Iranians, especially youth and shopkeepers, are staging the largest protests in years, driven by an economic crisis marked by a collapsing currency, rising inflation and deteriorating living conditions. Originally sparked by economic grievances, demonstrations have spread to more than 30 cities and evolved into calls for systemic political change and the end of the clerical regime. Protesters chant anti-government slogans and express a belief there is “no future” under current leadership, urging decisive action now. Authorities have responded with a mix of dialogue offers and security deployments, while at least 10 protestors have been killed. (PC: Instagram)

World leaders responded sharply to U.S. strikes on Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which included claims the U.S. captured President Nicolás Maduro. Russia condemned the action as “armed aggression,” urging dialogue and adherence to peace in Latin America. Mexico and Uruguay denounced the strikes as violations of international law, while Britain stressed upholding legal norms. Colombia and Chile expressed deep concern and called for peaceful solutions. Spain offered to mediate, and the EU urged restraint. Conversely, Argentina’s president celebrated the offensive. Many nations highlighted the need to respect sovereignty and prevent further escalation amid rising regional tensions. (PC: X)

Khokon Chandra Das, a 50-year-old Hindu businessman from Shariatpur district in Bangladesh, died on January 3 at Dhaka’s National Burn Institute, three days after a mob assaulted him. The attackers intercepted him on December 31 near Keurbhanga Bazar as he returned home, beat him with sharp weapons, poured petrol on him and set him ablaze. Das briefly survived by jumping into a pond but suffered severe burns and multiple injuries. His family is demanding justice, and the incident has heightened fears about rising violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. (PC: PTI)

Swiss authorities have identified the first four victims of a catastrophic fire that tore through the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, killing 47 people and injuring dozens more. The victims — two Swiss women (16 and 21) and two Swiss men (16 and 18) — have been returned to their families after extensive forensic work. Police say identifying more victims is slow due to severe burns. Investigators believe sparkler-style candles on champagne bottles likely triggered the blaze and continue probing safety compliance at the venue. 

The United States launched large-scale military strikes inside Venezuela, with explosions reported in Caracas and other regions early Saturday. US President Donald Trump claimed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country” following the operation. Caracas has denied knowledge of their whereabouts and demanded immediate proof of life for both leaders. Venezuela condemned the strikes as an act of aggression and declared a national emergency, urging citizens to mobilize and defend sovereignty. International alarm grew as regional leaders called for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after overnight airstrikes on Caracas. Trump said the pair were taken into custody and flown out of the country. Explosions, fires and power cuts were reported across the capital. Residents saw low-flying aircraft and heard multiple blasts. Venezuela has not confirmed any arrests. The government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military sites and called for public mobilisation. Trump said more details would be shared later.

The United States has carried out military strikes inside Venezuela, including near the capital Caracas, U.S. officials told CBS News and Reuters. The White House and Pentagon have not commented. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the attacks as “military aggression” and declared a national state of emergency. Caracas and other areas reported explosions, low-flying aircraft, smoke and power outages early Saturday. Maduro’s government called on citizens and loyal forces to mobilize against what it described as an assault on Venezuelan sovereignty. International reactions are emerging as neighbouring leaders discuss the incidents and the risks of wider conflict. The situation remains fluid with limited official verification. (PC: Reuters)

A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh died on Saturday after being stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur district. Khokon Chandra Das was attacked on December 31 while returning home from his pharmacy in Damudya area. Doctors at the National Burn Institute in Dhaka said he suffered burns to about 30 per cent of his body and had severe injuries to his face and airways. He died at around 7.20 am after three days of treatment. Police said two suspects have been identified and efforts are under way to arrest them. The victim was first taken to a local hospital before being shifted to Dhaka. (PC: India Today)

Venezuela on Saturday declared a national emergency after multiple explosions were reported in the capital Caracas. Blasts were heard around 2 am local time, with smoke seen near the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and other areas. Power cuts were also reported in the southern part of the city. The government said attacks were also recorded in Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira states. President Nicolas Maduro’s administration described the incident as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States. US media cited officials who said American forces were involved. Washington has warned for weeks of action against drug groups in Venezuela. (PC: NDTV)

Several explosions were heard across Venezuela’s capital Caracas early on Saturday, with planes flying low over parts of the city. News agencies reported at least seven blasts around 2 am local time. Smoke was seen rising from the southern area near major military sites, including Fort Tiuna and the La Carlota air base. Power cuts were reported in nearby neighbourhoods as residents rushed outside. Videos shared online showed loud bangs and dark skies. The US has recently warned of possible action against President Nicolas Maduro and has increased military pressure in the region. Neither Washington nor the Venezuelan government gave an immediate comment.