Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confronting mounting diplomatic pressure at the start of 2026 as U.S. President Donald Trump issued two major warnings to India. The first came amid Washington’s aggressive actions in Venezuela, which many nations, including Denmark, viewed with alarm. The second was a direct demand that India stop importing crude oil from Russia or face higher U.S. tariffs. Despite India reducing Russian oil purchases to a three-year low, Trump remained dissatisfied, maintaining steep duties on Indian exports.

Analysts cited in the report described Trump’s approach as part of a broader imperial-style strategy to expand U.S. control and influence. For India, the challenge lies in balancing its economic dependence on the U.S.—its largest export market—with its longstanding ties to Russia and cautious engagement with China. The situation underscores a shifting global order in which Washington’s assertive policies are reshaping international alignments.

At the same time, India’s domestic landscape is transforming rapidly, with a surge in new billionaires driven by a booming stock market and record IPO activity. This dual reality of external pressure and internal wealth creation will shape India’s economic and geopolitical trajectory in the coming years.

Four major football nations—Brazil, France, Croatia and Colombia—will compete in a preparatory series titled 'Road to 26' ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The matches will be held in the United States during the FIFA international window, with games scheduled in Boston, Orlando and Washington, D.C. The series begins on March 26 when Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, face Didier Deschamps’ France at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Croatia will meet Colombia on March 27 in Orlando, followed by a France–Colombia match on March 29 in Maryland. The series concludes on April 1 with Brazil playing Croatia in Orlando.

Brazilian media reported that the five-time world champions will debut their 2026 World Cup kits during the March friendlies, wearing yellow against France and blue against Croatia. France and Croatia will also unveil new jerseys for the series. The Brazilian Football Confederation had earlier confirmed the match dates and venues after the World Cup group draw in December 2025.

The 48-team 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 and end on July 19 across 16 venues in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Brazil will compete in Group C against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Myanmar’s military junta began the second phase of national voting on Sunday, marking the continuation of a three-stage election process set to conclude on January 25. Polling started at 6 a.m. local time in Kawhmu, the former constituency of detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, located about 25 kilometers south of Yangon. Democracy observers and rights activists have alleged that the election is designed to prolong military rule under a civilian façade.

Since independence, Myanmar has spent most of its history under military control. A brief period of democratic reform about a decade ago ended when the army seized power again in 2021, annulling the previous election results and arresting Suu Kyi. The coup plunged the country into civil conflict. Analysts noted that the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) already won about 90 percent of lower house seats in the first phase.

With Suu Kyi imprisoned and her National League for Democracy dissolved, pro-democracy groups claim the current election favors military-aligned parties. Many citizens reportedly show little interest, believing the outcome is predetermined by the army.

Iran’s government has declared anti-government protesters as 'enemies of God' and warned that those participating in or aiding the demonstrations could face the death penalty. The announcement came on Saturday from Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad’s office, citing Article 186 of the Iranian constitution. The statement, broadcast on state television, said that even individuals who assist the so-called rioters would face the same charges.

According to Article 186, any group opposing the Islamic Republic through armed resistance, and anyone knowingly supporting such groups, can be deemed 'mohareb' or 'enemy of God', even if they do not directly engage in armed activity. The declaration follows nearly two weeks of widespread anti-government protests across Iran, which have intensified over time.

Footage sent to Iran International from Kahrizak, south of Tehran, reportedly shows multiple bodies in body bags. Eyewitnesses described seeing dozens of dead bodies at the site and more inside a nearby industrial shed, with two witnesses reporting over forty bodies while searching for their relatives.

A report submitted on January 4 by the Commission on Enforced Disappearances to the Chief Adviser revealed that senior officials of Bangladesh’s security agencies, including RAB, CTTC, and DGFI, were aware of multiple enforced disappearances. The report cited testimonies from high-ranking officers confirming that former DGFI Director General Lt. Gen. Mohammad Akbar Hossain had informed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about the disappearance of Hummam Quader Chowdhury. It also stated that army leadership knew about the disappearance of Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, known as Arman.

The commission’s findings indicated that DGFI and CTIB officials authorized or continued unauthorized detentions, including that of Brigadier Azmir. Statements from former RAB Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and other officers confirmed that senior leadership knew detainees were held in custody. Testimonies from soldiers and police officers described regular inspections of detention centers by senior officials, contradicting later claims of ignorance.

The report concluded that the proximity of detention cells to commanding officers’ offices and direct CCTV access made it implausible that senior officials were unaware of these operations, suggesting long-term institutional knowledge and oversight.

Iran has been gripped by continuous protests that began in late December, sparked by the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations first erupted near Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28 and later spread to multiple cities. Security forces have taken a hardline stance to suppress the unrest.

Amid the turmoil, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States is ready to help Iranian protesters, describing Iran as being on the verge of unprecedented freedom. Earlier, Trump warned that Iran was in serious trouble due to growing instability and urged Iranian authorities not to use lethal force against demonstrators. Washington, he said, is closely monitoring the situation.

In response, the Iranian government accused the United States and Israel of fueling the unrest. Officials warned that the security forces and judiciary would show no tolerance toward those involved in sabotage or violence.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were reportedly detained and taken from the country following a military raid in Caracas on January 3. According to the report, nine military helicopters carried out the operation around 2 a.m. local time, removing Maduro from power. The incident has been described as a dramatic example of a 'decapitation strike'—a sudden military action targeting a state’s top leadership.

The analysis warns that such actions, often justified as quick solutions, historically lead to instability and prolonged violence rather than resolution. Venezuela’s political and economic crises, compounded by sanctions and internal division, have made it a focal point of foreign intervention and regime change efforts. The article argues that forcibly removing a sitting president undermines international law and state sovereignty, turning diplomacy into coercion.

The commentary concludes that Venezuela’s crisis must be resolved through inclusive dialogue, fair elections, and international mediation, not through abduction or military threats. It cautions that legitimizing such tactics could endanger weaker nations and erode the foundations of global order.

At least fifty areas in Dhaka have open manholes, posing serious risks to pedestrians and vehicles. The uncovered manholes, often missing due to theft, have caused frequent accidents and injuries. City officials acknowledge that around ten percent of the capital’s 75,000 manholes remain uncovered at any time. The stolen covers, valued at about four crore taka annually in Dhaka South City Corporation alone, are reportedly sold to scrap dealers for small sums.

Responsibility for installing and maintaining manholes lies with Dhaka WASA and the two city corporations. Officials admit that ensuring security for the heavy metal covers is difficult and that police involvement is needed. Despite over fifty related cases filed in various police stations, arrests remain rare. Residents complain that stolen covers are often replaced only to be stolen again, leaving roads hazardous.

To address the problem, Dhaka South City Corporation has begun installing fiber-made manhole covers in wards 66 and 67. These new covers, tested and approved by BUET, are cheaper, strong enough to withstand heavy loads, and have no resale value, which authorities hope will reduce theft and improve public safety.

Italy is preparing for its first-ever appearance in the T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Despite lacking a single natural cricket pitch at home, the European nation is eager to showcase its best performance on the global stage. Ranked 28th among qualified teams, Italy overcame the European qualifiers without difficulty and now looks to establish a unique identity in cricket beyond its football fame.

The Italian squad features players of English, Australian, South African, Pakistani, and Indian descent. Australian-born all-rounder Harry Manenti, currently playing in the Big Bash League, expressed pride in representing Italy, emphasizing the team’s deep connection to the country. Former Australian cricketer Joe Burns initially captained the side during qualifiers but was replaced by Wayne Madsen due to contract issues. Key players include Emilio Gay, Jaspreet Singh, and Syed Naqvi.

Coach John Davison, who once held the record for the fastest World Cup century, described the team as franchise-like in diversity but united by strong national pride.

An investigative report published on January 11, 2026, reveals that Bangladesh Police’s official monthly magazine ‘The Detective’ became a platform for praising the ruling Mujib family during a 15-year authoritarian period. The publication, originally meant for professional research on law enforcement, shifted its focus to glorifying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Russel, and other family members. Senior and mid-level officers reportedly used overly reverential writings in the magazine to secure promotions and key appointments, turning it into an informal route for career advancement.

Critics cited in the report argue that this culture of political flattery undermined the force’s professionalism, neutrality, and constitutional obligations. By 2015, professional content such as crime analysis and forensic studies had largely disappeared, replaced by poems and essays extolling the Mujib family. Officers who refrained from participating allegedly faced invisible barriers to promotion, while contributors often rose quickly through the ranks.

Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, many of the officers who benefited from this loyalty-based system reportedly faced demotion or legal action, exposing the long-term risks of politically motivated careerism within the police.

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for unity despite differences, urging that disagreements should not lead to division. Speaking at a meet-and-greet with journalists at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka, his first public program since assuming the party’s top post, he emphasized maintaining democratic processes and avoiding a return to the violence of August 5. He also highlighted concerns over press freedom and journalist safety, recalling past repression of media figures.

Rahman outlined his party’s future plans if elected, including a proposed “Family Card” program to support women’s economic empowerment for five to seven years, a large-scale recruitment of female health workers, and modernization of vocational education to boost skilled migration. He warned of an impending water crisis in Dhaka and stressed the need for preventive healthcare, road safety, and agricultural representation. He also pledged to ensure accountability through all levels of elections and called for solution-oriented criticism from the media.

Editors from major national and international outlets attended the event, offering congratulations and raising issues such as media independence, economic reform, and climate change as key challenges for Bangladesh’s future.

A 38-year-old man named Jamal Uddin was shot dead on a deserted road in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, on Saturday night. Police said the killing appeared to be premeditated, as the location was isolated, without CCTV or nearby houses. The incident occurred around 7:10 p.m., but police received the report at 7:41 p.m. The case took a new turn when fugitive former Chhatra League leader Nurul Azim Roni posted about the killing on Facebook at 7:40 p.m.—a minute before police were informed.

Investigators are focusing on how Roni learned of the murder so quickly. They suspect either direct contact with someone involved at the scene or access to a network that rapidly circulates information about violent incidents. Police are analyzing Roni’s digital communications, including phone and messaging records, to trace the source of his information. They are also verifying his claim that the victim had been accused of violent activities after August 5.

Local residents said Jamal Uddin had past links with Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir, though opinions differ on whether he was recently active. Police are examining possible motives, including political rivalry, personal disputes, or business conflicts.

A protest rally and assembly were held in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, demanding justice for the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. The event took place on Saturday afternoon, organized under the banner of the Anti-Fascist Student Society and local citizens. The rally started from Gobindaganj Government High School field, marched through the main streets of the municipal town, and ended at Thana Char Matha before converging beside the Dhaka–Rangpur highway for a gathering.

Speakers at the assembly described Hadi as a dedicated and frontline activist of the July 24 Movement who dreamed of building a new Bangladesh free from fascism, extortion, and exploitation. They alleged that a conspiratorial group killed him to obstruct his mission for justice and integrity. The speakers further claimed that the killers fled to India under the influence of a powerful group and are living there safely.

Participants demanded the immediate arrest and trial of those responsible for Hadi’s murder, urging authorities to ensure justice without delay.

Unidentified assailants hurled petrol bombs at the house of Shariful Islam Inna, the Sirajganj district correspondent of the daily Amar Desh, on Saturday night. The attack occurred around 9 p.m. when three young men arrived on motorcycles and threw two petrol bombs at his residence in the Diyar Dhangra area of Sirajganj municipality. Family members were alarmed by the explosion but managed to extinguish the fire using water.

Following the incident, the Sirajganj Superintendent of Police was immediately informed. Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Nazran Rouf, the Officer-in-Charge of Sirajganj Sadar Police Station, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Detective Branch visited the scene to assess the situation. Preparations are underway to file a case regarding the attack.

The incident has caused fear among local residents, while law enforcement authorities have begun initial investigations to identify those responsible.

Two auto rice mill workers were killed when the Mohanganj Express train hit them at Challisha on the Netrakona–Mymensingh railway line on Saturday evening around 6:30 pm. The victims were identified as Russell Islam, 25, from Sherpur’s Jhenaigati upazila, and Akash Roy, 24, from Chirirbandar in Dinajpur. Both had been working for about a year at the “Tamal Tanmoy” Auto Rice Mill owned by Jiban Kumar Saha in Challisha.

According to eyewitnesses and family sources, Russell and Akash, along with several coworkers, were walking along the railway track near their mill when the Dhaka-bound Mohanganj Express struck them. They were taken to Netrakona Modern Sadar Hospital, where duty doctor Dr. Shraddhananda Nath declared them dead upon arrival, noting injuries to their heads and bodies.

Shyamganj GRP Police Sub-Inspector Nurul Islam confirmed receiving information about the deaths and said the incident would be investigated and necessary legal steps taken.