US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick disclosed that the India-US trade deal collapsed not over policy but because PM Modi declined to directly call President Trump to close it despite a set timeline. The US shifted to deals with Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam while stepping back from India's offer amid 50% tariffs and strained ties over Russian oil and past diplomatic exchanges.

President Donald Trump urges Republicans to secure 2026 midterms victory, warning Democratic control could lead to his impeachment over Venezuela actions. Amid escalating calls from Democrats like McClain Delaney and Waters, he stresses Congress balance vital for his reforms.

Ian Bremmer labels the US raid capturing Maduro a short-term win for Trump but a blow to America's global standing, signaling a 'G-Zero' world of power over rules. He critiques lack of ally consultation, muted reactions, and overblown claims of running Venezuela, urging caution on oil promises.

The US military raid capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife resulted in 55 deaths—23 Venezuelan and 32 Cuban troops—amid bombings in Caracas. Defended by Trump as bipartisan action against drug trafficking, the operation draws Democratic criticism and calls for fair trial from Mexico, highlighting intervention risks and political fallout.

Geopolitical expert Ian Bremmer contrasts Donald Trump's unpopularity and short-term policies with Narendra Modi's enduring support in India, predicting Trump's actions—like the Venezuela raid—could be reversed post-2029. He warns of challenges in exploiting Venezuelan oil due to instability and low prices, emphasizing US leadership changes disrupt long-term strategies unlike stable regimes in India or China. This highlights vulnerabilities in American geopolitics amid global shifts.

White House confirms President Trump's continued push to acquire Greenland, calling it vital for US national security amid Arctic rivalries. While preferring a purchase, officials state military force remains an option despite Denmark's firm rejection that the autonomous territory is not for sale. The strategic interest centres on Greenland's location and resources in a region growing in importance due to climate change.

US President Donald Trump revealed a strong personal bond with PM Narendra Modi but admitted tensions over high US tariffs linked to India's Russian oil imports. Despite India significantly reducing those purchases, Trump warned of possible further penalties while praising Modi as a "very good man" and highlighting progress on defence deals like Apache helicopters. The candid remarks underscore complex yet resilient bilateral ties amid global energy shifts. This exchange highlights ongoing trade negotiations and the balance between personal diplomacy and economic pressures in US-India relations.

Nikitha Godishala, 27-year-old Indian woman working in US, found stabbed to death in Maryland apartment January 3, 2026. Ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma suspected of murder and looting Rs 4.7 lakh from her account before fleeing to India. Sister reveals long relationship troubles and financial disputes leading to fatal reunion.

Barry Pollack, the Washington attorney famous for securing Julian Assange's release after years of extradition battles, now represents Nicolás Maduro on serious US narco-terrorism charges. The experienced trial lawyer brings his expertise in high-profile international cases to defend the deposed Venezuelan leader following dramatic US capture in airstrikes. Pollack's involvement signals a strong defence strategy challenging jurisdiction and capture legality.

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in New York federal court on January 5, 2026. Maduro defiantly claimed he remains Venezuela's legitimate president despite dramatic US capture in airstrikes. The couple faces allegations of leading a 25-year cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Case raises unprecedented questions on prosecuting foreign leaders in US courts.