Ambernath: Held after a gap of 10 years, the election process in Ambernath concluded peacefully on Saturday despite several allegations and counter-allegations among political parties. Polling for the 59-seat Ambernath Municipal Council recorded an overall voter turnout of around 54.5% by 5.30pm, higher in comparison with 48.8% in 2015. On the same day, polling was also held for the remaining six seats of the Badlapur Municipal Council, out of a total of 49 seats. Earlier, voting for 43 seats in Badlapur had taken place on Dec 2, while the remaining six seats went to polls on Saturday. In Ambernath, tensions surfaced even before voting began. Early Saturday morning, the Congress and BJP accused Shiv Sena candidate Krishna Rasal of facilitating bogus voting by allegedly bringing voters from outside and accommodating them in his marriage hall. Acting on a complaint by Congress leaders, the election flying squad, along with the police, conducted a raid at Krishna Hall in Kohajgaon. Around 200 women allegedly brought from Bhiwandi were taken into custody for questioning. After inquiry, action was initiated against them under BNS Act Section 174 (punishment for undue influence or personation at an election) and under the section for unlawful assembly.DCP Sachin Gore said the gathered individuals were questioned and later released, adding that further investigation is underway to determine whether they were brought for bogus voting. Earlier, based on a complaint by Pradeep Patil, husband of Congress president candidate Nutan Patil, the flying squad had raided the hall around 2.30am and detained the group. Patil alleged that Shiv Sena’s candidate had brought them from Bhiwandi for fake voting. Shiv Sena candidate Krishna Rasal, though, denied the allegations, claiming the women had come to attend a wedding.During polling hours, former vice-president of Ambernath Municipal Council Rajendra Walekar accused a BJP candidate of distributing money to voters at an office in Matoshree Nagar. This led to a face-off between workers of both parties. Police rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd with lathi charge. A similar clash occurred in Kohajgaon between Congress and Shiv Sena workers, following which police intervened to restore order.Allegations of EVM malfunction were also reported at a few polling centres. At Municipal School No 7, BJP leaders alleged that when the EVM of Panel No 19 stopped functioning, election officials temporarily installed an EVM belonging to Panel No 24, on which a few votes were allegedly cast. After objections were raised, the machine was sealed and replaced. Heated exchanges followed as BJP and Shiv Sena candidates demanded explanations from election officials. At Guru Nanak School, Shiv Sena’s candidate Manisha Walekar alleged that the button for Shiv Sena votes on the EVM was not functioning, a claim denied by election officials.Despite these isolated incidents, polling across Ambernath remained largely peaceful. Elections to the municipal council were held after a gap of 10 years, and voters were seen turning out in good numbers from early morning. Youth, senior citizens and persons with disabilities were among those who exercised their franchise. By 11.30am, voter turnout had crossed 21%. Although polling slowed temporarily later in the day, it picked up again in the afternoon.Following polling, Shiv Sena leaders expressed confidence of retaining control over the council, which the party has dominated for several years. Speaking to TOI, Shiv Sena city president Arvind Walekar said the party, especially MP Shrikant Shinde, had undertaken several development works over the past decade when civic elections were not held. “The results of these development works give us full confidence that Shiv Sena will win more corporator seats and the President post with a strong mandate,” he said.The BJP, too, went all out to break Shiv Sena’s stronghold. Former municipal council president Gulabrao Karanjule fielded his daughter-in-law Tejashree, who is CA by profession, as the BJP’s president candidate, and the party campaigned aggressively in her support. Karanjule claimed that the BJP would put up a strong performance and secure the president’s post for which this time direct election happening along with corporator election.With claims and counter-claims from all sides, the final verdict now rests with the voters. The outcome of both Ambernath and Badlapur civic bodies will be known on Sunday when counting of votes takes place.

Indian selectors have shocked the cricket world by dropping Shubman Gill from the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill has been left out entirely as the team focuses on form, balance, and impact roles at the top despite the fact that he was the vice-captain in T20Is.

In September, Shubman Gill returned to the Indian T20I team, and that too as the vice-captain, as the selectors were looking to make him the all-format captain after handing him the reins of the Test and ODI teams. However, Gill failed to meet the expectations in the shorter format of the game.

Shubman Gill dropped, Axar Patel named India’s new vice-captain

Following a string of poor performances, Shubman Gill was dropped from the T20I side, and in a bold move, Axar Patel has been named vice-captain to assist Suryakumar Yadav at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The experienced all-rounder brings stability and leadership experience to the side.

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Read Also: Ishan Kishan reacts as his long wait ends with ICC T20 World Cup 2026 selection

The Indian all-rounder previously stepped in as vice-captain when Gill was rested for the home T20I series against England and now gets the big honor for the World Cup and the home series against the Black Caps next year.

Axar Patel picked ahead of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah

Interestingly, the Indian selectors picked Axar ahead of the likes of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah despite their strong performances. Both Pandya and Bumrah had previously captained India in a couple of T20Is, yet they were overlooked for the spin all-rounder.

Axar’s experience as captain of Delhi Capitals in the IPL adds to his credentials. DC started IPL 2025 strongly under him but finished fifth after a mixed run. His IPL leadership and prior stint as India’s stand-in vice-captain made him a safe choice for the selectors.

Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated, “Shubman was the vice-captain; he’s not in the team. Axar was the vice-captain when the T20s used to clash. About continuity, you’re looking at combinations.”

Axar Patel will be the x-factor: Sunil Gavaskar

Meanwhile, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar predicted that Axar Patel will be India’s X-factor at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He praised Axar’s ability to make an impact with both bat and ball, noting his aggressive hitting, clever variations in bowling, and strong fielding.

Read Also: Sunil Gavaskar gives blunt advice to Shubman Gill after T20 World Cup setback

Sunil Gavaskar said on JioStar: “Axar Patel, the vice-captain. He is the x-factor with the bat and with the ball. His batting has really gone up there. He can crash the ball everywhere. He’s bowling, varying his pace, bowling across the crease.

Bringing the speed variation will get grip and turn. He’s also an outstanding fielder. He will be the x-factor; you can use him at 5 or 6, and he can bowl in the first 6 overs. He’s capable of doing that. He and Hardik Pandya will be the two.”

India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand series:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh.

Mumbai: Govt departments and public authorities owe the BMC more than Rs 3,000 crore in property tax dues and the civic body has managed to recover only Rs 243 crore from them over the past five years, information shared by the BMC under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed.The data was provided by the civic body in response to an RTI query filed by civic activist and advocate Godfrey Pimenta, who had questioned why “honest taxpayers should bear the burden” while govt bodies continue to default on property tax payments.According to the reply dated Dec 12, 2025, property tax arrears owed by the state and Central govts and various authorities under their jurisdiction stood at Rs 3,283 crore as of Oct 31, 2025. The defaulters include agencies such as Mhada, Indian Railways and other state- and Centre-run bodies. In its response, the BMC stated that demand notices have been issued to these authorities under Section 202 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888.However, recovery has remained slow, with only Rs 243 crore collected from these govt entities in the past five years. The civic administration said that repeated correspondence has been sent to the state and central govts by the deputy chief accountant (finance) and concerned departments seeking clearance of the dues. “Follow-ups are carried out through periodic meetings with the relevant authorities to recover the outstanding arrears,” the BMC added in its reply.When contacted, civic officials confirmed the pending dues and said that they are following up with the concerned agencies. “However, our teams have been working hard to ensure that recoveries are also done in case of defaulters,” said an official.Pimenta, though, pointed out mounting arrears from govt bodies put additional pressure on civic finances and could lead to increased tax burden on individual citizens.For the BMC, property tax is the biggest revenue source currently. In the year 2024-25, the civic body collected property tax of the tune of Rs 6,198 crore. If a property owner in Mumbai fails to pay the tax, the BMC can initiate recovery proceedings under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, beginning with the levy of interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and the issuance of demand and reminder notices.

Mumbai: To ensure uniformity and quality in education across more than 500 special schools catering to children with intellectual disabilities, the Maharashtra govt has made a common curriculum and assessment framework mandatory statewide. The decision, announced through a govt resolution (GR) issued on Friday, aims to ensure structured learning, consistent Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs), and systematic monitoring of student progress. Importantly, the government has also mandated parental involvement in designing education plans to promote the holistic development and empowerment of children with intellectual disabilities. Maharashtra is among the first states in the country to make such a framework mandatory.The GR, issued by the Persons with Disabilities Welfare Department, mandates the adoption of the Disha Abhiyan curriculum, jointly launched six years ago by the Jai Vakeel Foundation and the state commissionerate for disability welfare. The curriculum has been certified by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and validated by the department. The GR also talks about penalising schools with actions such as stopping grants or cancellation of registration for non compliance. Explaining the rationale behind the move, department secretary Tukaram Mundhe told TOI that the initiative is aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to interventions. “The programme primarily focuses on individualised education and therapeutic plans. Students will be assessed at the beginning of every academic year, after which goals for both educational and therapeutic interventions will be defined. Their progress will then be systematically monitored throughout the year,” Mundhe said.He added that the government is emphasising the participation of at least one parent while designing these plans at the start of the academic year, with progress reports made available to them through a digital portal. “This holistic and outcome-oriented approach to learning and therapy will also lead to improvements in students’ activities of daily living (ADL),” Mundhe said, adding that Maharashtra’s initiative sets a precedent for other states to follow. “This will ensure all stakeholders are on board for the empowerment of such students, whom I call persons with different abilities and determination and not disabilities,” he said.As per the GR, special schools for intellectually disabled students in the state shall be onboarded on the Disha portal by govt officials. The IEP should be prepared after consultations with parents, guardians, therapists and both school and home goals for the entire academic year should be set. The IEP process should be completed within one month of the beginning of the academic year for existing students and within a month or two for new students. For the Individualised Therapeutic Plans (IEP), including programmes such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, student assessments shall be conducted to determine therapy needs in areas such as social behaviour. Rekha Vijayakar, senior director, school operations, training and pedagogy, ADAPT, said that it is a great move if the govt is bringing about uniformity in the curriculum framework of special schools. “The needs of children with special needs are generally neglected. While this is a welcome move, the govt also needs to think about bringing in inclusivity in mainstream schools. The policy has been in force since 2006, but schools are not receptive, mainly because teachers are not trained for an inclusive classroom. Every child is unique and if they fail to understand a concept it is usually the teacher’s failure,” said Vijayakar.

Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, addressing the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi at Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday, said the nation would remember Sharif Osman Hadi forever and work to fulfil his dream.He noted that while millions had gathered at the venue in waves, crores of people across Bangladesh and Bangladeshis living abroad were waiting to hear about Hadi. “We have come to make a promise to you-that what you told us, we will fulfill,” Yunus said, as cited by the Daily Star. “You have given us such a mantra that this nation will never forget. It will echo in our ears forever.”The chief adviser noted the message would guide every Bangladeshi throughout life, instilling a sense of dignity and resilience, with a reminder that “our heads will never bow down.”Emphasising Hadi’s enduring legacy, he said Hadi would live on in the nation’s memory, continuing to inspire people through his ideals for generations to come.“Today, on behalf of all of us, we make a promise to you that we will move forward imbued with your mantra,” Yunus said while concluding his address. Hadi, a prominent youth leader, was shot in the head by masked gunmen on December 12 while attending an election campaign in the Bijoynagar area of central Dhaka. He was later taken abroad for advanced medical treatment but died from his injuries in Singapore on Thursday.Bangladesh held Hadi’s funeral earlier on Friday in Dhaka, with a large crowd attending under heightened security arrangements.Officials said investigations into the killing and the security lapse were ongoing, with law enforcement placed on high alert to prevent further violence. The murder sparked widespread protests in Dhaka, where thousands took to the streets late Thursday and early Friday, demanding justice. The unrest soon spread beyond the capital, with demonstrators attempting to march toward Indian diplomatic sites and vandalising properties linked to the former ruling Awami League.During the violence, offices of prominent media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, were targeted, while protesters also vented their anger at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, Inquilab Monchi said, “Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand — 32 and 36 are not the same.”The government on Friday highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections and referendum, describing them as “not merely political exercises, but a solemn national commitment.” It added, “this promise is inseparable from the dream for which Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honouring his sacrifice demands restraint, responsibility, and a firm commitment to reject hatred.”

Mumbai: In a cross-border child custody battle, the Bombay high court on Thursday dismissed a father’s petition for habeas corpus (to produce a person from unlawful custody). The court found no basis in his plea that the minor was being illegally detained abroad, as a court in Germany granted sole custody to the mother five years ago. The High Court division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad observed that the father, from Gujarat, did not take any steps to seek the child’s custody under Indian law in a family court in India. He provided no explanation for “such inaction” nor did he register any protest before the foreign court to argue his claim that it lacked jurisdiction.The Indian father, from Gujarat, filed a habeas corpus petition seeking a high court order for his wife to produce their six-year-old from Germany to restore custody to him. The minor has been in the mother’s care for the last five years, and any case for restoration would have to be decided on facts by a family court, said the high court. The minor is now a citizen of Germany. Since Jan 2020, the child was in Germany. “There is no question of the mother having abducted the minor,” the high court said, but directed that the mother must continue to facilitate video calls for the father and his family.The high court heard senior counsel Aman Hingorani for the Indian father and counsel Vikramaditya Deshmukh for the German citizen mother before observing in its Dec 18 order that the Supreme Court had kept a child’s welfare as the paramount concern and not the legal rights of either parent. It stated, “In a habeas corpus petition…, the high court must examine at the threshold whether the minor is in lawful or unlawful custody of another person.“The Supreme Court, in another key ruling, held that “The primary object of a habeas corpus petition, as applied to minor children, is to determine in whose custody the best interests of the child will probably be advanced. In a habeas corpus proceeding brought by one parent against the other for the custody of their child, the Court has before it the question of the rights of the parties as between themselves, and also has before it, if presented by the pleadings and the evidence, the question of the interest which the State, as parens patriae, has in promoting the best interests of the child.“In the case before it, the high court said the child was in the mother’s custody, a natural guardian, and that the German court also permits such custody, hence it “cannot be characterised as illegal.” “The main criteria is the welfare of the minor,” said the high court, adding that since he is already admitted to a German school, his “best interest would be served in his existing environment in Germany where he has been since Jan 2020.”

Melbourne Renegades will go head-to-head against the Hobart Hurricanes in the eighth match of the Big Bash League. This article provides detailed information on MLR vs HBH Live Streaming for the eighth game of the tournament.

Melbourne Renegades are coming into their second match on the back of a win against the Brisbane Heat and would want to continue the momentum that they have on their side early in the tournament by getting the better of Hobart Hurricanes.

The only thing that the team would be concerned about would be the form of the middle order, which underwent a mini-collapse, and it took a partnership between Tim Seifert and Oliver Peake to bail the team out of trouble

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Hobart Hurricanes on the other hand, also had a winning start to the tournament against the Sydney Thunder but were outplayed in the next match by Melbourne Stars and would be itching to make a strong comeback.

The Hurricanes would hope for a more decisive contribution from the top three batters, which wasn’t the case in the last match.

MLR vs HBH Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast- BBL 2025-26, Match 8:

TV Rights In India

Star Sports has the rights to broadcast the Big Bash League in India. The match between Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes will be telecast on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD.

Live Streaming Platform in India:

The MLR vs HBH match will be live-streamed on the Jio Hotstar app and website. Cricket enthusiasts in India will have to pay a subscription fee to watch the match online.

When will the match take place?

The game will take place on December 21. It will start at 1:45 PM IST.

Where will the match be played?

The Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes game will be played at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.

How to watch the Live Telecast of the MLR vs HBH match on television?

The MLR vs HBH will be broadcast on Star Sports Network in India.

How to live stream the match between Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes on mobile Online?

Jio Hotstar will live-stream the MLR vs HBH match in India. Cricket fans can watch the match on their mobiles, laptops, and connected TVs.

Conclusion

Both teams started their tournament with a win, but found themselves at different ends before they face each other in the next game.

Melbourne Renegades, who will be playing their second match, will be high on confidence after prevailing in a high-scoring fixture against the Brisbane Heat and will take the same in the match against the Hobart Hurricanes.

While the Hobart Hurricanes who are the defending BBL champions, would wish to get back to winning ways after what was a below-par performance in the previous match

That is the reason why fans cannot afford to miss this particular match, with both teams looking to put their best foot forward in an attempt to register a win.