A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh died on Saturday after being stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur district. Khokon Chandra Das was attacked on December 31 while returning home from his pharmacy in Damudya area. Doctors at the National Burn Institute in Dhaka said he suffered burns to about 30 per cent of his body and had severe injuries to his face and airways. He died at around 7.20 am after three days of treatment. Police said two suspects have been identified and efforts are under way to arrest them. The victim was first taken to a local hospital before being shifted to Dhaka. (PC: India Today)

Venezuela on Saturday declared a national emergency after multiple explosions were reported in the capital Caracas. Blasts were heard around 2 am local time, with smoke seen near the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and other areas. Power cuts were also reported in the southern part of the city. The government said attacks were also recorded in Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira states. President Nicolas Maduro’s administration described the incident as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States. US media cited officials who said American forces were involved. Washington has warned for weeks of action against drug groups in Venezuela. (PC: NDTV)

Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday confirmed that they have released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad. The statement came hours after the BCCI ordered the franchise to part ways with the player. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the move followed recent developments in Bangladesh. KKR said the release was done after due process and talks with the board. The franchise added that it will be allowed to sign a replacement under IPL rules. Mustafizur was bought for Rs 9.20 crore at the December mini auction. He has played 60 IPL matches for five teams.

Several explosions were heard across Venezuela’s capital Caracas early on Saturday, with planes flying low over parts of the city. News agencies reported at least seven blasts around 2 am local time. Smoke was seen rising from the southern area near major military sites, including Fort Tiuna and the La Carlota air base. Power cuts were reported in nearby neighbourhoods as residents rushed outside. Videos shared online showed loud bangs and dark skies. The US has recently warned of possible action against President Nicolas Maduro and has increased military pressure in the region. Neither Washington nor the Venezuelan government gave an immediate comment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2026 season. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move to India Today, saying the decision was taken after recent developments. Mustafizur was bought by KKR for Rs 9.20 crore at the mini-auction in December. His signing later drew criticism from political and social groups following events in Bangladesh. The board said the franchise can name a replacement if it wishes. The move leaves KKR short of an overseas pace option for the coming season. (PC: India Today)

An explosion rocked Nalagarh in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh on New Year’s Day, occurring around 9:40 AM near the town’s police station and shattering windows of nearby buildings, but no casualties were reported. Forensic teams and police quickly cordoned off the area, collected samples and began scanning CCTV footage as part of a detailed investigation into the cause and nature of the blast. Authorities have registered a case and coordinated with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police. Two pro-Khalistan groups — Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA) — claimed responsibility, citing grievances over alleged synthetic drug issues, while police continue probing the authenticity and motive behind the claims. (PC: ANI)

In the lead-up to the January 15 civic elections in Maharashtra, 68 candidates from the BJP and its Mahayuti allies were declared winners unopposed, with 44 from the BJP, 22 from Shiv Sena (Shinde) and two from NCP after opposition contenders withdrew their nominations or failed to file papers, particularly in key bodies like Kalyan-Dombivli and Pune. BJP leaders credited the sweep to the party’s popularity and strong election strategy. However, opposition parties accused the ruling alliance of using money, pressure and undue influence on returning officers to force withdrawals, calling the process unfair and undermining democracy. (PC: HT)

A devastating fire tore through the Le Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119 others, many critically. Authorities said investigators believe sparkler-style party candles (“Bengal lights”) attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, igniting a blaze that spread rapidly through the crowded venue. Officials are also examining whether flammable ceiling materials contributed to the rapid fire spread and if safety violations occurred. Victim identification is ongoing, and Switzerland has entered a period of national mourning. (PC: AP)  

A Buddha Air ATR 72-500 turboprop (Flight 901) carrying **51 passengers and four crew members veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal late Friday night. The aircraft, arriving from Kathmandu, overshot the runway by about 200–300 metres and came to rest near a grassy area beside the strip, sustaining minor damage. Emergency teams from Kathmandu were dispatched, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries. Aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the runway excursion.

A 19-year-old student of Government Degree College in Dharamshala died on December 26 after allegedly being ragged, physically assaulted and sexually harassed, her father told police in a complaint. The incident reportedly occurred on September 18, 2025, involving three senior female students and a college professor, identified as Ashok Kumar. Before her death, the victim recorded a distressing video from her hospital bed detailing inappropriate touching and mental harassment by the accused. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Himachal Pradesh anti-ragging laws against all four individuals, and an investigation is ongoing.