Nigeria’s drug agency has arrested 22 Indian crew members after cocaine was found on a merchant ship at Lagos port. The seizure was made on January 2. Officers recovered 31.5 kilograms of cocaine from the vessel. The arrest was confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Officials said the ship had arrived from overseas. Nigeria is a major route for drugs sent to Europe and other regions. In recent months, the agency has made several large seizures at the Lagos port, including cases involving foreign sailors and cocaine shipments from Brazil. (PC: Representative Image)

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.

Caracas slipped into darkness and fear after US aircraft hit targets across the city and detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to local reports. Power grids and phone networks were badly damaged. Shops shut and buses stopped running. Streets were almost empty. Sunil Malhotra, an Indian living in Caracas, said supermarkets were closed and long lines formed outside small stores and pharmacies for food. He said people walked far to find places with power to charge phones. Police later asked people to leave these spots. He said officials could not give a timeline for restoring electricity. (PC: India Today)

A video of an Indian man helping a homeless couple in the United States has gone viral on social media. The clip shows him offering bottles of water to the couple on New Year’s Day. He later returns with food from a fast-food outlet. The video was shared on Instagram and received wide praise. In the caption, the man said he was moved after seeing they had no water. He called himself blessed to help. Many users praised his kindness and humility. Several Indian viewers said they felt proud. The video has crossed three lakh views and continues to get warm reactions online.

A video of an Indian man helping a homeless couple in the United States has gone viral on social media. The clip shows him offering bottles of water to the couple on New Year’s Day. He later returns with food from a fast-food outlet. The video was shared on Instagram and received wide praise. In the caption, the man said he was moved after seeing they had no water. He called himself blessed to help. Many users praised his kindness and humility. Several Indian viewers said they felt proud. The video has crossed three lakh views and continues to get warm reactions online.

India on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens after a US military operation in Venezuela. The Ministry of External Affairs asked Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to the country. It said the decision was taken due to recent developments and rising security concerns. Indians already in Venezuela were advised to stay alert and limit their movement. The MEA also urged them to remain in touch with the Indian Embassy in Caracas. Emergency contact details were shared for help and assistance. The advisory asked citizens to follow local updates and avoid risky areas until the situation becomes stable. (PC: AP)

Aloka, a former Indian stray now known as the “Peace Dog,” is capturing attention nationwide as he accompanies Buddhist monks on their 2,300‑mile Walk for Peace across the United States. The calm, confident dog often walks beside the monks, sometimes dressed in colorful outfits, embodying loyalty, mindfulness, and compassion as the group promotes unity and peace. Estimated to be about four years old, Aloka’s presence has made him a social media favorite and a symbol of the journey’s spirit. The walk, drawing crowds and online support, reflects a mission of kindness and shared humanity.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid, expressing support, Khalid’s family said. The undated note was shared by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, after Mamdani took office this week. In the letter, Mamdani said he often thinks about Khalid’s words on not letting bitterness take over and added that he met Khalid’s parents. Khalid has been in Delhi’s Tihar jail since September 2020 under the UAPA in the Delhi riots case. A court recently granted him provisional bail to attend his sister’s wedding. He surrendered on December 29. (PC: NDTV)

A deadly fire in Germany claimed the life of Thokala Hruthik Reddy, a 22‑25‑year‑old student from Malkapur village in Jangaon district, Telangana, who had gone abroad for higher studies. The blaze broke out in his apartment in Magdeburg late on New Year’s Eve, leaving thick smoke and flames with no clear escape route. In a desperate attempt to flee, Hruthik reportedly jumped from the building, suffering grievous head injuries. He was rushed to a hospital, but died during treatment. His family and community are mourning the tragic loss as arrangements begin to repatriate his mortal remains to India. (PC: India Today)

An Indian professional returned to Bengaluru after seven years in the United States, sharing his reverse migration experience on Reddit. The man cited visa uncertainties, aging parents, and inability to envision permanent settlement as reasons for returning. Despite family warnings about regret, he reports no second thoughts and doesn't plan returning soon. He acknowledged India's challenges including poor air quality, littering, and bureaucratic hurdles, but noted the US equally faces homelessness, gun violence, and racism. Significantly, he found traffic congestion and work-life balance comparable between Bengaluru and major American cities like Houston, Denver, and Boston. He described Kannadigas as warm and welcoming, emphasizing the substantial gap between online narratives and lived reality, advising prospective returnees to treat social media commentary skeptically.