Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki celebrates with Erling Haaland (Barrington Coombs/PA via AP)

Rayan Cherki delivered another decisive statement of his growing influence at Manchester City as his late strike secured a 2-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest and lifted Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table on Saturday. The France international was at the heart of everything City did well at the City Ground. After setting up Tijjani Reijnders for the opening goal early in the second half, Cherki returned in the closing stages to fire home the winner, capping a standout display that underlined his importance to City’s title push. City had to weather sustained pressure from Forest, who matched Guardiola’s men for large spells and were level soon after falling behind. Omari Hutchinson, scoring his first goal for the club, punished a rare City mistake to bring the home side back into the contest and briefly threaten another memorable result against the champions. Guardiola’s team eventually found a way through, extending their winning run to eight matches in all competitions and six straight league victories. The result moved City one point clear of Arsenal, although the Gunners could reclaim top spot later in the day with a home win over Brighton. Before kick-off, Forest paid tribute to club legend John Robertson, who passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 72. The former Scotland winger was a central figure in Forest’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, and his flair and end product were fondly remembered by the City Ground crowd. Cherki, who joined City from Lyon in the summer, appears to share that same blend of creativity and cutting edge. At just 22, he has quickly become a key figure in Guardiola’s side and, should City edge Arsenal to the title, his contribution is likely to be pivotal. Guardiola had set a stern tone over the festive period, warning his players against excess and making it clear that fitness standards would not be compromised. He even cancelled a planned rest day after last weekend’s win over West Ham. When asked about his squad’s condition, Guardiola joked that he was the only one who had put on weight. Despite that discipline, City looked flat before the break and Forest had the better chances. Morgan Gibbs-White went close after meeting a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross, while City struggled to impose themselves. Erling Haaland, who has 19 league goals by Christmas, the joint-most at this stage in Premier League history, was largely kept quiet. The visitors finally found their rhythm just after the interval. Cherki drifted inside and slipped a clever pass to Reijnders, who finished calmly from 12 yards for City’s first shot on target. Cherki then tested goalkeeper John Victor with a fierce effort moments later. Forest responded swiftly. Reijnders lost possession near his own area, allowing Gibbs-White to release Igor Jesus, whose cross was drilled home by Hutchinson from close range. With City wobbling, Neco Williams forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a save before Nicolo Savona blazed over from the rebound. The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute. A loose ball fell to Cherki just inside the box and the Frenchman lashed an unstoppable finish past Victor. He celebrated by mimicking Haaland’s trademark calm pose in front of the travelling supporters. It was a fitting end to a performance that highlighted why Cherki is fast becoming one of Guardiola’s most trusted match-winners as City continue their relentless pursuit of another Premier League crown.

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On Saturday, December 27, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the India U19 squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Ayush Mhatre has been named as captain of India U19 for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup and Vihaan Malhotra will be serving as his deputy.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi features in the India U19 World Cup squad

The Boys In Blue will be heading into the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup as one of the red-hot favorites. They are placed in Group B for the World Cup along with New Zealand, USA and Bangladesh.

Your daily dose of cricket!

India U19 are the most successful team in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup history, having won the titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022. India’s 5 titles are just one more than the current defending champions Australia, who have won four.

The Boys in Blue will lock horns with USA in their tournament opener on January 15 , before taking on Bangladesh on January 17 and New Zealand on January 24. They will play all their matches at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Just before the start of the World Cup, India U19 will tour South Africa for a three-match series that will be played on January 3, 5 and 7 at the Willowmoore Park.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi will lead India U19 in the South Africa series with Aaron George being vice-captain. This is because Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra have been ruled out with their wrist injuries and will only return for the World Cup.

The rest of the Indian squad is also a strong one and they would be looking to move on from the U19 Asia Cup setback and clinch a record 6th World Cup title.

“The Junior Cricket Committee has picked the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day series against South Africa and the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15th January to 6th February, 2026.

“The upcoming edition of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by the Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare,” the BCCI said in an official media release.

“NOTE: Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra have sustained wrist injuries and will miss the South Africa tour. The duo will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further management of their injuries and will join the team for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated.

India’s squad for the South Africa tour:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar

India U19 squad for ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026:

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.

Also Read: Coup inside BCCI? Gautam Gambhir backstabbed as board secretly contacts VVS Laxman for head coach role

Australia’s Steve Smith directs fielders on Day 2 of their Ashes cricket test match against England in Melbourne. (AP)

Steve Smith, who is leading Australia in Pat Cummins’ absence during the ongoing Ashes series, spoke about the Boxing Day Test that ended inside two days and said such matches are not good for finances.Australia had already sealed the five-match Ashes series by winning the first three Tests, but their chance of a 5-0 result ended after England beat them by four wickets in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The win was England’s first of the tour and took the series scoreline to 3-1.

The Boxing Day Test finished in two days, with 36 wickets falling on a pitch that Smith said offered “a bit too much” help to bowlers. The opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 in Perth had also finished inside a couple of days.Speaking at the post-match press conference, Smith said it was disappointing that the match ended so early, especially with a full house expected on the following day. He said it affected both finances and fans. Smith added that Tests are being played at a faster pace due to aggressive batting, but said it would have been better if the match had gone on longer.“Obviously finances aren’t great. I think it was a sell-out tomorrow if we got there. So, yeah, disappointing for those that wanted to come along. But it happens sometimes in cricket. It goes quick. A lot of the tests, regardless of the wicket, kind of been played in fast forward. The way both teams have been playing with the bat quite aggressively and getting scores quickly. But, yeah, this one, over in two days, not ideal. Would be good if it was a little bit longer and we were able to entertain some fans a bit more. But it wasn’t to be on this occasion.”In the match, England chose to bowl first. Josh Tongue took five wickets as Australia were dismissed for 152. England were then bowled out for 110, trailing by 42 runs. Australia again struggled in their second innings and were dismissed for 132, setting England a target of 175.England were helped by opening partnerships from Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett during the chase. Despite losing wickets later, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith stayed till the end to secure a four-wicket win.Australia had won the first three Tests at home and extended their unbeaten run against England in Australia to 16-0. England’s victory in the fourth Test ended that run.

NEW DELHI: Congress party on Saturday expressed “serious concern” over the Bengaluru demolition drive carried out by the Karnataka government that led to the eviction of several settlers from Kogilu village. Party general secretary KC Venugopal spoke to the Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar and conveyed that such actions should have been undertaken with “far greater caution” keeping the “human impact at the centre”.“Spoke to Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah and DCM @DKShivakumar regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Kogilu village, Bengaluru. Conveyed the AICC’s serious concern that such actions should have been undertaken with far greater caution, sensitivity, and compassion, keeping the human impact at the centre,” Venugopal informed in a post on X.“They have assured that they will personally engage with the affected families, put in place an appropriate mechanism for addressing grievances, and ensure rehabilitation and relief for those impacted,” he further said.Sidda and DK Shivakumar had defended the move saying that the “place was not suitable for human habitation”, adding that “temporary shelter, food, and other essential facilities would be arranged for all those affected.”“Several people had illegally erected makeshift shelters at the waste-disposal site in the Kogilu Layout near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. It is not a place suitable for human habitation. Despite issuing notices on multiple occasions directing the families to relocate, the residents failed to comply. Under these circumstances, it became unavoidable to clear the encroachment and vacate the site,” the Karnataka CM had said.Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had also criticised the demolition drive calling it an example of “anti-minority aggressive politics.”Sidda hit back at the Kerala CM saying that his remarks were “politically motivated” and reflected a “lack of understanding of the factual situation.”“There is a fundamental difference between ‘bulldozer justice’ and the lawful removal of illegal encroachments. The criticism being made by Pinarayi Vijayan is politically motivated and reflects a lack of understanding of the factual situation,” he had said.

After a relaxing night of sleep, a middle-aged woman woke up, only to find that she had no vision in her one eye. She was healthy and didn’t have any lifestyle diseases as such. So what really happened? She vaped the night before. Shocked? Let’s dive deeper.

A real case and real warning

Dr Megha Karnawat, an ophthalmologist, explained about a shocking case where a woman experienced sudden loss of vision in one eye. She detailed a case report from 2022. “A real case. A real warning. A 40-year-old woke up with sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. No diabetes. No hypertension. No previous eye issues,” the ophthalmologist said.

The doctors were confused as to why the woman lost vision all of a sudden. That’s when the real culprit was unveiled. The woman did heavy vaping the night before and had a 4-year history of vaping.ID@undefined Caption not available.

What is vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol (not water vapor) produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device called a vape, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. These devices heat a liquid, called e-liquid or vape juice. This usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, turning it into an aerosol that can be inhaled into the lungs. Vaping is similar to smoking a cigarette, but it does not involve burning tobacco.

How does vaping impact the eyes?

In the US, an estimated 2.13 million youths vaped in 2023, according to the CDC. Vaping has a significant effect on eye health. A 2020 study by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that vaping chemicals creates toxic ketene gas, which is lethal at high concentrations, and at lower concentrations, it can irritate the eyes and lungs and impair the central nervous system. Vaping has the following effects on eyes as per Dr Karnawat. • Retinal artery spasm• Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve• Increased oxidative stress in retinal tissues• Worsening of existing microvascular problems• Sudden vision loss (even if you’re “young & healthy”)Yes, that’s right. Vaping may lead to sudden vision loss, even though you are healthy and in your prime years. “If you ever experience sudden blurring, a dark curtain, or vision drop, treat it as an EMERGENCY. Vision saved = retina saved,” the ophthalmologist said. Though many people assume vaping is a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it is important to understand that there are no safe tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.