/*
Theme Name: CricPulse
Author: akshay sarwa
Description: A modern premium news and magazine WordPress theme
Version: 1.2
*/

/* ==========================================================================
   Design Tokens & CSS Variables
   ========================================================================== */
:root {
  --bg: #f7f8fa;
  --bg2: #ffffff;
  --bg3: #f1f5f9;
  --card: #ffffff;
  --card2: #f8fafc;
  --border: #e2e8f0;
  --border-soft: #f1f5f9;
  
  --accent: #f97316;
  --accent-dark: #ea580c;
  --accent-light: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.08);
  --accent-glow: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.22);
  
  --red: #ef4444;
  --green: #10b981;
  --blue: #3b82f6;
  
  --white: #0f172a; /* Main text / Headings dark slate */
  --heading: #0f172a;
  --muted: #64748b; /* Soft gray for meta & descriptions */
  --dim: #94a3b8;   /* Light gray for dates & icons */
  
  --pure-white: #ffffff;
  --pure-black: #000000;

  --radius: 14px;
  --radius-sm: 10px;
  --radius-xs: 8px;
  
  --shadow-xs: 0 1px 2px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.03);
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.04), 0 4px 12px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.03);
  --shadow-md: 0 4px 6px -1px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05), 0 10px 24px -3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.07);
  --shadow-lg: 0 10px 15px -3px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08), 0 20px 25px -5px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.1);
  
  --ease: 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  --ease-smooth: 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

/* Base Accessibility & Reset */
.screen-reader-text { border: 0; clip: rect(1px,1px,1px,1px); clip-path: inset(50%); height: 1px; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; position: absolute; width: 1px; word-wrap: normal !important; }
.screen-reader-text:focus { background-color: var(--bg2); clip: auto !important; clip-path: none; color: var(--white); display: block; font-size: 14px; height: auto; left: 5px; line-height: normal; padding: 12px 20px; text-decoration: none; top: 5px; width: auto; z-index: 100000; }

* { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }

body {
  background: var(--bg);
  min-height: 100vh;
  font-family: 'Inter', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, sans-serif;
  color: var(--white);
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

a { text-decoration: none; color: inherit; transition: color var(--ease); }
::selection { background: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.2); color: #ea580c; }
a:focus-visible, button:focus-visible, input:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--accent); outline-offset: 2px; }

::-webkit-scrollbar { width: 6px; height: 6px; }
::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: #cbd5e1; border-radius: 4px; }
::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb:hover { background: var(--accent); }
::-webkit-scrollbar-track { background: transparent; }

/* Utilities */
.flex { display: flex; }
.items-center { align-items: center; }
.relative { position: relative; }
.w-full { width: 100%; }
.h-full { height: 100%; }
.container { max-width: 1320px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px; }

/* ==========================================================================
   1. Breaking News Ticker
   ========================================================================== */
.ticker-wrap {
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #ea580c 0%, var(--accent) 100%);
  height: 42px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(234, 88, 12, 0.15);
}
.ticker-label {
  background: #0f172a;
  color: var(--pure-white) !important;
  padding: 0 22px;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  box-shadow: 4px 0 12px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.2);
  z-index: 2;
}
.ticker-content { overflow: hidden; flex: 1; position: relative; height: 100%; }
.ticker-scroll {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  white-space: nowrap;
  animation: ticker 28s linear infinite;
}
.ticker-scroll:hover { animation-play-state: paused; }
@keyframes ticker { 0% { transform: translateX(0); } 100% { transform: translateX(-50%); } }

.ticker-item {
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 13.5px;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  margin-right: 64px;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.ticker-item a { color: #ffffff; opacity: 0.95; transition: opacity 0.2s; }
.ticker-item a:hover { opacity: 1; text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 4px; }

/* ==========================================================================
   2. Header and Navigation  — Premium Redesign
   ========================================================================== */
.nav-main {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.97);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px) saturate(160%);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px) saturate(160%);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 200;
  box-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(15,23,42,0.06), 0 4px 24px rgba(15,23,42,0.04);
  transition: box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}
.nav-main.scrolled {
  box-shadow: 0 2px 20px rgba(15,23,42,0.10);
}
.nav-top {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  height: 70px;
  gap: 0;
}

/* ── Logo ────────────────────────────────── */
.logo {
  font-family: var(--heading-font, 'Montserrat', sans-serif);
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: 22px;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  margin-right: 28px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  min-width: 0;
  max-width: 220px;
}
.logo a {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: opacity 0.2s ease;
  max-width: 100%;
  min-width: 0;
}
.logo a:hover { opacity: 0.85; }

/* Image logo — uploaded via theme customizer */
.logo img,
.logo .header-logo,
.logo .custom-logo {
  display: block;
  width: auto;
  height: auto;
  max-height: 48px;
  max-width: 200px;
  object-fit: contain;
  object-position: left center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* WordPress built-in custom logo wrapper */
.logo .custom-logo-link {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.logo .custom-logo-link:hover { opacity: 0.85; }

/* Text logo fallback */
.logo span {
  white-space: nowrap;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-overflow: ellipsis;
  max-width: 100%;
  display: inline-block;
}


/* ── Primary Nav Links ─────────────────── */
.nav-links { display: flex; gap: 0; flex: 1; height: 100%; }
.nav-links ul {
  display: flex;
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
  height: 100%;
  align-items: stretch;
}
.nav-links li {
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
}
.nav-links a {
  padding: 0 15px;
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  font-size: 13.5px;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #475569;
  border-bottom: 2.5px solid transparent;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  transition: color 0.2s ease, border-color 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease;
  white-space: nowrap;
  position: relative;
}
.nav-links li.current-menu-item > a,
.nav-links a:hover {
  color: var(--accent);
  border-bottom-color: var(--accent);
  background: rgba(249,115,22,0.025);
}

/* ── Dropdown arrow ────────────────── */
.nav-links li.menu-item-has-children > a::after {
  content: '▾';
  font-size: 10px;
  margin-left: 5px;
  transition: transform 0.2s ease;
  opacity: 0.6;
}
.nav-links li.menu-item-has-children:hover > a::after {
  transform: rotate(180deg);
  opacity: 1;
}

/* ── Dropdown Menu ─────────────────── */
.nav-links .sub-menu {
  position: absolute;
  top: calc(100% + 4px);
  left: 0;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(15,23,42,0.12);
  min-width: 220px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: 6px 0;
  margin: 0;
  list-style: none;
  z-index: 999;
  opacity: 0;
  visibility: hidden;
  transform: translateY(10px);
  transition: all 0.22s cubic-bezier(0.16,1,0.3,1);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.nav-links li:hover > .sub-menu {
  opacity: 1;
  visibility: visible;
  transform: translateY(0);
  pointer-events: auto;
}
.nav-links .sub-menu li { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
.nav-links .sub-menu a {
  display: block;
  padding: 10px 20px;
  height: auto;
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--muted);
  border-bottom: none !important;
  transition: all 0.18s ease;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}
.nav-links .sub-menu a:hover {
  background: rgba(249,115,22,0.04);
  color: var(--accent) !important;
  padding-left: 26px;
}

/* ── Nav Actions (search + hamburger) ── */
.nav-actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  margin-left: auto;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* Search Form & Input */
.search-form-header {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
}
.search-input-box {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
}
.search-input {
  background: var(--bg3);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 8.5px 18px 8.5px 38px;
  color: var(--heading);
  font-size: 13px;
  outline: none;
  width: 210px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  transition: all 0.25s ease;
}
.search-input::placeholder { color: var(--dim); opacity: 0.7; }
.search-input:focus {
  background: #ffffff;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--accent-glow);
  border-color: var(--accent);
  width: 240px;
}
.search-icon {
  position: absolute;
  left: 14px;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  color: var(--dim);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  pointer-events: none;
  transition: color 0.2s;
  z-index: 2;
}
.search-input:focus ~ .search-icon,
.search-input:focus + .search-icon { color: var(--accent); }

/* ── Primary Button ─────────────────── */
.btn-primary {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 7px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent) 0%, var(--accent-dark) 100%);
  color: #fff !important;
  border: none;
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 10px 22px;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 12px;
  cursor: pointer;
  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
  box-shadow: 0 3px 12px var(--accent-glow);
  transition: all 0.22s var(--ease);
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.btn-primary:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ea580c 0%, #c2410c 100%);
  transform: translateY(-1.5px);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(234,88,12,0.3);
}

/* ── Secondary Nav Bar ─────────────── */
.nav-sub {
  background: var(--bg);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
}
.nav-sub .container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0;
}
.nav-sub-links {
  display: flex;
  gap: 6px;
  height: 44px;
  align-items: center;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scrollbar-width: none;
  flex: 1;
  padding: 0 2px;
}
.nav-sub-links::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
.nav-sub-links li { list-style: none; }
.nav-sub-links a {
  font-size: 11.5px;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #64748b;
  padding: 5px 14px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  white-space: nowrap;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  transition: all 0.2s ease;
  border: 1.5px solid transparent;
}
.nav-sub-links a:hover {
  color: var(--accent);
  background: rgba(249,115,22,0.07);
  border-color: rgba(249,115,22,0.2);
}
.nav-sub-links li.current-menu-item a,
.nav-sub-links a.active {
  color: var(--accent);
  background: rgba(249,115,22,0.09);
  border-color: rgba(249,115,22,0.25);
}

.sec-more {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--accent);
  padding: 5px 10px 5px 16px;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  white-space: nowrap;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  border-left: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
  margin-left: 8px;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.sec-more:hover { color: var(--accent-dark); }

/* ==========================================================================
   Header Mobile Responsive (≤850px down to 351px)
   ========================================================================== */
@media (max-width: 850px) {
  .nav-links { display: none !important; }
  .nav-sub { display: none !important; }
  .mobile-menu-btn { display: flex !important; }
  .nav-top { height: 60px; padding: 0 16px; }
  .logo { font-size: 20px; margin-right: 12px; max-width: 180px; }
  .logo img, .logo .header-logo, .logo .custom-logo { max-height: 42px; max-width: 160px; }
  .search-input { width: 150px; padding: 8px 16px 8px 36px; font-size: 12.5px; }
  .search-input:focus { width: 170px; }
  .btn-primary { padding: 9px 18px; font-size: 11.5px; }
  .nav-actions { gap: 10px; }
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .nav-top { height: 56px; padding: 0 14px; }
  .logo { font-size: 18px; margin-right: 8px; max-width: 150px; }
  .logo img, .logo .header-logo, .logo .custom-logo { max-height: 38px; max-width: 140px; }
  .search-input { width: 130px; padding: 7px 14px 7px 34px; font-size: 12px; }
  .search-input:focus { width: 150px; }
  .btn-primary { display: none; }
  .mobile-menu-btn { width: 36px; height: 36px; }
}

@media (max-width: 420px) {
  .nav-top { height: 52px; padding: 0 10px; gap: 6px; justify-content: space-between; }
  .logo { font-size: 16px; margin-right: 0; max-width: 120px; }
  .logo img, .logo .header-logo, .logo .custom-logo { max-height: 34px !important; max-width: 110px !important; }
  .nav-actions { gap: 6px; }
  .search-input { width: 105px; padding: 6px 10px 6px 28px; font-size: 11.5px; }
  .search-input:focus { width: 120px; }
  .search-icon { left: 9px; }
  .search-icon svg { width: 13px; height: 13px; }
  .mobile-menu-btn { width: 34px; height: 34px; flex-shrink: 0; }
  .mobile-menu-btn svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; }
}

@media (max-width: 360px) {
  .container { padding: 0 8px; }
  .nav-top { height: 48px; padding: 0 6px; gap: 4px; }
  .logo { font-size: 14.5px; letter-spacing: -0.04em; max-width: 100px; }
  .logo img, .logo .header-logo, .logo .custom-logo { max-height: 28px !important; max-width: 90px !important; }
  .search-input { width: 92px; padding: 5px 8px 5px 24px; font-size: 10.5px; }
  .search-input:focus { width: 105px; }
  .search-icon { left: 7px; }
  .search-icon svg { width: 12px; height: 12px; }
  .mobile-menu-btn { width: 32px; height: 32px; flex-shrink: 0; }
  .mobile-menu-btn svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   3. Featured Hero Section
   ========================================================================== */
.home-main { margin-top: 28px; }

.hero-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 340px;
  gap: 0;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
}

.hero-main {
  position: relative;
  height: 490px;
  cursor: pointer;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: #0f172a;
}
.hero-img { width: 100%; height: 100%; overflow: hidden; }
.hero-img img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1); }
.hero-main:hover .hero-img img { transform: scale(1.04); }

.hero-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.94) 0%, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.42) 52%, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06) 100%);
}

.hero-content {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 34px 38px 32px;
  z-index: 2;
}

/* Category & Live Badges */
.cat-badge {
  font-size: 10.5px;
  font-weight: 800;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  white-space: nowrap;
  display: inline-block;
  transition: all 0.2s ease;
}
.cat-red { background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.1); color: var(--red); border: 1px solid rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.25); }
.cat-accent { background: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.12); color: var(--accent); border: 1px solid rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.28); }
.cat-blue { background: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.1); color: var(--blue); border: 1px solid rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.25); }
.cat-green { background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.1); color: var(--green); border: 1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.25); }
.cat-default { background: rgba(100, 116, 139, 0.1); color: #64748b; border: 1px solid rgba(100, 116, 139, 0.25); }

.live-pip {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background: rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.22);
  border: 1px solid rgba(239, 68, 68, 0.4);
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  font-size: 10.5px;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
}
.live-dot { width: 6px; height: 6px; border-radius: 50%; background: #ef4444; animation: blink 1.6s infinite; }
@keyframes blink { 0%, 100% { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); } 50% { opacity: 0.4; transform: scale(0.8); } }

.hero-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 28px;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  line-height: 1.35;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  max-width: 680px;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}
.hero-title a { color: #ffffff !important; transition: color 0.2s; }
.hero-title a:hover { color: #fed7aa !important; }

.hero-excerpt {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.86) !important;
  font-size: 14.5px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  max-width: 580px;
}

.hero-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7) !important;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 500;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.hero-meta .meta-author { color: #ffffff !important; font-weight: 700; }
.dot { width: 4px; height: 4px; border-radius: 50%; background: currentColor; opacity: 0.5; display: inline-block; vertical-align: middle; margin: 0 8px; flex-shrink: 0; }

.hero-actions { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 16px; }

.hero-dots { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; }
.hero-dot {
  width: 7px;
  height: 7px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: none;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45);
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 0;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}
.hero-dot:hover { background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85); }
.hero-dot.active { width: 24px; background: var(--accent); }

/* Minimal Sleek Slider Arrows */
.hero-prev,
.hero-next {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  z-index: 10;
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.88);
  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
  color: #0f172a;
  font-size: 22px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  cursor: pointer;
  box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.2);
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
}
.hero-prev { left: 20px; }
.hero-next { right: 20px; }
.hero-prev:hover,
.hero-next:hover {
  background: #ffffff;
  color: var(--accent);
  transform: translateY(-50%) scale(1.08);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.28);
}

/* Hero Side Column Cards */
.hero-side { border-left: 1px solid var(--border); display: flex; flex-direction: column; background: var(--card); }
.hero-side-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 0;
  cursor: pointer;
  overflow: hidden;
  flex: 1;
  min-height: 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
  transition: background-color 0.25s ease;
  text-decoration: none;
  align-items: stretch;
}
.hero-side-item:hover { background: var(--card2); }
.hero-side-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }

.hero-side-img {
  width: 140px;
  min-width: 140px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
  position: relative;
  align-self: stretch;
}
.hero-side-img img {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center;
  transition: transform 0.5s var(--ease-smooth);
  display: block;
}
.hero-side-item:hover .hero-side-img img { transform: scale(1.06); }

.hero-side-content { padding: 16px 18px; flex: 1; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; align-items: flex-start; }
.hero-side-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.4;
  margin-top: 6px;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
  letter-spacing: -0.005em;
}
.hero-side-item:hover .hero-side-title { color: var(--accent); }
.hero-side-time { font-size: 12px; color: var(--dim); font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-weight: 500; }

/* ==========================================================================
   4. Main Content Layout & Spacing System
   ========================================================================== */
.main-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 340px; gap: 32px; margin-top: 36px; }
.main-col { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 44px; }
.side-col { position: sticky; top: 96px; align-self: start; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 28px; }

/* Section Header Bar — Low-Profile Full-Width Banner */
.sec-head {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 12px;
  width: 100%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0f172a 0%, #1e293b 100%);
  padding: 6px 14px;
  min-height: 38px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  box-shadow: 0 3px 12px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.07);
  border-left: 4px solid var(--accent);
}
.sec-title {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.sec-title-bar {
  display: none;
}
.sec-title-text {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

/* Mobile Category Header — Edge-to-Edge Full Width & Low Height Banner */
@media (max-width: 850px) {
  .sec-head {
    margin-left: -16px !important;
    margin-right: -16px !important;
    width: calc(100% + 32px) !important;
    border-radius: 0 !important;
    padding: 5px 12px !important;
    min-height: 34px !important;
    margin-bottom: 14px !important;
    box-sizing: border-box !important;
  }
  .sec-title-text {
    font-size: 12.5px !important;
    letter-spacing: 0.06em !important;
  }
  .sec-view-all {
    font-size: 9.5px !important;
    padding: 3px 10px !important;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 500px) {
  .sec-head {
    margin-left: -12px !important;
    margin-right: -12px !important;
    width: calc(100% + 24px) !important;
    padding: 4px 10px !important;
    min-height: 32px !important;
  }
  .sec-title-text {
    font-size: 11.5px !important;
  }
  .sec-view-all {
    font-size: 9px !important;
    padding: 2.5px 8px !important;
  }
}



/* Category Filter Tabs */
.cat-tabs-wrap { display: flex; gap: 8px; }
.cat-tab {
  background: #ffffff;
  color: #64748b;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 6.5px 18px;
  font-size: 12px;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  cursor: pointer;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
}
.cat-tab:hover { border-color: var(--accent); color: var(--accent); background: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.02); }
.cat-tab.active {
  background: var(--accent);
  border-color: var(--accent);
  color: #ffffff;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px var(--accent-glow);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   5. Category Sections & Article Cards
   ========================================================================== */
.cat-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 22px; }

/* Featured Large Article Card */
.cat-main-card {
  cursor: pointer;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  grid-row: 1 / 3;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), border-color 0.3s ease;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.cat-main-card .img-wrap { position: relative; height: 235px; overflow: hidden; background: var(--bg3); }
.cat-main-card img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth); }
.cat-main-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cbd5e1;
}
.cat-main-card:hover img { transform: scale(1.05); }
.cat-main-overlay { position: absolute; inset: 0; background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.35) 0%, transparent 60%); }

.cat-main-content { padding: 20px 22px 22px; flex: 1; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.cat-main-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 17px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.38;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}
.cat-main-card:hover .cat-main-title { color: var(--accent); }

/* Smaller List Article Cards */
.cat-list-card {
  cursor: pointer;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  display: flex;
  gap: 0;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), border-color 0.3s ease;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.cat-list-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cbd5e1;
}
.cat-list-img { width: 154px; flex-shrink: 0; overflow: hidden; background: var(--bg3); }
.cat-list-img img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth); }
.cat-list-card:hover .cat-list-img img { transform: scale(1.06); }

.cat-list-content { padding: 16px 20px; flex: 1; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; }
.cat-list-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.42;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
  letter-spacing: -0.005em;
}
.cat-list-card:hover .cat-list-title { color: var(--accent); }

/* Small Metadata styling */
.entry-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 500;
  line-height: 1.4;
  margin-top: auto;
}
.entry-meta .meta-author { color: var(--accent); font-weight: 600; }
.entry-meta .dot { width: 3px; height: 3px; margin: 0 3px; background: #94a3b8; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Category Layout Variations (Layout 1, Layout 2, Layout 3)
   ========================================================================== */

/* Layout 1: Featured Hero + 4 List Cards */
.cat-layout-1 {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 22px;
}

/* Layout 2 (Sports): Wide Banner Hero + 3 Equal Column Cards */
.cat-layout-2 {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 20px;
}
.cat-banner-card {
  cursor: pointer;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  display: flex;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), border-color 0.3s ease;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.cat-banner-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cbd5e1;
}
.cat-banner-img {
  width: 48%;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  min-height: 220px;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.cat-banner-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-banner-card:hover .cat-banner-img img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}
.cat-banner-content {
  padding: 24px 26px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}
.cat-banner-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 18px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.4;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-banner-card:hover .cat-banner-title { color: var(--accent); }
.cat-banner-excerpt {
  font-size: 13.5px;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.cat-three-col {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 18px;
}
.cat-col-card {
  cursor: pointer;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), border-color 0.3s ease;
  text-decoration: none;
}
.cat-col-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cbd5e1;
}
.cat-col-img {
  height: 145px;
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.cat-col-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-col-card:hover .cat-col-img img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.cat-col-content {
  padding: 14px 16px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.cat-col-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.42;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-col-card:hover .cat-col-title { color: var(--accent); }

/* Layout 3 (Technology): Top Split (1 Hero Left + 2 Cards Right) + 4 Big Cards Below */
.cat-layout-3 {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 16px;
}
.cat-l3-top-split {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 16px;
  align-items: stretch;
}

/* Left: 1 Tall Hero Card */
.cat-l3-hero-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  height: 100%;
  min-height: 350px;
  position: relative;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: #0f172a;
  text-decoration: none;
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l3-hero-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}
.cat-l3-hero-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  position: relative;
}
.cat-l3-hero-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l3-hero-card:hover .cat-l3-hero-img img {
  transform: scale(1.05);
}
.cat-l3-hero-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.94) 0%, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.4) 55%, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05) 100%);
}
.cat-l3-hero-content {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 22px 24px;
  z-index: 2;
}
.cat-l3-hero-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 20px;
  color: #ffffff;
  line-height: 1.35;
  margin: 8px 0 6px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-l3-hero-card:hover .cat-l3-hero-title { color: #fdba74; }
.cat-l3-hero-excerpt {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
  line-height: 1.5;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* Right: 2 Stacked Horizontal Cards */
.cat-l3-right-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 14px;
  height: 100%;
}
.cat-l3-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: stretch;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  flex: 1;
  transition: transform 0.25s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.25s var(--ease), border-color 0.25s ease;
}
.cat-l3-item:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.35);
}
.cat-l3-img {
  width: 165px;
  overflow: hidden;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.cat-l3-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l3-item:hover .cat-l3-img img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.cat-l3-content {
  padding: 14px 16px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  min-width: 0;
}
.cat-l3-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.4;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-l3-item:hover .cat-l3-title { color: var(--accent); }
.cat-l3-excerpt {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.45;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* Bottom: 4-Column Big Card Grid */
.cat-l3-bottom-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 14px;
}
.cat-l3-big-card {
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.25s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.25s var(--ease), border-color 0.25s ease;
}
.cat-l3-big-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.35);
}
.cat-l3-big-img {
  height: 135px;
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.cat-l3-big-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l3-big-card:hover .cat-l3-big-img img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.cat-l3-big-content {
  padding: 12px 14px 14px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 4px;
}
.cat-l3-big-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 13px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.38;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-l3-big-card:hover .cat-l3-big-title { color: var(--accent); }
.cat-l3-big-excerpt {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.45;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}

@media (max-width: 850px) {
  .cat-l3-top-split { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cat-l3-bottom-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
}
@media (max-width: 500px) {
  .cat-l3-bottom-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}




/* Mobile & Tablet responsiveness for Layout 2 & 3 */
@media (max-width: 850px) {
  .cat-banner-card { flex-direction: column; }
  .cat-banner-img { width: 100%; min-height: 180px; }
  .cat-three-col { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .cat-layout-3 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .cat-three-col { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Layout 1 — Hero + 4 Horizontal List Cards
   ========================================================================== */
.cat-layout-1 {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 22px;
}
.cat-l1-hero {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.cat-l1-hero-link {
  display: block;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  overflow: hidden;
  flex: 1;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l1-hero-link:hover { box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); }
.cat-l1-hero-img {
  position: relative;
  height: 100%;
  min-height: 380px;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.cat-l1-hero-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.65s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l1-hero-link:hover .cat-l1-hero-img img { transform: scale(1.06); }
.cat-l1-hero-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15,23,42,0.88) 0%, rgba(15,23,42,0.38) 50%, transparent 100%);
}
.cat-l1-hero-content {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  padding: 22px 22px 24px;
}
.cat-l1-hero-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', 'Montserrat', serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 20px;
  color: #ffffff;
  line-height: 1.38;
  margin: 8px 0 10px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
}
.cat-l1-hero-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.78);
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 500;
}
.l1-dot { width: 3px; height: 3px; border-radius: 50%; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.6); display: inline-block; }

/* Layout 1 Right — Vertical list */
.cat-l1-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 14px;
}
.cat-l1-list-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 14px;
  align-items: flex-start;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  padding: 0;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.25s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.25s var(--ease), border-color 0.25s ease;
}
.cat-l1-list-item:hover {
  transform: translateX(4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cbd5e1;
}
.cat-l1-list-img {
  width: 100px;
  height: 80px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.cat-l1-list-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.5s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l1-list-item:hover .cat-l1-list-img img { transform: scale(1.08); }
.cat-l1-list-body {
  flex: 1;
  padding: 12px 14px 12px 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 6px;
}
.cat-l1-list-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 13.5px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.45;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-l1-list-item:hover .cat-l1-list-title { color: var(--accent); }
.cat-l1-list-time {
  font-size: 11.5px;
  color: var(--dim);
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 500;
}

/* Layout 1 mobile */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .cat-layout-1 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cat-l1-hero-img { min-height: 260px; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Section Header View-All Link & No Posts Message
   ========================================================================== */
.sec-view-all {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 10.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  background: var(--accent);
  border: 1px solid var(--accent);
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  line-height: 1.2;
  transition: all 0.22s var(--ease);
  white-space: nowrap;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.sec-view-all:hover {
  background: var(--accent-dark);
  border-color: var(--accent-dark);
  transform: translateY(-1px);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.4);
}
.no-posts-msg {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  color: var(--muted);
  font-size: 14px;
  padding: 24px 0;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Enhanced Typography — Card Titles & Fonts
   ========================================================================== */

/* Section Title — bigger, bolder, editorial */
.sec-title-text {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif !important;
  font-weight: 900 !important;
  font-size: 15px !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em !important;
  text-transform: uppercase !important;
  color: var(--heading) !important;
}

/* Main Featured Card Title — Playfair serif feel for editorial polish */
.cat-main-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', 'Georgia', serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 16.5px !important;
  line-height: 1.45 !important;
  color: var(--heading) !important;
}

/* List Card Title — clean modern sans */
.cat-list-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 13px !important;
  line-height: 1.45 !important;
  color: var(--heading) !important;
}

/* Banner Card Title — bold serif */
.cat-banner-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', 'Georgia', serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 19px !important;
  line-height: 1.38 !important;
}

/* Column Card Title — medium weight inter */
.cat-col-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 13.5px !important;
  line-height: 1.44 !important;
}

/* Medium Card Title — slightly bigger serif */
.cat-med-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', 'Georgia', serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 16px !important;
  line-height: 1.4 !important;
}

/* Hero Slide Title — large editorial serif */
.hero-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', 'Georgia', serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: clamp(22px, 3vw, 30px) !important;
  line-height: 1.3 !important;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em !important;
}

/* Sidebar widget heading */
.side-head-text {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif !important;
  font-weight: 900 !important;
  font-size: 13px !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em !important;
}

/* Trending item titles */
.trend-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 13px !important;
  line-height: 1.45 !important;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Layout 4 — Dark Headline Strip + 4-Column Numbered Mini Cards
   ========================================================================== */
.cat-layout-4 {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 20px;
}

/* Top: Dark cinematic headline strip */
.cat-l4-strip {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 420px 1fr;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  overflow: hidden;
  background: #0f172a;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(15,23,42,0.18);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth);
  min-height: 240px;
}
.cat-l4-strip:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 16px 40px rgba(15,23,42,0.22);
}
.cat-l4-strip-img {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: #1e293b;
}
.cat-l4-strip-img img {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  object-position: center;
  opacity: 0.92;
  transition: transform 0.7s var(--ease-smooth), opacity 0.4s ease;
  display: block;
}
.cat-l4-strip:hover .cat-l4-strip-img img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
  opacity: 1;
}
.cat-l4-strip-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, transparent 60%, #0f172a 100%);
}
.cat-l4-strip-body {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 28px 32px;
  gap: 10px;
}
.cat-l4-strip-label {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 10.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
  background: rgba(249,115,22,0.12);
  border: 1px solid rgba(249,115,22,0.3);
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  align-self: flex-start;
}
.cat-l4-strip-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', 'Georgia', serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 22px;
  color: #ffffff;
  line-height: 1.35;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-l4-strip:hover .cat-l4-strip-title { color: #fdba74; }
.cat-l4-strip-excerpt {
  font-size: 13.5px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.62);
  line-height: 1.65;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
}
.cat-l4-strip-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 500;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-top: 4px;
}
.cat-l4-strip-author { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75); font-weight: 600; }
.cat-l4-strip-dot { width: 3px; height: 3px; border-radius: 50%; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.35); display: inline-block; }
.cat-l4-read-btn {
  margin-left: auto;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 11px;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  color: var(--accent);
  padding: 5px 14px;
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(249,115,22,0.4);
  border-radius: 999px;
  transition: all 0.2s var(--ease);
}
.cat-l4-strip:hover .cat-l4-read-btn {
  background: var(--accent);
  color: #fff;
  border-color: var(--accent);
}

/* Bottom: 4-column numbered mini card grid */
.cat-l4-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 16px;
}
.cat-l4-mini-card {
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.25s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.25s var(--ease), border-color 0.25s ease;
  position: relative;
}
.cat-l4-mini-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: #cbd5e1;
}
.cat-l4-mini-num {
  position: absolute;
  top: 10px;
  left: 10px;
  z-index: 2;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: 11px;
  color: #fff;
  background: var(--accent);
  border-radius: 6px;
  padding: 3px 8px;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  line-height: 1;
}
.cat-l4-mini-img {
  height: 130px;
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
  position: relative;
}
.cat-l4-mini-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.cat-l4-mini-card:hover .cat-l4-mini-img img { transform: scale(1.07); }
.cat-l4-mini-body {
  padding: 12px 14px 14px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 5px;
}
.cat-l4-mini-cat {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 9.5px;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
}
.cat-l4-mini-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 13px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.44;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.cat-l4-mini-card:hover .cat-l4-mini-title { color: var(--accent); }
.cat-l4-mini-time {
  font-size: 11px;
  color: var(--dim);
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 500;
  margin-top: auto;
}

/* Layout 4 Responsive — Big Strip Post Mobile Fix */
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .cat-l4-strip {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    min-height: unset;
  }
  /* Image: full opacity — text is BELOW, not overlapping */
  .cat-l4-strip-img {
    min-height: 240px;
    height: 240px;
    position: relative;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-img img {
    position: absolute !important;
    inset: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    opacity: 1 !important;  /* fully visible on mobile */
  }
  /* Overlay: very subtle bottom fade only for aesthetic connection */
  .cat-l4-strip-overlay {
    background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(15,23,42,0.25) 0%, transparent 60%);
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-body {
    padding: 20px 22px;
    gap: 8px;
    background: #0f172a;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-title {
    font-size: 18px;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-excerpt {
    font-size: 13px;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  }
  .cat-l4-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .cat-l4-strip-img {
    min-height: 200px;
    height: 200px;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-body {
    padding: 16px 18px;
    gap: 7px;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-title {
    font-size: 16px;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-excerpt { display: none; }
  .cat-l4-read-btn { margin-left: 0; }
}

@media (max-width: 540px) {
  .cat-l4-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .cat-l4-strip-img {
    min-height: 180px;
    height: 180px;
  }
  .cat-l4-strip-body { padding: 14px 16px; }
  .cat-l4-strip-title { font-size: 15px; }
}




/* ==========================================================================
   6. Right Sidebar Widgets
   ========================================================================== */
.side-box {
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}
.side-box:hover { box-shadow: var(--shadow-md); }

.side-head {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  padding: 18px 20px 14px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
}
.side-head::before {
  content: '';
  width: 4px;
  height: 16px;
  border-radius: 2px;
  background: var(--accent);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.side-head-text {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 13.5px;
  color: var(--heading);
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.side-head-accent { background: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.04); }
.side-head-accent .side-head-text { color: var(--accent); }

.side-body { padding: 4px 0; }

/* Trending Now Item */
.trend-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 16px;
  padding: 16px 20px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
  cursor: pointer;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: background-color 0.2s ease;
}
.trend-item:hover { background: var(--card2); }
.trend-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }

.trend-num {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: 22px;
  line-height: 1;
  min-width: 32px;
  color: #cbd5e1;
  padding-top: 2px;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.trend-item:nth-child(-n+3) .trend-num {
  color: var(--accent);
}
.trend-item:hover .trend-num { color: var(--accent-dark); }

.trend-info { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }
.trend-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.45;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.trend-item:hover .trend-title { color: var(--accent); }
.trend-meta { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.trend-views { font-size: 11.5px; color: var(--dim); font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-weight: 500; }

/* Photos Widget */
.photo-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 12px; padding: 18px 20px 20px; }
.photo-tile {
  display: block;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  aspect-ratio: 1;
  background: var(--bg3);
  position: relative;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-xs);
}
.photo-tile img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; transition: transform 0.5s var(--ease-smooth); }
.photo-tile:hover img { transform: scale(1.08); }

/* Recommended Posts Widget */
.sidebar-thumb { width: 96px; height: 68px; flex-shrink: 0; border-radius: var(--radius-xs); overflow: hidden; background: var(--bg3); }
.sidebar-thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 0.5s var(--ease-smooth); }
.rec-item:hover .sidebar-thumb img { transform: scale(1.08); }
.rec-item .trend-title { font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 6px; }
.rec-item .cat-badge { font-size: 9.5px; padding: 3px 9px; margin-bottom: 0; }

/* Cricket Digest Newsletter Widget */
.cricpulse-subscribe-wrap { padding: 20px; }
.cricpulse-subscribe-desc {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 13.5px;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.cricpulse-subscribe-msg { display: none; font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 10px 14px; border-radius: 8px; }
.cricpulse-subscribe-input {
  width: 100%;
  background: var(--bg);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 12px 16px;
  color: var(--heading);
  font-size: 14px;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  outline: none;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  transition: border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
}
.cricpulse-subscribe-input:focus { border-color: var(--accent); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3.5px var(--accent-glow); }

.subscribe-btn {
  width: 100%;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent) 0%, var(--accent-dark) 100%);
  color: #ffffff !important;
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 13px;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 13px;
  cursor: pointer;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px var(--accent-glow);
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
}
.subscribe-btn:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ea580c 0%, #c2410c 100%);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(234, 88, 12, 0.32);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   7. Footer
   ========================================================================== */
footer {
  background: #0f172a;
  color: #f8fafc;
  border-top: 3px solid var(--accent);
  margin-top: 56px;
  padding: 54px 24px 30px;
}
.footer-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 48px;
  margin-bottom: 36px;
  padding-bottom: 36px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
}
.footer-brand { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: 900; font-size: 25px; margin-bottom: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
.footer-desc { color: #94a3b8; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.7; max-width: 340px; margin-bottom: 22px; }

.social-icon {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  color: #cbd5e1;
  font-size: 15px;
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
}
.social-icon:hover {
  color: #ffffff !important;
  background: var(--accent);
  border-color: var(--accent);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px var(--accent-glow);
}

.footer-col-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--accent);
  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  padding-bottom: 10px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
}
.footer-link {
  display: block;
  color: #94a3b8;
  font-size: 14.5px;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color 0.2s, padding-left 0.2s;
}
.footer-link:hover { color: #ffffff; padding-left: 4px; }

footer .menu { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
footer .menu li { margin-bottom: 10px; }
footer .menu a {
  display: inline-block;
  color: #94a3b8;
  font-size: 14.5px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color 0.2s, padding-left 0.2s;
}
footer .menu a:hover { color: #ffffff; padding-left: 4px; }

.footer-bottom { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px; }
.footer-copy, .footer-tagline { color: #64748b; font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; }

/* ==========================================================================
   8. Mobile Navigation Drawer & Hamburger
   ========================================================================== */
.mobile-menu-btn {
  display: none;
  background: var(--bg3);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  color: var(--heading);
  font-size: 18px;
  cursor: pointer;
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  transition: all 0.2s;
}
.mobile-menu-btn:hover { background: var(--bg2); border-color: var(--accent); color: var(--accent); }

.mobile-nav-drawer { display: none; position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; z-index: 999; pointer-events: none; }
.mobile-nav-drawer.open { pointer-events: all; }
.mobile-nav-overlay { position: absolute; inset: 0; background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.65); backdrop-filter: blur(4px); opacity: 0; transition: opacity 0.3s; }
.mobile-nav-drawer.open .mobile-nav-overlay { opacity: 1; }

.mobile-nav-panel {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  right: -320px;
  bottom: 0;
  width: 310px;
  background: var(--bg2);
  box-shadow: -8px 0 30px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.2);
  transition: right 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  overflow-y: auto;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  border-left: 1px solid var(--border);
}
.mobile-nav-drawer.open .mobile-nav-panel { right: 0; }

.mobile-nav-header { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; padding: 20px 22px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); background: var(--bg3); }
.mobile-nav-logo { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: 900; font-size: 22px; }
.mobile-nav-close { background: none; border: none; color: var(--muted); font-size: 22px; cursor: pointer; padding: 4px; line-height: 1; transition: color 0.2s; }
.mobile-nav-close:hover { color: var(--accent); }

.mobile-nav-links { padding: 12px 0; flex: 1; }
.mobile-nav-links ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.mobile-nav-links li { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-soft); }
.mobile-nav-links a { display: flex; align-items: center; padding: 14px 22px; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-size: 15px; color: var(--heading); letter-spacing: 0.02em; transition: all 0.2s; gap: 10px; }
.mobile-nav-links a::before { content: '›'; color: var(--accent); font-size: 18px; }
.mobile-nav-links a:hover { background: var(--bg3); color: var(--accent); }

.mobile-nav-cats { padding: 16px 22px; border-top: 1px solid var(--border); background: var(--bg3); }
.mobile-nav-cats p { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 11px; color: var(--dim); letter-spacing: 0.1em; margin-bottom: 12px; text-transform: uppercase; }
.mobile-nav-cats-list { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.mobile-nav-cats-list a { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: 999px; background: var(--card); border: 1px solid var(--border); color: var(--muted); transition: all 0.2s; }
.mobile-nav-cats-list a:hover { background: var(--accent); color: #fff; border-color: var(--accent); }

.mobile-nav-search { padding: 18px 22px 22px; border-top: 1px solid var(--border); }
.mobile-nav-search h3 { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--dim); margin-bottom: 10px; }
.mobile-nav-search form { display: flex; gap: 8px; }
.mobile-nav-search input { flex: 1; background: var(--bg); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius-sm); padding: 10px 14px; font-size: 14px; color: var(--heading); font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; outline: none; }
.mobile-nav-search input:focus { border-color: var(--accent); }
.mobile-nav-search button { background: var(--accent); color: #fff; border: none; border-radius: var(--radius-sm); padding: 0 18px; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: 800; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.06em; cursor: pointer; transition: background 0.2s; }
.mobile-nav-search button:hover { background: var(--accent-dark); }

/* ==========================================================================
   9. Responsive Media Queries
   ========================================================================== */

/* Laptop / Desktop adjustments (max-width: 1100px) */
@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 300px; }
  .main-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr 300px; gap: 24px; }
  .hero-side-img { width: 120px; min-width: 120px; }
  .logo { font-size: 24px; margin-right: 20px; }
  .nav-links a { padding: 0 12px; font-size: 13px; }
}

/* Tablet (max-width: 1024px) */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .cat-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cat-main-card { grid-row: auto; }
  .nav-links a { padding: 0 10px; font-size: 12.5px; }
}

/* Tablet Portrait (max-width: 850px) */
@media (max-width: 850px) {
  .container { padding: 0 16px; }

  /* === HEADER MOBILE === */
  .nav-links { display: none; }
  .nav-sub { display: none; }
  .mobile-menu-btn { display: flex; }
  .mobile-nav-drawer { display: block; }
  .nav-top { height: 60px; gap: 0; }
  .nav-actions { margin-left: auto; gap: 10px; }
  .logo { font-size: 22px; margin-right: 0; }
  .search-input { width: 160px; font-size: 13px; }

  /* Hero adjustments */
  .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; border-radius: var(--radius-sm); }
  .hero-main { height: 400px; }
  .hero-side {
    border-left: none;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;
  }
  .hero-side-item { border-bottom: none; border-right: 1px solid var(--border); flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; }
  .hero-side-item:last-child { border-right: none; }
  .hero-side-img { width: 100%; min-width: unset; height: 120px; position: relative; }
  .hero-side-content { padding: 10px 12px; }

  /* Main layout single column */
  .main-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; }
  .side-col { position: static; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 18px; }

  /* Category grid responsive */
  .cat-layout-1 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cat-three-col { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .cat-layout-3 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cat-l4-strip { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cat-l4-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
  .cat-banner-card { flex-direction: column; }
  .cat-banner-img { width: 100%; min-height: 180px; }

  .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 28px; }
}

/* Mobile (max-width: 600px) */
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .container { padding: 0 14px; }
  .ticker-label { font-size: 11px; padding: 0 14px; }
  .ticker-item { font-size: 13px; margin-right: 42px; }
  .nav-top { height: 58px; gap: 10px; }
  .logo { font-size: 21px; }
  .nav-actions .btn-primary { display: none; }
  .search-input { width: 140px; font-size: 13px; }

  /* Hero */
  .hero-grid { border-radius: var(--radius-sm); margin-top: 16px; }
  .hero-main { height: 320px; }
  .hero-content { padding: 22px 20px 20px; }
  .hero-title { font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.35; margin-bottom: 8px; }
  .hero-excerpt { display: none; }
  .hero-meta { font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 14px; }

  /* Arrow placement on mobile */
  .hero-prev, .hero-next {
    top: auto !important;
    transform: none !important;
    bottom: 16px !important;
    width: 32px !important;
    height: 32px !important;
    font-size: 16px !important;
  }
  .hero-prev { left: auto !important; right: 56px !important; }
  .hero-next { right: 16px !important; }
  .hero-dots { display: none; }

  .hero-side { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
  .hero-side-item { flex-direction: row; border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); min-height: 90px; align-items: stretch; }
  .hero-side-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
  .hero-side-img { width: 115px; min-width: 115px; height: 90px; position: relative; }
  .hero-side-content { padding: 10px 14px; }

  /* Cat cards mobile list layout */
  .cat-main-card { grid-row: auto; flex-direction: row; min-height: 115px; }
  .cat-main-card .img-wrap { width: 135px; height: auto; flex-shrink: 0; }
  .cat-main-overlay { display: none; }
  .cat-main-content { padding: 14px 16px; }
  .cat-main-title { font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.4; -webkit-line-clamp: 3; }

  .cat-list-img { width: 115px; }
  .cat-list-content { padding: 12px 14px; }
  .cat-list-title { font-size: 13.5px; }

  .side-col { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; }
  .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; }
  footer { padding: 36px 16px 24px; }
}

/* Extra Small Mobile (max-width: 400px) */
@media (max-width: 400px) {
  .hero-main { height: 260px; }
  .hero-title { font-size: 17px; }
  .hero-content { padding: 16px 14px 14px; }
  .logo { font-size: 19px; }
  .search-input { width: 110px; padding: 8px 10px 8px 32px; font-size: 12.5px; }
  .search-icon { left: 10px; }
  .mobile-menu-btn { width: 36px; height: 36px; font-size: 16px; }
  .cat-main-card .img-wrap { width: 110px; }
  .hero-side-img { width: 95px; min-width: 95px; height: 76px; position: relative; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   10. Scroll Animations
   ========================================================================== */
.reveal-fade,
.reveal-slide-up,
.reveal-slide-left,
.reveal-slide-right,
.reveal-zoom {
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  will-change: transform, opacity;
}
.reveal-slide-up { transform: translateY(24px); }
.reveal-slide-left { transform: translateX(-24px); }
.reveal-slide-right { transform: translateX(24px); }
.reveal-zoom { transform: scale(0.97); }

.reveal-active {
  opacity: 1 !important;
  transform: translate(0) scale(1) !important;
  transition-delay: var(--reveal-delay, 0ms) !important;
}

/* Light mode overlay contrast protections */
.hero-main .hero-title,
.hero-main .hero-title a { color: #ffffff !important; }
.hero-main .hero-excerpt { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.86) !important; }
.hero-main .hero-meta { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72) !important; }
.ticker-label { color: #ffffff !important; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Post Meta Chips — Colorful Date / Author / Time badges
   ========================================================================== */
.pm-meta {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 6px;
  margin-top: 10px;
}
.pm-meta-sm {
  gap: 5px;
  margin-top: 6px;
}

/* Base chip */
.pm-chip {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 5px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 11px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 3px 10px 3px 7px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  line-height: 1;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  transition: transform 0.15s ease;
}
.pm-chip:hover { transform: scale(1.04); }
.pm-chip svg { flex-shrink: 0; opacity: 0.85; }

/* Author chip — indigo/blue */
.pm-chip-author {
  background: rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1);
  color: #4f46e5;
  border: 1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.22);
}
.pm-chip-author svg { stroke: #6366f1; }

/* Date chip — emerald green */
.pm-chip-date {
  background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.09);
  color: #059669;
  border: 1px solid rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.22);
}
.pm-chip-date svg { stroke: #10b981; }

/* Time-ago chip — warm orange */
.pm-chip-time {
  background: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.09);
  color: #ea580c;
  border: 1px solid rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.22);
}
.pm-chip-time svg { stroke: #f97316; }

/* Dark variants for Layout 4 strip (dark background) */
.pm-chip-author-dark {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 5px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 11px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 3px 10px 3px 7px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  background: rgba(165, 180, 252, 0.15);
  color: #a5b4fc;
  border: 1px solid rgba(165, 180, 252, 0.25);
}
.pm-chip-author-dark svg { stroke: #a5b4fc; flex-shrink:0; }

.pm-chip-date-dark {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 5px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 11px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 3px 10px 3px 7px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  background: rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.12);
  color: #34d399;
  border: 1px solid rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.22);
}
.pm-chip-date-dark svg { stroke: #34d399; flex-shrink:0; }

.pm-chip-time-dark {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 5px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 11px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 3px 10px 3px 7px;
  white-space: nowrap;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  background: rgba(251, 146, 60, 0.14);
  color: #fb923c;
  border: 1px solid rgba(251, 146, 60, 0.25);
}
.pm-chip-time-dark svg { stroke: #fb923c; flex-shrink:0; }

/* Hero overlay meta — use white chips on dark overlay */
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-meta { margin-top: 8px; }
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-chip-author {
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.9);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.2);
}
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-chip-author svg { stroke: rgba(255,255,255,0.8); }
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-chip-date {
  background: rgba(52,211,153,0.18);
  color: #6ee7b7;
  border-color: rgba(52,211,153,0.28);
}
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-chip-date svg { stroke: #6ee7b7; }
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-chip-time {
  background: rgba(251,146,60,0.18);
  color: #fdba74;
  border-color: rgba(251,146,60,0.3);
}
.cat-l1-hero-content .pm-chip-time svg { stroke: #fdba74; }

/* Small variant font sizes */
.pm-meta-sm .pm-chip,
.pm-meta-sm .pm-chip-author,
.pm-meta-sm .pm-chip-date,
.pm-meta-sm .pm-chip-time {
  font-size: 10.5px;
  padding: 2.5px 8px 2.5px 6px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Category & Archive Page Styling — Modern Magazine Layout
   ========================================================================== */
.archive-container {
  padding-top: 24px;
  padding-bottom: 48px;
}

/* Archive Hero Header Banner */
.archive-hero-header {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0f172a 0%, #1e293b 100%);
  border-left: 5px solid var(--accent);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 32px 36px;
  box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12);
  margin-top: 16px;
}
.archive-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 900;
  font-size: 28px;
  color: #ffffff !important;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin: 10px 0 8px;
}
.archive-desc {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
  line-height: 1.6;
  max-width: 720px;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}
.archive-meta-info {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 12px;
  color: var(--accent);
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}

/* Featured Top Post Card */
.archive-featured-card {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 460px 1fr;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  overflow: hidden;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-smooth), box-shadow 0.3s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.archive-featured-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.35);
}
.archive-feat-img {
  height: 250px;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
  position: relative;
}
.archive-feat-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.archive-featured-card:hover .archive-feat-img img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.archive-feat-body {
  padding: 24px 28px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.archive-feat-title {
  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 21px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.35;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.archive-featured-card:hover .archive-feat-title { color: var(--accent); }
.archive-feat-excerpt {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 13.5px;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.55;
}

/* 2-Column Archive Grid */
.archive-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 20px;
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}
.archive-card {
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: transform 0.25s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.25s var(--ease), border-color 0.25s ease;
}
.archive-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.35);
}
.archive-card-img {
  height: 175px;
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--bg3);
}
.archive-card-img img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-smooth);
}
.archive-card:hover .archive-card-img img {
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.archive-card-body {
  padding: 16px 18px 18px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 6px;
}
.archive-card-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 14.5px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.4;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.archive-card:hover .archive-card-title { color: var(--accent); }
.archive-card-excerpt {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.5;
  display: -webkit-box;
  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* Pagination Styling */
.archive-pagination {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-top: 24px;
}
.archive-pagination .nav-links {
  display: flex;
  gap: 8px;
  align-items: center;
}
.archive-pagination .page-numbers {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 13px;
  padding: 8px 16px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  color: var(--heading);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.2s;
}
.archive-pagination .page-numbers:hover,
.archive-pagination .page-numbers.current {
  background: var(--accent);
  border-color: var(--accent);
  color: #ffffff;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px var(--accent-glow);
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .archive-featured-card { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .archive-feat-img { height: 200px; }
  .archive-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Single Post Page Styling — 2px Font Letter-Spacing & Mobile Full Width
   ========================================================================== */
.single-post-container {
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.single-header {
  padding: 32px 36px 24px;
  background: var(--card);
}
.single-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 28px;
  color: var(--heading);
  line-height: 1.35;
  letter-spacing: 2px !important; /* 2px letter gap requested */
  margin-top: 8px;
}

.single-featured-img {
  width: 100%;
  max-height: 520px;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-soft);
  background: var(--bg3);
}

.single-content {
  padding: 32px 36px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 16px;
  line-height: 1.8;
  color: var(--white);
}
.single-content h1,
.single-content h2,
.single-content h3,
.single-content h4 {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--heading);
  letter-spacing: 2px !important; /* 2px letter gap requested */
  margin-top: 1.6em;
  margin-bottom: 0.6em;
}
.single-content p {
  margin-bottom: 1.3em;
}
.single-content a {
  color: var(--accent);
  text-decoration: underline;
  text-underline-offset: 3px;
}
.single-content img {
  max-width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  margin: 1.2em 0;
}
.single-content blockquote {
  border-left: 4px solid var(--accent);
  padding: 12px 20px;
  margin: 1.5em 0;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--muted);
  background: rgba(249, 115, 22, 0.03);
  border-radius: 0 var(--radius-sm) var(--radius-sm) 0;
}

.single-comments-box {
  margin-top: 28px;
  padding: 28px 32px;
  background: var(--card);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}
.single-comments-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 16px;
  color: var(--heading);
  letter-spacing: 2px !important;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

/* Mobile: Background left-right full width edge to edge */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .single-post-container {
    border-radius: 0 !important;
    border-left: none !important;
    border-right: none !important;
    margin-left: -14px !important;
    margin-right: -14px !important;
    width: calc(100% + 28px) !important;
    box-shadow: none !important;
  }
  .single-header {
    padding: 20px 16px 16px !important;
  }
  .single-title {
    font-size: 21px !important;
    letter-spacing: 1.8px !important;
  }
  .single-content {
    padding: 20px 16px !important;
    font-size: 15px !important;
  }
  .single-comments-box {
    border-radius: 0 !important;
    border-left: none !important;
    border-right: none !important;
    margin-left: -14px !important;
    margin-right: -14px !important;
    width: calc(100% + 28px) !important;
    padding: 20px 16px !important;
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Stylish Comments Section & Load More Controls
   ========================================================================== */
.comments-area {
  margin-top: 10px;
}
.comments-header-bar {
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  padding-bottom: 14px;
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--border-soft);
}
.comments-section-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 17px;
  color: var(--heading);
  letter-spacing: 1.5px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  margin: 0;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}
.comments-count-pill {
  background: var(--accent);
  color: #ffffff;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  font-weight: 800;
  padding: 3px 9px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  letter-spacing: 0;
}

/* Comment Cards List */
.comments-list-items {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0 0 28px 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 16px;
}
.comments-list-items .children {
  list-style: none;
  padding-left: 28px;
  margin-top: 14px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 14px;
  border-left: 2px solid var(--border-soft);
}

.comment-card-item {
  background: var(--bg);
  border: 1px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 16px 20px;
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
}
.comment-card-item:hover {
  border-color: var(--border-strong);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.comment-card-body {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
  align-items: flex-start;
}

.comment-avatar {
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  overflow: hidden;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  background: var(--accent-soft, rgba(249,115,22,0.1));
  border: 2px solid var(--accent);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}
.comment-avatar img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  display: block;
}
.comment-avatar-fallback {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 18px;
  color: var(--accent);
}

.comment-main-content {
  flex: 1;
  min-width: 0;
}
.comment-header-row {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.comment-author-name {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 14.5px;
  color: var(--heading);
}
.comment-date-chip {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  color: var(--dim);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
}
.comment-text {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 14.5px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.comment-text p {
  margin: 0 0 8px 0;
}
.comment-text p:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}
.comment-actions a {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 11.5px;
  color: var(--accent);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color 0.2s;
}
.comment-actions a:hover {
  color: var(--accent-dark);
  text-decoration: underline;
}

/* Hidden & Reveal State for 5+ Comments */
.comment-item-hidden {
  display: none !important;
}
.comment-item-reveal {
  animation: commentFadeIn 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) forwards;
}
@keyframes commentFadeIn {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(12px); }
  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}

/* Load More Button */
.comments-load-more-wrap {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}
.comments-load-more-btn {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 12px;
  letter-spacing: 1.2px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--heading);
  background: var(--bg2);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--border-strong);
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 10px 24px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}
.comments-load-more-btn:hover {
  background: var(--accent);
  color: #ffffff;
  border-color: var(--accent);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px var(--accent-glow);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* Modern Comment Form */
.comment-form-container {
  margin-top: 32px;
  padding-top: 24px;
  border-top: 2px solid var(--border-soft);
}
.comment-form-title {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 15px;
  color: var(--heading);
  letter-spacing: 1.5px;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.comment-notes {
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  color: var(--dim);
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.form-row-2col {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 14px;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .form-row-2col { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}
.form-field-wrap {
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}
.cricpulse-input,
.cricpulse-textarea {
  width: 100%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  background: var(--bg);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 11px 16px;
  font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;
  font-size: 14px;
  color: var(--heading);
  outline: none;
  transition: all 0.2s ease;
}
.cricpulse-input:focus,
.cricpulse-textarea:focus {
  background: #ffffff;
  border-color: var(--accent);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--accent-glow);
}
.cricpulse-textarea {
  resize: vertical;
  min-height: 110px;
}
.cricpulse-comment-submit {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 12.5px;
  letter-spacing: 1.2px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: #ffffff;
  background: var(--accent);
  border: none;
  border-radius: 999px;
  padding: 12px 28px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.25s var(--ease);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 14px var(--accent-glow);
}
.cricpulse-comment-submit:hover {
  background: var(--accent-dark);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 22px var(--accent-glow);
}