In a major blow to the international narcotics network, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a drug cartel with an arrest and recovery of 8.08 kg heroin, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday.

The arrested drug smuggler has been identified as Dharminder Singh, alias Sonu, a resident of village Harsha Chhena in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin and a .30 bore pistol along with five cartridges from his possession, police teams have impounded his car, which he was using to deliver consignments.

DGP Yadav said that the arrested person was in touch with cross-border drug smugglers, who were using the Ajnala sector to drop the drug consignments using drones from across the border.

Further investigations are ongoing to trace the backward and forward linkages in this case, he said.

As the final phase of the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 begins here in Ranchi, Hockey Haryana, Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Madhya Pradesh had a successful outing as they registered a win in their respective matches.

In the first match of the day, Hockey Haryana defeated Manipur Hockey 7-1 in Pool A. Saavi (32’, 37’) and Kirti (45’, 56’) scored a brace each for Hockey Haryana. Khasa Shashi (11’), Supriya (54’) and Kirty (58’) also scored one goal each for their side. In response, Deena Devi Naoram (2’) scored the consolation goal for Manipur Hockey.

In the next match, Hockey Association of Odisha defeated Hockey Bengal 1-0 in a closely contested game. Dipika Barwa (3’) scored for Hockey Bengal in the first quarter of the match.

In the third match, Hockey Madhya Pradesh defeated Hockey Maharashtra 2-0 in Pool A. Bhumiksha Sahu (4’) and Captain Soniya Kumre (58’) scored for Hockey Madhya Pradesh in the first and final quarter of the game to take the game away from Hockey Maharashtra.

A 12-year-old girl on Tuesday confessed to having killed her four-month-old cousin sister by throwing her into a well near Kannur in Kerala.

On Monday night, the four-month-old girl, Yasika, daughter of Tamil Nadu natives Muthu and Akkamal, went missing after which a search was conducted.

After a few hours, Yasika's body was fished out from a well in her house.

After several rounds of questioning, the minor accused, the daughter of Muthu's brother, confessed to the crime.

After Muthu's brother passed away last year, the 12-year-old girl has been staying with his family.

Hyderabad police have begun the probe into a case registered against 11 social media influencers for allegedly promoting betting apps.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Zone, S.M. Vijay Kumar told media persons on Tuesday that an FIR has been registered against the social media influencers.

"We are checking their social media accounts to see what videos they have posted. After collecting the evidence, we will take action as per law," he said.

The police officer said social media influencers should not indulge in such an illegal activity.

Kerala has added another milestone to its legacy of pioneering initiatives by achieving 100 per cent voter registration in seven remote tribal settlements, setting a national benchmark for electoral inclusion.

Led by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, the initiative aims to bring all eligible tribal voters into the democratic fold, ensuring their full participation in upcoming elections.

As part of the first phase, seven isolated tribal settlements in Attappady -- Mele Moolakkombu, Idavani, Mele Bhoothayar, Mele Thudukki, Galasi, Thazhe Thudukki, and Gothiyarkandi -- were adopted and transformed into fully registered voter communities.

The Indian senior men's team will face Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly on Wednesday, March 19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The game will also be India's all-time top scorer Sunil Chhetri's first match since announcing his return to international football.

Head coach Manolo Marquez also confirmed Sunil Chhetri's involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India and backed his decision to return from retirement by stating his team needs to win games, not develop players.

"For sure, Sunil will play some minutes. I don't know whether as a starter or from the bench. We can use six substitutions, so 17 players can play, and I think Sunil will be one of them.

Ahead of Mumbai Indians kickstarting their IPL 2025 season against fellow five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on March 23, legendary South Africa batter AB de Villiers believes the pitches at the side’s home venue Wankhede Stadium will suit in-form batter Ryan Rickelton’s batting style.

Rickleton was picked by MI in last year’s mega auction in Jeddah and is all set to feature in an IPL for the first time. The left-handed opener, who is also a wicketkeeper, is coming off a strong season in the SA20, where he was fourth-highest run-getter for MI Cape Town with 336 runs in eight games at an average of 48 and strike-rate of 178.72.

“It's great to see Rickleton get a full-on opportunity at the IPL. Rickleton is in the form of his life. He's broken doors down in all formats of the game. He's a very smart cricketer, but can be incredibly explosive as well. I think the wicket there at the Wankhede Stadium is going to suit him to the T alongside Rohit Sharma, who is coming up with a bit of form,” said de Villiers to IANS on the Star Sports Press Room show episode on Tuesday.

Kia India on Tuesday announced a price hike of up to 3 per cent across its entire lineup, which will take effect from April 1.

The company stated that the decision was driven by rising commodity prices and increasing supply chain costs.

“As a brand committed to providing exceptional value and quality to our customers, we have always strived to offer the best vehicles at competitive prices,” said Hardeep Singh Brar, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Kia India.