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NEW DELHI: Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said on Sunday that 22 Indian crew members of a merchant ship were arrested after 31.5 kilograms of cocaine were discovered aboard the vessel at Lagos’s main port.The seizure took place on Friday aboard the MV Aruna Hulya, which “originated from Marshall Islands,” NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said in a statement.Nigeria has long been considered a trafficking and production hub for drugs, with narcotics often destined for Europe and other African countries.The NDLEA highlighted previous operations at Lagos port, noting that in November, 20 Filipino sailors were arrested while carrying at least 20 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil.Earlier that month, the agency said it was working with US and British anti-drug agencies to investigate a cartel linked to the importation of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine discovered in a container at the port.This is a developing story…
NEW DELHI: Bajaj Auto on Sunday said its exports to Venezuela accounts for less than 1 per cent of its total overseas shipments. The South American country has plunged into a crisis after the US captured its President, Nicolas Maduro, on Saturday.
“We do export to Venezuela. Pulsar and Boxer are very popular, but these exports are less than 1 per cent of our total exports,” Rakesh Shamra, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, said. He was responding to a query about the implications on its operations in the country following the capture of Maduro by the US. In the April-December period of FY26, Bajaj Auto’s total exports stood at 16,39,971 units as against 13,73,595 units in the year-ago period, up 19 per cent. Another Indian automaker, TVS Motor Company, said it has no meaningful presence in Venezuela.
The United States is not at war with Venezuela, but against the drug trafficking organisation, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Saturday. Rubio is speaking to several US media outlets after the US launched an operation and removed the oil-rich country’s president, Nicolas Maduro. He has been on NBC, where he was asked if the US is at war with Venezuela.“That’s not a war,” he said.“I mean we are at war against drug trafficking organisations. That’s not a war against Venezuela.”He says the seizing of boats “bringing drugs toward the United States” will continue.
At the interview, he was also asked that who will be in charge of Venezuela and if he’s running the country.The secretary said that the US “expect to see changes in Venezuela”, with the “most immediate” being those “in national interest in US”.He describes a country where “people in charge of military and police are openly co-operating with drug trafficking organisations”.Rubio says these are threats to the US that his government intended “to use every element of leverage” to address.
Meanwhile, at the CBS interview, Rubio said that the US is ready to work with Venezuela’s remaining leaders if they make “the right decision.” “We’re going to judge everything by what they do, and we’re going to see what they do,” Rubio told CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”“I do know this: that if they don’t make the right decision, that the United States will retain multiple levers of leverage.”
In a major blow for both New Zealand and the Punjab Kings (PBKS), express pacer Lockie Ferguson is likely to miss a significant chunk of the 2026 cricket calendar. After sustaining a serious calf injury during his ILT20 stint with the Desert Vipers in late December 2025, Ferguson is now a major doubt for the T20 World Cup 2026 in February and the subsequent IPL 2026 season.
PBKS, who showed immense faith in the Black Caps speedster by retaining him for INR 2 crore, now face a tactical dilemma. With the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, Ricky Ponting and the PBKS management must look for a replacement who can replicate Ferguson’s wicket-taking threat.
1) Riley Meredith (Australia)
If PBKS are looking for a like-for-like replacement in terms of sheer pace, Riley Meredith stands out as the most obvious candidate. The Australian quick regularly clocks speeds north of 145 kmph and thrives on pitches offering bounce and carry—conditions that suit the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur perfectly.
Why he fits: Meredith’s raw pace and ability to hit hard lengths make him a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs. On his day, he can dismantle batting line-ups with short, hostile spells.
The PBKS factor: Meredith has previously represented Punjab Kings and is already familiar with the franchise environment. Working under fellow Australian Ricky Ponting could help him iron out consistency issues that have plagued him in the past. Additionally, PBKS already boast Australian pacers Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis, which could ease Meredith’s transition back into the setup.
2) Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
One of the most improved T20 bowlers in world cricket over the last two years, Fazalhaq Farooqi offers a different—but equally effective—skill set compared to Ferguson. Rather than raw pace, the Afghan left-armer relies on swing, accuracy, and clever variations.
Why he fits: Farooqi is a specialist with the new ball, capable of swinging it both ways at pace, and has significantly upgraded his death-over skills. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, underlining his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
The PBKS factor: Farooqi has prior ties with the franchise, having worked as a net bowler for Punjab in 2020. His inclusion would add crucial left-arm variety, forming a potent combination alongside Arshdeep Singh and giving PBKS greater flexibility across different phases of the innings.
Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players Punjab Kings can sign to replace Shreyas Iyer if he misses out
3) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)
Gerald Coetzee would be a dream replacement for PBKS. Nicknamed the ‘Karate Kid’ of South African cricket, Coetzee brings raw aggression, high pace, and an infectious competitive energy that lifts the entire bowling unit.
Why he fits: Coetzee is not just a strike bowler—he’s also a handy lower-order batter, adding valuable depth to the PBKS lineup. His attacking lengths and willingness to take the game on suit Indian conditions, particularly on surfaces with extra bounce.
The PBKS factor: PBKS have often lacked an intimidatory fast bowler who can unsettle opposition batters. Coetzee’s fearless, heart-on-sleeve approach aligns perfectly with the franchise’s ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ identity and could make him an instant fan favourite.
Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out
US secretary of war Pete Hegseth said Washington’s midnight military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, which also led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife was the “exact opposite” of the 2003 Iraq invasion and would not result in prolonged conflict or American casualties.Addressing concerns of Americans about past US interventions, particularly the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which led to significant loss of life and resources.Hegseth said, “The operation in Venezuela marked a complete departure from past military engagements, focusing on achieving objectives without putting American troops at risk,” he said.It’s the exact opposite. We spent decades and decades and spent, purchased in blood and got nothing economically in return. And President Trump flips the script.” Hegseth told CBS Evening News. “Through strategic action, we can ensure that we have access to additional wealth and resources, enabling a country to unleash that without having to spend American blood,” he added.The joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement, carried out in Caracas, was described as “bold and audacious” but carefully planned. “This was a bold and audacious move, but it was thought through. It was well orchestrated. Our military had time to set it up. He provided the resources, and then he took that bold stroke and through it we flipped that very dynamic and Americans will benefit,” Hegseth said.Maduro and Flores who were flown out of the country have been indicted on charges of alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies” in the Southern District of New York and will face trial, Trump said.Trump on Saturday outlined the US plan for Venezuela following the operation. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We want peace, justice and liberty for the great people of Venezuela,” he said. He added, “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country.”
Mumbai: Amboli police, on Saturday, booked three employees of an advertising and talent hunt marketing media firm for allegedly embezzling Rs 1.41 crore by generating fake project bills and diverting company funds, including by forging celebrity signatures to clear bills.The accused allegedly siphoned money by forging fake signatures of actor Suniel Shetty‘s daughter Athiya and her husband, cricketer KL Rahul, to clear the bills, but they were never paid to them after they acted in the ad project. The accused also allegedly forged the signature actor Arshad Warsi and siphoned money from the company. Later, the company learned that there was no such project that was signed by the actor.TOI is in possession of the FIR that has been filed against the accused Rishabh Surekha, an employee of the firm hired as senior client servicing (Influencer Marketing), Yash Nagarkoti, and Ashay Shastri. Police are yet to make arrest. “The team will collect evidence before taking action,” said a Amboli police officer.The complaint was filed by Jeni Anthony (28), an employee of the company that has its head office in Haryana and a Mumbai office in Andheri West. The company operated in the advertising and marketing sector.Surekha joined the company in July 2023 as Senior Manager – Client Servicing (Influencer Marketing) and was responsible for branding, coordinating with influencers, and overseeing project execution. He was also authorised to communicate project details to the finance department and the CEO.After joining, Surekha allegedly obtained an interest-free loan of Rs 15 lakh from the company for his mother’s medical treatment. In August 2024, he secured an advertising project for Havells, featuring actress Dia Mirza, and informed the company that Rs 31 lakh was required for the production house, Hooray Movies. However, he allegedly assured Nagarkoti, CEO of Hooray Movies, that the project value was Rs 62 lakh, leading to a dispute and additional payments by the company.The FIR stated that the company later discovered that the trio allegedly conspired to create forged bills in the names of reputed companies, including Havells, Mahindra Lifespaces, Realme Number Series, and Birla Estates, and siphoned off over Rs 52 lakh into Surekha’s personal account.Further investigation revealed that Surekha allegedly misused the company’s official email ID to impersonate authorised representatives while dealing with talent management firms and clients. He was also accused of forging actress Athiya Shetty’s signature and creating a fake email ID in the name of actor Arshad Warsi to obtain funds through bogus projects.
NAVI MUMBAI: There are quite a few reasons for Alana King to fall in love with India. The Australian leg-spinner has Indian roots; her parents, Leroy and Sharon, are Anglo-Indians who migrated to Melbourne from Chennai in the 1980s. On October 25, 2025 during a Women’s ODI World Cup match in Indore, King delivered a stunning seven-over spell, taking seven for 18 to spin out South Africa for merely 97. These are the best figures in the history of the Women’s World Cup. Having gone unsold in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction in November, King found a way to play in the lucrative tournament, set to kick off from Jan 9, as the Delhi Capitals picked her up as a replacement for all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who withdrew due to personal reasons.In an exclusive interview with TOI, King shared her thoughts on her Indian connection, playing under her DC captain Jemimah Rodrigues, who caused Australia’s stunning defeat to India in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semis, and on many other things…
Excerpts…You trace your roots to Chennai — a city which your parents hail from. Do you speak Tamil at home? Do you relish South Indian cuisine? Have you been to, or do you plan to go to Chennai at some point in life?I don’t speak Tamil, unfortunately. My parents never taught my brother and me because we grew up in Australia and they didn’t think we needed to learn it. But growing up in an Indian household, Indian food was always around, and my dad’s cooking was incredible. I’m very well equipped with Indian food and I absolutely love it — the spice is in my blood. I’ve surprised a few of the girls here because I eat everything and don’t find it spicy at all, and then they automatically think I can speak the language, which I can’t. I’d love to learn a few phrases while I’m here. I haven’t been to Chennai in quite a few years, but I’d love to go back. Cricket brings me to India quite often and hopefully it takes me there again. There’s a multi-format series against India coming up (next year), and if there’s a game in Chennai, that would be really special.You’ve joined Delhi Capitals as a replacement player this season. How did the call come through and what was your first reaction when you heard it was DC?It was very exciting. I got the call on Boxing Day night, and I was actually at the Australia–England Test match. My manager rang me and said I was going to India and needed to get back to Perth. I was meant to be with my family for Christmas, and two days later I was on a flight. It was hectic and a bit chaotic getting everything sorted, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity. To be part of the DC family is really exciting, and I’m just happy to be here.”How good are DC’s chances of ending their trophy jinx and clinching their maiden WPL title this time?I hope it’s fourth time lucky (for DC). With every tournament, everyone starts on zero. It’s a new year, there are some fresh faces in the team including myself, and there’s a new captain in Jemimah (Rodrigues). There’s been a little bit of change, and sometimes change is a good thing because it can refresh the group. This team is hungry, excited to start the season, and ready to hit the ground running.You have played one WPL match for UP Warriorz last year. As someone who regularly plays in the Women’s Big Bash League, how excited are you about returning to the WPL?It’s something a lot of cricketers want to be part of. To get another opportunity to play in the WPL and to do it with DC is something I’m incredibly grateful for. There’s a great group of support staff and some excellent players. I get to play with internationals I haven’t played with before and also learn from the Indian players in their home conditions. I’m excited to be here and get started.How has the pre-season camp been so far in Goa, and we’re seeing a lot of fun content coming out of the DC camp—how’s the team atmosphere been?It’s been great. There’s a lot of fun in this team, and the support staff brings a lot of energy. The content team is also a lot of fun, and when the environment is like that, it gives you an extra pep in your step. The girls have been fantastic. I’m still learning everyone’s names, especially the domestic players, but it’s been a really welcoming group. I’m excited to work under Jonathan Batty (DC head coach) and enjoy being part of this setup.You will be playing for Delhi Capitals under Jemimah Rodrigues, who slammed that match-winning century against Australia. What would you say about that?She’s been a great player for a long time, and to do that on the biggest stage is something she and her country should be incredibly proud of. It’s nice to finally be on Jemimah’s team instead of being on the receiving end. We’ve played a lot against each other, including Shafali (Verma) as well, so to be on the same side and collaborate together is really refreshing.Does the World Cup semifinal defeat to India at the DY Patil Stadium still rankle?It was very disappointing as a group. Losing a semifinal always hurts, especially in a World Cup. One game doesn’t define a team, but those games are hard to take. Credit to India—they outplayed us in a really important match and deserved to go on to win the World Cup.Will Australia bounce back from that semifinal defeat?This team always reflects and reviews big tournaments, whether we win or lose. We haven’t come together as a group yet because we went straight into the WBBL, but when we do, we’ll look at what we can do better. We can’t dwell on what’s happened. We learn from it, take those learnings forward and focus on what’s ahead.Is Australia looking to avenge its World Cup semifinal defeat to India when Harmanpreet Kaur & Co tour Australia in Feb-March for a multi-format series?We’ll be playing the world champions, so it’s going to be a massive challenge. India are a huge threat across all formats. It’s an exciting series and one we’re really looking forward to.As a women’s cricketer, what does India’s maiden World Cup triumph mean for the women’s game?It’s massive. For India to win a World Cup will do a world of good for the women’s game, not just in India but around the world. Moments like that inspire young girls and help grow the game globally.Who is the best batter that you have ever bowled to?It’s hard to narrow it down to just one. In recent times, Smriti Mandhana and Nat Sciver-Brunt have probably been the hardest batters to bowl to.During the 2025 ODI Women’s World Cup, you took a historic seven-wicket haul (7/18) against South Africa. Is that the best you have ever bowled?It was pretty special to do it in a World Cup. Everything happened really quickly and I didn’t take it in at the time. I don’t look too much at personal accolades, but it’s something I’m very proud of. To do it on that stage, with my family there, and to put the team in a strong position made it a really special moment.Was Australian leg-spin legend Shane Warne your inspiration while growing up?Absolutely. Watching Warne at the MCG was the reason I picked up leg-spin. He made it fun and exciting. Once I understood leg-spin, I stuck with it. I learned a lot from him, especially later through his commentary, and he had a huge influence on my journey.”
NEW DELHI: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday released 184 new varieties of 25 different crops to increase productivity, reduce input costs and address the challenges of climate change. The new varieties included 122 of cereal crops, 22 of Bt cotton, the only genetically modified crop whose commercial cultivation is allowed in India, and 13 of oilseeds, among others.The new Bt cotton varieties are updated transgenic versions that will not only increase yield but also guard crops against pests, insects and weeds, reducing the overall input cost for farmers.The 184 new varieties, developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions (60 varieties), state and central agriculture universities (62 varieties) and private seed companies (62 varieties), will reach farmers for commercial cultivation within three years.Among the 122 new varieties of cereal crops, 60 are of rice, 50 of maize, four of sorghum, five of pearl millet, and one each of ragi, small millet and proso millet. More than 50% (62) of the new cereal varieties belong to the coarse grains category, in sync with the govt’s plan to focus more on nutri-cereals and climate-resilient crops.Underlining India’s transformation from “a food-deficit country to a global food provider” over the years, Chouhan noted on the occasion that the country surpassed China in rice production and became the world’s largest producer. He said India’s rice production reached 150 million tonnes while China’s production was 145 million tonnes. “This has also strengthened India’s role as the world’s food supplier,” said the minister.The list of new varieties comprises six of pulses (1 pigeon pea, 2 green gram and 3 black gram); 13 of oilseeds (3 mustard, 4 safflower, 2 sesame and one each of til, groundnut, gobhi sarson and castor); 11 fodder crops (2 each of oats and fodder sorghum, 1 fodder maize and 6 fodder pearl millet); six of sugarcane; 24 of cotton including 22 Bt cotton; and one variety each of jute and tobacco.The release of new varieties of crops continued a “lab to land” approach of the govt so that farmers could get direct benefit of what the country’s farm scientists have been doing in a targeted manner.“Research is meaningful only when its benefits reach fields on time,” said Chouhan, directing officials to ensure that the newly released varieties should reach farmers within three years.The newly developed varieties are climate-friendly, high-yielding and resistant to major pests and diseases. They were developed to tackle challenges such as climate change, soil salinity, drought and other biotic and abiotic stresses, while also supporting natural and organic farming methods.Since the notification of seed varieties began in 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been notified in the country. Of these, 3,236 varieties were notified in the last 11-12 years alone, including 1,661 varieties in the last five years, showing increasing focus of scientists on developing climate-friendly, high-yielding, and pest and disease resistant varieties suitable for India’s diverse agro-climatic zones.
India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China with an output of 150.18 million tonnes, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Sunday.The announcement came as the minister released 184 new varieties of 25 crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at an event in the national capital.Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said India has achieved “great success” in developing high-yielding seeds and has transformed from a food-deficient nation into a global food provider. “India has surpassed China in rice production and has become the world’s largest producer,” he said, adding that China’s rice output stands at 145.28 million tonnes. He described the achievement as unprecedented and said India is now supplying rice to overseas markets, as per news agency PTI.The minister noted that the country has adequate foodgrain stocks, ensuring food security. He also directed officials to ensure that the newly released seed varieties reach farmers quickly so that they can benefit from higher yields and better-quality produce.According to PTI, since the gazette notification process began in 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been notified. Of these, 3,236 high-yielding varieties were approved under the Narendra Modi-led government, compared with 3,969 varieties notified between 1969 and 2014.The 184 new varieties include 122 cereals, six pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, six sugarcane varieties, 24 cotton varieties — including 22 Bt cotton — and one variety each of jute and tobacco. These have been developed by ICAR institutes, state and central agricultural universities, and private seed companies. The varieties are climate-resilient, high-yielding, and resistant to major pests and diseases.Chouhan said the country has entered a new phase of agricultural revolution driven by climate-resilient seeds and urged scientists to focus on boosting pulses and oilseeds production to achieve self-sufficiency. Agriculture secretary Devesh Chaturvedi said seed multiplication rates have been increased by 1.5 to two times to strengthen availability, with national and state seed corporations ensuring quality seeds at affordable prices.
