A chilling text message sent by a Brown University student to his mother during a mass shooting on campus has surfaced on social media, capturing the fear and chaos that unfolded at the Ivy League school during final exams.“Text I get from my son is that mom, there’s a live shooting on campus, I’m going to run, I love you,” the mother of the student could be heard saying in the audio clip. “We have been texting and I am getting live updates from him,” she said.“He is in a supply closet room on campus,” she said and went on to describe the shooting scene. “They have turned off the lights, put chairs on their doors. One of the classmates is having a panic attack. Her friends are trying to keep her quiet, so no sounds are made,” she said.The shooting took place on Saturday at Brown University’s Providence campus in Rhode Island. Authorities said a shooter dressed in black opened fire, killing at least two people and injuring eight others.Brown University senior and biochemistry student Alex Bruce was working on a final research project in his dorm across the street from the affected building when he heard sirens and received an alert about an active shooter shortly after 4pm. Describing the tense moments that followed, Bruce said, “I’m just in here shaking,” as he watched armed officers in tactical gear surround his dorm, adding that he feared for a friend he believed was inside the engineering building at the time, news agency AP reported.“Everyone is the same as me, shocked and terrified that something like this happened,” said 20-year-old Mari Camara, who was coming out of the library and rushed inside a taqueria to seek shelter.After receiving an alert about the shooting, students in a nearby laboratory took cover under desks and switched off the lights, AP cited engineering doctoral student Chiangheng Chien saying, who was roughly a block from the scene.The attack triggered a large-scale emergency response, with students urged to shelter in place as police searched for the suspect.Law enforcement officials said the incident occurred amid final examinations, adding to the panic as students and faculty scrambled for safety.

NEW DELHI: With air quality worsening sharply across the Delhi-NCR, authorities on Saturday invoked the strictest restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, triggering emergency curbs across the region. This comes hours after implementation of GRAP stage III measured in the national capital region. The Commission for Air Quality Management said its GRAP sub-committee had decided to enforce all measures under Stage IV or ‘Severe+’ air quality with immediate effect after pollution levels crossed critical thresholds. In an official statement, the panel said, “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR.” It added that these steps would be in addition to restrictions already in force under Stages I, II and III.In an official order, the government directed that all administrative secretaries and heads of departments shall attend office regularly, with no more than 50 per cent staff strength physically present.“The remaining 50 per cent staff shall work from home, provided that the Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments can call officers/officials to the office, as required to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential and emergency public services,” the order read.Likewise, the order stipulated that all private offices operating within Delhi shall function with no more than 50 per cent staff physically attending the workplace.“The remaining staff shall mandatorily work from home,” it added. The order also urged all private entities to implement staggered working hours where feasible. Furthermore, private offices have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with work-from-home norms and minimise vehicular movement related to office commutes.“Hospitals and other public/private health establishments, Fire Services, Prisons, Public Transport, Electricity, Water, Sanitation and related municipal services, disaster management and related services, forest and environment departments/agencies engaged in air pollution control, monitoring, and enforcement activities (like teams deployed to curb biomass burning, dust control, GRAP measures, etc.), and other essential/emergency services shall be exempted from these directions,” the order said.

The decision came hours after Delhi slipped back into the ‘severe’ category, prompting the reimposition of Stage III curbs earlier in the day. According to official data, the city’s Air Quality Index, which stood at 349 on Friday evening, surged overnight and was recorded at 401 by Saturday morning due to slow wind speeds, a stable atmosphere and unfavourable meteorological conditions that hampered the dispersion of pollutants.According to news agency ANI, As of 7.00 PM, AQI readings were 488 in Anand Vihar, 434 in Ashok Vihar, 496 in Bawana, 457 in Burari, 479 in Chandini Chowk, 394 in IGI Airport, and 445 in Okhla Phase-2.Also read: Delhi AQI turns ‘severe’: GRAP Stage III reimposed across NCR; what’s allowed & what’s notA dense layer of smog enveloped the capital on Saturday morning, reducing visibility and intensifying health concerns. Wazirpur recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 445, followed by Vivek Vihar at 444, Jahangirpuri at 442 and Anand Vihar at 439. Several other areas, including Rohini, Ashok Vihar, Narela, Mundka and Bawana, also remained in the ‘severe’ range.Poor air quality conditions extended beyond Delhi, with parts of Uttar Pradesh also reporting dense smog. Noida sectors recorded AQI levels of 448, while visibility dropped in cities such as Bulandshahr, Ayodhya and Mainpuri amid fog and haze.Under CPCB norms, an AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as ‘severe’ and poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. Authorities have directed enforcement agencies to intensify checks and ensure strict compliance with GRAP measures to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

Construction and industrial activity

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Other restrictions

What is allowed under GRAP 4

Essential services and infrastructure

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The anticipation for the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction is reaching a fever pitch as the ten franchises finalize their strategies to fill the remaining slots. A total of 350 players have been shortlisted to go under the hammer, all competing for just 77 available spots across the teams. Among these 77 places, 31 are reserved for overseas players, setting the stage for a fierce bidding war, particularly for top international talent. Registering in the highest bracket of a ₹2 crore base price is former Australian captain Steve Smith, who last featured in the league in 2021. Ahead of the auction, legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn weighed in on Smith’s auction fate, suggesting the veteran batsman may not attract the aggressive bidding many expect.

Dale Steyn’s straightforward take on Steve Smith’s IPL 2026 Mini Auction prospects

Dale Steyn, speaking on a Star Sports video segment ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, provided a blunt assessment of Smith’s prospects, arguing that modern team management prioritizes current T20 form over reputation and experience. Steyn was presented with the statement: “Dale, I’ll give some statements. Say true if you agree. Say false if you don’t. Someone is going to bid way too aggressively for Steve Smith just for the experience factor.” The South African great immediately and firmly disagreed with this premise, providing a measured explanation that underscores the evolving, data-driven nature of IPL bidding.

Steyn’s full response was: “False. I think teams are smart enough now to understand how much money they have and who they want to bid for and if Steven Smith does go to a team, I think he will go, unfortunately for him, fairly cheaply.” This prediction highlights the perceived gap between Smith’s undisputed Test pedigree and his recent T20 currency, suggesting that franchises will not overspend on a player whose role in the explosive T20 format is often debated. Steyn’s viewpoint suggests that teams are focused on maximizing their purse on younger, power-hitting specialists, making Smith’s ₹2 crore base price look like a risk rather than a bargain.

Also READ: Explained: Why Cameron Green’s IPL 2026 bidding war won’t cross INR 18 crore in the auction?

Steve Smith’s rollercoaster IPL journey 

Smith’s IPL career has been a fascinating mix of leadership, occasional brilliance, and periods of underperformance, ultimately leading to him going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, a stark reminder of his diminishing T20 stock. The Australian began his IPL journey as a leg-spinner before transforming into one of cricket’s premier batsmen, and his involvement has been marked by stints with multiple franchises, including Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals (which he captained), Rising Pune Supergiant and Delhi Capitals.

His statistical record is solid but not spectacular for the T20 format, having played over 100 matches and scored close to 2,500 runs with a lone century. However, his strike rate often sits below the explosive benchmark now required of top overseas batsmen, especially in the middle order.

Following his release by Delhi after the 2021 season, Smith went unsold in 2025, forcing him to take up a commentary role and play in the BBL, where he proved his talent by equaling the record for most Big Bash League (BBL) centuries. Despite his status as one of the world’s best batters, this recent unsold record and a base price of ₹2 crore for the 2026 auction place him in a precarious position, lending credence to Steyn’s prediction of a potentially low sale price for the experienced campaigner.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

NEW DELHI: Football fans in Hyderabad experienced an unforgettable evening as they witnessed Argentine football legend Lionel Messi at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.The event presented a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted in Kolkata earlier that day. Messi made his entrance under tight security measures while fans enthusiastically cheered for him.

The football icon enhanced the spectators’ experience by playing football and kicking some balls into the crowd. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was present at the venue to witness the occasion.Chief Minister Reddy participated in an exhibition match, which was part of Messi’s GOAT Tour of India. He shared some passes with the football superstar during the event. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also attended and took photographs with Messi.“Thank you very much for all your affection. It’s an honour for us to be able to spend these days here in India with you, so I’m truly grateful. Thank you so much,” said Messi. Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez during his visit to India.“I’m very happy. This has been a very special night. Thank you so much for your love and affection,” said Rodrigo de Paul.“Good evening everyone. Thank you for the love. A big hug!” said Luis Suarez.In preparation for Messi’s upcoming visit to Mumbai on Sunday, city police are implementing strict security protocols. These measures include prohibiting water bottles, metals, and coins inside stadiums.The authorities are setting up watchtowers to monitor the crowd movements effectively. They are taking additional precautions to prevent any stampede-like situations.These enhanced security measures aim to avoid the chaotic scenes that occurred in Kolkata during Messi’s visit on Saturday. At the Salt Lake Stadium, thousands of disappointed fans had protested after they couldn’t get a clear view of the football icon despite purchasing expensive tickets.The Mumbai police are determined to ensure a smooth and safe experience for both the visiting football star and his fans. Their comprehensive security plan reflects the lessons learned from the Kolkata incident.

BHOPAL: A tiger carcass was found Saturday during a survey in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh reserve, taking the casualty count to six in a week and 54 so far this year in the state with India’s largest number of big cats. This is Madhya Pradesh’s highest annual toll since Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The state had reported 46 deaths in 2024, 45 in 2023, 43 in 2022 and 34 in 2021.Officials said the carcass was found Saturday under suspicious circumstances by foresters involved in a field exercise for All India Tiger Estimation close to a power line in Chandia forest range of Umaria district under Bandhavgarh reserve.Electrocution is not ruled out. The power infrastructure is being inspected to determine whether exposed or illegal wiring had led to the tiger’s death. In recent years, electrocution has emerged as one of the recurring causes of tiger deaths in the state. The carcass is being sent for post-mortem, the officials said, adding samples will be sent for forensic analysis if foul play is suspected.Forest officials clarified, however, that most deaths this year had resulted from natural causes and reflected a growing tiger population. “More the numbers, more the deaths. It’s very natural,” said an officer, requesting anonymity.Forest department sources pointed out that higher numbers inevitably led to higher mortality figures, particularly in landscapes with dense big cat populations. They said the majority of the deaths this year were suspected to have resulted from violent fights over territorial supremacy, especially among adult males and dispersing sub-adults.Conservationists, however, said repeated deaths — even if natural — underlined the need for better habitat management and mitigation of avoidable threats. “I don’t know why forest department officers are at ease over these deaths. If tigers are getting killed by electrocution inside core areas of tiger reserves, it can’t be natural. There are poachers targeting herbivore wildlife using power lines and officers must check the lines and previous recommendations” said Ajay Dubey, a wildlife activist.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ made it to the 70 mm on December 5, 2025. The movie successfully entered its second week on Friday and has shown no signs of slowing down so far. As a matter of fact, the Ranveer Singh, Akshay Khanna, R, Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt starrer has only seen an upward graph since Friday. According to the latest trade numbers, the Aditya Dhar espionage drama has crossed Rs.290 crore mark and is on its way to make over Rs. 300 crore by the end of its second week. At this pace, the movie will soon beat the lifetime collection of Ranveer and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Padmaavat’ and become Singh’s highest-earning movie ever. Read more for the detailed box office report of ‘Dhurandhar.’

‘Dhurandhar’ to cross Rs 300 crore mark

Based on real-life incidents, ‘Dhurandhar’ with its solid star cast, their stellar performances and a gripping tale packed with action, has been keeping the cash register ringing at the box office. The movie made Rs 32.5 crore on Friday, which was its day 8, recording a rise of over 20 per cent from day 7’s collection. Then it benefited from the weekend surge, saw over 60 per cent rise in the collection and minted Rs 53 crore. The net box office collection of ‘Dhurandhar’ in India currently stands at Rs 292.75 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection week 1

With a promising opening, ‘Dhurandhar’ maintained a strong hold during week 1. Here’s the day-wise breakdown of its collection Day 1 [1st Friday] Rs 28 Crore Day 2 [1st Saturday] Rs 32 Crore Day 3 [1st Sunday] Rs 43 Crore Day 4 [1st Monday] Rs 23.25 Crore Day 5 [1st Tuesday] Rs 27 Crore Day 6 [1st Wednesday] Rs 27 CroreDay 7 [1st Thursday] Rs 27 Crore Week 1 Collection Rs 207.25 Crore

‘Durandhar’ week 2 collection

In week two, the Aditya Dhar film remains the undefeated titan.Day 8 [2nd Friday] Rs 32.5 Crore Day 9 [2nd Saturday] Rs 53 Crore rough data Total Rs 292.75 Crore

‘Dhurandhar’ to become Ranveer Singh’s highest grosser, beating ‘Padmaavat’

Since its big screen debut, ‘Dhurandhar’ has been shattering box office records. At the current pace, ‘Dhurandhar’ after Sunday’s (Day 10’s) collection, is expected to beat Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor starrer ‘Padmavaat.’ The historical drama made Rs 302.15 crore net in India, and in just 10 days, ‘Dhurandhar’ is set to break this record, making it Ranveer Singh’s highest-earning movie ever.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers in this article are compiled from our proprietary sources and diverse public data. We strive for accuracy and all figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned. We offer a fair representation of the project’s box office performance. We are open to feedback and suggestions on toientertainment@timesinternet.in

The data for this weather forecast has been sourced from AQI.in, providing residents with comprehensive information to plan their daily activities and weekly schedules accordingly.On December 14, 2025, Mumbai residents are experiencing a sunny day marked by clear skies and a gentle breeze. The city’s forecast predicts a high temperature of 29.9°C and a low of 22.8°C, contributing to a comfortable day overall. This pleasant weather follows yesterday’s air quality, which was categorized as “poor” with an AQI-IN of 155, largely due to elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels. While the sunny conditions may aid in dispersing pollutants, carrying a mask is still advisable for those heading into traffic-heavy areas. The upcoming week is expected to maintain consistently sunny and warm weather, with evenings remaining most pleasant for activities.

Today’s Weather Outlook

The morning hours of December 14 offer pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for a brisk walk or a yoga session.Mumbai is set for a bright and warm day, with temperatures anticipated to peak at 29.9°C in the afternoon. Temperatures are then expected to drop to a cooler 22.8°C by nightfall.Humidity levels are moderate, recorded at 40%, which ensures the air does not feel excessively heavy. Winds are projected to remain light, averaging around 17.3 km/h, adding a refreshing element to the warm afternoon.There is no rain in the forecast for today, allowing residents to leave their umbrellas at home. The evening hours will bring a gentle coolness, creating an ideal atmosphere for a relaxed stroll or a quiet dinner outdoors.

Air Quality Concerns

Yesterday’s air quality was a point of concern for the city.The AQI-IN reached 155, which categorized it as “poor.”The primary pollutants identified were PM2.5, measured at 77 µg/m³, and PM10, recorded at 97 µg/m³. These levels were likely exacerbated by factors such as traffic emissions and ongoing construction activities within the city.Such pollutant concentrations can lead to respiratory discomfort, particularly for sensitive population groups. This includes children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.While today’s sunny weather may contribute to the dispersion of some pollutants, it is still considered wise to limit outdoor activities in high-traffic zones. Keeping a mask readily available is also recommended.

Daily Recommendations

For planning the day, given the combination of warm weather and lingering pollution, specific recommendations have been provided.During the morning, residents can enjoy the cool start with a workout or a walk in the park.In the afternoon, it is advised to shield oneself from the sun using sunglasses and to maintain hydration.For the evening, opting for a pollution mask is suggested if one is in busy areas. Taking advantage of the cooler breeze for outdoor relaxation is also recommended.

The Week Ahead

Looking ahead, Mumbai’s weather is expected to remain consistently sunny and warm for the next week.On December 15, the forecast indicates mostly sunny conditions, with highs of 30.1°C and lows of 22.7°C.December 16 is expected to have clear skies, with temperatures peaking at 30.6°C.A slight increase in warmth is predicted for December 17, with highs reaching 31.1°C.From December 18 to 20, steady temperatures are anticipated, ranging around 30.8–28.9°C, with clear skies prevailing throughout this period.The entire week is considered ideal for outdoor plans, though evenings are highlighted as the most pleasant time for activities. Residents are advised to keep an eye on air quality updates, especially if they plan to visit congested areas.

Persistent Air Quality Issue

Yesterday’s AQI of 155 marked a slight improvement compared to the previous day’s 201, which was categorized as “very poor.”However, it serves as a reminder that air quality remains a pressing issue as the city heads into the winter months.Source: Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.