Maduro says he is still the President of Venezuela, pleads not guilty in U.S. court
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism in a New York court on Monday (January 5, 2026), two days after being snatched along with his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces from Caracas. The judge ordered both Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores, who likewise pleaded not guilty, to remain behind bars and set a new hearing date of March 17.
India launches new e-Business visa for Chinese nationals
India has introduced an e-Production Investment Business Visa called e-B-4 Visa that Chinese businessmen can apply for to travel to India for specific business activities, including installation and commissioning of equipment. A latest advisory on the Indian Embassy website in Beijing said the e-B-4 Visa, which was introduced on January 1, can be applied online without visiting the embassy or agents.
India urges citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran
India on Monday (January 5, 2026) urged its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran as the country has been rocked by a wave of protests over inflation and currency devaluation. New Delhi also advised Indian citizens in Iran to exercise due caution and avoid travelling to areas witnessing protests or demonstrations.
U.S. will receive $600 billion in tariffs: Trump
President Donald Trump said on Monday (January 5, 2026) that the U.S. will be receiving more than $600 billion in tariffs, asserting that America is “far stronger” in national security and financially because of the levies it has imposed on countries around the world.
Bangladesh bans IPL telecast, cites ‘hurt sentiments’
Two days after the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dropped pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its team, Bangladesh banned the telecast of Indian Premier League’s (IPL) upcoming season starting March 26 citing “hurt public sentiments”.
A ‘terrorist act’ is not just the finale, but build-up of conspiracy, abetment too: SC judgment in Delhi riots case
The Supreme Court on Monday (January 5, 2026) interpreted that an ‘act of terror’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is not limited to the final flourish of violence but the build-up to it too. On one of the arguments raised by the petitioners in the Delhi riots case, the court said a ‘terrorist act’ under the UAPA extended to disruption of essential supplies leading to economic insecurity and destabilisation of civic life even if violence was not committed in the process.
Will move court against harassment caused by SIR: Mamata
Alleging harassment of the electorate in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the State, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (January 5, 2026) said she would move the court against the Election Commission of India (ECI).
31.8% of Aravalli Range at risk after recent classification, says conservation group
A satellite audit has proved that 31.8% of the Aravalli range is under ecological risk after the recent classification by the Centre fixing the height of hills at 100 metres for legal protection, a people-driven conservation collective said in Jaipur on Monday (January 5, 2026). The group has demanded a complete ban on mining in the Aravalli hills.
Thirupparankundram issue: Madras HC to pronounce judgment on T.N.’s appeals on January 6
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court will on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) pronounce the judgment on appeals preferred against the order of Justice G.R. Swaminathan, who had directed the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management in Thirupparankundram to light the Karthigai Deepam at the deepathoon besides the usual places.
Kavitha says she will form political party in Telangana
MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha said that she will form a political party in Telangana. President of Telangana Jagruthi said that it will emerge as a political party and contest the next Assembly Elections. She made the announcement four months after resigning from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in September, 2025.
Police in States step up social media monitoring
Over the past five years, police forces across States have dedicated significant resources to monitoring social media platforms, an analysis of police infrastructure data shows. The number of dedicated social media monitoring cells rose from 262 across 28 States and eight Union Territories as of January 1, 2020, to 365 as of January 1, 2024.
Cricketer Mohammed Shami, Trinamool MP Dev summoned for SIR hearing in Kolkata
Actor-turned-Trinamool Congress MP Dev and cricketer Mohammed Shami have been called for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings in Kolkata. TMC leaders criticised the hearing notice sent to the two people and their family members.
Colombia to continue work with U.S. on drug trafficking, govt. says
Colombia will continue to work with the United States to fight drug trafficking using Washington’s intelligence and technology, the South American nation said on Monday (January 5, 2025). U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (January 4) called his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro “sick” and said a U.S. military operation in the country was possible.
Israel strikes south, east Lebanon after evacuation warnings
The Israeli military launched strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday (January 5, 2026), Lebanese state media reported, after warning it would hit what it called Hezbollah and Hamas targets in four villages. The Israeli military said in a statement it “began striking Hezbollah and Hamas terror targets in Lebanon”.
Neeraj Chopra parts ways with JSW, to set up Vel Sports
Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s decade-long partnership with JSW Sports came to an end as he announced the decision along with the announcement of Chopra launching his own athlete management firm, Vel Sports. The contract between the two reportedly ran out in December 2025 with both sides agreeing to not renew it.
