As the United States carried out strikes on Venezuela on Saturday, global oil markets are closely watching for any fallout, though early signals point to limited disruption so far.Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, raising concerns that military action could disrupt global price movements. However, crude markets have remained subdued as the country’s oil exports were already constrained by US sanctions, limiting its role in global supply chains.According to Reuters, Venezuela’s state-run energy company PDVSA said oil production and refining operations were running normally, and that its most important facilities had not suffered damage from the US attacks. Two sources, quoted by Reuters, familiar with PDVSA’s operations said the country’s key oil infrastructure remained unaffected.Reuters also reported that the port of La Guaira near Caracas suffered severe damage during the attacks, though the port is not used for oil exports.For India, the impact is expected to be minimal, according to former Indian Ambassador to Venezuela R Viswanathan told ANI that India is not dependent on Venezuelan oil and that trade between the two countries remains limited. He added that India has some investment through ONGC in Venezuelan oil fields, but the developments are unlikely to affect India in any significant way.“It was not a surprise… this is not the first time he had threatened. When he was President for the first time, at that time also he had threatened Venezuela… This time he has sent the warships and he has authorized the CIA… No, it will not affect India,” he said. Further explaining his stance, he added, “We are not dependent on Venezuela for oil. Our trade is very little and we have some investment by ONGC in their oil fields… So, this is not going to affect India in any big way.”US President Donald Trump said American forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro following months of pressure over allegations of drug trafficking and illegitimacy in power. However, after the attacks, Trump announced that US is going to be heavily involved in the Venezuela’s oil industry. “”We have ‌the greatest oil companies in the world, the biggest, ‍the greatest, and ‍we’re going ⁠to ⁠be very much involved in it,” he told Fox News.Before this, in December, Trump had announced a blockade of oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, a move that has already weighed heavily on the country’s crude exports.The US seizure of two Venezuelan oil cargoes and the tanker blockade reduced Venezuela’s exports last month to about half of the 950,000 barrels per day it shipped in November, as reporter by Reuters earlier. The measures have also prompted many vessel owners to divert away from Venezuelan waters, forcing PDVSA to store crude on tankers and slow deliveries at ports. At the time, global data and analytics firm Kpler had said the market remains well supplied, even within sanctioned segments, limiting the price impact of further disruptions.Kpler estimated Venezuela currently produces about 900,000 barrels per day of crude and condensate, roughly 1 per cent of global supply. Of the approximately 765,000 barrels per day that Venezuela exports, about 76 per cent is shipped to China, mainly to independent refiners, as state-owned companies avoided sanctioned cargoes.

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The finale of the Ashes 2025-26 series moves to the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the traditional New Year’s Test, beginning January 4, 2026. Following England‘s spirited four-wicket victory at the MCG, their first Test win in Australia since 2011, the visitors arrive in Sydney with momentum. However, they must contend with a typical Sydney summer forecast that threatens to interrupt the early stages of the match before giving way to classic ‘Pink Test’ sunshine.

Ashes 2025-26: Both sides face further injury blows

Australia’s depth continues to be tested as they head to the SCG without captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, both of whom were ruled out for the remainder of the series following the Adelaide Test. Steve Smith retains the captaincy for the series finale, leading a squad that sees Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson integrated into the setup. The biggest story for the hosts, however, is the emotional farewell of Usman Khawaja, who has confirmed he will retire from international cricket following this Test.

England’s injury crisis has deepened despite their Melbourne triumph. Seamer Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the SCG Test after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Boxing Day clash. He joins Jofra Archer and Mark Wood on the sidelines, leaving Ben Stokes with a depleted pace battery. In response, England have named a 12-man squad featuring off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, with Bashir potentially making his first appearance of the series on a surface traditionally friendly to slow bowlers.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test to be his final bow

Sydney Weather forecast for the New Year’s 5th Ashes 2025-26 Test

Day 1: Sunday, January 4 The opening day is expected to be a stop-start affair. A heavy thunderstorm and intermittent showers are forecast, with a 55% chance of rain throughout the day. Temperatures will reach a humid 27°C, and high humidity levels could assist swing bowlers during the windows of play. Both teams will need to be mentally sharp to handle the frequent interruptions.

Day 2: Monday, January 5 Conditions remain unsettled as the humid weather continues. While the risk of a total washout decreases, mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers will likely persist. The moisture in the air and a moderate southerly breeze will keep the seamers interested, making the morning session a critical survival period for the top-order batters.

Day 3: Tuesday, January 6 The clouds are expected to clear for the annual Pink Test celebrations even though the chances of rain are still there with 20%. Mostly sunny skies and a pleasant top of 26°C are forecast. As the sun beats down on the SCG square, the pitch should begin to dry out and harden, allowing stroke-makers to capitalize on the improving conditions. This is often the best day for batting in Sydney.

Day 4: Wednesday, January 7 Heat becomes a factor on the penultimate day as temperatures climb to 28°C under bright sunshine. With no rain in sight, the SCG surface is likely to start showing significant wear. This moving day will see spinners like take center stage as they look to exploit the rough created by the fast bowlers’ follow-throughs.

Day 5: Thursday, January 8 The Test is set for a scorching conclusion, with a forecast high of 31°C and clear skies. If the match enters the final day, it will be a grueling battle of endurance. The dry, baking conditions will favor the side with the disciplined spinners and the batters who can maintain focus in the sweltering Sydney heat.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England unveil squad for the SCG Test

File photo (Picture credit: ANI)

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have begun 2026 on a cautious note, continuing their selling streak in Indian equities after a bruising 2025. In the first two trading sessions of the new year, FIIs sold shares worth Rs 7,608 crore, extending a trend that saw heavy outflows through December, as per ET.FIIs were net sellers throughout December, offloading Indian equities worth Rs 22,611 crore during the month. This took the total foreign outflow for 2025 to Rs 1,66,286 crore. According to market participants, the scale of sales last year was unprecedented. V K Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Investments, described 2025 as the worst phase of FII selling since overseas investors began investing in Indian markets, reported ET.He noted that during the calendar year 2025, FIIs sold equities worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore in the secondary market. However, investments of Rs 73,909 crore through the primary market helped soften the overall impact. Even so, December alone saw secondary market selling of Rs 30,332 crore, underlining the persistent pressure on equities.Explaining the reasons behind the sustained exit, Vijayakumar pointed to relatively high valuations in India and the global shift towards artificial intelligence-linked trades as key drivers. He also said the relentless selling contributed to weakness in the rupee. The Indian currency emerged as the worst-performing major currency in 2025, depreciating nearly 5% against the US dollar over the year, as per ET.A closer look at quarterly flows shows how uneven FII behaviour was during the year. Foreign investors pulled out Rs 1,16,574 crore in the January–March quarter, setting a sharply negative tone. This was followed by a brief reversal in April–June, when inflows stood at Rs 38,673 crore. Despite the weak start to 2026, market experts believe the outlook could improve over the year. Vijayakumar expects a shift in FII strategy as India’s fundamentals strengthen. “Significant improvement in India’s fundamentals are likely to attract net FII inflows in 2026. Robust GDP growth and prospects of improvement in corporate earnings in 2026 augur well for positive FII flows in 2026,” he said, as quoted by ET.Nilesh Jain, head vice president – equity research at Centrum Broking, also struck an optimistic note. He expects 2026 to be better than the previous year and has pegged the Nifty’s December 2026 target at 29,731, implying a potential upside of 13%. He attributed this view to improving macro indicators, stronger GDP growth, easing inflation and an end to corporate earnings downgrades.Jain added that India underperformed global emerging markets in 2025, delivering its weakest relative performance in three decades. Rupee depreciation, persistent FII selling and high US tariffs of 50% weighed on sentiment, with no trade deal reached by year-end.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, left, Mustafizur Rahman, middle, and BJP leader Sangeet Som

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).KKR had picked Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore at the IPL auction held in December. However, his selection triggered a political backlash in India after reports emerged of recent mob violence and lynching incidents involving Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.Following the BCCI’s directive, Mustafizur Rahman will not be part of the IPL 2026 season, and the franchise has been permitted to name a replacement player in accordance with league rules.In a media advisory, KKR said, “Kolkata Knight Riders confirms that BCCI/IPL as the regulator of IPL has instructed it to release Mustafizur Rahman from the squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.” The franchise added that the release was carried out after due process and consultations, and that the BCCI would allow a replacement player as per IPL regulations.Also read | Mustafizur Rahman out of IPL 2026: Will KKR get their Rs 9.20 crore back?The controversy drew reactions from political leaders, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor coming forward in Mustafizur Rahman’s support, while the BJP strongly opposed his selection and targeted KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a “traitor.”

Congress supports cricketer, questions BCCI

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said sports should be separated from political tensions. “Cricket should not be made to bear the burden for attacks on minorities in Bangladesh,” he told reporters, adding that Mustafizur Rahman had no role in the violence.“Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer and has nothing to do with any of these things. He has not been personally accused of any hate speech or condoning or defending any attacks. Mixing these two things is simply not fair,” Tharoor said.Also read | ‘Who are we punishing?’: Shashi Tharoor slams ‘mindless politicising of sport’ after KKR release Bangladesh player Mustafizur RahmanHe also cautioned against isolating neighbouring countries. “If we become a country that isolates all of our neighbours, and say nobody is playing with any of them, how does it do any good? It is purely a sporting decision, and we should not let politics come into this,” he added.Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the BJP for targeting the IPL franchise, saying overseas players participate in the league as per BCCI and IPL rules.In a post on X, Kharge said, “The BJP and their ‘Vichar Parivaar’ are outraged over the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL. If an overseas player is in IPL, it is because BCCI or the IPL rules allow him. Instead of blaming the franchise, shouldn’t the BJP leaders ask why BCCI is allowing Bangladesh players to participate in IPL, when they should be banning it.”He further cited past instances to criticise BJP leaders. “The same BJP leaders have no problem when: India played with Pakistan soon after the Pahalgam attack. IPL shifted matches to Islamic countries during COVID. IPL auctions are held in Islamic countries… For BJP, ‘nationalism’ appears only when it suits their politics,” Kharge added.Congress MP Tariq Anwar defended KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling it inappropriate to target the actor. He said foreign players can only be included after due permission from cricketing authorities and under international norms.Reacting to the controversy, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said the focus should be on who permitted Bangladeshi players to be included in the IPL auction in the first place.Speaking to ANI, she said, “First of all, I want to ask who put the Bangladeshi players in that pool. This question is for the BCCI and the ICC. Home Minister’s son, Jay Shah, should answer who put the Bangladeshi players in the pool where IPL players are bought and sold, the pool where the players’ auction takes place… he is the ICC’s chief and the main decision-maker in cricket all around the world.”

BJP welcomes BCCI decision

BJP leader Sangeet Som welcomed the BCCI’s decision and launched a sharp attack on Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a “traitor.” He cited repeated violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and claimed Mustafizur Rahman would not be allowed to play in the IPL.“Despite all this, traitors like Shah Rukh Khan… invest it in players from a country that is working against India,” Som told ANI, adding that the cricketer would not be able to play in the tournament.Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kashyap also praised the BCCI’s move, saying it respected national sentiment. “We welcome the decision of the BCCI that they understood the sentiments of the nation and removed the Bangladeshi player,” he said.

Madan Lal backs Shah Rukh Khan

Former India cricketer Madan Lal and World Cup winner supported Shah Rukh Khan, saying the actor had no role in team selection.“This is the decision of the BCCI and the Central government must have taken this decision, given the atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh,” he told ANI.He added, “There is no fault of Shah Rukh Khan as they have the team who picks the team.”

Mixed reactions continue

National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, said there was no act of betrayal in Shah Rukh Khan selecting a Bangladeshi player.Meanwhile, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi of the All India Imam Organisation said Shah Rukh Khan should apologise to the nation over the selection.Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had urged Shah Rukh Khan to remove the Bangladeshi player, saying it would protect India’s interests and prevent the actor from becoming a target.Also read | Another Hindu dies in Bangladesh: Khokon Das succumbs to injuries after 3 days; was set ablaze by mobHindus in Bangladesh have been victims of mob violence and lynching in the aftermath of protests and the killing of student leader Osman Hadi. On December 18, 2025, Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy charges in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. In another incident, a Hindu youth, Amrit Mondal, was lynched in Rajbari district, triggering protests and strong reactions in India.

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.