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)

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus delivered an emotionally charged speech at Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral, vowing to fulfill the anti-India leader's ideals. Hadi, an Inqilab Mancha spokesperson who rose during last year's uprising against Sheikh Hasina, was shot by masked assailants on December 12 and died in Singapore on Thursday. Yunus told hundreds of thousands of mourners at Sangsad Bhaban that Hadi would remain in Bangladeshis' hearts forever, pledging "we will not bow before anyone." The funeral echoed with slogans like "Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka." Police suggest suspects fled to India, fueling diplomatic tensions. Hadi's death triggered violent nationwide protests, attacking media houses and resulting in Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das's lynching.

Utkarsh Amitabh, a 34-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur in the UK, earns approximately Rs 18,000 hourly training AI models as a side hustle. The founder-CEO of Network Capital began freelancing with micro1 in January 2025, making nearly Rs 2.6 crore including bonuses. With mechanical engineering credentials from Delhi College of Engineering, an Oxford philosophy master's, and six years at Microsoft on AI partnerships, Amitabh works 3.5 hours nightly after putting his daughter to bed. His role involves testing models with complex business problems, identifying AI confusion points, and reframing prompts. He emphasizes intellectual curiosity over money, stating the work aligns with his AI research interests while requiring immense attention to detail. (PC: LinkedIn)

Nine people were killed and ten injured after gunmen attacked a tavern in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg early Sunday morning. South African police reported approximately 12 unidentified assailants arrived in two cars at 01:00 local time, opened fire on patrons, and continued shooting randomly while fleeing. Authorities confirmed the tavern held a valid license and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The incident highlights South Africa's severe violence crisis, with the country recording one of the world's highest murder rates at 45 deaths per 100,000 people, according to 2023-24 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data. Police investigations continue as they pursue the suspects. (PC: X)

Pakistan reached 260/3 in 38 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final, with Sameer Minhas delivering an extraordinary 147* performance. Khilan Patel provided India's crucial breakthrough, dismissing Ahmed Hussain for 56 and ending a formidable 137-run partnership. Hussain dragged a ball straight to mid-on where captain Ayush Mhatre completed the catch. New batsman Farhan Yousaf immediately displayed aggression, pulling Patel for a six. Minhas continued his breathtaking innings, including a lofted backfoot punch through extra cover. Pakistan crossed 250 in the 37th over. Under new laws, the final 16 overs use one ball, potentially aiding India's bowlers as the softer ball requires more precision. (PC: X)

India suspended visa operations at its Chittagong mission amid escalating Bangladesh unrest following the death of Osman Hadi, a prominent July Uprising leader. The Indian Visa Application Centre cited security concerns after stone-hurling at the Assistant Indian High Commissioner's residence. Security was strengthened at Indian missions in Sylhet. Hadi, 32, died from injuries sustained in an assassination attempt last week. Angry protesters attacked offices of Prothom Alo and Daily Star newspapers, vandalizing and setting them ablaze. Cultural institution Chhayanaut and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence were also targeted. A Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally lynched and set on fire in Mymensingh, with ten arrests made. (PC: AP)

Opener Sameer Minhas scored a century as Pakistan built towards a massive total against India in the ACC U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday. India elected to field after winning the toss. Both teams reached the final with dominant eight-wicket victories in their respective semifinals as India defeated Sri Lanka U19 while Pakistan overcame Bangladesh U19. Minhas' exceptional innings put Pakistan in a commanding position during the marquee clash between the arch-rivals. The young opener's century anchored Pakistan's batting performance as they looked to post a formidable target. The final showcased the culmination of strong performances from both teams throughout the tournament.

Dense fog across northern India disrupted travel on Sunday, with Delhi airport cancelling 97 flights including 48 arrivals and 49 departures while over 200 flights faced delays. Northern Railways reported over 50 trains delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The Airports Authority of India issued an advisory warning that reduced visibility may cause flight operation changes at select airports, urging passengers to check updates through official channels. Delhi airport maintained operations were "normal" but advised consulting airlines for schedule updates. The capital woke to toxic smog with Air Quality Index at 390 (very poor category), while several areas reached severe levels. Morning fog has persisted across the region for days.

Indian H-1B visa holders who returned to India for work permit renewals are stranded after US consular offices abruptly cancelled and rescheduled their appointments by months, sometimes extending to 2027. The delays stem from new Trump administration vetting protocols requiring "online presence reviews" of social media accounts. Immigration lawyers report at least 100 clients affected, with workers facing job loss fears and family separations. India accounts for 71% of H-1B holders. The State Department states embassies now prioritize thorough vetting over quick processing. One engineer's December appointments were pushed to July 2026, creating panic over his expired visa. Companies scramble to accommodate stranded employees as tech workers remain stuck indefinitely. (PC: News 18)