Australia concluded the Ashes series with a dominant performance, defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test in Sydney. The hosts chased down a 160-run target after bowling England out for 342 on the fifth day. Earlier, England had scored 384 in their first innings, while Australia took a strong lead with 542 runs. Travis Head’s first-innings century and steady partnerships guided Australia to a comfortable win, ending the series 4-1.

England’s second innings featured a resilient 154-run knock from Jacob Bethell, with Harry Brook and Ben Duckett contributing 42 runs each. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent another defeat. For Australia, openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald gave a brisk start, followed by useful contributions from Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green.

Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his 163-run innings off 166 balls, while Mitchell Starc earned the Player of the Series title after taking 46 wickets and scoring 202 runs across five matches.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening possible military action against Colombia over alleged drug trafficking links. The invitation followed a tense period during which Trump warned Petro following a U.S. military operation in neighboring Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at a similar intervention in Colombia but later softened his tone after a phone conversation with Petro.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro had called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements between the two countries. He praised Petro’s approach and expressed eagerness to meet him soon in Washington. Earlier, Trump had imposed financial sanctions on Petro and his family without presenting evidence, prompting Petro to declare he was ready to take up arms if necessary.

Petro confirmed he would attend the White House meeting, though no date has been set. He also urged Trump to restore direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidential offices, noting the long-standing military and economic ties between Colombia and the United States.

The United States will indefinitely oversee Venezuela’s oil sales, according to US Energy Minister Chris Wright. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy Event in Miami on Wednesday, Wright said that both Venezuela’s stored oil and future production will be sold on the international market under US management. The plan aims to regulate the country’s oil exports and ensure oversight of revenues.

AFP reported from Washington that former President Donald Trump had earlier announced Venezuela’s interim government would assign the marketing of 30 to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. Trump said on social media that proceeds from the sale of this sanctioned but high-quality oil would be held under US supervision. The initiative is intended to restore international oil flow, secure supply for American refineries, and maintain funds in a US-controlled account for future mutual benefit.

US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil remains globally enforced. After US forces seized several tankers in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, he confirmed that the US stance against illegal Venezuelan oil trade is being strictly implemented worldwide.

England ended the fourth day of the Sydney Test in a precarious position despite a century from Jacob Bethell. The visitors reached 302 for 8 in their second innings, holding a slim lead of 113 runs. Bethell remained unbeaten on 142 alongside Matthew Potts at stumps. England’s batting collapse after a promising start left them vulnerable, with only two wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Earlier, England’s bowlers had wrapped up Australia’s first innings for 567 runs after the hosts resumed on 518 for 7. Trailing by 183, England began their second innings strongly, reaching 219 for 3 before losing Harry Brook and Will Jacks in quick succession. The collapse continued as they lost five wickets for just 83 runs. Bethell’s partnerships with Ben Duckett and Brook had earlier steadied the innings, but no other batter could provide lasting support.

With Australia needing only a modest chase, the match appears tilted in their favor unless England’s tail can resist early on the fifth morning.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with him because of the high tariffs imposed on India. Speaking at a meeting with Republican members of Congress, Trump claimed that Modi had requested to meet him, saying, “Sir, may I see you?” Trump added that despite their good relationship, Modi was displeased due to the tariff rates India faces.

Trump further stated that India had ordered 68 Apache helicopters and had significantly reduced its oil purchases from Russia. He described Modi as a good person who understood the importance of keeping the U.S. president satisfied, noting that the U.S. could quickly raise tariffs on India if necessary. Trump also said the tariffs were making the United States wealthier.

Discussing defense ties, Trump mentioned that India had been waiting for years for the Apache helicopters, but the process was now moving forward. He said the situation was changing as India’s order for 68 Apache helicopters progressed.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he may use direct military force to take control of autonomous Greenland, according to an AFP report from Washington on Tuesday. The White House described the move as a national security priority, saying military measures could be taken if necessary. The statement is expected to heighten tensions between the United States and Denmark, a NATO ally.

Following military intervention in Venezuela, Trump has turned his attention to the Arctic territory, citing its rare minerals and strategic importance as melting ice opens new sea routes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said controlling Greenland is vital to counter rivals such as Russia and China, and that the president keeps all military options open.

Greenland and Denmark have called for urgent talks to ease tensions, while European nations including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain have voiced support for Denmark’s sovereignty. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed that the island is not for sale and that only its people can decide their future.

A Reuters poll has found that one-third of Americans support the recent US military strike in Venezuela, while 72 percent are concerned about deeper US involvement in the South American nation. The two-day survey, concluded on Monday, showed sharp political divisions, with 65 percent of Republicans backing President Donald Trump’s military action, compared to only 11 percent of Democrats and 23 percent of general voters.

The poll followed a US military operation early Saturday in Caracas, where American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The United States has long accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking. Analysts noted that Trump, who had previously criticized other presidents for foreign wars, has now taken direct military action abroad. In a post-operation press conference, Trump declared that the US would take control of Venezuela, sparking widespread international debate.

Political analysts described the move as a major strategic decision for the Trump administration, especially ahead of the midterm elections that will determine congressional control for the final two years of his term.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will supply between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States. He made the statement on Tuesday through his social media platform Truth Social, saying the oil would be sold at market price once brought to the U.S. Trump added that he would personally oversee the use of the proceeds to benefit both the Venezuelan and American people.

The announcement came a day after former Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. Trump said he had instructed his Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, to implement the plan immediately and that the oil would be transported directly to the United States by ship. According to CBS, representatives of major U.S. petroleum companies plan to meet with the Trump administration later this week.

The move signals a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela energy relations following recent political changes in Caracas, though details of the agreement’s structure and timeline remain unclear.

The United States has announced a new update to its visa bond list, adding Bangladesh among 38 countries whose citizens may now be required to deposit a financial bond when applying for a U.S. visa. The updated list was released by the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday, and the new rule will take effect from January 21. Under the policy, applicants from these countries may need to pay between 5,000 and 15,000 U.S. dollars as a visa bond.

According to the announcement, most of the countries included in the list are from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The visa bond system is designed to discourage visa overstays by requiring a refundable financial guarantee from applicants. The measure is expected to make obtaining U.S. visas more difficult for many citizens of the listed countries.

The newly added countries include Bangladesh, Algeria, Angola, Antigua, Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of imitating his dance moves and labeled him a violent leader responsible for millions of deaths. Speaking before Republican lawmakers at the Kennedy Arts Center in Washington, Trump claimed Maduro tried to mimic his dance on stage. He also alleged that a torture center once operated in central Caracas but offered no further details.

Trump’s remarks followed a New York Times report suggesting that Maduro’s public dancing despite U.S. threats signaled to White House officials that it was time for tougher action on Venezuela. The Venezuelan leader had been seen dancing to a techno version of the slogan “No war, yes peace” during U.S. troop deployments in the Caribbean in late 2025, while Trump is known for dancing to the disco song “YMCA” at his rallies.

Although Trump praised a recent U.S. special forces operation to detain Maduro and his wife, he did not outline any clear plan for managing Venezuela after Maduro’s fall. Much of his speech focused on preparations for the 2026 midterm elections and his political priorities.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is not waging war against Venezuela but is instead fighting international drug cartels. He made the remarks in an interview with NBC News, according to a report by Russia’s TASS news agency. Trump claimed that US operations are directed at groups involved in drug trafficking and accused some countries of sending drug addicts and mentally ill individuals to the United States after emptying their prisons and mental institutions.

Discussing Venezuela’s political situation, Trump emphasized that the White House does not expect new elections to take place in the country within the next 30 days. He said elections are not possible under the current conditions and that stability must be restored before citizens can safely vote. Trump also named several US officials responsible for Venezuela-related matters, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump noted that each of these officials brings distinct expertise and experience to handling Venezuela-related issues.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term is increasingly defined by his assertive foreign policy. Following a dramatic night raid in Caracas that captured Venezuela’s president and his wife, Trump invoked the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the 'Donro Doctrine' to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In the days since, Washington has issued warnings or threats toward five other countries or territories.

Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security and competition with Russia and China, though Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the idea. He also warned Colombia’s leftist president Gustavo Petro over alleged drug cartel ties, hinted at possible U.S. action, and criticized Mexico for failing to curb narcotics and illegal migration. Regarding Iran, Trump threatened severe retaliation if protesters were killed amid ongoing unrest, while in Cuba he suggested no intervention was needed, claiming the island was collapsing economically after losing Venezuelan oil support.

The developments underscore Trump’s renewed emphasis on U.S. assertiveness abroad, raising tensions with allies and adversaries alike as his administration signals a more interventionist posture.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred new controversy after being photographed holding a red hat inscribed with 'Make Iran Great Again' and his signature. The image, taken aboard Air Force One on Sunday night while returning from Florida to Washington, was shared Monday on social media platform X by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump. Graham praised Trump’s leadership and voiced support for Iranian anti-government protesters, calling for solidarity with those fighting against 'tyranny.'

The hat’s design mirrors Trump’s well-known 'Make America Great Again' slogan but features the pre-1979 Iranian flag symbol. Analysts cited in the report interpret the gesture as more than symbolic, suggesting it signals political support for regime change in Iran. Graham later appeared on Fox News wearing the same hat, expressing hope that 2026 would mark a 'great' future for Iran.

The development follows a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, leading observers to believe the Trump administration’s attention may now be shifting toward the Middle East, with the hat seen as a pointed political message to Tehran.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken to a Manhattan federal court on Monday after being transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. According to the report, they were brought before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein around noon local time, where the detailed charges against Maduro were to be read. The couple arrived under tight security after being flown in by helicopter, and witnesses observed Maduro walking with a limp.

The development follows a late-night operation on Friday in Venezuela, during which U.S. special forces reportedly arrested Maduro. Both he and his wife face charges in the United States related to cocaine importation and illegal possession of weapons. They have been held at the Brooklyn detention facility since their capture.

The court appearance marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings against the Venezuelan leader in the United States, with further hearings expected as the case progresses.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a renewed tariff warning to India, saying Washington could raise duties on New Delhi if it does not reduce purchases of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump tied the warning to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and remarked that keeping him pleased was important. He described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a good man who understood his dissatisfaction.

According to the Times of India, Trump reiterated that India’s continued trade with Russia could prompt the United States to impose higher tariffs soon. Last year, Washington had already raised import duties on Indian goods by 50 percent as a penalty for large-scale Russian oil purchases, though Indian exports to the U.S. still increased in November. Reuters sources reported that India has asked refineries to disclose weekly oil purchase data from Russia and the U.S. as part of trade deal efforts, potentially reducing Russian crude imports below one million barrels per day.

The report also noted that Senator Lindsey Graham is leading co-sponsors of a sanctions bill that would mandate tariffs up to 500 percent on countries continuing to buy Russian oil or uranium.