US lawmakers split over Venezuelan President Maduro's capture

IANS | January 3, 2026 9:27 PM

Washington, Jan 3, (IANS) The US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has deepened partisan divisions on Capitol Hill, with Republicans rallying behind President Donald Trump and Democrats warning the action was unconstitutional and risks pulling the United States into another conflict.

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Kulkarni’s ton takes Maharashtra to victory over Mumbai, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand also win

IANS | January 3, 2026 9:26 PM

Jaipur, Jan 3 (IANS) Arshin Kulkarni struck his second List A century as Maharashtra ended Mumbai's unbeaten streak in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C with a commanding 128-run victory on Saturday. The right-handed opener made 114 off 114 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes, as he shared a 140-run opening stand with Prithvi Shaw (71 off 75) after Maharashtra elected to bat first in foggy conditions.

Canada must act against Khalistanis, stop future 'referendum': Report

IANS | January 3, 2026 9:13 PM

Ottawa, Jan 3 (IANS) Extremist Khalistani elements are using Canada as a base to advance their agenda and foment tensions with India, a trend that Ottawa should stop. Other countries would not tolerate such extremist diaspora groups operating from Canadian soil, so Ottawa should take steps to prevent it, a report suggested on Saturday.

Pakistan intensifies campaign against Ahmadi Muslims: Report

IANS | January 3, 2026 9:11 PM

Islamabad, Jan 3 (IANS) A Pakistani court has sentenced a member of the Ahmadi community to life imprisonment for using the title “Hafiz”, meaning “one who knows the Quran by heart,” and for distributing the “Tafsir-e-Saghir,” a collection of Quranic translations and commentary respected within his community, a report said on Saturday.

Pakistan using threats, digital intimidation to silence diaspora: Report

IANS | January 3, 2026 9:09 PM

Tel Aviv, Jan 3 (IANS) Pakistan, under its Army Chief Asim Munir, risks normalising transnational repression through threats to families, digital intimidation, and court-backed censorship-- a move that would not only silence its nationals abroad but also undermine the principle that free speech cannot be controlled by foreign regimes, a report said on Saturday.

Women’s HIL: All-round Pipers romp to come-from-behind win over Soorma Hockey Club

IANS | January 3, 2026 8:50 PM

Ranchi, Jan 3 (IANS) SG Pipers produced a masterclass of attacking flair, midfield chemistry, and goalkeeping heroics to dismantle Soorma Hockey Club 3-1, extending their unbeaten run and solidifying their position atop the points table in the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 with a performance brimming with resilience and ruthless execution in Ranchi on Saturday.