New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani strongly condemned the United States’ military action in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, calling it an “act of war” and a violation of international law. Mamdani said he spoke directly with former U.S. President Donald Trump to register his opposition to the operation and pursuit of regime change. He warned the move could negatively affect tens of thousands of Venezuelan residents in New York City and stressed the need to safeguard their safety. Trump’s administration justified the raid on drug-trafficking charges and plans to bring Maduro to face U.S. courts. 

US officials have released new details about Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. The plan took months of tracking, drills and coordination among military and intelligence teams. Forces trained on a full-size model of the presidential compound and studied Maduro’s daily movements. The raid was delayed several times due to poor weather. It finally began late at night when skies cleared. Helicopters flew low over water to avoid detection, supported by fighter jets, bombers and drones. More than 150 aircraft took part. US troops reached the compound within minutes, cut through secured areas and removed Maduro before he reached a safe room. Several explosions were reported across the city during the operation. US officials said one helicopter was hit but returned safely. Maduro now faces drug and weapons charges in New York. (PC: X)

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has reacted after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. The left-arm pacer was bought for ₹9.20 crore at the mini auction but was removed after the BCCI asked the franchise to do so. Speaking to BDCrictime, Mustafizur said, “If they release me, there’s nothing I can do.” Sources said KKR could not drop him on its own under league rules. The move came amid political criticism of the team and its owners. KKR said it will now pick a replacement player as allowed by the board.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the United States capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was an “act of war” and against international law. In a social media post, Mamdani said he spoke directly with President Donald Trump to oppose the action. The mayor said the move would affect many Venezuelans living in New York and that his office would share safety guidance. Trump said Maduro and his wife were taken during a US strike on Caracas and would face criminal charges in New York. He added that the US would run Venezuela for a short period and help restore its oil sector. (PC: India Today)

U.S. President Donald Trump released the first image of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aboard a U.S. warship, showing him blindfolded and handcuffed on the USS Iwo Jima after his capture by U.S. forces. The photo, shared on Trump’s Truth Social account, depicts Maduro in casual clothing with a water bottle, following a military operation that ousted him. Trump said the U.S. would **“run” Venezuela until a stable transition takes place and suggested American oil firms could enter the country. Maduro and his wife are expected to face drug-related charges in New York. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States would “run” Venezuela after overnight military strikes that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump said the US would oversee the country during a transition period. “We’re going to run the country until a safe transition takes place,” he said. Trump praised the operation, calling it a powerful display of US military strength. He said Washington would not allow another leader to take over without protecting Venezuelan interests. He added that US forces would stay in the country for now.

A video of an Indian man helping a homeless couple in the United States has gone viral on social media. The clip shows him offering bottles of water to the couple on New Year’s Day. He later returns with food from a fast-food outlet. The video was shared on Instagram and received wide praise. In the caption, the man said he was moved after seeing they had no water. He called himself blessed to help. Many users praised his kindness and humility. Several Indian viewers said they felt proud. The video has crossed three lakh views and continues to get warm reactions online.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has spoken after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. The decision followed instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India amid political and social backlash. Speaking to BDcrictime, Mustafizur said, “What else can you do if you are dropped?” He was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini-auction. The BCCI said the move was preventive and confirmed KKR will be allowed to sign a replacement player as per IPL rules. (PC: Reuters)

A video of an Indian man helping a homeless couple in the United States has gone viral on social media. The clip shows him offering bottles of water to the couple on New Year’s Day. He later returns with food from a fast-food outlet. The video was shared on Instagram and received wide praise. In the caption, the man said he was moved after seeing they had no water. He called himself blessed to help. Many users praised his kindness and humility. Several Indian viewers said they felt proud. The video has crossed three lakh views and continues to get warm reactions online.

India on Saturday announced its squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Shubman Gill will lead the team, with Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain. Iyer’s return is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is also back in the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel were dropped. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah remain unavailable due to fitness and workload management. The three-match series begins on January 11 in Vadodara. (PC: PTI)