A 25-year-old Hindu man, Mithun Sarkar, died after jumping into a canal while fleeing a mob chasing him over theft suspicion in Bangladesh's Bhandarpur village. His body was recovered Tuesday afternoon. This incident adds to escalating violence against religious minorities as Bangladesh prepares for February 12 parliamentary elections the first since the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. Recent attacks include a Hindu businessman fatally shot in Jessore, a grocery shop owner killed in Narsingdi, and Khokon Chandra Das burned alive in Shariatpur. The Council for Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity reported 51 targeted incidents in December alone, including 10 murders, raising concerns about coordinated intimidation ahead of elections. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. President **Donald Trump and his advisers are actively discussing plans to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, calling it a national security priority due to its strategic Arctic location and mineral resources. The White House confirmed that a range of options — including the possible use of U.S. military force — is being considered, though officials emphasized this is not an imminent invasion. European and Danish leaders strongly rejected any forced takeover, insisting Greenland’s future must be decided by its people, warning that any attack on a NATO ally could jeopardize the alliance. (PC: AP)

Global oil prices showed mixed movement as markets balanced expectations of ample supply in 2026 with uncertainty over Venezuela’s future crude output following geopolitical developments and U.S. actions. Analysts say oil supply is likely sufficient this year even if Venezuela’s production stays constrained, keeping price pressure intact due to weak demand and oversupply concerns. Brent and WTI prices edged modestly, reflecting the cautious investor sentiment. The potential for increased Venezuelan output exists if political stability and investments improve, but any significant boost is expected to take time, moderating near-term market impact. (PC: CNBC)

US President Donald Trump said “many, many” Cuban soldiers were killed during a military raid that led to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. He called the operation “brilliant” while speaking to party members. Local media in Venezuela reported that 23 Venezuelan and 32 Cuban troops died when US special forces stormed Maduro’s guarded compound. The US has not confirmed these figures. In Caracas, armed police were seen patrolling key areas, according to images shared by the interior ministry. Videos posted online showed security forces chanting slogans of loyalty. Many officials from Maduro’s government remain in place, and residents say fear continues across the capital. (PC: BBC)

Seven European leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming support for Denmark after US President Donald Trump hinted at taking control of Greenland, Denmark's autonomous Arctic territory. Leaders from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark stressed sovereignty, territorial integrity, and border inviolability are "universal principles" they'll continue defending. The statement emphasized Arctic security as a "key priority for Europe" and critical for international security, noting Greenland holds untapped rare earth deposits and sits on strategic polar routes and missile paths between Russia and the US. Leaders declared "Greenland belongs to its people" and only Denmark and Greenland can decide their matters, reaffirming Denmark is NATO member requiring collective Arctic security. (PC: News 18)

A senior aide to President Donald Trump said the United States wants Greenland to become part of the country for security reasons. In an interview with CNN, Stephen Miller said it is the formal position of the US government that Greenland should join the US and added that “nobody will fight” Washington over the issue. Trump has again said the US “needs” Greenland to protect Nato and the Arctic. Denmark rejected the idea. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned any US attack would end Nato. Seven European leaders issued a joint statement backing Denmark and said only Denmark and Greenland can decide their future, under UN rules. (PC: BBC)

Fresh satellite images show China building new permanent facilities near Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. The site lies close to the current buffer zone. It has been under Chinese control since 1962, though India still claims the area. Images dated December 28 show several solid structures coming up only metres from the lake. Earlier, the area had mainly temporary shelters, boats and a small pier. China had built a road network here in 2013, once used by both sides for patrols. Since the 2020 standoff, Indian patrols have not returned. Experts say the fixed buildings could help the PLA maintain year-round presence in harsh winter conditions. (PC: India Today)

Authorities in Nepal have extended a curfew in Birgunj, a city near the Indian border, after clashes linked to a TikTok video led to communal tension. The dispute began in Dhanusha district after a video was posted with remarks said to hurt religious feelings. Two youths were later handed to police. The situation worsened after a mosque was vandalised in Kamala Municipality. Protests spread to Birgunj, where groups held rallies, burned tyres and ignored a ban on gatherings. The Parsa district office imposed a curfew in several areas and later extended it till Tuesday evening. Security forces were given special powers to enforce the order. (PC: HT)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has welcomed the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by US forces, calling it “a huge step for humanity, for freedom and human dignity”. She spoke to Fox News hours after Maduro appeared before a court in New York. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were seized from their Caracas residence on Saturday and flown to the United States in a special forces mission. Machado said she was grateful to President Donald Trump for the action. She left Venezuela last month to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. In court on Monday, Maduro said, “I am still president,” and pleaded not guilty to drug and other charges. (PC: BBC)

Venezuela’s ousted leader Nicolas Maduro told a New York court that he is still the country’s president as he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges. The hearing marked his first appearance in the United States after he and his wife Cilia Flores were seized in Caracas and flown to New York. Images earlier showed the couple being moved in handcuffs under heavy guard. During the session, a brief exchange took place between Maduro and a member of the public. Outside the courthouse, small groups of protesters gathered with signs for and against the US action. Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president in Caracas. (PC: BBC)