World News
Venezuelan govt seeks to show it is operating free from US control
While Venezuelan lawmakers met, Maduro made his first court appearance in a US courtroom on the narco-terrorism charges the Trump admin used to justify capturing him and taking him to New York
 "Venezuelan govt seeks to show it is operating free from US control")
Blasts near Venezuela's presidential palace were warning shots: Official
Earlier Monday heavily-armed security forces and pro-government motorcycle gangs known as colectivos roamed the capital, at times stopping drivers and checking their phones
 "Blasts near Venezuela's presidential palace were warning shots: Official")
Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hits Japan, no risk of tsunami: Officials
The Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities were found at the Shimame nuclear power plant and a related facility in the region
 "Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hits Japan, no risk of tsunami: Officials")
Maduro case judge, 92, brings history of dealing with Trump's pressure
A Bronx native and Columbia Law School graduate, Judge Alvin Hellerstein's shown an independent streak through a series of administrations since his 1998 appointment by President Bill Clinton
 "Maduro case judge, 92, brings history of dealing with Trump's pressure")
Will have to fix Venezuela first, no election in 30 days, says Trump
Trump said US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance, will manage the US' involvement in Venezuela
 "Will have to fix Venezuela first, no election in 30 days, says Trump")
US stronger financially, more respected because of tariffs, says Trump
Trump says the US will collect over $600 billion in tariffs, boosting national security and financial strength, while criticising media coverage ahead of a key Supreme Court tariff decision
US may reimburse oil companies investing in Venezuela, says Trump
Asked if he had spoken to top executives at Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips, Trump said it was 'too soon' to reveal whether he had any conversations
 "US may reimburse oil companies investing in Venezuela, says Trump")
Trump asks Marco Rubio to lead reforms in Venezuela after Maduro arrest
In addition to Rubio and Miller, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance are expected to have key roles in the Venezuela effort, Trump said
 "Trump asks Marco Rubio to lead reforms in Venezuela after Maduro arrest")
Venezuela regroups under Delcy Rodríguez as old repression tactics return
At least seven journalists and members of the press were detained on Monday morning and early afternoon, most of them at the National Assembly and its surroundings
 "Venezuela regroups under Delcy Rodríguez as old repression tactics return")
UN debates US Venezuela strike as countries warn against law violations
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the 3 January military action
 "UN debates US Venezuela strike as countries warn against law violations")
Israel strikes Hezbollah, Hamas sites in Lebanon ahead of disarmament meet
The strikes came a few days before Lebanon's army commander is scheduled to brief the government on its mission of disarming Hezbollah in areas along the border with Israel
 "Israel strikes Hezbollah, Hamas sites in Lebanon ahead of disarmament meet")
Maduro pleads not guilty in US court, denies all drug trafficking charges
Maduro, wearing a blue jail uniform, was led into court along with his co-defendant wife just before noon for the brief, but required, legal proceeding
 "Maduro pleads not guilty in US court, denies all drug trafficking charges")
Datanomics: Venezuela's oil economy in a flux after US strikes
Despite holding the world's largest crude oil reserves, Venezuela plays a shrinking role in India's oil imports amid sanctions and collapsing exports
 "Datanomics: Venezuela's oil economy in a flux after US strikes")
Deep concern over instability in Venezuela after US action: UN chief
Highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the country's future, he added, "What is less certain is the immediate future of Venezuela"
 "Deep concern over instability in Venezuela after US action: UN chief")
Maduro brought to New York court for first hearing after capture by US
The couple were transported under armed guard early Monday from the Brooklyn jail where they've been detained to a Manhattan courthouse
 "Maduro brought to New York court for first hearing after capture by US")
US Supreme Court increasingly favours the rich: Ivy League varsities
The study adds to what Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in a dissent in June, called "the unfortunate perception that moneyed interests enjoy an easier road to relief in this court"
 "US Supreme Court increasingly favours the rich: Ivy League varsities")
Pak, Afghan agree to establish joint committee to reopen border
The border has been shut since October last year after the two sides clashed over the issue of militancy emanating from Afghanistan
 "Pak, Afghan agree to establish joint committee to reopen border")
French court convicts 10 for cyberbullying first lady Brigitte Macron
The court pointed to particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious comments referring to false claims suggesting that Brigitte Macron was transgender and a pedophile
 "French court convicts 10 for cyberbullying first lady Brigitte Macron")
Security scare at JD Vance's Ohio residence; windows damaged, suspect held
The United States Secret Service said the vice president's family was not in Ohio when the incident took place
 "Security scare at JD Vance's Ohio residence; windows damaged, suspect held")
Minnesota Guv Tim Walz, Democrats' V-P pick, won't contest third term
The 61-year-old cited ongoing investigations into fraud in the state's child care programmes and the fact that President Donald Trump has used the issue as a political cudgel
 "Minnesota Guv Tim Walz, Democrats' V-P pick, won't contest third term")
