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Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said no foreign power is governing her country, rejecting US claims even as Donald Trump announced Caracas will hand over millions of oil barrels to the United States. Rodriguez insisted Venezuela’s government remains in charge while weighing cooperation with Washington over oil access after Maduro’s capture.
The Bombay Natural History Society released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures in Maharashtra’s Melghat Tiger Reserve. Translocated from Pinjore and fitted with satellite tags, the birds were acclimatised in an aviary. BNHS addressed challenges like limited food and harmful drugs by establishing feeding stations and sourcing safe cattle carcasses.
The United States would lead a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with European participation if a Russia-Ukraine peace deal is reached, a draft statement said. Washington would support a European-led force deployed after a truce, offering intelligence, logistics and backing if attacked, as allies meet in Paris to discuss guarantees for Ukraine.
US forces killed 55 Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel during a raid that captured Nicolas Maduro, officials in Caracas and Havana said. Venezuela confirmed 23 deaths, while Cuba reported 32. The operation included air strikes and a helicopter assault. Maduro and wife Cilia Flores were flown to New York and pleaded not guilty Monday charges.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Venezuela’s “interim authorities” would sell 30-50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the US at market prices. He directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, using storage ships. Trump said proceeds would benefit both nations. The White House plans a meeting with executives Friday.
Hyderabad will face an 18-hour water supply disruption from 10 am January 8 to 4 am January 9 due to Phase 3 Singur pipeline repairs and 132 KV Kandi substation maintenance. Affected areas include Madhapur, Kondapur, KPHB, Hafizpet, Miyapur, BHEL, and Hyderabad Central University. Residents are advised to use water judiciously.
JNU announced strict action against students raising objectionable slogans against PM Modi and HM Amit Shah during a campus protest. An FIR is registered, and disciplinary proceedings started. Offenders may face suspension, expulsion, or permanent debarment. The university emphasized it will not allow campuses to become hubs of hate.
Britain has barred US-based Islamic preacher Dr Shadee Elmasry from entering the UK over alleged support for Hamas, reports said. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revoked his travel clearance before scheduled talks. UK officials said foreign nationals spreading extremist views are not welcome. Elmasry denied wrongdoing and hopes the ban will be overturned.
The Republic Day Parade 2026 will be held on Jan 26 along Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Attendees must carry valid tickets and photo ID, arrive early, and follow strict security checks. Large bags, electronic gadgets, sharp objects, food, and drones are prohibited. Dressing warmly and following official instructions will ensure a smooth, memorable experience.
Telangana police launched a campaign warning against Chinese-made nylon “manja” during Sankranthi. Commissioner VC Sajjanar urged people not to buy, sell, or use the thread, citing risks to humans and birds. Authorities are conducting raids to enforce the ban, while the forest department spreads awareness in schools, colleges, and on social media.
The JNU security chief has written to Delhi Police requesting an FIR after allegedly provocative slogans against PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were raised on campus. The slogans, during a program commemorating the 2020 JNU violence anniversary, reportedly intensified following the Supreme Court’s denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
Congress is pushing for greater power-sharing ahead of Tamil Nadu’s Assembly elections to strengthen its position in the DMK-led alliance. The party initially targeted 40 seats, while the DMK reportedly offered 32. After negotiations, Congress revised its demand to 38 seats, aiming to assert its relevance in the upcoming polls.
In a Maharashtra village of just 1,300 people, authorities discovered massive irregularities in civil records. The Civil Registration System (CRS) showed 27,398 birth and death certificates issued in only three months in Yavatmal district. Suspecting foul play, officials have set up a special SIT team to investigate these unusual registrations.
The CBI has issued a notice to TVK chief Vijay, requesting his appearance for questioning on January 12 at its headquarters in New Delhi. Several TVK office bearers have already been interrogated regarding the Karur stampede. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue working to gather more information about the tragic incident.
In Stockton, California, a man behaved inappropriately toward a woman shopping with her children at a WSS store. The incident, caught on video, has gone viral on social media. Based on the footage, police have preliminarily identified the suspect as a Black male and urged anyone with information to come forward immediately.