Delcy Rodríguez (File photo)

Venezuela’s military on Sunday said it recognised Delcy Rodriguez, deputy to ousted president Nicolas Maduro, as the country’s acting leader, after US forces extracted the former head of state to face trial.Defense minister Vladimir Padrino issued a statement endorsing a Supreme Court ruling that appointed Rodriguez as acting president for 90 days, reported news agency AFP.The head of Venezuela’s military also urged the country’s population to resume their normal activities, after US forces bombed the country and seized its leader Nicolas Maduro.“I call on the people of Venezuela to resume their activities of all kinds, economic, work and education, in the coming days,” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said in a televised address.This comes hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that discussions of Venezuela holding elections following Nicolas Maduro’s ouster were “premature”. He said the Trump administration was focused on ensuring the remaining leadership in Caracas enacts policy changes.Asked how soon Venezuelan elections would be following Maduro’s capture by US forces on Saturday, Rubio told NBC’s “Meet the Press”: “All of that, I think, is premature at this point.”“What we are focused on right now is all of the problems we had when Maduro was there. We still have those problems in terms of them needing to be addressed. We are going to give people an opportunity to address those challenges and those problems,” he was quoted as saying by AFP.Trump announced on Saturday that US forces had carried out a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following pre-dawn attacks on Caracas that killed at least 40 people and triggered widespread panic across the capital.After reports of multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft, Venezuelan government forces deployed nationwide and the country entered a state of national emergency. Maduro and his wife have now been indicted in New York on terrorism and drug charges, with Trump accusing Maduro of running a “narco terrorist organisation.”A photo released by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social showed Maduro in handcuffs, wearing a blacked-out mask.Attorney General Pam Bondi posted an unsealed indictment charging Maduro with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracies, and possession of machine guns, offences that carry severe prison sentences when combined with drug trafficking charges.

Gold and silver prices are expected to remain highly volatile in the coming week as investors react to key US economic data and rising geopolitical tensions following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces, analysts said.Market participants will closely track a series of important US indicators, including ISM Manufacturing data, December ADP employment figures and the unemployment rate. Comments from several US Federal Reserve officials are also likely to influence sentiment, as traders look for signals on the future path of interest rates and the near-term direction of bullion prices, as per PTI.“Gold prices are likely to remain volatile in the week ahead as there are bullish as well as bearish factors at play,” said Prathamesh Mallya, DVP – research, non-agri commodities and currencies at Angel One, according to PTI.Experts expect aggressive trading at the start of the week, particularly on Monday, as markets digest the geopolitical fallout from the US military operation in Venezuela. The operation reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, with US authorities accusing them of drug trafficking. Analysts warned that the development could unsettle global markets and push both bullion and crude oil prices higher on concerns over potential supply disruptions from Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, reported PTI.Despite the supportive geopolitical backdrop, gold prices corrected sharply last week after hitting record levels in late December. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures fell by Rs 4,112, or 2.94 per cent. The yellow metal had earlier surged to a lifetime high of Rs 1,40,444 per 10 grams before sliding over 3 per cent to settle at Rs 1,35,761 per 10 grams on Friday.Mallya attributed the recent decline to profit booking at elevated levels, along with thin liquidity due to year-end and Christmas holidays. He noted that gold traded in a wide range of Rs 1,34,000 to Rs 1,40,000 per 10 grams during the week, reflecting heavy selling pressure and choppy market conditions, as per PTI.Silver prices mirrored gold’s volatility. On the MCX, silver slipped by Rs 3,471, or 1.45 per cent, over the week. After touching a record high of Rs 2,54,174 per kg, prices dropped sharply by Rs 17,858, or 7.02 per cent, to close at Rs 2,36,316 per kg on Friday.Internationally, Comex gold futures declined by $223.1, or 4.9 per cent, during the holiday-shortened week, ending at $4,329.6 per ounce. Silver saw an even steeper fall, sliding 8 per cent, or $6.18. After hitting a record of $82.67 per ounce, silver tumbled 14.1 per cent, or $11.65, to settle at $71.01 per ounce, reported PTI.Pankaj Singh, founder and principal researcher at Smart Wealth AI, said gold’s ability to hold near the $4,300-per-ounce level reflects cautious investor positioning amid easing US inflation and continued safe-haven demand. He added that Silver witnessed a short-term correction after CME Group raised margin requirements for gold futures, which forced a reduction in leveraged positions and triggered selling across ComexLooking ahead to 2026, Singh said gold could rise by 10 to 60 per cent over the year, though sharp interim corrections of up to 20 per cent remain possible in a volatile environment. Silver, he said, faces a potential downside risk of 5 to 30 per cent, but strong industrial demand could drive prices as much as 40 per cent higher if supply constraints persist.“Structurally bullish, policy-driven precious metals cycle may continue, but risk of significant corrections is also possible,” Singh said, reported PTI.

Mumbai: In a legal battle spanning over 15 years, a civil court has ordered the eviction of a grarnder’s family from the servany quarters of a Madh Island bungalow. The court observed that the caretaker does not acquire any right or interest in the property, irrespective of the duration of their possession, ruling that they forcibly dispossessed the rightful owner after initially agreeing to resign. The dispute centered on an 8-foot by 8-foot room located on the grounds of “Samrosh,” a bungalow in Erangal village belonging to Daryus Panthakey. The litigation began after Panthakey, who inherited the property through a will, discovered in 2009 that his gardener, Zingubai Galande, and her son, Arvind Galande, were allegedly attempting to transfer the property into their own names. According to Panthakey, the defendants initially admitted to their illegal acts when confronted and agreed to vacate the premises in March 2010 to avoid a police complaint. While the Galande family briefly surrendered the keys, Panthakey alleged they returned three days later with “anti-social elements” to manhandle his security guards and retake the room by force.The defendants contested the owner’s version of events, claiming they had occupied the entire bungalow and servant quarters for over forty years. They argued that their long-standing residence, backed by ration cards and voter IDs, granted them rights over the property through adverse possession. They further alleged that the resignation and possession letters produced by Panthakey were “fabricated” and that their signatures had been obtained on blank papers through “coercion and misrepresentation.“However, Judge RR Patare dismissed the arguments, noting that the family failed to provide evidence of coercion or file any police reports regarding the alleged forgery at the time. The judge noted the legal distinction between a property owner and those hired to care for it. “The servant or caretaker are under obligation to hand over vacate possession of the property on demand by their master.”The judge found that because the family’s initial entry into the room was permitted by the previous owners, they could not claim the property as their own simply by staying there for decades. “It is settled that possession of a servant or caretaker cannot be converted into adverse possession because their entry and occupation are permissive and on behalf of their master,” the judgment stated.The court held that Panthakey had successfully proven he was in possession of the room on March 24, 2010, and was illegally ousted just three days later.The court said that the Galande family must return the servant quarters to Panthakey. The court receiver of the Bombay High Court has been directed to facilitate the transfer of possession to ensure the owner finally recovers the small room.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is right around the corner, and the excitement is building as the five franchises prepare for another high-octane season. Ahead of the much-anticipated tournament, Star Sports conducted an exclusive interview with India’s premier all-rounder, Deepti Sharma. During the conversation, Deepti shared her insights on the upcoming matches, potential breakout stars, and her personal expectations. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if this edition can top the previous seasons in terms of intensity and talent. Deepti’s responses have already sparked significant discussion regarding the favorites for the opening clash and the overall title.

Deepti Sharma’s WPL 2026 predictions: From emerging player to winner

• When asked about the player with the calmest mind and smartest shot selection during crunch moments, Deepti displayed her trademark confidence, stating that ‘it can be anyone including she herself or Sophie Ecclestone’ while humble enough to mention herself or her teammate Sophie Ecclestone as prime candidates for that role.
• Moving to the future of the league, she identified Kranti Gaud as the emerging player of the tournament, noting that her rhythm has been exceptional following a solid performance last season.
• For the power-hitting department, Deepti predicted that Phoebe Litchfield would be the highest six-hitter this season, highlighting the Australian’s explosive potential.
• Regarding the winner of high-profile WPL 2026 opening clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), she chose to remain neutral, calling both teams champions and stating that the win will simply go to whoever plays better on the day.
• Deepti also expressed her patriotic hope for an Indian player to bag the Orange Cap, saying she would be “very happy” if any Indian across the five teams achieved the feat.
• Finally, when discussing the winner of WPL 2026 edition, she firmly backed her own team, the UP Warriorz, expressing a strong desire for them to “cross the barrier” and lift the trophy for the first time since they have yet to reach a final.

Also READ: BCCI announces complete schedule for WPL 2026; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle Mumbai Indians in the opener

Performance of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League so far

The UP Warriorz have been a team of “close calls” throughout the WPL’s history. In the inaugural 2023 season, they showed great promise by reaching the Eliminator but were ultimately knocked out by Mumbai Indians. The 2024 and 2025 seasons saw them fighting hard, with Deepti Sharma emerging as their most consistent performer; notably, she was the leading run-scorer for the team and the league’s 4th highest overall in 2024, earning the “Player of the Tournament” award.

Following the departure of Alyssa Healy, the management made a significant captaincy decision by officially naming Deepti Sharma as the full-time captain for the 2026 edition. Having previously led the side in Healy’s absence, Deepti’s deep understanding of the squad and her current “rhythm” as the world’s top-ranked all-rounder make her the natural choice to lead the Warriorz. With a revamped squad featuring stars like Sophie Ecclestone and emerging talent Kranti Gaud, the team is heavily betting on Deepti’s leadership to finally secure their maiden WPL title.

Also READ: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming the most expensive buy for RCB in WPL 2026 Auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Daniel Vettori assistant coach of Australia looks on during an Australian Test cricket squad training session at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo/Getty Images)

Australia’s assistant coach Daniel Vettori has backed the team’s call to go in with an all-seam attack for the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, while making it clear that spin bowling still matters in Test cricket.With senior off-spinner Nathan Lyon ruled out because of a hamstring injury, Australia chose not to play a specialist spinner in Sydney. This marked the first time since 1888 that Australia fielded an all-pace attack at the SCG. It was also the third occasion in the ongoing Ashes series that Australia opted for only fast bowlers.

The SCG, once known for surfaces that helped spinners, has in recent years offered more help to seam bowlers.“That’s the thing. It’s history – it’s a long time ago,” Vettori said, referring to the ground’s past reputation. He pointed out that spinners have averaged 53 across the last three Tests at the venue, and close to 60 when Lyon’s figures are excluded.“You’ve seen over the last three years it’s been diminishing results for spin bowlers here, which is obviously not something that we’d like, but it’s the nature of the surface,” Vettori said.Australia’s position in the series supports the decision. They lead 3-1, and their loss in the two-day Test in Melbourne was not linked to the absence of a spinner.Vettori, who took 362 wickets in 113 Tests for New Zealand, said the recent trend does not mean spin bowling is being pushed aside in the longer format.Australia have gone with an all-seam attack in four of their last six Tests. Two of those matches were pink-ball games in which Lyon was available.“It’s probably just a point in time,” Vettori said. “I don’t think it’s going to be something that’s going to continue on for years on end.“I think spin bowling is incredibly important to Test match cricket. I think people love watching it when it’s at its absolute best and when conditions can assist the spin bowler.“But we’re just in the stage now where that’s not the case. I wouldn’t be surprised that it changed in the future.“I think at some stage it will get back to possibly how it was preceding these last couple of years.”

File photo: Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal (Picture credit: PTI)

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal will travel to Brussels this week for high-level discussions with the European Union on the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement, with negotiations now in their final and most challenging phase.According to an official, Goyal will be in Brussels on January 8 and 9, where he is scheduled to meet Maros Sefcovic, executive vice-president and European commissioner for trade. The minister is expected to leave India on Tuesday night. Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal will also be in Brussels for the talks.Ahead of the Brussels visit, Goyal will stop in Liechtenstein on January 7 to hold discussions aimed at expanding trade and investment ties between the two countries. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which also includes Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. India and the EFTA bloc implemented a free trade agreement on October 1, 2025.The Brussels visit comes at a critical moment for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as both sides step up efforts to close negotiations that have been under discussion for several years. The talks have reached what officials describe as the most complex stage, with sensitive issues still requiring resolution.Earlier, on December 15, commerce secretary Agrawal said negotiations with the 27-nation EU bloc had entered the “most difficult” phase. He noted that both sides were actively working to bridge gaps and move towards an early conclusion. Among the issues under discussion is the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which has implications for Indian exports, as per news agency PTI.The 16th round of India-EU FTA negotiations was held from December 3 to 9, during which key chapters were discussed. These included trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin and technical barriers to trade.India and the EU had resumed talks for a comprehensive free trade agreement in June 2022, along with negotiations on an investment protection pact and an agreement on geographical indications. These talks were revived after an eight-year gap, following their suspension in 2013 due to differences over market access commitments.The European Union is India’s largest trading partner in goods. Bilateral trade in goods stood at $136.53 billion in 2024-25, with Indian exports worth $75.85 billion and imports at $60.68 billion, reported PTI. The EU accounts for about 17 per cent of India’s total exports, while exports to India make up around 9 per cent of the bloc’s global shipments.The EU has been seeking significant tariff reductions in sectors such as automobiles and medical devices, along with lower taxes on products including wine, spirits, meat and poultry. It is also pushing for a stronger intellectual property rights regime. On the other hand, Indian exporters see major gains if the agreement is concluded, particularly in sectors such as garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products and electrical machinery.The India-EU trade negotiations span 23 chapters, covering areas ranging from customs and trade facilitation to government procurement, dispute settlement and sustainable development.