Rubio tasked to lead US post-operation strategy in Venezuela: White House

IANS | January 6, 2026 6:26 AM

Washington, Jan 6 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been designated by President Donald Trump to lead implementation of Washington’s post-operation strategy in Venezuela, the White House said, outlining a whole-of-government effort that spans diplomatic, economic, financial, and military tools.

Indian nationals held in US cocaine trafficking case

IANS | January 6, 2026 6:21 AM

Washington, Jan 6 (IANS) Two Indian nationals have been arrested in the United States after authorities discovered more than 300 pounds of cocaine hidden inside a semi-truck in Indiana, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.

Sting lauds The Beatles for inspiring songwriters

IANS | January 6, 2026 12:20 AM

Los Angeles, Jan 6 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Sting is expressing gratitude to The Beatles for being the torchbearer for a generation. The singer has lauded the legendary band for opening the "floodgates for songwriters to have an attempt at writing songs".

La Liga: Four things we learned in Spain's matchday 18

IANS | January 6, 2026 12:01 AM

Madrid, Jan 5 (IANS) La Liga returned this weekend with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid both winning, albeit in different ways. Real defeated Betis 5-1 while Barcelona won 2-0 over Espanyol in an away match this weekend.

Tatenda Taibu hails U19 World Cup as a springboard for young stars

IANS | January 5, 2026 11:45 PM

Harare, Jan 5 (IANS) Former Zimbabwe skipper Tatenda Taibu, the ambassador for the upcoming ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, on Monday hailed the prestigious tournament that brings together the most talented young stars from around the world as the best springboard, setting many talented players on course for successful careers at the senior level.

'Physically not ready', Djokovic pulls out of next week's Adelaide International

IANS | January 5, 2026 11:24 PM

Adelaide, Jan 5 (IANS) Former World No.1 and the world's most successful player, Novak Djokovic, has decided to pull out of next week's Adelaide International, the build-up event for the year's first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles so far, claimed he is not physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International and therefore has pulled out of the event.