A satirical cartoon depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shackles on his hands and feet in front of U.S. President Donald Trump was published by Vikatan, a century-old weekly magazine in Tamil Nadu. The controversial illustration sparked a massive outcry, with allegations that the magazine’s website was blocked shortly after its release. According to a report by ABP Ananda, this incident came to light after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections against the magazine. The incident has raised concerns about the curtailment of press freedom in India. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has condemned the act. The cartoon was created in response to the issue of forcibly sending back illegal immigrants, symbolized by shackles on their hands and feet.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has issued an apology on Facebook for his previous remarks about BBC Bangla. He stated that he wishes to correct his statement, acknowledging that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the BBC had published interviews with Tarique Rahman despite restrictions. While he had accused BBC Bangla of being biased toward the ruling Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, he now retracts his remarks and apologizes. He admitted to perceiving a lack of objectivity in some reports but acknowledged that BBC Bangla strives to present factual accounts of events in Bangladesh. Earlier, he had controversially claimed that the BBC had become a staunch supporter of Sheikh Hasina.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of free speech. The nomination was submitted by European Parliament member Branko Grimz, who highlighted Musk’s contributions to free expression and peace. However, Musk declined the nomination, stating he does not seek any awards. Despite his disinterest, the nomination has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with critics questioning its legitimacy.

Summary: Sargis Alam, the prominent figure and chief organizer of the National Citizen’s Committee, has recently married. The news was confirmed by sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan on Friday evening. Following the announcement, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan took to his verified social media account to congratulate the newlyweds, wishing Sargis Alam a blissful married life and congratulating him on starting this new chapter in his life.

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that no distance or misunderstanding should exist between BNP and student leaders or the forces of mass uprising. He stressed that such misunderstandings could embolden Awami League’s genocidal leaders. Nazrul denied rumors regarding the fleeing of student leaders and Dr. Yunus. He affirmed BNP’s commitment to democratic processes, urged unity to counter Awami League’s influence, and emphasized the importance of the July uprising’s sacrifices in the fight for justice.

TikTok resumed operations in the U.S. hours after shutting down, following President-elect Trump’s pledge to delay enforcement of a law banning the app. Trump promised an executive order to secure TikTok’s future, allowing its 170 million U.S. users to regain access. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is exploring solutions, including a joint venture with U.S. ownership. Despite relief, the app’s long-term future remains uncertain due to bipartisan national security concerns and challenges in resolving ownership issues.

TikTok ceased operations in the U.S. Saturday night, hours before a nationwide ban took effect, citing a law requiring its sale to a U.S. entity. The Supreme Court upheld the ban, triggering app store removals and server restrictions. However, TikTok hinted at a swift return, noting President-elect Trump’s potential 90-day extension. The blackout leaves 170 million U.S. users and businesses in limbo, with bipartisan concerns over data security driving the ongoing controversy. Trump’s inauguration may determine TikTok’s fate.

Elon Musk may need to pay $40–$50 billion to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, similar to the $44 billion he spent on Twitter, analyst Dan Ives suggests. Reports indicate China might consider a sale to Musk to avert a U.S. ban over security concerns. TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, faces pressure to divest its U.S. assets. While TikTok dismisses the rumors, Musk’s strong ties with China and his social media ambitions position him as a potential buyer for this “golden asset.”

The Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok unless it severs ties with Chinese parent ByteDance, citing national security risks from its data collection practices. The ban is set to start Sunday, potentially removing TikTok from U.S. app stores. Enforcement will fall to President-elect Donald Trump, who stated, “It ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do.” While some lawmakers suggest extending the ban to allow TikTok more time to find a buyer, the app’s future remains uncertain as ByteDance has not committed to selling. TikTok has yet to comment on the ruling.

Tulip Siddiq, a UK Labour Party minister and the niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned following corruption allegations in Bangladesh. Elon Musk, a close ally of Donald Trump, criticized her on social media, labeling her corrupt. Siddiq, who served as the Economic Secretary in the UK Treasury, was responsible for addressing financial sector corruption. Her name emerged in a corruption case in Bangladesh, where she, along with her family members, faces accusations. Siddiq has consistently denied the allegations.

Social media has been rife with rumors of an attack by student groups Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Dhaka University, allegedly injuring over a hundred, including the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, during a DUCSU election dispute. These claims surfaced after a verbal altercation on January 2. The international fact-checking group, Rumor Scanner, reported these rumors on January 4. Even former State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat sought to verify these claims on social media.

The image claiming 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest' is fake, created using AI.

Recently, various platforms on the internet have been circulating an image claiming it shows 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest'. However, the image is not real; it has been created using artificial intelligence (AI).

On Saturday (January 4), this was reported by the international fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner.

The organization clarified that the viral image of Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest is not real; instead, it was created using artificial intelligence or AI technology.