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.

Photo credit: X/@tndragonshockey

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Dragons moved to the top of the men’s Hockey India League (HIL) table with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over JSW Soorma Club here on Tuesday. Dominant for much of the match, the Dragons were pushed to the limit in the closing stages as Soorma mounted a late fightback, but the hosts held firm to claim an important win. Selvaraj Kanagaraj (28th), Uttam Singh (30th) and Blake Govers (47th) scored for the Dragons, while Maninder Singh (45th) and captain Harmanpreet Singh (58th) kept Soorma in contention until the final moments. Soorma began the match with patient possession in their own half, but the Dragons pressed high and forced an early save from goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch inside the first minute. Both teams entered the circle regularly but struggled to create clear chances. Dragons captain Amit Rohidas carried the ball forward in the 10th minute but found no support. The Dragons earned the first penalty corner in the 12th minute, which Soorma defended well through Victor Wegnez. Harjeet was later shown the green card as the opening phase ended scoreless, with both sides cancelling each other out. The intensity rose as the game progressed in the second quarter. The Dragons won another penalty corner through good work by Sander Kauffman, but Blake Govers’ flick was saved and his rebound attempt failed to trouble Vincent. Karthik then made a strong run down the flank and found Nathan inside the circle, but the shot went wide. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Selvaraj Kanagaraj finished cleanly after a well-timed pass from Chandan Yadav on the right. The goal gave the Dragons momentum, and they struck again just before half time. Uttam Singh doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a fine reverse hit to make it 2-0, moments after Soorma’s Gurjant Singh was shown a green card. In the third quarter, Soorma responded after the break with greater urgency. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, playing on his birthday, won their first penalty corner in the 36th minute but failed to convert. Akashdeep Singh later went close from a tight angle, while the Dragons remained disciplined in defence. Soorma’s best chance came in the 42nd minute when Vivek Prasad found space in the circle, but Dragons goalkeeper David Harte produced a sharp save. The closing seconds of the period brought drama as Nathan Ephramus goal for the Dragons was disallowed for a back-stick. From the resulting free hit, Harmanpreet sent a lofted ball into the circle, and a deflection fell to Maninder Singh, who fired home with just one second left. After a referral, the goal stood, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Soorma carried that momentum into the final quarter and continued to attack. Harte was tested again and stood firm. Against the run of play, the Dragons struck decisively when Tom Craig made a superb run from deep and slipped a precise pass to Blake Govers, who calmly finished in the 47th minute to make it 3-1. Soorma refused to give up and earned a series of late penalty corners. Rohidas blocked Harmanpreet’s effort in the 56th minute, and Harte saved another attempt soon after. Harmanpreet finally converted in the 58th minute with a powerful drag-flick to make it 3-2. The final minutes were tense as Soorma won two more penalty corners, but the Dragons’ defence held strong. Under heavy pressure, the hosts showed composure to close out the match and move to the top of the men’s Hockey India League table with five points.

Chris Paul and Damian Lillard. Image via: Getty Images

The NBA has quite a few players who have been making records ever since they joined the league. To name a few, we have Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul and Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard. And to tip it off, a comparison based on their net worths seems valid. Chris Paul’s net worth comes from a combination of his NBA salary, contract agreements, his lifetime endorsements, and a lot more to mention. While Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard is no less, and he too has been earning significantly from the big league, along with some prominent investments. Lillard previously played for the Milwaukee Bucks before joining the Trail Blazers. From NBA salaries to career earnings, here is everything you need to know about the NBA veterans’ net worth.

Chris Paul’s net worth, NBA salary, contract details, brand endorsements, and more

The 12x NBA star has played for almost 10 seasons in the big league, and that speaks volumes about his net worth. As of 2025, Paul’s net worth stands at $180 million (per Celebrity Net Worth). His career earnings exceed $400 million, with some sources claiming the figures to be around $404.5 million during the 2024-2025 season, which means that Paul is one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. As for his NBA salary for the 2025-2026 season, he is entitled to receive $3.6 million due to his one-year minimum contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Chris Paul has been involved with various high-end brands such as Jordan Brand (Nike), State Farm, Panini, Tissot, and Spalding, and he has been earning $6 million – $10 million per year from these endorsements. Paul’s career high stands at 43 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals, which he scored back in the 2007-2008 season against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Damian Lillard’s net worth, NBA salary, contract details, brand endorsements, and more

One of the terrific players of the NBA, who has opted out of the 2025-2026 season, is Damian Lillard. Lillard’s net worth in 2025 stands at approximately $100 million. His career earnings are over $365 million, as of late 2025, and with his contract agreement with the Trail Blazers, it exceeds that amount. His contract details involve a three-year, $42 million contract with his current team, which he signed back in July 2025, including a player option for the 2027-2028 season. The 9x NBA All-Star isn’t playing the 2025-2026 season due to his severe injury; however, his salary as of that very same year stands at $70 million, including his deals with the Milwaukee Bucks. His career high stands at 71 points, which he scored against the Houston Rockets, back on February 26, 2023. Also read: NBA injury update: Is Damian Lillard playing tonight vs Oklahoma City Thunder? Encouraging signs emerge as star stays optimistic about Achilles recovery

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers (Image via Getty)

The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.This game is shaped more by absences than star power. Both teams are missing key players, and rotations will be stretched on both sides. Cleveland is trying to hold its place in the playoff race, while Indiana is simply trying to stay competitive through another difficult stretch of the season.

Cleveland Cavaliers injury report vs Indiana Pacers (January 6, 2026)

Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Donovan Mitchell, who is sitting out for rest after handling a heavy workload. Jarrett Allen is questionable with an illness, and Dean Wade is also questionable due to a left knee contusion. Max Strus remains out following left foot surgery, while Larry Nance Jr. is sidelined with a right calf strain. Luke Travers and Chris Livingston are unavailable due to G League assignments.With Mitchell out, the offense will run through Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. If Allen is limited or unable to play, Mobley’s role on both ends becomes even more important.

Indiana Pacers injury report vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 6, 2026)

Indiana’s injury list remains one of the longest in the league. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season, removing the team’s primary ball-handler and scorer. Bennedict Mathurin is out with a right thumb sprain. Isaiah Jackson is sidelined with a concussion, and Obi Toppin remains out due to a right foot stress fracture.That leaves Pascal Siakam as the central offensive option, with supporting players asked to take on larger roles than usual.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Game context and recent form

Cleveland Cavaliers enter the night at 20-17, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers are coming off a loss to a short-handed Pistons team, but they have still won four of their last six games. Their season has been uneven, largely due to injuries, but they remain firmly in the postseason mix.Indiana Pacers are 6-30, last in the East, and riding a 12-game losing streak. Injuries have stripped away much of what made the Pacers successful last season, leaving them with limited lineup options and little margin for error on a nightly basis.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers Broadcast information (Jan 6, 2026)

The game will air locally on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. Streaming options include Fubo and other services carrying regional FanDuel feeds. Radio coverage is available on 93.5 FM and 107.5 FM The Fan for Indiana listeners, and 100.7 FM along with 1100 AM/106.9 FM in the Cleveland area.Also read: Is Donovan Mitchell playing tonight vs the Indiana Pacers? Latest update on the Cleveland Cavaliers star’s injury report (January 6, 2026)

What to watch tonight’s Cavaliers vs Pacers game

Cleveland enters as a road favorite of around five points, with a projected total near 236.5. Garland’s control of the offense, Siakam’s matchup against Mobley and Allen, and Indiana’s ability to generate scoring without its top creators will likely determine how close this game stays.