BCCI ordered Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL 2026 contract without consulting all board officials or IPL Governing Council members. The decision, made at the highest BCCI level, stunned officials who learned about it through media reports. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia cited "recent developments" when announcing Mustafizur's release, who was bought for INR 9.20 crore at auction. Bangladesh responded with an unprecedented nationwide IPL telecast ban. The move follows escalating bilateral tensions after Hindu minorities were attacked and killed in Bangladesh, including a Hindu man being lynched and burned. Bangladesh Cricket Board now seeks to shift T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. (PC: AFP)

Pathankot police arrested a 15-year-old boy for allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Authorities claim the minor shared sensitive information about India with ISI handlers for one year through communication channels now under investigation. Police expressed serious concerns that ISI is targeting and recruiting young children for espionage activities, posing significant security risks. Investigations suggest other minors in Punjab may have links with ISI operatives, prompting authorities to alert police stations statewide to remain vigilant. The investigation continues as officials work to identify the broader network involved. Police confirmed all legal procedures applicable to juveniles are being followed in this case, which highlights emerging security threats.

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)

The India Meteorological Department has warned that dense fog and cold wave conditions will affect large parts of the country on Tuesday. Morning fog is likely over northwest, central, east and northeast India. Cold wave alerts are in place for parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The weather office said night temperatures may fall further due to weak western systems. In the past day, visibility dropped to near zero in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, disrupting road and air travel. Very dense fog may continue in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana, east Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Clear skies later may lead to colder nights and fresh fog by morning. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has again said the United States needs Greenland for national security. He told reporters that the island is vital for defence and early missile warning. Greenland is part of NATO through Denmark and lies on the shortest route between Europe and North America. The US already runs the Pituffik Space Base in the island’s northwest. Experts say the area helps track Russian naval movement. Greenland also holds large deposits of minerals such as lithium and rare earths, though oil and gas drilling is banned. The island has wide self-rule but remains under Denmark’s constitution. Both Greenland and Denmark rejected Trump’s offer to buy the island in 2019. (PC: NDTV)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol in Paris to discuss global energy issues. The talks covered oil markets, nuclear power and critical minerals. Birol said the meeting was warm and productive. Jaishankar said he valued the IEA’s view of the world energy scene and its support for India’s growth. He also spoke about India’s aim to become a full member of the IEA. The minister is on a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg. In Paris, he also met members of the French-Indian Young Talents Program. He will later hold talks with French and Luxembourg leaders during the trip.

A past visit by Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to India has drawn fresh attention after his capture by the United States. The former Venezuelan leader, raised Catholic, was introduced to Sathya Sai Baba through Flores. The couple travelled to the Prasanthi Nilayam ashram in Puttaparthi in 2005 for a private meeting. A photo from the visit is now circulating online. Reports say Maduro later kept a portrait of the guru in his office and backed official tributes after Sai Baba’s death in 2011. The Sathya Sai organisation continues to operate in Venezuela, which has a large devotee base. (PC: India Today)

Marathi film Dashavatar, directed by Subodh Khanolkar, has entered the Oscar 2026 contention list. The director confirmed the development on Monday. The film is among a limited number of titles selected from thousands of global entries. This marks a major moment for Marathi and regional Indian cinema. Zee Studios and the film’s producers called it a historic achievement. Dashavatar tells the story of a folk artist from Konkan who performs the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The film released in theatres in September 2025. Final Oscar nominations will be announced later this month.

The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. The court said personal liberty is not absolute and must be balanced with society’s security. It found that allegations against both accused are prima facie true. The bench said their roles were central and directive, not minor. The court noted they were involved in planning and coordinating the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 riots. Five other accused were granted bail, as their roles were seen as subsidiary. The court said delay in trial alone cannot justify bail in serious cases under UAPA.

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.