Times of India

US President Trump announced US oil companies will invest billions to repair Venezuela's infrastructure and restart production following the capture of President Maduro. Despite existing sanctions, Trump stated major US energy firms will tap vast crude reserves, aiming to enrich Venezuela and ensure its independence and safety.

In a shocking twist unveiled in court, Assam Police presented startling evidence suggesting that Zubeen Garg's former manager, Siddharth Sharma, may have taken the singer's life to secure capital for a Rs 1.10 crore packaged water plant.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's "Looking Ahead to 2026" blog post highlights AI's transition from discovery to widespread diffusion. He emphasizes AI as a "scaffolding for human potential" rather than a substitute, urging a shift beyond "slop vs sophistication" arguments. Nadella believes society needs to develop a new equilibrium for relating to each other with these "cognitive amplifier tools."

President Trump declared Venezuelan forces were "completely overwhelmed" during a recent US operation, with many ships present. He stated the US is prepared for a larger follow-up if necessary. Trump also claimed success in intercepting 97% of sea-borne drugs and announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro overnight, highlighting the mission's swiftness and effectiveness.

Tineke “Tini” Younger shared a touching update after losing one of her twin daughters, Arya, due to placenta abruption. In a January 2 Instagram post, she confirmed her newborn daughter L is doing well. Younger also spoke about ongoing postpartum recovery and said her family continues to honor and remember Arya every day.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela following multiple strikes by the United States. "All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas," the ministry's advisory read.

In a statement, the AIFF said the Emergency Committee met on January 3 to consider and acknowledge the report submitted by the AIFF-ISL Coordination Committee. The Coordination Committee was set up on December 20, 2025, following discussions during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting and the subsequent Annual General Meeting.

The former World Cup winner said Shah Rukh Khan should not be linked to the matter and pointed out that team selection is handled by the franchise’s cricket management.

US airstrikes hit Venezuela, including Caracas, leading to a national emergency. President Trump claimed Maduro's capture, citing oil interests and drug trafficking. An old video resurfaced showing Trump's focus on Venezuela's oil. The US pursued a maximum pressure campaign, offering a bounty on Maduro and labeling gangs as terrorists, ultimately seizing tankers and building military presence.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in a swift US military raid on their Caracas residence. Elite Delta Force and FBI agents conducted the operation, seizing the couple without resistance. President Trump confirmed their US custody, with charges of narco-terrorism expected in New York.

US President Donald Trump described the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a "television show" following a "large scale" strike. The US announced the successful operation, stating Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. The strike involved extensive planning and followed a military buildup in the region.

Global oil markets have to be watching closely after US strikes on Venezuela. However, early signs indicate minimal disruption. Venezuela's oil exports were already limited by US sanctions. India's dependence on Venezuelan oil is low, with minimal trade and some investment. The US plans significant involvement in Venezuela's oil industry.

It may be recalled that the BCCI had cancelled its previous tour of Bangladesh this year following rising diplomatic tension between the two nations. BCCI representatives also declined to travel to Dhaka for Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meetings.

Foreign institutional investors continued their selling streak into early 2026, offloading Indian equities worth Rs 7,608 crore in the first two sessions after a record Rs 1.66 lakh crore outflow in 2025. High valuations and a global shift to AI trades were cited as key drivers for the sustained exit, which also weakened the rupee.

While Machado has not reacted publicly to Trump’s announcement, the developments place her at the centre of a rapidly shifting political moment in Venezuela. She has previously voiced strong support for Trump’s aggressive approach toward the Maduro regime and has openly backed external pressure, including military intervention, to end what she describes as communist rule in the country.

Matthew Mercer has stepped back from leading Critical Role’s “Dungeons and Dragons” livestream after opening up about burnout and creative exhaustion. While he remains involved in major projects like animated series and game publishing, Brennan Lee Mulligan now serves as game master for Campaign Four. Mercer says taking time away is essential for long-term creativity, balance, and renewed inspiration.

US President Donald Trump reportedly approved the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with the operation reportedly carried out by Delta Force. The CIA tracked Maduro's location after being authorized for covert operations, and he is expected to face trial in the United States. This action follows months of US pressure on Maduro's government.