MUMBAI: In an open area within the women’s section of the Thane Central Prison, a makeshift stage appeared on Friday morning. A group of social workers carefully placed a cradle on the stage, decorating it with balloons, fresh flowers, and leaves. Around 11.30am, over a hundred women inmates gathered to watch a young mother carry her infant daughter on to the stage. As her friends sang ‘Zulava Palna Bal Shivaji Cha,’ a traditional song sung during naming ceremonies in Maharashtra, the mother leaned in to whisper a name into her baby girl’s ear. Teary eyes and wide smiles marked the first naming ceremony ever held within the prison complex.The Thane Central Prison currently houses about 140 women undertrials, representing roughly 4% of its 3,140 total prisoners. Children up to the age of six are permitted to stay with their mothers. About three years ago, prison authorities in Maharashtra green-signalled establishing day-care centres for children of female prisoners as well as prison staffers’ kids. The creches, called Nanhe Kadam, run by a foundation in seven prisons offer learning opportunities and a space for children to step outside the confines of the lock-up, within the larger prison complex. “We are here to provide care and support for the women inmates and their children,” said Rachna Narwekar whose foundation runs Nanhe Kadam and organised the naming ceremony.In the days leading up to the event, the young mother’s friends diligently wrote down and practised traditional Marathi songs for the big day. On Friday, they sang as the prison superintendent joined the mother to place her baby in the cradle. After the child’s name was whispered into her ear, the mother burst a balloon, revealing the name written on a chart for all to see.“She was overjoyed and a bit emotional,” Narwekar said. Then came the treats— cupcakes from the prison bakery for inmates and staff. The mother and baby received a hamper filled with essentials: clothes, shampoo, oil, cloth nappies and towels. Social workers carefully guided the mother on how to look after her baby. Prison Superintendent Rani Bhosle said the ceremony was one of many initiatives taken for inmates.“The prison offers vocational skills training in baking, tailoring, embroidery, jewelry making, and hair styling, besides imparting lessons in Kathak and soon, singing lessons. The lessons are designed to ensure the women can be independent upon their release,” Bhosle said.

A California jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $40 million to two women who claimed its talc-based baby powder caused their ovarian cancer. The women testified that decades of use led to major surgeries and chemotherapy. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal, stating the verdict is aberrant and lacks evidence.

A California jury on Friday ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $40 million to two women who said decades of using the company’s talc-based baby powder led to their ovarian cancer.Kent was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2014, and Schultz was diagnosed in 2018. Both California residents said they used J&J’s baby powder after bathing for 40 years. Their treatments involved major surgeries and dozens of rounds of chemotherapy, they testified at the trial, Reuters reported.In closing arguments viewed on Courtroom View Network, Andy Birchfield, an attorney for the women, told the jury, “Absolutely they knew, they knew and they were doing everything they could to hide it, to bury the truth about the dangers.”Allison Brown, an attorney for Johnson & Johnson, said, “They don’t have the evidence in this case, and they hope you don’t mind.” She argued that no major US health authority backs the alleged connection and no study shows talc can migrate from the outside of the body to the reproductive organs.Erik Haas, Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide vice president of litigation, said in a statement the company plans to “immediately appeal this verdict and expect to prevail as we typically do with aberrant adverse verdicts.”Johnson & Johnson is facing lawsuits from more than 67,000 plaintiffs who say they were diagnosed with cancer after using its baby powder and other talc products, according to court filings. The company says its products are safe, do not contain asbestos and do not cause cancer. J&J stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the US in 2020, switching to a cornstarch product.J&J has sought to resolve the litigation through bankruptcy, a proposal rejected three times by federal courts, most recently in April. The bankruptcies had put most cases on hold. Brown and Kent’s cases are the first to go to trial since the latest Chapter 11 attempt was dismissed.Before the bankruptcy attempts, J&J had a mixed record in talc trials, with verdicts as high as $4.69 billion awarded to women who said baby powder caused their ovarian cancer. The company has won some trials outright and had other verdicts reduced on appeal.The majority of lawsuits involve ovarian cancer claims. Cases alleging talc caused a rare and deadly cancer called mesothelioma make up a smaller portion of the claims J&J is facing. The company previously settled some of those claims but has not struck a nationwide settlement, so many lawsuits over mesothelioma have proceeded to trial in state courts in recent months. In the past year, J&J has been hit with several substantial verdicts in mesothelioma cases, including one for more than $900 million in Los Angeles in October.

NEW DELHI: IndiGo troubles are having a ripple effect on India’s big airlines. Air India group’s attempt to fish in the budget carrier’s troubled waters by coming out with an ad for experienced Airbus A320 captains has created anxiety within the former’s ranks, especially of Air India Express. The reason: AI Express’ under-utilised A320 pilots fear a swelling of their ranks will lead to a further decline in their flying hours and affect their pay adversely. Close to 100 pilots have so far written to the management of Tata Group’s low cost carrier (LCC) so far to oppose the proposed induction. IndiGo is the worlds’s largest operator of the A320 family of planes.AI Express currently has a fleet of 110 aircraft of which 76 are Boeing 737s and remaining 34 are A320 family planes of Air India and AirAsia India. At least 10 of these A320 will be returned to lessors early next year. While the airline will induct more A320s, but the time lag in doing so will mean few flying hours — or getting the bare minimum 40 hours’ flying allowance.During Covid, erstwhile AirAsia India had reduced the fixed hour payment contract of pilots from 70 to 40 hours. Subsequently Air India also reduced the fixed hours. Only erstwhile Vistara did not do that while going in for a pay cut. IndiGo recently shifted to 50-hour fixed contracts for new junior first officers (JFOs), a reduction from the previous 70-hour standard. Fixed hours contract ensure pilots will get paid for a minimum of certain hours in case the actual flying is less. “The management pilots rolling out such policies enjoyed 70-hour protection,” said multiple pilots.AI Express, which has about 1,600 pilots, has its A320 aviators up in arms. “We’ve consistently been informed over the past year that the group is surplus on A320 captains, which has also been the basis for maintaining the 40-hour contract and declining the requested 70-hour contract… please clarify the reason for initiating recruitment now,” the letters say.“Many LCC A320 captains are currently flying 40 hours or less. Why proceed with external recruitment when internal utilisation remains low?.. With multiple recent resignations across the A320 fleet, including several close friends & long-serving colleagues…is there a plan to prioritise retention or re-engagement before hiring externally?.. Won’t any additional recruitment at this stage further impact existing captains’ ability to achieve the contractually assumed cost to company based on 70 hours of flying? Many of us are yet to achieve this since the October 2024 merger,” they say, while asking AI Express to ease “the fears and concerns currently prevailing amongst the AIX A320 pilot cohort.”

The WBBL|11 season is set for a blockbuster finish as table-toppers Hobart Hurricanes Women lock horns with a high-flying Perth Scorchers Women outfit in the grand final at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. The Hurricanes, enjoying their best-ever campaign, secured a direct entry into the final, while the Scorchers earned their place the hard way—clinching victories in both the Knockout and Challenger. With form, momentum and star power on both sides, fans can expect a gripping finale.

Clash of momentum vs consistency

Hobart Hurricanes have combined stability with depth throughout the season, finishing at the summit for the first time in their history. Perth Scorchers, however, enter the title clash with red-hot momentum, having stitched together four consecutive wins at the business end of the tournament. This final will test whether Hurricanes’ rest and rhythm can outclass Scorchers’ surge of confidence.

Key players to watch out for in WBBL|11 final

Hobart Hurricanes

Danielle Wyatt-Hodge – Batter

Wyatt-Hodge has been the heartbeat of Hurricanes’ batting unit with 416 runs this season, including a pivotal 71 in their last outing. Her partnership with Lizelle Lee at the top will be crucial, especially against Perth’s fiery new-ball attack. If she gets going early, the Hurricanes can dictate the pace of the contest.

Nat Sciver-Brunt – All-rounder

A proven match-winner, Sciver-Brunt has contributed 170 runs and picked up six wickets, making her a dual-threat. Her knack for producing breakthroughs during the Power Surge and her ability to stabilise an innings make her a vital figure in the middle overs.

Molly Strano – Off-spinner

Strano enters the final in terrific form after a five-wicket haul in her last match. With an outstanding record of 25 career wickets at Bellerive Oval, she is expected to exploit the turning conditions. Her battle against Perth’s aggressive middle order could shape the match.

Also READ: Perth Scorchers secure WBBL|11 final spot as Beth Mooney and Alana King star in Challenger win over Sydney Sixers

Perth Scorchers

Beth Mooney – Wicket-keeper-batter

The leading run-scorer of WBBL|11 with 516 runs, Mooney is arguably the biggest threat in this final. Her 76 off 44 balls in the Challenger showcased her big-match temperament. With three 50-plus scores in her last four outings against Hurricanes, Mooney will be the pillar around which Perth build their innings.

Alana King – Leg-spinner

Despite carrying a fractured finger, King delivered a stunning 3-17 in the Challenger. Her control and bravery make her indispensable in the middle overs, and her contest with Hurricanes’ batting core promises to be a defining chapter of the final.

Chloe Ainsworth – Pacer

Ainsworth has developed a reputation for delivering clutch breakthroughs, including the prized wicket of Alyssa Healy in the Challenger. Her impact with the new ball and during the Power Surge will be critical in disrupting the Hurricanes’ top order.

Squads for the summit clash

Hobart Hurricanes: Lizelle Lee (wk), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nicola Carey, Elyse Villani (c), Heather Graham, Rachel Trenaman, Hayley Silver-holmes, Molly Strano, Lauren Smith, Linsey Smith, Kathryn Bryce, Amy Smith, Ruth Johnston, Callie Wilson, Isabella Malgioglio.

Perth Scorchers: Katie Mack, Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine (c), Paige Scholfield, Maddy Darke, Freya Kemp, Alana King, Chloe Ainsworth, Lilly Mills, Ruby Strange, Amy Edgar, Chloe Piparo, Mikayla Hinkley, Ebony Hoskin, Shay Manolini.

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s remarks on ‘feeling low’ returns after her wedding setback with Palash Muchhal

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

A coalition of 20 US states, led by California, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a new $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas, arguing that the move is unlawful and threatens access to essential public services such as healthcare and education.The legal challenge, announced by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, targets a policy introduced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a presidential proclamation issued in September. The fee applies to all new H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, and represents an unprecedented increase from the existing charges, which typically range from under $1,000 to around $7,500.

In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump administration has exceeded its authority by imposing a fee far beyond what Congress has authorised. They say the policy violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by bypassing mandatory notice-and-comment rulemaking and by setting a charge unrelated to the actual cost of processing visa applications.

Bonta said the measure runs counter to the purpose of the H-1B programme, which allows US employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. These include doctors, nurses, researchers, teachers and engineers.“California knows that when skilled talent from around the world joins our workforce, it drives our state forward,” Bonta said, warning that the fee would place “illegal financial burdens” on public employers and worsen existing labour shortages.The coalition, which includes states such as New York, Illinois, Washington and Massachusetts, is seeking to block the policy and have it declared unconstitutional.

Impact on schools, hospitals and public services

The states argue that the fee will hit public sector and non-profit employers hardest, particularly schools, universities and hospitals, many of which are exempt from the annual H-1B cap of 65,000 visas. These institutions, they say, cannot absorb an additional $100,000 cost per hire without cutting services or diverting funds from other programmes.The lawsuit highlights the scale of existing shortages. During the 2024–25 school year, nearly three-quarters of US school districts reported difficulties filling teaching posts, especially in special education, science and bilingual education. Educators are among the largest occupational groups using H-1B visas, with tens of thousands employed across the country.Healthcare is another major concern. In the 2024 fiscal year, almost 17,000 H-1B visas were issued for medical and health occupations, including physicians and surgeons. The US is projected to face a shortfall of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, a gap that is already acute in rural and low-income areas, including parts of California.

Trump tightens grip on H-1B visas with higher fees, deeper vetting

The Trump administration has sharpened its focus on the H-1B visa programme as part of a broader immigration crackdown, signalling tougher scrutiny, higher costs and expanded data collection. A new proposal seeks five years of social media history from all visitors to the US, including those from visa-waiver countries such as the UK, Japan and Australia. While not yet final, the measure reflects a wider push towards deeper vetting that goes well beyond tourists and directly affects skilled migrants.For H-1B applicants, social media vetting is already mandatory from December 15, alongside stricter compliance checks. The impact is magnified by structural bottlenecks. The H-1B cap remains frozen at 85,000 visas despite soaring demand, while Indians account for over 70% of approvals. Even those who secure visas face decades-long green card backlogs due to per-country limits.

White House defends move amid wider backlash

The Trump administration has defended the fee as part of a broader effort to reform the H-1B system and prioritise American workers. A White House spokesperson said the policy would discourage abuse of the programme and protect domestic wages, insisting the action was lawful.Critics, however, say the measure risks damaging the US economy and international relationships. Lawmakers have warned that the fee disproportionately affects Indian professionals, who hold an estimated 70 per cent of H-1B visas, and could strain US–India ties while driving skilled workers towards countries with more welcoming immigration systems.

Cambodia on Saturday accused Thailand of continuing air strikes on its territory, hours after US President Donald Trump said the two neighbours had agreed to halt hostilities.“On December 13, 2025, the Thai military used two F-16 fighter jets to drop seven bombs” on multiple targets, the Cambodian defence ministry said through a post on X. “Thai military aircraft have not stopped bombing yet.“The development followed a statement by US President Donald Trump on Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to cease hostilities along their disputed border, clashes that have left at least 20 people dead this week.“I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War,” Trump said through a post on Truth Social. Trump said both sides had agreed to immediately halt all fighting and revert to the July peace agreement brokered with his involvement and the support of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America,” Trump added. The United States, China and Malaysia, acting in its role as chair of the regional bloc Asean, brokered a ceasefire in July following an initial five-day outbreak of violence.Since Monday, Cambodia and Thailand have exchanged rocket and artillery fire at several points along their disputed 817-km (508-mile) border, marking some of the heaviest fighting since a five-day clash in July that was halted after US President Donald Trump called on both leaders to end the violence. The renewed unrest has killed at least 20 people and injured more than 260, according to figures from both countries, with each side accusing the other of reigniting the conflict. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced on both sides of the border.Trump’s remarks contrasted with comments made hours earlier by Thai Prime Minister Anutin, who said the call “went well” but did not mention any agreement between the Southeast Asian neighbours to halt the fighting. Anutin said he had asked Trump to press Cambodia to cease hostilities, withdraw its troops and clear landmines.“I explained to President Trump that we are not the aggressor against Cambodia but we are retaliating,” Anutin was quoted as saying by Reuters.“He wants a ceasefire. I told him to tell our friends – don’t just say a ceasefire but they must tell the world that Cambodia will cease fire, withdraw its troops, remove all landmines it has planted. They must show us first.”Trump, who has repeatedly said he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, portrayed himself on Thursday as a global peacemaker, saying he had “solved eight wars” and was confident he would get the truce “back on track.”

A 12,000-page chargesheet has been filed in the Zubeen Garg death case, with four individuals, including a woman, accused of murder. The investigation into the incident off Singapore’s St John’s Island on September 19 has established motive and conspiracy. The Assam Chief Minister expressed confidence in securing a conviction and plans for a fast-track court.

GUWAHATI: Four of the seven arrested suspects linked to cultural icon Zubeen Garg‘s death, including the lone woman in the group, have been charged with murder and another with culpable homicide not amounting to murder in a 12,000-page chargesheet filed Friday by the special investigation team (SIT) probing what happened off Singapore’s St John’s Island on Sept 19.North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, at whose invitation Zubeen travelled to Singapore, the singer-composer-actor’s manager Siddharth Sharma, band member Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and female singer Amritprava Mahanta will face trial for murder (BNS Sec 103), common intention (Sec 3), and criminal conspiracy (Sec 61).Motive established in Zubeen case: Assam CM Himanta

Zubeen’s cousin and suspended Assam Police Service officer Sandipan Garg has been charged with culpable homcide not amounting to murder (Sec 105), while PSOs Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya will be tried for criminal breach of trust (Sec 316) and criminal conspiracy.While other details of the chargesheet received by the Kamrup district CJM’s court weren’t immediately available, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said its submission within the stipulated timeframe of three months reflected the state govt’s commitment to ensuring justice for Zubeen.“We gave the people of Assam our word. As promised, we have filed a chargesheet under Section 103 (murder) and 11 other sections of BNS,” he said. “Motive and criminal conspiracy have been established and examined by the advocate general and our director of prosecution. Everyone is convinced the prosecution will be able to get a conviction.”The BJP-led govt plans to petition the chief justice of Gauhati high court to set up a fast-track court for the trial. Sarma said a special public prosecutor would be appointed once the case moves from the CJM’s court to a sessions judge. “These are legal steps that we have to meticulously follow,” he told reporters.The chargesheet includes the SIT’s reconstruction of events leading to Zubeen’s death, available evidence, statements of the suspects and the testimonies of 300-odd witnesses.Sarma said the SIT, led by special DGP MP Gupta, had put in “hard labour” to build what he said was a watertight case against the suspects. “Although we have received documents from Singapore, we have built the case with independent findings. Even if court says that no Singapore document is admissible, we have filed a chargesheet with sufficient documentation to prove the charges. Now, it is over to the court. It will definitely give justice.“Shekhar Jyoti and Amritprava are in a sub-jail in Dima Hasao district’s Haflong while the rest are in Baksa district jail.Barring Shyamkanu and the two PSOs, the suspects were on the yacht that took Zubeen to the island for sightseeing and swimming. SIT has recorded the statements of 10 Assamese residents of Singapore who accompanied the group on that trip.

Director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the biggest box-office successes of the year, surpassing the Rs 200 crore mark in India during its first run. Inspired by real incidents and crime syndicates in Karachi’s Lyari area, the film follows India’s covert fight against terror in Pakistan. The action drama stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, among others.

Rakesh Bedi on Aditya Dhar

Amid the film’s massive success, Aditya Dhar has maintained a notably low profile—skipping interviews, podcasts, and public appearances. Actor Rakesh Bedi, who played Jameel Jamali in the film, recently praised Dhar’s grounded nature.

Speaking to Filmygyan, Rakesh said, “Iss saal Dhurandhar itni badi hit hai, aur abhi toh bas shuruaat hai. Yeh toh aadhi film hai, aadhi toh baaki hai. Lekin woh limelight mein hai hi nahi. Woh kisi ko interview nahi de raha, baat nahi kar raha. Woh apne ghar jaake baith gaya hai. He is with his family. He is not like, ‘Oh, maine yeh kar diya, woh kar diya…’ He is not busy brandishing the pomp and show; he’s not doing that (This year, Dhurandhar is such a big hit, and this is just the beginning. This is only half the story; the other half is yet to come. But he isn’t in the limelight at all. He isn’t giving interviews or talking to anyone. He has simply gone home and is spending time with his family. He’s not like, ‘Oh, I did this, I did that…’).”After Dhurandhar released, Aditya Dhar and his wife, actress Yami Gautam, visited the sacred Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh. They were joined by Yami’s mother, Anjali Gautam, and other family members. The family performed traditional rituals during the visit before returning to Mumbai.

Dhurandhar 2 – Revenge confirmed for 2026 release

The makers have officially announced a sequel titled Dhurandhar 2 – Revenge, set for release on March 19, 2026. The film is headed for a major box-office clash with Yash’s highly anticipated Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues to perform steadily overseas, earning Rs 44.08 crore internationally within four days. However, its global potential has taken a significant hit due to a complete ban across the Gulf. According to reports, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have not released the film, despite efforts from the makers to secure clearance. The Gulf region is traditionally one of Bollywood’s strongest international markets, making the absence a major setback for the film’s overseas totals.