US Flag Raised at Venezuela Embassy for First Time Since 2019
The United States flag was raised over its embassy in Caracas on Saturday, marking the first such event since 2019. This symbolic gesture signals a significant shift in relations between Washington and Venezuela, following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro by American forces in January.
According to a statement shared on social media by the US Embassy team, the flag was raised "exactly seven years after it was taken down." The reopening of the embassy comes after repeated statements from US President Donald Trump backing Maduro’s successor, acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who has sought to maintain dialogue with the US government.
Ukraine Briefs 31 Nations on Damage to Druzhba Oil Pipeline
Ukraine has briefed diplomats from 31 countries about the damage to the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Europe. This briefing occurs amid tensions with Hungary and Slovakia over the suspension of supplies.
The two landlocked EU countries, which still depend on Russian oil, have accused Kyiv of deliberately delaying the reopening of the pipeline. However, Ukraine maintains that the disruption was caused by damage from Russian strikes in January.
Sergiy Koretskyi, head of Ukraine’s state oil and gas company Naftogaz, stated that officials presented detailed materials from the attack site and explained the challenges involved in repairing the infrastructure. He noted that restoring the pipeline is a complex technological process requiring time, specialised equipment, and continuous work by repair teams, even under constant security threats.
Congress Announces Second List of 23 Candidates for 2026 Assam Polls
The Congress party has released its second list of candidates for the 2026 Assam state assembly elections, announcing 23 names and taking its total to 65 out of 126 seats.
The party said 15 constituencies, including Bhowanipur-Sorbhoog, Bajali, Palasbari, Guwahati Central, Goreswar, Morigaon, and Barhampur, have been reserved for alliance partners.
Notable candidates in the new list include:
- Former MP Abdul Khaleque from Mandia
- Kartik Chandra Ray from Golakganj
- Wazed Ali Choudhury from Birsing Jarua
- Amrit Badsha from Bilasipara
- Mohibur Rohman from Mankachar
- Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam from Goalpara East
- Kishor Kumar Brahma from Dudhnoi (ST)
Additionally, Nurul Islam has been fielded from Srijangram, Rakibuddin Ahmed from Chamaria, and Pranjit Choudhury from Rangia. Kishore Kumar Baruah will contest from Dimoria (SC), while Santanu Borah has been named as the candidate from New Guwahati.
Kolkata: TMC-BJP Clashes Ahead of PM Modi Rally, Eight Police Injured
Clashes erupted between TMC and BJP supporters in central Kolkata, just half an hour before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at Brigade Parade Ground. Officials reported that eight police personnel and a BJP leader were injured during the violence.
Reports also indicated that stones were thrown at the residence of West Bengal minister Shashi Panja in the Girish Park area. Four people have been arrested in connection with the clashes, while raids continue to apprehend others, according to a senior officer.
The confrontation occurred about 5 km from the rally venue as BJP supporters were marching to attend the Prime Minister’s meeting, which concluded the party’s statewide 'Parivartan Yatra' ahead of the assembly elections.
Panja, accompanied by cabinet colleague Bratya Basu and MP Saayoni Ghosh, stated at a press conference that she was struck in the abdomen by bricks thrown from outside. Several TMC supporters, including her office staff, were also injured.
Haryana ACB Arrests Jeweller in Rs 590 Crore IDFC First Bank Fraud Case
The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday arrested jeweller Rajan Katodia in connection with the IDFC First Bank fraud case. Investigators found that over Rs 250 crore had been routed to his firm, Sawan Jewellers, from companies linked to the accused.
With this arrest, the total number of people held in the case has risen to 12, according to an official statement issued from Panchkula.
The case concerns private lender IDFC First Bank, which had reported a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch involving certain employees and others, including accounts held by the Haryana government.
Further investigation revealed that Sawan Jewellers received more than ₹250 crore from various firms connected to the accused, including Ribhav Rishi, Abhay Kumar, Abhishek Singla, and Swati Singla. The ACB stated that the funds were transferred from government accounts through illegal means.
