Passengers wait in queues at IndiGo airline’s counter at Kempegowda International Airport, in Bengaluru (Picture credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: IndiGo on Thursday said it will offer Rs 10,000 travel vouchers to passengers who were stranded for long hours during the widespread flight disruptions between December 3 and 5. The airline said the move aims to compensate customers affected by severe congestion at several airports after a large-scale crew shortage triggered delays and cancellations. The vouchers will remain valid for any IndiGo flight for the next 12 months.The airline said refunds for most cancelled flights have already been processed, while remaining transactions are expected to reflect soon. For bookings made through travel platforms, IndiGo said refund actions have begun and advised customers to write to customer.experience@goindigo.in if their contact details are incomplete in its system.In a detailed statement, IndiGo said: “Our foremost priority continues to be the care of our customers. As part of this, following the operational disruption, we have ensured that all necessary refunds for cancelled flights have been initiated, most of which have already reflected in your accounts, with the remainder following shortly.”

The airline added: “If the booking was made through a travel partner platform, the necessary actions for your refund have also been initiated. As we may not have your complete details in our system, we request you to write to us at customer.experience@goindigo.inso we can continue to assist you promptly.”IndiGo acknowledged that many passengers travelling on December 3, 4 and 5 were stranded for hours. “IndiGo regrettably acknowledges that part of our customers travelling on December 3/4/5 were stranded for many hours at certain airports and number of them were severely impacted due to congestion. We will offer travel vouchers worth Rs 10,000 to such severely impacted customers. These travel vouchers can be used for any future IndiGo journey for the next 12 months.“The airline said this is in addition to compensation mandated by government rules. “This compensation is in addition to the commitment under the existing Government guidelines as per which, IndiGo will provide compensation of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 depending on the block time of the flight, to those customers whose flights were cancelled within 24 hours of departure time.”IndiGo said it is working to restore the travel experience expected by passengers. “At IndiGo, we are committed to restoring the experience you expect from us safe, smooth, and reliable. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you again.”

Rupee versus dollar (AI image)

The Indian rupee tanked to a fresh record low on Thursday, going past the 90 mark versus the US dollar again. The rupee has been depreciating sharply this year, influenced by ongoing challenges on the India-US trade deal front and increased corporate dollar demands.The rupee declined to 90.4675 versus the US dollar, surpassing its previous historic low of 90.42 recorded on December 4.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reportedly stepped in on Thursday to prevent further depreciation of the rupee’s value, five traders were quoted as saying by Reuters.The rupee has declined over 5% against the dollar in 2025, ranking as the third-poorest performer amongst 31 primary currencies, with only the Turkish lira and Argentina’s peso showing greater losses. This downward trend is significant, coming at a time when the dollar’s strength measure has reduced by more than 7%.Several elements contribute to the rupee’s negative performance, including growing trade deficits, hefty 50% US tariffs on Indian goods, and outward foreign capital movement. The lack of successful negotiations with the Donald Trump administration has further weakened the currency’s position.The currency continues to experience pressure after falling past the crucial 90 mark, which is 50% of its 2011 value. This situation creates additional difficulties for RBI governor Sajay Malhotra and central bank officials in their efforts to maintain balance between rupee flexibility and market steadiness, while steering clear of past financial issues.India’s capital controls restrict the rupee’s convertibility, requiring RBI’s participation in both domestic and international markets for intervention. In global markets, rupee trading occurs primarily through non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), which are derivatives contracts setting exchange rates with dollar settlements.The RBI implements interventions via the Bank for International Settlements, working alongside selected major banks as trading partners in continuous markets operating across Singapore, Dubai and London.

What began as a trial during the closing games of the Australia tour now looks more like a direction. Jitesh Sharma’s selection ahead of Sanju Samson in the first T20I against South Africa offered a clear view of how the team management is shaping its plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup.The choice is hard to contest. With Shubman Gill back in the T20 setup, Samson has been pushed out of the top order and, since then, has found it tough to break into the playing XI. In that context, the think tank appears to have opted for a lower-order option who is used to finishing games rather than a top-order batter adjusting to a different role.

Jitesh, who sees finishing as his main job, is now in line to start at the World Cup unless his form dips drastically in the remaining series against South Africa and New Zealand. At this point, the wicketkeeping slot seems a straight contest between Jitesh and Samson, leaving little room for alternatives.Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta backed the call, saying, “It is the right call. If Sanju is not in top three and if the keeper is batting in the middle order you rather play a specialist, a lower order batter than a top order batter. It is not easy batting for two balls or four balls.”“Jitesh is a specialist in that regard,” Dasgupta was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.Looking ahead, Dasgupta added, “Nine games to go (before World Cup), I don’t see too many changes ahead of the T20 World Cup,” underlining the sense of stability in the current setup.Arsh or Kul: Only one deep can playThe team selection in Cuttack also highlighted another trade-off. If India want batting depth till No. 8, it becomes difficult to fit both Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav in the XI.During the Asia Cup in the UAE, Arshdeep, despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in the format, spent much of the time on the bench. He played three games in Australia and made his presence felt again against South Africa, drawing an edge with an outswinger. His skill to bowl at the death is undoubtedly a key asset for the Indian team in T20 cricket.His inclusion, though, came at the cost of Kuldeep, who had picked up wickets in the ODI series even with heavy dew.Dasgupta acknowledged the dilemma. “It is unfortunate (picking between Arshdeep and Kuldeep). The way Arshdeep is bowling (you have to pick him). He is the highest wicket-taker for you in the format,” he told PTI.“You would want to have both ideally but you can’t (with batting needed till 8),” he said.Broadly, the team looks settled heading into the World Cup, but there are areas to watch. Runs have not flowed from captain Suryakumar Yadav, and vice-captain Gill has also had a lean phase.On the senior batters, he added, “(on SKY and Gill) I would not say a concern but ideally you would want to see them get runs. Once you start thinking about runs, the chances are you won’t bat freely.“With Surya, it is not one series, we have not seen the best of him since he took over captaincy (last year).”

England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook may be barred from featuring in the IPL 2026 auction, but the 25-year-old is set to earn one of the biggest paydays of his franchise career after agreeing to a lucrative contract with Sunrisers Leeds – formerly Northern Superchargers – in The Hundred.

Sunrisers Leeds set to pay a whopping amount to Harry Brook

According to ESPNcricinfo, Brook has signed a deal worth around £470,000 (approx. ₹5.26 crore) ahead of the 2026 edition, making him one of the highest-paid players in the tournament’s new franchise era. Brook has been part of the Leeds-based side since 2021 and took over as captain in 2024, becoming their most prolific run-scorer in the competition.

Brook’s new deal comes in the first major signing window since the Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC), acquired a 100% stake in the franchise earlier this year. The group paid £100 million (₹1,092 crore approx.), prompting the ECB to rename Northern Superchargers as Sunrisers Leeds, expanding the brand’s global footprint.

The ECB’s decision in 2024 to allow private ownership and foreign investment triggered a structural overhaul of The Hundred, including the introduction of an IPL-style player auction from 2026. However, teams are allowed a round of direct signings before the auction – and Sunrisers Leeds moved swiftly to secure Brook as a marquee player for their long-term plans.

With the first Hundred Auction scheduled for March 2026, Brook’s signing gives Sunrisers Leeds a stable anchor as they prepare their squad for a fully market-driven system similar to the IPL.

Also READ: England pacer Mark Wood ruled out of the remaining Ashes 2025-26 vs Australia; replacement announced

Brook’s IPL fallout: From ₹6.25 crore contract to two-year ban

Brook’s handsome Sunrisers Leeds deal stands in contrast to his immediate IPL future, which has been halted due to a BCCI-imposed ban until 2028.

The England batter last played in the IPL in 2024 and was signed for ₹6.25 crore by Delhi Capitals (DC). However, he withdrew from the IPL 2025 season without citing injury or medical grounds – an action that angered multiple franchises.

Several teams wrote to the BCCI demanding stricter regulations after repeated pullouts by overseas stars threw squad planning into disarray. In response, the board introduced a new rule:

Any player who pulls out of the IPL after being bought – without a legitimate injury or health reason – or skips the mega auction deliberately – will face a suspension of 2 years before entering the auction pool.

As a result, Brook cannot register for the IPL in 2026 or 2027, ruling him out until the 2028 auction.

Also READ: 5 players Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday repeated his claim that Union home minister Amit Shah appeared ‘nervous’ and used ‘foul language’ during his Lok Sabha speech the previous day.Also Read | SIR row debate in Lok Sabha: Rahul Gandhi interrupts Amit Shah with ‘open challenge’; gets ‘I will decide’ reply “He (Shah) used foul language. His hands were trembling. Mentally, he is under pressure, and it was seen in Parliament. Whatever I had asked, he gave no replies and provided no proof. I challenged him openly to discuss over my press conferences, but nothing happened. Everyone now understands the reality,” Gandhi told reporters.During his Lok Sabha speech on electoral reforms, Shah clashed with Gandhi over the Congress leader’s repeated claims of vote chori’ (theft)” by the Election Commission and the ruling BJP.The Lok Sabha leader of opposition, who has held three press conferences on the issue, challenged the home minister to a debate based on those briefings. In response, Shah remarked that the “House will not function according to his (Gandhi’s) wishes.”The heated exchange erupted when Gandhi interjected during Shah’s address in the Lok Sabha on electoral reforms. Criticising the opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the senior BJP leader argued that he had responses to all their accusations, including those raised in Gandhi’s three press conferences.“In his press conference, the LoP claimed the voter list is flawed and needs correction. That is exactly what SIR is — a process to clean up the rolls. Yet he opposes it. Your defeat is certain; the voter list has nothing to do with it. Double standards won’t work in a democracy. When you win, the EC is great; when you lose, the EC is biased. I have answers to all these allegations — those three press conferences included,” Shah remarked.Gandhi then interrupted and challenged him to a debate. “Yesterday, I asked why Election Commissioners were given full immunity. We want to understand the reasoning behind it. He (Amit Shah) mentioned Haryana, but there are many other examples — including 19 lakh fake voters. Let’s debate my press conferences. Amit Shah ji, I challenge you to a debate on all three,” the Rae Bareli MP asserted.Shah responded that Gandhi could not dictate the order of his speech and should remain patient. “You cannot run Parliament through obstinacy. I will decide the order of my address. The House won’t function like this. He should be patient. I will respond to every point,” he countered.Opposition MPs walked out of the Lok Sabha during Shah’s reply to the discussion on electoral reforms.

KALYAN: The Kalyan Gayan Samaj, established in 1926 with the aim of promoting classical music, is celebrating its centenary year, and to mark the milestone, the organisation has arranged the Devgandharva Festival from December 12 to 14 at Atre Rangmandir in Kalyan. The festival will feature performances by stalwarts such as Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pt. Rakesh Chaurasia, and Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande.In the past 100 years, the Samaj has emerged as one of the most respected institutions in the Indian classical music fraternity. Its consistent work has strengthened Kalyan’s cultural identity. More than 1,000 programs have been organised so far, showcasing over 1,700 artists, while nearly 12,000 students have been trained through the Dinkar Sangeet Vidyalaya.The year 2025–26 is particularly special, bringing a “triple blessing” for the organisation. Alongside its centenary celebrations, the Dinkar Sangeet Vidyalaya enters its Sahasra-Chandradarshani (1,000 full moons) year, and the Devgandharva Festival steps into its silver jubilee edition.The Samaj’s platform has hosted almost all renowned classical musicians over the decades, while young artists continue to be encouraged through the “Unnat” series. The institution has also celebrated its five-year, silver, golden, and diamond jubilees with grand events.Retired Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte is heading the Centenary Committee. This year’s festival will also feature Talayatra, a rhythm concept by Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, along with the theatrical presentation Yayati Devyani by local artists.Currently, around 450 students are learning vocal, tabla, harmonium, flute, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and fine arts. The Samaj is also planning a new Art Complex in Khadakpada and a modern recording studio, while continuing its mission through lectures, demonstrations, and music competitions.

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L-R: India cricketers Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to take up a long-awaited revision of domestic match fees for women cricketers during the Apex Council meeting scheduled for December 22. The meeting, which will be held virtually, comes in the wake of India’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign and growing calls for stronger financial support for women competing in domestic tournaments.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!While pay parity exists at the international level, significant gaps remain in the domestic structure. With the women’s game gaining momentum, the BCCI is now poised to address the issue formally, with the proposal listed as a key agenda item.

Another major point of discussion will be the annual central contracts for the men’s team. Much attention will be on the grading of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom stepped away from Tests and T20Is over the past year and now play only ODI cricket. Their revised workload may prompt adjustments to their contract categories.In contrast, all-format players such as India captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja, and lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah are expected to feature in the A+ bracket, reflecting their central roles across formats.

The BCCI will also evaluate a proposal to revise match fees for umpires and match referees, a long-pending demand within the domestic circuit. An update on the board’s digital properties, which includes streaming rights, website upgrades, and fan-engagement platforms, is also slated for discussion.This will be the first Apex Council AGM since the recent administrative changes within the BCCI. Mithun Manhas took over as president in September, while Raghuram Bhatt assumed charge as treasurer. Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were appointed secretary and joint secretary, respectively, and Saurashtra Cricket Association chief Jaydev Shah joined as councillor.Apex Council Agenda (Key Items):