World

The United States launched a major military operation in Venezuela early Saturday, with President Donald Trump claiming President Nicolás Maduro had been captured. The move triggered sharp reactions from Venezuela, Colombia, Russia and the US State Department, raising fears of regional escalation.

US President Donald Trump claimed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out following alleged US strikes on Venezuela. Explosions rocked Caracas, prompting emergency measures, sharp condemnation from Caracas, and the highest US travel advisory.

A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district died after a mob attack, marking the second such incident in a week. The case has heightened concerns about rising violence against minorities, with police investigating and seeking to arrest those responsible.

Selectors meet to pick India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series starting January 11 in Vadodara. Pant’s role as wicketkeeper and Siraj’s return to the pace attack are key talking points, with Sarfaraz Khan and Padikkal also in contention

Zohran Mamdani’s rise as New York's Mayor underscores the inclusiveness of American democracy

Washington delivers a clear message: Nations must prepare to navigate a world where power is transactional, commitments are conditional, and global leadership is no longer guaranteed

Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on New Year’s Day, signaling her rising status as a potential heir. Experts suggest she may assume a key party role ahead of the Workers’ Party congress

Indonesia’s new 345-page penal code (KUHP) replaces the Dutch-era law, criminalizing sex outside marriage, insulting state leaders, and expanding blasphemy rules. It emphasizes restorative justice, non-custodial sentences, and probation for death row inmates, sparking mixed reactions on civil liberties

Calgary cab driver Hardeep Singh Toor safely transported a pregnant woman and her companion to the hospital during severe winter weather, with the baby born in the backseat just blocks from the hospital. Both mother and child are reported doing well

Protests over Iran’s worsening economy spread to rural provinces, leaving at least seven dead among security forces and demonstrators. Violence occurred in Lorestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Isfahan provinces, amid rising inflation, currency depreciation, and public anger at the theocracy

“Leisure sickness” refers to people falling ill on weekends or holidays after busy work periods. Limited research suggests stress reduction, travel, lifestyle changes, and delayed symptom awareness may contribute. Staying active, rested, and mindful may help prevent it

Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor, pledging bold, inclusive governance focused on affordability and equity, while marking a historic milestone as the city’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on New Year’s Day, pledging expansive socialist governance. While supporters hail a historic shift, critics warn of deep divisions, fiscal risks and resistance to his radical policy agenda.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, using the moment to reflect on his career and openly criticise racial stereotyping and criticism he faced as a Pakistan-born Muslim player

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, marking her return to Melbourne Park at age 45 and making her the oldest woman to compete in the tournament’s main draw

Intelligence agencies have warned that Bangladesh-based terror outfits HuJI and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh are increasingly using proxy groups and aliases to operate in India, aiming to create deniability and expand recruitment across multiple States

Australia named an unchanged squad for the final Ashes Test at the SCG starting January 4. Usman Khawaja is set to play amid retirement rumours, while Beau Webster could replace Cameron Green as Australia aim to finish the series strongly

Australia named an unchanged squad for the final Ashes Test at the SCG starting January 4. Usman Khawaja is set to play amid retirement rumours, while Beau Webster could replace Cameron Green as Australia look to finish the series strongly

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with a knee sprain, with French reports suggesting he could miss at least three weeks. The striker has scored 29 goals this season and remains key to Madrid’s La Liga campaign

Pretoria Capitals crushed MI Cape Town by 85 runs to secure their first SA20 win with a bonus point, while David Miller’s unbeaten 71 powered Paarl Royals to a five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Gqeberha

Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st eurozone member. The lev remains legal tender until January 31, with dual pricing until August. Citizens can exchange leva for euros free of charge at banks, post offices, and the central bank

A New Year’s fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, killed and injured multiple people. Over 100 were inside during the blaze. Authorities set up a helpline for families as investigations into the incident begin

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif launched a 142-point economic-governance reform plan to tackle corruption and improve institutional credibility, in line with IMF recommendations. The three-year plan includes anti-corruption measures, rule-based appointments, AMLA reforms, and annual reporting on high-risk agencies

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor in a historic midnight ceremony at a decommissioned subway station, becoming the city’s first Muslim leader. The 34-year-old Democrat will take oath again at a public ceremony later in the day.