Mumbai: Maharashtra recorded 379 sextortion cases between Jan 2022 and Aug 2025, including 193 in Mumbai, which resulted in collective losses of a little over Rs 21 crore and recoveries of only Rs 40 lakh. The period saw 603 cyberbullying cases, with scammers extorting Rs 106.5 crore and authorities recovering a mere Rs 2 crore, latest Maharashtra Cyber Cell data shows.With cyber fraudsters constantly finding new ways to target unsuspecting citizens, the enforcement is still trying to catch up — it has cracked only around 30% of the sextortion and cyberbullying cases during this period.Cyberbullying is a growing public health concern linked to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Sextortion has followed a similar pattern, with victims losing money after scammers blackmail them over morphed objectionable photos obtained during chats or WhatsApp video calls. State Cyber Cell data attribute the rise of both offences to increased internet access and lack of awareness among citizens. “Scams and sextortion will only keep getting advanced and we will witness newer modus operandi of such crimes,” pointed out cyber expert Ritesh Bhatia.A 23-year-old manager at a Powai real estate firm lost Rs 20,000 between April 4 and 6 after connecting with a user, Divya, on the dating application quack quack d. Powai police said the fraudster shared the victim’s private video with his brother, friend and a client from his contact list. A case was filed on Friday, following an additional demand of Rs 30,000 to prevent the video from being circulated on social media. In May 2024, Pant Nagar police in Ghatkopar (E) arrested Ramchandra Ambardekar for posting obscene comments about women police officers on social media. In Aug 2020, Mumbai police’s cyber cell arrested Shashikant Jadhav (27) from Aurangabad, for cyberbullying actress Sonakshi Sinha and using derogatory language against her.A senior IPS officer said, “The primary cause of cyberbullying is anonymity, allowing a bully to easily target anyone over the internet by hiding their original identity.”Research by the ministry of labour and employment in 2023 indicated that cyberbullying often stemmed from personal emotions or harmful intentions. Some perpetrators acted out of obsession, jealousy or revenge, especially after relationships ended badly, using online platforms to dominate or humiliate targets. Others sought to control, manipulate or harass victims, while some were motivated by curiosity or the thrill of invading privacy. Scammers and criminals stalk people online to steal personal information or blackmail them. Additionally, some individuals with mental health issues engage in cyberbullying without understanding its harm.According to cyber lawyer Prashant Mali, cyberbullying of women had increased because the law had failed to create deterrence and perpetrators believed they would remain anonymous. He added that aggression on social networking against women went unchecked and violators felt they were unshackled.To protect victims, Maharashtra Cyber Cell, in collaboration with Brush of Hope, launched a dedicated 24/7 helpline — 022-65366666 — to support victims of cyberbullying and sextortion in March this year. The service aims to provide psychological counselling, legal advice and emergency response measures to individuals experiencing isolation and fear due to online harassment. “This service is designed to assist victims of cyberbullying and sextortion by offering immediate support through psychological counselling, legal advice and emergency response measures, ensuring prompt assistance to those in need,” said a cyber police officer.Cyber psychologist Nirali Bhatia said in 2016, they launched Cyber Wellness Foundation to protect young internet users from online hate and cyberbullying through counselling, guidance and awareness education initiatives. Since then, it has supported over 20,000 victims, conducted over 500 training sessions and workshops and launched over 20 anti-cyberbullying campaigns nationwide.

Harshit Rana delivered his most defining performance yet in the opening ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. Under pressure after months of scrutiny, the young pacer responded with raw pace, accuracy and intent. His spell not only broke South Africa’s early resistance but also shifted the momentum firmly towards India. But it was his emotional, fiery send-off to Dewald Brevis that became one of the biggest talking points of the match.

Harshit Rana gives an fiery send off to Dewald Brevis after dismissing him during IND vs SA ODI game in Ranchi

Rana’s moment of intensity unfolded the second he removed the dangerous Brevis, a wicket that carried far more weight than just numbers. Bowling with rhythm and confidence during a crucial passage of play, Rana tempted Brevis into going aerial over cover, only for the batter to mistime it straight to Ruturaj Gaikwad, who completed a clean catch. The dismissal instantly lifted India’s spirits, but Rana’s reaction became the highlight, an animated, charged send-off as he pointed Brevis toward the pavilion, a gesture reflecting months of bottled-up frustration and the relief of delivering when it mattered most.

His celebration spread across social media within minutes, sparking debates about aggression, passion, and acceptable on-field conduct. Many viewed it as a raw display of competitiveness from a bowler trying to cement his place, while others saw it as a moment that could attract ICC attention, potentially leading to a fine. What stood out, however, was how this fiery reaction encapsulated Rana’s journey: a promising pacer criticized heavily in the past year, finally responding with performance and personality. His three early wickets, including Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks, set the tone for India’s dominance, but the Brevis send-off ensured that Rana walked off the field not just as a wicket-taker, but as one of the match’s central characters, blending skill, emotion and high-stakes theatre into a single unforgettable moment.

Here’s the video:

Need a breakthrough? Call Harshit Rana! 📞

A fine catch by Ruturaj as the dangerman Dewald Brevis departs 👏#INDvSA 1st ODI, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/BBkwein9oF pic.twitter.com/w4PAuCIgUR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 30, 2025

Also READ: IND vs SA: Fans go gaga after Virat Kohli silences critics as he lights up Ranchi with his 52nd ODI hundred

IND vs SA 1st ODI, Ranchi: South Africa fighting hard against India

India’s commanding total of 349/8 has set up a gripping contest in the first ODI at Ranchi, but South Africa have staged a spirited counterattack after a disastrous start. Virat Kohli’s majestic 135 (120), supported by Rohit Sharma’s fluent 57 and KL Rahul’s well-paced 60, powered India to a strong total despite regular breakthroughs from Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger and Baartman. South Africa’s reply began in shambles with Rickelton (0), de Kock (0) and skipper Aiden Markram (7) gone inside 5 overs, reducing them to 11/3.

But Matt Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi rebuilt with a 66-run stand before Kuldeep Yadav’s double-wicket burst halted the momentum. Dewald Brevis’ explosive 37 kept the chase alive, and then Jansen shifted the game dramatically with a stunning 70 off 39, smashing eight fours and three sixes. His counterattack, combined with Corbin Bosch’s calm unbeaten 28, has kept South Africa fighting at 278/8 after 42 overs, needing 72 runs off 48 balls. With six overs left and one frontline wicket remaining, this match is perfectly poised for a tense finish.

Also WATCH: IND vs SA: Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century celebrations interrupted after a fan slips past security and bows at his feet in Ranchi

Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson. Image via: theestallion/Instagram

You know how some people buy flowers, and others write poems? Klay Thompson went ahead and renamed his entire boat. The Golden State Warriors star, who’s been openly dating Megan Thee Stallion for a while now, posted on Instagram revealing that his beloved vessel has officially been christened “SS Stallion,” a full-on tribute to his rapper girlfriend.And listen, for a man whose second home is the ocean, this is basically a public proposal in Klay-speak.

Klay Thompson’s Instagram post shows the new name “SS Stallion” proudly displayed on the boat

In his recent Instagram post, Klay didn’t need a long caption or dramatic rollout. The boat said everything for him. Fans immediately noticed the clean, bold text reading “SS Stallion” on the hull and Megan right there with him on deck, looking like she belongs in a luxury boating magazine.Klay has always treated his boat like it’s part of the Thompson family, so renaming it after Megan? That’s commitment layered with comedy, romance, and a sprinkle of pure Klay energy. It’s the exact kind of soft-flex boyfriend moment he’s known for.Klay’s love for the ocean isn’t a secret. This man has more iconic boat moments than some influencers have selfies. Fishing at sunrise, cruising after practice, random philosophical videos on the deck, the boat is Klay’s happy place.So the moment he stamped “SS Stallion” onto its side, fans instantly understood the level of affection on display. This wasn’t a random gesture, it was a “you’re part of my world now” move.Megan’s fanbase especially loved the tribute, joking that her influence runs so deep, even maritime vehicles are getting rebranded.With a fan commenting, “It’s so fun to watch everybody squirm. Ya’ll married already. We don’t be naming boats and cooking Thanksgiving for bf/gf. I love this all..”Another adding, “The boat is named after Megan??! I am so here for this!.”Klay and Megan have been dating openly for months, posting together, appearing at events, and sharing boat days long before this. This isn’t a new relationship reveal, it’s simply the next chapter in a comfortable, confident romance that needs no secrecy.So the “SS Stallion” moment didn’t feel like a surprise. It felt like something Klay would naturally do for her.And honestly? If this is how they’re cruising into the rest of the year, we’re absolutely here for every update, every boat trip, and every soft-flex moment from the captain and his Stallion.Also read – LeBron James turned down $10M at 18 because of four words from his mom that changed everything

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NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century, Kuldeep Yadav’s four wickets and Harshit Rana’s three-wicket burst secured India a 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI on Sunday.India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second game will be played in Raipur on Wednesday.Kohli produced a brilliant hundred that set up India’s total of 349 for eight on a flat JSCA pitch. His 135 off 120 balls helped India control the innings after an early wicket, and his partnership of 136 with Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) gave the hosts a solid base. Kohli reached his hundred with a boundary off Marco Jansen, prompting a pitch invasion by a spectator. With this hundred, Kohli went past Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test hundreds to become the batter with the most hundreds in a single format, now holding 52 ODI centuries.Rohit crossed a personal mark as well, hitting his 352nd six in ODIs, moving past Shahid Afridi’s tally of 351. KL Rahul added 60 off 56 balls later in the innings.South Africa’s chase began on the back foot as Harshit Rana (3/54) dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the space of three deliveries. Arshdeep Singh (2/64) removed Aiden Markram for 7, leaving South Africa at 11 for 3 in the fifth over.Tony de Zorzi (39 off 35) and Matthew Breetzke (72) added 66 runs for the fourth wicket before Kuldeep Yadav trapped de Zorzi lbw to make it 77 for 4. Dew was present through the evening, affecting India’s grip on the ball and allowing South Africa to score more freely.Dewald Brevis (37 off 28) hit three sixes, but Rana removed him to make it 130 for 5. Breetzke and Marco Jansen then added 97 runs to keep the chase alive. Jansen made 70 and Breetzke reached 72, but Kuldeep’s double strike in the 34th over — removing both batters within three deliveries — shifted the game again.India maintained pressure in the final overs. South Africa needed 18 runs in the last over with one wicket left. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Corbin Bosch (67) with his second delivery to end the match with South Africa on 332 in 49.2 overs.The Rohit-Kohli stand also offered India confidence about their senior players’ roles going forward.

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Chief minister Omar Abdullah (File photo)

SRINAGAR: J&K chief minister’s Omar Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) has foregrounded a recently adopted resolution for restoration of special status, seeking to blunt claims that the party has jettisoned a core issue and is cosying up to BJP.Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar stressed the resolution, passed on Nov 28 at NC’s working committee — its highest decision-making body –was a message to all that the party’s ideological position remains unchanged.“In the working committee meeting, party legislators stressed that we must not be seen as giving up on our political agenda of restoring the special status under Article 370. The resolution reaffirms our commitment to special status. It reflects the dominant sentiment within the party,” Dar told TOI.The resolution states that “the working committee unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the restoration of J&K’s special status”, adding the issue is central to aspirations and dignity of the people and must be addressed without further delay. “The party will continue its principled fight for its full restoration.”NC also urged the Centre to immediately restore full statehood to J&K, as “promised on the floor of Parliament, repeatedly affirmed in public domain, and noted by Supreme Court”.NC’s manifesto for the 2024 polls had vowed to strive for restoration of “Article 370 and statehood as prior to Aug 5, 2019” — when the Centre abrogated the special status and turned J&K into a Union territory.On Nov 6 last year, weeks after NC was voted to office, J&K assembly passed a resolution seeking special status. Later, NC was accused by one of its own MPs, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, and opposition PDP of giving up on Article 370 and concentrating on “restoration of statehood”.Dar said several legislators in the working committee meeting pushed for protests in Delhi to press for statehood, citing difficulties they face at the ground level in getting developmental work executed. But the leadership decided to wait at this stage. “The party expects the Centre to restore statehood as promised in Supreme Court and Parliament,” Dar said.Another NC functionary, Salman Sagar, underscored concerns about attempts to link the party with BJP and the need to counter such narratives firmly.“Central govt and BJP are two different things. As a border state, maintaining a working and cordial relationship with Centre is necessary. But that does not mean we are aligned with BJP. CM (Omar) has made it clear we will never partner with BJP. He reiterated this in the working committee meeting, too. We have decided to challenge any narrative that seeks to portray NC as BJP-friendly. We will fight this narrative war,” Sagar said.

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December, the final month of the year, brings a mix of cultural, national, and global observances. In India, the month is marked by public holidays, regional festivals, and national commemorations, while globally, it highlights awareness campaigns on health, human rights, and environmental issues.Key national days in India include Vijay Diwas (Dec 16), celebrating India’s military achievements, and Kisan Diwas (Dec 23), honoring farmers’ contributions. Christmas on Dec 25 is a nationwide public holiday, and New Year’s Eve on Dec 31 is observed in several states, including Manipur and Mizoram. Regional and tribal celebrations such as Indigenous Faith Day and Tamu Losar reflect India’s diverse cultural traditions.Globally, December features important awareness days such as World AIDS Day (Dec 1), International Human Rights Day (Dec 10), International Mountain Day (Dec 11), and National Energy Conservation Day (Dec 14), focusing on health, equality, sustainability, and social inclusion.

List of Important Days in December 2025

With weekends and Christmas as the main breaks, December is marks the end of the year and hopes, aspirations for the new one.

Significant holidays in India

From Christmas festivities to tribal commemorations and the birth or death anniversaries of revered personalities, the month offers a diverse calendar of public holidays. These observances reflect India’s rich cultural and regional diversity, allowing communities to celebrate their unique traditions while coming together in shared national celebrations. Here is a look at all the public holidays in India during December 2025, along with the states where they will be observed, as per Economic Times.