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Trump’s plan to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry is unlikely to affect oil prices immediately. Years of mismanagement and sanctions have left production low, requiring massive investment and political stability before output can significantly rise
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SBI Israel is facilitating trade between India and Israel in Indian rupees, including payments through Special Rupee Vostro Accounts. The move supports bilateral trade, remittances from Indian workers, and growing economic ties amid FTA discussions and strategic cooperation
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Allegations of irregularities have emerged over non-academic and administrative appointments at Visva-Bharati University, with complaints to PM Modi, the Education Ministry, and UGC. Applicants claim merit lists were not published and rules bypassed, while the university denies any wrongdoing
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In Firozabad, 50-year-old transport businessman Balmukund Dubey was beaten to death by his partner Gajendra Singh and associates over a financial dispute. Police registered a case, and one accused has been taken into custody for questioning
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The Supreme Court of India, led by CJI Surya Kant, signed an MoU with Bhutan’s apex court to exchange young legal professionals. Two Bhutanese law clerks will work in India for three months, with honorarium and travel covered by the SC
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A man, Jitendra alias Ballam, was arrested in Baghpat for allegedly torturing a dog and forcing it to drink alcohol after a video went viral. A case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act has been registered
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Eleven monkeys, including two langurs, were found dead in Tumakuru’s Devarayanadurga forest area over two days. Forest officials suspect food poisoning based on post-mortem findings, though the exact cause will be confirmed after laboratory analysis of collected samples
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously built pollution control vessel *Samudra Pratap* in Goa. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the ship strengthens marine pollution control, maritime security, search and rescue, and India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding
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The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing a prima facie case under UAPA. However, bail was granted to five other accused in the same matter
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Cuba said 32 of its military and police officers were killed during a US military operation in Venezuela, confirming the deaths officially for the first time. The personnel were assisting Venezuela at its request, prompting Havana to declare two days of national mourning
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Finland combats fake news by teaching media literacy from preschool, now expanding to artificial intelligence education. Integrated into national curricula, these efforts aim to strengthen democratic resilience and counter disinformation, particularly amid rising AI use and heightened Russian propaganda concerns
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Actor Anupam Kher welcomed Ravi Kishan to the cast of *Khosla Ka Ghosla 2*, sharing his excitement on social media. Praising Kishan as a brilliant actor and human being, Kher said the collaboration feels special ahead of the sequel
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Novak Djokovic announced his departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association, citing misalignment with its direction and concerns over transparency and governance. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he will now focus on tennis, family, and contributing to the sport independently
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US President Donald Trump warned India over Russian oil purchases, saying tariffs could be raised quickly. He claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi understood Washington’s displeasure, while Senator Lindsey Graham linked reduced Russian oil imports to US tariff pressure
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Devotees thronged Sangam ghats on Magh Mela’s third day in Prayagraj, praising arrangements and security. The 44-day festival began January 3, features multiple auspicious bathing dates, extensive crowd management, transport facilities, and concludes on Mahashivratri with strong administrative oversight statewide
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A US military operation capturing Venezuelan President Maduro disrupted Caribbean travel, grounding flights to Puerto Rico, Aruba, and the Lesser Antilles. Airlines canceled hundreds of flights, waived change fees, and added extra services as restrictions lifted by Sunday
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Marwadi Siksha Samithi Law College, Hyderabad, hosted a lively Freshers’ Party for the Class of 2025. Guided by college officials, the event featured cultural programs and inspiring speeches, welcoming new students into the legal fraternity and motivating them for their academic journey
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Television couple Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali announced their separation after nearly 15 years of marriage via Instagram. They emphasized peace, mutual respect, and co-parenting their three children, assuring fans there is no negativity or drama in their decision
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In Ernakulam’s Kadathy, a 68-year-old man, Ravi, died and another, James, suffered serious burns after a firecracker explosion at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church during festive preparations. Police registered a case against the priest and church officials
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North Korea fired ballistic missiles into the East Sea, its first 2026 test. The US confirmed no immediate threat, reaffirmed ally defense, while South Korea highlighted rising instability due to Pyongyang’s nuclear program and military cooperation with Russia
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Dravidian ideologue L Ganesan, former MP and DMK stalwart who championed Tamil linguistic and social justice causes, passed away at 91 in Thanjavur. He served in state assemblies, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha, leaving a lasting political legacy
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In a shocking update, police revealed a 25-year-old woman was gang-raped inside a private hospital ambulance, not a van, in Faridabad. Both accused drivers have been arrested. The victim remains hospitalized while investigations continue via a surfaced testimonial video
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British and French warplanes struck an underground Islamic State facility near Palmyra, Syria, targeting weapons and explosives. The joint operation, using guided bombs, aimed to prevent IS resurgence, with initial assessments suggesting the target was successfully engaged
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Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US forces and jailed in New York on narco-terrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president amid disputes over Venezuela’s political legitimacy and international intervention