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Iran National Defence Council has stated that it may not wait to be attacked first and warned of a preemptive strike against unnamed “long-standing enemies”, in the case it feels any threat to its national security, territorial integrity and independence. Iran warned that its national security and sovereignty are an "uncrossable red line". The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that it would be “hit very hard” if the nation targeted the protestors.“Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” the statement read.&nbsp;The message, however, did not specify the adversary. Iran is still recovering from the consequences of the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Further, the US sanctions have pushed the country to the brink. It is witnessing a massive protest against inflation, the rising cost of living, which has spread across Tehran and other major cities.&nbsp;The government seems unfazed by these protests and, at the same time, faces external pressure from the US and Israel. Israeli intelligence has engaged in misinformation campaigns related to the protests. The former CIA director Mike Pompeo has also indicated that the protests were infiltrated by the MOSSAD agents. Students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, have held a protest condemning the violence.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">University students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, held a protest to condemn recent riots in the country. <a href="https://t.co/AOP8Vi0bwM">pic.twitter.com/AOP8Vi0bwM</a>&mdash; Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) <a href="https://twitter.com/TehranTimes79/status/2008474660015346152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Iran has accused its long-standing enemies of “a calculated approach aimed at the disintegration of beloved Iran”. “The intensification of threatening rhetoric and interference, which goes beyond mere verbal posturing, can be interpreted as hostile conduct,” said Iran in the statement. It would take &nbsp;“proportionate, firm, and deterrent response,” ready for any possible consequences.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a new military plan, “Operation Iron Strike”, emphasising "solidarity with the aspirations of the Iranian people for freedom.”Various Media reports suggest that the plan could involve striking various military infrastructure, coinciding with the protest. However, specific details of the operation remain undisclosed. A British MP, Tom Tugendhat, said there have been reports floating about massive cargo shipments from Russia landing in Iran. Neither Iran nor Russia have responded to these claims.&nbsp;

Iran warns it may act preemptively if threatened, as protests over inflation grow and US President Donald Trump issues a sharp warning.

Iran National Defence Council has stated that it may not wait to be attacked first and warned of a preemptive strike against unnamed “long-standing enemies”, in the case it feels any threat to its national security, territorial integrity and independence. Iran warned that its national security and sovereignty are an "uncrossable red line". The warning comes after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran that it would be “hit very hard” if the nation targeted the protestors. “Within the framework of legitimate self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider itself limited to reacting after the action and considers objective signs of threat to be part of the security equation,” the statement read. The message, however, did not specify the adversary. Iran is still recovering from the consequences of the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Further, the US sanctions have pushed the country to the brink. It is witnessing a massive protest against inflation, the rising cost of living, which has spread across Tehran and other major cities. The government seems unfazed by these protests and, at the same time, faces external pressure from the US and Israel. Israeli intelligence has engaged in misinformation campaigns related to the protests. The former CIA director Mike Pompeo has also indicated that the protests were infiltrated by the MOSSAD agents. Students in Shiraz, southwestern Iran, have held a protest condemning the violence.

Iran warns it may act preemptively if threatened, as protests over inflation grow and US President Donald Trump issues a sharp warning.

Iran warns of possible preemptive military strikes amid protests and rising US tensions

Russia, in recent days, has been very vocal about its support for Venezuela, especially since the United States, in a shock military raid, captured the South American nation's leader, Nicolas Maduro. However, as per Fiona Hill, Donald Trump's Former Deputy Assistant, Moscow once offered a “very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine”. Hill made the claim during a 2019 congressional hearing, and it is now once again going viral on social media.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-dictator-trump-just-threaten-us-midterms-potus-on-capitol-riot-anniversary-mulls-cancelling-2026-polls-1767751531955">'Dictator' Trump threatens US midterms, confesses he could get impeached AGAIN</a><h2>What does a Venezuela-Ukraine swap mean?</h2>According to Hill, during Trump's first tenure, the Russians hinted that they would be willing to pull their support for Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela for a price: A free hand in Ukraine.During a Congressional hearing in 2019, she said that Russian officials repeatedly floated the idea of a "very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine".Watch:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center">“Russia once suggested the US &#39;swap&#39; Venezuela for Ukraine.&quot; - Former presidential advisor Fiona Hill <a href="https://t.co/cPLbscuvCX">pic.twitter.com/cPLbscuvCX</a>&mdash; The New Statesman (@NewStatesman) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewStatesman/status/2008584628408332606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At the time, she said that Russia pushed the idea using articles in Russian media that referred to the Monroe Doctrine - the 1823 declaration by the fifth US president, James Monroe, asserting dominance in the Western Hemisphere. A core idea behind American foreign policy for centuries, the US foreign policy stated that Europe should stay out of the Americas, and in turn, the US would stay out of Europe. The same doctrine was invoked by Trump to justify the Venezuela operation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-venezuela-will-hand-over-30-to-50-million-barrels-of-oil-rodriguez-insists-no-foreign-power-running-country-1767750235743">Trump claims Venezuela will give US millions of barrels of oil, Rodriguez says..</a>Hill's comments have resurfaced again and are being widely shared on social media following the US stealth mission against Maduro. Talking to AP, she repeated her claims and said, “Before there was a ‘hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink, how about doing a deal?’ But nobody (in the US) was interested then.” At the time, as per AP, Hill, who was then Trump's senior adviser on Russia and Europe, told Russian officials “Ukraine and Venezuela are not related to each other.”

A resurfaced claim by Trump’s former Russia adviser suggests Moscow once floated a bizarre deal, ditch support for Venezuela in exchange for a free hand in Ukraine. The claim is going viral again after Maduro’s capture. Watch here

Russia, in recent days, has been very vocal about its support for Venezuela, especially since the United States, in a shock military raid, captured the South American nation's leader, Nicolas Maduro. However, as per Fiona Hill, Donald Trump's Former Deputy Assistant, Moscow once offered a “very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine”. Hill made the claim during a 2019 congressional hearing, and it is now once again going viral on social media. Also read | 'Dictator' Trump threatens US midterms, confesses he could get impeached AGAIN What does a Venezuela-Ukraine swap mean? According to Hill, during Trump's first tenure, the Russians hinted that they would be willing to pull their support for Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela for a price: A free hand in Ukraine. During a Congressional hearing in 2019, she said that Russian officials repeatedly floated the idea of a "very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine". Watch:

A resurfaced claim by Trump’s former Russia adviser suggests Moscow once floated a bizarre deal, ditch support for Venezuela in exchange for a free hand in Ukraine. The claim is going viral again after Maduro’s capture. Watch here

Russia once pushed for a bizarre 'Venezuela for Ukraine' deal, Trump ex-aide reveals. Watch

US President Donald Trump expressed concern on Tuesday, highlighting that Republicans must win the congressional midterm elections of 2026 - or else he will be impeached by Democrats. "You gotta win the midterms 'cause, if we don't win the midterms, it's just gonna be - I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me," Trump told Republican lawmakers at a retreat in Washington, and added that "I'll get impeached."&nbsp;With November elections looming, a vote that could derail his agenda and open the door to congressional scrutiny, Donald Trump urged allies who hold a slim majority in the US House to set aside internal rifts. He pressed them to promote his positions on gender issues, healthcare and election integrity to voters frustrated by rising living costs.&nbsp;"They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm. I wish you could explain to me what the hell's going on with the mind of the public," Trump said, news agency Reuters reported.<h3>Trump under pressure?</h3>Meanwhile, after ordering a bold military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, Trump is facing growing calls to refocus on domestic priorities, particularly inflation and prices. On Tuesday, he largely sidestepped those concerns, blaming Democrats for the problem and urging Republicans to campaign on strong stock market performance.&nbsp;Trump also briefly referenced the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as Democrats marked its fifth anniversary by accusing Republicans of attempting to rewrite history during an event at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.&nbsp;Last year, Trump removed its board of Democratic appointees, where the remaining trustees voted in favour of Trump in December to rename the centre to include his name along with former President Kennedy. He continuously made false claims that Washington had experienced no homicides in seven months.&nbsp;Surprisingly, Washington police confirmed a murder on New Year's Eve and reported at least 127 homicides that took place in 2025. In addition, Trump predicted that Republicans would beat the odds and deliver an "epic midterm victory," but also complained about some members who don't follow the path.&nbsp;All seats in the US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be up for grabs in November. Historically, incumbent presidents have lost House seats in every midterm election since 2006, during George W. Bush’s presidency.&nbsp;Trump has called on Republicans to more aggressively counter Democrats’ largely unified stance on healthcare, as the opposition party pushes to renew lapsed subsidies that lowered Obamacare insurance costs for millions of Americans.&nbsp;During his 2017-21 term, Trump was impeached twice by the Democrat-controlled House, over his Ukraine policy and the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot involving his supporters. He was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions. In his second term, some House Democrats have again introduced impeachment articles, accusations the White House has rejected.&nbsp;

With November elections looming, a vote that could derail his agenda and open the door to congressional scrutiny, Donald Trump urged allies who hold a slim majority in the US House to set aside internal rifts.

US President Donald Trump expressed concern on Tuesday, highlighting that Republicans must win the congressional midterm elections of 2026 - or else he will be impeached by Democrats. "You gotta win the midterms 'cause, if we don't win the midterms, it's just gonna be - I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me," Trump told Republican lawmakers at a retreat in Washington, and added that "I'll get impeached." With November elections looming, a vote that could derail his agenda and open the door to congressional scrutiny, Donald Trump urged allies who hold a slim majority in the US House to set aside internal rifts. He pressed them to promote his positions on gender issues, healthcare and election integrity to voters frustrated by rising living costs. "They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm. I wish you could explain to me what the hell's going on with the mind of the public," Trump said, news agency Reuters reported. Trump under pressure? Meanwhile, after ordering a bold military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, Trump is facing growing calls to refocus on domestic priorities, particularly inflation and prices. On Tuesday, he largely sidestepped those concerns, blaming Democrats for the problem and urging Republicans to campaign on strong stock market performance. Trump also briefly referenced the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as Democrats marked its fifth anniversary by accusing Republicans of attempting to rewrite history during an event at the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. Last year, Trump removed its board of Democratic appointees, where the remaining trustees voted in favour of Trump in December to rename the centre to include his name along with former President Kennedy. He continuously made false claims that Washington had experienced no homicides in seven months. Surprisingly, Washington police confirmed a murder on New Year's Eve and reported at least 127 homicides that took place in 2025. In addition, Trump predicted that Republicans would beat the odds and deliver an "epic midterm victory," but also complained about some members who don't follow the path. All seats in the US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be up for grabs in November. Historically, incumbent presidents have lost House seats in every midterm election since 2006, during George W. Bush’s presidency. Trump has called on Republicans to more aggressively counter Democrats’ largely unified stance on healthcare, as the opposition party pushes to renew lapsed subsidies that lowered Obamacare insurance costs for millions of Americans. During his 2017-21 term, Trump was impeached twice by the Democrat-controlled House, over his Ukraine policy and the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot involving his supporters. He was acquitted by the Senate on both occasions. In his second term, some House Democrats have again introduced impeachment articles, accusations the White House has rejected.

With November elections looming, a vote that could derail his agenda and open the door to congressional scrutiny, Donald Trump urged allies who hold a slim majority in the US House to set aside internal rifts.

Will Trump get impeached? President urges his allies for unity before congressional midterm elections 2026

US President Donald Trump is considering several options, including using the military, to acquire Greenland from Denmark, White House said on Tuesday (Jan 5). This comes amid recent tensions over the Arctic territory. Meanwhile, Denmark has warned that any US military action in Greenland could destroy the NATO alliance. After the US operation, during which the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured and Caracas was bombed, Trump seems to be shifting his attention to Greenland once again, reigniting the long controversy over the island’s sovereignty.Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP that acquiring Greenland was a national security priority to deter US adversaries like China and Russia.“President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” Leavitt said.“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal,” she added.Denmark has warned that any military move to seize Greenland would mean “everything would stop”, including NATO. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member state that any attack on its member states would be treated as an attack on all. This would mean any US military action against Greenland would result in the collapse of NATO.Denmark and Greenland officials have urged a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said in a statement that they sought a meeting with Trump’s official, but “it has so far not been possible.” While Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that a meeting with Rubio should “clear up certain misunderstandings.”Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has repeatedly stressed that the island nation was not for sale, adding that only its 57,000 people should decide its fate.Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Rubio told lawmakers that Trump’s preferred option is to buy Greenland from Denmark. He added that the threats did not signal an imminent invasion.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is weighing options to “acquire” Greenland from Denmark, including possible military force, calling it a national security priority to counter Russia and China. Denmark warned such action could shatter NATO. 

US President Donald Trump is considering several options, including using the military, to acquire Greenland from Denmark, White House said on Tuesday (Jan 5). This comes amid recent tensions over the Arctic territory. Meanwhile, Denmark has warned that any US military action in Greenland could destroy the NATO alliance. After the US operation, during which the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured and Caracas was bombed, Trump seems to be shifting his attention to Greenland once again, reigniting the long controversy over the island’s sovereignty. Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP that acquiring Greenland was a national security priority to deter US adversaries like China and Russia. “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” Leavitt said. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander in chief’s disposal,” she added. Denmark has warned that any military move to seize Greenland would mean “everything would stop”, including NATO. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member state that any attack on its member states would be treated as an attack on all. This would mean any US military action against Greenland would result in the collapse of NATO. Denmark and Greenland officials have urged a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said in a statement that they sought a meeting with Trump’s official, but “it has so far not been possible.” While Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that a meeting with Rubio should “clear up certain misunderstandings.” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has repeatedly stressed that the island nation was not for sale, adding that only its 57,000 people should decide its fate. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Rubio told lawmakers that Trump’s preferred option is to buy Greenland from Denmark. He added that the threats did not signal an imminent invasion.

US President Donald Trump is weighing options to “acquire” Greenland from Denmark, including possible military force, calling it a national security priority to counter Russia and China. Denmark warned such action could shatter NATO.&nbsp;

‘National security priority’: Trump considering using military to seize Greenland? Here’s what White House said

The owner of the Swiss ski resort bar where a blaze killed 40 people on New Year's recruited prostitutes for a massage parlour and was convicted of pimping by a criminal court in Annecy, southern France, in 2008. Jacques Moretti was at the centre of a sex workers case and was involved in getting French women to work at an erotic massage parlour in Geneva called the "Hot Rabbit Rendezvous". According to a report in Le Parisien, the 49-year-old is a known pimp and was lodged at a prison for some time in the southeast of France for several other cases. "He is known for pimping cases dating back some twenty years, as well as for a kidnapping and confinement case," the outlet wrote. RTL, a national radio network, also reported on Moretti's past, saying, "The Corsican-born man…was imprisoned in Savoie in 2005, for involvement in cases of pimping, fraud, kidnapping, and false imprisonment."&nbsp;Moretti had denied all these charges at the time, saying that he only managed the massage parlour for three months under the name of a Swiss pimp. The "Hot Rabbit" massage parlour case came to light when French officials tipped off the Swiss police in 2008. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his recruitment activities in France, but served only four following a suspension of the rest of the term. Moretti was flagged as running the recruitment operation and was placed under surveillance along with two other men aged 38. All three of them were arrested.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-bar-fire-police-identify-16-more-victims-many-teenagers-among-the-dead-1767523793903">Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead</a><h2>Swiss bar owner was banned from managing companies in France</h2>L'Est Republican talked to his lawyer, &nbsp;Annick Hingrez, who said Moretti was a "courteous and affable" man. Annick says the case was weak and cited "voluntary participation of the young women recruited." She added that she thought Moretti was still living in Bonifacio, Corsica and only learned that he was in Switzerland after learning of the explosion at Le Constellation bar. His sentence also banned him from managing a company in France.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-bar-fire-sparklers-on-champagne-bottles-appear-to-have-start-fire-say-swiss-authorities-1767365497884">Switzerland bar fire: 'Sparklers on champagne bottles appear to have start fire', say Swiss authorities</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/40-dead-over-100-injured-in-swiss-alps-bar-fire-tragedy-unprecedented-1767336675288/embed&nbsp;However, it did not extend to other countries, and so he had this ski resort in Switzerland, and two other establishments: Le Senso, a bar-restaurant in the Crans-Montana resort, and a "Corsican inn", Le Vieux-Chalet in Lens. Both Moretti and his wife, Jessica Moretti, are facing charges for "manslaughter by negligence" for the fire. The ceiling of the club caught fire from the sparklers stuffed into champagne bottles, which were being swung around by waitresses sitting on the shoulders of male revellers.<h2>Watch: Exact moment Swiss bar caught fire</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">New Year&#39;s Fire Kills 40 at Swiss Ski Resort Bar Must Watch A fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on New Year&#39;s Day at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland Killing at least 40 people and injuring 119, mostly young partygoers aged 16 to 26.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwissFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwissFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CransMontana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CransMontana</a> <a href="https://t.co/s2XWMc2En4">pic.twitter.com/s2XWMc2En4</a>&mdash; Sumit (@SumitHansd) <a href="https://twitter.com/SumitHansd/status/2007339963428548896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Swiss ski resort bar fire: Jacques Moretti, the owner of the bar where a blaze killed 40 at a New Year's bash, was a known pimp and recruited French girls for a massage parlour in Geneva. Local reports suggest he even served time for the act. 

The owner of the Swiss ski resort bar where a blaze killed 40 people on New Year's recruited prostitutes for a massage parlour and was convicted of pimping by a criminal court in Annecy, southern France, in 2008. Jacques Moretti was at the centre of a sex workers case and was involved in getting French women to work at an erotic massage parlour in Geneva called the "Hot Rabbit Rendezvous". According to a report in Le Parisien, the 49-year-old is a known pimp and was lodged at a prison for some time in the southeast of France for several other cases. "He is known for pimping cases dating back some twenty years, as well as for a kidnapping and confinement case," the outlet wrote. RTL, a national radio network, also reported on Moretti's past, saying, "The Corsican-born man…was imprisoned in Savoie in 2005, for involvement in cases of pimping, fraud, kidnapping, and false imprisonment." Moretti had denied all these charges at the time, saying that he only managed the massage parlour for three months under the name of a Swiss pimp. The "Hot Rabbit" massage parlour case came to light when French officials tipped off the Swiss police in 2008. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison for his recruitment activities in France, but served only four following a suspension of the rest of the term. Moretti was flagged as running the recruitment operation and was placed under surveillance along with two other men aged 38. All three of them were arrested. Also Read: Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead Swiss bar owner was banned from managing companies in France L'Est Republican talked to his lawyer, Annick Hingrez, who said Moretti was a "courteous and affable" man. Annick says the case was weak and cited "voluntary participation of the young women recruited." She added that she thought Moretti was still living in Bonifacio, Corsica and only learned that he was in Switzerland after learning of the explosion at Le Constellation bar. His sentence also banned him from managing a company in France. Also Read: Switzerland bar fire: 'Sparklers on champagne bottles appear to have start fire', say Swiss authorities https://www.wionews.com/videos/40-dead-over-100-injured-in-swiss-alps-bar-fire-tragedy-unprecedented-1767336675288/embed However, it did not extend to other countries, and so he had this ski resort in Switzerland, and two other establishments: Le Senso, a bar-restaurant in the Crans-Montana resort, and a "Corsican inn", Le Vieux-Chalet in Lens. Both Moretti and his wife, Jessica Moretti, are facing charges for "manslaughter by negligence" for the fire. The ceiling of the club caught fire from the sparklers stuffed into champagne bottles, which were being swung around by waitresses sitting on the shoulders of male revellers. Watch: Exact moment Swiss bar caught fire

Swiss ski resort bar fire: Jacques Moretti, the owner of the bar where a blaze killed 40 at a New Year's bash, was a known pimp and recruited French girls for a massage parlour in Geneva. Local reports suggest he even served time for the act.&nbsp;

Swiss bar owner recruited sex workers for 'Hot Rabbit' massage parlour in Geneva

Former US President Joe Biden earns a massive pension of $417,000, which is reportedly the largest amount for any president in US history. This pension reportedly exceeds the salary of US President Donald Trump $400,000 as of 2026. According to the National Taxpayers Union, the amount is “historically unusual”, even bigger than the sum of his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama.&nbsp;<h2>Why is Biden receiving an unusually high pension?</h2>According to the National Taxpayers Union, the large amount of pension is due to Joe Biden's long political career. He had served 44 years in public service, decades in the Senate and two terms as Vice President, before serving as President. Due to his long career in public service, he is eligible for a CSRS pension, which could be approximately $166,000 per year, including a small spousal benefit.&nbsp;He also earns a pension under the Former President Act Pension, which is equivalent to the pay of a Cabinet secretary (Executive Level I), approximately $250,600 annually. In addition to the pension money, he is entitled to taxpayer-funded allowances for office space, staff, equipment and travel. For 2026, this budget for Biden's office and support is reportedly over $1.5 million.&nbsp;<h2>Trump’s wealth vs presidential salary</h2>However, this comparison is futile with the US President Donald Trump's wealth. Trump is the first billionaire to hold the presidential office. His vast net worth is incomparable to his salary amount. In fact, Trump has reportedly donated his annual salary in his first and second terms to the federal agencies. His vast wealth stems from his real estate, cryptocurrencies, the Trump Media and Technology group, licensing and brand deals. Trump's net worth as of January 2026 is $6.6 billion.&nbsp;

Former US President Joe Biden earns a $417,000 pension, higher than Donald Trump’s $400,000 presidential salary. Here’s why

Former US President Joe Biden earns a massive pension of $417,000, which is reportedly the largest amount for any president in US history. This pension reportedly exceeds the salary of US President Donald Trump $400,000 as of 2026. According to the National Taxpayers Union, the amount is “historically unusual”, even bigger than the sum of his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. Why is Biden receiving an unusually high pension? According to the National Taxpayers Union, the large amount of pension is due to Joe Biden's long political career. He had served 44 years in public service, decades in the Senate and two terms as Vice President, before serving as President. Due to his long career in public service, he is eligible for a CSRS pension, which could be approximately $166,000 per year, including a small spousal benefit. He also earns a pension under the Former President Act Pension, which is equivalent to the pay of a Cabinet secretary (Executive Level I), approximately $250,600 annually. In addition to the pension money, he is entitled to taxpayer-funded allowances for office space, staff, equipment and travel. For 2026, this budget for Biden's office and support is reportedly over $1.5 million. Trump’s wealth vs presidential salary However, this comparison is futile with the US President Donald Trump's wealth. Trump is the first billionaire to hold the presidential office. His vast net worth is incomparable to his salary amount. In fact, Trump has reportedly donated his annual salary in his first and second terms to the federal agencies. His vast wealth stems from his real estate, cryptocurrencies, the Trump Media and Technology group, licensing and brand deals. Trump's net worth as of January 2026 is $6.6 billion.

Former US President Joe Biden earns a $417,000 pension, higher than Donald Trump’s $400,000 presidential salary. Here’s why

How Joe Biden’s pension exceeds Donald Trump’s $400,000 presidential salary

The family members of Nikitha Godishala, who was found dead in the US, demanded that the authorities issue an international arrest warrant against the suspect who reportedly killed her. Currently, the family members of Godishala are in constant touch with the US officials to send her body to Hyderabad, a family member said on Tuesday.&nbsp;The 27-year-old woman from Ellicott City in the US was reported missing on January 2. Howard County police later said she was found dead with stab injuries inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her ex-roommate, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma.&nbsp;US authorities have issued an arrest warrant against Sharma on charges of first- and second-degree murder, alleging that he killed her before fleeing to India. "He (Arjun Sharma) should be arrested by issuing an international arrest warrant and punished sternly," the family member told the news agency PTI.&nbsp;He added that Nikitha's father, Anand and mother, who is also a heart patient, have been in sorrow since they came to know about the incident. Formal procedures to repatriate the body of Nikitha are currently underway online. The family approached Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who said on Monday that he had spoken to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate the return of the body to India.<h3>Indian Embassy in Washington responds</h3>Several media reports indicated that the victim’s father, Anand, said his daughter had learned that Sharma had borrowed money from several people and was planning to leave for India. He alleged that Sharma lured her to the apartment on the pretext of repaying money he owed her and then killed her.&nbsp;In response, the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, said in a post on the social media platform 'X' that it is in frequent communication with Godishala's family and is extending all possible support. "The Embassy is also following up on the matter with the local authorities," it said.&nbsp;Nikitha Godishala has been living in the US for the last four years. She worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health after completing her MS in the US.

The 27-year-old woman from Ellicott City in the US was reported missing on January 2. Howard County police later said she was found dead with stab injuries inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her ex-roommate, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma.



The family members of Nikitha Godishala, who was found dead in the US, demanded that the authorities issue an international arrest warrant against the suspect who reportedly killed her. Currently, the family members of Godishala are in constant touch with the US officials to send her body to Hyderabad, a family member said on Tuesday. The 27-year-old woman from Ellicott City in the US was reported missing on January 2. Howard County police later said she was found dead with stab injuries inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her ex-roommate, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma. US authorities have issued an arrest warrant against Sharma on charges of first- and second-degree murder, alleging that he killed her before fleeing to India. "He (Arjun Sharma) should be arrested by issuing an international arrest warrant and punished sternly," the family member told the news agency PTI. He added that Nikitha's father, Anand and mother, who is also a heart patient, have been in sorrow since they came to know about the incident. Formal procedures to repatriate the body of Nikitha are currently underway online. The family approached Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, who said on Monday that he had spoken to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate the return of the body to India. Indian Embassy in Washington responds Several media reports indicated that the victim’s father, Anand, said his daughter had learned that Sharma had borrowed money from several people and was planning to leave for India. He alleged that Sharma lured her to the apartment on the pretext of repaying money he owed her and then killed her. In response, the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, said in a post on the social media platform 'X' that it is in frequent communication with Godishala's family and is extending all possible support. "The Embassy is also following up on the matter with the local authorities," it said. Nikitha Godishala has been living in the US for the last four years. She worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health after completing her MS in the US.

The 27-year-old woman from Ellicott City in the US was reported missing on January 2. Howard County police later said she was found dead with stab injuries inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her ex-roommate, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma.

Nikitha Godishala murder: Family of Indian woman killed in US seeks international arrest warrant for suspect

Brown University shooter, who also killed an MIT professor, confessed to the crimes in a video he made after the attack, but gave no motive behind his actions, authorities said on Tuesday (Jan 7). Claudio Neves Valente opened fire in a classroom at the US Ivy League school during a final exam study session, killing two and injuring nine people, on December 13. Two days after the mass shooting, he killed a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with whom he had previously studied.The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said that while searching the storage unit, where Valente was found dead on December 18 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the investigators found a video of him admitting to the crimes. In the videos, Valente says that he had been planning the attack for six semesters.Valente said that he “had plenty of opportunities” for the shooting but “always chickened out.” According to transcripts of videos released by the DOJ, he did not reveal the motive of shooting. Although he said that “the only objective was to [pause] leave more or less on my own terms... and it’s already long overdue... I wouldn’t be the one who ended up suffering the most from all of this. No, that cannot happen. So, if you don’t like it, tough luck.”Valente also said that he did not regret the shooting. “I also don’t regret what I did. Honestly, my only regret is this thing in the eye [laughs],” he said, referring to the injury he received to his eye during the shooting. He said that he injured his eye during the shooting after a bullet shell bounced back.“I also have no interest in being famous. I don’t give a damn about how you judge me or what you think of me,” he said.Valente also mentioned US President Donald Trump in his video. “I particularly like Trump’s shit, to have–have called me an animal, which is true. I am an animal and he is also, but uhm, I have no love–I have no hatred towards America, I also have no hatred at all,” he said. “This was an issue of... of opportunity. I would really like to thank you for the only opportunity that you gave me here, which was this one, and... and look, that’s it. I don’t have anything else to say. We are finished.”During the manhunt for the shooter after the mass shooting, Trump had told reporters, “Hopefully, they’re going to catch this animal.”Ending the video, Valente said, “Let’s see if I’ve got the balls to do this to myself now, because it was hard as hell to do it to all of these people, man. It was hard as hell... I envy those who have no difficulty doing it, and these people exist... Let’s see if I have the courage.”The DOJ said that the investigation into the “horrific acts” is still ongoing.

Valente said that he “had plenty of opportunities” for the shooting but “always chickened out.” According to transcripts of videos released by the DOJ, he did not reveal the motive of shooting.

Brown University shooter, who also killed an MIT professor, confessed to the crimes in a video he made after the attack, but gave no motive behind his actions, authorities said on Tuesday (Jan 7). Claudio Neves Valente opened fire in a classroom at the US Ivy League school during a final exam study session, killing two and injuring nine people, on December 13. Two days after the mass shooting, he killed a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with whom he had previously studied. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said that while searching the storage unit, where Valente was found dead on December 18 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the investigators found a video of him admitting to the crimes. In the videos, Valente says that he had been planning the attack for six semesters. Valente said that he “had plenty of opportunities” for the shooting but “always chickened out.” According to transcripts of videos released by the DOJ, he did not reveal the motive of shooting. Although he said that “the only objective was to [pause] leave more or less on my own terms... and it’s already long overdue... I wouldn’t be the one who ended up suffering the most from all of this. No, that cannot happen. So, if you don’t like it, tough luck.” Valente also said that he did not regret the shooting. “I also don’t regret what I did. Honestly, my only regret is this thing in the eye [laughs],” he said, referring to the injury he received to his eye during the shooting. He said that he injured his eye during the shooting after a bullet shell bounced back. “I also have no interest in being famous. I don’t give a damn about how you judge me or what you think of me,” he said. Valente also mentioned US President Donald Trump in his video. “I particularly like Trump’s shit, to have–have called me an animal, which is true. I am an animal and he is also, but uhm, I have no love–I have no hatred towards America, I also have no hatred at all,” he said. “This was an issue of... of opportunity. I would really like to thank you for the only opportunity that you gave me here, which was this one, and... and look, that’s it. I don’t have anything else to say. We are finished.” During the manhunt for the shooter after the mass shooting, Trump had told reporters, “Hopefully, they’re going to catch this animal.” Ending the video, Valente said, “Let’s see if I’ve got the balls to do this to myself now, because it was hard as hell to do it to all of these people, man. It was hard as hell... I envy those who have no difficulty doing it, and these people exist... Let’s see if I have the courage.” The DOJ said that the investigation into the “horrific acts” is still ongoing.

Valente said that he “had plenty of opportunities” for the shooting but “always chickened out.” According to transcripts of videos released by the DOJ, he did not reveal the motive of shooting.

‘Thank you for the opportunity’: Brown University shooter mentions Trump in chilling video confession

Indian space agency ISRO's workhorse PSLV rocket is back on the launchpad for a mission on Monday, (Jan 12). Dubbed 'PSLV-C62', this launch marks PSLV's return to flight after a rare failure in May 2025. Back then, the PSLV's third stage malfunction led to the loss of the rocket and the EOS-09 radar imaging satellite mid-flight. The May 2025 flight marked the third major failure of the PSLV in its 63 flights across 32 years.In what is its first mission of 2026, ISRO has announced that the 'PSLV-C62' vehicle is expected to liftoff from the First launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 10:17 am. While the PSLV will be carrying multiple satellites to Earth orbit, its primary satellite will be the EOS-N1 or Anvesha, a hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellite built by DRDO.In addition to the primary satellite, there will be multiple small satellites and experiments that are from India and abroad.<h2>'PSLV C-61' failure in May 2025</h2>On Sunday, 18th May, barely eight minutes after liftoff, ISRO halted its live broadcast of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission. "Up to the second stage, performance was normal. Third stage ignited, but we made an observation regarding its functioning. Mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the data," said ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan, following the mishap.Addressing journalists at the spaceport, the ISRO Chief had elaborated on the observations. "The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid-fuel motor system. There was a fall in the chamber pressure in the motor case. We are studying the entire performance," the ISRO Chief had said in May.<h2>PSLV-C61 Failure Analysis Committee report yet to be made public</h2>As a taxpayer-funded civilian space agency founded with the ideals of serving the people of India, ISRO has made public the Failure Analysis Committee(FAC) reports. These FAC reports are typically readied by in-house experts within a few months of the failure.However, the FAC report related to the May 2025 PSLV-C61 has not been publicly released so far. &nbsp;Likewise, the FAC report pertaining to the failure of the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025 remains unreleased to the public. This is widely seen as a departure from the "ISRO culture". However, both these FAC reports are learnt to have been tabled before the Government of India.Given ISRO's role in launching foreign satellites belonging to governments and private firms, FAC reports being made public are crucial for maintaining transparency and re-establishing confidence.

In what is its first mission of 2026, ISRO has announced that the 'PSLV-C62' vehicle is expected to liftoff from the First launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 10:17 am on Jan 12. 

Indian space agency ISRO's workhorse PSLV rocket is back on the launchpad for a mission on Monday, (Jan 12). Dubbed 'PSLV-C62', this launch marks PSLV's return to flight after a rare failure in May 2025. Back then, the PSLV's third stage malfunction led to the loss of the rocket and the EOS-09 radar imaging satellite mid-flight. The May 2025 flight marked the third major failure of the PSLV in its 63 flights across 32 years. In what is its first mission of 2026, ISRO has announced that the 'PSLV-C62' vehicle is expected to liftoff from the First launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 10:17 am. While the PSLV will be carrying multiple satellites to Earth orbit, its primary satellite will be the EOS-N1 or Anvesha, a hyperspectral Earth-imaging satellite built by DRDO. In addition to the primary satellite, there will be multiple small satellites and experiments that are from India and abroad. 'PSLV C-61' failure in May 2025 On Sunday, 18th May, barely eight minutes after liftoff, ISRO halted its live broadcast of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission. "Up to the second stage, performance was normal. Third stage ignited, but we made an observation regarding its functioning. Mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the data," said ISRO Chief Dr V. Narayanan, following the mishap. Addressing journalists at the spaceport, the ISRO Chief had elaborated on the observations. "The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid-fuel motor system. There was a fall in the chamber pressure in the motor case. We are studying the entire performance," the ISRO Chief had said in May. PSLV-C61 Failure Analysis Committee report yet to be made public As a taxpayer-funded civilian space agency founded with the ideals of serving the people of India, ISRO has made public the Failure Analysis Committee(FAC) reports. These FAC reports are typically readied by in-house experts within a few months of the failure. However, the FAC report related to the May 2025 PSLV-C61 has not been publicly released so far. Likewise, the FAC report pertaining to the failure of the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025 remains unreleased to the public. This is widely seen as a departure from the "ISRO culture". However, both these FAC reports are learnt to have been tabled before the Government of India. Given ISRO's role in launching foreign satellites belonging to governments and private firms, FAC reports being made public are crucial for maintaining transparency and re-establishing confidence.

In what is its first mission of 2026, ISRO has announced that the 'PSLV-C62' vehicle is expected to liftoff from the First launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 10:17 am on Jan 12.&nbsp;

After rare May 2025 failure, ISRO's PSLV to fly on Jan 12th

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 6) mused about cancelling the 2026 midterm elections while addressing a room full of Republican lawmakers. The remarks made on the fifth anniversary of the Jan 6 riots, where Trump's followers stormed the Capitol, quickly drew attention and sparked fears about the POTUS's 'dictator' dreams. Notably, during campaigning for the 2024 US elections, Trump had notoriously stated that once the White House was his, he would "only" be a "dictator" for a day.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-years-since-january-6-from-riot-to-redemption-how-donald-trump-rewrote-capitol-hill-siege-1767679914403">January 6 anniversary: Rioters or heroes? How Trump rewrote Capitol Hill siege</a><h2>Trump to cancel US midterm elections?</h2>Trump, during his Tuesday visit to the Kennedy Center for the House Republican retreat, spoke about the looming elections. Complaining about the prospect of running against Democrats again, he floated the idea before pulling back, and half-smiling said, "they should cancel" while repeating claims that "they" always call him a "dictator"."I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election because the fake news will say 'he wants the elections cancelled. He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator," he said with a smile.Once again bashing his predecessors, he added, "nobody's worse than Obama and the people that surrounded Biden".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-trolls-allies-and-rivals-alike-with-donroe-doctrine-cartoon-after-maduro-capture-1767691813384">Trump trolls allies and rivals alike with 'Donroe Doctrine' cartoon after Maduro capture</a>"But even if it's successful, they don’t win. I don't know what it is. There’s something psychological, like you vote against," Trump added before touting his swing states' wins during the 2024 elections. However, he noted that a presidential win often comes with a midterm loss. "They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm," he said, adding that he wished someone could explain "what the hell is going on with the mind of the public because we have the right policy."<h2>Trump worried about getting impeached AGAIN</h2>The speech also carried a warning. Trump reminded lawmakers that Democrats impeached him twice during his first term and said failure in the midterms would invite another attempt."You gotta win the midterms," he said. "Because if we don’t win the midterms, it’s just going to be, I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached." &nbsp;

Donald Trump joked about cancelling the 2026 midterms while addressing Republican lawmakers. The comments, made on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, have sparked revived fears about the POTUS's ‘dictator’ dreams.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 6) mused about cancelling the 2026 midterm elections while addressing a room full of Republican lawmakers. The remarks made on the fifth anniversary of the Jan 6 riots, where Trump's followers stormed the Capitol, quickly drew attention and sparked fears about the POTUS's 'dictator' dreams. Notably, during campaigning for the 2024 US elections, Trump had notoriously stated that once the White House was his, he would "only" be a "dictator" for a day. Also read | January 6 anniversary: Rioters or heroes? How Trump rewrote Capitol Hill siege Trump to cancel US midterm elections? Trump, during his Tuesday visit to the Kennedy Center for the House Republican retreat, spoke about the looming elections. Complaining about the prospect of running against Democrats again, he floated the idea before pulling back, and half-smiling said, "they should cancel" while repeating claims that "they" always call him a "dictator". "I won't say cancel the election, they should cancel the election because the fake news will say 'he wants the elections cancelled. He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator," he said with a smile. Once again bashing his predecessors, he added, "nobody's worse than Obama and the people that surrounded Biden". Also read | Trump trolls allies and rivals alike with 'Donroe Doctrine' cartoon after Maduro capture "But even if it's successful, they don’t win. I don't know what it is. There’s something psychological, like you vote against," Trump added before touting his swing states' wins during the 2024 elections. However, he noted that a presidential win often comes with a midterm loss. "They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterm," he said, adding that he wished someone could explain "what the hell is going on with the mind of the public because we have the right policy." Trump worried about getting impeached AGAIN The speech also carried a warning. Trump reminded lawmakers that Democrats impeached him twice during his first term and said failure in the midterms would invite another attempt. "You gotta win the midterms," he said. "Because if we don’t win the midterms, it’s just going to be, I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached."

Donald Trump joked about cancelling the 2026 midterms while addressing Republican lawmakers. The comments, made on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riots, have sparked revived fears about the POTUS's ‘dictator’ dreams.

Did 'dictator' Trump just threaten US midterms? POTUS worried about getting impeached AGAIN

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that it launched ‘limited pre-emptive strikes’ in Yemen to prevent UAE-backed secessionists from escalating the conflict. It added that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, has “fled to an unknown location”. The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane. This comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the coalition said that it carried out new strikes in an effort to stop separatist leader Al-Zubaidi from “escalating the conflict” and extending it into Aldhale Governorate. The coalition was “working with the Yemeni government and the local authorities... to support security efforts and maintain order,” it said in a statement.Meanwhile, Al-Zubaidi, the STC leader, was expected to travel to Riyadh on Tuesday (Jan 6) for talks aimed at resolving the issues. However, the plane he was going to board was delayed, and he was not on board when it departed.Al-Zubaidi has “fled to an unknown location, leaving (separatist group) members and leaders without any information about his whereabouts,” the coalition said.Earlier on Saturday (Jan 3), Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. The UAE-backed separatists had announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in earlier airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition.Last month, the separatists seized large swathes of territory in Yemen, including much of Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia, expelling Saudi-backed government forces. However, last week’s strikes and a counter-offensive pushed back the separatists.The developments come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab.The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990.

The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane.

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that it launched ‘limited pre-emptive strikes’ in Yemen to prevent UAE-backed secessionists from escalating the conflict. It added that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, has “fled to an unknown location”. The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane. This comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region. On Wednesday, the coalition said that it carried out new strikes in an effort to stop separatist leader Al-Zubaidi from “escalating the conflict” and extending it into Aldhale Governorate. The coalition was “working with the Yemeni government and the local authorities... to support security efforts and maintain order,” it said in a statement. Meanwhile, Al-Zubaidi, the STC leader, was expected to travel to Riyadh on Tuesday (Jan 6) for talks aimed at resolving the issues. However, the plane he was going to board was delayed, and he was not on board when it departed. Al-Zubaidi has “fled to an unknown location, leaving (separatist group) members and leaders without any information about his whereabouts,” the coalition said. Earlier on Saturday (Jan 3), Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. The UAE-backed separatists had announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in earlier airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition. Last month, the separatists seized large swathes of territory in Yemen, including much of Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia, expelling Saudi-backed government forces. However, last week’s strikes and a counter-offensive pushed back the separatists. The developments come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab. The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990.

The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane.

Saudi-led coalition launches strikes in Yemen, says separatist leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi ‘fled to unknown location’

A powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Baculin, Philippines, on Wednesday (Jan 7), according tothe &nbsp;US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred 58.5 kilometres (36 miles) about 27 kilometres east of the town of Santiago on the island of Mindanao. Following the offshore tremors, the Philippine seismology agency Phivolcs said that damage and aftershocks were expected. No tsunami warning was issued, and no immediate reports of damage were reported. Earlier, the USGS reported the quake as a magnitude 6.7.“There was shaking. I saw some of the cars moving, but I think it was only for a short time, around five seconds,” Nash Paragas, a rescuer in the eastern province of Davao Oriental, told AFP.Earlier in October, Eastern Mindanao was rocked by two earthquakes of magnitude 7.4 and 6.7 that killed at least eight people. Before that, a magnitude 6.9 quake killed 76 people and destroyed or damaged 72,000 houses in Cebu province in central Philippines, as per official figures.&nbsp;The October quakes resulted in landslides and forced residents in coastal areas to evacuate amid a brief tsunami scare. The second quake also prompted local authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The second quake was in the same fault line, the Philippine Trench, at a depth of 37 kilometres (23 miles) off Manay town in Davao Oriental province, said Teresito Bacolcol, chief of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology.Earthquakes are a near-daily occurrence in the Philippines, which lies over the Pacific “ring of fire”, an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin, which makes the region more prone to earthquakes.

A powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Baculin, Philippines, on Wednesday (Jan 7), according tothe  US Geological Survey (USGS).

A powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Baculin, Philippines, on Wednesday (Jan 7), according tothe US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred 58.5 kilometres (36 miles) about 27 kilometres east of the town of Santiago on the island of Mindanao. Following the offshore tremors, the Philippine seismology agency Phivolcs said that damage and aftershocks were expected. No tsunami warning was issued, and no immediate reports of damage were reported. Earlier, the USGS reported the quake as a magnitude 6.7. “There was shaking. I saw some of the cars moving, but I think it was only for a short time, around five seconds,” Nash Paragas, a rescuer in the eastern province of Davao Oriental, told AFP. Earlier in October, Eastern Mindanao was rocked by two earthquakes of magnitude 7.4 and 6.7 that killed at least eight people. Before that, a magnitude 6.9 quake killed 76 people and destroyed or damaged 72,000 houses in Cebu province in central Philippines, as per official figures. The October quakes resulted in landslides and forced residents in coastal areas to evacuate amid a brief tsunami scare. The second quake also prompted local authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The second quake was in the same fault line, the Philippine Trench, at a depth of 37 kilometres (23 miles) off Manay town in Davao Oriental province, said Teresito Bacolcol, chief of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology. Earthquakes are a near-daily occurrence in the Philippines, which lies over the Pacific “ring of fire”, an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin, which makes the region more prone to earthquakes.

A powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near Baculin, Philippines, on Wednesday (Jan 7), according tothe &nbsp;US Geological Survey (USGS).

Powerful magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes Philippines – Check tsunami warning

Taiwan on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that its air force continues its intensive search for a missing F-16V pilot after he parachuted into the sea off the coast of eastern Taiwan on Monday evening. The single-seat fighter jet, aircraft number 6700, took off from the Hualien Air Base at 6.17 pm for a routine training mission. Just over an hour later, at 7.29 pm, the pilot, Captain Hsin (full name not disclosed), ejected from the aircraft roughly 10 miles east of Fengbin Township in Hualien, according to initial military reports. The aircraft lost contact shortly before the ejection. The cause of the incident has not yet been made public.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-launches-extensive-search-after-f-16v-pilot-ejects-over-eastern-coast-during-training-1767717925004">Taiwan launches extensive search after F-16V pilot ejects over Eastern Coast during training</a><h2>Search effort expands overnight</h2>Ma Shiyuan, deputy minister of Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, said all available rescue assets were placed on standby as soon as the alert was received. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ma said nighttime search and rescue operations were carried out but did not yield results.He added that they will further expand cooperation with the Ministry of National Defence and the Coast Guard, noting that the number of search sorties will continue to increase. Ma said authorities were hoping for the pilot’s safe return.Previously, upon hearing about the incident, Premier Cho Jung-tai had contacted Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo. &nbsp;Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee said that the premier organised a joint effort with various government agencies to quickly deploy rescue resources.The Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps sent C-130 transport planes and Sea Gull helicopters to help search in the area off the coast of Hualien. The Coast Guard also sent ships, and the Fisheries Agency asked local fishing boats to join the search. Currently, several agencies are working together to find Captain Hsin in the waters east of Fengbin Township.

Taiwan is intensifying its search for an F-16V pilot who ejected into the sea during a routine training mission off the island’s east coast. With no contact since the bailout, air force, coast guard and rescue teams are racing against time to find him.

Taiwan on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that its air force continues its intensive search for a missing F-16V pilot after he parachuted into the sea off the coast of eastern Taiwan on Monday evening. The single-seat fighter jet, aircraft number 6700, took off from the Hualien Air Base at 6.17 pm for a routine training mission. Just over an hour later, at 7.29 pm, the pilot, Captain Hsin (full name not disclosed), ejected from the aircraft roughly 10 miles east of Fengbin Township in Hualien, according to initial military reports. The aircraft lost contact shortly before the ejection. The cause of the incident has not yet been made public. Also read | Taiwan launches extensive search after F-16V pilot ejects over Eastern Coast during training Search effort expands overnight Ma Shiyuan, deputy minister of Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, said all available rescue assets were placed on standby as soon as the alert was received. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ma said nighttime search and rescue operations were carried out but did not yield results. He added that they will further expand cooperation with the Ministry of National Defence and the Coast Guard, noting that the number of search sorties will continue to increase. Ma said authorities were hoping for the pilot’s safe return. Previously, upon hearing about the incident, Premier Cho Jung-tai had contacted Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo. Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee said that the premier organised a joint effort with various government agencies to quickly deploy rescue resources. The Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps sent C-130 transport planes and Sea Gull helicopters to help search in the area off the coast of Hualien. The Coast Guard also sent ships, and the Fisheries Agency asked local fishing boats to join the search. Currently, several agencies are working together to find Captain Hsin in the waters east of Fengbin Township.

Taiwan is intensifying its search for an F-16V pilot who ejected into the sea during a routine training mission off the island’s east coast. With no contact since the bailout, air force, coast guard and rescue teams are racing against time to find him.

Taiwan deploys full rescue assets in search for F-16V pilot who ejected into sea during training

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday (Jan 6) pushed back hard against claims that her country was now being run from Washington, even as US President Donald Trump declared that Caracas would soon hand over tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States.<h2>No foreign agent</h2>Speaking just three days after US special forces captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a surprise raid, Rodriguez said Venezuela remained firmly in Venezuelan hands."The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else," she insisted. "There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela."Her remarks came hours after Trump said Washington was effectively "in charge" of the crisis-hit nation and that cooperation with Rodriguez would depend on access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-trolls-allies-and-rivals-alike-with-donroe-doctrine-cartoon-after-maduro-capture-1767691813384">Trump trolls allies and rivals alike with 'Donroe Doctrine' cartoon after Maduro capture</a><h2>Venezuela to give the US millions of barrels of oil?</h2>In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Rodriguez would be turning over "between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil" to the US."This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me", Trump wrote, adding that Energy Secretary Chris Wright had been instructed to execute the plan immediately.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-swears-in-delcy-rodriguez-as-acting-president-days-after-maduro-abduction-1767674124349">Who's Delcy Rodriguez? Maduro's second-in-command sworn in as acting president</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center">On it Mr. President. You have my attention to this matter. <a href="https://t.co/nrJPfzsQUK">https://t.co/nrJPfzsQUK</a>&mdash; Secretary Chris Wright (@SecretaryWright) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryWright/status/2008699295873085512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Rodriguez pro US or not?</h2>Rodriguez's tone has shifted repeatedly since Maduro's removal. At times, she has signalled a willingness to cooperate with Washington. At others, she has leaned into defiance."We are a people that does not surrender, we are a people that does not give up," she said, announcing seven days of mourning for 'martyrs' killed in the US strikes.Venezuela's military has confirmed the deaths of 23 troops, including five generals. Cuba, a close ally, said 32 of its military personnel were also killed. Civilian casualty figures remain unclear. Attorney General Tarek William Saab said "dozens" died without offering details.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-rodriguez-faces-opposition-backlash-after-maduro-s-capture-in-venezuela-1767700273145/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-crisis-rodriguez-faces-opposition-backlash-after-maduro-s-capture-in-venezuela-1767700273145/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez says the country is not being run from Washington, rejecting Donald Trump’s claim that the US now controls Caracas. Meanwhile, Trump said Venezuela would soon hand over tens of millions of barrels of oil to the US.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Tuesday (Jan 6) pushed back hard against claims that her country was now being run from Washington, even as US President Donald Trump declared that Caracas would soon hand over tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States. No foreign agent Speaking just three days after US special forces captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a surprise raid, Rodriguez said Venezuela remained firmly in Venezuelan hands. "The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else," she insisted. "There is no foreign agent governing Venezuela." Her remarks came hours after Trump said Washington was effectively "in charge" of the crisis-hit nation and that cooperation with Rodriguez would depend on access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Also read | Trump trolls allies and rivals alike with 'Donroe Doctrine' cartoon after Maduro capture Venezuela to give the US millions of barrels of oil? In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Rodriguez would be turning over "between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil" to the US. "This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me", Trump wrote, adding that Energy Secretary Chris Wright had been instructed to execute the plan immediately. Also read | Who's Delcy Rodriguez? Maduro's second-in-command sworn in as acting president

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez says the country is not being run from Washington, rejecting Donald Trump’s claim that the US now controls Caracas. Meanwhile, Trump said Venezuela would soon hand over tens of millions of barrels of oil to the US.

Trump claims Venezuela will hand over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil, Rodriguez insists 'no foreign power' running country

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that his otherwise warm relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been tested by Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, particularly those tied to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Addressing Republican lawmakers at the House GOP Member Retreat on Tuesday (January 6), Trump said Modi was not happy with the trade penalties India is now facing. At the same time, he claimed New Delhi has significantly reduced its oil imports from Russia following US pressure.&nbsp;“I get along very well with Prime Minister Modi, but he’s not exactly thrilled right now because India is paying heavy tariffs,” Trump said. He added that India has “cut back substantially” on Russian oil purchases and recalled that Modi had personally requested a meeting with him.<h2>Trade pressure over Russian oil</h2>The Trump administration has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on a range of Indian exports, including a separate 25 per cent duty directly linked to India’s energy trade with Moscow. The measures are part of Washington’s broader effort to discourage countries from maintaining oil and gas ties with Russia. Trump has repeatedly warned that further penalties could follow if India does not reduce its dependence on Russian crude even more.<h2>Apache helicopter deliveries mentioned</h2>Trump also touched on defence cooperation between the two countries, pointing to delays in military hardware deliveries. He said India has been waiting for Apache attack helicopters for years and hinted that the issue may soon be resolved. “We’re changing that. India ordered 68 Apaches,” Trump said, without offering a timeline or additional details.<h2>Warning of more tariffs</h2>Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One earlier this week, Trump reiterated that tariffs could be raised further if India fails to meet US expectations on the Russian oil issue. “We can increase tariffs on India very quickly if they don’t help on Russian oil,” he said. Despite the tensions, Trump praised Modi personally, calling him “a very good man” and “a good guy,” and suggested that India understood the importance of maintaining goodwill with Washington. The remarks come shortly after a phone conversation between Trump and Modi, during which both leaders emphasized the need to keep bilateral trade discussions moving forward even as tariff-related disagreements persist.

'PM Modi is not happy with me over tariffs,' says Trump, but assures continued 'strong ties'

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that his otherwise warm relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been tested by Washington’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, particularly those tied to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Addressing Republican lawmakers at the House GOP Member Retreat on Tuesday (January 6), Trump said Modi was not happy with the trade penalties India is now facing. At the same time, he claimed New Delhi has significantly reduced its oil imports from Russia following US pressure. “I get along very well with Prime Minister Modi, but he’s not exactly thrilled right now because India is paying heavy tariffs,” Trump said. He added that India has “cut back substantially” on Russian oil purchases and recalled that Modi had personally requested a meeting with him. Trade pressure over Russian oil The Trump administration has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on a range of Indian exports, including a separate 25 per cent duty directly linked to India’s energy trade with Moscow. The measures are part of Washington’s broader effort to discourage countries from maintaining oil and gas ties with Russia. Trump has repeatedly warned that further penalties could follow if India does not reduce its dependence on Russian crude even more. Apache helicopter deliveries mentioned Trump also touched on defence cooperation between the two countries, pointing to delays in military hardware deliveries. He said India has been waiting for Apache attack helicopters for years and hinted that the issue may soon be resolved. “We’re changing that. India ordered 68 Apaches,” Trump said, without offering a timeline or additional details. Warning of more tariffs Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One earlier this week, Trump reiterated that tariffs could be raised further if India fails to meet US expectations on the Russian oil issue. “We can increase tariffs on India very quickly if they don’t help on Russian oil,” he said. Despite the tensions, Trump praised Modi personally, calling him “a very good man” and “a good guy,” and suggested that India understood the importance of maintaining goodwill with Washington. The remarks come shortly after a phone conversation between Trump and Modi, during which both leaders emphasized the need to keep bilateral trade discussions moving forward even as tariff-related disagreements persist.

Donald Trump admits tensions with PM Narendra Modi over tariffs and India's Russian oil imports, but insists they share a strong relationship, and defense cooperation remains strong

As tensions rise over Greenland’s sovereignty, European leaders have come out in full support of Denmark, rejecting US claims to the Arctic territory. The controversy erupted after Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Donald Trump, intensified US rhetoric about Greenland’s future. Miller questioned Denmark's legitimacy over Greenland, calling for its eventual integration into the US.&nbsp;While European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, defended Denmark’s control of Greenland, Miller downplayed the potential for military intervention, saying that Greenland’s small population made such actions unnecessary. His comments, which also dismissed Denmark’s historical and legal claims to the island, were met with swift backlash across Europe. Miller further suggested that Greenland’s strategic importance to NATO meant it should become part of the US to safeguard Western interests in the Arctic. “The US is the power of NATO, and Greenland should be part of the US for its defense and security,” Miller argued in an interview, adding that no nation would dare to challenge the US over Greenland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-protests-policeman-shot-dead-in-west-protesters-and-security-forces-in-tehran-bazaar-united-states-trump-1767724100284">Iran protests: Policeman shot dead in west; demonstrators and security forces clash in Tehran Bazaar</a>&nbsp;Despite the US’s stance, European leaders emphasised that Greenland’s future must be determined by its people. Several European heads of state joined Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in making it clear that any decisions regarding Greenland’s status are matters for Denmark and Greenland alone. NATO allies, they stressed, must prioritize collective security, with no single nation dictating the fate of Greenland.&nbsp;In Greenland, there is growing concern over the US rhetoric. Greenlandic Minister Naaja H Nathanielsen expressed that the talk of annexation has caused anxiety among Greenlanders, who view the prospect of a US takeover as a dangerous regression to colonialism. While Greenland has long maintained a close partnership with the US, particularly due to the US military base in Thule, the island’s population firmly believes in their right to self-determination and independence. The growing international tensions follow a period of increasing support for Greenlandic independence. In March, a new coalition government in Greenland highlighted this desire, with its agreement saying, “Greenland belongs to us.”

Europe rallies to defend Greenland's sovereignty as US turns up pressure

As tensions rise over Greenland’s sovereignty, European leaders have come out in full support of Denmark, rejecting US claims to the Arctic territory. The controversy erupted after Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Donald Trump, intensified US rhetoric about Greenland’s future. Miller questioned Denmark's legitimacy over Greenland, calling for its eventual integration into the US. While European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, defended Denmark’s control of Greenland, Miller downplayed the potential for military intervention, saying that Greenland’s small population made such actions unnecessary. His comments, which also dismissed Denmark’s historical and legal claims to the island, were met with swift backlash across Europe. Miller further suggested that Greenland’s strategic importance to NATO meant it should become part of the US to safeguard Western interests in the Arctic. “The US is the power of NATO, and Greenland should be part of the US for its defense and security,” Miller argued in an interview, adding that no nation would dare to challenge the US over Greenland. Also Read: Iran protests: Policeman shot dead in west; demonstrators and security forces clash in Tehran Bazaar Despite the US’s stance, European leaders emphasised that Greenland’s future must be determined by its people. Several European heads of state joined Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in making it clear that any decisions regarding Greenland’s status are matters for Denmark and Greenland alone. NATO allies, they stressed, must prioritize collective security, with no single nation dictating the fate of Greenland. In Greenland, there is growing concern over the US rhetoric. Greenlandic Minister Naaja H Nathanielsen expressed that the talk of annexation has caused anxiety among Greenlanders, who view the prospect of a US takeover as a dangerous regression to colonialism. While Greenland has long maintained a close partnership with the US, particularly due to the US military base in Thule, the island’s population firmly believes in their right to self-determination and independence. The growing international tensions follow a period of increasing support for Greenlandic independence. In March, a new coalition government in Greenland highlighted this desire, with its agreement saying, “Greenland belongs to us.”

Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, escalates tensions with Denmark over Greenland's sovereignty, dismissing military intervention and claiming US control

Iranian forces and demonstrators clashed violently at the Tehran Bazar in the national capital on Tuesday (06 Jan) as at least 27 people have been killed during the 10 days of protests across the Islamic Republic, a human rights group estimated. A policeman was shot dead in Western Iran on Tuesday as the violence escalated.&nbsp;The series of protests was sparked by the rising concern over the increasing cost of living, with the Iranian rial sliding again on Tuesday, it has touched another record low against foreign currencies.'&nbsp;To placate the anger, the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced modest monthly payments to ease the economic burden. On the other hand, the head of the judiciary warned that there would be "no leniency" for "rioters".&nbsp;Iranian security forces have killed at least 27 protesters, including five minors under 18, during 10 days of demonstrations that began in late December, according to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR).&nbsp;At Tehran Bazar, which became one of the epicentres of ongoing demonstrations, &nbsp;the security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The recent wave of protests began on December 28 after merchants called a shutdown in the Tehran Bazar. They have spread to other areas across the country, particularly the west, which is inhabited by the Kurdish and Lor minority populations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gop-is-going-to-make-history-with-midterm-polls-trump-gop-zoharan-mamdani-democratic-party-house-republican-retreat-trump-1767716495772">'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump</a>&nbsp;Several social media videos of the protests emerged, in one such clip verified by the AFP, protestors can be seen chanting slogans including "Pahlavi will return", and Seyyed Ali will be overthrown. Referring to the Pahlavi monarchy that ruled the country before the Islamic revolution, and to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;It is the most serious protest movement in the Islamic Republic since the 2022-2023 nationwide rallies sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the strict dress code for women.

The protests were sparked by growing concern over the rising cost of living, even as President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government announced modest monthly payments to ease the economic burden.

Iranian forces and demonstrators clashed violently at the Tehran Bazar in the national capital on Tuesday (06 Jan) as at least 27 people have been killed during the 10 days of protests across the Islamic Republic, a human rights group estimated. A policeman was shot dead in Western Iran on Tuesday as the violence escalated. The series of protests was sparked by the rising concern over the increasing cost of living, with the Iranian rial sliding again on Tuesday, it has touched another record low against foreign currencies.' To placate the anger, the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced modest monthly payments to ease the economic burden. On the other hand, the head of the judiciary warned that there would be "no leniency" for "rioters". Iranian security forces have killed at least 27 protesters, including five minors under 18, during 10 days of demonstrations that began in late December, according to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR). At Tehran Bazar, which became one of the epicentres of ongoing demonstrations, the security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The recent wave of protests began on December 28 after merchants called a shutdown in the Tehran Bazar. They have spread to other areas across the country, particularly the west, which is inhabited by the Kurdish and Lor minority populations. Also Read: 'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump Several social media videos of the protests emerged, in one such clip verified by the AFP, protestors can be seen chanting slogans including "Pahlavi will return", and Seyyed Ali will be overthrown. Referring to the Pahlavi monarchy that ruled the country before the Islamic revolution, and to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is the most serious protest movement in the Islamic Republic since the 2022-2023 nationwide rallies sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the strict dress code for women.

The protests were sparked by growing concern over the rising cost of living, even as President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government announced modest monthly payments to ease the economic burden.

Iran protests: Policeman shot dead in west; demonstrators and security forces clash in Tehran Bazaar

On Tuesday (Jan 6), authorities informed that a 40 people ushering in the New Year were killed due to a fire at a Swiss&nbsp;resort&nbsp;bar. The the mayor of Crans-Montana said that the property had not undergone an annual inspection for the last five years despite regulations.&nbsp;As quoted by news agency AFP, the statement noted, "Several people lost their lives and others were injured. A large contingent of police, firefighters, and rescue workers immediately went to the scene to assist the numerous victims." It described the incident as "serious" also said "a major emergency response is underway".&nbsp;The operation is still ongoing. Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesperson, told AFP earlier there had first been an "explosion of unknown origin". He said the explosion took place at around 1:30 am (0030 GMT) in a bar called Le Constellation, where more than 100 people had gathered for New Year celebrations.&nbsp;Several hours after the blast, an AFP photographer saw a number of ambulances on the road from Crans Montana. Police said the areas was "completely closed to the public", and that "a no-fly zone over Crans Montana has been imposed".&nbsp;(With agency inputs)

Swiss bar's safety inspection overdue by five years before tragic fire that killed 40, says mayor

On Tuesday (Jan 6), authorities informed that a 40 people ushering in the New Year were killed due to a fire at a Swiss resort bar. The the mayor of Crans-Montana said that the property had not undergone an annual inspection for the last five years despite regulations. As quoted by news agency AFP, the statement noted, "Several people lost their lives and others were injured. A large contingent of police, firefighters, and rescue workers immediately went to the scene to assist the numerous victims." It described the incident as "serious" also said "a major emergency response is underway". The operation is still ongoing. Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesperson, told AFP earlier there had first been an "explosion of unknown origin". He said the explosion took place at around 1:30 am (0030 GMT) in a bar called Le Constellation, where more than 100 people had gathered for New Year celebrations. Several hours after the blast, an AFP photographer saw a number of ambulances on the road from Crans Montana. Police said the areas was "completely closed to the public", and that "a no-fly zone over Crans Montana has been imposed". (With agency inputs)

It described the incident as "serious" also said "a major emergency response is underway".

Cuba has launched its strongest condemnation of the US military operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was "captured", accusing Washington of acting as the self-proclaimed “owner of the world” and treating Latin America as its private “backyard”. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera described the 3 January raid, which left 33 Cuban security personnel dead, as a blatant violation of sovereignty.&nbsp;“It is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should… guide the world in the direction they decide,” Aguilera said. “Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region."&nbsp;The ambassador tied the action directly to a resurgent Monroe Doctrine, which he called unacceptable domination. “They are treating us like a backyard… We cannot accept that,” he declared, warning that the US seeks control over the region’s strategic resources, particularly Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.&nbsp;Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security. “If one day they decide to touch Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer,” he vowed.<h2>How do you see the development that has happened in your region, the US intervention in Venezuela?</h2>We were following the situation very closely. It has not started yet. A few months ago, the Trump administration, and especially the Secretary of State and the Minister of War, mobilised a lot of military resources in the Caribbean region threatening Venezuela.&nbsp;Suddenly it happens. We are expecting that they will respect international law, or they will follow the UN Charter, but at the end of the day, they are following their own interest and not the interests of the international community. They made this terrorist attack against Venezuela, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They sent, in my opinion, a terrorist group to execute the legitimate president who was elected by the people in Venezuela and take him to New York to start preparing this trial against President Maduro and also his wife. Expression of a unilateral action of the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region. You were following the press conference, and they announced the result of this operation. We are very concerned. They said that the United States will not accept any government in what they say, their neighbourhoods, they say, their areas of influence, Latin America and the Caribbean.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any country that doesn't have a government that follows the interests of the US. They are treating us like the backyard of the US. Latin America and the Caribbean countries, where we spent more than 200 years to reach our own independence from the US, from Spain, and from different colonies. But they try to treat Latin America as its own area of influence, and they have the right, you know, over all the strategic mineral resources and natural resources, the oil of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, for their own benefits. We cannot accept that. The US is treating and attacking one Latin American country, following their interest in the natural resources of our countries. So we cannot accept that. We must raise our voice and make it very clear that this is unacceptable, not only for Latin America, but also for the whole world.<h2>Does the development which we have seen in Venezuela, the American intervention? Worry you?</h2> Any country should be worried about what happened. The same day, he also announced their interest in having Greenland as a US territory against even their allies in Europe. Same threat against Iran, and other countries, Nigeria. Every day, we are following different actions of one country against another in the world. I don't see China or any other country attacking another one or making military invasions. It is the US, because it is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should, because for some reason, they have the role to guide the world in the direction they decide. Cuba has been subjected for more than 65 years to this policy of the blockade, which is the longest blockade that any nation has suffered. During the first Trump administration, he adopted 243 measures specifically against Cuba in order to suffocate the Cuban economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gop-is-going-to-make-history-with-midterm-polls-trump-gop-zoharan-mamdani-democratic-party-house-republican-retreat-trump-1767716495772">'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump</a>&nbsp;During this administration, one of the first decisions signed by Trump was to re-include Cuba in the list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorists is totally unfair, because Cuba has been a victim of the terror action committed from the US territory and with the support of the US government. We are not, we have not committed any action of terrorists against any nation. We are providing medical services. We are providing educational services to the world, not terrorist actions. The idea is, as I said, to strangle the Cuban economy, to cut any financial income to Cuba. They are trying to cut all direct flights from the US to Cuba. We have more than 2 million Cubans living in the US. They are also stopping all the oil supply to Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are not producing all the oil that we require. Less than 40%. The rest we should import from other countries. They are following all routes where the oil is supplied to Cuba, all the vessels, the international companies, in order to cut this possibility to the Cuban economy, to supply energy to our people, to develop our economy. They are, for example, trying to disrupt the medical services that Cuba provides to more than 60 countries in the world. So the idea is to isolate Cuba and to try to cut all the financial income to our economy, to try to create problems for our people, and, very important at the same time, to develop a media campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;The idea is how to mobilise the Cuban people against the government as the target, and it could justify a military action against Cuba, because to say people are against the government expressing on the street, and the Cuban government is trying to punish all these people, and we should make a military invasion to put order in Cuba. It's the same idea, the same idea they are doing in other countries, including Venezuela. So it's clear that these policies of the blockade are completely isolated in the international community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every year, the Cuban government presents in the United Nations a resolution containing the US blockade towards Cuba, and the huge majority of the international community for 33 years has rejected this policy of the blockade. So nobody in the world, not a single country, well, just two, three countries. The rest of the international community is very clear that this policy should come to an end, and the Cuban people have a right to live in peace and to develop all the capacity that we have in order to provide more quality of life to our people.&nbsp;<h2>Donald Trump has said that Cuba is next in line. His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has also made comments against your country. How do you see these comments as well?</h2> It's very dangerous, not only for Cuba. &nbsp;This person (Trump), who is in charge of this government now, is a very dangerous person. We know them very well. For example, you mentioned Marco Rubio. He started his political career saying that he was Cuban, that his father, when escaping from the dictatorship of the Cuban revolution to the US, was lying. It's lying because their parents went to us before the Cuban Revolution, looking for economic opportunities in us. It happens in Latin America.&nbsp;&nbsp;The people are travelling to the US, trying to reach the US in order to look for opportunities. Because unfortunately we, the Latin Americas, are suffering this long policy of extracting our minerals, our financial resources, our natural resources, from the US companies that, for example, in Cuba, more than 80% of the best land of Cuba to produce the sugar cane and others belong to the US companies before the revolution, and the revolution was a break point of this to give back to the Cuban people our resources, our region, in our country, and from the very beginning we start, of course, opposing to this.&nbsp;So I consider that any country, Latin America, could be a target of this policy of the US. In our case, I see it well. Remember that in the 90s, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba remained almost isolated. At that time, I remember Bush's father was the president of the US, and they said, This is the moment we are going to defeat the Cuban revolution. We are 35 years later. We are here, and we will continue, because the only option for the Cubans is to support and to remain independent. Otherwise, we will be a new colony from the US. They understand very well that we should be resilient enough, but at the same time, we should continue trying to develop under these circumstances. We should develop our economy. We should try to find solutions to our project, to continue providing quality of life to our people, and to show that in our case, socialisation is the best possibility to preserve independence, sovereignty and self-determination in front of this big empire, the biggest empire, just 90 miles from our country.<h2>When the incident happened, when the intervention happened, we saw that the President was taken by the American forces and taken to New York. Now, your government, your country, have announced a period of mourning because many Cubans have died as well. Can you just tell us about how the Cuban side is looking at it, and what these Cubans were doing in Venezuela?&nbsp;</h2> We have a long-standing, close relationship between our two governments. The Bolivarian government requests that Cuba provide some support because of our expertise to reinforce the safeguard team of President Maduro, and we sent some people to fulfil this responsibility. And at the moment, they made this a surprise attack on the presidential palace, many of them were there, and well, 32 people were killed in combat. 33 Cubans.&nbsp;They were fulfilling their responsibility. It is Cuba, what they did defending the President Nicolas Maduro. It is an expression. What Cuba is ready to do. If one day they decide to touch the Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer that we're going to defend our land until the last consequence. Let me tell you that we have always been in this position to develop a normal relationship with the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is very important, because even when US citizens travel to Cuba, they discover that there are no feelings against them. We know very well the position of the government and what is the position of the US population. And we have historical relations with those in this country, and we are always offered the possibility to start a conversation based on mutual respect. During the period of the Obama administration, we were able to sit together to discuss our big differences. The problem is that they (Trump) don't want to have this opinion. There's a guiding ideology from this extreme right ideology from their side, that the only way is to defeat the Cuban Revolution.&nbsp;<h2>Trump has come up with a new doctrine. It's actually an old doctrine, but it has his name. That's the Donroe doctrine, which is the Monroe Doctrine.</h2>(Donroe Doctrine) Cannot be accepted. They said that they cannot accept a socialist country in the Latin American region. They will not accept any government that is against the US interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;They said that Latin America belongs to them. They have the right to dominate Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine follows this idea, regarding Latin America and the Caribbean region for Americans. And they said, Latin America is for the US, and we cannot accept it. They cannot impose any politics on our region. We cannot accept it. It's clear. Is clear. We cannot accept that the relationship with the US could be guidance.&nbsp;<h2>How do you see India's reaction after the American intervention in Venezuela?</h2>Well, I was reading the statement of the Indian government, and they are calling for a diplomatic solution through negotiation, through the people to talk and to find cooperation together in order to reach an agreement. It is one of the principles of international law, all problems should be solved in a diplomatic way and not through war. It is clear to me.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, India is playing a more important role in the international community every day, and India is part of the BRICS. &nbsp;India this year is in the Presidency of BRICS. It offered, of course, the opportunity to continue enhancing the cooperation among the BRICS members, but also to extend to the global south, and India is considered the voice of the Global South. I saw that, for example, in the case of Cuba, we are next Monday, June 12, we are celebrating the 66 years of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and in all these years, the relationship has been built on the basis of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity. We have received many gestures from the Indian government, for example, supporting Cuba against the policy of the blockade. India has moved all these 33 years against the policy of the blockade, also providing some support to Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recently, we suffered a strong hurricane, and the Indian government decided to send some material resources, in terms of medication, to the Cuban population. We are very glad and recognise this strong connection between our two countries. We have been a very close partner in the international organisations, including in the non-alignment movement, G77, but also in the United Nations. And we have cooperated very closely with the two countries in order to defend the rights of the global south in the international organisation as well. I'm pretty sure they will continue to strengthen the political, economic cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;<h2>Cuba has many friends. Russia is your close friend. There are other countries as well. In fact, I believe I've read somewhere that you spoke on the Iranian side as well. What are your expectations from these countries?</h2> Well, we have relationships with more than 180 countries. We have embassies in more than 145 countries all over the world. We have an excellent relationship with all the Latin American and Caribbean countries. We, for example, have a CARICOM with all the Caribbean countries as well, a very close and historical relations. We have a relationship with all the African countries and the African Union as well. This year, the African Union adopted a resolution against the blockade towards Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;We also have a memorandum of cooperation with the European Union. For more than 20 years, we have developed close cooperation with the European Union in many fields, for example, in food security, in energy sustainability, and also in human rights. Of course, with the Asian countries, you mentioned Russia, but I can mention, and also other countries, such are Vietnam, China, of course, I already mentioned India.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security.

Cuba has launched its strongest condemnation of the US military operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was "captured", accusing Washington of acting as the self-proclaimed “owner of the world” and treating Latin America as its private “backyard”. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera described the 3 January raid, which left 33 Cuban security personnel dead, as a blatant violation of sovereignty. “It is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should… guide the world in the direction they decide,” Aguilera said. “Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region." The ambassador tied the action directly to a resurgent Monroe Doctrine, which he called unacceptable domination. “They are treating us like a backyard… We cannot accept that,” he declared, warning that the US seeks control over the region’s strategic resources, particularly Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security. “If one day they decide to touch Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer,” he vowed. How do you see the development that has happened in your region, the US intervention in Venezuela? We were following the situation very closely. It has not started yet. A few months ago, the Trump administration, and especially the Secretary of State and the Minister of War, mobilised a lot of military resources in the Caribbean region threatening Venezuela. Suddenly it happens. We are expecting that they will respect international law, or they will follow the UN Charter, but at the end of the day, they are following their own interest and not the interests of the international community. They made this terrorist attack against Venezuela, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They sent, in my opinion, a terrorist group to execute the legitimate president who was elected by the people in Venezuela and take him to New York to start preparing this trial against President Maduro and also his wife. Expression of a unilateral action of the United States. Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region. You were following the press conference, and they announced the result of this operation. We are very concerned. They said that the United States will not accept any government in what they say, their neighbourhoods, they say, their areas of influence, Latin America and the Caribbean. Any country that doesn't have a government that follows the interests of the US. They are treating us like the backyard of the US. Latin America and the Caribbean countries, where we spent more than 200 years to reach our own independence from the US, from Spain, and from different colonies. But they try to treat Latin America as its own area of influence, and they have the right, you know, over all the strategic mineral resources and natural resources, the oil of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, for their own benefits. We cannot accept that. The US is treating and attacking one Latin American country, following their interest in the natural resources of our countries. So we cannot accept that. We must raise our voice and make it very clear that this is unacceptable, not only for Latin America, but also for the whole world. Does the development which we have seen in Venezuela, the American intervention? Worry you? Any country should be worried about what happened. The same day, he also announced their interest in having Greenland as a US territory against even their allies in Europe. Same threat against Iran, and other countries, Nigeria. Every day, we are following different actions of one country against another in the world. I don't see China or any other country attacking another one or making military invasions. It is the US, because it is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should, because for some reason, they have the role to guide the world in the direction they decide. Cuba has been subjected for more than 65 years to this policy of the blockade, which is the longest blockade that any nation has suffered. During the first Trump administration, he adopted 243 measures specifically against Cuba in order to suffocate the Cuban economy. Also Read: 'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump During this administration, one of the first decisions signed by Trump was to re-include Cuba in the list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorists is totally unfair, because Cuba has been a victim of the terror action committed from the US territory and with the support of the US government. We are not, we have not committed any action of terrorists against any nation. We are providing medical services. We are providing educational services to the world, not terrorist actions. The idea is, as I said, to strangle the Cuban economy, to cut any financial income to Cuba. They are trying to cut all direct flights from the US to Cuba. We have more than 2 million Cubans living in the US. They are also stopping all the oil supply to Cuba. We are not producing all the oil that we require. Less than 40%. The rest we should import from other countries. They are following all routes where the oil is supplied to Cuba, all the vessels, the international companies, in order to cut this possibility to the Cuban economy, to supply energy to our people, to develop our economy. They are, for example, trying to disrupt the medical services that Cuba provides to more than 60 countries in the world. So the idea is to isolate Cuba and to try to cut all the financial income to our economy, to try to create problems for our people, and, very important at the same time, to develop a media campaign. The idea is how to mobilise the Cuban people against the government as the target, and it could justify a military action against Cuba, because to say people are against the government expressing on the street, and the Cuban government is trying to punish all these people, and we should make a military invasion to put order in Cuba. It's the same idea, the same idea they are doing in other countries, including Venezuela. So it's clear that these policies of the blockade are completely isolated in the international community. Every year, the Cuban government presents in the United Nations a resolution containing the US blockade towards Cuba, and the huge majority of the international community for 33 years has rejected this policy of the blockade. So nobody in the world, not a single country, well, just two, three countries. The rest of the international community is very clear that this policy should come to an end, and the Cuban people have a right to live in peace and to develop all the capacity that we have in order to provide more quality of life to our people. Donald Trump has said that Cuba is next in line. His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has also made comments against your country. How do you see these comments as well? It's very dangerous, not only for Cuba. This person (Trump), who is in charge of this government now, is a very dangerous person. We know them very well. For example, you mentioned Marco Rubio. He started his political career saying that he was Cuban, that his father, when escaping from the dictatorship of the Cuban revolution to the US, was lying. It's lying because their parents went to us before the Cuban Revolution, looking for economic opportunities in us. It happens in Latin America. The people are travelling to the US, trying to reach the US in order to look for opportunities. Because unfortunately we, the Latin Americas, are suffering this long policy of extracting our minerals, our financial resources, our natural resources, from the US companies that, for example, in Cuba, more than 80% of the best land of Cuba to produce the sugar cane and others belong to the US companies before the revolution, and the revolution was a break point of this to give back to the Cuban people our resources, our region, in our country, and from the very beginning we start, of course, opposing to this. So I consider that any country, Latin America, could be a target of this policy of the US. In our case, I see it well. Remember that in the 90s, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba remained almost isolated. At that time, I remember Bush's father was the president of the US, and they said, This is the moment we are going to defeat the Cuban revolution. We are 35 years later. We are here, and we will continue, because the only option for the Cubans is to support and to remain independent. Otherwise, we will be a new colony from the US. They understand very well that we should be resilient enough, but at the same time, we should continue trying to develop under these circumstances. We should develop our economy. We should try to find solutions to our project, to continue providing quality of life to our people, and to show that in our case, socialisation is the best possibility to preserve independence, sovereignty and self-determination in front of this big empire, the biggest empire, just 90 miles from our country. When the incident happened, when the intervention happened, we saw that the President was taken by the American forces and taken to New York. Now, your government, your country, have announced a period of mourning because many Cubans have died as well. Can you just tell us about how the Cuban side is looking at it, and what these Cubans were doing in Venezuela? We have a long-standing, close relationship between our two governments. The Bolivarian government requests that Cuba provide some support because of our expertise to reinforce the safeguard team of President Maduro, and we sent some people to fulfil this responsibility. And at the moment, they made this a surprise attack on the presidential palace, many of them were there, and well, 32 people were killed in combat. 33 Cubans. They were fulfilling their responsibility. It is Cuba, what they did defending the President Nicolas Maduro. It is an expression. What Cuba is ready to do. If one day they decide to touch the Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer that we're going to defend our land until the last consequence. Let me tell you that we have always been in this position to develop a normal relationship with the US. It is very important, because even when US citizens travel to Cuba, they discover that there are no feelings against them. We know very well the position of the government and what is the position of the US population. And we have historical relations with those in this country, and we are always offered the possibility to start a conversation based on mutual respect. During the period of the Obama administration, we were able to sit together to discuss our big differences. The problem is that they (Trump) don't want to have this opinion. There's a guiding ideology from this extreme right ideology from their side, that the only way is to defeat the Cuban Revolution. Trump has come up with a new doctrine. It's actually an old doctrine, but it has his name. That's the Donroe doctrine, which is the Monroe Doctrine. (Donroe Doctrine) Cannot be accepted. They said that they cannot accept a socialist country in the Latin American region. They will not accept any government that is against the US interest. They said that Latin America belongs to them. They have the right to dominate Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine follows this idea, regarding Latin America and the Caribbean region for Americans. And they said, Latin America is for the US, and we cannot accept it. They cannot impose any politics on our region. We cannot accept it. It's clear. Is clear. We cannot accept that the relationship with the US could be guidance. How do you see India's reaction after the American intervention in Venezuela? Well, I was reading the statement of the Indian government, and they are calling for a diplomatic solution through negotiation, through the people to talk and to find cooperation together in order to reach an agreement. It is one of the principles of international law, all problems should be solved in a diplomatic way and not through war. It is clear to me. Well, India is playing a more important role in the international community every day, and India is part of the BRICS. India this year is in the Presidency of BRICS. It offered, of course, the opportunity to continue enhancing the cooperation among the BRICS members, but also to extend to the global south, and India is considered the voice of the Global South. I saw that, for example, in the case of Cuba, we are next Monday, June 12, we are celebrating the 66 years of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and in all these years, the relationship has been built on the basis of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity. We have received many gestures from the Indian government, for example, supporting Cuba against the policy of the blockade. India has moved all these 33 years against the policy of the blockade, also providing some support to Cuba. Recently, we suffered a strong hurricane, and the Indian government decided to send some material resources, in terms of medication, to the Cuban population. We are very glad and recognise this strong connection between our two countries. We have been a very close partner in the international organisations, including in the non-alignment movement, G77, but also in the United Nations. And we have cooperated very closely with the two countries in order to defend the rights of the global south in the international organisation as well. I'm pretty sure they will continue to strengthen the political, economic cooperation between the two countries. Cuba has many friends. Russia is your close friend. There are other countries as well. In fact, I believe I've read somewhere that you spoke on the Iranian side as well. What are your expectations from these countries? Well, we have relationships with more than 180 countries. We have embassies in more than 145 countries all over the world. We have an excellent relationship with all the Latin American and Caribbean countries. We, for example, have a CARICOM with all the Caribbean countries as well, a very close and historical relations. We have a relationship with all the African countries and the African Union as well. This year, the African Union adopted a resolution against the blockade towards Cuba. We also have a memorandum of cooperation with the European Union. For more than 20 years, we have developed close cooperation with the European Union in many fields, for example, in food security, in energy sustainability, and also in human rights. Of course, with the Asian countries, you mentioned Russia, but I can mention, and also other countries, such are Vietnam, China, of course, I already mentioned India.

Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security.

Cuba Ambassador Aguilera: US believes It Is the 'owner of the world', Latin America its 'Backyard'

The United States has long portrayed itself as the global custodian of democracy and international law. Born from a rebellion against arbitrary power, its constitutional framework was deliberately designed to restrain executive impulse, especially in matters of war and foreign intervention. Yet modern American foreign policy increasingly tells a different story, one where power precedes principle and strategic interests quietly shape moral arguments.&nbsp;The unfolding dynamics between the United States, Venezuela, and Guyana expose this contradiction with unusual clarity. What appears on the surface as diplomatic support for a small nation’s sovereignty is, on closer examination, a case study in how energy interests, geopolitical signalling, and executive assertiveness converge under the banner of democracy.<h2>Oil changes everything</h2>Guyana’s geopolitical relevance was marginal for much of its post-colonial history. That changed abruptly in 2015, when ExxonMobil discovered vast offshore oil reserves in the Stabroek Block, one of the largest oil finds of the past decade. With an estimated 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil, Guyana was transformed almost overnight, from one of South America’s poorest countries into a critical node in global energy markets.&nbsp;This discovery did more than reshape Guyana’s economy. It revived and intensified a long-running territorial dispute with neighbouring Venezuela over the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area that makes up nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass. Venezuela has historically claimed the territory, rejecting a 1899 international arbitration ruling that awarded it to British Guiana, now Guyana. For decades, the dispute simmered largely at the diplomatic margins. Oil brought it roaring back to life.&nbsp;ExxonMobil’s offshore operations, backed by American capital and strategic interest, effectively internationalised the dispute. Guyana’s oil was no longer just Guyana’s; it was tied to US energy security, multinational corporate interests, and Washington’s broader influence in the Western Hemisphere.<h2>From diplomacy to deterrence</h2>As tensions escalated, American involvement became more explicit. High-level US officials framed the Guyana–Venezuela dispute not merely as a legal disagreement but as a test of regional stability and international order. This framing reached its most pointed expression with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana.&nbsp;Standing alongside Guyanese leaders, Rubio issued a blunt warning: any Venezuelan aggression against Guyana or ExxonMobil’s oil infrastructure would carry serious consequences. The language was unambiguous, invoking US military reach and signalling that Washington viewed Guyana’s oil assets as strategically protected interests.&nbsp;For Guyana, US backing was presented as a security guarantee. For Venezuela, it was perceived as intimidation, further evidence that American power, rather than neutral arbitration, was shaping the dispute’s trajectory. What had once been a bilateral territorial disagreement was now entangled with US deterrence doctrine and corporate energy interests. This was not traditional diplomacy grounded in multilateral consensus or international adjudication. It was power projection through warning, a reminder that American support often comes with an implicit hierarchy.&nbsp;The Guyana episode cannot be separated from Washington’s broader posture toward Venezuela. Under successive US administrations, but especially during the Trump era, Venezuela became a target of aggressive sanctions, criminal indictments, and open regime-change rhetoric. While no invasion took place, the message was clear: Maduro’s legitimacy was negotiable, and leadership change was considered an acceptable outcome of external pressure.&nbsp;This selective respect for sovereignty sits uneasily alongside America’s professed commitment to international law. While the United States insists on territorial integrity when it aligns with strategic interests, it has shown far less restraint when sovereignty obstructs geopolitical or economic objectives. In Guyana’s case, sovereignty is defended vigorously, bolstered by oil, corporate investment, and US alignment. In Venezuela’s case, sovereignty is treated as conditional, weakened by sanctions, delegitimisation, and constant external pressure. The inconsistency is not accidental; it is structural.&nbsp;What emerges from this episode is a familiar but evolving pattern. The United States no longer needs overt military occupation to exert control. Economic leverage, diplomatic isolation, corporate protection, and carefully calibrated threats now achieve similar outcomes with fewer political costs at home.&nbsp;This is an empire without invasion, influence exercised without formal declarations of war, accountability diluted by complexity, and democratic rhetoric deployed to justify strategic outcomes. If democracy is to retain any credibility as a guiding principle of foreign policy, it must be applied consistently, not bent to accommodate oil fields, corporate interests, or strategic convenience. Otherwise, it becomes what critics have long accused it of being: a language of power, not a limit on it.

Guyana–Venezuela oil dispute: How the US entered the picture

The United States has long portrayed itself as the global custodian of democracy and international law. Born from a rebellion against arbitrary power, its constitutional framework was deliberately designed to restrain executive impulse, especially in matters of war and foreign intervention. Yet modern American foreign policy increasingly tells a different story, one where power precedes principle and strategic interests quietly shape moral arguments. The unfolding dynamics between the United States, Venezuela, and Guyana expose this contradiction with unusual clarity. What appears on the surface as diplomatic support for a small nation’s sovereignty is, on closer examination, a case study in how energy interests, geopolitical signalling, and executive assertiveness converge under the banner of democracy. Oil changes everything Guyana’s geopolitical relevance was marginal for much of its post-colonial history. That changed abruptly in 2015, when ExxonMobil discovered vast offshore oil reserves in the Stabroek Block, one of the largest oil finds of the past decade. With an estimated 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil, Guyana was transformed almost overnight, from one of South America’s poorest countries into a critical node in global energy markets. This discovery did more than reshape Guyana’s economy. It revived and intensified a long-running territorial dispute with neighbouring Venezuela over the Essequibo region, a resource-rich area that makes up nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass. Venezuela has historically claimed the territory, rejecting a 1899 international arbitration ruling that awarded it to British Guiana, now Guyana. For decades, the dispute simmered largely at the diplomatic margins. Oil brought it roaring back to life. ExxonMobil’s offshore operations, backed by American capital and strategic interest, effectively internationalised the dispute. Guyana’s oil was no longer just Guyana’s; it was tied to US energy security, multinational corporate interests, and Washington’s broader influence in the Western Hemisphere. From diplomacy to deterrence As tensions escalated, American involvement became more explicit. High-level US officials framed the Guyana–Venezuela dispute not merely as a legal disagreement but as a test of regional stability and international order. This framing reached its most pointed expression with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana. Standing alongside Guyanese leaders, Rubio issued a blunt warning: any Venezuelan aggression against Guyana or ExxonMobil’s oil infrastructure would carry serious consequences. The language was unambiguous, invoking US military reach and signalling that Washington viewed Guyana’s oil assets as strategically protected interests. For Guyana, US backing was presented as a security guarantee. For Venezuela, it was perceived as intimidation, further evidence that American power, rather than neutral arbitration, was shaping the dispute’s trajectory. What had once been a bilateral territorial disagreement was now entangled with US deterrence doctrine and corporate energy interests. This was not traditional diplomacy grounded in multilateral consensus or international adjudication. It was power projection through warning, a reminder that American support often comes with an implicit hierarchy. The Guyana episode cannot be separated from Washington’s broader posture toward Venezuela. Under successive US administrations, but especially during the Trump era, Venezuela became a target of aggressive sanctions, criminal indictments, and open regime-change rhetoric. While no invasion took place, the message was clear: Maduro’s legitimacy was negotiable, and leadership change was considered an acceptable outcome of external pressure. This selective respect for sovereignty sits uneasily alongside America’s professed commitment to international law. While the United States insists on territorial integrity when it aligns with strategic interests, it has shown far less restraint when sovereignty obstructs geopolitical or economic objectives. In Guyana’s case, sovereignty is defended vigorously, bolstered by oil, corporate investment, and US alignment. In Venezuela’s case, sovereignty is treated as conditional, weakened by sanctions, delegitimisation, and constant external pressure. The inconsistency is not accidental; it is structural. What emerges from this episode is a familiar but evolving pattern. The United States no longer needs overt military occupation to exert control. Economic leverage, diplomatic isolation, corporate protection, and carefully calibrated threats now achieve similar outcomes with fewer political costs at home. This is an empire without invasion, influence exercised without formal declarations of war, accountability diluted by complexity, and democratic rhetoric deployed to justify strategic outcomes. If democracy is to retain any credibility as a guiding principle of foreign policy, it must be applied consistently, not bent to accommodate oil fields, corporate interests, or strategic convenience. Otherwise, it becomes what critics have long accused it of being: a language of power, not a limit on it.

The Guyana–Venezuela oil conflict shows how American foreign policy prioritises power and resources over consistent democratic norms

Taiwan launched a large-scale search operation late on Tuesday evening (January 6) after an F-16V pilot ejected from the aircraft off the island's eastern coast during a training mission. President Lai Ching-te immediately ordered all agencies to prioritise the aviator's safety above all else. The single-seat F-16V Block 20, identified by tail number 6700, lost radar contact at 7:29 pm local time, about 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County, according to the Air Force Command. The pilot, Captain Hsin (full name not disclosed), took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 pm for a routine night training mission. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.&nbsp;The Air Force set up an emergency response center right after the plane lost contact with radar. They quickly launched air and sea search operations in the waters near Hualien. Military officials have not confirmed if Captain Hsin was able to eject from the plane or made any radio calls before or after the incident. His current whereabouts are still unknown, and search teams are working through the night in bad weather.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gop-is-going-to-make-history-with-midterm-polls-trump-gop-zoharan-mamdani-democratic-party-house-republican-retreat-trump-1767716495772">'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump</a>&nbsp;Upon hearing about the incident, Premier Cho Jung-tai immediately contacted Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo. According to Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee, the premier organised a joint effort with various government agencies to quickly deploy rescue resources.&nbsp;The Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps sent C-130 transport planes and Sea Gull helicopters to help search in the area off the coast of Hualien. The Coast Guard also sent ships, and the Fisheries Agency asked local fishing boats to join the search. Currently, several agencies are working together to find Captain Hsin in the waters east of Fengbin Township.

Taiwan launches extensive search after F-16V pilot ejects over Eastern Coast during training

Taiwan launched a large-scale search operation late on Tuesday evening (January 6) after an F-16V pilot ejected from the aircraft off the island's eastern coast during a training mission. President Lai Ching-te immediately ordered all agencies to prioritise the aviator's safety above all else. The single-seat F-16V Block 20, identified by tail number 6700, lost radar contact at 7:29 pm local time, about 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County, according to the Air Force Command. The pilot, Captain Hsin (full name not disclosed), took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 pm for a routine night training mission. The cause of the incident remains under investigation. The Air Force set up an emergency response center right after the plane lost contact with radar. They quickly launched air and sea search operations in the waters near Hualien. Military officials have not confirmed if Captain Hsin was able to eject from the plane or made any radio calls before or after the incident. His current whereabouts are still unknown, and search teams are working through the night in bad weather. Also Read: 'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump Upon hearing about the incident, Premier Cho Jung-tai immediately contacted Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo. According to Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee, the premier organised a joint effort with various government agencies to quickly deploy rescue resources. The Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps sent C-130 transport planes and Sea Gull helicopters to help search in the area off the coast of Hualien. The Coast Guard also sent ships, and the Fisheries Agency asked local fishing boats to join the search. Currently, several agencies are working together to find Captain Hsin in the waters east of Fengbin Township.

Taiwan launched a search operation after an F-16V pilot ejected over the eastern coast during training. The cause remains unknown as the search for the aviator continues

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 06) declared that the Republican party under his leadership is going to make history in the upcoming midterm elections and claimed that Americans are having a very successful presidency with him at the helm. "We are going to make history with a midterm victory, he said. The United States midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026.&nbsp;Trump delivered these remarks at a gathering of House Republicans, which was convened to ensure the GOP House members are aligned on their agenda at the start of a critical midterm election year, which could have a significant effect on the trajectory of Trump's last two years in the office.&nbsp;The midterm polls assumed added significance as the Republican Party suffered defeat in the local elections held after &nbsp;Trump's massive victory in the 2024 presidential polls. The GOP lost its bastion, Miami, to Democrat Eileen Higgins after nearly three decades. Similarly, the Republicans got defeated in New York City by Zohran Mamdani, who describes himself as a democratic socialist.&nbsp;All 435 seats of the US House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 US Senate will be up for grabs, along with 39 gubernatorial posts in the upcoming midterm elections. Capitalising on US military success in the Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, Trump hailed the mission as being very tactically sound "It was amazing - nobody was killed. They knew we were coming, and they tried to get protection, but it went in vain."&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-am-waiting-colombian-president-dares-trump-to-come-get-me-after-us-threats-1767712551761"> 'I am waiting': Colombian President Gustavo Petro dares Trump to ‘come get me’ after US threats</a>&nbsp;Further boasting about the strikes, the US president said that the entire Venezuela was plunged into darkness as the US military cut the electricity of the entire nation "Almost the electricity of the entire nation was cut. The only light people had was candle". Continuing his allegations against deposed Venezuelan president Maduro, Trump accused him of killing millions of people. "He's a violent guy, and he has killed millions of people. They have a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas." POTUS also took a swipe at the media and claimed that the press had lost all its credibility "The Press is uncredible ( without taking the name of any particular media org). Some media reported 97 % negative news, some 93%. They don't have &nbsp;credibility."

Speaking at a House Republicans retreat, Trump boasted about the US military operation in Venezuela, saying the entire country was plunged into darkness, leaving candles as the only source of light.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 06) declared that the Republican party under his leadership is going to make history in the upcoming midterm elections and claimed that Americans are having a very successful presidency with him at the helm. "We are going to make history with a midterm victory, he said. The United States midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026. Trump delivered these remarks at a gathering of House Republicans, which was convened to ensure the GOP House members are aligned on their agenda at the start of a critical midterm election year, which could have a significant effect on the trajectory of Trump's last two years in the office. The midterm polls assumed added significance as the Republican Party suffered defeat in the local elections held after Trump's massive victory in the 2024 presidential polls. The GOP lost its bastion, Miami, to Democrat Eileen Higgins after nearly three decades. Similarly, the Republicans got defeated in New York City by Zohran Mamdani, who describes himself as a democratic socialist. All 435 seats of the US House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 US Senate will be up for grabs, along with 39 gubernatorial posts in the upcoming midterm elections. Capitalising on US military success in the Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, Trump hailed the mission as being very tactically sound "It was amazing - nobody was killed. They knew we were coming, and they tried to get protection, but it went in vain." Also Read: 'I am waiting': Colombian President Gustavo Petro dares Trump to ‘come get me’ after US threats Further boasting about the strikes, the US president said that the entire Venezuela was plunged into darkness as the US military cut the electricity of the entire nation "Almost the electricity of the entire nation was cut. The only light people had was candle". Continuing his allegations against deposed Venezuelan president Maduro, Trump accused him of killing millions of people. "He's a violent guy, and he has killed millions of people. They have a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas." POTUS also took a swipe at the media and claimed that the press had lost all its credibility "The Press is uncredible ( without taking the name of any particular media org). Some media reported 97 % negative news, some 93%. They don't have credibility."

Speaking at a House Republicans retreat, Trump boasted about the US military operation in Venezuela, saying the entire country was plunged into darkness, leaving candles as the only source of light.

'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump

At least 14 journalists were detained in Venezuela on Monday (January 5) while reporting on the political fallout following the capture of now ousted President Nicolas Maduro by US forces, according to the country’s media workers’ union. The union said that all but one of the detained reporters were working for international news outlets. Most were released later the same day, though one journalist was deported from the country. Foreign media outlets have historically faced strict controls in Venezuela, with journalist visas rarely approved.&nbsp;The detentions occurred shortly after Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president. Her inauguration followed statements indicating a willingness to engage with the Donald Trump administration, which has claimed it intends to take control of Venezuela’s governance. Journalists were reportedly stopped by security forces in and around the National Assembly, as well as in Altamira, a district of Caracas. Some were detained by military counterintelligence agents, while others were held by Venezuela’s intelligence services.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-am-waiting-colombian-president-dares-trump-to-come-get-me-after-us-threats-1767712551761">'I am waiting': Colombian President Gustavo Petro dares Trump to ‘come get me’ after US threats</a>&nbsp;According to the union, journalists had their equipment inspected, phones searched, and personal messages and social media activity reviewed. Two additional reporters, one Colombian and one Spanish, were detained near the Colombian border close to Cucuta. They were held without communication for several hours before being released and sent back to Colombia. The union described the incidents as deeply concerning and renewed calls for the release of 23 journalists who remain in custody across the country.<h2>Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela's interim president</h2>Venezuela's parliament swore in Delcy Rodriguez as interim president on Monday (January 5), just two days after the US forces captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, to face trial in New York.

Venezuela cracks down on foreign journalists after Nicolas Maduro’s arrest by US forces

At least 14 journalists were detained in Venezuela on Monday (January 5) while reporting on the political fallout following the capture of now ousted President Nicolas Maduro by US forces, according to the country’s media workers’ union. The union said that all but one of the detained reporters were working for international news outlets. Most were released later the same day, though one journalist was deported from the country. Foreign media outlets have historically faced strict controls in Venezuela, with journalist visas rarely approved. The detentions occurred shortly after Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president. Her inauguration followed statements indicating a willingness to engage with the Donald Trump administration, which has claimed it intends to take control of Venezuela’s governance. Journalists were reportedly stopped by security forces in and around the National Assembly, as well as in Altamira, a district of Caracas. Some were detained by military counterintelligence agents, while others were held by Venezuela’s intelligence services. Also Read: 'I am waiting': Colombian President Gustavo Petro dares Trump to ‘come get me’ after US threats According to the union, journalists had their equipment inspected, phones searched, and personal messages and social media activity reviewed. Two additional reporters, one Colombian and one Spanish, were detained near the Colombian border close to Cucuta. They were held without communication for several hours before being released and sent back to Colombia. The union described the incidents as deeply concerning and renewed calls for the release of 23 journalists who remain in custody across the country. Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela's interim president Venezuela's parliament swore in Delcy Rodriguez as interim president on Monday (January 5), just two days after the US forces captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, to face trial in New York.

At least 14 journalists were detained in Venezuela while covering the aftermath of Nicolas Maduro’s capture by US forces, and one journalist was deported

Colombian President Gustavo Petro hit back at Donald Trump's threats after a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flore, from Caracas. Criticising the operation, Petro on Monday challenged Trump in a statement saying, "Come get me. I'm waiting for you here."&nbsp;"If they [the US] bomb, the campesinos will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the 'jaguar' of the people," he warned.&nbsp;Petro, was served as a leftist guerrilla fighter in the 1990s, said, "I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again."&nbsp;Columbain president's remarks came after, Trump, in a press conference following the capture of Nicolus maduro, cautioned that Petro should "watch his a**."&nbsp;"He’s making cocaine, and they’re sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his ass," Trump said.&nbsp;The White House on Sunday took a swipe at deposed Venezuelan President Maduro in a video posted on social media. The clip showed a montage of Maduro daring the US to “come and get me”, followed by footage of US strikes and the capture of the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-machado-venezuela-soft-power-trump-oil-1767705808683">Machado offers to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;The video also contains scenes from Trump's press briefing on the operation in Venezuela, during which the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said that Maduro "had his chance – until he didn't".&nbsp;The ongoing tensions between the US and Colombia sharply escalated when President Trump on Sunday hinted at the possibility of a similar operation against Petro, accusing him of trafficking drugs in America. &nbsp;"Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States. And he's not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you," Trump stated.&nbsp;In October, the Trump administration had sanctioned Petro and members of his family over ties to the illegal drug trade.

The ongoing tensions between the US and Colombia sharply escalated when President Trump on Sunday hinted at the possibility of a similar operation as Maduro against Petro, accusing him of trafficking drugs in America.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro hit back at Donald Trump's threats after a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flore, from Caracas. Criticising the operation, Petro on Monday challenged Trump in a statement saying, "Come get me. I'm waiting for you here." "If they [the US] bomb, the campesinos will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the 'jaguar' of the people," he warned. Petro, was served as a leftist guerrilla fighter in the 1990s, said, "I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again." Columbain president's remarks came after, Trump, in a press conference following the capture of Nicolus maduro, cautioned that Petro should "watch his a**." "He’s making cocaine, and they’re sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his ass," Trump said. The White House on Sunday took a swipe at deposed Venezuelan President Maduro in a video posted on social media. The clip showed a montage of Maduro daring the US to “come and get me”, followed by footage of US strikes and the capture of the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores. Also Read: Machado offers to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump The video also contains scenes from Trump's press briefing on the operation in Venezuela, during which the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said that Maduro "had his chance – until he didn't". The ongoing tensions between the US and Colombia sharply escalated when President Trump on Sunday hinted at the possibility of a similar operation against Petro, accusing him of trafficking drugs in America. "Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States. And he's not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you," Trump stated. In October, the Trump administration had sanctioned Petro and members of his family over ties to the illegal drug trade.

The ongoing tensions between the US and Colombia sharply escalated when President Trump on Sunday hinted at the possibility of a similar operation as Maduro against Petro, accusing him of trafficking drugs in America.

'I am waiting': Colombian President Gustavo Petro dares Trump to ‘come get me’ after US threats

Authorities in Haryana and Punjab have arrested a 15-year-old boy from Pathankot and a contractor from Ambala for leaking defence-related information with Pakistani handlers. Police in both states said the accused was in contact with individuals across the border and had shared details related to key security installations. A 15-year-old boy from Pathankot was arrested for allegedly passing on information linked to national security to Pakistan’s ISI, terror-linked outfits, and Pakistani military officers, Punjab Police said on Tuesday.&nbsp;The juvenile, identified as Sanjeev Kumar, was reportedly lured by Pakistani handlers through social media platforms. Officials said he was emotionally vulnerable after being made to believe that his father had been murdered. SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon said the arrest was made after inputs indicated that the minor had been supplying sensitive security-related information to front organisations of terror agencies, the ISI, and Pakistani military personnel. He added that the boy was drawn in through online accounts operated from across the border.&nbsp;SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon was quoted by news agency, Times Of India, "He fell into the trap of Pakistani agencies through social media, as he was suspicious that his father had been murdered, which affected him mentally. However, the investigation did not reveal any such evidence.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In the past, many influencers were targetted through social media platforms. In 2025, they were questioned by authortities for leaking information to the other side of the border through social media. The 33-year-old Jyoti Malhotra was one on the list, who had travelled across the border twice, and there are reports of her staying in frequent touch with officials of the High Commission.&nbsp;And during her visit to Pakistan, she made vlogs that spoke of the country's hospitality. And her chats and other details are surfaced as the probe to establish her links with her Pakistani handlers continues. Jyoti had mentioned that she be married in Pakistan in a certain chat between her and the person who suggested to be her handler. The chat highlights her desire to get married in a neighbouring country. Among other things that the probe is highlighting, she had been in constant touch with the Pakistani nationals, who reportedly work for the ISI.&nbsp;Jyoti's vlogs on her YouTube channel 'Travel with Jo' has garnered attention. In a diary entry that has surfaced, she has made an entry which expresses her feelings about the country and the love she received while she was visiting.

A 15-year-old boy from Pathankot was arrested for allegedly passing on information linked to national security to Pakistan’s ISI, terror-linked outfits, and Pakistani military officers, Punjab Police said on Tuesday.



Authorities in Haryana and Punjab have arrested a 15-year-old boy from Pathankot and a contractor from Ambala for leaking defence-related information with Pakistani handlers. Police in both states said the accused was in contact with individuals across the border and had shared details related to key security installations. A 15-year-old boy from Pathankot was arrested for allegedly passing on information linked to national security to Pakistan’s ISI, terror-linked outfits, and Pakistani military officers, Punjab Police said on Tuesday. The juvenile, identified as Sanjeev Kumar, was reportedly lured by Pakistani handlers through social media platforms. Officials said he was emotionally vulnerable after being made to believe that his father had been murdered. SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon said the arrest was made after inputs indicated that the minor had been supplying sensitive security-related information to front organisations of terror agencies, the ISI, and Pakistani military personnel. He added that the boy was drawn in through online accounts operated from across the border. SSP Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon was quoted by news agency, Times Of India, "He fell into the trap of Pakistani agencies through social media, as he was suspicious that his father had been murdered, which affected him mentally. However, the investigation did not reveal any such evidence.” In the past, many influencers were targetted through social media platforms. In 2025, they were questioned by authortities for leaking information to the other side of the border through social media. The 33-year-old Jyoti Malhotra was one on the list, who had travelled across the border twice, and there are reports of her staying in frequent touch with officials of the High Commission. And during her visit to Pakistan, she made vlogs that spoke of the country's hospitality. And her chats and other details are surfaced as the probe to establish her links with her Pakistani handlers continues. Jyoti had mentioned that she be married in Pakistan in a certain chat between her and the person who suggested to be her handler. The chat highlights her desire to get married in a neighbouring country. Among other things that the probe is highlighting, she had been in constant touch with the Pakistani nationals, who reportedly work for the ISI. Jyoti's vlogs on her YouTube channel 'Travel with Jo' has garnered attention. In a diary entry that has surfaced, she has made an entry which expresses her feelings about the country and the love she received while she was visiting.

A 15-year-old boy from Pathankot was arrested for allegedly passing on information linked to national security to Pakistan’s ISI, terror-linked outfits, and Pakistani military officers, Punjab Police said on Tuesday.

15-year-old arrested for leaking defence-related information to Pakistan

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, in an interview with Fox News, offered to share her Nobel Peace Prize with the US President Donald Trump.She also thanked Trump for his intervention in Venezuela and for abducting Nicolas Maduro. She claimed it was a “huge step for humanity, for freedom and human dignity.” Despite her overt alignment with the US hegemony and corporate agenda, she was deemed not fit for the top role in Venezuela.&nbsp;Fox News anchor Hannity asked Maria Corina Machado, “Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize?”Machado responded, she didn't, “We want to give it to him. Share it with him.” &nbsp;Machado has been trying to gather support from the international community. In the process, she has made several claims, from privatising all resources of Venezuela and profiting US companies to moving the Venezuelan embassy in Israel to occupied Jerusalem, to dedicating her Nobel Prize to US President Donald Trump.Trump says he won't back Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, because she has no support in Venezuela."I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," said Trump," She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">NOW: Maria Machado is on FOX NEWS making a FOOL of herself. <a href="https://t.co/0EBTTHgm47">pic.twitter.com/0EBTTHgm47</a>&mdash; Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpencerHakimian/status/2008366227962335628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Every country struggles with its inner crisis, and it tries to find a solution for itself. Europe had the bloodiest French Revolution, which set off a series of subsequent revolutions across the continent; the US had its Civil War. Chavismo's social welfare record is not propaganda, massive wealth distribution, upliftment of a large number of people from poverty, universal health care and education. These were material changes that made a difference in the lives of underprivileged people. But it is also true that Chavismo was not devoid of corruption, and required diversifying its economy and institutional reform. Venezuela was not exceptional in having inner turbulence or economic crisis. The majority of this was caused by the market crash of 2014 and the repeated sanctions by the US. What is exceptional is the externalisation of the internal crisis.Western moral institution operates within a Euro-Atlantic moral framework, which uses soft powers such as the Nobel Peace Prize to serve its geopolitical interests. It's not that Machado won the Nobel Prize, so she is legitimate; the Nobel Prize itself works within a power system which prioritises which discourse is important.&nbsp;

Maria Corina Machado’s Nobel win, praise for Trump, and Venezuela’s oil politics reveal how Western soft power legitimises regime change while ignoring deeper crises.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, in an interview with Fox News, offered to share her Nobel Peace Prize with the US President Donald Trump.She also thanked Trump for his intervention in Venezuela and for abducting Nicolas Maduro. She claimed it was a “huge step for humanity, for freedom and human dignity.” Despite her overt alignment with the US hegemony and corporate agenda, she was deemed not fit for the top role in Venezuela. Fox News anchor Hannity asked Maria Corina Machado, “Did you at any point offer to give him the Nobel Peace Prize?” Machado responded, she didn't, “We want to give it to him. Share it with him.” Machado has been trying to gather support from the international community. In the process, she has made several claims, from privatising all resources of Venezuela and profiting US companies to moving the Venezuelan embassy in Israel to occupied Jerusalem, to dedicating her Nobel Prize to US President Donald Trump. Trump says he won't back Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, because she has no support in Venezuela. "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," said Trump," She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect."

Maria Corina Machado’s Nobel win, praise for Trump, and Venezuela’s oil politics reveal how Western soft power legitimises regime change while ignoring deeper crises.

Machado offers to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump

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