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IND vs SA [WATCH]: Virat Kohli’s passionate celebration lights up Ranchi after Kuldeep Yadav’s crucial wicket during 1st ODI



India‘s momentum in the 1st ODI against South Africa was further boosted by Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a crucial blow in the 14th over, dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 39. With a review confirming the ball was pitching in line and in front of middle stump, the South African batter was trapped LBW. As the wicket fell, Virat Kohli erupted in celebration, roaring with delight, showcasing his intense passion for the game. His aggressive reaction highlighted the intensity of the moment, as India tightened their grip on the game.

Virat Kohli channels his inner celebration as Kuldeep Yadav strikes in Ranchi ODI

The atmosphere in Ranchi was electric as Kuldeep Yadav delivered a critical breakthrough in the 14th over of South Africa’s innings. De Zorzi, looking comfortable at the crease, was caught in front by a legspinner from Kuldeep that pitched on middle stump and turned sharply. After a brief review, it was clear that the ball would have hit the stumps, and the South African batter was sent back for 39.

Kohli, standing at first slip, wasted no time in showing his emotions as he celebrated the dismissal. With his fists raised high, he roared in delight, rallying his team as India gained the upper hand. Kohli’s celebration reflected the intensity of the game, and it was clear that he was determined to make his mark with the bat and inspire his team.

As the game progressed, the Indian bowlers continued to apply pressure on the South African batting line-up, but the image of Kohli’s passionate celebration would remain one of the highlights of the match. The fall of de Zorzi’s wicket shifted the momentum in India’s favor, and they looked to capitalize on it as they tightened their grip on the match.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: IND vs SA: Virat Kohli shuts down Test retirement U-turn talk with clear statement

Virat Kohli’s stunning century guides India to 17-run victory in the 1st ODI against South Africa

In a thrilling encounter at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, India triumphed over South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI of the 2025-26 series. Kohli’s masterful 135 off 120 balls anchored India’s total of 349/8. South Africa’s chase fell short despite a valiant fight led by Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, as they were bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs.

Kohli’s knock included 11 fours and 7 sixes, further extending his record of 52 ODI centuries. His innings was pivotal in India’s strong total, with key contributions from Rohit Sharma (57), KL Rahul (60) and Washington Sundar (13). The South African bowlers, including Nandre Burger and Ottneil Baartman, struggled to stem the run flow, and despite a late flurry from Jansen (70), India’s bowlers led by Kuldeep Yadav (4/68) and Arshdeep Singh (2/64) maintained control.

In South Africa’s innings, the early breakthroughs, with Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock falling cheaply, left them reeling. Kuldeep and Harshit Rana capitalized, dismissing key middle-order batters, including De Zorzi (39) and Dewald Brevis (37). South Africa’s tail wagged with Bosch and Jansen, but the target proved too steep. Kohli’s spirited celebrations following key wickets, especially when Kuldeep struck, highlighted the intensity of the contest. This win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next ODI scheduled to take place in Guwahati.

Also WATCH: IND vs SA: Harshit Rana gives an aggressive send off to Dewald Brevis after dismissing him during Ranchi ODI





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Winter Session: PM Modi welcomes Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan as Parliament opens — Watch | India News


Winter Session: PM Modi welcomes Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan as Parliament opens — Watch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: On the opening day of the Parliament Winter Session on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of the House, welcomed Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan as he presided over the Rajya Sabha for the first time. Radhakrishnan assumed office in September, becoming the country’s new Vice President and succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar.Addressing the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said, “Respected Chairman, the Winter Session is beginning today and it is a proud moment for all members of the House. It is a proud moment to welcome you…On behalf of the House, I heartily congratulate you. And I wish you all the best.”The prime minister assured full cooperation from MPs, saying, “I assure you that all the members sitting in this House, while maintaining the dignity of the Upper House, will always take care of your dignity as well. I assure you that they will maintain decorum. Our Chairman comes from a simple family, a farmer’s family, and he has dedicated his entire life to social service. The political field has been one aspect of it, but the mainstream has been social service. He has been dedicated to society. He is an inspiration and a guide for all of us who are interested in social service.”PM Modi also recounted the Radhakrishnan’s work in Jharkhand, saying, “I saw the bond you forged with the tribal communities in Jharkhand. The way you visited even small villages, the chief minister of Jharkhand would proudly mention these things whenever he met me. Whether you had a helicopter or not, you would travel in whatever vehicle you had, stopping at small places at night. We all know your spirit of service and the way you took it to new heights as Governor... I have realised one thing that people sometimes feel the burden of their position, and sometimes they get overwhelmed by protocol. But I’ve noticed that you have no connection with protocol…”Earlier in the day, just before the Winter Session began, PM Modi addressed the media and targeted the Opposition, urging them to move past their defeat in the recent Bihar assembly elections. He also took a jibe at the Opposition’s approach in Parliament, saying, “Whoever wants to do drama can do it. There should be delivery here and not drama…the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans.”





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India stun Iran, qualify for AFC U-17 Asian Cup | Football News


India stun Iran, qualify for AFC U-17 Asian Cup
India qualify for Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. (Pic credit: AIFF)

AHMEDABAD: Even as their seniors have struggled for success of late, the country’s U-17 boys wrote a famous chapter, sealing qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The grade came on the dint of inflicting a 2-1 defeat to an old rival, Iran, by defending resolutely and keeping the aggressive visitors at bay for more than 40 minutes to edge the Asian giants in the last of the qualifiers here.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Seven minutes into the second half with the game tied 1-1, defender Korou Konthoujam launched a high ball into the opposite half. Iranian defender Amirmahan Afrooziani’s attempt to connect with it failed, and as he fell down, India midfielder Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, lurking on the left flank, took two touches before unleashing a fierce shot that took the deflection of Mohammad Ali Rahnama before landing in the Iranian goal. The goal sparked wild, delirious celebrations on the Indian bench, and Gunleiba was cautioned for his shirtless celebration.India still needed to keep Iran at bay for more than 40 minutes, and they defended with composure and rare resoluteness. Every ball launched into the Indian box was cleared first time.





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The Mutual Fund Advisor: Investing in your first mutual fund? Start simple, not clever


The Mutual Fund Advisor: Investing in your first mutual fund? Start simple, not clever
A decade from now, the fund you barely talked about will likely be the one that did most of the work. (AI image)

Here’s a scene I’ve seen many times.A new investor starts a SIP. Within a month, the portfolio already has seven funds: a mid-cap, a small-cap, a PSU theme, a “manufacturing” theme, an international fund, a sector fund, and one “special opportunities” fund—because each one looked great on a “top returns” list.Another new investor starts with one fund—a plain flexi-cap fund or a broad index fund—and just keeps investing.Five years later, the second investor usually has a bigger corpus and far less stress.Not because they found a magical fund. But because they began the right way.What your first mutual fund should doYour first mutual fund has a simple job:

  1. Give you broad exposure to the equity market
  2. Reduce the chances of a nasty surprise
  3. Help you build the habit of investing month after month

This is the “learning to drive” phase. You don’t start by driving in the hills at night in the rain. You start on a steady road.So your first fund should be boring in the best way—broad, diversified, and easy to stay invested in.Good beginner choices are:

  • A flexi-cap fund (diversified across large, mid and small stocks)
  • An aggressive-hybrid fund (decent mix of equity stocks & bonds)
  • A large-cap fund (mostly top companies)
  • A simple index fund (tracking a broad index like Nifty 50 / Sensex / another broad-market index)

These are not flashy. That’s exactly why they work.Why “hot” funds are a bad starting pointMost beginners choose funds the way people choose restaurants—by looking at what’s “trending”.Apps and websites push:

  • “Best performers in the last 1 year”
  • “Top sector funds”
  • “This theme is the future”

The trap is simple: yesterday’s winner is often tomorrow’s disappointment.Sector and thematic funds are not evil. They’re just sharp tools. If you’re still learning, sharp tools increase the chances of getting hurt.Why?

  • They are concentrated: fewer stocks, higher swings.
  • They often look best after the rally has already happened.
  • They can underperform for long stretches—long enough to test your patience.
  • And beginners almost never hold them through the full cycle. They buy after a run-up and sell after a fall.

So the fund didn’t “fail”. The investor’s timing did. And timing is the one skill beginners shouldn’t be forced to master.One simple fund often beats many clever ones (in real life)Over a full market cycle—up, down, then recovery—broad-market funds tend to be easier to hold, and that matters more than people admit.For example, consider the periods from August 2013 to December 2017 and from December 2017 to March 2020.

  • The Sensex – a good proxy for the Indian equity market – delivered about 16 per cent annualised in the upcycle and then fell roughly 10 per cent in the downturn.
  • A popular theme, such as a PSU fund did 27 per cent in the upcycle but then dropped 17 per cent, showing how much sharper the swings can get.
Performance breakdown

Performance breakdown

Now add reality: most investors didn’t stay invested in the theme through the full cycle. Many entered late and exited early.That’s why “best returns” lists can be misleading. They show what a fund did. They don’t show what investors earned.How many funds do you need in your first 2–3 years?Most beginners think diversification means “more funds”.It doesn’t.If you own five equity funds, chances are you own the same top 20–30 stocks five times. That’s not diversification. That’s repetition with extra paperwork.For the first two to three years, a good rule is:Start with 1–2 funds.That’s enough.A simple structure:

  • One core equity fund for your long-term (5 years and more)
    • Flexi-cap / large-cap / simple index / aggressive hybrid for investors without any experience of investing in equity.
  • Optional one debt fund: if your goal is near-term (3–5 years) or you want stability.

If you can’t explain why you own a fund in one sentence, you probably don’t need it—yet.“But what about small caps, international exposure, sectors, themes?”Later—maybe.Think of these as “satellites”. You add them after your “core” is in place.Start with the core first because:

  • The core will do most of the long-term compounding.
  • The core keeps your portfolio stable enough for you to stay invested.
  • And staying invested is the biggest advantage a beginner can have.

When we design a first portfolio in Value Research Fund Advisor (VRFA), we usually start with 1–2 core funds that can quietly do the heavy lifting for decades. Once the foundation is solid, we add anything else if needed.A practical, quick check before you pick your first fundBefore you choose, ask yourself:

  1. Is it broad and diversified? (Not a narrow sector/theme)
  2. Is it easy to hold for years? (If it falls by 20 per cent, will you panic?)
  3. Are costs reasonable? (Expense ratio not out of line)
  4. Does it have a sensible long-term record? (Not just a 1-year star)
  5. Can I continue this SIP without constant tinkering?

That last question is the real test.Because your first mutual fund is not about being clever. It’s about being consistent.The whole pointIf you do just two things right at the start, you’ll be ahead of most investors:

  • Pick one boring, diversified fund (flexi-cap / large-cap/index/aggressive hybrid)
  • Run your SIP steadily for years

Ignore the noise. Ignore the “top returns” carousel.A decade from now, the fund you barely talked about will likely be the one that did most of the work.(Sneha Suri is Lead Fund Analyst – Value Research’s Fund Advisor)





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IND vs SA: Sachin Tendulkar surpassed! Virat Kohli scripts history, becomes the only cricketer to … | Cricket News


Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Star batter Virat Kohli produced another innings of authority and patience on Sunday while also stepping into territory that has belonged to only one man for two decades. With his 52nd One Day International hundred in the first ODI against South Africa, Kohli went past Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 51 Test centuries and became the only cricketer in history to score more than 51 centuries in a single format of international cricket.

Inside India nets in Ranchi: How Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepared for first ODI vs South Africa

The feat also marked the 7000th international hundred in men’s cricket.India lost former captain Rohit Sharma after a fluent 57 off 51 balls, but Kohli stood firm on a pitch that demanded both discipline and calculated strokeplay. He came in early, settled quietly and gradually took control of the innings as the partnership with Rohit began to flow. Their stand of 136 off 109 deliveries gave India the platform they needed after a brisk start.The moment of history arrived in the 38th over. Marco Jansen delivered one back of a length outside off, and Kohli opened the bat face neatly to guide the ball past third man. The timing was effortless, and the boundary took him to a landmark that had been approaching steadily through the afternoon. Kohli leapt, punched the air and acknowledged a Ranchi crowd that rose in one voice. It was not overplayed, simply a celebration of mastery, built brick by brick.He eventually fell for a brilliant 135 off 120 balls, caught by Rickelton running back from cover after mistiming an attempted loft. As he walked off he raised his bat to all four stands, and Ranchi responded with a standing ovation befitting the moment.A record surpassed, a new peak reached and history rewritten in Kohli’s name.





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KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan pens a touching tribute to Andre Russell post his IPL retirement



Shah Rukh Khan marked the end of Andre Russell’s IPL playing career with an emotional public tribute, hailing the Caribbean player as a franchise legend and welcoming him into a new role as Kolkata Knight Riders’ “Power Coach” from the 2026 season. Russell retired from the IPL after 12 seasons but will continue to be part of the Knight Riders’ global setup and other T20 leagues worldwide.​

Shah Rukh khan’s emotional message to Andre Russell

Responding to Russell’s retirement announcement on social media, SRK thanked the all-rounder for years of service in KKR colours and described him as the franchise’s “knight in shining armour”. The Bollywood superstar stressed that Russell’s contribution to KKR “is one for the books” and joked that seeing him in any jersey other than the iconic purple and gold would “look weird”, underlining how closely his image is tied to the franchise.​

Shah Rukh also used the message to underline the significance of Russell’s next chapter, calling him “Muscle Russell for life” and expressing love on behalf of the entire KKR family and fans of the sport. The post framed the transition not as a farewell, but as a continuation of a long-standing association that began when Russell joined KKR in 2014 after two seasons with Delhi Daredevils.​

Russell’s IPL legacy and new role of Power Coach

Russell ended his IPL playing career with one of the most imposing all‑round records in the league’s history, having featured in 140 matches for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and KKR, scoring 2,651 runs at a strike rate of over 174 and taking 123 wickets at an economy rate of 9.51. He won two IPL titles with KKR (2014 and 2024) and collected two Most Valuable Player awards (2015 and 2019), while producing several iconic innings and match‑turning spells that cemented his status as the team’s premier game‑changer.​

Also READ: IND vs SA: Virat Kohli shuts down Test retirement U-turn talk with clear statement

A dip in returns in IPL 2025, where he managed only 167 runs and eight wickets at an economy approaching 12, influenced KKR’s decision to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 mini‑auction, effectively paving the way for his retirement as a player. Russell, however, chose to continue his association with the franchise by accepting a place on Abhishek Nayar’s revamped coaching staff as “Power Coach”, a role Shah Rukh explained would see him “passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power” to the next generation of KKR batters. Under this arrangement, Russell will remain a key presence in the Knight Riders ecosystem even as he keeps playing franchise T20 cricket in other leagues and for the wider Knight Riders group teams.

Also READ: Fans celebrate as Virat Kohli and bowlers help India edge past South Africa by 17 runs in a thrilling Ranchi ODI clash



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Government warns WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps: Within 90 days, make sure your app stops working if…


Government warns WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps: Within 90 days, make sure your app stops working if…
By February 2026, India’s telecom authority is set to implement a SIM binding policy for messaging apps like WhatsApp, compelling users to verify their registered SIM cards continuously. This initiative is designed to thwart cyber fraud by ensuring that apps do not operate on deactivated SIMs. Additionally, web versions will automatically log users out after six hours.

The Department of Telecommunications has given messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat 90 days to enforce “SIM binding”—a requirement that will stop these apps from working if users remove the SIM card originally used for registration. The directive, effective from February 2026, also mandates that web versions of these apps log out users every six hours, requiring fresh authentication via QR code.Officials say the measure targets cyber fraudsters who exploit the current system where apps continue functioning even after SIM cards are removed, replaced, or deactivated. The government argues that criminals operating from outside India are using this loophole to commit cyber fraud and impersonation scams.

What SIM binding means and how it will work

SIM binding requires apps to continuously verify that the registered SIM card remains active and inserted in the device. Currently, messaging apps only verify a user’s mobile number once during initial setup. After that single verification, the application works independently—even if the SIM is removed or replaced.Under the new Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules 2025, these platforms have been classified as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs). This classification represents a major expansion of the DoT’s jurisdiction, extending regulatory oversight beyond traditional telecom operators to any service using mobile numbers for user identification.The Cellular Operators Association of India, representing private telecom companies, has supported the need for SIM binding, arguing that the current one-time verification creates opportunities for misuse.

Challenges for travelers and multi-device users

While the directive seeks to curb fraudlent users, it could create significant friction for legitimate users. People traveling abroad who use local SIM cards will no longer be able to continue using services like WhatsApp without additional registration. Those who rely on tablets or use messaging apps across multiple devices may face constant disruptions.The requirement to log out from web versions every six hours could disrupt workflows, especially in professional settings where employees use WhatsApp on computers without their phones nearby.For WhatsApp alone, which has over 500 million users in India, implementing this change would require significant re-engineering of the service to comply with regulations unique to India.

Meta and other firms question the proposal

Industry sources have called the instructions “problematic,” noting that no feasibility study or consultation was conducted before these directions were issued. Critics question whether SIM binding will effectively curb fraud, since many scammers already use SIM cards procured through forged or stolen identity documents.The Internet and Mobile Association of India, representing Meta and other digital firms, has characterized the amended rules as representing a “clear overreach” with broad implications for digital businesses across fintech, e-commerce, mobility, and social media.Messaging platforms now have until early 2026 to comply with the new requirements or face potential regulatory action.





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Red Fort blast probe intensifies: NIA raids ‘Madam Surgeon’ Dr Shaheen Shahid’s Lucknow home | Lucknow News


Red Fort blast probe intensifies: NIA raids 'Madam Surgeon' Dr Shaheen Shahid's Lucknow home
NIA conducts searches at the Lucknow residence of arrested woman doc Shaheen Shahid

LUCKNOW: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday widened its probe into a “white-collar” terror financing and radicalisation network linked to the November 10 car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, conducting coordinated searches across Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh — including the Lucknow residence of former medical college faculty member Dr Shaheen Shahid, now arrested and in custody of NIA. Lucknow search: family under scannerIn Lucknow, NIA searched Shaheen’s Lalbagh residence where her father and one of her brothers continue to live; another brother, also a doctor, has been detained for questioning.

ED Cracks Down On ‘White-Collar Terror Module’, Conducts 25 Raids Linked To Al-Falah University

It is for the first time that NIA has conducted searches at residence of Dr Shaheen Shahid in Lucknow.Shaheen was earlier arrested after a Russian rifle and ammunition were recovered from a car registered in her name, allegedly used by Muzammil.Investigators allege she funnelled Rs 27–28 lakh into the module, including Rs 6.5 lakh for weapons and Rs 3 lakh for a vehicle, though she claims the money was given as zakat. Agencies also assert she was the only woman in the Faridabad JeM module and was in contact with Afira Biwi, wife of Pulwama attack mastermind Umar Farooq, and had discussed a plan to target six Indian cities on December 6 as “revenge for Babri Masjid”.A topper turned terror accusedBorn and raised in Kaiserbagh, the 46-year-old pharmacology specialist Shaheen also known as ‘Madam Surgeon’ had an impeccable academic run — topping her Class 10 and 12 boards, completing MBBS and MD from the government medical college in Prayagraj, and securing a UPPSC rank to join GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, as an assistant professor in 2006.Her trajectory reportedly plunged after 2013, when she abruptly stopped reporting for duty. All official communication failed, and she was terminated in 2021. During these undocumented years, investigators claim she drifted toward radical elements while associated with Al-Falah University, where she allegedly grew close to Dr Muzammil, suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative whom she married in 2023.Dr Shaheen Shahid was allegedly heading the India wing of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat which is the women’s wing of Jaish-e-Muhammad.NIA teams carried out searches at eight locations in Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam. In Shopian, officers raided the home of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Vagay, who has emerged as the alleged mastermind responsible for radicalisation and recruitment in the network. Vagay is currently under NIA custody in connection with the Red Fort blast that killed 15 people.In Pulwama, searches were conducted in Koil, Chandgam, Malangpora and Sambura, all linked to suspects connected to the Delhi blast.Simultaneously, NIA searched the residence of Dr Aadil Ahmad Rather in Saharanpur, arrested earlier this month, as part of efforts to map the financial and operational web of the module.A white-collar terror modelOfficials describe the network as a new breed of “white-collar” terror module — educated professionals who raise funds through financial fraud, laundering and legitimate-looking transactions, making detection far more complex.With raids now stretching from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh, investigators say the focus is on identifying the module’s handlers, mapping the funnel of funds, and establishing how radicalisation and operational planning were executed by individuals with professional backgrounds.The raids come after a Delhi court on Saturday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of four accused, including Dr Shaheen Shahid, Dr Muzammil Shakeel, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, and Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather in the Delhi blast case for another 10 days after it sought more time for investigation.Even before the blast, several arrests had been made across multiple states, and investigators had begun to piece together evidence of an interstate terror module.Following the explosion, the NIA found that the incident was connected to earlier arrests, leading to a series of new revelations as the probe deepened.The NIA has so far arrested seven individuals in connection with the blast involving a Hyundai i20 driven by Dr Umar Muhammad, which exploded near the Lal Qila Metro station.





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‘You must leave the country now’: Trump delivers blunt ultimatum to Maduro on call; US-Venezuela tensions flare


‘You must leave the country now’:  Trump delivers blunt ultimatum to Maduro on call; US-Venezuela tensions flare

US President Donald Trump delivered a blunt ultimatum to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a recent phone call, telling him, “You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now,” according to the Miami Herald.The United States reportedly offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son if he agreed to depart immediately. The offer was also said to extend to several top allies. However, Caracas refused to accept the conditions, prompting the talks to collapse.Also read | ‘Wouldn’t say it went well or badly’: Trump confirms call with Maduro; comes as US steps up pressure on VenezuelaUS President Donald Trump on Sunday acknowledged that he had recently spoken with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro but refused to give details. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly.” His guarded comments came after he publicly warned that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “closed in its entirety,” a declaration made hours after the failed exchange amid rising tensions and after the US sent major military assets to the Caribbean, adding to its tense standoff with Caracas.According to the Miami Herald, the call, held late in the week of November 16, stalled when Maduro sought two guarantees — global amnesty for himself and senior members of his circle, and the right to retain command of Venezuela’s armed forces even if he allowed free elections. The paper quoted a source familiar with the call saying, “First, Maduro asked for global amnesty for any crimes he and his group had committed, and that was rejected. Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces … In return, they would allow free elections.” Washington reportedly dismissed both proposals and instead demanded that Maduro step down at once. Maduro government attempted to arrange another call with Washington but received no response. A defense expert familiar with Venezuela’s military and state-linked cartel networks warned that Maduro and key figures in his regime could now be facing their most serious threat yet.Also read | ‘Closed in its entirety’: Trump orders complete shutdown of Venezuelan airspace; tensions rise amid anti-drug opsFollowing the breakdown, Trump sharply escalated pressure on Venezuela. He warned that US military operations “by land” could begin “very soon” and ordered aircraft to avoid Venezuelan airspace. A FlightRadar24 map later showed no international aircraft flying over the country. Flights to Aruba and Curaçao took longer alternative routes, and major airlines halted services after a Federal Aviation Administration warning about “heightened military activity.” Venezuela retaliated by revoking the operating rights of several foreign carriers and accused Washington of “colonial aggression.”US politicians have defended the administration’s stance. Senator Dave McCormick told Fox News Sunday, “We have a war that’s coming through fentanyl, through opioids, through cocaine,” blaming Venezuela for fuelling a drug crisis that “killed 100,000 Americans last year.” The administration has intensified maritime strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, actions critics have described as extrajudicial. Congressional inquiries are under way into an alleged “double tap” strike near Trinidad, which US secretary of war Pete Hegseth has denied ordering.





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