World

The United States is pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela in international waters, accusing it of sanctions evasion. The move follows recent tanker seizures and a US-ordered blockade, escalating tensions as Venezuela condemns the actions as piracy.

Starbucks has appointed Indian-origin technology executive Anand Varadarajan as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. A former Amazon leader with nearly 19 years of experience, he will join the company’s leadership team in January to strengthen global digital and technology initiatives.

Joshna Chinappa and Veer Chotrani clinched the women’s and men’s singles titles at the 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament in Mumbai. Chinappa staged a comeback to beat Sanya Vats, while Chotrani dominated Suraj Chand in a one-sided final

Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s centuries powered New Zealand to a 462-run target against West Indies in the third Test at Mount Maunganui. Conway created history with a double-century and century in the same match as Windies chase 418 on Day 5

Australia defeated England by 82 runs in the Adelaide Test to retain the Ashes with a 3-0 lead. Starc, Cummins, and Lyon starred with the ball, while Travis Head’s 170 powered Australia’s dominance. England’s lower order resistance fell short

Sameer Minhas smashed 172 off 113 balls to power Pakistan to a 191-run win over India in the U19 Asia Cup final at Dubai. India, unbeaten until then, suffered its heaviest Youth ODI defeat as Pakistan lifted the trophy

Hou Yifan’s two wins with black pieces lifted Alpine SG Pipers to second spot in the Global Chess League. Defending champions Continental Kings sealed a final berth, while Mumba Masters and Ganges Grandmasters face uphill battles to stay in contention

India has suspended visa operations at its Chittagong centre in Bangladesh following heightened tensions after student leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, amid attacks on Indian missions and large-scale protests, with operations to resume only after a security review

Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed praised India’s white-ball cricket success and emphasized improving Pakistan’s talent, infrastructure, and domestic competition. He expressed confidence in upcoming T20 World Cup performance, highlighted mental toughness, and underscored accountability and criticism as part of cricket development

At least nine people were killed after gunmen opened fire at a tavern and on nearby streets in South Africa’s West Rand region. Police have launched a full-scale investigation, with no arrests made and the motive still unknown.

Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded alcohol sales at its sole store, allowing non-Muslim foreigners with Premium Residency to purchase. The move reflects the kingdom’s cautious liberalisation, while general alcohol consumption remains banned and highly regulated under strict Sharia law

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in jail in the Toshakhana 2 corruption case. Khan urged nationwide protests, condemned the verdict as unfair, and called for legal and public action for justice

Several Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including an image showing Donald Trump, disappeared from a US Justice Department webpage shortly after release, fuelling transparency concerns. Lawmakers and survivors criticised gaps, delays and heavy redactions in the long-awaited document disclosures

India’s Dhakshineswar Suresh helped Aussie Mavericks Kites win their maiden World Tennis League title in Bengaluru. The 25-year-old defeated Sumit Nagal in the deciding singles as the Mavericks beat AOS Eagles 22-19 in front of a packed stadium

Mumbai’s 16-year-old Vir Gahrotra won India’s first-ever gold medal at the Pole and Aerial Sports World Championship in Budapest. Competing in the Junior B Amateur Men aerial silks category, his victory marks a historic debut for India in international aerial sports

India start their five-match Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. With Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana leading, youngsters G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma will be closely watched as India build towards next year’s World Cup

India dropped Shubman Gill and recalled Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh for the T20 World Cup. Axar Patel was named vice-captain. The squad blends power-hitters, all-round depth and experienced bowlers, with India opening their campaign against USA on February 7

Bangladesh’s interim government has confirmed the arrest of ten people in connection with the lynching of 25-year-old garment worker in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka. Das was beaten, hung from a tree, and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy.

India will clash with Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, aiming for a record 12th title. Ayush Mhatre’s team has dominated with strong batting and bowling, while Pakistan rely on their pace attack led by Abdul Subhan

Australia closed in on a 3-0 Ashes lead after reducing England to 207/6 chasing 435 in the Adelaide Test. Cummins and Lyon starred with the ball after Travis Head’s 170 powered Australia to 349 in their second innings

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s dream run ended with a semi-final loss to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025 in Hangzhou. The Indians settled for bronze despite winning the opening game convincingly

Hyderabad: Marc’andria Maurizzi registered a last-gasp win over Volodar Murzin on the prodigy board to help defending champions Triveni Continental Kings escape with an 8-7 victory over Fyers American Gambits and consolidate their position at the top of the leaderboard on the seventh day of the Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech […]

Air Vice Marshal (retd) A K Khandker, a key Mukti Bahini leader during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and the country’s first Air Force chief, passed away at 95. He received the Bir Uttam and Independence Award for his contributions.

Members of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi marched in Dhaka to protest an arson attack that destroyed decades of cultural archives. The group called the incident a threat to free expression and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.