Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty in a US court in New York on Monday. Speaking through an interpreter, Maduro told the judge he was “captured” and called himself a “decent man” and Venezuela’s president. He denied all charges against him. Maduro faces charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. US prosecutors allege links with international criminal groups. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty and said she is Venezuela’s first lady. The case follows Maduro’s capture in Caracas, which has drawn global attention. Venezuela and its allies have criticised the US action.

A 45-year-old Hindu factory owner and acting newspaper editor, Rana Pratap, was shot in the head by men on a motorcycle in Bangladesh's Jashore district on Monday evening. Attackers called him from his ice factory, led him to an alley, and fired multiple rounds, leaving seven bullet casings. Local sources claim Pratap had multiple legal cases and alleged extremist group connections, though he was acquitted in all cases. This killing follows recent atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including a widow's rape, hair-cutting incident, and murders of Khokon Chandra Das, Amrit Mondal, and Dipu Chandra Das. India condemned the violence, expressing concern over "unremitting hostility" against minorities under Muhammad Yunus's interim government. (PC: NDTV)

The Bangladesh government has ordered an immediate ban on the telecast of the Indian Premier League across the country. The move follows a row over the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the 2026 season. In a statement, the government said it was not aware of any clear reason for the decision by the Indian board and called it painful for the people of Bangladesh. The order said all IPL matches and related shows must stop until further notice. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has also asked the ICC to move its T20 World Cup matches out of India. (PC: NDTV)

The India Meteorological Department has warned that dense fog will continue in many parts of north, central, east and northeast India for the next four to five days. Visibility has fallen below 50 metres in some areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttarakhand. Cold day conditions are likely in parts of Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh this week. A cold wave is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Chhattisgarh from January 6. Light rain or snow may occur in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Minimum temperatures may drop by two to three degrees. (PC: HT)

Images have shown former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro being transferred ahead of a court appearance in New York. He and his wife were seized by US forces over the weekend. Maduro faces charges linked to drug trafficking and weapons offences, which he denies. Allies including China and Iran have called on Washington to release him. Beijing said the action breaches international law. At the same time, Delcy Rodríguez is due to be sworn in as Venezuela’s new leader before the National Assembly. US President Donald Trump warned Rodríguez she could “pay a very big price” if she does not cooperate. In response, Rodríguez said the region needs peace and dialogue, not war. (PC: BBC)

One person has been taken into custody after an incident at the Ohio residence of US Vice President JD Vance, US media reported. CNN, quoting a federal law enforcement source, said several windows were damaged and an investigation is under way. Local outlet WLWT reported broken glass at the scene, with police and the Secret Service present. Authorities said the Vance family was not at home at the time. Officials do not believe the suspect entered the house. Investigators are trying to determine whether the act was aimed at the vice president or his family. No further details on the suspect or motive have been released so far. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has again said the United States should annex Greenland, calling it vital for national security. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We need Greenland,” citing defence needs and its mineral wealth. The remarks came after Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged him to stop making threats, saying the US has no right to take any part of the Danish kingdom. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen rejected the idea, calling it a fantasy and urging dialogue within international law. Denmark also said a defence agreement already gives the US access to the island. Greenland has self-rule but Denmark controls defence and foreign policy. (PC: BBC)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a veiled criticism of the United States after Washington captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Xi said major powers must respect the paths chosen by other nations and avoid unilateral and “bullying” actions. Chinese state media said his remarks followed Beijing’s earlier objections to the US strikes in Venezuela. China has urged the United States to release Maduro and his wife and said the action violates international law and the UN Charter. Beijing has long been a close partner of Caracas. China is a major buyer of Venezuelan oil and one of its largest investors and lenders. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Venezuela’s incoming leader Delcy Rodríguez hours before her swearing-in. In remarks to The Atlantic, Trump said she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she does not act in line with US demands. He added that any form of regime change would be better for Venezuela. At her first cabinet meeting, Rodríguez urged peace and dialogue with Washington. Meanwhile, former leader Nicolás Maduro is expected to appear in a New York court after his capture during US strikes on Saturday. He denies drug trafficking charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is fighting drug groups, not Venezuela. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has warned India that Washington may raise tariffs if New Delhi continues to import Russian oil. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi “knew I wasn’t happy” about the oil trade. He claimed India has already reduced some purchases from Russia. The remarks came as Indian and US officials began a fresh round of talks to settle a long trade dispute. Earlier negotiations were disrupted after the US imposed higher duties on Indian goods, in some cases up to 50 per cent. India has said buying Russian oil is needed to protect domestic energy supply. Both sides have said they want to keep trade ties moving forward. (PC: NDTV)