Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: All eyes will be on young batters Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre during India’s Asia Cup U-19 campaign, but a key point of attention will be whether the BCCI permits the players to shake hands with the Pakistan team, a gesture seen as basic sporting courtesy at the junior level.The India U-19 team, captained by Mumbai and CSK opener Mhatre, will start its campaign against the UAE on Friday. The match against Pakistan on Sunday is expected to draw the most attention in a tournament viewed as preparation for next year’s U-19 World Cup.

In the senior men’s Asia Cup, the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20, Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistan players as a gesture of support for the Indian Army and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.For the U-19 players, it is understood that the ICC prefers that political issues not be linked with junior cricket and that regular protocols of sportsmanship be followed.“The boys haven’t been told anything. But obviously BCCI has given explicit instructions to its manager Anand Datar. Now if Indian boys don’t shake hands with Pakistan team then match referee will have to be informed in advance. We know for a fact that ICC doesn’t want politics to take front seat when it comes to junior cricket. So it is a case of both bad optics and public sentiment,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.In the tournament, India and Pakistan are expected to make the semi-finals as the top two teams from Group A. Malaysia and the UAE are the other group members and have limited experience in 50-over cricket.Both Sooryavanshi and Mhatre enter the event after strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Mhatre contributed with consecutive centuries and a fifty in the group stage, while Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a SMAT century, against Maharashtra.In India’s 15-member squad, these two players have played more than 30 senior matches across formats and have a combined total of nine centuries. This is the highest number of senior-level centuries when compared to all the other seven teams together, making India strong contenders in the tournament.India U19 squad for Asia Cup:

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The clubs fear that another meeting with AIFF “without removal of commercially restrictive clauses in the constitution” would end without a positive outcome

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is nowhere close to finding a solution to the crisis that has brought the sport to a standstill, and in the absence of a commercial partner, its plans of joining hands with clubs to organise the top tier league seem disjointed.In response to the clubs’ suggestion, the AIFF had reached out to the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs saying it can explore the possibility of jointly organising the league. The federation wanted a conference call “to work towards a mutually agreeable solution” before next week’s general body, but the clubs aren’t convinced.“The implication that clubs must find solutions without regulatory support is both inaccurate and unhelpful,” Mohun Bagan director Vinay Chopra wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, on behalf of the clubs, on Thursday. “Your response appears to deflect responsibility onto the clubs while simultaneously citing constitutional restrictions as justification for the federation’s inaction. Such an approach is neither reasonable nor conducive to resolving matters of existential importance.”The clubs said if the AIFF is unwilling or unable to support the necessary amendments to the new constitution or provide a commercially viable framework for the league, then the only logical solution is for the federation to transfer the long-term rights of the league to the clubs, who would then “collaboratively create a tenable roadmap that reflects the commercial realities of Indian football.”“What Indian football needs now is leadership and decisive action, not rhetoric, not deflection, and not further attrition of the ecosystem,” said the clubs while requesting clear direction, constitutional resolution, and a commercially viable long-term framework without further delay.In response later on Thursday, AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan said their “options are limited”.“At present, there are two possible approaches: 1. To await the final directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court; or 2. To collectively explore an amicable alternative solution,” said Satyanarayan.The clubs fear that another round of talks with the AIFF “without removal of commercially restrictive clauses in the constitution” would end just like the previous three meetings: without a positive outcome or a way forward.“From the very beginning, the clubs have made themselves fully available, willing to cooperate, contribute, and find solutions for the good of Indian football. Yet, to this day, the AIFF has not offered a single concrete pathway forward.“Instead of taking responsibility and providing leadership, the federation has repeatedly chosen to retreat into silence, hiding behind the Supreme Court process and now the govt, rather than engaging directly with the stakeholders who sustain the sport. This continued inaction has placed clubs, players, staff, and fans in an extremely vulnerable position. Indian football deserved better,” said a club official.

In a gripping contest at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, India produced one of the standout moments of the 2nd T20I when wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma executed a lightning-fast MS Dhoni-esque run out to dismiss a rampant Quinton de Kock on 90. The moment arrived just as South Africa were threatening to surge towards an even bigger total, and it became an instant highlight of the match, drawing massive reactions across social media.

Jitesh Sharma’s sharp work cuts short Quinton de Kock’s masterclass

India, having won the toss and opted to bowl, were under pressure as De Kock dominated proceedings with clean, authoritative strokeplay. But on the very first ball of the 16th over, Varun Chakravarthy induced a rare error. Bowling a flatter ball outside off, he forced de Kock into an under-edge that trickled towards the wicketkeeper. Thinking he had safely played it out, De Kock momentarily stepped out of his crease.

That was all the time Jitesh needed. With immaculate presence of mind and razor-sharp glovework reminiscent of Dhoni at his peak, Jitesh collected the ball cleanly and whipped off the bails in one swift motion. De Kock’s desperate attempt to stretch back into the crease was in vain as the third umpire confirmed he was short. The South African opener, who was marching towards a well-deserved century, had to walk back for a scintillating 90, greeted by a standing ovation from the Mullanpur crowd.

Here’s the video:

Smart glovework from #JiteshSharma ends Quinton de Kock’s knock, perfect timing to break South Africa’s momentum. ⚡#INDvSA, 2nd T20I, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/BI0R1pksPm pic.twitter.com/eHOkcQzYzR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 11, 2025

Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Varun Chakaravarthy castles Reeza Hendricks with a stunning carrom ball in 2nd T20I

De Kock leads South Africa to a massive total in Mullanpur

Despite the heartbreak at falling short of a century, De Kock’s knock proved pivotal in powering South Africa to a formidable total (213/4) in the venue’s debut men’s international fixture. His early aggression neutralised India’s disciplined start, especially after Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Reeza Hendricks inside the PowerPlay.

De Kock then consolidated and accelerated, forging a crucial partnership with skipper Aiden Markram. Their stand laid the foundation for a potential 200-plus score before Chakravarthy returned to break the alliance in the 12th over. India found a brief opening thereafter, removing de Kock and Dewald Brevis in quick succession, hinting at a comeback.

However, the momentum shifted again as David Miller and Tristan Stubbs‘ replacement, Ferreira, unleashed a ferocious assault in the final overs. The duo targeted India’s seamers with brutal precision. Arshdeep Singh endured a particularly tough outing, conceding seven wides in a single over and struggling to regain rhythm. Jasprit Bumrah, uncharacteristically expensive, leaked 45 runs from his four overs, further aiding the visitors’ late surge.

In stark contrast, Chakravarthy emerged as India’s standout performer with the ball. His composed, probing spell not only yielded two wickets but also applied pressure during crucial phases, preventing an even bigger score.

Also READ: Robin Uthappa slams Gautam Gambhir for overlooking Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s heroics against South Africa

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 12, 2025, Mumbai is experiencing a sunny morning with clear skies and a gentle breeze, setting the stage for a pleasant day. Temperatures are expected to range from a comfortable 22.4°C in the morning to a pleasant 29°C by the afternoon. The city’s air quality, recorded yesterday with an AQI of 100, falls into the “moderate” category, which marks a “slight improvement” from earlier in the week when conditions were “poor” and “very poor.” This favorable weather is projected to continue throughout the upcoming week, with temperatures fluctuating between 22.5°C and 30.7°C under clear skies, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities, though residents are advised to remain mindful of air quality in congested areas.Mumbai woke up to a sunny morning today, December 12, 2025, characterized by clear skies and a gentle breeze. This combination makes for a perfect start to the day.The temperature is expected to hover around a comfortable 22.4°C in the morning. It is then projected to rise to a pleasant 29°C by the afternoon.The day promises to be warm and sunny, with no chances of rain anticipated throughout the period. The maximum temperature will reach 29°C, while the minimum will settle at 22.4°C, ensuring a mild evening.Humidity levels are relatively low at 35%, which contributes significantly to the comfortable feel of the weather. Winds will be light, blowing at around 15.8 km/h, adding a refreshing touch to the day.The skies are projected to remain clear throughout, with no significant changes expected in the evening. This makes it an ideal day for various outdoor activities, whether it is a morning jog or an evening stroll by the sea.

Today’s Air Quality

Yesterday, Mumbai’s air quality was in the “moderate” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 100. This means that while the air was not hazardous, sensitive groups might have felt slight discomfort.The primary pollutants identified were PM2.5, measured at 56 µg/m³, and PM10, at 72 µg/m³. These specific levels are typical for urban areas that experience high vehicular and industrial activity.While the air was not severely polluted, those with respiratory issues might have experienced mild discomfort. Today’s weather, featuring its clear skies and light winds, could potentially help disperse pollutants slightly.However, it is still advisable for residents to avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor air in congested areas. With today’s weather looking stable, the air quality is likely to remain similar, so carrying a mask is a good idea if heading to traffic-heavy areas.Given the sunny and clear weather conditions, it is considered a great day to step out and enjoy the outdoors. However, if planning to be in high-traffic zones, wearing a mask can help reduce exposure to pollutants.The low humidity and mild temperatures make it a good day for outdoor workouts or even a picnic in the park. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen if they are spending extended time outside.

The Week Ahead

Looking ahead, the next week in Mumbai is forecast to continue with warm and sunny conditions. Temperatures are expected to range between 22.5°C and 30.7°C.The skies will remain clear throughout the week, and there is no rain in the forecast. December 16 is specifically anticipated to be the warmest day, with temperatures peaking at 30.7°C.Evenings during the week will stay mild, making it a great time for outdoor dinners or late-night walks. If planning any outdoor activities, the entire week looks favorable, with no significant weather disruptions expected.

Air Quality Improvement

Interestingly, yesterday’s AQI of 100 represented a “slight improvement” compared to earlier in the week. During those previous days, the city had experienced “poor” and “very poor” air quality.This improvement in air quality, coupled with today’s pleasant weather, makes it a good time to enjoy the outdoors. Residents are encouraged to do so while staying mindful of air quality conditions.Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.

The United States on Thursday imposed new sanctions on Venezuela, targeting three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro’s wife, along with six crude oil tankers and associated shipping companies. The action coincided with a large-scale US military buildup in the southern Caribbean and President Donald Trump’s campaign for Maduro’s ouster. On Wednesday Trump said the US had seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, Reuters reported.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement it imposed sanctions on six shipping companies moving Venezuelan oil, and on six crude oil tankers that it said “have engaged in deceptive and unsafe shipping practices and continue to provide financial resources that fuel Maduro’s corrupt narco-terrorist regime.” Four of the tankers, including the 2002-built H. Constance and the 2003-built Lattafa, are Panama-flagged, with the other two flagged by the Cook Islands and Hong Kong. The targeted vessels are supertankers that recently loaded crude in Venezuela, according to internal shipping documents of state oil company PDVSA. Franqui Flores and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, nephews of Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores, were also sanctioned. The two were detained in Haiti in 2015 in a US Drug Enforcement Administration operation, convicted in 2016 of attempting a multimillion-dollar cocaine deal and sentenced to 18 years in prison, but released in a 2022 prison swap with Venezuela. A third nephew, Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, sanctioned for his alleged role in a corruption plot at PDVSA, was also designated. Wednesday’s seizure of a Venezuelan oil cargo was the first under US sanctions in force since 2019 and the first known tanker action by the Trump administration since the military buildup. The administration plans further tanker seizures, according to sources. US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that the FBI, Homeland Security and Coast Guard, backed by the US military, carried out a warrant authorising the seizure of a crude tanker transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The move sent oil prices higher and sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.President Maduro on Thursday slammed the US seizure of an oil tanker from his country, calling it an act of “naval piracy” that escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.“They kidnapped the crew, stole the ship and have inaugurated a new era, the era of criminal naval piracy in the Caribbean,” Maduro said at a presidential event, adding “Venezuela will secure all ships to guarantee the free trade of its oil around the world.” Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of military intervention in Venezuela, accusing it of sending narcotics to the United States. The US has already conducted more than 20 strikes against suspected drug vessels, raising concerns among lawmakers and legal experts.

NEW DELHI: The choice is between an artificially sustained painful life and peaceful death. As a medical board of four specialised doctors told Supreme Court about the condition of 31-year-old Harish Rana who has been living with 100% disability in a permanent vegetative state for 13 years and stressed the negligible chance of his recovery, the court Thursday decided to set in motion the next stage of the process for passive euthanasia.A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan asked the director of AIIMS Delhi to set up a secondary medical board, the second step as per the procedure laid down by the apex court in 2018, and simplified in 2023, on euthanasia pleas. The plea was filed by Harish’s father, Ashok Rana. Going through the report of the primary medical board set up by Noida District Hospital, the bench noted there was no hope of recovery. “The bare reading of the letter would indicate Harish is in a pathetic condition. He was found to be lying on a bed with tracheostomy tube for respiration and gastrostomy for feeding. The photographs attached with the letter would indicate he has suffered huge bed sores. The team of doctors are of the opinion that the chance of his recovery from the present state is negligible. Harish appears to be in this vegetative condition for the past 13 years. In such circumstances…we should now proceed to the next stage in the process,” the bench said. We can’t allow 31-yr-old to live like this, that’s for sure, says SCAs per the apex court’s guidelines, a secondary medical board comprising one registered medical practitioner nominated by the chief medical officer (CMO) of the district and at least two subject experts with at least five years’ experience in the specialty concerned has to be constituted after a primary medical board approves withdrawing artificial life support for a patient in a vegetative state. Though advocate Rashmi Nandakumar, appearing for the petitioner, said that there was no need for a secondary board as the CMO was involved in the primary medical board itself, the bench decided to adhere to the procedure.It said this would be in accordance with the decision of the SC in the ‘common cause’ case. “We request the director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi to constitute a secondary board, as referred to above, and give us a report by next Wednesday, ie Dec 17. Let the matter come up for hearing on Thursday,” the bench said.At the end of the hearing, the court remarked, “We will have to do something now. We can’t allow him to live like this. That’s for sure.”Harish’s case will be the first to see a court monitor the process on a euthanasia plea since SC framed guidelines and the procedure to allow it. In 2018, the court legalised passive euthanasia by allowing withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients and ruled that the “right to die with dignity” is a part of the fundamental right to life.The court subsequently modified its order in 2023 to simplify the process and put in place two-tier medical board to take the call on a plea for passive euthanasia and also allowed the kin of the patient to move the high court concerned in case of denial of the same.Harish had fallen from the fourth floor of his paying guest accommodation on Aug 20, 2013, while he was pursuing a B Tech degree at Punjab University. He was treated at various hospitals, but his condition did not improve. His father had first moved Delhi HC, which refused his plea to refer the case to a primary medical board.Challenging the HC order, the father said Harish’s existence in his current state is a violation of his fundamental right to dignity, and the HC had erred in not adhering to apex court guidelines.

Nagpur: Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday slammed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying he was protecting his corrupt cabinet ministers. Uddhav said the Mahayuti govt is working only with the aim of contesting elections. “Every day, the corruption of some minister is being exposed. Their videos and photos are coming out. Still, the chief minister is silent. CM should now create a new department and keep its name ‘Shielding Department’. Seeing this, I feel sorry for the CM. He took all these corrupt people under his cover. What he was, what has he become?” Uddhav said.Uddhav also launched one of his sharpest attacks on Union home minister Amit Shah, accusing him of trying to overpower Maharashtra. He said, “Amit Shah is behaving like an anaconda that has wrapped itself around Maharashtra and is trying to swallow the state—especially Mumbai.”Speaking at Vidhan Bhavan during the fourth day of the winter session, Thackeray said the state must show “courage” and resist what he called the Centre’s “overreach.”Uddhav said Shah need not teach him Hindutva. Shah had recently accused the opposition parties of “appeasement” politics, criticising their move to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madras high court’s Madurai bench. He had expressed surprise that Shiv Sena (UBT) had also signed the petition along with other INDI bloc MPs. Uddhav also questioned the delay in appointing leaders of the opposition (LOp) in both the legislative assembly and the council, noting that the Sena (UBT) had proposed MLA Bhaskar Jadhav for the assembly LOp post months ago, but no progress has been made. He asked, “If the BJP-led Mahayuti government can name two deputy chief ministers, why is it not appointing LOps?”Uddhav raised concerns about financial aid for farmers affected by excessive rains. He said that last month, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that his ministry had not received any proposal from Maharashtra. Only in the last week of Nov did the state govt send a proposal to the Centre for assistance.“We want to know what the state govt has sent to the Centre, how much relief is demanded, and who will benefit. The details should be tabled in the legislature so people know whether the central govt will help,” Uddhav said. “Farmers are not receiving crop insurance benefits. The govt must discuss cultivator-related issues during the ongoing session.”Reacting to PM Narendra Modi accusing the Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru of ripping apart our national song ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Lok Sabha, Uddhav said the controversy over the Vande Mataram is an insult to the country’s national song. “Is this discussion really about stripping the clothes of the Sangh (RSS)? Shyama Prasad Mukherjee is a guru for BJP leaders. Many people consider him a role model. However, during the discussion on Vande Mataram, the PM has dared to expose many things about Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. No one is ready to talk about the demolition of an ancient Hindu temple to make way for the newly formed RSS office in Delhi. Home minister Amit Shah is covering it up. Therefore, those who went with the Muslim League and had no part in the freedom struggle, home minister Amit Shah, who had no part in the freedom struggle, do not need to teach me Hindutva,” Uddhav said.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive conversation, reaffirming bilateral cooperation and discussing regional and global issues. The call signals renewed engagement, with progress noted in most areas except trade, where US tariffs remain a point of contention. Both leaders emphasized continued collaboration for global peace and prosperity.

NEW DELHI: Amidst ongoing efforts by India and the US to finalise a bilateral trade deal, PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump spoke on Thursday, reaffirming their shared commitment to carrying forward bilateral cooperation while also discussing regional and global issues.The conversation came within a week of Modi’s summit with Russian President Putin and in the middle of renewed efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the back of Trump’s peace plan.The two sides are looking to arrive at a common understanding on issues amid indications that US is still seeking access for its farm products like corn and soybean, among other issues. The two sides have been in talks for a bilateral trade pact since March.“Had very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi posted on X.PM-Trump call signals greater India-US willingness to engagePM Modi is learnt to have reiterated India’s position that it will support all international efforts for peace. “Modi and Trump reviewed the steady progress in India-US bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments,” said an Indian readout. This was the first conversation between the two since they had a call days after Diwali.Thursday’s telephonic conversation signals a greater willingness on both sides to engage as there has been progress in most areas, barring trade, for which Trump has imposed 50% import duty on Indian products, comprising 25% reciprocal tariff and another 25% secondary tariffs for purchasing Russian oil and defence equipment.The move has hit several Indian exports, including textiles, leather, gems and jewellery and shrimps. While negotiators from the two sides have been engaging in a dialogue to resolve the issue, the Trump administration is yet to ease the tariffs, despite an acknowledgment by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the offer on the table is the best received so far.The conversation follows recent efforts by both sides to revive bilateral engagements after the trade-related impasse. US also joined India and other Quad nations in condemning the Red Fort terror incident in a Quad counter-terrorism dialogue. Both sides also separately held their own terrorism dialogue.India and US held foreign office consultations this week with a focus on key bilateral issues, including trade and investment, defence, the TRUST initiative for cooperation in critical technologies, energy, including civil nuclear collaboration, and critical minerals.According to US, the meeting was an opportunity to translate President Trump and PM Modi’s vision from their Feb meeting this year into “concrete progress that enhances US security, jobs and competitiveness, while supporting India’s long-term goals”.“The Under Secretary emphasised US’ aim to deepen cooperation in defense, energy, technology, space, and trusted supply chains and the value of US-India cooperation that fuels US innovation while supporting India’s rise as a global technology leader,” a US embassy spokesperson said.While the US statement did not mention the Indo-Pacific, an Indian readout said that the discussions also covered regional and global developments of mutual interest, with both sides underscoring their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.