NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Tuesday sought a 7-day police custody of Indian Youth Congress chief Udhay Bhanu Chiba following his arrest in connection to shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during AI Summit.Bhanu was brought to the court of judicial magistrate at Patiala House court after he was arrested following interrogation.

Police said that there was a common intention behind the protest and claimed that Chib was the mastermind. It added that the Youth Congress chief hatched the conspiracy and provided logistics as well as fund to the protestors.Delhi police added that the other accused are in other states of Jammu, UP, Himachal Pradesh, therefore the remand is required. Meanwhile, Indian Youth Congress termed Bhanu’s arrest as “anarchy and undeclared emergency” and called for his immediate release. Taking to X, Youth Congress said, “This is anarchy — an undeclared Emergency! A government that fears peaceful protests in a democracy cannot intimidate Youth Congress workers. The BJP is trading away the nation’s interests. Congress will not remain silent over this incompetence,” it said.“Release Uday Bhanu ji and all workers immediately,” it added.Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also weighed in and said that it is a matter of shame if the government has a problem with someone staging a protest peacefully.“This is a matter of shame that they have a problem with someone staging a protest peacefully. The dictator will put those in jail who show him the mirror. Have all the terrorists behind the Pulwama, Pahalgam attack, Red Fort blast been arrested,” Khera said.“You are not able to arrest those behind the terrorist attacks, but get scared if someone removes their shirt. This is the reality of the government,” he added.This comes moments after Bhanu was arrested by Delhi Police after questioning. With this arrest, the total number of people held in the case has risen to eight.On Monday, three others were arrested and identified as Jitendra Yadav, Raja Gujar and Vimal Ajay Kumar. Yadav, a resident of Gwalior, serves as the national coordinator of the IYC.Gujar is the IYC’s Gwalior district president, while Kumar is an office-bearer from Bhind. Four other accused had been arrested earlier.According to police, the protesters had completed the mandatory online registration process and gained entry to the venue using QR codes. They were dressed casually, wearing sweaters and jackets over their T-shirts.Addressing the issue at the AI Summit, Bhanu had said that the youth of the country “will no longer remain silent”.“The Indian Youth Congress made it clear that the youth of the country will no longer remain silent. ‘PM is compromised’ is not just a slogan, but the anger of millions of unemployed youth. This trade deal with the US is a betrayal of the interests of our farmers and the public, which will only benefit the US. Peaceful protest is our right in a democracy, and we will continue to raise the voice of the youth,” he said.Police said the group allegedly staged a shirtless protest inside the exhibition hall, raised slogans and displayed politically charged messages on their T-shirts, including slogans directed against the Prime Minister.A video of the incident shows the protesters removing their outer layers after entering the venue and revealing T-shirts bearing anti-PM messages. They were later seen carrying the T-shirts and chanting slogans before being escorted out.Videos circulating online show security personnel and some attendees pushing the protesters out of the hall.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government will implement the Centre’s ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme to motivate citizens to assist seriously injured road accident victims, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday. Under the financial scheme, any person who provides immediate assistance to a seriously injured road accident victim and ensures their transport to a hospital or trauma centre within the golden hour will be rewarded Rs 25,000 along with a certificate of appreciation. “People often hesitate to help due to fear of legal complications or police procedures. However, this scheme will remove such apprehensions and encourage citizens to step forward,” the chief minister said. The scheme aims not only to save the lives of seriously injured road accident victims but also to foster a culture of compassion in society. Delhi government believes that greater public participation can substantially reduce mortality arising from road accidents, she added. According to the chief minister, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued detailed guidelines to states and Union territories for effective implementation, and following these guidelines, the Delhi government has decided to adopt the scheme. She added that the initiative has been framed in accordance with the Good Samaritan Rules notified under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. For effective implementation, a District Level Evaluation Committee will be constituted, comprising the District Magistrate, a senior police officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Regional Transport Officer. “The reward amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through an online process. A separate bank account will be maintained for this purpose, and the entire procedure will be recorded on a digital platform. The Ministry will also provide an initial grant to the states,” the chief minister added. Ten of the most outstanding Rah-Veers selected annually will receive a special national award of Rs 1 lakh each, Gupta added.

NEW DELHI: India’s crushing defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight opener of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has triggered serious questions about the underperforming batting unit, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitting that changes — including the possible inclusion of Sanju Samson — are firmly on the table.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India’s left-hand heavy top order once again crumbled under pressure during the chase of 188, eventually collapsing to 111. The spotlight fell heavily on out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who managed just 15 — his first runs of the tournament after three consecutive ducks — and Tilak Varma, whose struggles have compounded India’s fragile starts.

Addressing the selection dilemma, ten Doeschate acknowledged that bringing in a right-hand option like Samson is under serious consideration.“Yeah, of course, we have looked at the five outings we have had now, four teams have opened with part-time off spin, and it has got a wicket every time, apart from the USA game where we lost Abhi without score in any case (to pacer Ali Khan),” he said.“So to start every inning zero for one, I think it has literally been zero or a couple of runs for one every time is obviously putting pressure on the link players. Tilak and SKY (Surya), their role is to link up with the guys at the back end, and it has not gone that way,” he added.

India now face a tough call between backing struggling players and making bold changes.“You stick with the guys who we feel have performed really well over the last 18 months and who are maybe shy of a few runs now? Or do we twist and bring Sanju, who is also a fantastic player and obviously helps tactically with having a right-hander at the top of the order, and I am sure that will be a talking point over the next few days, going into these two very important games,” he said.Ten Doeschate also revealed that Abhishek’s poor run has been compounded by illness.“You want him to be up and running and sort of confident in his swing and confident in his game plan (on Abhishek), and when you score three zeroes, that is going to start weighing on you. I saw some really good signs on Friday night in the nets. I think I mentioned it in the presser then. But he looks a little bit short, and our job as the coaching staff is to pull that right. We have got four days to do that,” he added.He also defended Rinku Singh, whose returns as finisher have been modest.“There is no point talking about rhythm in nets or how guys are feeling or what they are not feeling. It is time to pull our sleeves up and get performance out of all the players, and like I just said there, that is the challenge for the staff, along with the players now, to regroup and put in a big effort leading up to the next game against Zimbabwe,” he concluded.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled what can only be described as a defining home season for 2026-27 — a schedule packed with heavyweight opponents, iconic venues and the promise of high-octane Test cricket. After facing criticism for a lean home red-ball calendar in 2025-26, CSA has responded in emphatic fashion.

High-profile teams to tour South Africa

Eight home Tests, multiple white-ball series and three major cricketing nations — Australia, Bangladesh and England — will tour South Africa in a summer that feels like a throwback to the country’s golden era of Test dominance. More importantly, this season carries emotional weight. South Africa enter it as reigning World Test Champions, having lifted the mace at Lord’s last year, and now face the challenge of defending that crown on home soil.

The return of Aussies in the rainbow nation

The early spotlight falls firmly on Australia, whose return to South African shores will stir memories of intense contests and dramatic chapters. It will be their first Test series in the country since the explosive 2018 tour — and tensions have only deepened since South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final.

The tour begins in late September with three ODIs, including the much-loved Pink Day fixture at the Wanderers — an event that blends cricket with social awareness and often draws a sea of pink-clad supporters.

The red-ball leg promises to be even more gripping. Three Tests will be played at coastal venues — Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town — settings known for pace, bounce and vocal crowds. For the Proteas, this series is personal. For Australia, it is about redemption. For neutrals, it is unmissable theatre.

Bangladesh’s all-format challenge

As November arrives, attention shifts to Bangladesh, who embark on a demanding all-format tour. The two-Test series in Johannesburg and Centurion will be crucial for South Africa’s WTC campaign, particularly in pace-friendly conditions that traditionally test visiting batters.

But this tour goes beyond the red ball. Three ODIs across East London, Gqeberha and Cape Town will offer Bangladesh an opportunity to showcase their white-ball evolution, while the T20I leg takes international cricket to Kimberley and Benoni — a refreshing move that spreads the game beyond traditional metropolitan centres. For CSA, this is about inclusivity and reach. For Bangladesh, it is about growth and resilience. For South Africa, it is about maintaining dominance at home.

Also READ: Fans go wild as South Africa crush India in Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

England’s festive arrival promises packed stadiums

The heartbeat of the South African summer has long belonged to England’s festive tours — and 2026-27 will be no different. England arrive in mid-December for a three-Test series that blends tradition with anticipation.

The Boxing Day Test at Centurion and the New Year’s Test at Cape Town remain sacred fixtures in the cricket calendar. Few experiences match the atmosphere of a packed SuperSport Park on December 26 or the postcard backdrop of Newlands as the new year dawns.

Interestingly, CSA has postponed a planned T20I series to avoid clashing with the SA20 league window. Instead, the tour concludes with three ODIs in Paarl and Bloemfontein — valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Australia’s tour of South Africa (Fixtures)

Bangladesh’s Tour of South Africa (Fixtures)

England’s Tour of South Africa (Fixtures)

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar slams star India batter following humiliating defeat against South Africa

Former Nato commander Admiral James Stavridis described the recent US military buildup near Iran as “Dante’s Inferno.” The heavy American presence comes amid President Donald Trump’s fury toward Tehran’s Khamenei regime and escalating tensions between the two nations. Speaking to CNN, Stavridis said, “It’s like 1990 Persian Gulf War I. This is a huge amount of US firepower. And let’s kind of do it from the outside in, if you will, and concentric rings descending like Dante’s inferno.”He described the layered military structure. “On the outer rings are big strategic bombers. They can come all the way from the United States. They can operate from other bases but at a distance,” he said. Moving further inward, the admiral pointed towards “two aircraft carriers… It’s in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. The other one is going to park right against Israel,” he said, adding that this creates “two axes.”According to Stavridis, each carrier group carries significant air power. “These are 80 combat aircraft each with F-35s. our most advanced jets as well as plenty of FNA18 Hornets.” He continued outlining additional capabilities, “And when you go inside that, you’ve got the capacity to launch tomahawk missiles. Uh you can send drones in, you can use cyber, and of course there’s landbased aircraft, air force aircraft at many of those bases you show there.”And at the focus of the whole presence is Iran “so again, think of it like Dante’s Inferno descending. Right in the center of it at the very bottom is Ayatollah Khamenei. I agree with President Trump. He would be wise to negotiate.”His comments come as tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated. The United States has ordered the departure of nonessential diplomatic staff and family members from Lebanon, citing rising regional tensions linked to the threat of military strikes on Iran, according to a State Department official quoted by AP. The official further added that the move followed an ongoing security review and was intended as a precautionary measure. US President Donald Trump has reportedly weighed the possibility of a limited military strike against Iran, even as another round of negotiations between the two sides is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday.Iran, meanwhile, warned on Monday it would retaliate “ferociously” against any US attack and repeated its warning of a possible regional conflagration following Trump’s latest threat of strikes.

Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma (ICC Photo)

AHMEDABAD: Coming into the T20 World Cup, much of the hype around India’s title defence revolved around a top order that worked like a killing machine against bowling attacks. However, at the halfway stage of the tournament, the team management has replaced words like “confidence” and “clarity” with “predictable” and “doubtful”. The top order which boomed ominously a month ago has come a cropper so far in this World Cup campaign.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A loss of this magnitude can do that — India were, after all, bundled out for 111 while chasing 188, losing by 76 runs against South Africa in their first Super 8 game.Everything that the team management and selectors boasted about while shaping the combination of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma at the top of the order hasn’t worked according to plan — opposition teams have decoded their weaknesses a bit too easily.

“We’ve watched India’s other games and it was nice to just have both left-handers (at the top). You know, you’ve got Aiden’s (Markram) ball spinning away,” David Miller said of South Africa’s decision to open the bowling with off-spinner Markram. “It gives some sort of option where if it’s not turning, it can go straight through the gates. Or if it does hold it a little bit like it did, it gives hope that we can get a wicket in the first over,” he added.The result was that Ishan Kishan got out for a duck on Sunday. In fact, Ishan and Abhishek’s partnership has struggled to last even the first over. On match eve, captain Suryakumar Yadav had mocked questions on whether change at the top was an option. It seemed he was talking about Abhishek and Tilak in the same vein as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stalwarts who have now exited the T20I scene.

It’s now an open secret that India prefer to load their team with lefthanded batters, making it easier to plan against them. “We’ve reached a point where we need to think if we need to do something different or stick with the same combination,” India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said after India’s collapse against South Africa.“It obviously helps tactically with having a right-hander at the top of the order. I’m sure that’ll be a talking point over the next few days, going into two very important games (ahead),” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, while conceding that the form of Abhishek and Tilak is now a concern. It will be a bold call to bring back Sanju Samson after he was dropped from the XI following a forgettable series against New Zealand.Kotak said that the coaching staff was refraining from talking too much to Abhishek and Tilak. “There are already many things going on in their head. If we go with another 10 things, their minds will be cluttered. In the middle of a tournament, you don’t have time to work on any technical aspects of their batting,” Kotak said.The continued reference to the collapse against USA in their tournament opener, and subsequently deviating from the usual attacking batting style, suggests doubts have already crept in. It became more apparent when South Africa launched a counterattack from 20/3 while India’s batters repeatedly went into their shell after losing two early wickets.

Tilak and Surya have built small partnerships but they have scored at a strike rate barely above 100.“Tilak and Surya’s role is to link up with the guys at the back end. It hasn’t gone that way. We have been 0/1 or one down for a couple of runs in every match. Look, there’s a lot of inexperience in the team,” Doeschate said.It’s a delicate stage of the tournament. Samson has looked far from convincing even in the practice sessions. Doeschate insisted that they don’t want Abhishek to play a different game from what he has been doing over the last 18 months. Kotak claimed that going through a phase of low scores is nothing new for Abhishek.“If you look at Abhishek’s IPL career, he endures a string of low scores. He then bounces back,” Kotak said.It will be interesting to see if Abhishek and Tilak are given another shot to regain form against a relatively weaker opposition in Zimbabwe, or if the team management decides to ring in changes.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” because it usually causes no obvious symptoms—until serious damage has already occurred. Many people feel perfectly normal while their blood pressure remains dangerously high. That is why awareness of subtle warning signs is so important. Here’s what expert cardiologists have to say on the matter.We spoke to Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman – Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, on common symptoms. He revealed, “Most individuals with high blood pressure experience no symptoms at all. However, certain silent or easily ignored signs may occasionally appear. Frequent early morning headaches, especially at the back of the head, can sometimes be linked to uncontrolled blood pressure. Unexplained fatigue, mild breathlessness on exertion, or a feeling of heaviness in the chest should not be brushed aside. Episodes of dizziness, blurred vision, or seeing flashes of light may indicate that blood vessels are under strain. Recurrent nosebleeds, though uncommon, can also be associated with very high readings.”“Swelling of the feet, sudden palpitations, or reduced exercise tolerance may reflect the effect of hypertension on the heart. In some cases, the first sign may be detected only during a routine check-up. Because hypertension often remains symptomless, regular blood pressure monitoring is essential—especially after the age of 30, in those with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, or a family history of hypertension. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Don’t wait for symptoms—get your blood pressure checked regularly,” he added. Dr Surendra Nath Khanna, Chairperson, Adult Cardiac Surgery & Heart-Lung Transplant, Artemis Hospitals, said, “High blood pressure or hypertension is called the silent killer for a reason. It hurts your heart, brain, and kidneys without you knowing it. Most people feel fine even though they don’t know that harm is building up inside. Problems may already be serious by the time they show up. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of things early. High blood pressure can sometimes cause headaches in the morning, especially at the back of the head. Feeling tired for no reason, having trouble breathing while doing everyday tasks, or having a heavy feeling in your chest could also mean that your heart is under stress. Some people see floaters or have blurry vision because pressure is affecting the small blood vessels in their eyes. Poorly controlled blood pressure can also cause nosebleeds, which are not very common.”“Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure over time. Checking your blood pressure on a regular basis is the best way to find it. Routine screening, a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and cutting back on salt can all help keep your heart and health in good shape, even if you feel fine,” he stated. Dr Ashish Kumar, Senior Cardiologist at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, said, “High blood pressure acts differently. While you go about your daily life—going to work, scrolling through your phone, and meeting deadlines—this slowly changes your body without you even knowing it. Your arteries are hardening, and your heart is building up muscle to survive.”“It isn’t sudden death that makes high blood pressure dangerous; it’s the damage that happens over time. Before a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, the body almost always sends out small signals,” he emphasised. Before a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, the body almost always sends out small signals. Dr Ashish also listed out the signs that cardiologists see the most often.

Many people feel perfectly normal while their blood pressure remains dangerously high

1. The “pressure” headache, which is worse when you wake up

This isn’t a migraine.Patients say they feel a tight band around their head or heaviness at the back of their skull.Hormonal surges cause blood pressure to rise naturally in the early morning. In people with high blood pressure, this surge gets too strong and puts stress on small blood vessels in the brain. Stress every day can cause headaches that last all day, and people often take painkillers instead of checking their blood pressure.

2. Tiredness that seems out of proportion to what you’ve done

A common complaint in Indian clinics is: “I’m tired even when I haven’t done much.”When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. The heart thickens its walls to make up for it. This is called left ventricular hypertrophy. The body uses energy to keep blood flowing, which leaves less for stamina.Patients believe they are becoming older or lacking vitamins.They are often hypertensive.

3. Shortness of breath while doing everyday things

Not while running, but in everyday life.Going to the gate on footGoing up one flight of stairsSpeaking while walkingLong-term high blood pressure makes the heart muscle stiff. When you work out, the lungs have to work harder, which makes it hard to breathe for years before heart failure becomes obvious.People often call this “low fitness” when they mean “low fitness.”

4. Eyes that hurt or are blurry

The only place you can see arteries directly without surgery is in your retina, and high blood pressure hurts it early.Patients notice:• trouble concentrating at night

Hypertensive retinopathy can develop without any symptoms. A lot of people find out they have high blood pressure during a routine eye exam instead of a doctor’s visit.

5. Heart palpitations while lying still

Not a fast heartbeat, but a heartbeat that is easy to feel.Patients suddenly feel their pulse in their chest or ears at night. High blood pressure makes arteries stiffer, which sends stronger pulse waves. To get through the resistance, the heart has to work harder, which makes each beat easier to feel.This subtle awareness often comes before changes in the structure of the heart.

6. Nosebleeds or flushing of the face that happen often

Not very common, but important.When the pressure rises, small, fragile blood vessels in the nose may break. Adults should never ignore nosebleeds that happen on their own, especially when they are at rest.

7. Less ability to exercise

One of the most reliable signs.If your ability to walk slowly decreases over months, not all at once, you may be developing vascular stiffness. Hypertension makes arteries less flexible, which means that muscles don’t get as much blood flow when they are active.Patients often say that stress, the weather, or lack of sleep are to blame.Cardiologists think about arteries.

Awareness of subtle warning signs is important.

When is it a good idea to check your blood pressure?

If you have any of the following, you should check your BP:• tiredness that won’t go away

Never ignore the signs that your body tries to show you and always consult your medical expert.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman – Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospital, GurugramDr Surendra Nath Khanna, Chairperson, Adult Cardiac Surgery & Heart-Lung Transplant, Artemis HospitalsDr Ashish Kumar, Senior Cardiologist at Amrita Hospital in FaridabadInputs were used to explain the silent signs of high blood pressure you shouldn’t ignore, according to cardiologists, and why early detection and medical consultation are crucial for preventing serious complications.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as two giants of the cricketing world collide in the heart of Sri Lanka. England, led by the youthful aggression of Harry Brook, enters this fixture with significant momentum after a clinical 51-run victory over the hosts, Sri Lanka, in their Super 8 opener. A win on Tuesday would all but secure their passage to the semi-finals.

Pakistan, under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, find themselves in a more precarious position. Their opening Super 8 fixture against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain, leaving them with just a single point. With the pressure of a must-win scenario looming, the Men in Green will be desperate to break their recent hoodoo against the English, having lost their last five T20I encounters against them.

PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 24 (Tuesday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

PAK vs ENG, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 30 | Pakistan won: 09 | England won: 20 | No result/Tied: 1

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is expected to be a classic balanced T20 track, favoring stroke-makers early on. With a firm base and reliable bounce, the Powerplay offers the best chance for high scoring before the pitch slows down and becomes slightly tacky. As the match progresses, spinners and change-of-pace bowlers will likely find more grip, making middle-over accumulation vital. Evening humidity around 80% and cool conditions could aid swing early, while a high chance of rain might leave the outfield damp. Historically, a first-innings score of 165–170 is competitive here.

Squads:

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed

Also WATCH: Pakistan TV channel dubs Mohammad Amir an ‘astrologer,’ credits him for India’s defeat to South Africa

PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
• Pakistan’s Powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Pakistan’s total score: 160-175

Case 2:

• England wins the toss and bats first
• England’s Powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• England’s total score: 180-195

Match result: England to win the contest.

Also READ: A shame’: England’s T20 World Cup 2026 captain Harry Brook criticizes potential Pakistan ban in The Hundred

Archaeology in Panama keeps surprising. Deep in the Natá district, researchers have uncovered a tomb that’s been hidden for over a millennium. More than 1,000 years old, it contains human remains, gold jewellery, and intricately decorated pottery. Experts say the finds might rewrite what we know about social structures and rituals in pre-Hispanic Central America. The tomb is part of the El Caño site, which has been under excavation for twenty years. These burial grounds were reserved for high-ranking individuals as reported.

Gold-filled tomb reveals high-ranking burial from 800–1000 AD

The tomb reportedly dates between 800 and 1000 AD. Inside, skeletal remains lay surrounded by gold pectorals, bracelets, and earrings. Some of the jewellery features bats and crocodiles. Those animals had strong symbolic meanings for the societies in the area. It seems the person wearing the gold held the highest rank among the group. Ceramics decorated with traditional motifs were also placed alongside the body. Experts suggest the objects were not just decoration. They may reflect beliefs about life after death or ongoing social status.

El Caño site reveals centuries of high-status tombs and gold craftsmanship

El Caño is about 200 kilometres southwest of Panama City. Archaeologists have been digging there for around 20 years. So far, nine similar tombs have been found. The work continues, and each season brings new finds. Researchers say the tombs give clues about social hierarchies, trade, and rituals in pre-Hispanic societies. It seems gold was highly valued. The repeated designs in jewellery across tombs hint at shared beliefs and cultural connections.Making gold back then took skill and the right materials. Only certain people seem to have had access to it. The tomb had pectorals, bracelets, and earrings, showing both craftsmanship and symbolic meaning. The bat and crocodile designs match patterns found in other places nearby. This might point to shared myths or religious ideas. Experts say these items were probably used to show rank, both in life and after death.

Burials suggest social status, and rituals continued after death

Valuable items placed with the bodies hint at what people thought would be needed in the afterlife. Experts say El Caño gives a rare glimpse into pre-Hispanic Central American culture before Europeans arrived in 1492. The exact age of the tomb and what the gold is made of are being checked. It could take months before detailed results appear in journals.