The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. The court said personal liberty is not absolute and must be balanced with society’s security. It found that allegations against both accused are prima facie true. The bench said their roles were central and directive, not minor. The court noted they were involved in planning and coordinating the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 riots. Five other accused were granted bail, as their roles were seen as subsidiary. The court said delay in trial alone cannot justify bail in serious cases under UAPA.

Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty in a US court in New York on Monday. Speaking through an interpreter, Maduro told the judge he was “captured” and called himself a “decent man” and Venezuela’s president. He denied all charges against him. Maduro faces charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. US prosecutors allege links with international criminal groups. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty and said she is Venezuela’s first lady. The case follows Maduro’s capture in Caracas, which has drawn global attention. Venezuela and its allies have criticised the US action.

India has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice. The advisory was issued as protests spread across the country over rising prices and living costs. The external affairs ministry asked Indians and people of Indian origin in Iran to stay alert and avoid protest areas. Those living in Iran were told to register with the Indian embassy. Around 10,000 Indians, mostly students, are currently in Iran. The move comes after US President Donald Trump warned of action if protesters are harmed. Iranian leaders have rejected foreign pressure. Protests have been reported in many cities. (PC: AP)

A 45-year-old Hindu factory owner and acting newspaper editor, Rana Pratap, was shot in the head by men on a motorcycle in Bangladesh's Jashore district on Monday evening. Attackers called him from his ice factory, led him to an alley, and fired multiple rounds, leaving seven bullet casings. Local sources claim Pratap had multiple legal cases and alleged extremist group connections, though he was acquitted in all cases. This killing follows recent atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including a widow's rape, hair-cutting incident, and murders of Khokon Chandra Das, Amrit Mondal, and Dipu Chandra Das. India condemned the violence, expressing concern over "unremitting hostility" against minorities under Muhammad Yunus's interim government. (PC: NDTV)

A 52-year-old Indian tourist, Raj Jasuja, was violently assaulted by transgender women in Pattaya, Thailand, on December 27 after allegedly refusing to pay for sexual services. Viral video footage shows three transgender women confronting Jasuja, blocking his car door as he attempted to leave. With assistance from bystanders, they pulled him from his vehicle and repeatedly kicked and struck him. Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation arrived at 5:30 AM, finding Jasuja with facial and head injuries. He received first aid before hospitalization at Pattamakom Hospital. A 19-year-old witness, Phongphon, reported the argument escalated when the woman summoned friends. Police will request a formal complaint once Jasuja recovers.

US President Donald Trump warned India of increased tariffs if it continues importing Russian crude oil, stating PM Modi knows of Washington's displeasure. Indian exports already face 50% tariffs, with half linked to Russian oil purchases. Trump said tariffs could rise quickly, which "would be very bad for them." Despite pressure, Russia remained India's largest crude supplier (April-November 2025), providing 60 million of 178.1 million tonnes imported, though its share dropped to 33.7% from 37.9%. US imports surged 92% year-on-year to 7.6%. Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing legislation for harsh secondary tariffs. Experts warn India's strategic ambiguity is costly and recommend clearly stating its position on Russian oil.

Bangladesh has suspended IPL 2026 broadcast following BCCI's directive to Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, citing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced all IPL matches and related programs will remain suspended until further notice. This follows Bangladesh Cricket Board's formal request to ICC to relocate their 2026 Men's T20 World Cup matches from India, citing safety and security concerns. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh stated India welcomes all teams but emphasized it's Bangladesh's choice whether to participate. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the instruction to release Rahman due to recent developments. The IPL commences March 26. (PC: ANI)

India issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid widespread protests over inflation and living costs. The external affairs ministry advised approximately 10,000 Indian nationals, mostly students, and people of Indian origin in Iran to exercise caution, avoid protest areas, and register with the Indian embassy. Protests have erupted across 23 of Iran's 31 provinces, triggered by 36% inflation and the Iranian rial losing half its value. At least 15 people have died since protests began a week ago. US President Donald Trump threatened intervention if Iranian authorities crack down on protesters, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Iran won't yield, raising tensions amid Western sanctions over Iran's nuclear program. (PC: X)

Sharada Iyer, a 52-year-old Indian woman living in Muscat, died in a trekking accident in Oman's Jebel Shams region. The former Oman Air manager, originally from Thazhava, Kerala, was trekking with a group along marked paths in the rugged Wadi Ghul area of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate when the accident occurred on January 2. Authorities did not disclose the exact cause of death, but the location's steep cliffs and challenging terrain pose recognized risks. Iyer, daughter of late agricultural scientists RD Iyer and Rohini Iyer and sister of Malayalam playback singer Chitra Iyer, had returned to Oman on December 24 after attending her father's funeral. Her last rites will be performed on January 7 at the family's ancestral home in Thazhava. (PC: Instagram)

The Election Commission of India has summoned cricketer Mohammed Shami and his brother, Mohammed Kaif, for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing in Kolkata regarding discrepancies in their enumeration forms. Issues include complications in progeny mapping and self-mapping. Shami, enrolled as a voter in KMC Ward No. 93 under Rashbehari Assembly constituency, informed the ECI he cannot attend as he's representing Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. His hearing, initially scheduled for January 5, has been postponed to January 9-11. Although born in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, Shami has been a permanent Kolkata resident for years. This development follows West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's concerns about SIR procedural lapses. (PC: PTI)