Morning Digest: Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in U.S. after capture; Supreme Court to pronounce verdict in bail pleas of Umar Khalid, others on Jan 5, and more

Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in New York after capture by U.S.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro landed in ‌the United States on Saturday (January 3, 2026), multiple news outlets reported, arriving in upstate New York following his capture in an ⁠overnight U.S. operation. The leftist leader was expected to be flown by helicopter to New York City, where he faces drug trafficking charges.

Supreme Court to pronounce verdict in bail pleas of Umar Khalid, others in Delhi riots case on January 5

The Supreme Court is scheduled on January 5 to pronounce judgment in the bail pleas of former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader, Umar Khalid, and other accused persons in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act case related to the alleged “larger conspiracy” behind the February 2020 riots in the national capital.

Army signs deal to procure long-range rocket launchers Suryastra

Under emergency procurement powers, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with private defence manufacturer NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system with strike capabilities of 150 km and 300 km. The acquisition will significantly enhance the Army’s deep-strike artillery firepower and operational reach.

India asks citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela

India on Saturday (January 3, 2026) night advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela in view of the situation arising out of the capture of the oil-rich country’s president by the U.S. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also asked all Indians who are in Venezuela to exercise extreme caution and restrict their movements.

Security heightened along Bangladesh border in Tripura

Security along certain stretches of the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura was heightened after reports of the movement of the members of two Bangladesh-based armed groups, officials said on Saturday (January 3, 2026). “The night curfew will be effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. till February 28 in certain border areas under the Karbook Sub-Division of Gomati district,” a notification read.

KKR drops Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman

Amid a strain in bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday (January 3, 2026) announced that Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from its squad ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season season following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Pakistan backs China’s claim of playing a role in defusing tension during Operation Sindoor

Pakistan has backed China’s claim that Beijing played a role in defusing tension with India during Operation Sindoor, calling it “diplomacy for peace” that was part of international efforts. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that the leadership of China was in constant touch with the leadership of Pakistan, and “had made certain contacts with the Indian leadership as well in those three-four days from May 6 to 10th and maybe prior to that and after that.”

Indore water contamination: Six dead, more than 200 hospitalised, says collector

Six people have died and more than 200 were hospitalised in an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city, a senior official said on Saturday (January 3, 2026). “At present, 203 patients are undergoing treatment in 41 hospitals across the city and six people have died,” Collector Shivam Verma said. Of the patients admitted to hospitals, 34 are in the intensive care units (ICUs), and their treatment is being monitored specially.

Congress announces panels for poll-bound States; Priyanka to head screening committee for Assam election

Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been appointed as the chairperson of a panel that will shortlist potential candidates for the upcoming Assembly election in Assam. The party on Saturday (January 3, 2026) also announced the screening committees for Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. While Ms. Vadra will head the screening committee for Assam, other members include Lok Sabha MP Saptagiri Ulaka and Rajya Sabha MP Imran Masood.

West Bengal SIR: Cases of ‘logical discrepancies’ in progeny mapping come down to 95 lakh

The total number of ‘logical discrepancies’ detected in electors’ enumeration forms in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal has decreased by around 41.51 lakhs since the draft roll was published in December. As of January 2, 2026, the total number of logical discrepancies is around 94.49 lakh, according to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. These cases were being reverified by election officials for the past several days.

CM Stalin announces Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme for government employees

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday (January 3, 2026) announced the new Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) for State government employees. Under the new arrangement, State government employees will be provided with an assured pension equal to 50% of their last-drawn basic pay.

Himachal government initiates probe into Dharamshala college girl’s death

The Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday (January 3, 2026) suspended an assistant professor of a government college in Dharamshala following charges of sexual harassment linked to a 19-year-old Dalit student’s death in December 2025.

Transport Ministry proposes Aadhaar-like number to EV batteries for efficient traceability

The Transport Ministry has proposed assigning Aadhaar-like unique identification number to EV batteries to ensure their end-to-end traceability and efficient recycling. The proposed framework will make it mandatory for battery producers or importers to assign a 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to batteries, as per the draft guidelines issued by the Ministry.

Grok user making illegal content will suffer same consequence as uploading such content: Elon Musk

Microblogging site X owner Elon Musk on Saturday (January 3, 2026) said people using the platform’s AI services Grok to make illegal content will face the same consequences as those uploading illegal content. The statement from Mr. Musk comes a day after Ministry of Electronics and IT directed X to immediately remove all vulgar, obscene and unlawful content, especially generated by AI app Grok, or face action under the law.

Gill back in the mix as captain for ODI series against New Zealand

Shubman Gill returns as the ODI captain for India’s three-match series against New Zealand, while his deputy Shreyas Iyer has also been included — subject to fitness clearance — in the 15-member squad. Mohammed Siraj was recalled after being rested for the two home ODI series earlier in the season. The squad was announced on Saturday afternoon after the selection committee, in consultation with captain Gill, held a virtual meeting in the morning.