Pakistan U19 clinched their first-ever sole U19 Asia Cup title with a commanding 191-run victory over India in Dubai. Sameer Minhas' sensational 172 off 113 balls powered Pakistan to 347/8 before bowlers dismissed India for 156. Minhas won both Player of the Match and Series awards, finishing as tournament's top scorer. During the presentation, Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi avoided contact with Indian players, staying away from cameras while handing medals to Pakistani players. India's captain Ayush Mhatre collected the runners-up cheque from an Afghanistan Cricket Board official, with medals distributed by ICC Director Mubashir Usmani. India lost wickets regularly, offering only brief lower-order resistance. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's Bengali cultural institutions face systematic attacks from Islamic radicals, with patterns suggesting Pakistani involvement. Udichi Shilpi Gosthi's Dhaka office was attacked Friday, following assaults on Chhayanaut, Prothom Alo, and The Daily Star amid Sharif Osman Hadi protests. Udichi, founded in 1968 and awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2013, promoted Bengali identity during Bangladesh's liberation war. These institutions historically opposed Jamaat-E-Islami Bangladesh's pro-Pakistan stance. Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Pakistan-Bangladesh ties have strengthened with visa-free access for diplomats, direct flights, and new shipping routes. Reports suggest ISI operates from Pakistan's Dhaka High Commission. Critics view attacks on minorities, newspapers, and cultural centers as ISI destabilization tactics under the Yunus regime's soft approach toward Jamaat.

President Droupadi Murmu approved the VB-G RAM G Bill 2025, replacing MGNREGA with a new rural employment framework aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Key changes include increasing guaranteed work days from 100 to 125 annually and shifting funding to a 60:40 Centre-state split from the previous Centre-heavy models. The law introduces a 60-day employment pause during peak agricultural seasons and narrows permissible works to four verticals: water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and climate resilience. The government claims the changes promote cooperative federalism and better outcomes. Opposition leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi criticized removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and argued the Bill dilutes workers' rights-based entitlements. (PC: Reuters & The New Indian Express)

Pakistan U19 clinched their first U19 Asia Cup title since 2012 with a dominant 191-run victory over India U19 in Dubai. After posting 347/8 in 50 overs, powered by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172, Pakistan bowled India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs. Deepesh Devendran top-scored with 32 off 14 balls in India's collapse. The comprehensive win avenged Pakistan's earlier group-stage defeat where they were bowled out for 150 chasing 241. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, had entered the final unbeaten after victories over UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan's young guns significantly improved their batting and bowling performances to secure the title.

Pakistan dominated India in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai, as India crumbled to 112/7 after 20.1 overs while chasing 348. India require 236 runs from 179 balls at 7.91 runs per over. Earlier, Pakistan posted a mammoth 347/8 in 50 overs, driven by Sameer Minhas' record-breaking 172. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, entered the final unbeaten, having defeated UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan in the group stage, and Sri Lanka in the semifinals. Pakistan sought redemption after collapsing to 150 all-out in their previous encounter against India, finishing second in their group before beating Bangladesh in the semifinals. (PC: X)

Indian Railways will revise ticket prices from December 26, 2025, increasing non-AC fares by Rs 10 for every 500 km traveled. Ordinary class fares beyond 215 km rise by 1 paisa per kilometer, while Mail/Express Non-AC and AC class fares increase by 2 paise per kilometer. Suburban services, monthly tickets, and journeys under 215 km remain unchanged, protecting daily commuters. The revision aims to address rising operational costs, manpower expenses at Rs 1.15 lakh crore, pensions at Rs 60,000 crore, and total operations at Rs 2.63 lakh crore. Railways expects Rs 600 crore additional revenue this financial year while maintaining affordability and improving safety standards across India's second-largest cargo railway network. (PC: Getty Images)

India U19 collapsed to 69/4 after nine overs, chasing Pakistan's mammoth 348 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed after a brief 10-ball cameo featuring three sixes, losing his composure post-dismissal. Captain Ayush Mhatre and in-form Aaron George also fell cheaply. Vihaan Malhotra was bowled by Abdul Subhan attempting a leg-side drive. India reached 50 in just 4.3 overs but lost three early wickets. Abhigyan Kundu and Vedant Trivedi now face immense pressure, requiring 280 runs from 246 balls. Earlier, Pakistan's Sameer Minhas smashed a record-breaking 172, posting the highest individual score in U19 Asia Cup final history. (PC: X)

Google and Apple warned H-1B visa holders against international travel due to embassy delays stretching up to 12 months. Immigration law firms BAL (Google) and Fragomen (Apple) issued memos cautioning employees that traveling abroad risks extended stays outside the US due to visa stamping appointment backlogs. The State Department confirmed embassies now prioritize thorough vetting over speed, implementing expanded social media screening for H-1B workers and dependents. Many Indian nationals had December appointments cancelled or postponed. Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman advised employees to "stay put" unless travel is essential. Both companies are monitoring the situation closely as disruptions could continue into 2025, urging staff to avoid non-essential international travel. (PC: India Today)

India's Ministry of External Affairs dismissed "misleading propaganda" in Bangladesh media regarding protests outside Dhaka's High Commission in New Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that 20-25 youth gathered on December 20, protesting the "horrendous killing" of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and demanding minority protection in Bangladesh. Jaiswal emphasized no attempt was made to breach the High Commission fence or create security threats. Police dispersed the group within minutes. The MEA stated visual evidence is publicly available and reaffirmed India's commitment to protecting foreign missions per Vienna Convention obligations. The clarification came amid heightened diplomatic tensions following violent protests and minority attacks in Bangladesh after Sharif Osman Hadi's death. (PC: ANI)

Pakistan U19's Sameer Minhas delivered a record-breaking 172 off 71 balls, powering his team to 347/8 against India U19 in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. Minhas set the highest-ever individual score in an U19 Asia Cup final, smashing 17 fours and nine sixes while accumulating 471 runs across five tournament matches. Ahmed Hussain contributed 56 runs. India dropped three catches but recovered late, taking five wickets in 24 balls through Deepesh Devendran (3), Khilan Patel (2), and Henil Patel (2). India now chase 348 runs, aiming for a record-extending ninth U19 Asia Cup title, while Pakistan seek their first since 2012. Focus shifts to 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. (PC: X/@Cricbuzz)