Maria Corina Machado (File photo)

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has returned to global focus after US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Venezuela’s long-time leader, Nicolas Maduro, has been “captured” amid large-scale American strikes on the South American nation.While Machado has not reacted publicly to Trump’s announcement, the developments place her at the centre of a rapidly shifting political moment in Venezuela. She has previously voiced strong support for Trump’s aggressive approach toward the Maduro regime and has openly backed external pressure, including military intervention, to end what she describes as communist rule in the country.

Machado emerged as the global face of Venezuela’s opposition after winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, an honour that Trump himself was also reportedly seeking. Her rise has coincided with Washington’s escalating actions against Caracas, including a US military buildup in the Caribbean, strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats and a blockade on tankers carrying Venezuelan oil.Earlier, Machado travelled to Oslo in Norway, where she received her Nobel Peace Prize. The trip marked her first public appearance after spending more than a year in hiding in Venezuela under constant threat from state authorities.Her departure from the country was itself dramatic. Media reports in the United States said Machado’s escape involved wearing a disguise, including a wig, and travelling from a small Venezuelan fishing village by wooden boat to the Caribbean island of Curaçao, before boarding a private plane to Norway.The operation was later described in detail by Bryan Stern, a US special forces veteran and founder of the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, who told the BBC that he led the extraction mission. Stern said the journey, dubbed Operation Golden Dynamite, involved disguises, two boats navigating choppy seas and a flight out of the region.“The seas are very rough. It’s pitch black. We’re using flashlights to communicate. This is very scary; lots of things can go wrong,” Stern said, adding that the “formidable” Machado did not complain once during the operation.

The rare defiance

Machado had travelled to Norway in defiance of a decade-long travel ban imposed by Venezuelan authorities. She arrived too late to attend the official Nobel Peace Prize ceremony held last week, with the award being received on her behalf by her daughter.In earlier interviews, Machado has made no secret of her admiration for Trump’s posture toward Caracas. In December, she told CBS News that she was “absolutely” supportive of his strategy.“We, the Venezuelan people, are very grateful to him and to his administration, because I believe he is a champion of freedom in this hemisphere,” Machado said about Trump.Her political position has become even more significant following Trump’s claim that Maduro has been captured, a development that, if confirmed, would dramatically weaken the Venezuelan regime and reshape the country’s power dynamics. Machado has long argued that sustained external pressure was the only way to end Maduro’s rule, and Trump’s actions appear to align closely with her long-held stance.

Where is Maria Corina Machado?

Last year, Machado, when she was in Norway, had planned to return to Venezuela regardless of whether Maduro was ultimately removed from power. Her comments came hours after she appeared in public for the first time in 11 months, following her arrival in the Norwegian capital.“I think that the actions of President Trump have been decisive to reach where we are now, where the regime is significantly weaker,” she told reporters. “Because before, the regime thought it had impunity …. Now they start to understand that this is serious, and that the world is watching.”However, she sidestepped direct questions on whether a US military intervention was necessary to oust Maduro. On her return to Venezuela, Machado said timing would depend on security conditions rather than political outcomes.“I would return to Venezuela when we believe the security conditions are right, and it won’t depend on whether or not the regime leaves,” she said.As Washington intensifies pressure on Caracas and Trump projects decisive action, Machado stands to gain the most politically from any weakening or collapse of the Maduro regime. For now, she remains silent on the claim of Maduro’s capture, even as global attention once again turns toward the Nobel laureate widely seen as Venezuela’s most prominent opposition figure.

India vs Bangladesh (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. However, this decision applies only to the IPL. No call has been taken yet on Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be played in India. This was confirmed by the Indian cricket board chief Mithun Manhas.

Manhas said the matter was discussed in detail before taking a final call. He also made it clear that the World Cup issue is still open. “The BCCI has taken this decision after thorough consultation, and Mr Saikia has already conveyed it to the media. The decision is related only to the IPL; we have not discussed the World Cup yet. We will share details once that is done,” Manhas told IANS on Saturday.This update comes after BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were instructed to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for IPL 2026. The decision was taken following directions from the BCCI due to recent developments in Bangladesh.Over the past few days, the issue became sensitive after several spiritual and political leaders criticised KKR and its owner, actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan. The criticism followed KKR’s decision to sign Rahman at the IPL auction. This happened amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, which led to public outrage and strong reactions on social media and other platforms.Mustafizur Rahman was bought by KKR at the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025 for Rs 9.2 crore. Since making his IPL debut in 2016, Rahman has taken 65 wickets in 60 matches.Rahman’s exit from IPL 2026 has also raised questions about Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup matches scheduled in India. Bangladesh are set to play West Indies, Italy, and England on February 7, 9, and 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They will then face Nepal on February 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. As of now, the BCCI has not made any announcement regarding these matches.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that he holds only American passport, and plans to live and die in the US. Musk’s statement was shared by X (formerly Twitter) user DogeDesigner who quoted the tech billionaire as saying: “I hold one passport now & forever: America. I will live & die here. Or Mars (part of America).”Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa on June 28, 1971. His mother, Maye Musk is a Canadian citizen that enabled him to get Canadian citizenship in 1989 at the age of 17. In the same year, he enrolled at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. In 1992, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States under a J-1 Exchange Visit.

What is J-1 exchange visa Elon Musk used to move to the US

A J-1 visa is a US exchange visitor visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the country to take part in approved cultural and educational exchange programmes. It is commonly used by students, researchers, teachers, interns, trainees, professors, scholars and medical residents. J-1 visa holders usually come to the US for a fixed period, depending on their programme. In some cases, they must return to their home country for at least two years after the programme ends before applying for certain other US visas or permanent residency. This is known as the two-year home residency requirement.

Elon Musk’s early career in the US questioned

Now the world’s richest person, Musk became a naturalized US citizen in 2002. In 2024, the Washington Post reported that Musk began his career working illegally in the US when he was building a Silicon Valley startup in the 1990s. Video of the then US President Joe Biden referencing the report’s claims went viral on X. Responding to one such video, the tech billionaire denied working without authorization in the US. “I was in fact allowed to work in the US,” Musk wrote, accusing Biden of lying.

Citizenship status of Elon Musk’s children

Elon Musk has 12 children with three different partners. Many of his children are US citizens by birth, having been born on American soil. They may also hold Canadian citizenship through their mothers.

Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis,’ starring Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda, reached theaters on January 1st. The war biopic also features Simar Bhatia, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Soon after the release, Vivaan Shah, the son of Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak, shared an emotional tribute to Agastya and described how strongly the film affected him.

Vivaan Shah praises Agastya Nanda

As reported by the media outlets that circulated the Instagram post, Vivaan Shah posted a glowing note for his co-star on Instagram. He wrote, “This is an appreciation post for my favourite co-actor and one of the kindest, most brilliant and most beautiful human beings I have ever met!You’re a blessing in all of our lives Aggi!Love you,”.

Vivaan compared Agastya’s maturity to his own at the same age. He recalled working with Abhishek Bachchan and wrote, “I was exactly Agastya’s age when I worked with his Maamu (working with @bachchan was one of the most special and sacred experiences of my entire life), and let me tell you I was not half as evolved and mature as Agastya at that age.” He added, “Agastya is an inspiration to me!At 23 going on 24 (now 25) he is a fully formed individual and an extraordinarily sophisticated actor. He has such command over his craft. Just two films old he has already delivered one of the greatest performances I have ever seen!”.Vivaan also praised Agastya’s lead role as Arun Khetarpal. He wrote, “His portrayal of Arun Kheterpal is magnificent beyond words; poignant, powerful, intense, full of the vitality and confusion and also innocence of youth.” He highlighted specific moments and said, “I especially love it when he shouts ‘Fire!’or ‘Let’s go boys!’” He also reflected on classic film performances and wrote, “I remember the goosebumps I would get when his Nana would perform such scenes in his beautiful films.“

Shweta Bachchan responds with emotion

Shweta Bachchan reacted after she read Vivaan’s message. She wrote, “Dearest Vivaan – I started my morning with your post and teared up!!!I hope my son lives up to all the faith and belief you have in him.” She thanked him directly and added, “Thank you for holding his hand through it all encouraging teaching and I’m sure at times tolerating his pranks. Sending you all my gratitude. Thank you.”‘Ikkis’ tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal and centers on the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India Pakistan War. The title reflects the age at which he attained martyrdom.

Pretoria Capitals and Durban’s Super Giants square off in a high‑stakes SA20 2025-26 clash at SuperSport Park, with both sides needing consistency after explosive but uneven starts to the season. Expect a hard-hitting contest between two power-packed batting units on a venue that generally rewards strokeplay and pace bowlers.​

Pretoria Capitals sit mid-table after one win in three, but their campaign was reignited by a crushing 85‑run win over MI Cape Town, where they piled up 220 and bowled the champions out cheaply. Durban’s Super Giants have six points from four games but arrive on the back of a heavy defeat to Joburg Super Kings and a winless run in their last three, making this a pressure fixture to reset momentum.​

Capitals’ batting template finally clicked at Newlands, with runs across the order and Sherfane Rutherford starring with both bat and ball, signalling a more rounded threat than in their early losses.​ Super Giants have already twice crossed 200 this season, yet their fragility has been exposed when early wickets fall, highlighted by being bowled out for 86 in their previous outing.​ DSG hold a narrow edge in the rivalry, leading 3–2 in completed games, with one no-result; recent meetings have typically produced big totals and sharp momentum swings.

PC vs DSG, SA20 2025-26: Match details

• Date and Time: January 3 (Saturday); 9:00 pm IST / 03:30 pm GMT / 5:30 pm Local
• Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

PC vs DSG, Head-to-Head Record in SA20 2025-26:

Matches played: 5 | Pretoria Capitals won: 3 | Durban’s Super Giants won: 2 | No result/Tied: 0

SuperSport Park Pitch Report

SuperSport Park has become one of the quicker-scoring SA20 venues, the average first‑innings score across recent T20s here hovers in the mid‑160s, with many games comfortably exceeding 180.​ Fast bowlers dominate wicket columns, taking roughly three‑quarters of the dismissals in the last batch of T20s at this ground, but true bounce also lets stroke‑makers hit through the line.​ While historically chasing has often been attractive at Centurion, recent SA20 data shows defending totals is very viable; with scattered evening thunderstorms forecast, captains are still likely to field first to keep DLS in play.

Squads:

Pretoria Capitals: Will Smeed, Bryce Parsons, Shai Hope (wk), Dewald Brevis, Connor Esterhuizen, Sherfane Rutherford, Wihan Lubbe, Keshav Maharaj (c), Codi Yusuf, Tymal Mills, Lungi Ngidi, Daniel Smith, Roston Chase, Lizaad Williams, Sibonelo Makhanya, Keith Dudgeon, Junaid Dawood, Gideon Peters, Meeka eel Prince

Durban’s Super Giants: Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Jos Buttler, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Evan Jones, David Wiese, Eathan Bosch, Simon Harmer, Kwena Maphaka, Noor Ahmad, Sunil Narine, Taijul Islam, Dayyaan Galiem, Daryn Dupavillon, Tony de Zorzi, Marques Ackerman, Gerald Coetzee, David Bedingham, Andile Simelane, Gysbert Wege

Also WATCH: Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford unleash a flurry of sixes on MI Cape Town bowlers in SA20 2025-26

PC vs DSG, SA20 2025-26: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pretoria Capitals wins the toss and bowls first
• Durban’s Super Giants’ powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• Durban’s Super Giants’ total score: 165-175

Case 2:

• Durban’s Super Giants wins the toss and bowls first
• Pretoria Capitals’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Pretoria Capitals’ total score: 150-160

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Faf du Plessis recalls MS Dhoni’s iconic act after Donovan Ferreira’s stunning run-out for Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2025-26

NEW DELHI: India announced their squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday. Batter Shreyas Iyer’s return to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand has brought relief to fans, but it comes with an important condition. The right-handed batter has been named in the 15-member squad and will also serve as vice-captain, yet his place in the playing group depends on final fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE).

The three-match ODI series begins on January 11 in Vadodara, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18. India will be led by Shubman Gill, who is also making his return as ODI captain after missing the South Africa series due to injury. If Shreyas Iyer is fully cleared, the New Zealand series could mark the comeback of both India’s ODI captain and vice-captain at the same time.Iyer has been recovering from a serious abdominal injury he suffered during the ODI series against Australia in October last year. The injury forced him to miss several matches, including the South Africa series and domestic tournaments. Since then, he has been working hard on his rehabilitation and recently completed match-simulation sessions at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.Before his injury, Iyer was an important part of India’s middle order. He brought stability at No. 4 and had a strong ODI record, making him a key player in India’s plans.However, the team management is being careful. They do not want to rush Iyer back and risk another setback. With major tournaments ahead, fitness is being given top priority. For now, Iyer is back in the squad, but all eyes will be on the final medical clearance that will decide whether he takes the field against New Zealand.

Venezuelans woke on Saturday to deserted streets, plumes of smoke and a single, nagging question: who is in charge now?Security forces patrolled near-empty avenues in the capital hours after loud explosions rattled Caracas and US commandos carried out overnight strikes that President Donald Trump said led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Reuters reported that areas around the Miraflores presidential palace were sealed off with checkpoints manned by armed personnel, while residents stayed indoors, glued to their phones for updates.Follow live updates here“We don’t know what’s coming next,” Nancy Perez, 74, told Reuters. “I saw it first on social media, then on television. Now everyone is just waiting,” she said.Dark smoke continued to rise from the direction of the Port of La Guaira north of Caracas which was severely damaged according to CBS news, while another plume was visible near a major air base in the capital. Meanwhile, videos showed explosions lighting up the night sky, followed by sustained blasts. Most residents chose to remain at home, though long lines formed at grocery stores as people stocked up on food and essentials. Fuel stations were shut across several cities, adding to fears of prolonged disruption.“I went to check on my workshop because I was afraid of looting, but the streets were empty,” Jairo Chacin, 39, a mechanic in the oil hub of Maracaibo told Reuters. For some opposition supporters, cautious optimism mixed with anxiety. Chacin said his sister, who lives in the United States, called him in tears when the news broke. “We cried together out of happiness,” he said, “but nobody knows what happens now.”Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed Maduro’s capture, following months of accusations that the Venezuelan leader was involved in drug trafficking and illegitimately clinging to power. The operation marked the first US military intervention aimed at removing a foreign leader since the 1989 invasion of Panama.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.”

India’s capital expenditure upcycle is showing early but credible signs of revival, with several investment-linked sectors likely to benefit over the next two to three years, according to Antique Stock Broking’s India Equity Strategy 2026. Improving macroeconomic conditions, policy support and rising private and household investment are laying the groundwork for a broader capex recovery.As per news agency PTI, the report identifies defence as one of the strongest structural beneficiaries of the capex push, driven by higher budgetary allocations, a strong order pipeline and continued emphasis on indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme. Export opportunities are also expanding, providing an additional growth lever. Capital goods companies are expected to see outsized earnings growth as fresh order inflows coincide with high operating leverage, with the report noting that even modest revenue growth could translate into sharp profit expansion.Industrial and electronics manufacturing services are also positioned to gain from domestic capex and global supply-chain diversification. As multinational firms pursue “China+1” strategies, India is emerging as a preferred manufacturing base, supporting demand for industrial equipment and electronics, according to PTI. The gradual return of private investment is expected to benefit infrastructure developers and engineering players, particularly those linked to roads, railways, power and urban infrastructure, while lower interest rates and improved affordability are reviving housing demand.Alongside the capex theme, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) could stage a comeback in Indian equities in 2026 after record outflows last year. As per ANI, FPIs pulled out about $17.5 billion in 2025, the highest annual outflow on record. Antique said CY26 could see a revival as earnings visibility improves, valuations turn reasonable and macro stability strengthens.Corporate earnings are projected to re-accelerate, with Nifty earnings expected to grow around 16% CAGR over FY26–FY28, compared with about 7% over the previous two years. However, the report cautioned that global investor preference for AI-exposed markets remains a risk, potentially leading to sectoral divergence within Indian equities.