News18 Afternoon Digest: Madras HC Upholds Order In Madurai Hill Deepam Row, Venezuela Tensions & Others

Last Updated:January 06, 2026, 12:38 IST

We are also covering: Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expresses willingness to share her Nobel Prize with US President Donald Trump.

The Madras HC upheld the order directing the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar (Deepathoon) atop the Thiruparankundram hills (Image: PTI)

In today’s afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on Madurai Hill Deepam Row, Venezuela tensions, BJP’s reaction to the controversial slogans backing Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Check this and other top news here.

‘Temple Must Light The Lamp’: Madras High Court Upholds Order In Madurai Hill Deepam Row

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday upheld the order directing the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar (Deepathoon) atop the Thiruparankundram hills. Read More 

Heavy Gunfire, Drones Near Venezuela’s Presidential Palace In Caracas; US Says ‘Not Involved’

Heavy gunfire and reports of possible drone activity near Venezuela’s presidential palace sparked fresh security concerns in Caracas early on Tuesday, as the country remains on edge following the US-led operation that resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Read More 

JNU Left-Wing Students Shout Controversial Slogans Backing Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam; BJP Reacts

The BJP has reacted sharply to the controversial sloganeering and protests by left-wing student groups during a gathering at “Guerilla Dhaba" on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Campus. Read More

‘Want To Give It To Him’: Machado Offers Nobel Peace Prize To Trump After Venezuela Raid

After being excluded from US President Donald Trump’s strategy for Venezuela in the aftermath of deposed leader Nicolas Maduro’s capture, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed willingness to share her Nobel Peace Prize with him. Read More 

Ambala Man Arrested For Sharing Army, Air Force Secrets With Pakistan’s ISI After Honeytrap

Police in Ambala have arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly sharing sensitive information related to the Indian Army and Air Force with Pakistan after being honeytrapped through social media. Read More 

BCCI Top Brass’ Role Instrumental In Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL Ouster: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s top brass played the major role in deciding to oust Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026, with board members or even the IPL governing council members not having any say in the decision, according to a report in The Indian Express. Read More

Kartik Aaryan Is Vacationing In Goa With A Mystery Girl? Viral Beach Pics Set Reddit On Fire

Actor Kartik Aaryan has once again found himself at the centre of social media speculation after photos from his recent Goa vacation began doing the rounds on Reddit. Netizens are convinced the actor may not be travelling alone, with users claiming that a “mystery girl" was also spotted holidaying at the same beach location. Read More

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