- US strikes Venezuela: US forces struck Venezuelan targets as Donald Trump claimed Nicolás Maduro was captured, triggering emergency measures and global concern.
- India announces squad for NZ ODI: BCCI named India’s ODI squad for New Zealand series, with Shubman Gill captain and Hardik Pandya omitted.
- Tharoor slams Mustafizur’s IPL exit: Shashi Tharoor criticised BCCI-backed IPL decision to release Mustafizur Rahman, warning against politicising international cricket.
- Khamenei warns protesters: Iran’s Supreme Leader rejected US warnings, acknowledged economic protests, and warned violent unrest would be forcefully suppressed.
- Another Hindu dies in Bangladesh: Hindu businessman Khokon Das died after a brutal attack in Bangladesh, intensifying outrage over repeated violence against minorities.
Here are the top five stories of the evening:
US strikes Venezuela, Trump claims Maduro captured
The United States carried out coordinated strikes across Venezuela, with President Donald Trump claiming Nicolás Maduro was captured in a “large-scale” operation. Caracas accused Washington of criminal aggression, declared a state of emergency and called for mass mobilisation, as global powers urged restraint.Follow live updates
India name ODI squad for New Zealand series
In India, the BCCI announced the ODI squad for the New Zealand series beginning January 11. Shubman Gill returns as captain, Shreyas Iyer is vice-captain, while Hardik Pandya and Mohammad Shami miss out amid fitness and workload concerns.Read full story
Tharoor slams Mustafizur’s IPL exit
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the release of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from KKR’s IPL squad, warning against politicising sport. The move followed BCCI instructions linked to recent developments involving Bangladesh.”Recalling my views on the subject, now that BCCI has deplorably pulled the plug on Mustafizur Rahman,” he said. He then questioned the logic behind the move, adding: “And what if the Bangladeshi player in question had been Litton Das or Soumya Sarkar?” Tharoor asked.Read full story
Iran defies Trump amid spreading protests
Iran saw escalating unrest as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected US warnings over protests. While acknowledging economic grievances, he warned that violent rioters would be dealt with firmly, as demonstrations spread across multiple cities.In response to Trump, Khamenei said, “God willing and by divine grace, we will bring the enemy to its knees.”Read full story
Bangladesh Hindu businessman dies after attack
In Bangladesh, Hindu businessman Khokon Das died after being attacked and set on fire, prompting renewed outrage over a series of violent incidents targeting minorities and drawing condemnation from leaders in both Bangladesh and India.Read full story Go to Source
