Colombian President Gustavo Petro has raised the stakes ahead of his upcoming White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, saying the talks could help “stop a world war” as military pressure mounts across South America.Speaking to CBS News, the left-wing leader said he welcomed the invitation to Washington and hoped continued dialogue would prevent the region from sliding into conflict. Asked directly about his goal for the meeting, Petro replied: “To stop a world war.”

Petro said his concerns were rooted in what he described as growing militarisation in the region, particularly following US action in Venezuela. He pointed to images of helicopters and missiles and warned that Colombia, which lacks an air defence system, would be dangerously exposed if tensions escalated further.“I’m not going to say that I’m not afraid,” Petro said. He warned that any attack on Colombia’s leadership would almost certainly trigger civil war and fuel hostility towards the United States. “That would without a doubt cause a civil war, and also a hostility toward the United States that the United States does not deserve. It would be dumb policy,” he told CBS.The comments come as Washington sharpens its posture in Latin America after the US operation that removed Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. Trump has since signalled an aggressive approach towards drug trafficking networks, while also moving quickly to assert control over Venezuela’s oil exports and revive production through US-backed investment.Petro has sought to frame cooperation as the alternative to confrontation. On Friday, he urged Venezuela to join Colombia in fighting drug-trafficking groups operating along their shared 2,200-kilometre border. Writing on X, Petro said he had invited Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez to act jointly to ensure drug gangs were “defeated by our nations in unity”.That appeal followed a phone call earlier this week in which Petro and Trump agreed to take “joint action” against cocaine-smuggling guerrillas along the Colombia–Venezuela frontier. Colombian officials say Petro asked Trump to help “strike hard” at the National Liberation Army, the country’s last major rebel group, which is believed to maintain rear bases inside Venezuela.Trump said that Petro is expected to visit the White House in early February.

Yuvraj Singh and Sanju Samson (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: A viral nets video has thrust Sanju Samson back into the spotlight as India step into the final stretch of preparations for the T20 World Cup. The clip, widely shared across social media platforms, shows the wicketkeeper-batter receiving batting tips from former India star Yuvraj Singh, immediately fuelling chatter around the World Cup winner’s growing influence as a mentor to the next generation.Over the past few years, Yuvraj has quietly carved a niche as a guiding figure for young Indian cricketers. His inputs have already played a part in the rise of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom have gone on to establish themselves at the highest level. Gill now leads India in Tests and ODIs, while Abhishek has emerged as a first-choice opener in T20Is, earning a reputation for his fearless powerplay hitting.

Samson now appears to be the latest batter to benefit from Yuvraj’s experience. The former India all-rounder was recently spotted working closely with the Kerala batter in the nets as Samson gears up for a crucial phase of his career. With the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, every training session carries added significance.The video surfaced just days before India’s T20I series against New Zealand, underlining the timing of the interaction. Samson, who has been named in the squad for the five-match series and is also part of India’s plans for the World Cup at home, looked keen to fine-tune his batting approach under Yuvraj’s watchful eye.India squad for T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on Saturday said that he is preparing to return home. He linked the possible move to the ongoing mass protests against the country’s clerical leadership.Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the United States for five decades, announced the move in a video message and a post on X, as demonstrations continued across Tehran and other cities.

“I, too, am preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolution’s victory, I can be beside you, the great nation of Iran. I believe that day is very near,” he wrote.His remarks came amid widespread unrest that has disrupted daily life in parts of Iran and posed one of the most serious challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in years. Many demonstrators have openly called for the return of Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Call for strikes and street mobilisation

In his message, Pahlavi urged Iranians to intensify pressure on the state by targeting the economy and reclaiming public spaces. He called on workers in key sectors to stop work and join the protests.“I call upon the workers and employees of key economic sectors—especially transportation, oil, gas, and energy—to begin the process of nationwide strikes,” he said. He also appealed for coordinated street action over the weekend, asking people to gather from 6 pm with national symbols and move towards the central areas of cities.“Our goal is no longer merely to be present in the streets; the goal is to prepare for the capture and holding of city centres,” Pahlavi said.

Message to protesters and security forces

Pahlavi praised those who have continued to demonstrate despite threats and crackdowns, describing recent protests as a major blow to the leadership. “My dear compatriots, through your courage and resilience, you have earned the admiration of the world,” he said. Pahlavi added that the protests were “a crushing response to the threats of the treacherous and criminal leader of the Islamic Republic.”He also addressed members of Iran’s armed and security forces who have expressed sympathy with protesters. “To the youth of Iran’s Immortal Guard, and all armed and security forces who have joined the national cooperation platform, I say: Slow down and disrupt the repression machine even more so that on the appointed day, we can completely disable it,” he said.

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi was groomed from birth to inherit Iran’s Peacock Throne and was undergoing fighter pilot training in the United States when the 1979 revolution ended his father Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s rule. Forced into exile, he has since lived mainly in the US, becoming a symbolic figure for monarchists and some opposition groups, according to BBC. Now 65, Pahlavi said he does not seek to restore the monarchy by force, insisting instead on a peaceful transition and a national referendum to decide Iran’s future system of governance.“This is not about restoring the past. It’s about securing a democratic future for all Iranians,” he has said previously.

Protests grip Iran

Iran has been witnessing widespread protests for nearly two weeks, initially triggered by rising living costs but rapidly expanding into broader demonstrations against the clerical establishment. Large crowds have taken to the streets in Tehran and several other cities, chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Several human rights groups said that dozens of protesters have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes with security forces. Authorities have responded with a sweeping internet shutdown, which activists say is aimed at limiting the spread of protest footage and masking the scale of the crackdown.The unrest has drawn international attention, with Iran accusing the United States and Israel of inciting instability. Tehran has approached the United Nations Security Council, blaming foreign interference for the escalation of protests into violent acts.

US President Donald Trump on Friday played down the possibility of abducting his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, just as he captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a week ago.Asked whether he would ever order a mission to capture Putin, Trump said, “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary.”

“I think we’re going to have and have always had a great relationship with him. I am very disappointed. I settled eight wars. I thought this would be in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones,” Trump said while talking to reporters at the White House.This comes days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the US president could be planning a similar plan for Putin as Maduro.Trump disagreed with Zelenskyy, saying such a sanction was “not necessary,” though he said he was “very disappointed” with Putin.Trump also claimed that Ukraine and Russia are close to a settlement and said, “Last month, they lost 31,000 people. Many of them were Russian soldiers. The Russian economy is doing poorly. I think we are going to end up getting it settled. I wish we could have done it quicker because a lot of people are dying, mostly soldiers.”Earlier, Zelenskyy, in a veiled reference to Putin, had said that if this is how a “dictator” must be treated, then the “United States knows what to do next.”Meanwhile, the Russian president is facing several arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.This comes after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.According to Venezuela’s interior minister Diosdado Cabello, Maduro was wounded in the leg, while his wife, Cilia Flores—who was detained alongside him—suffered a head injury during the raid.Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has now assumed the presidency of Venezuela.

Sivakarthikeyan has broken his silence on the censor struggles faced by his film ‘Parasakthi’, advising filmmakers to submit their movies for certification at least two months in advance. Despite 25 cuts, the actor believes the film’s core emotion and message about language and identity remain intact, aiming to resonate with audiences.

‘Jana Nayagan,’ helmed by H. Vinoth and starring Vijay, and ‘Parasakthi,’ directed by Sudha Kongara and featuring Sivakarthikeyan, have run into trouble with the censors at the same time and are creating ripples in the entertainment world.

Sivakarthikeyan speaks out on unexpected censor cuts

Amid this situation, Sivakarthikeyan’s comments on the censor issues surrounding both films have drawn significant attention. Stating at the promotions of ‘Parasakthi’ promotions, he could not comment on ‘Jana Nayagan’ as the matter is sub judice, the actor opened up about the experience of taking ‘Parasakthi’ to the censor board. He disclosed how there were cuts in the film at places where he least expected them, adding that one cannot predict how the censoring would proceed. “It all depends on individual views of the jury who are going to watch the film,” he said. In order to prevent such hassle at the last minute, he emphasized the need for films to be submitted for certification at least two months in advance, which has to be regularly practiced by producers and film crews.

‘Parasakthi’ faces heightened scrutiny

Directed by Sudha Kongara, ‘Parasakthi’ is set in the backdrop of anti-Hindi imposition riots in the ’60s in Tamil Nadu. Featuring actors Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, ‘Parasakthi’ had already created a sensation with its trailer that alluded to the prevailing dialogues around language discrimination. The dialogues had created a huge stir on social media and finally, when the film released, it was worth the wait. Owing to the subject of the film, it must have been surrounded by strict certification hurdles leading to deferments and tom-boying its release in the international circuit.

Film’s core emotion remains intact

‘Parasakthi’ has a U/A 16+ certification with 25 cuts forwarded by the censor board. Responding to these cuts, Sivakarthikeyan said, “We have ensured that the cuts do not affect the plot. The core emotion of this film exists within everyone. When it comes to language and identity, I don’t need to overstate it through dialogues. And if that emotion is conveyed to the audience, it’s a success,” he said. He further expressed, ‘Parasakthi’ is a student protest film that is not supporting any specific student groups or political parties.” Although the censor board has made numerous cuts, the team believes that the film will resonate with the audience.

Source: National Geographic

Few natural wonders are as breathtakingly surreal as the electric blue flames dancing across Indonesia’s Kawah Ijen volcano. Unlike the familiar red-orange glow of molten lava, this volcano gives off an electric blue illumination at night that attracts photographers, travellers, and scientists worldwide. This phenomenon is not a result of lava itself but a product of burning sulfuric gases at very high temperatures, resulting in a neon-blue blaze visible against the dark landscape of the crater. More than just the visual, this rare display underlines a complex geological process and the hazardous conditions that the local miners have to put up with to extract sulfur, making Kawah Ijen a human story besides being a natural wonder.

Why Kawah Ijen’s lava appears bright blue

Typically, when people think of volcanic lava, they picture liquid lava with a reddish hue because of its higher temperatures. However, in Kawah Ijen crater, nothing could be farther from the truth because the blue illumination has nothing to do with volcanic lava. Sulfur vapours emit from fissures in the crater with a temperature of more than 600 °C (1,112 °F). Upon encountering oxygen, the Sulfur vapors immediately ignite and burn with a blue flame. The higher temperature of Sulfur vapors is responsible for the “blue lava” phenomenon because it appears as if there is blue lava when, in fact, lava is of its regular colour.As per ZME Science, the blue flames are accompanied by a phenomenon known as the Cerulean eruption, a process in which molten sulfur flows down the slopes of the volcanoes. Upon burning, the sulfur turns to liquid and flows down the volcanoes like a river, giving it a neon-like effect. In turn, the process has been referred to by its name due to its rare nature, as it occurs in a handful of locations around the globe, one of which is Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression. Taking a photo of the phenomenon, as explained by photographers, feels more like a piece from a sci-fi movie than nature.

Hidden dangers behind Kawah Ijen’s blue flames

Although the blue flames are a sight to admire, they also illustrate the level of danger that the Kawah Ijen miners encounter regularly.

Why scientists study the blue flames

There is much more to Kawah Ijen than meets the eye of a photographer or tourist. The blue flames of Kawah Ijen also serve as important scientific study material. It is rare to see such a set of conditions coming together. The presence of magma, water, and escaping sulfuric gases gives scientists important material to study. Such a study helps scientists understand gas emanations, chemical reactions, and the danger to humans and the environment. Kawah Ijen is one such instance where natural beauty, science, and human survival meet on the edge of risk.

A 50-year-old Dalit woman was killed after she tried to protect her daughter from alleged abductors in Meerut’s Kapsad village on Thursday.

MEERUT: A 50-year-old Dalit woman was killed after she tried to protect her daughter from alleged abductors in Meerut’s Kapsad village on Thursday, triggering political outrage and heightened security in the area.The woman was struck on the head with a sharp weapon when she stepped between her 20-year-old daughter and two men who allegedly attempted to abduct the younger woman. The accused fled with the daughter after attacking the mother, who later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.Police have identified the accused as Paras Som (23) and Sunil Kumar (25), both residents of the same village. An FIR has been registered under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections for murder and abduction, along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Meerut SSP Vipin Tada said police have intensified the search operation. “An FIR has been filed against two persons under BNS sections for murder and abduction, along with relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act. Based on the clues, teams have also been sent to Haryana and Delhi,” he said.Meerut Zone ADG Bhanu Bhaskar told TOI, “We have assured the family that every possible measure is being taken to recover their daughter and bring the perpetrators to justice.”How events unfolded

District Magistrate VK Singh said financial assistance has been sanctioned. “A total of Rs 10 lakh has been given to the family from the CM relief fund, and they will receive an additional Rs 12 lakh by the time the chargesheet is filed in court.”Before succumbing to her injuries, the woman gave a statement recounting the assault. “Paras misbehaved with my daughter. When I protested, he started beating and abusing me. He hit my head with a sharp instrument,” she said.The accused remain absconding.Grief simmered in Kapsad village in the Sardhana area on Friday, even as a heavy police force was deployed to maintain law and order. The woman was cremated late in the evening after several hours of negotiations between the family and the administration.Earlier, the family had refused to perform the last rites, demanding the arrest of the accused, strict action against alleged illegal constructions by them, and the safe recovery of the missing daughter.Senior officials, including SSP Vipin Tada, remained present in the village during prolonged talks with the family. “More than ten police teams are working across districts to apprehend the accused and ensure the girl’s safe recovery. Both hail from the same village. We are acting swiftly on all leads,” he said.DM Dr VK Singh said the administration was also considering providing an arms licence to the family due to security concerns and assured them of immediate protection. He added that the law and order situation in the area was peaceful.The case has drawn sharp political reactions. BSP supremo Mayawati posted on X, “Govt must take these incidents of violation of women’s dignity and subsequent murder with utmost seriousness and take immediate and strict action against the culprits to prevent criminal elements from committing such heinous acts in the future.”Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote on X, “…BJP govt reached a point of no return in its patronage of criminals… There can be nothing worse than a situation where people lose all hope in their govt.”Former Union minister and ex-MP Sanjeev Balyan, who visited the family, said, “I asked them to have a little patience.”Key points

Samajwadi Party workers also staged a protest at Commissary Park, demanding the girl’s safe recovery and the arrest of the accused, leading to minor scuffles with police.

US President Donald Trump (AP photo)

US President Donald Trump late Friday once again spoke about taking action on Greenland, saying the US would have to do “something” or risk Russia and China stepping in. He said Washington does not want Moscow or Beijing as its “neighbours”.Speaking to reporters during a meeting with top oil and gas executives, Trump questioned Denmark’s claim over Greenland, saying that landing a boat there 500 years ago does not give ownership of the land.When asked about Greenland, Trump said, “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland — and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. I would like to make a deal the easy way but if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way”.He added, “And by the way, I’m a fan of Denmark as well. They’ve been very nice to me. I’m a big fan but the fact that they had a boat land there 500 years ago doesn’t mean that they own the land. We had lots of boats go there also. But we need that because if you take a look at outside of Greenland right now, they are Russian destroyers, Chinese destroyers and bigger there are Russian submarines all over the place. We’re not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland and that’s what they’re going to do if we don’t. We will do something with Greenland either the nice way or the difficult way.”When questioned about why the US needed to “own” Greenland when it already has a military presence there, Trump said ownership was essential for defence.He said, “When we own it we defend it. You don’t defend leases the same way. You have to own it. Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership. You don’t defend leases. If we don’t do it, China or Russia well. That’s not going to happen… Nato has to understand that. I’m all for Nato. I saved it. If it weren’t for me, Nato would not be there.”Trump’s repeated comments on Greenland have drawn strong pushback from Denmark and Greenland. Copenhagen has warned that its troops are under orders to “shoot first and ask question later” if Greenland comes under attack, as concerns grow in Europe over the US openly discussing possible military action against the Arctic territory.Earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected Trump’s claims that the US “needs” Greenland for security reasons, calling them an “unacceptable pleasure”.When asked what it would mean if the US used force against another Nato member, Frederiksen said, “If the US attacks another Nato country, everything stops.” She added that while she could not predict Washington’s actions, “there is full support from Europe that borders must be respected.”Trump has renewed his push to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory rich in natural resources such as rare earth minerals, uranium and iron. His latest remarks come days after the US used military force in Venezuela to seize President Nicolas Maduro.For decades, the US has viewed Greenland as strategically important. Under Trump, the island has again been placed at the centre of Washington’s Arctic strategy. Trump had earlier offered to buy Greenland in 2019 during his first term, but Denmark said it was not for sale.Trump has repeatedly warned that Russia and China could take control of foreign territories if the US does not act. Referring to the Venezuela operation, he said, “If we didn’t do what we did, China or Russia would have been in Venezuela.”In response to a question about Europe, Trump sharply criticised wind energy. He said, “I’m not much of a windmill person. I can proudly say that we have not approved one wind mill since I’ve been in office and we’re going to keep it that way. My role is to not let any windmill get build. They’re losers. They lose money, they destroy your landscape, they kill your birds, they are all made in China”.He also suggested that Europe should question China about its own use of wind power.Trump said, “They (China) use coal, oil and gas and some nuclear but they don’t have windmills. They make them and sell them to suckers like Europe and suckers like the United States before. They are the worst form of energy, most expensive form of energy”.These remarks came shortly after Trump signed a memorandum directing the US to withdraw from international organisations, conventions and treaties that he said were “contrary to the interests” of the US.According to a White House statement, the move includes withdrawal from 35 non-UN organisations and 31 UN entities. Among the non-UN organisations listed are the India- and France-led International Solar Alliance, environmental bodies such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.Other organisations affected include the International Energy Forum, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation and the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

KOLKATA: Aftershocks of the showdown between Enforcement Directorate (ED) and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over raids on Trinamool-linked political consultancy I-PAC jolted Calcutta high court Friday, prompting Justice Suvra Ghosh to postpone hearing petitions filed by either side till Jan 14 on grounds of “enormous disturbance and commotion” in the courtroom.The judge, seemingly annoyed at her repeated pleas for “order” being ignored by lawyers and apprentices seeking to outshout each other, walked out of the courtroom after quickly announcing the forced adjournment.

Justice Ghosh specified in her order that she would have heard both petitions as scheduled had a large gathering of lawyers and others not entered the courtroom and caused a ruckus. “Several requests made by the court to maintain decorum and dignity fell on deaf ears. The environment in the courtroom is not conducive to commence/continue with the hearing,” she said.ED, the first mover in the legal battle over CM Mamata’s alleged interference in the probe against I-PAC, immediately approached acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul for an urgent hearing. The plea was turned down. Acting CJ Paul told the agency’s counsel Dhiraj Trivedi that there was no justification in pushing for an urgent hearing after the judge assigned to take up its petition had fixed a date.The face-off between ED and Mamata started Thursday afternoon after she drove to the Loudon Street home of IPAC director Pratik Jain when the agency was searching the premises for evidence linked to an investigation in a 2020 money laundering case.The CM next went to IPAC’s office in Salt Lake’s Sec-tor V, staying put for almost four hours and allegedly taking away sheaves of documents and storage devices that she claimed contained Trinamool Congress’s election strategy. Besides Mamata, ED’s petition accuses DGP Rajeev Kumar and Kolkata police commissioner Manoj Varma of “theft of digital devices and other evidence, and wrongful restraint and confinement of central govt officers”.Mamata’s petition against ED alleges the central agency was doing BJP’s bidding and targeting I-PAC addresses to “snatch” Trinamool-specific and other data pertaining to the upcoming assembly elections. Friday’s hearing was scheduled for 2.30pm, but the crowd in court No. 5 started to swell after the lunch break ended at 2pm.ED counsel Trivedi and Trinamool’s Kalyan Banerjee complained they were finding it impossible to reach the bench to argue their cases. “Anyone not associated with the case, please leave,” Justice Ghosh pleaded. After 15 minutes of chaos, HC officials and a Kolkata Police officer posted outside the courtroom managed to clear a section of the crowd, but the commotion refused to die down. “I cannot hear anything,” Justice Ghosh declared, leading to the adjournment.