A United States military operation in Venezuela has drawn global attention after American forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from the capital, Caracas. The unprecedented action, which took place late Friday local time, has been compared to past US interventions such as those in Panama and Iraq. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the couple will soon face the American justice system, while former President Donald Trump confirmed they are being taken to New York for trial under US criminal law. Analysts have likened the event to the 1989 capture of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega and the 2003 arrest of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, though the Caracas operation occurred without prior warfare. Washington accuses Maduro’s government of using stolen oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and terrorism, allegations Venezuela denies. The US had recently imposed a total ban on Venezuelan oil tankers and labeled the government a terrorist organization. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. Observers suggest a possible return to democratic governance, with opposition figures María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia emerging as potential successors, though no clear path has yet been defined.

Satellite images have revealed significant damage at Venezuela’s Fuerte Tiuna, one of the country’s key military installations. The images, captured by Vantor and analyzed by BBC Verify, show that at least six structures within the complex have sustained severe damage. One image depicts smoke rising from a large red-roofed building, while three smaller buildings to its south appear almost completely destroyed. The analysis provides a clearer picture of the extent of destruction at the site, though the cause of the damage has not been specified in the report. The repeated satellite observations suggest that the damage is widespread and concentrated in multiple areas of the facility. Further details about the timing or source of the destruction were not included in the available information, leaving the broader context of the incident unclear.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called President Donald Trump to protest the U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Mamdani said he strongly opposes any attempt to change another country’s government. He confirmed that he personally spoke with Trump to express his objection to the operation. Mamdani stated that his opposition is rooted in what he described as an effort to impose regime change, which he believes violates both federal and international law. Earlier, in a post on social media platform X, he said that a unilateral attack on a sovereign nation amounts to an act of war and breaches international norms. He also noted that such actions affect not only people abroad but also New Yorkers, including thousands of Venezuelan immigrants living in the city. According to the report, Maduro and his wife were brought to New York after being detained in Venezuela and were later sent to a detention facility in Brooklyn following legal procedures.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been dropped from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad despite being signed earlier, following a directive reportedly influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision was justified on security grounds amid heightened political tensions between India and Bangladesh. The move has sparked debate on both sides of the border, linking it to the exile of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after resigning during anti-government protests last year. Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif expressed surprise at what he called India’s double standards, noting that while Hasina remains in India, Mustafizur has been denied participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The controversy follows protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India over alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, which led to calls for excluding Bangladeshi players from the IPL. Mustafizur, who was sold for 92 million rupees, was subsequently dropped, and KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan was labeled “traitor” by critics. In response, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its team to the upcoming World Cup in India, citing security concerns and requesting a venue change.

China has condemned the United States for what it described as a clear violation of international law after US forces conducted a military operation that forcibly detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. In a statement issued on Sunday, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern and called for the immediate release of the couple. Russia also voiced concern over the US attack in Venezuela and the transfer of Maduro and his wife to the United States. The Russian Foreign Ministry urged Washington to reconsider its position and emphasized the need for dialogue between Venezuela and the United States to resolve the issue. Moscow described Maduro as the legitimately elected president of a sovereign and independent country and demanded his and his wife’s prompt release. Both Beijing and Moscow’s statements reflect strong opposition to the US action and highlight calls for diplomatic engagement rather than unilateral military intervention.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has launched a pilot program for its newly developed three-wheeled, low-speed, battery-powered eco-friendly electric rickshaw in Dhaka. The program was inaugurated on Sunday morning through separate events in Aftabnagar under Dhaka North City Corporation and Jigatola under Dhaka South City Corporation. The pilot allows controlled trial operations on designated roads in Aftabnagar, Dhanmondi, and Motijheel areas. Government advisers and city administrators attended the inauguration, emphasizing scientific testing of design, braking systems, and battery safety. The initiative aims to regulate unapproved battery-fitted rickshaws and establish an orderly urban transport system. The new model features improved braking, speed control, and a 38-volt lithium battery capable of running 70–80 kilometers per charge. Geo-fencing technology will restrict movement outside designated zones, and only trained, licensed drivers will be allowed to operate the vehicles. Officials said the pilot’s findings will guide future expansion across Dhaka and gradual conversion of existing pedal rickshaws into safer, modern electric versions.

The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores following months of surveillance and secret drills, culminating in a sudden nighttime operation. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the detention in an interview with CBS News, describing it as a law enforcement mission. He stated that the US Congress would be kept informed and emphasized that the future course of Venezuela would be determined by its own people. Hegseth said the operation also considered America’s security, prosperity, and oil interests. He praised former President Donald Trump for making what he called the right decision and added that peace in a dangerous world requires strength. The defense secretary expressed confidence that both the United States and the Venezuelan people could ultimately benefit from the outcome. The remarks suggest that Washington views the operation as both a strategic and economic move, with future developments in Venezuela expected to depend on internal decisions by its citizens.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the government will decide on whether to suspend the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bangladesh after reviewing the legal basis and procedural aspects. She made the remarks on Sunday, January 4, during a meeting with members of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The discussion arose after Bangladesh’s cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the IPL. Following this, the law adviser proposed halting the IPL broadcast in Bangladesh. Addressing the issue, Rizwana Hasan commented that it would have been better if the game could remain within the realm of sports, but unfortunately, politics had been brought into it. The government’s decision will depend on the outcome of the legal and procedural review, and no final decision has yet been announced.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been removed from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The franchise confirmed the decision in a press release, stating that it acted on BCCI’s instructions. According to the report, the Indian government ordered the cricket board to exclude Mustafizur, allegedly to appease hardline Hindu nationalist groups that had opposed his inclusion. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism in Bangladesh and beyond, with many fans condemning the move as politically motivated. BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia told Indian media that the directive came from the government. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to issue an official response, saying it has not received formal communication from BCCI. Meanwhile, Hindu nationalist leaders in India have publicly praised the decision, framing it as a victory for Hindu sentiment. The incident has raised questions about the politicization of cricket and the safety of Bangladeshi players ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled in India next month.

The United States lifted its flight ban over Caribbean airspace on Saturday night following a military operation in Venezuela that led to the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. According to AFP reports from Washington, the couple was flown by helicopter to New York, where they face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The U.S. special forces captured them early Saturday after an airstrike in Caracas. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on social media platform X that the restriction was lifted at midnight local time (GMT 05:00), allowing scheduled flights to resume. He stated that airlines had been notified and would promptly update their flight schedules. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously ordered commercial airlines to avoid Caribbean airspace due to safety risks during the ongoing military operation. The lifting of the ban signals a return to normal air traffic in the region after temporary disruption caused by the U.S. military action in Venezuela.

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles from its eastern coast, marking its first such test in two months. The launch coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to China, according to TRT World. The previous missile test by Pyongyang took place in November, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump approved South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarines. The missile launches come just before a historic conference of North Korea’s ruling party, the first in five years, where economic and defense strategies are expected to be discussed. In preparation for the meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the construction of additional factories to expand and modernize missile production. State media reported that Kim recently inspected a weapons production facility and directed a 250 percent increase in production capacity. The timing of the launches and Kim’s directives underscore Pyongyang’s continued emphasis on strengthening its defense capabilities ahead of major political events.

Three people, including two members of the Pakistan Army and a civilian machine operator, were killed while clearing accumulated snow in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place during the night of January 2 to 3, using heavy machinery under the leadership of Captain Asmad. At around 2 a.m. on January 3, heavy snowfall trapped Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and the civilian operator. All four were later rescued, but Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, and operator Aishar succumbed to their deteriorating conditions. The ISPR stated that they carried out a challenging mission to ensure military movement despite extreme weather conditions and made the ultimate sacrifice. The statement further emphasized that their dedication and sacrifice reflect the Pakistan Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defending the homeland and fulfilling their duties with devotion.

Police in India-administered Kashmir have placed cricketer Furkanul Haq under surveillance after a video showing him playing with a Palestinian flag sticker on his helmet went viral on social media. Authorities summoned him for questioning on Friday and initiated a 14-day preliminary inquiry to verify the facts, his intent, and any possible links. Police said the action was taken considering the sensitivity of the issue and its potential impact on public order. Under Indian law, such an inquiry can be launched with approval from a deputy superintendent for offenses punishable by three to seven years in prison. The incident occurred during a Jammu and Kashmir Champions League match in Muthi, Jammu, where Haq represented JK Eleven Kings against Jammu Trail Blazers. Reports said he was asked to leave the field after opposing players objected to the helmet sticker. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association clarified that the matter involved local players and had no connection with the organization. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed support for Palestine on social media following the incident.

The Pakistan Air Force on Saturday successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Taimur air-launched cruise missile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The missile is capable of accurately hitting targets up to 600 kilometers away and can engage both land and sea-based objectives. The ISPR described the test as a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s aerospace and defense capabilities. The Taimur missile is equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems and can fly at very low altitudes to evade enemy air and missile defense systems. Senior military officials, along with scientists and engineers involved in the missile’s development, were present during the test. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu congratulated the team for their professionalism and dedication, calling the achievement a reflection of Pakistan’s technological self-reliance and credible conventional deterrence. According to the ISPR, the successful test demonstrates the Pakistan Air Force’s operational readiness, technological advancement, and continued efforts to achieve national security objectives.

Law and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has strongly condemned the Indian Cricket Board’s decision to exclude Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a Facebook post published on Saturday night, he called the move unjustified and urged the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to formally seek an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Nazrul questioned the safety of Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India if a single Bangladeshi player was barred from playing there. He further instructed the BCB to request that Bangladesh’s World Cup matches be relocated from India to Sri Lanka. In the same post, Nazrul criticized India’s decision in strong terms and appealed to the Information and Broadcasting Adviser to suspend IPL broadcasts in Bangladesh. He stated that Bangladesh would not tolerate any insult to its cricket or players. The post reflects growing discontent over Mustafizur’s exclusion and calls for a firm national response through diplomatic and broadcasting measures.