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)

An Indian pilot's heartwarming video of taking his 8-month-old son Agastya on his first flight has gone viral, earning him the nickname "Daddy's little co-pilot." Shared by Gunjan Apte on Instagram, the footage shows Captain Aakash Khanna introducing young Agastya to the aircraft cockpit. The toddler wore a custom pilot-style outfit matching his father's uniform. The touching moment captured Agastya's wide-eyed wonder as he explored the aircraft, with his father patiently explaining the controls before takeoff. Social media users praised the "proud moment," calling it "the sweetest thing" online. Many commented on the child's confidence and called him a "future pilot in the making."

Pakistan reached 139/2 in 20 overs against India in the U19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, driven by Sameer Minhas' exceptional batting performance. Khilan Patel provided India's breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khan, ending a crucial partnership. However, Minhas continued his dream innings, scoring 68 and breaking through India's sustained pressure with an innovative scoop shot over the keeper off Kanishk Chouhan. New batter Ahmed Hussain joined Minhas, known for his busy approach and gap-finding singles. The pair previously added 293 runs against Malaysia, showing strong camaraderie. India desperately seeks Minhas' wicket while attempting to build pressure through dot balls and quick wickets. (PC: India Today)

Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, continued its blockbuster run into its third weekend, posting another strong performance on Day 16. The film’s worldwide gross has reached about ₹785 crore, propelled by a significant jump in domestic collections and sustained overseas earnings despite competition from Hollywood releases. Domestically, it has crossed the ₹500-crore net mark, making it one of the fastest Hindi films to hit the milestone. With positive word of mouth and strong audience support, Dhurandhar is poised to challenge year’s top grossers and could become the biggest Indian film of 2025. 

Mira-Bhayandar–Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Crime Branch of the Maharashtra Police has successfully rescued seven Indian nationals held in cyber slavery at the notorious KK Park scam centre in Myawaddy, Myanmar and brought them back to India. The victims were reportedly lured with fake job offers in Bangkok during July–September 2025, then trafficked to Myanmar and forced into international financial fraud operations under threats and violence. Police coordinated with the Indian Embassy in Yangon and used passport, IP and mobile data to track and secure their release following a Myanmar Army raid on KK Park. Arrests have also been made in India in connection with the trafficking network as investigations continue. (PC: AP)

Claudio Neves Valente, the suspect in the Brown University mass shooting that killed two students and a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist, once left his physics PhD pursuit to work as a software developer in Portugal. After a brief, unhappy stint in Brown’s graduate program in 2001, Valente took an IT specialist job at Portuguese internet company Sapo, despite his academic background. Colleagues described him as reserved but capable, though somewhat out of place in the role. He later moved back to the United States in 2017 after winning the green card lottery. U.S. and Portuguese authorities are still investigating his motives and past. (PC: Reuters)

India’s cricket selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 saw a major surprise as star batter Shubman Gill was dropped from the 15-member squad, despite being vice-captain in recent T20Is. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and captain Suryakumar Yadav explained the decision was about team combination and balance, not a reflection of Gill’s talent. Selectors preferred players offering flexibility, including a wicketkeeper at the top order and stronger lower–middle batting options, leading to Axar Patel being named vice-captain and inclusion of others like Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh. Gill’s recent T20 form was also considered.

At least 16 files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have suddenly disappeared from the U.S. Department of Justice’s public website less than a day after being posted, without any explanation or public notice from authorities. Among the missing materials was a photograph showing President Donald Trump with Epstein, Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell, raising concerns about transparency. The files were part of a larger release mandated by a new federal law requiring disclosure of Epstein-related documents, but critics say the unexplained removals and heavy redactions fuel suspicion and political controversy, with lawmakers demanding answers and transparency from the DOJ. (PC: India Today)