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Cocaine in yarn parcel from West Africa, delivery in Ludhiana: How NCB trapped 47-year-old in Rs 30 crore drug bust | Mumbai News
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Cocaine in yarn parcel from West Africa, delivery in Ludhiana: How NCB trapped 47-year-old in Rs 30 crore drug bust | Mumbai News


How NCB trapped 47-year-old in Rs 30 crore drug bust

MUMBAI: In a controlled trap a Customs arrested a Ludhiana resident in connection with the seizure of 1.079 kg of cocaine worth Rs 30 crores concealed inside a courier parcel at the International Courier Terminal in Mumbai. The parcel, which arrived from Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, was declared to contain acrylic wool yarn for personal use. The NCB Mumbai zonal office arrested Jaspreet Singh 47, a resident of Ludhiana in Punjab on the charges of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance act.According to the sources, the cocaine was seized on March 15, 2026, by the Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) of Customs at the International Courier Tracking Terminal, Mumbai. The parcel, which arrived from Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, was declared to contain acrylic wool yarn for personal use. During examination, officers found white powder concealed inside unusually thick yarn bobbins. On testing the substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed 1.079 kg having a value of Rs 30 crores.The case was subsequently handed over to the NCB, which registered a case under the NDPS Act. “A controlled delivery operation was conducted in Ludhiana, Punjab, where the accused, Jaspreet Singh was intercepted while accepting a dummy parcel at his residence on March 18. He was brought to Mumbai on transit remand and was placed under arrest and has been remanded to judicial custody by the NDPS court. `’said an official. The NCB has now sought further custody for investigation to trace the network and identify other persons involved in the drug trafficking operation.



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‘When I was not in the team … ‘: How Ishan Kishan backed himself to turn things around | Cricket News
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‘When I was not in the team … ‘: How Ishan Kishan backed himself to turn things around | Cricket News


'When I was not in the team ... ': How Ishan Kishan backed himself to turn things around
Ishan Kishan (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan is living his dream at the moment. He waited for his chance, and when it came, he grabbed it with both hands. He performed and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work. Ishan won the 2026 T20 World Cup, bagged two ‘Player of the Match’ awards, and was rewarded with the captaincy of Sunrisers Hyderabad.SRH will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.

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RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute & squad update

SRH on Wednesday shared a video in which Ishan spoke about his new challenge — leading the side.“I am very overwhelmed, and I am very happy that I got this opportunity to lead this team. And, to be very honest, I am going to just keep it simple, not to do so much because when players come for IPL, I think they are all very good players. You just need to make sure that they are on the right track,” Ishan said.“And their mindset does not change after a few innings, going here and there. And the rest is, you know, it is going to be a good season, I guess, and we will just do it together. I think there is lots and lots and lots of learning in this season because I will tell you, in the last few years, I have understood one thing, the most important thing for a cricketer is to be in a very good headspace throughout the season,” he added.“So, mostly this season, we will make sure we just stay in the present, we just keep it simple and do as much hard work as we can before the match starts. But in the match, we are just going to enjoy the game and take one match at a time,” he added.Ishan had a stellar 2026 T20 World Cup, scoring 317 runs at an average of 35.22, with a strike rate of over 193.“It was, I feel, the best few days of my life because, you know, joining the team suddenly and winning the World Cup with the team, so it was one of the best moments. Because, you know, there was a lot of hard work going on. Players were, a few of them were not in form, but when the time was there, when it was needed the most, everyone played the best possible cricket. And we just tried to play the best role in the team, and I think we all achieved greatness with that this season,” he said.Ishan also spoke about the power of manifestation, saying he always believed he would make a big comeback.“When I was not in the team, there was no–I mean, how do I explain it? There was always this feeling that I would make it to the team anyhow, because I knew that the amount of hard work I would do would be the most important thing. And you know, you always need to believe in yourself,” he said.It was the domestic grind that helped Ishan build his path to the biggest prize in T20I cricket, as he led Jharkhand to its maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title last year, topping the charts with 517 runs in 10 innings, including two centuries and two fifties.“This will be a message to I feel so many guys, whoever is losing track or whoever is not believing in themselves, and they should know that they are supposed to believe and just keep on working hard. Things will change,” he signed off.



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60 million barrels of Russian crude booked by Indian refiners amid global supply strain
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60 million barrels of Russian crude booked by Indian refiners amid global supply strain


60 million barrels of Russian crude booked by Indian refiners amid global supply strain

Indian refiners have stepped up purchases of Russian crude as they lock in supplies for the coming month, with around 60 million barrels secured, according to people aware of the developments. The move comes as disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict continue to affect global oil flows.The cargoes have reportedly been contracted at premiums ranging between $5 and $15 per barrel over Brent, people told Bloomberg, speaking on condition of anonymity. The overall volume is similar to the purchases made for the current month, while majorly surpassing the levels seen in February, based on estimates from data intelligence firm Kpler.The latest buying activity comes after a waiver issued by the US, after which India has turned towards imports of Russian oil, already been loaded onto vessels before March 5. The measure was introduced to help address supply constraints arising from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and was later broadened to include additional countries, with updates permitting crude already at sea before March 12 to be purchased.India, which depends heavily on imports to meet its energy needs, had emerged as a major destination for discounted Russian crude following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. However, purchases were scaled back amid pressure from the United States, prompting refiners to source more oil from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. A large portion of those shipments subsequently remained within the Persian Gulf after the escalation of the current conflict.Officials in New Delhi are expecting the US waiver to continue as long as disruptions in the Hormuz route persist, according to the people cited. Refining companies such as Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. and Hindustan Mittal Energy Ltd, which had stayed away from Russian supplies since December, have now resumed participation in the market.At the same time, Indian refiners are broadening their sourcing strategy to manage uncertainty in global supplies. Imports of Venezuelan crude for April delivery are projected at about 8 million barrels, the highest level since October 2020, according to Kpler. Venezuela is thus playing a larger role in India’s diversification efforts.Russia, meanwhile, is benefiting from the renewed demand and higher pricing environment, with the Kremlin seeing elevated earnings from crude exports, marking its strongest performance since March 2022, shortly after the conflict in Ukraine began.Earlier this month, Reliance Industries Ltd. reportedly purchased 5 million barrels of Iranian crude, following adjustments in sanctions policy that enabled such transactions. This comes after US administration gives a 30-day waiver for Iranian oil already in transit. The exemption covered cargo loaded on or before March 20, including shipments on sanctioned vessels, provided delivery and discharge were completed by April 19.



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Sonia Gandhi in hospital: Doctors say veteran Congress leader’s condition is stable | India News
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Sonia Gandhi in hospital: Doctors say veteran Congress leader’s condition is stable | India News


Sonia Gandhi in hospital: Doctors say veteran Congress leader’s condition is stable
Sonia Gandhi (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s condition is stable and she is under observation, doctors said on Wednesday. The veteran politician was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday after feeling unwell due to weather change.The hospital further said that examinations were being conducted to check for a possible infection. It also said that antibiotics have been administered as part of the treatment.“Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday at 10.22 pm. She is stable. Doctors are conducting further investigations to check for possible infection in the stomach and urinary tract. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition, and antibiotics have been administered,” Sir Ganga Ram Hospital chairman Dr Ajay Swaroop said.The veteran leader was also admitted last year in June due to stomach-related issues. She was kept under observation at the hospital’s gastro department.Before this, in the same month, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, on June 7.



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‘Historic step’: After Uttarakhand, Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill | India News
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‘Historic step’: After Uttarakhand, Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill | India News


'Historic step': After Uttarakhand, Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel (Image/PTI)

NEW DELHI: The Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026 making the state the second in India after Uttarakhand to implement a uniform legal framework governing personal laws.With the passage of the legislation, Gujarat joins Uttarakhand in adopting a common set of laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across communities.Union home minister Amit Shah welcomed the move, calling it a “historic step” towards ensuring equality for all citizens. In a post on X, he said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has remained committed to the idea of a uniform law since its inception.“It has been the BJP’s resolve since its inception that there should be a uniform law for every citizen in the country. Under the leadership of Modi ji, the BJP’s state governments are continuously moving forward in this direction. I am delighted that after Uttarakhand, Gujarat has now also accomplished the historic task of passing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill,” Shah said.He also congratulated chief minister Bhupendra Patel and the legislators who supported the bill, adding that the country should be governed through equal laws for all citizens.Patel, in a separate post, described the development as a “historic moment” for the state and the nation. He said the UCC would ensure equal rights for women across religions and castes and strengthen their dignity and security.The chief minister added that the implementation process involved extensive public consultations and was guided by a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, which submitted a detailed report after studying various aspects of the issue.According to Patel, the new law aims to establish a common legal framework while ensuring that no community faces discrimination. He expressed confidence that the UCC would strengthen the social fabric of the state and support inclusive development.



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Govt mandates switch to piped gas: Centre orders transition to PNG wherever available; here’s what it says
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Govt mandates switch to piped gas: Centre orders transition to PNG wherever available; here’s what it says


Govt mandates switch to piped gas: Centre orders transition to PNG wherever available; here's what it says

Centre stepped up its bid to expand gas networks in the country and reduce dependence on a single fuel source, rolling out a new policy that will halt supplying LPG to households that do not shift to piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where such infrastructure is already available. The move comes at a time when global oil supplies have been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East crisis. As the crisis continues, authorities are promoting PNG as an alternative for both households and commercial users, highlighting its continuous supply through pipelines that removes the need for repeated cylinder refills. The directive has been issued through the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, notified by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

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Centre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Nationwide

Explaining the intent behind the reform, oil secretary Neeraj Mittal stated in a post on X that “a crisis (has been) turned into an opportunity”, referring to the reforms linked to ease of doing business. The order, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, also lays emphasis on speeding up approvals related to pipeline projects. It introduces time-bound clearances, standardised charges, and simplified procedures to ensure faster execution of infrastructure projects.

Here’s what the order said:

Switching from LPG to PNG: The order focused on accelerating pipeline infrastructure, streamlining approval processes, and encouraging a transition from LPG to PNG in the country to enhance energy security. The policy also aims to optimise the distribution of LPG by reallocating supplies from regions that already have pipeline access to those that do not, while supporting “fuel diversification” amid ongoing global disruptions, including damage to liquefaction facilities in the Gulf and restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz.LPG supply cease: Under the provisions of the order, households located in areas where PNG connectivity is available will be required to make the switch. The order specifies that households notified by authorised entities must apply for and obtain PNG connections where pipelines have been laid. It notes, “The LPG supply to such an address shall cease after three months from the date of the communication.”New rules for authorities: Public authorities are required to grant permissions or right of way within specified timelines, failing which approvals will be treated as automatically granted. Additionally, the order prohibits authorities from levying charges beyond those prescribed under the framework. In residential clusters, entities responsible for managing access must provide permissions within three working days, while last-mile PNG connections are expected to be completed within 48 hours. Applications for pipeline connectivity in such areas are not to be rejected. To resolve disputes related to land access and permissions, the order empowers designated officers with authority similar to that of a civil court to grant right of way where required. New rules for operators: Pipeline operators are also bound by timelines, with a requirement to begin laying pipelines within four months of receiving approval. Failure to comply may attract penalties, including the possibility of losing exclusivity rights. Oversight of the entire implementation has been assigned to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), which will track approvals, rejections, and compliance across entities involved.Exceptions: At the same time, the order provides flexibility in cases where providing a piped connection is “technically infeasible”, in which case a no-objection certificate (NOC) can allow continued LPG supply. “The supply of LPG to a household shall not cease, if the authorised entity issues a no-objection certificate (NOC) on the ground that it is technically infeasible to provide a piped natural gas connection or gas supply to such household,” the order stated. Authorised entities are required to maintain detailed records explaining the reasons for such infeasibility and must withdraw the NOC once they are able to operationalise piped gas supply to those households.



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Mumbai: ACB registers case against state tax inspector for Rs 1 lakh bribe demand | Mumbai News
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Mumbai: ACB registers case against state tax inspector for Rs 1 lakh bribe demand | Mumbai News


State tax inspector booked for Rs 1 lakh bribe demand(Image used for representative purpose only)

MUMBAI: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Mumbai, has registered an offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Avinash Meshram, a State Tax Inspector posted at the GST Bhavan in BKC, Mumbai, for allegedly demanding a bribe from a complainant.According to the ACB, the complainant works as an Accounts Manager in a company and had completed the work of filing the company’s annual GST return. In connection with this work, the public servant allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. However, the complainant was unwilling to pay the bribe and approached the ACB Mumbai on December 19, 2025, and lodged a complaint.During verification conducted on the same day, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 and later agreed to accept Rs 30,000 as a bribe as part of a compromise. Based on the verification, a case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act.



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Andrews, Chettri in fray for women’s coach job after AIFF says no to Valverde contract extension | Goa News
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Andrews, Chettri in fray for women’s coach job after AIFF says no to Valverde contract extension | Goa News


India lost all three matches under coach Amelia Valverde at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) demoted an Indian coach in the belief that a foreigner was better suited to guide the senior national team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. After finishing the campaign without a point in Australia, the technical committee has now recommended a domestic coach.Chaired by former India captain IM Vijayan, the technical committee has asked the federation not to offer a contract extension to Amelia Valverde, given the “disappointing performances” at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where India lost all three group-stage games, including a heavy 11-0 drubbing at the hands of eventual champions Japan.According to sources, the committee has recommended Anthony Andrews (East Bengal) and Crispin Chettri, former coach of the national team, for the top job.“We expected more from Valverde,” a member of the technical committee told TOI after its meeting on Tuesday. “She is an experienced coach and was brought in specifically to help India at the Asian Cup. But the performance was disappointing. India should have at least managed a draw.”The technical committee discussed how Valverde used three different formations for the group-stage games, without a positive result against Vietnam, and the decisive clash against Chinese Taipei. In fact, to make a point, the technical team referenced Manchester United where Ruben Amorim’s rigid 3-4-2-1 was ditched by his successor Michael Carrick, paving the way for plenty of positivity and better results.Even if Valverde had got the nod from the technical committee, it would have been difficult to convince the Costa Rican to continue without a pay hike. She was also in favour of a long-term contract, according to sources.Valverde, who took Costa Rica twice to the FIFA World Cup, was appointed on a short-term two-month contract and allowed to bring in two foreign assistants of her choice for the continental showpiece where six World Cup spots were on offer.With Valverde out of the equation, the technical committee has suggested the appointment of an Indian with Chettri, who was relegated to the assistant’s role after Valverde’s arrival, and East Bengal’s Andrews the leading choices.While Chettri ensured India’s qualification to the Asian Cup with a famous win against hosts Thailand, Andrews has won multiple Indian Women’s League (IWL) titles with Gokulam Kerala and East Bengal. He also oversaw the Kolkata giants’ triumph at the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship last year.Both, however, do not have AFC Pro coaching license.The coach will be initially in place for the FIFA Series in April, where India will face Asian Cup runners-up Australia, Malawi, and hosts Kenya, and later at the SAFF Championship in Goa.“We have to seek clarity whether Pro license is a must for these two tournaments,” said another official.



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At what price did CSK sign Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis in IPL 2026?
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At what price did CSK sign Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis in IPL 2026?



Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is already serving up high-stakes drama before the first ball has even been bowled. In a significant roster shake-up, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially drafted Australian left-arm speedster Spencer Johnson into their ranks. The move comes as a tactical response to the unfortunate exit of fellow Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out of the upcoming tournament due to a persistent hamstring injury.

For CSK, the acquisition of Johnson isn’t just a backup plan; it is a calculated addition of raw pace to an already formidable bowling unit. As the ‘Yellow Army’ gears up for another title hunt under the lights, all eyes are on how this new recruit will adapt to the high-pressure environment of the Chepauk.

How much did Chennai Super Kings pay to bring in Spencer Johnson for Nathan Ellis?

In a move that highlights the strategic efficiency of the CSK management, Johnson has been signed for a price of INR 1.5 crore. This figure aligns with his base price from the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in December 2025, where he initially went unsold. By securing him at this rate, CSK have managed to fill a critical vacancy without overextending their remaining purse.

The financial journey of Johnson in the IPL has been a rollercoaster. Back in 2024, he was the talk of the town when Gujarat Titans secured him for a staggering INR 10 crore. The following year, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him up for INR 2.80 crore. However, after a relatively quiet 2025 season where he took just one wicket in four games, KKR released him.

By contrast, Ellis had been retained by CSK for INR 2 crore prior to his injury. While Ellis was known for his death-over variations and yorkers, Johnson brings a different dimension with his ability to consistently clock speeds above 145 kmph. For INR 1.5 crore, CSK have essentially gained a high-velocity left-arm option, a luxury in T20 cricket at a very competitive market price.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings: CSK’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Johnson’s road to recovery and injury healing for IPL 2026

The signing comes at a pivotal moment in Johnson’s career, as he has spent the better part of the last year battling a gruelling stress fracture in his back. His domestic coach at South Australia, former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris, recently provided a promising update on the pacer’s health. According to Harris, Johnson received ‘good news’ just days ago, confirming that the crack in his back has finally healed after nearly ten months of frustration.

“He got some good news I think four or five days ago about his back. Finally the crack in his back has healed. He’s had quite a frustrating 8-10 months. So the good news is he’s back bowling. He’s building up again. IPL, I think there might be an opportunity. We’re still waiting to see what happens there. He’s obviously got to do a fair bit of bowling before he goes back into competitive cricket. So we’re working on that as we speak. But it’d be good to see Spence back playing cricket. He’s obviously had some bad luck over the last two years,” Harris said to ESPNCricinfo.

While the medical clearance is a massive hurdle cleared, Johnson is currently in a ‘building up’ phase. Harris revealed that the pacer is presently bowling at approximately 60% capacity. The focus for the South Australian coaching staff is now on straightening him up and making subtle technical adjustments to his bowling action. These tweaks are specifically designed to reduce the mechanical load on his back, ensuring that the injury does not resurface during the intense IPL schedule.

Despite the reduced intensity in training, Harris noted that the ball is already coming out nicely. For CSK, the challenge will be managing his workload during the initial weeks of the tournament. With a pace battery that includes the likes of Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed, CSK have the depth to allow Johnson the time he needs to crank it up to full throttle.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts CSK’s probable XI for IPL 2026



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DRI busts Rs 139 crore walnut import duty evasion racket in Mumbai, held | Mumbai News
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DRI busts Rs 139 crore walnut import duty evasion racket in Mumbai, held | Mumbai News


Walnut import scam worth Rs 139 crore unearthed in Mumbai, Dubai trader held (Representative image)

MUMBAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit have arrested the proprietor of a Dubai based trading firm in a major customs duty evasion case involving undervaluation of imported inshell walnuts, causing a loss of over Rs 139 crore to the government exchequer.The DRI officials received intelligence that M/S Deepak Trading co having registered office in Gujarat and Surat was importing inshell walnuts from Chile through Nhava Sheva Port by undervaluing them and thereby evading basic Customs duty as well IGST.The used to provide undervalued invoices to the importers as per their requirements. The invoices raised by UAE based third party entities, were submitted to Indian Customs, instead of furnishing the actual invoices raised by the Chile based supplier. On the basis of intelligence, the agency conducted searches, studied the invoices and export documents and during the analysis it transpired that using this modus operandi the importer had evaded Customs duty tune to Rs 139.74 Crores. Investigation revealed that UAE based firm had supplied undervalued invoices of inshell walnuts to three importers namely Dipak Kiryana Stores, Dipak Trading co and Angel Enterprises.The DRI arrested Makbul Ahmed Siddiq Dhoki (49), owner of Dubai-based Euro Seven General Trading LLC after being intercepted at Ahmedabad International Airport while arriving from the UAE. Dhoki’s advocate Sujit Sahu told court that his client has paid proper duty to the Customs and whatever allegations levelled are baseless. The accused allegedly supplied undervalued invoices through his UAE-based firm, which were submitted to Indian Customs instead of actual invoices issued by Chilean suppliers, thereby evading Basic Customs Duty and IGST.Officials said the undervaluation ranged between 50 to 70 per cent, and the accused admitted in his statement that he provided undervalued invoices to the Indian importers in exchange for commission.The DRI told the court that the accused had formatted his mobile phone and was not cooperating with the investigation, and that the case also involves suspected hawala transactions and international money laundering. The agency said custodial interrogation is necessary to trace financial transactions, identify other accused and prevent destruction of evidence.The court remanded to accused to judicial custody.



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