Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:03pm on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
At least 30 people were killed after armed gunmen attacked a village in northern Nigeria. The attack took place on Saturday evening in Kasuwan-Daji village in Niger state. The assailants fired at residents without warning. They also burned the local market and several houses. Many villagers were abducted, including women and children. Police said security forces were sent to the area. However, residents said no help had arrived. Locals claimed the death toll may be higher, with several people still missing. Survivors are afraid to return to the village due to ongoing fear and insecurity. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:55pm on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were seen in public for the first time after their capture by US forces. A video shows them under heavy security at a helipad in New York City. Maduro made hand gestures. Flores looked calm but expressionless. Both were taken in handcuffs. They were later moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center. US officials said the couple faces serious charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said they will be tried in American courts.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:58pm on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
Venezuelans in Doral, Florida, gathered to celebrate after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. Many said they felt relief after years of leaving their country due to economic crisis and insecurity. Residents waved flags, played music and thanked US President Donald Trump for the operation. Doral has the largest Venezuelan community in the United States. Some people said Maduro’s removal could help rebuild Venezuela’s economy and oil sector. Others were unsure about what comes next after Trump said the US would “run” Venezuela for now. Several said they do not support any future role for officials from the Maduro government and prefer opposition leaders to lead a transition. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:53pm on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
A social media post by the Iceland Cricket account has drawn attention after the US operation in Venezuela. The post said Venezuela has oil and Greenland has rare earth minerals, adding that Iceland has only volcanoes, glaciers and “very average cricketers”. A follow-up message said players preferred to be called “seriously underwhelming”. The comments came after US President Donald Trump said the United States would take control of Venezuela’s oil sector following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves but produces limited output due to sanctions and weak investment. Trump has also spoken in the past about US interest in Greenland. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:30pm on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday India Global
Life in Venezuela’s capital has turned frightening after US military strikes plunged large parts of Caracas into darkness, according to an Indian national living in the city. He described prolonged power cuts, disrupted mobile networks, food shortages and widespread panic among residents. Streets remain largely empty as people stay indoors, fearing further attacks and violence. Essential services have been badly affected, with long queues for water and basic supplies. The Indian community is in constant touch with the Indian embassy, which has advised citizens to remain cautious. Uncertainty and fear dominate daily life as tensions continue to escalate.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:55am on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday Sports
The process of refunding ticket money to spectators affected by the chaos at Yuvabharati Stadium has officially begun. After thousands bought tickets to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi but were unable to see him due to poor crowd management and ensuing disorder, police have seized ₹22 crore from organiser Shatadru Dutta’s firm for refunds. Around 35,000 tickets were sold, raising about ₹19 crore, and damage to government property was estimated at ₹2 crore. West Bengal police assured fans their money would be returned and have started the legal and administrative steps to ensure refunds reach ticket buyers. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:47am on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday Sports
Despite a century against South Africa, Ruturaj Gaikwad was omitted from India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, sparking debate in cricket circles. Veteran Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the selection, suggesting Gaikwad deserved inclusion and that the spot went instead to Rishabh Pant due to his left-handed batting role. Ashwin argued that Gaikwad’s consistent domestic form and batting versatility make him worthy of a place, but acknowledged limited opportunities while stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma anchor the batting order. Ashwin urged patience for the young batter amid India’s fierce competition for spots.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:40am on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Sunday, coinciding with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to China. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the missiles, fired around 7:50 a.m., traveled about 900 km before landing in waters between Korea and Japan, marking Pyongyang’s first ballistic tests of the year. The launches, condemned by Seoul and Tokyo as threats to regional stability, are widely seen as a strategic message to both China and the U.S. ahead of diplomatic talks on denuclearization and ahead of North Korea’s party congress.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:30am on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
US President Donald Trump has said Washington will take control of Venezuela’s oil sector after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves but produces less than one percent of global supply. Experts say it will take years and large investment to repair damaged fields and lift output. Oil markets are well supplied, so prices are not expected to rise soon. For India, the impact is limited as refiners do not buy Venezuelan crude at present. However, if sanctions ease, Indian firms could return to the country and recover stuck investments. Analysts say any price effect would be seen only in the long term. (PC: The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:26am on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday Sports
Indian sprinter Animesh Kujur says he aims to run “10-flat” in the 100 metres in 2026 after a strong breakthrough year. The 22-year-old became India’s fastest man in 2025, clocking 10.18 seconds in the 100m and 20.32 seconds in the 200m. He also won a medal at the Asian Athletics Championships and competed at the World Championships. Kujur said he raced too often last year and plans to focus more on training this season. He targets the Senior Federation meet in May and hopes to contend for medals in the 200m and 4x100m relay at the Asian Games in September. (PC: India Today)