments of around 90,000 units may be hit.“India has been a strong export base for Skoda Auto Volkswagen for many years and that continues to guide how we build and engineer cars for global markets… Mexico has consistently been one of our important export markets, given rising demand there and traction of India-made models. We are monitoring the situation. For the moment, we have come to the conclusion that our business activities are not affected,” Skoda Auto Volkswagen said.Two-wheeler brands such as Royal Enfield, TVS, Bajaj and Honda are also understood to be exporting to the Latin American country. Besides, component exports to Mexico were estimated at around $850 million in 2024-25 and some of these were used by companies to manufacture vehicles headed to the US.“India’s auto component exports to Mexico largely comprise powertrain and driveline parts, precision forgings, chassis and brake systems, and key electrical and after-market products. There is a strong demand, especially for forgings and precision machined components,” Auto Component Manufacturers Association director general Vinnie Mehta told TOI.While higher taxes will yield around $2.8 billion revenue for the Mexican govt, it is seen to have facing US President Donald Trump’s pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to reduce imports from China.“…(It) is a signal of deepening global trade tensions, closely linked to future bilateral agreements. This is likely to disrupt established supply chains that used Mexico as a base to push exports into US … sectors such as auto components, textile, and engineering goods are likely to be impacted by these tariffs. The new Mexico tariffs ranging from 35% to 50% on these products will make Indian exports through the countries with US FTA more cost-competitive if Indian is able to conclude long-term bilateral agreements with those nations,” said Saurabh Agarwal, tax partner at EY India.