Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:45pm on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:27pm on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:30am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:36am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:12am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:03am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:31am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
The Indian Embassy in the United States said it is providing all possible consular help to the family of Nikitha Godishala, an Indian woman found dead in a Columbia, Maryland apartment. The 27-year-old, who lived in Ellicott City, was discovered with multiple stab wounds in the home of her former boyfriend. Police said the suspect, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, reported her missing on January 2 and left the US for India the same day. Investigators later searched his apartment and found Godishala’s body. Howard County Police have issued an arrest warrant for Sharma on murder charges and are working with federal agencies to trace and arrest him. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:37am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
US President Donald Trump warned Venezuela’s incoming leader Delcy Rodríguez that she could face a “bigger price” than Nicolás Maduro if she fails to cooperate with Washington. His comments came as Maduro prepared to appear in a New York court on Monday on drug and weapons charges, which he denies. Rodríguez, who will be sworn in as president in Caracas, offered cooperation with the US under international law. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is not at war with Venezuela and called the action a law enforcement operation. Democratic leaders criticised the mission and questioned its legality. Several Latin American nations said the action threatens regional peace. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:46am on 05 Jan 2026,Monday International
Denmark and Greenland strongly rejected US President Donald Trump's remarks about acquiring Greenland for defense purposes. Danish PM Mette Frederiksen stated, "The US has no right to annex any of the three countries in the Danish Kingdom," urging Washington to "stop the threats against a historically close ally." Greenland's PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen called Trump's comments linking Greenland to Venezuela and military intervention "disrespectful." Trump told The Atlantic, "We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense." He recently named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland. Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs warned of international law erosion, stating Europe should prepare for potential US occupation of Greenland. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:55pm on 04 Jan 2026,Sunday International
US Vice President JD Vance defended Washington’s action in Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro was captured. He said Venezuela still played a role in drug trafficking, despite most US overdose deaths being linked to fentanyl from Mexico. Vance said cocaine profits from Venezuela help fund powerful cartels. Critics questioned the operation, saying it targeted oil interests. Countries like China and Russia condemned the move. The US insists the action aimed to weaken drug networks and protect American lives. (PC: Reuters/ Representative Image)