World

Federal immigration officers shot and wounded two people in Portland, Oregon, escalating tensions after a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota. City leaders demanded a halt to ICE operations as federal authorities defended the use of force, triggering protests and calls for investigation

At least 13 people, including a child, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza even as efforts continued to sustain a fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, with US President Donald Trump set to announce a “Board of Peace” to oversee the truce

Iran's protests reflect broader discontent over repression, isolation, and the state’s inability to deliver stability or reform

Trump said the US will oversee Venezuela’s recovery and oil sector following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He praised US forces for a successful operation, promised to stabilise the country, rebuild oil infrastructure, and delay elections until Venezuela is ready

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned of a crackdown as anti-government protests spread nationwide, chanting slogans against the regime and praising the former shah. Communication blackouts complicate reporting, while Trump reiterated US support for peaceful demonstrators

Russia launched a massive overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing at least four people in Kyiv and deploying its Mach-10 Oreshnik ballistic missile, even as US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire showed little tangible progress

The Oreshnik can launch a powerful conventional strike anywhere in Europe, giving the Kremlin a new instrument of escalation without tapping its nuclear arsenal. There will be no way to know if the missile is carrying a nuclear warhead until it reaches its target

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has restricted image generation and editing after global backlash over sexualised deepfakes. Governments and regulators in several countries have raised concerns, while Britain warned of action against X over the issue

The US Senate has advanced a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct further military actions against Venezuela. The measure passed 52–47 with support from Democrats and five Republicans, though it faces little chance of becoming law.

Three Indians are among the crew of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. Moscow strongly condemned the action, calling it a violation of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been appointed Sri Lanka’s batting coach for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. He will take charge on January 18 and remain with the team until March 10

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina advanced to the Brisbane International quarter-finals with straight-set wins. Sabalenka beat Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-3, while Rybakina defeated Paula Badosa 6-3, 6-2, extending her winning streak to 13 matches ahead of the Australian Open

Australia sealed a 4-1 Ashes series win with a five-wicket victory over England in the SCG Test. Usman Khawaja’s farewell ended in triumph, while Mitchell Starc starred with the ball and Carey-Green guided the hosts home in Sydney

The US President’s exit from 66 international organisations, including the UNFCCC, marks a major setback for global climate action and undermines America’s leadership in clean energy

The family of Nikitha Godishala, who was found dead in Columbia, Maryland, on December 31, 2025, has clarified that the prime suspect, Arjun Sharma, remains untraced and no arrest has been made. They urged the media to avoid speculation and respect their privacy.

President Trump has approved a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could impose up to 500% tariffs on nations buying Russian oil. The move targets countries like India, China, and Brazil to curb funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

President Trump has withdrawn the US from 66 international organisations, including UN agencies and the International Solar Alliance, citing conflicts with American interests. The administration will cease funding and participation, emphasizing national sovereignty and prioritizing America-first foreign policy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans talks with Danish officials as the Trump administration renews interest in acquiring Greenland. European leaders warn the move could undermine NATO, while Washington insists diplomacy remains the preferred option.

Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting outside a Salt Lake City church during a memorial service. Police say the attack was not random or religiously motivated, and the suspect remains at large.

President Donald Trump has ordered the US to exit the International Solar Alliance and several climate bodies, citing national interests, reversing earlier commitments and targeting organisations linked to global climate and renewable energy initiatives

President Donald Trump has ordered the US to withdraw from 31 UN-linked organisations, citing sovereignty and national interest concerns, and barred funding for dozens of global bodies, marking a major escalation in his administration’s push against multilateral institutions.

The United States seized two oil tankers, including a Russian-linked vessel and a stateless dark fleet ship, in the North Atlantic and Caribbean as part of stepped-up sanctions enforcement against illicit oil trafficking and shadow fleet operations.

Venezuela holds major critical mineral reserves, offering India long-term supply potential, but sanctions, US policy uncertainty and weak trade limit investment, despite legacy Indian oil assets and strategic diversification efforts

Iran executed Ali Ardestani for allegedly spying for Israel’s Mossad, relaying sensitive information in exchange for cryptocurrency and promises of a reward and visa. Human rights groups condemned the execution, citing coerced confessions and closed trials, while Iran claims it targets hostile intelligence operatives