Mumbai: Four persons have been arrested by Samta Nagar police for allegedly conning 190 people of Rs 67 lakh collectively with fake visas for jobs as handymen and drivers in Russia, South Korea and Turkey. The victims belong to different parts of the country, including Maharashtra, UP and Bihar.Police said the accused took away the passports of the victims, some of whom had to pay Rs 2.5 lakh each and a few had to pawn their jewellery or sell their farmland to raise money. “We have seized 190 passports from the accused,” said a police officer.Prime accused Devraj Yadav was arrested from UP, where he had fled after the fraud was exposed. The other three arrested—Anam Ansari, her brother Rehaan alias Riyal Ansari and mother Parveen Ansari—hail from Nalasopara. Police are looking for four more suspects. As per the FIR, the accused worked out of an office in Kandivli East. Some of the job aspirants approached them after noticing advertisements for job vacancies on Facebook, while others heard about them through word of mouth.UP native Sachin Kumar Rawat said he was promised a job in Russia and was charged Rs 85,000 in cash. “I pawned my wife and children’s jewellery and reached Mumbai on Dec 1. After I paid the accused, they took my passport and said it would be delivered to the hotel where I was put up after a visa was affixed. They had given me a flight ticket for Dec 3, but the ticket was later cancelled. The office wound up operations the same day and the accused vanished.” Another job aspirant from Bihar, Sanjeet Kumar, said he was charged Rs 1.5 lakh and made payment through an agent in Oct.On realising that they had been duped, the victims landed in Mumbai in hordes but had no place to stay. Some of them stayed on the premises of Samta Nagar police station. With the help of BJP MP Piyush Goyal’s office, the job aspirants said they were able to get their passports back from police and the investigation was expedited.“Citizens, particularly young job aspirants, are advised to remain cautious of fraudulent job offers, including overseas employment promises circulated through social media or dubious channels, and to verify recruitment agencies through authorised portals before making any payments or submitting documents,” Goyal said in a media release.

The US Justice Department has begun releasing a large batch of previously unseen files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following lengthy efforts to make government records about the case public.The release comes under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by US President Donald Trump in November. It required unclassified documents in the department’s possession to be made public by December 19, 2025.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News on Friday that the Justice Department would publish “several hundred thousand” pages of documents on the deadline, but he said that the full set will not be released at once and additional batches are expected over the coming weeks. Blanche said the department needed extra time to protect victim identities and ensure that names and identifying details are appropriately redacted.The newly released documents include a wide range of investigative material generated over nearly two decades of federal scrutiny into Epstein’s conduct and network. These materials may comprise photographs, internal law enforcement communications, evidence inventories, and other records related to multiple aspects of the Epstein investigation, according to CBS news.In addition to Friday’s Justice Department release, lawmakers and committees have previously made thousands of pages of materials public through subpoenas and voluntary disclosures. In September, the House Oversight Committee released tens of thousands of pages of files ranging from court records and flight logs to videos of Epstein’s jail cell before his death. The earlier revelations included previously available material as well as a new context for Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures. No formal accusations have been made against political leaders whose names appear in the records.The Epstein Files Transparency Act also requires the government to publish a list of all politically exposed persons and government officials named in the records, along with explanations for any redactions and withheld portions, within 15 days of the documents’ release.Despite the milestone release, the Justice Department is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who say the department is violating the law by not releasing all of the files by the legal deadline, which was 30 days fromt he president’s signing.

NEW DELHI: Dense fog across Delhi and northern India on Friday morning disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), with 79 departures (including 2 international) and 73 arrivals (including 2 international) cancelled and over 200 flights delayed.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the national capital, cautioning that persistent fog could continue to disrupt flight operations at select airports. The weather agency also warned of possible delays and safety concerns on highways and railway routes due to reduced visibility.

Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport. IGIA officials said operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions, a specialized Instrument Landing System (ILS) category that allows landings in very low visibility, sometimes close to zero. “Dense fog is impacting flight schedules. Our on-ground teams are coordinating with all stakeholders to assist passengers across terminals. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and urge flyers to check their flight status with respective airlines,” the airport said in a statement. Airline advisories IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, noting that early-morning fog is affecting flight operations in Delhi and parts of northern India. In a post on X, IndiGo wrote, “Early-morning fog in Delhi and across parts of northern India is reducing visibility and disrupting flight operations. We seek your understanding, as this is a seasonal occurrence, and flight movements are being managed accordingly to ensure safe and orderly operations. Customers travelling in the early hours may experience delays or revised timings. We recommend checking the latest flight status prior to leaving for the airport, goindigo.in/flight-status.“The airline is monitoring the weather, coordinating with authorities, and adjusting operations to help passengers.“Our teams are actively monitoring weather conditions and coordinating with air traffic authorities. Wherever possible, we are making operational adjustments to minimise inconvenience and ensure customer support remains available across all key touchpoints. We will keep you informed and get you on your way as soon as conditions permit,” post added on X. Passenger woes Thursday’s disruptions compounded the troubles for travelers, as over 500 flights were delayed and 27 cancelled. Visibility at the airport dropped to just 100 metres between 6:45 am and 7:30 am, improving slightly to 200 metres afterward. Passengers faced long waits inside terminals, rescheduling hassles, and anxiety over missed connections. Many complained about partial refunds, with some citing deductions for convenience fees or travel insurance despite flight cancellations. The worst disruption this week occurred on Monday, when over 800 flights were delayed, more than 200 were cancelled, and five diverted. While numbers improved midweek, the recurring fog continues to challenge smooth operations. Air quality adds to woesAdding to the disruption, Delhi woke up on Friday to ‘very poor’ air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) pegged at 387 at 8 am, data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed.

The fifth and final T20I between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium has kicked off with a massive personnel shift following the exclusion of India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill.

Shubman Gill sidelined for T20I series decider between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad

During the toss on December 19, 2025, skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the star opener would miss the series finale due to an injury sustained during a practice session in Lucknow.  With India leading the five-match series 2-1, this final encounter has transformed into a high-stakes audition for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, as the team management explores alternative opening combinations. The absence of Gill has paved the way for the return of Sanju Samson. As South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl, both teams revealed multiple changes to their playing XIs, reflecting a mix of tactical rotations and injury-forced adjustments.

“Gill picked up a niggle in Lucknow, so Sanju comes in,” Suryakumar said during the toss.

BCCI confirms captain Suryakumar Yadav’s update on Gill

The official reason for Gill’s absence from the Ahmedabad decider is a right-foot impact injury, an update confirmed by the BCCI medical team shortly after the toss. Providing clarity on the situation, the BCCI stated, “Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow; he is improving but remains unavailable for selection.” While the injury is the immediate cause, Gill’s exclusion comes amidst a significant statistical slump that has seen the 25-year-old struggle to justify his promotion to the vice-captaincy.

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow.

After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final…

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2025

In 15 T20I innings throughout 2025, Gill has managed only 291 runs at a lackluster average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26, failing to register a single fifty-plus score since July 2024. This “lean patch” has coincided with difficult tours of Australia and the ongoing home rubber, where he has consistently failed to provide the explosive starts required in the modern T20 format. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just two months away, this forced break might actually serve as a reset for Gill, though it simultaneously allows rivals like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to stake a claim for his starting spot.

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah gives a shocking response after a fan disregards his request for ‘space’

Key team changes for India and South Africa in the 5th T20I

Beyond the headline-grabbing absence of Gill, both India and South Africa have opted for significant tactical reshuffles to exploit the unique conditions of the Narendra Modi Stadium. For the hosts, the return of local hero Jasprit Bumrah in place of Harshit Rana stands as the most impactful change, as the premier pacer returns to bolster the attack in his home city.

Additionally, the spin department saw a swap with Washington Sundar replacing Kuldeep Yadav, a move likely influenced by Sundar’s intimate knowledge of the track as a Gujarat Titans regular and his ability to lengthen the batting order. South Africa, too, made a calculated adjustment by bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde for the express pace of Anrich Nortje, indicating that the Proteas expect the pitch to offer grip and turn as the game progresses. Captain Markram highlighted the importance of the toss, choosing to bowl first to capitalize on the anticipated dew factor that often plagues the side bowling second in Ahmedabad.

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan breaks into iconic ‘Dhurandhar dance’ after Jharkhand wins SMAT 2025

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court said on Friday that the right to free speech is not unfettered and denied anticipatory bail to a Bengaluru-based 24-year-old chartered accountancy student, who, on his parody account ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Satire’ on X, had posted about the PM and his mother. The court said the student can approach Gujarat HC for relief.“People who abuse free speech cannot be extended discretionary relief by the courts,” said SC.

SC: Right to free speech not absolute, denies pre-arrest bail

Supreme Court said on Friday that the right to free speech is not unfettered and denied anticipatory bail to a Bengaluru-based 24-year-old chartered accountancy student, who, on his parody account ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Satire’ on X, had posted about the PM and his mother. The court said the student can approach Gujarat HC for relief. “People who abuse free speech cannot be extended discretionary relief by the courts,” said SC. It dismissed the petition which had sought quashing of the FIR registered by Ahmedabad police and refused to accede to his request for grant of anticipatory bail or protection from arrest to enable him to join investigation. Counsel for the accused said the man only put a question to a post which he had not generated. “For this he is being accused of outraging the woman’s modesty. Police from Gujarat visited his house and he was detained at a Bengaluru police station without following the procedure of law,” he said. “Police are threatening that they will arrest him. He is ready to cooperate with the investigation but requires protection from arrest,” the counsel said.The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholisaid, “You do not have any sense of remorse or repentance for the abusive words you used against her.” The counsel said he is just a student and is repentant about his post and requested the court to at least protect him from arrest.The bench said, “Petitioner who has abused his free speech right cannot be extended discretionary relief by the court.”An Ahmedabad resident on Nov 7 filed a police complaint that the accused had posted defamatory content against the PM and his mother to “harm their dignity, reputation and tarnish India’s standing in the international community”. Police registered an FIR and went to Bengaluru to question the accused. X has withheld the account after registration of the FIR.The petitioner alleged that in violation of his fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21, of the Constitution, Ahmedabad police, in league with Bengaluru cops, illegally took him to cyber crime police station and threatened him with arrest.

Mumbai: Water supply in some areas of G North, K East and H-East wards will be low pressure for 87 hours that is from 10 am on December 22 to 1 am on December 26. Besides, there will be changes in regular water supply timings as well, as BMC is carrying out cross-connection work after diversion of a 2400 millimeter diameter Upper Vaitarna main water pipeline for Metro Line 7A project work. According to the civic body, this work is extremely important and would be carried out in a planned manner by following the required standards. In the ‘G North’ ward, Dharavi morning water supply – Dharavi Loop Road, A. K. G. Nagar, Jasmine Mill Road, Matunga Kamgar Colony, Sant Rohidas Road, 60 Feet Road, 90 Feet Road, Sant Kakkaiya Road, M. P. Nagar Dhorwada, Mahatma Gandhi Road, while the regular water supply timing is between 4 am and 12 pm, there will be a low pressure water supply from 9 am to 5 pm daily from Monday to ThursdaySimilarly, the Dharavi evening water supplies areas such as Dharavi Main Road, Ganesh Mandir Road, Dilip Kadam Road, Jasmine Mill Road, Mahim Junction and A. K. G. Nagar timings are from 4 PM to 9 PM, while low pressure water supply will be from 5 PM to 10:00 PM during the same period.In the K East ward, areas such as Kabir Nagar, Bamanwada, Parsiwada, Airport Area, Tarun Bharat Colony, Islampura, Deulwadi, P&T Colony, which has regular supply from 2 PM to 5:30 PM, will have low pressure water supply from 2 PM to 5:30 PM. Areas such as Koldongri, Juni Police Galli, Vijay Nagar (Sahar Road) and Mograpada, which has egular water supply timing between 5 PM and 10 PM, will have low pressure water supply from 5 PM to 10 PM.In the H-East, areas such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) including Motilal Nagar, which has regular water supply timing 10 PM to 11:40 PM will have low pressure water supply from 10 PM to 11:40 PM daily, while areas such as Prabhat Colony, TPS-3, Agripada, Kalina, CST Road, Hansbhugra Road, Vidyapeeth, South side of CST Road, Yashwant Nagar, Sundar Nagar, Koliwari Village, Teen Bangla, Shantilal Compound, Patel Compound, Golibar Road, Khar Subway to Kherwadi, Navapada, Behram Nagar, A. K. Road, and Government Colony Bandra (East), which has regular supply from 3:30 AM to 9 AM will have low pressure water supply from 3:30 AM to 9 AM daily from December 23 to 25.The civic body has appealed to citizens of these wards to store necessary water as a precautionary measure and use water sparingly during the repair period. Citizens have been advised to boil and filter water before drinking for the next few days, as a precautionary measure.