Month: January 2026

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Saturday announced that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism and would face US justice.

In a post on X she said, “Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international Narco- traffickers.”

The Attorney General’s remarks come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife “were captured and flown out of the country”. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a “narco-terrorist” government.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the US President posted on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, in what can be seen as the polarisation the world is likely to see in the next few weeks, the Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable.

In a statement the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry said, “This morning, the US committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This development gives rise to deep concern and warrants condemnation. The pretexts used to justify these actions are untenable. Ideologized animosity has prevailed over pragmatic engagement, as well as over any readiness to build relations based on trust and predictability.”

The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting. (ANI)

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned the US military action against Venezuela, calling it not only a violation of the country’s sovereignty but also a violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the basic rules of international law.

Iran called for condemnation of the US action by the United Nations and said it fully qualifies as an “act of aggression.”

“The US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the basic rules of international law, particularly Article 2(4) of the Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force, and fully qualifies as an act of aggression.’ It must be explicitly and immediately condemned by the UN and by all states that are committed to the rule of law, as well as to international peace and security,” Iranian Foreign Ministry said in statement on X.

“The US military aggression against an independent state that is a member of the UN represents a grave breach of regional and international peace and security. Its consequences affect the entire international system and will further expose the UN Charter-based order to erosion and destruction,” it added.

Iran said that the UN Security Council should halt “United States’ unlawful aggression against Venezuela”

“While recalling Venezuela’s inherent right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the legal and moral responsibility of all states and international organizations, particularly the UN and its Security Council, to immediately halt the United States’ unlawful aggression against Venezuela,” the statement added.

Iran also stressed the necessity of taking appropriate measures to hold accountable the planners and perpetrators of crimes committed in the course of this military aggression.

#Iran's Foreign Ministry’s statement on #USA military aggression against #Venezuela

The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and the blatant violation of the country’s national sovereignty and territorial… https://t.co/iSPrykAitJ

— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) January 3, 2026

President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife “were captured and flown out of the country”.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the US strike on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as an act or armed aggression and said that the pretext used to justify the action is untenable.

The Russian Federation also supported calls by South American leaders for the calling of an urgent UN Security Council meeting.

The “capture of Maduro” comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a “narco-terrorist” government.

Belarus politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a post on X that the events which unfurled on Saturday would bring “justice, freedom and rule of law” for Venezuela.

“Today my heart is with the people of Venezuela. I hope recent events will bring justice, freedom, and the rule of law that Venezuelans have long deserved and bravely fought for. Dictators are not eternal — and today, it seems Lukashenka has lost yet another illegitimate crony.”

Today my heart is with the people of Venezuela.

I hope recent events will bring justice, freedom, and the rule of law that Venezuelans have long deserved and bravely fought for.

Dictators are not eternal — and today, it seems Lukashenka has lost yet another illegitimate crony.

— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) January 3, 2026

Deep divisions have emerged in Latin America on Maduro’s capture.

Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa Azin said on X, “To all the narco chavista criminals, your time is coming. Your structure will completely collapse across the entire continent. To @MariaCorinaYA @EdmundoGU and the Venezuelan people: it’s time to reclaim your country. You have an ally in Ecuador.”

A todos los criminales narco chavistas les llega su hora. Su estructura terminará de caer en todo el continente.

A @MariaCorinaYA @EdmundoGU y al pueblo venezolano: es momento de recuperar su país. Tienen un aliado en Ecuador.

— Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) January 3, 2026

Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Saturday gave a call for peaceful resolution after American action in Venezuela, where the US “captured” President Maduro and his wife. The Chilean President condemned the military action and said that the crisis must be resolved through dialogue and multilateralism. (ANI)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday confirmed that it has excluded Bangladeshi player Muztafizur Rahman from its IPL 2026 squad after the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s directive.

A media advisory issued by the KKR stated, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.”

“The release has been carried out following due process and consultations, upon the instruction of the Board of Control of Cricket in India,” it said.

“BCCI will allow Kolkata Knight Riders a replacement player in line with IPL regulations, and further details will be communicated in due course,” the advisory stated.

This comes after the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the apex cricket board has instructed the IPL franchise KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman “due to the recent developments”.

“Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their players Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” Devaijit Saikia told ANI.

Notably, the inclusion of the Bangladesh player has sparked a political backlash, particularly amid the recent targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, and various opinions have been raised about Mustafizur being selected by KKR for the IPL 2026 season.

Mustafizur was picked up by the Kolkata-based franchise for a whopping Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction in December last year.

After BCCI’s directive, BJP leader Sangeet Singh Som welcomed the apex board’s decision and targeted the franchise’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, saying the actor has understood not to go against the “Sanatanis”.

Speaking with ANI, Sangeet Singh Som said, “Thanks to BCCI for its decision in view of the 100 crore Sanatanis of India. We said yesterday that cognisance will be taken of this matter because the sentiments of 100 crore people cannot be taken lightly… This is the victory of the Hindus of the entire nation.”

“Shah Rukh Khan has understood that he should not go against Sanatanis while living in India. He has also understood that thousands of Sanatanis have made him Shah Rukh Khan,” he added. (ANI)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday outlined three key demands of Congress’ MGNREGA Bachao Sangram,’ stressing that the scheme was “not a charity but a legal guarantee.

Kharge said that Congress demand the central government withdraw the recently enacted Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, restore MGNREGA as a rights-based law and restore the right to work and Panchayats’ authority.

“MGNREGA is not charity. It is a legal guarantee. Crores of poorest people got work in their own villages; MGNREGA reduced hunger and distress migration, raised rural wages, and strengthened women’s economic dignity,” Kharge said in a post on X.

Kharge further alleged that VB-G Ram G Act threatens to dismantle the rights-based structure of MGNREGA by replacing guaranteed work with discretion, centralising control, and weakening Gram Sabhas and States.

“VB GRAM G is designed to dismantle this right. Congress opposes it because work will no longer be a guaranteed right, only a permission in selected Panchayats. Budgets will be capped, so work ends when money ends even during crisis. Delhi will decide funds and works, pushing Gram Sabhas and Panchayats into irrelevance. 60-day work blackout will legalise denial of work during peak distress. Wages will become uncertain and suppressible instead of being a protected entitlement. States will be forced to fund 40 percent, weakening federalism and harming poor states. Technology will exclude workers through biometric and app based barriers. Village assets will be replaced by contractor style projects,” Kharge said.

“Attacking MGNREGA is attacking crores of workers and their Constitutional Rights. We will RESIST, peacefully and firmly, from every Panchayat to Parliament,” Kharge added.

This comes after Congress announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled “MGNREGA Bachao” against the newly enacted VB-G Ram G bill.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s office in New Delhi, Congress General Secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh accused the Centre of attempting to centralise the employment guarantee scheme and acting arbitrarily.

As per the party, Phase 1 will begin on January 8 with a full-day preparatory meeting at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) offices in the presence of general secretaries and in-charges. District-level press conference will be held at District Congress Committee (DCC) offices on January 10, followed by a one-day fast at district headquarters on January 11 near the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar.

Phase 2 of the campaign will run from January 12 to January 30. During this period, panchayat-level chaupals will be organised across all gram panchayats, along with the delivery of a letter from the Congress president.

“Vidhan Sabha-level nukkad sabhas and pamphlet distribution are also planned. On January 30, Martyr’s Day, the party will hold peaceful sit-ins at the ward level with MGNREGA workers,” Venugopal said.

“Phase 3 will begin on January 31 with district-level MNREGA Bachao dharnas at DC/DM offices till February 6. This will be followed by state-level gheraos of Vidha Sabha buildings from February 7 to February 15 and four zonal AICC rallies across the country between February 16 and February 25,” he added. (ANI)

President of the United States Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the US President posted on Truth Social

The capture of Maduro, as confirmed by Trump, comes amid sharply heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a “narco-terrorist” government.

The US had also imposed sanctions on vessels it claims are involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. At the same time, the US military stepped up actions against Venezuelan boats in the region, alleging their involvement in drug and narcotics smuggling. Trump has called on Maduro to step down, accusing Venezuela of doing “terrible things” against the United States.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government on Saturday issued a statement rejecting and condemning what it described as a “military aggression” by the United States against Venezuelan territory, accusing Washington of violating the United Nations Charter and threatening regional peace and stability.

In the official statement, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela alleged that the United States carried out attacks on civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, calling the action a flagrant breach of international law, including Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter, which uphold state sovereignty and prohibit the use of force.

The Venezuelan government said the alleged aggression was aimed at seizing the country’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and undermining Venezuela’s political independence. It rejected what it described as attempts to impose “regime change”, stressing that Venezuela had defended its sovereignty for more than two centuries.

Referring to historical precedents, the statement said the Venezuelan people would once again defend their independence, invoking the legacy of Simon Bolivar and other national leaders. Calling for mobilisation, the Venezuelan government urged all social and political forces to repudiate what it termed an “imperialist attack”.

It said the Bolivarian National Armed Forces were deployed nationwide to guarantee sovereignty and peace, while diplomatic channels would be activated to raise complaints before the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC and the Non-Aligned Movement. The statement said President Nicolas Maduro had ordered the implementation of national defence plans in line with the Constitution and relevant national security laws, and had signed a decree declaring a State of External Commotion across Venezuela.

It added that comprehensive national defence command structures had been deployed across states and municipalities. Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Venezuelan government said it reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, territory and independence, and called on governments and peoples worldwide to express solidarity.

The statement was issued amid reports of loud explosions across Venezuela’s capital Caracas early Saturday, which triggered power outages in several neighbourhoods, CNN reported.

Reacting to the developments, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for the United Nations Security Council to be convened to discuss US action against Venezuela. “Colombia is a member of the United Nations Security Council which must be convened immediately. Establish the international legality of the aggression against Venezuela,” he posted on X. (ANI)

Legendary actor Anupam Kher has begun work on his 550th film, ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla 2’. He described the milestone as the “interval point” of his life and career and expressed gratitude to audiences and the film fraternity for their continued support.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, Kher recalled an interaction with an international director at the Cannes Film Festival last year, who referred to him as the “marathon man of Indian cinema” after learning about the number of films he has acted in. The actor said the remark stayed with him as he reflected on his journey in cinema.

“So You are the MARATHON MAN of Indian Cinema!!” Said an International Director at the #CannesFilmFestival last year when I told him the number of films I have acted in! So today as I start my 550th film #KhoslaKaGhosla2 my heart is filled with GRATITUDE and THANKFULNESS !,” Kher wrote on his Instagram handle.

Kher said he never imagined reaching such a landmark when he arrived in Mumbai, often called the city of dreams, on June 3, 1981. He said beginning his 550th film filled him with gratitude and thankfulness as he prepared to give his first shot for Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 in Delhi.

“When I landed in #Mumbai, the city of dreams on the 3rd June 1981 never had I dreamt that I will reach this LANDMARK of 550 films. But here I am in Delhi ready to give my first shot for KKG2,” he said.

Stressing that he still has much more to offer, the actor said he believes he has only reached the midpoint of his career. He added that dreams have no expiry date and credited his optimism, perseverance and strong work ethic as the biggest strengths that have sustained him over the years.

“Just FYI I genuinely feel I have so much to give, so much to do! I have reached only the ‘interval point’ of my life and my career! Dreams have no EXPIRY date! My Optimism, my Never Giving up attitude and my ability to Work Hard has been my biggest strengths!,” he added.

Kher also thanked producers, directors, co-actors, technicians and audiences, saying his long journey in cinema would not have been possible without their support. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to viewers, stating that reaching the milestone of 550 films would not have been achievable without their encouragement.

“But my survival for all these years has only been possible because of the support I got from all my producers, directors, co-actors, technicians and above all YOU, my AUDIENCES! Without your support reaching this landmark would never have been possible!,” his post reads.

The actor concluded his message on a note of gratitude and positivity, reaffirming his commitment to continue working with the same passion and dedication in the years ahead. “So a big heartfelt THANK YOU! Jai Ho! Jai Hind! Om Namah Shivay! #MarathonMan #GodIsKind, ” he concluded.

On the work front, Anupam Kher recently directed his second film, ‘Tanvi The Great’, which starred debutant Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role. (ANI)

After US President Donald Trump warned of possible intervention if Iranian authorities target protesters, Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi thanked him for supporting the Iranian people.

Pahlavi said Iranians are demanding an end to “this regime’s 46-year reign of chaos and terror” and want to rebuild ties with the United States to bring peace and stability to the region.

In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, “President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope–hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by their side. As they risk their lives to end this regime’s 46-year reign of chaos and terror, they send me with a responsibility and a message: to seek the relationship Iran once had with America that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East.”

The former Iranian Queen, Farah Pahlavi also backed the protests calling on security forces to join the people in their struggle

“We are a people with a proud history of culture, art, intellect and innovation. Iran was once a beacon of hope and progress and it will be again. The future belongs to those who dare to dream, who dare to fight for a better tomorrow. I have full faith that you will reclaim your land, your freedom and your dignity. To my fellow Iranians, hold onto your faith in each other. Stand together, with love in your hearts for this beautiful land and for the generations yet to come. Your struggle is not in vain. This moment is yours. This time will be remembered as the turning point, when the Iranian people took their future back into their hands. I call on the security forces to join the people in this movement,” she posted on X.

Meanwhile, Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. He said that all individuals must be able to protest peacefully and express their grievances.

US President Donald Trump had earlier issued the warning on Tuesday (local time) through a social media post, threatening the current Iranian regime amid ongoing protests.

He wrote, “If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The remarks came as people across Iran continued to protest against rising prices and economic hardship. Demonstrations have been reported in several provinces, with some turning violent and leading to deadly clashes with security forces, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, urging them to condemn Trump’s “unlawful threats” against Tehran.

The letter was sent on Friday, just hours after Trump said that the US was “locked and loaded and ready to go” if protesters were killed during demonstrations triggered by rising living costs.

In the letter, Iravani asked UN leaders to “unequivocally and firmly condemn” Trump’s “reckless and provocative statements,” saying they amounted to a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law.

“Any attempt to incite, encourage or legitimise internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention is a gross violation of the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iravani wrote. The letter was published in full by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

He added that Iran’s government “reiterates its inherent right to defend its sovereignty” and would act in a “decisive and proportionate manner.”

“The United States of America bears full responsibility for any consequences arising from these illegal threats and any subsequent escalation of tensions,” Iravani said.

According to IRNA, protests continued on Friday in several Iranian cities, including Qom, Marvdasht, Yasuj, Mashhad and Hamedan. Demonstrations were also reported in parts of Tehran, including Tehranpars and Khak Sefid.

The unrest spread nationwide after shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike on Sunday over soaring prices and prolonged economic stagnation.

At least nine people have been killed and 44 arrested so far. The deputy governor of Qom province said another person died after a grenade exploded in his hand, calling it an attempt to provoke unrest, IRNA reported. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One,” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex here on Saturday.

The exhibition marks a historic moment with the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated after 127 years. The display also features relics, gem relics, and reliquaries unearthed during the 1898 excavation and the subsequent 1971-1975 excavations at the Piprahwa site.

PM Modi had posted pictures from the exhibition and exhorted visitors to experience the exposition.

“This Exposition brings together: The Piprahwa relics repatriated after more than a century. Authentic relics and archaeological materials from Piprahwa that are preserved in the collections of the National Museum, New Delhi and the Indian Museum, Kolkata. This Exposition is in line with our commitment to further popularising the noble thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha. It is also an effort to further deepen the bond between our youth and our rich culture. I would also like to appreciate everyone who worked towards the repatriation of these relics,” he said.

The event has drawn attention from historians, cultural enthusiasts, and Buddhist followers from across the country and abroad, showcasing India’s efforts to preserve and celebrate its ancient heritage.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Savitribai Phule and Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversary, acknowledging their inspirational contributions to society.

PM Modi highlighted Savitribai Phule’s contribution to transforming Indian society through service and education.In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, we remember a pioneer whose life was devoted to the transformation of society through service and education. She was committed to principles of equality, justice and compassion. She believed that education was the most powerful instrument of social change and focused on transforming lives through knowledge as well as learning. Her work in caring for the vulnerable is also noteworthy.”

Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher of India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women’s rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism. Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls’ school in Pune, at Bhide wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She is regarded as an important figure of the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer.

Paying tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, PM Modi said that through her opposition to colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone.”On the birthday of Rani Velu Nachiyar, I pay my respects to her. Possessing courage and strategic acumen, she is remembered as one of India’s most valiant heroines. Having risen against colonial oppression, she asserted that the right to rule India belongs to Indians alone. Her commitment to good governance and cultural pride is also commendable. Her sacrifices and visionary leadership will inspire many generations,” he said.

Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first woman from a royal family to have challenged the British Empire. Rani Velu Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by the combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot.Later, she escaped with her daughter, lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period, she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with the military assistance of her allies and won the battle. (ANI)

At least 14 Naxals have been killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh here on Saturday, an official said.

During an anti-Naxal operation in the Bastar range, security forces recovered the bodies of 14 Maoists. Of these, two were from Bijapur district and 12 from Sukma district.

The search operation was launched after concrete intelligence about the presence of armed Maoists in the southern parts of Bastar. Teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) were deployed in the region. Intermittent encounters between the DRG and Maoists have been ongoing since around 5:00 AM in Bijapur and 8:00 AM in Sukma.

A large cache of weapons was recovered from the encounter sites, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, and SLR rifles.

Earlier, two Maoists were killed in an encounter with the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in Bijapur of Chhattisgarh here on Saturday, an official said.

Security forces launched a search operation in the southern region of Bijapur district. A team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was deployed as part of the operation in the South Bastar region.

According to Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj, intermittent exchanges of fire between the DRG personnel and Maoists have been ongoing since around 5.00 am. During the course of the search operation, the bodies of two Maoists were recovered from the encounter site.

Earlier, the Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh had a historic and decisive year in 2025, achieving significant progress across security, peace, welfare, and development, said the release.

Decisive anti-Maoist operations led to the dismantling of top Maoist leadership, large-scale recovery of weapons, and the secure surrender of senior cadres. These developments have laid a strong foundation for lasting peace in the region.

“The year 2025 has been a historic and decisive year marked by significant achievements on the fronts of security, peace, service, justice, and development. As a result of precise and timely intelligence-based anti-Maoist operations, effective area domination, and strong coordination among various security forces, decisive control over Naxalite activities has been established. The large-scale recovery of weapons, along with the surrender and successful rehabilitation of senior Maoist cadres, has laid a strong foundation for lasting peace in the region,” said Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, P Sundarraj.

The release stated that the strengthening of the security environment in 2025 has had a clear and positive impact on overall development and public welfare in the Bastar Range. Expansion of basic infrastructure such as roads, communication, healthcare, and education, along with the effective delivery of government welfare schemes to remote areas, has been ensured. (ANI)

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has taken a decision to instruct Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman from their roster for IPL 2026 season. BCCI says it will permit the franchise to replace the player.

Board Secretary Devjit Saikia told ANI, “Due to the recent developments which is going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their player Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh from their squad and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement.”

The inclusion of the Bangladesh player had kicked up a political storm especially in context of the recent targeting of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Earlier, Spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur criticised Shah Rukh Khan over the inclusion of a Bangladesh player in his co-owned KKR team for the IPL. He sent sharp comments against the Bollywood actor and the management of the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The three-time champions Kolkata acquired right-arm pacer Mustafizur for a massive amount of Rs 9.20 crore during the IPL auction.

Devkinandan Thakur stated that Hindus in Bangladesh were facing extreme atrocities.

“In Bangladesh, Hindus are being brutally murdered, their homes are being burned, and their sisters and daughters are being raped. After witnessing such brutal killings, how can someone be so heartless, especially someone who calls himself the owner of a team? How can he be so cruel as to include a cricketer from that very country in his team?” he said.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief Imam, All India Imam Organisation, also demanded that Shah Rukh Khan apologise to the nation for inclusion of the Bangladesh pacer in the KKR Squad.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said that KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan should give a statement condemning the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh and also remove Mustafizur from his team.

“Does Shah Rukh Khan have no information regarding the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh?… It is a matter of regret that despite having information regarding the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, KKR selected a Bangladeshi player in the IPL auction. Shah Rukh Khan should apologise to the nation…He should also give a statement condemning the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh,” Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi told ANI.

Earlier, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had urged KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan to remove the Bangladeshi player from his team before the Bollywood icon became a target.

“When the entire country is enraged and angry at Bangladesh, anyone in India who has even the slightest connection to Bangladeshis could become a target of that anger. If there is a Bangladeshi in Shah Rukh Khan’s team, before he becomes a major target, we request that Shah Rukh Khan remove the Bangladeshi from his team. This will be for his own good and will also protect India’s interests,” Sanjay Nirupam told ANI.

Reacting to the controversy, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said the focus should be on who permitted Bangladeshi players to be included in the IPL auction in the first place.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “First of all, I want to ask who put the Bangladeshi players in that pool. This question is for the BCCI and the ICC. Home Minister’s son, Jay Shah, should answer who put the Bangladeshi players in the pool where IPL players are bought and sold, the pool where the players’ auction takes place… he is the ICC’s chief and the main decision-maker in cricket all around the world.”

Now, with the BCCI stepping in KKR will have to find an effective replacement for Mustafizur. (ANI)