NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is due to present a record ninth consecutive budget, is working with a team of officials which is a mix of experience and fresh faces.It is likely that for the first time in recent years, she will not have a finance secretary, a first among equals, leaving it to Anuradha Thakur to coordinate the exercise. Public enterprises secretary K Moses Chelai is the senior most secretary in the departments that are part of Sitharaman’s team, but his department has little to do with the budget exercise.Only four members from the last budget team remain – CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal, Dipam secretary Arunish Chawla, financial services secretary M Nagaraju and chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran. The three key secretaries, V Vualnam (expenditure), Arvind Shrivastava (revenue) and Thakur (economic affairs) took over their current roles this summer.

Vivek Chaturvedi took over as Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) chairman in Dec and Vyasan R, the joint secretary in-charge of the budget division, also moved into his current assignment only a few months ago. Of course, Vyasan is no stranger to the budget exercise as he was part of the team earlier as well.In fact, revenue secretary Shrivastava too is a veteran, having led the budget division for several years, before moving to the Prime Minister’s Office, where he was part of the discussions for the annual exercise that not only focuses on the Centre’s receipts and budget but also includes key policy and reform-related announcements.Since Sitharaman moved into North Block in 2019, she has dealt with several officers with long tenures in the finance ministry – T V Somanathan was expenditure secretary before he took over as Cabinet secretary last year, Ajay Seth, who was economic affairs secretary, and Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the longest-serving Dipam secretary, who was finance secretary and in-charge of revenue during the last budget. This year, the expenditure department will have an additional role as the Finance Commission’s recommendations are being reviewed and the devolution formula along with the other proposals will be announced in the budget.

Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet Jones (Credit: Getty Images)

The contributions of Wayne Gretzky to the game of hockey are immeasurable, and he has played his career with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. His wife, Janet Jones Gretzky, has had an equally inspirational personal life, albeit at the same time that his fans are reveling in his on-ice achievements. It is a mix of Hollywood sense of charm, the heritage of sports, and the level of family commitment that makes their story a favorite among the ardent followers of the sport, as well as the rest of the world.Janet Jones Gretzky is a successful actress and dancer in America, and the first woman to bump into Gretzky was on the set of Dance Fever in 1984. The two met again professionally but eventually got back together in 1987 and finally got married on television in Edmonton in July 1988. They have, over the years, produced five children, Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma, and have been able to balance both their parenthood and the continued appearance of Gretzky in NHL news and events.

Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones Gretzky’s love story timeline and their personal journey

The relationship between Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones Gretzky started in 1984 when Gretzky, being a star player of the Edmonton Oilers, was one of the judges of the dance program Dance Fever. He was immediately impressed by Janet, who is a professional dancer and actress; their romance really came into play after they rekindled their relationship in 1987. In July 1988, their relationship reached its peak with a high-profile marriage in Edmonton, and this marked the beginning of a long-lasting partnership between the two.Janet was supportive throughout Gretzky’s career in the NHL, both when he played for the Los Angeles Kings and when he worked as a coach and manager. She frequently made appearances at NHL events, charity games, and other civic engagements. She easily balanced her career as an entertainer with her need to be married to a hockey legend. The fact that the couple is able to balance fame and a good family life is often discussed in the NHL news magazines as well as in the interviews.Gretzky has five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma. All children have been able to develop personal interests, such as sports or arts, that make them balanced in their upbringing, as was stressed by their parents. The family is not a passive participant in social life; they can be observed in the present day watching NHL matches, charity events, and social appearances. The fans of Gretzky still enjoy the way the family balances on both personalities and NHL news, trade speculations, and match outcomes that keep the hockey world abuzz.The love affair between Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones Gretzky is not just a star romance but an affirmation of a long-lasting relationship, family principles, and the capability to stay together despite the busy schedule of professional hockey.Also Read: Brad Marchand’s lifestyle: Inside Florida Panthers star’s early life, NHL career, and personal adventures

NEW DELHI: India’s shopping basket is evolving as new categories enter more households, reshaping consumption patterns. One-third of consumers across the country now shop for hair creme, making it the fastest-growing category in the FMCG basket, with penetration rising from 21% to over 31% over two years, according to the latest data from market research firm Numerator (formerly Kantar).In another shift, noodles have staged a comeback, adding 9 percentage points in penetration over the same period to reach 77%, making them the second fastest-growing category by penetration.Another close cousin of noodles, vermicelli, has recorded steady growth, growing its penetration by nearly 7 percentage points to 39% over the past two years.

“The overarching theme across the growth of these categories seems to be convenience – hair creme is an easily applicable and a less messy format of hair colours. Noodles and Vermicelli are also quick and convenient preparations. Washing liquids are likewise less messy and easier to use. Insecticides growth could be linked to the growing awareness of health and hygiene behaviours in the country,” K Ramakrishnan, managing director-South Asia, Worldpanel by Numerator told TOI.The trend is also reflected in investor disclosures from companies such as Godrej Consumer in hair creme and household insecticides, and Nestle India in noodles. Revenue growth in hair colour at Godrej Consumer Products accelerated to 24% in FY24 from a CAGR of 16% over FY18-23. In the case of noodles, India emerged as the largest market for Nestle’s Maggi, with six billion servings in 2023-24, according to the company’s annual report. Typically, staples including biscuits, tea, salt, toothpaste, edible oil dominate the consumption basket.

Kartik Aaryan’s personal life is once again in the spotlight. This time, it all started with a calm beach photo. Kartik shared a relaxed picture from his Goa holiday. Soon after, people on the internet noticed something interesting. A woman named Karina Kubiliute had posted photos that looked very similar. The sea angle looked the same. The beach beds looked the same. Even the towel placement looked the same. People began to connect the dots and started guessing that the two were together.

Internet detectives dig deep

Social media users, especially on Reddit, began breaking everything down. They compared photos side by side. Some users also claimed that Kartik had followed Karina on Instagram earlier. Later, when the rumours grew louder, they said he unfollowed her. No one had confirmed anything at that point. Still, the guessing did not stop. Many people started calling Karina Kartik’s mystery girlfriend. This buzz came at a time when Kartik’s film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri did not do very well at the box office.

Karina shuts down the rumours

Now, the story has taken a clear turn. Karina Kubiliute has reacted to the rumours herself. In a screenshot shared online by a netizen, Karina commented under a post and clearly denied everything. She wrote, “I’m not his gffff!!!” Her comment quickly went viral. The post where she commented also made many other claims about Kartik, but none of those details were confirmed. The post was shared by Diksha Kandpal. With this one line, Karina made her stand very clear.

Kartik’s past words and old link-ups

Earlier, the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ actor had spoken openly about his love life in an interview. As reported by Bollywood Shaadis, he said, “Because of your work, you meet a very limited number of people. Your day goes in that zone. It becomes like that. You might earn a lot, and become famous, but one thing is for sure that you can’t buy love…. I’m not dating anyone. I’m even called romantic hero, but I have been unlucky in love. So, I feel I have to find the right person whenever that happens.”Over the years, Kartik has been linked with many actresses. His name was connected to Sreeleela after she was seen at family events at his house. He was also rumoured to be close to Janhvi Kapoor, but nothing was confirmed. Kartik and Ananya Panday did date for a short time after working together. The buzz around Karina Kubiliute was special because she is not from the film industry. With her clear comment now out, the dating rumours seem to be put to rest, at least for now.

English all-rounder Jamie Overton produced a decisive fast-bowling display to guide Adelaide Strikers to a thrilling six-run victory over Sydney Thunder in Match 25 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season. The closely fought contest at the Adelaide Oval went down to the final over, with Overton’s composure proving the difference.

Defending a modest total of 165, the Strikers held their nerve as Thunder finished on 159 for 7, despite a valiant unbeaten knock from their captain David Warner.

Adelaide Strikers recover to post a competitive total

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Adelaide Strikers endured an up-and-down innings before reaching 165 for 8. Veteran opener Chris Lynn struggled to get going, managing just 15 before falling to Nathan McAndrew. Captain Matthew Short also departed early, scoring 4 as Thunder’s bowlers applied early pressure.

The innings was steadied by Mackenzie Harvey, who struck a fluent 38, and Jason Sangha, whose brisk 31 helped rebuild momentum. The late impetus came from Liam Scott, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 32 balls, providing crucial acceleration in the final overs.

Overton chipped in with a handy 13 before being dismissed, while Thunder’s attack was led by McAndrew and Wes Agar, who claimed two and three wickets, respectively.

David Warner anchors Sydney Thunder’s chase

In reply, Sydney Thunder’s chase was built around a masterful innings from captain David Warner, who carried his bat with an unbeaten 67 off 51 balls. Warner kept Thunder in the hunt as wickets fell around him, displaying control and experience under pressure.

Opener Matthew Gilkes provided early support with a lively 43, putting on a 73-run stand with Warner for the first wicket. However, once Gilkes fell to Overton, the momentum began to shift.

Jamie Overton turns the game with the ball

Jamie Overton was the standout with the ball, returning figures of 4 overs, 2 for 53, but his impact went beyond the numbers. He dismissed key batters including Gilkes and Nic Maddinson, breaking crucial partnerships at decisive moments.

Support came from Hasan Ali, who bowled economically and removed Sam Konstas, and leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, who picked up two wickets to apply pressure through the middle overs.

Despite Warner’s resistance and a late cameo from McAndrew, Thunder fell just short, finishing six runs adrift.

Also READ: Steve Smith and Travis Head’s centuries force England onto the backfoot as Australia takes charge on Day 3 of Sydney Ashes Test

With Thunder needing 13 from the final over, the Strikers’ discipline proved decisive. Overton and Scott marshalled the field smartly, cutting off boundaries and forcing risky shots. Warner could not find the big hits required, and Adelaide sealed a hard-earned win in front of a lively home crowd.

The Adelaide Strikers defend their total of 165, defeating the Sydney Thunder by 6 runs 🔥#BBL15 #AdelaideStrikers pic.twitter.com/3Pjzi8GoDo

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 6, 2026

The victory underlined Adelaide Strikers’ growing resilience in BBL|15 and highlighted Overton’s value as a genuine match-winner.

Also READ: Gujarat Giants appoint three-time World Cup winner as their new fielding coach for WPL 2026

Smoke at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Venezuela (AP photo)

US forces killed at least 55 Venezuelan and Cuban military and security personnel during the raid that led to the capture and ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to official tolls released by Caracas and Havana on Tuesday.Venezuela’s military confirmed for the first time that 23 of its service members were killed in Saturday’s US attacks. Authorities have not yet released an official figure for civilian casualties. Cuba said 32 members of its armed forces and interior ministry security personnel deployed in Caracas died in the operation.The Cuban casualties ranged in age from 26 to 67 and included two colonels and one lieutenant colonel. Venezuelan defence minister Vladimir Padrino López said many of the Cuban personnel killed were believed to be part of Maduro’s security detail, which was largely wiped out during the assault.The operation began with bombing raids on military targets and ended with US special forces landing by helicopter to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a compound. Both were flown to New York, where they appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday urged Washington to ensure Maduro receives a “fair trial”.Within hours of the court appearance, Maduro’s former deputy Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. US President Donald Trump said he was willing to work with Rodríguez provided she met his demands to allow US companies access to Venezuela’s oil reserves.Rodríguez now faces the challenge of navigating US pressure while keeping Maduro loyalists within the security establishment on her side. She has sought to project unity with hardliners in the former administration, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Padrino López, both of whom have retained their posts.Concerns over repression persisted as a journalists’ union reported that 14 journalists and media workers, most of them from foreign outlets, were detained while covering Rodríguez’s inauguration at parliament on Monday. Two other foreign media journalists were detained near the Colombian border. All were later released.Opposition leader María Corina Machado criticised Rodríguez in an interview with Fox News, saying she could not be trusted. “Delcy Rodriguez as you know is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narcotrafficking,” Machado said. “She’s the main ally and liaison with Russia, China, Iran, certainly not an individual that could be trusted by international investors.”Trump has publicly backed Rodríguez so far but warned she would face consequences if she failed to follow Washington’s agenda. He described Maduro on Tuesday as a “violent guy” who “killed millions of people” and claimed, “They have a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas that they are closing up.”Under Venezuela’s constitution, once Maduro is formally declared absent, elections must be held within 30 days. Machado said she was confident of victory in such a vote. “In free and fair elections, we will win by over 90 percent of the votes, I have no doubt about it,” she told Fox News.She pledged to “turn Venezuela into the energy hub of the Americas”, “dismantle all these criminal structures” and “bring millions of Venezuelans that have been forced to flee our country back home”. Machado also said she would give her Nobel prize to Trump, though she added that she has not spoken to the US president since October 10.