NEW DELHI: In a first of its kind order, Supreme Court has imposed a cost of Rs 10 crore each on 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan for admitting students who did not secure threshold marks in NEET 2016-17, the basis for admission to all medical and dental courses across India.A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi Thursday asked the colleges to deposit the cost with Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority and said it would be invested in fixed deposits and the interests would be utilised for maintenance, upgrade and improvement of ‘One Stop Centres’, Nari Niketans, old-age homes as well as childcare institutions established by Rajasthan govt.Accepting arguments of Rishabh Sancheti, who represented 59 students, and other advocates, SC invoked its exclusive powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to regularise the degrees of those who, though admitted illegally to the 2016-17 BDS courses, passed out and were awarded qualifications. The relief to the students, whose future was in suspense as their degrees were not regularised, came with a caveat. The bench directed them to file affidavits before Rajasthan HC offering pro bono services to the state govt as and when they are called upon to serve people during calamities, outbreak of diseases or other emergencies in the state.Writing the judgment, Justice Bishnoi said, “The colleges are directed to deposit a cost of Rs 10 crore each, and the state of Rajasthan is directed to deposit a sum of Rs 10 lakh with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority within a period of eight weeks.”The bench requested the Rajasthan HC Chief Justice to constitute a five-judge committee, including at least one woman judge, to ensure effective utilisation of the interest amount accruing from the fixed deposit of Rs 100 crore.Expressing strong displeasure over the way standards of medical education are being diluted as reflected in the case in hand, the bench said, “The colleges committed blatant illegality and wilful violation of the 2007 regulations while admitting students beyond the permitted relaxation of percentile, thus warranting strict punitive action.”“Further, the state of Rajasthan also acted without any authority of law while granting relaxations and failed to timely inform the colleges of the decisions of the central govt and the Dental Council of India,” it said.Given the lowering of minimum mark criteria for admission, several students were found to be still pursuing their BDS degree courses despite passage of nine years since admission. The bench said they would be discharged from the course as the 2007 regulation allowed a student a maximum of nine years to clear the five-year degree course.

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If you are someone who finds cherry blossoms fascinating, and have been planning to visit Japan, pause that Google search of yours, because we have great destinations (if not best) in India, and this is exactly what we are here for. Skip Japan’s sakura or the old tradition of Hanami, and straight to Nagaland (as soon as possible). Nagaland has steadily built a reputation as one of India’s foremost cherry blossom destinations. Unlike Japan, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring, Nagaland’s cherry trees flower during the winter months, usually between late October and early December. For a winter-loving traveller, this is perfect.The star of Nagaland’s cherry blossom story is Kohima, where streets, hill slopes, and forested patches are lined with wild Himalayan cherry trees. As the trees burst into bloom, entire neighbourhoods turn into pink and white wonderland. You look up, you will see a sea of pink, you look down, you will see petals carpeting roads and trails.

What makes Nagaland’s blossoms particularly special is their natural setting. Unlike curated urban parks, many of these cherry trees grow wild, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The result is a more organic and intimate experience, far removed from the crowds often associated with cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Tourists visiting Kohima for the annual Hornbill Festival must have witnessed this natural attraction.Those visiting Nagaland, explore scenic blossom-lined trails during the day. In Nagaland, especially in Kohima, cherry blossoms are not just a visual delight but part of a broader cultural experience rooted in local traditions and modern creativity.

Meghalaya’s emerging blossom trails

The country is starting to see Nagaland as an emerging cherry blossom destination, but long before that, Meghalaya made a place for itself in the cherry blossom scene. Whether you are approaching the state from Guwahati side or from Dima Hasao and Cachar side in Assam, throughout the way, you would see pretty cherry trees, in shades of light pink and white. But since the lifespan of these blossoms are quite short, visiting these states late in the season may result in zero blossoms, but a lot of green and young fruits.In season, in Meghalaya, the blossoms are more scattered, making them a great treat for observant travellers. Pink blooms appear along winding hill roads, forest edges, and village paths, often framed by rolling clouds and dense pine forests.Botanically, the cherry blossoms of Nagaland and Meghalaya are not the same species as Japan’s famous blooms. The Indian one is the Himalayan cherry. Even though they are different in species, they are as visually striking as the Japanese cherry. The visual impact is strikingly similar, with delicate petals and fleeting blooms. This similarity challenges the long-held notion that sakura is exclusive to Japan. In fact, India’s Northeast offers its own interpretation of the cherry blossom season, shaped by different climates, cultures, and landscapes.

Why India’s cherry blossoms deserve attention

One of the most compelling aspects of cherry blossom viewing in Nagaland and Meghalaya is accessibility. It’s true that some travellers are still hesitant to visit the northeast region primarily due to misconceptions. But what if we were to tell you that travelling to the northeast is more fun, educating, enriching and worth your time and money? Firstly, to witness cherry blossoms, you do not need a visa, unlike a visit to Japan. However, if you are not from Nagaland, you are required to have an Inner Line Permit. One pro-tip: If you are planning for Nagaland, any time of the year, do book your tickets well in advance. The air fares tend to be on the steeper side. Dimapur has an airport and is also one of the major railway stations in the northeast. The bus connectivity is also very good, especially from Shillong and Guwahati. Even though Nagaland is a well-known tourist destination, the state does not get overcrowded. Visitors get a chance to explore a culturally rich and ecologically diverse region within the country. For photographers, nature lovers, and slow travellers, the state is a gem of a destination.Travellers keep in mind, if you are planning a cherry blossom trip to the Northeast, the one thing you need to remember the most is the timing. And this is not just for the flight or train tickets. The cherry blossoms don’t bloom for long. This is not a months-long natural event. The cherry blossoms stay for around a couple of weeks. And since the blooming window is so short, it adds to the allure. Also keep in mind, the cherry blossoms aren’t everywhere. It’s not common to find them in Dimapur. But Kohima, now that’s a different case. Here, the blooms are at their finest, thus making Kohima and the neighbouring hilly areas, some of the best places to see the blooms.Travellers should approach the experience with flexibility, as the blossoms are short-lived and weather-dependent. Unlike structured blossom forecasts in Japan, the Northeast’s blooms are still largely guided by nature rather than schedules, adding an element of surprise to the journey.

England’s spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel defended all-rounder Will Jacks despite his poor bowling after Day 3 (Friday, December 19) of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide. Patel said Jacks did not bowl poorly in the match, adding that he was selected in the playing XI to strengthen England’s batting lineup.

Australia tightened their grip with a massive 356-run lead. The decision to back Jacks as the main spinner ahead of Shoaib Bashir drew criticism. Australia targeted Jacks aggressively, exposing his limitations. The right-arm off-spinner picked up one wicket for 107 runs off 14 overs in Australia’s second innings.

I Don’t Think Will Jacks Has Bowled Poorly – Jeetan Patel

Speaking after the third day’s play, Jeetan Patel said that Will Jacks’ bowling was not as bad as it appeared. He added that Australia played Jacks smartly by using their feet to put him under pressure. Patel also stated that Jacks was selected mainly for his batting skills.

“I don’t think he has bowled poorly, if anything he’s been a touch short or a touch straight at times. His pace has been a little bit down compared to [Nathan] Lyon but I’m not comparing him to Lyon, I’m comparing him to Will Jacks,” Patel said.

“And look, they’ve played him very well. They’ve used the crease, they’ve got deep, they’ve run down at him, they’ve used the offside and the legside and they’ve looked to score to put him under pressure, and it’s probably what you would do against a spinner of Jacks’ nature where it’s not his frontline skill as such.”

“But we all know why he was picked, and that was because of the first two games where we felt like we did need that extra batting cover.”

”I don’t think he bowled poorly.”

England spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel on Will Jacks. pic.twitter.com/qKXIhzQwkg

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) December 19, 2025

Shoaib Bashir Is Our Number One Guy – Jeetan Patel

Jeetan Patel stated that Shoaib Bashir remains England’s first-choice spinner and the team has faith in his abilities. Patel added that the balance of using four fast bowlers with Will Jacks supporting them can work well in the right conditions. However, he admitted that it did not deliver the results.

“I still believe that Bash [Shoaib Bashir] is our number one guy, and I think he does a fantastic job for us, and he always has,” Patel continued.

“Because we do play that way, we look to pick the players that we think are going to fit the game the most, and with all four seamers firing and Jacksy backing them up, I think that works. I think it works very well, but it probably didn’t play out as well as we’d like it today.”

Will Jacks Endures Difficult Adelaide Test as Australia Take Firm Control

Will Jacks had a very tough Test in Adelaide. He became the first England player since 1981 to give away more than 100 runs in both innings of an Ashes Test. Australia attacked his bowling and scored freely.

In contrast, Australia spinner Nathan Lyon showed strong control. He took two wickets in England’s first innings while conceding 70 runs. His tight bowling helped captain Pat Cummins manage his fast bowlers better and keep pressure on England.

Australia then built a huge lead in the second innings. Travis Head scored an unbeaten 142, while Alex Carey added another knock with an unbeaten 52. At the end of day three, Australia were 271 for 4 with a lead of 356 runs.

Also read: Ben Stokes injured during 3rd Ashes Test, England hide issue but commentator exposes truth

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MUMBAI: Three days after a sessions court in Nashik upheld his conviction for an offence of cheating in a 30-year-old case of securing a flat under the state’s EWS quota by showing lower income, Bombay HC Friday suspended ex-minister and NCP politician Manikrao Kokate’s two-year sentence and granted him bail. However, it didn’t stay his conviction, with Justice R N Laddha saying “democracy requires probity in public life” and referring to Kokate’s status as minister. Kokate had rushed to HC Wednesday – a day after his Feb 20 conviction was upheld. He was also admitted to Lilavati Hospital. He was divested of his portfolios the same day and he resigned as minister Thursday.The lack of a stay on his conviction by a single HC judge bench means the assembly Speaker now has to pass orders within a fortnight on his disqualification.While Speaker Rahul Narwekar was not available for comment, legislature officials said they haven’t received a certified copy of the HC order yet. “We need some clarity on how the sentence is suspended and conviction is not stayed, (and) whether it is upheld. So we will see the certified copy and then take legal opinion on any disqualification action,” an official said. The NCP politician can approach the Supreme Court seeking relief. NCP politician Manikrao Kokate’s lawyer argued at length in HC Friday that his conviction in a 1995 cheating case was “purely on conjectures and surmises,” which is anathema to criminal justice.Senior counsel Ravi Kadam, representing Kokate, also argued that when the conviction is of a sitting elected member of a legislature, it forms an exceptional case since, without a stay, his constituency stands unrepresented, making it a fit case for a stay on conviction.Kadam, assisted by advocate Aniket Nikam, showed the conviction order and the part where the trial court judge said Kokate’s annual income “must have been over Rs 30,000” and cited a top court ruling to say when the finding itself is shaky, conviction ought to be set aside. A Nashik magistrate in Feb convicted Kokate and his brother, Vijay for securting flats under EWS quota in 1995. The sessions court on Tuesday upheld conviction and sentence but acquitted him of two other charges.The SC in 2013 held unconstitutional a provision under the Representation of People Act that enabled deferment of disqualification by three months to enable a sitting MP or MLA to appeal and clarified that disqualification kicks in immediately on conviction.Kadam argued the prosecution failed to prove its case and wrongly placed the burden of proof on Kokate to prove his income in 1989 was more than Rs 30,000. The chargesheet also doesn’t say that in 1994, during flat allotment, he made any wrong declaration.Public prosecutor Mankuwar Deshmukh said the trial court order is backed by evidence. Senior counsel Manoj Mohite for the intervenor, complainant, supported the PP’s submissions.Kokate was on bail during trial and appeal. He has not misused his liberty, argued Kadam, a point factored in by the HC to grant bail.Mohite submitted that the family of the accused owned 25 acres at the time when he applied and claimed allotment meant for EWS.Meanwhile, the Nashik police team led by ACP (crime) Sandeep Mitke which was in Mumbai decided to return after HC granted bail to Kokate.

NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Friday lit up the 5th T20I against South Africa with a powerful innings and an emotional celebration that quickly caught everyone’s attention. He smashed India’s second-fastest T20I fifty and then celebrated by blowing flying kisses towards his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, who was present in the stands.

The match was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where Hardik walked in to bat at No. 5 after captain Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed early. Having recently returned from a quadriceps injury, there were questions about his rhythm, but Hardik answered them in style. He reached his half-century in just 16 balls, making it the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian.As soon as he got to the milestone with a big six, Hardik turned towards the VIP stands and blew flying kisses in Mahieka’s direction. She was seen cheering loudly and smiling, clearly enjoying the moment. The gesture was caught on camera and soon went viral on social media.Watch:Hardik’s innings was full of clean hitting. He attacked the South African bowlers from the start and cleared the boundary with ease. One of his lofted shots was hit so hard that it accidentally struck a cameraman near the boundary, underlining the force behind his strokes.He stitched an important partnership with Tilak Varma, who also played a steady innings and scored a fifty of his own. Together, they pushed India to a massive total of 231 for 5, putting the hosts firmly in control of the match.With this knock, Hardik went past Abhishek Sharma’s 17-ball fifty to move into second place on the list of fastest T20I fifties by Indians. Only Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball fifty from the 2007 T20 World Cup remains ahead of him.The celebration also carried a personal touch. After his public split from Natasa Stankovic in 2024, Hardik has been more open about his life off the field.

Thane: A 57-year-old taxi driver was convicted for procuring a minor girl but acquitted of rape and aggravated sexual assault charges by the Additional Sessions Court in a case that kept him in custody for nearly four years.The court sentenced the man to the period already undergone in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000, ruling that while he lured and took away an 11-year-old child with wrongful intent, the prosecution failed to prove the more serious charges of penetrative sexual assault.According to prosecutor Rekha Hiwrale, the incident occurred on January 3, 2022, when the child was playing outside her Mumbra building with friends. The prosecution stated that the man enticed the children with chocolates and ice cream, took them for a ride in his taxi, dropped the other children near a mosque, but continued with the girl to isolated Khardi village.Additional Sessions Judge DS Deshmukh found the charge of procuring a minor under Section 366-A of the Indian Penal Code proved beyond doubt. The evidence established that the accused deliberately separated the child from her friends and took her to a remote location with intent to seduce her for illicit purposes.However, the court acquitted him of rape charges after finding critical gaps in evidence. The medical examination conducted just one day after the alleged incident showed no fresh injuries. The doctor found only old, healed hymenal tears sustained more than 48 hours before examination, contradicting the prosecution’s timeline.The judge noted that the child did not immediately report any assault to her mother at the police station or to her grandmother that evening. The disclosure came only the next day to a family friend. During cross-examination, the child admitted deposing in court based on what her mother and advocate told her, raising concerns about coaching.Forensic analysis of seized clothes, nail clippings, and swabs revealed no semen or biological evidence linking the accused to penetrative assault. Public Prosecutor argued for conviction citing Supreme Court precedents on child witnesses, but the defence successfully highlighted contradictions and missing evidence.