Month: January 2026

Russia carried out a massive overnight aerial assault on Ukraine, launching 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles and 22 cruise missiles, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the strikes heavily targeted Kyiv and several other regions in the country, damaging civilian infrastructure and energy facilities during a period of severe cold, as the war continues in Eastern Europe for the last four years.

He confirmed that at least four people were killed in the capital alone, including a member of an ambulance crew.

“In Kyiv and the region, the aftermath of the massive Russian strike is still being dealt with. All necessary services are deployed. Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged,” Zelenskyy said, adding that recovery operations are ongoing in the Lviv region and other parts of the country.

The Ukrainian President said dozens of people were injured in the attacks and noted that Russia carried out a second strike on a residential building precisely when first responders were providing assistance after the initial attack.

“Unfortunately, as of now, it is known that four people have been killed in the capital alone. Among them is an ambulance crew member. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens of people were injured. There was also a second strike on one of the residential buildings – precisely at the moment when first responders were providing assistance after the first strike,” Zelenskyy stated in his post.

Providing details of the assault, Zelenskyy said Russia launched 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles aimed at energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, and 22 cruise missiles.

He said the timing of the attack, coinciding with a significant cold spell, showed it was deliberately aimed at disrupting the normal lives of civilians.

“The attack took place exactly when there was a significant cold spell. Aimed precisely against the normal life of ordinary people. Right now, everything possible is being done to restore heating and electricity supply for the people,” the Ukraianin President said, adding that a meeting of Ukraine’s Energy Staff would be held to review restoration timelines, equipment needs and responsible officials.

Zelenskyy also revealed that a building of the Embassy of Qatar in Ukraine was damaged by a Russian drone during the attack, noting that Qatar has played a key role in mediating with Russia to secure the release of prisoners of war and civilians.

“A clear reaction from the world is needed. Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that Russia must face consequences every time it chooses “killings and the destruction of infrastructure” over diplomacy.

He said the latest strike was a “very loud reminder” to Ukraine’s partners that strengthening Ukraine’s air defence remains a permanent priority, urging that no time be lost in deliveries, production or agreements. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine would inform its partners at all levels about the attack and the response measures required.

“Today, we will inform our partners at all levels about what has happened and what response measures we need,” Zelenskyy concluded. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously expected second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, following his military action in Caracas which led to the capture of the South American country’s leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, citing improved cooperation from Caracas and the release of a large number of political prisoners as part of efforts to ‘seek peace’.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said that the decision to call off further strikes comes as relations between Washington and Caracas enter a phase of cooperation, particularly on rebuilding and modernising Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure, which Trump had previously stated following the first wave of attack on Saturday.

He described the Venezuelan prisoner releases as a “very important and smart gesture”.

However, Trump noted that the US military units in the region will remain on alert even though the new round of offensive operations is no longer expected.

“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of “Seeking Peace.” This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure. Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes,” his post read.

Trump, in his post, further highlighted plans for significant investment in Venezuela’s energy sector, saying that at least USD 100 billion will be invested by major oil companies, and noting his intention to meet with top executives at the White House to discuss these plans.

“At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House,” his post added.

The move comes almost a week after the US launched a “large-scale strike” in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Saturday and captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.

They were indicted on charges of alleged “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies” in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial.

Earlier, Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, who was the Vice-President under Maduro, stated that relations with the US have suffered an unprecedented “stain,” even as she asserted that the country will continue pursuing a diversified economic strategy engaging major markets across all continents, El Cooperante reported.

Speaking during a live broadcast on state television VTV, Rodriguez said the US has adopted a policy of “exclusion” toward Venezuela, while emphasising that economic and trade ties between the two countries are neither unusual nor disproportionate.

Despite this, Rodriguez said both the public and private sectors would have access to global markets, underlining Venezuela’s openness to international cooperation.

Meanwhile, Trump has said that Venezuela would use revenue from a new oil agreement to purchase goods made exclusively in the US, noting that Caracas is “committed” to doing business with the US as its main partner, calling the move a “wise and very beneficial” decision for both countries. (ANI)

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s reaction to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), saying “this step of hers will not be considered appropriate.”

CM Yadav also stressed that the Chief Minister of any state was expected to cooperate with any central government departments.

Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, the CM said, “The Chief Minister of any state is expected to cooperate with the ED or any central government departments. We even take oaths for the purpose. But if one does such a light thing, I think it is not good. As the Chief Minister of the state, this step of hers will not be considered appropriate.”

This comes after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee allegedly interfered during an ED raid in Kolkata at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC in connection with the coal smuggling case.

Mamata Banerjee visited the I-PAC office, which was located on a public road, and accused the central agency of unlawfully seizing party-related data, laptops, mobile phones and strategic documents. She alleged that forensic experts transferred data during the raid, calling it a “crime” and daring Union Home Minister Amit Shah to fight the Trinamool Congress (TMC) democratically in Bengal.

CM Banerjee asserted that I-PAC is not a private organisation but an authorised team of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). She claimed the ED confiscated sensitive party documents, including data related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, despite the TMC being a registered political party that regularly submits income tax details.

Banerjee also alleged large-scale irregularities in the SIR process, claiming that 54 lakh voter names had been deleted due to so-called “logical discrepancies,” disproportionately affecting women and young voters. She further alleged that notices were even sent to eminent personalities, including economist Amartya Sen, and accused the BJP of being responsible for 72 deaths allegedly linked to stress caused by the SIR exercise.

Meanwhile, ED sources rejected allegations of political motivation, stating that the searches were conducted in accordance with legal safeguards. The agency claimed that certain individuals, including constitutional functionaries, illegally intruded into two raided premises and forcibly took away documents. (ANI)

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Friday accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of “misusing” the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to “loot and plunder” her party’s election data through a raid on the I-PAC office in Kolkata.

Speaking to reporters here, she labelled ED as the “Extortion Directorate” and questioned its ongoing actions against opposition parties.

“We have been detained and brought to Parliament Street police station. We were protesting peacefully outside the office of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who most shamelessly sent his Enforcement Directorate, the Extortion Directorate, to loot, plunder and do political espionage on our party and steal our election data and documents,” Moitra said.

“They (Delhi Police) dragged us, the public representatives, here. Why is ED selectively only for the opposition? No other opposition leader has the courage to do what Didi (Mamata Banerjee) did to save our party’s documents,” she added.

Moitra was at the Parliament Street police station with other detained MPs for protesting outside the Home Ministry.

Meanwhile, TMC MP Kirti Azad said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a protest march against ED action in Kolkata.

“You have seen that we were doing a peaceful protest outside Amit Shah’s office against the ED raid. The BJP lacks the courage to win against Mamata Banerjee. She will hold a march at 2 pm today to protest against the ED action in Kolkata,” he added.

The TMC MPs had gathered outside the Home Ministry in Delhi, raising slogans against Amit Shah, alleging “misuse” of the probe agency.

This comes after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee allegedly interfered during an ED raid in Kolkata at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC in connection with the coal smuggling case.

Banerjee questioned the legality of the raid, alleging that the central agency had seized party-related materials, including hard disks, candidate lists and strategic documents, and accused Amit Shah of misusing central agencies.

“Is it the duty of the ED, Amit Shah, to collect the party’s hard disk, candidate list? The nasty, naughty Home Minister who cannot protect the country is taking away all my party documents,” Banerjee said while speaking to reporters.

“If Amit Shah wants Bengal, then come, fight democratically, and win. Everyone must know what kind of operation has been carried out. At 6:00 am, they arrived and seized the party’s data, laptops, strategies, and mobile phones. Their forensic experts transferred all the data. I believe this is a crime,” she said.

Countering the Chief Minister’s allegations, the ED accused Mamata Banerjee of entering the residential premises of Prateek Jain, director of I-PAC, during the ongoing search operation and taking away “key evidence”, including physical documents and electronic devices.

“Banerjee entered the residential premises of Prateek Jain and took away key evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices,” the ED said, adding that her convoy then proceeded to I-PAC’s office, from where “Ms Banerjee, her aides and the state police personnel forcibly removed physical documents and electronic evidence”. (ANI)

In a major relief for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Thalapathy Vijay’s much-awaited film ‘Jana Nayagan’, the Madras High Court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ certification for the film, days after the makers postponed its theatrical release.

Justice PT Asha of the Madras High Court directed the censor board to issue the U/A certificate.

Indra Dhanraj, joint coordinator for the state legal wing, TVK, shared that a petition was filed on January 6, regarding the non-issuance of a certification.

“The matter was postponed, and today the order was pronounced. The writ petition has been allowed by the MHC. If the movie is not screened on time, it will be a huge loss for people, so reimbursement is being given. The lawyers informed that 27 scenes have been cut. If CBFC goes for an appeal, we will face them in court,” she told the media.

In response, the Censor Board is likely to file an appeal before the Chief Justice’s Bench, challenging the order passed by the single judge.

Meanwhile, the court’s decision has already sparked a wave of joy among fans, as many took to the streets to celebrate the moment. Advocates of TVK’s legal wing also joined the celebrations by distributing sweets outside the Madras HC.

The Madras High Court’s move comes after days of legal uncertainty over the planned release of ‘Jana Nayagan’, which is expected to be actor Thalapathy Vijay’s final movie.

It has been postponed ahead of the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The film was originally planned to be released in theatres on January 9, 2026.

Production house KVN Productions shared a statement to inform fans and stakeholders about the delay. While sharing the update, the makers spoke about the “heavy heart” behind the decision and said the postponement was due to “unavoidable circumstances” beyond their control.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control. We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us,” the statement read.

The makers are yet to react to the Madras High Court’s latest decision, along with details surrounding the film’s new release date. (ANI)

Security has been stepped up at the Turkman Gate area of the national capital after a demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid earlier this week triggered unrest and stone pelting. Heavy police deployment continued on Friday as authorities worked to prevent any further escalation and ensure law and order in the sensitive locality.

According to the Delhi police, a total of 11 people have so far been arrested in connection with the stone-pelting incident that occurred during the anti-encroachment drive. Visuals from the site surfaced earlier this morning, showing debris clearance work underway near the Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, with security personnel maintaining a strict vigil across the area.

Yesterday, Delhi police also confirmed that 30 individuals have been identified for their alleged involvement in the violence. The identification was made using CCTV footage and viral videos circulating on social media. Police teams have launched raids at multiple locations to take the remaining suspects into custody.

A video from a police bodycam, taken before the stone-pelting, was recorded when the encroachments began to be removed. Similar videos are being viewed from police bodycams, which may have captured rioters.

In a related development, the Delhi Police is set to issue a summons to Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, asking him to join the investigation. Nadvi was present at the site shortly before the violence broke out. Police said that despite repeated requests by senior officers, he remained in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

The demolition drive was conducted near Turkman Gate, close to Ramlila Maidan, following directions from the Delhi High Court. Police said the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 7 after several coordination meetings with the members of the Aman Committee and local stakeholders to maintain peace. (ANI)

The 12 suspended Congress corporators from Maharashtra’s Ambernath municipal council on Thursday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray accused the BJP of indulging in “dirty and communal politics”, claiming that the party has failed to address key public issues.

Speaking to ANI, Thackeray said, “… We have been seeing this dirty politics by the BJP… Fadnavis has nothing left to do; he has done no work he can show to people, so he is doing communal politics… Sambhaji Nagar has water crisis. What did the BJP do there in the last 3 years…”

On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his strong displeasure and asked local BJP units to end their alliances with the Congress in Ambarnath and with the AIMIM in Akot after the municipal council elections in the state.

BJP, in a rare move, entered into an alliance with Congress to gain control over the Ambernath municipal council to keep out its ally Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena.

Shiv Sena won the highest number of 27 seats, just four shy of a majority in the 60-member House. BJP, on the other hand, won 14 seats, Congress won 12, Ajit Pawar’s NCP won 4 seats, and two seats went to independent candidates, prompting BJP to ally with Congress and Ajit Pawar’s NCP.

BJP also formed a similar alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM and several other parties in the Akot Municipal Council in Akola district.

Following the alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called out the BJP for “their double standards” of giving a slogan of “Congress-free India” and then entering into an alliance with them to secure a majority in the Ambernath municipal council.

He also criticised the BJP for being in alliance with Ajit Pawar’s NCP, stating that Ajit Pawar does not believe in Veer Savarkar’s ideology.

Polling for 29 municipal corporation elections across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI)

Prominent Iranian activist and journalist Masih Alinejad has urged the international community to support ongoing protests in Iran, saying the demands of the Iranian people are unequivocal as demonstrations enter their twelfth day.

In a post on social media platform X, Alinejad referred to the continuing protests and her appearance on Fox News, stating, “On the Fox News network @FoxNews and on the twelfth day of the Iranian people’s protests: The message of the Iranian people is clear. The people do not want this regime and will never allow the reformists to take power.”

Highlighting measures taken by Iranian authorities during the unrest, she said, “The regime cuts off the internet as usual; Elon Musk, help in this sensitive situation for the Iranian people to gain access to the internet.”

Expanding her appeal beyond internet access, Alinejad also called for broader international support, saying, “Trump and the international community, help the Iranian people reach a secular democracy, something they deserve, from dictatorship.”

Her remarks come as protests have spread across multiple Iranian cities amid a deepening economic crisis, with demonstrations intensifying even as authorities issue stern warnings against dissent, according to Al Jazeera.

In the capital Tehran, protesters set fires on the streets, while large crowds marched in cities including Borujerd, Arsanjan and Gilan-e Gharb. Footage from the southern city of Shiraz showed security forces driving over a protest barricade carrying the message “We revolt due to hunger.”

The demonstrations, now in their second week, followed strong remarks by Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, who warned of consequences for those involved in unrest. Referring to what he described as external influence, he said, “If anyone comes into the streets for riots or to create insecurity, or supports them, then no excuse remains for them. The matter has become very clear and transparent. They are now operating in line with the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

According to Al Jazeera, Mohseni-Ejei’s comments were linked to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who last week warned Tehran that if it “violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue,” adding that the US was “locked and loaded and ready to go.”

That warning followed a 12-day conflict seven months ago in which Israeli and US forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced support for the protesters, telling ministers, “It is quite possible that we are at a moment when the Iranian people are taking their fate into their own hands.”

Following the judiciary’s warning, Iran’s military leadership issued its own response. Speaking to students at a military academy, Major-General Amir Hatami warned of preemptive action over what he described as hostile rhetoric, saying Iran would “cut off the hand of any aggressor.”

He added, “I can say with confidence that today the readiness of Iran’s armed forces is far greater than before the war. If the enemy commits an error, it will face a more decisive response.”

As protests continued, Iran was hit by a nationwide internet blackout, further restricting communication across the country. Online monitoring group NetBlocks said the disruption was detected nationwide as demonstrations continued in multiple cities.

In a post on social media on Thursday, NetBlocks said the apparent shutdown followed “a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment”.

Al Jazeera reported that the nationwide protests were triggered late last month when shopkeepers in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the collapse of Iran’s rial, amid worsening economic conditions driven by mismanagement and Western sanctions.

While Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures, rights activists say at least 36 people have been killed and more than 2,000 arrested, figures Al Jazeera said it has been unable to independently verify.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later vowed not to “yield to the enemy,” comments that gained added significance following a recent US military operation that abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a close ally of Tehran, according to Al Jazeera.

In an effort to ease public anger, Iran’s government on Wednesday announced monthly assistance of about USD 7 to offset rising prices of basic food items such as rice, meat and pasta, a move that has been widely criticised as inadequate.

“More than a week of protests in Iran reflects not only worsening economic conditions, but longstanding anger at government repression and regime policies that have led to Iran’s global isolation,” the New York-based Soufan Center think tank said. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump, in an interview to The New York Times brushed aside international law. He spoke about NATO and Greenland, with an emphasis on ownership, while also hinting that China would not take any steps against Taiwan, till Trump was in office.

When asked by the New York Times if there were any limits to his global power, the US President said that it is only his mind that can stop him.

“Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me. I don’t need international law,” he said, while emphasising, “I’m not looking to hurt people.”

When pushed further about whether his administration needed to abide by international law, Trump told the New York Times, “I do.” It reported that Trump made clear he would be the arbiter when such constraints applied to the US. “It depends what your definition of international law is,” he said.

On the issue of China and Taiwan, when asked that Xi Jinping regarded Taiwan as a separatist threat to China, Trump told the New York Times, “That’s up to him, what he’s going to be doing. But, you know, I’ve expressed to him that I would be very unhappy if he did that, and I don’t think he’ll do that. I hope he doesn’t.”

On the recent developments between China and Taiwan a the threat to choke off Taiwan, Trump said that the Chinese President would not take such steps while he is in office.

“He may do it after we have a different president, but I don’t think he’s going to do it with me as president,” Trump said.

On being asked which was his higher priority- preservation of NATO or obtaining Greenland, Trump declined to answer directly, but acknowledged “it may be a choice.”

“Ownership is very important,” he said.

When why he needed to possess the territory, Trump told New York Times, “Because that’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success. I think that ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do with, you’re talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.”

Speaking about Europe, he said, “I think we’ll always get along with Europe, but I want them to shape up. I’m the one that got them to spend more on the, you know, more GDP on NATO. But if you look at NATO, Russia, I can tell you is not at all concerned with any other country but us. I’ve been very loyal to Europe. I’ve done a good job. If it weren’t for me, Russia would have all of Ukraine right now.”

Earlier on Thursday, US VP JD Vance said that the European leaders should take President Trump seriously on Greenland, seeing how “hostile adversaries” are showing interest in the region. Calling it important not only for American missile defence, but also the world missile defence, Vance said that Europe should take its security more seriously, otherwise the US would have to “do something about it”. (ANI)

Three Indian nationals were allegedly among the crew members aboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by US military forces in the North Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, according to a report by RT.

Citing sources, RT reported that the vessel had a crew of 28, comprising 17 Ukrainian citizens, six Georgian citizens, “three Indian citizens,” and two Russian citizens.

The development comes a day after the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera – formerly the Bella 1 – by US forces in the North Atlantic Ocean after weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard warship, after it allegedly evaded a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for over a fortnight.

Following the seizure, Moscow issued a strong condemnation, asserting that no country has the right to use force against vessels lawfully registered under another state’s jurisdiction, particularly on the high seas.

In a Telegram statement on Wednesday, Russia’s Ministry of Transport said the tanker Marinera, originally named Bella 1, received a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation flag on December 24, 2025, in accordance with Russian and international law.

The statement noted that the vessel was boarded by US Naval forces outside their territorial waters, following which contact with the vessel was lost.

“On December 24, 2025, the Marinera received a temporary permit to sail under the Russian Federation flag, issued in accordance with Russian law and international law. Today, at approximately 3:00 PM Moscow time, the vessel was boarded by US Navy forces in the high seas outside the territorial waters of any state, and contact with the vessel was lost,” the statement read.

“In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in high seas waters, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states,” the Ministry of Transport added.

According to a post on X by the US European Command, the tanker violated US sanctions and was tracked by the US Coast Guard cutter Munro before the operation. The command noted that the vessel was seized under a warrant issued by a US federal court.

Originally named Bella 1, the tanker was sanctioned in 2024 and renamed Marinera.

Moscow later demanded that Washington ensure the humane and dignified treatment of Russian nationals aboard the seized tanker and called for their prompt return to their homeland, TASS reported.

According to a statement cited by TASS on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it is closely monitoring reports that the US military has boarded the tanker Mariner, originally Bella 1, on the high seas, noting that Russian citizens are among the crew.

“Considering the incoming information regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of them and strictly respect their rights and interests,” the Foreign Ministry said, as quoted by TASS.

Moscow also urged Washington not to impede the prompt return of Russian nationals from the tanker to Russia, stressing that their safety and legal rights must be fully upheld. (ANI)