Los Angeles faces escalating wildfire dangers as the Palisades Fire, just 14% contained, continues to rage. Mayor Karen Bass announced "urgent preparations" ahead of near-hurricane-force winds, which could ignite new fires. The wildfires have claimed 24 lives, with 23 individuals still unaccounted for. Pacific Palisades resident reports indicate over 300 families have lost their homes. The disaster has also delayed Oscar nominations to January 23, with voting extended to January 17. Academy officials expressed solidarity with affected communities, acknowledging the fires’ severe toll on local infrastructure and lives. Relief efforts are underway as the crisis unfolds.

Binil T B, a 32-year-old from Kerala’s Thrissur district, died while serving in a Russian mercenary unit during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, according to the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department. Binil’s wife, Joicy, confirmed the tragic news after contacting the Indian Embassy in Moscow. A drone attack injured Binil and his relative Jain T K, 27, with the latter receiving treatment in Moscow. Reports highlight a pattern of Indians being duped into joining Russian forces with promises of money and passports. The Ministry of External Affairs previously stated that 8 Indians have died in the war since 2022.

India summoned Nural Islam, Bangladesh's Deputy High Commissioner, following allegations by Dhaka regarding unauthorized fence construction at five border locations along the 4,156-km Indo-Bangladeshi border. This comes a day after Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. India clarified that both nations’ border forces maintain regular communication on such issues. Diplomatic ties have further strained since former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, her refuge in India, and Dhaka's extradition request. Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant and seeks an Interpol red notice against Hasina for alleged crimes. India confirmed receiving the request but has made no commitment regarding her extradition.

Los Angeles faces a "particularly dangerous situation" as the National Weather Service issues red flag warnings amid strong winds reaching 70 mph. Over 40,000 acres have burned, with the Palisades fire only 13% contained. The death toll has risen to 24, with 100,000 residents evacuated under curfew orders. Firefighters from Mexico and Canada have joined efforts, with nearly 5,000 personnel battling the largest blaze. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass assured preparedness, stating, "The city is ready to face critical fire weather conditions." Reports of price gouging have emerged as displaced families struggle to find shelter amidst growing devastation.

India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma has informed the BCCI of his plans to step down as captain after the ICC Champions Trophy. In a review meeting with the board, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rohit reportedly assured he would lead for a few more months, urging the BCCI to identify a successor. While Jasprit Bumrah was suggested as a potential long-term captain, concerns about his fitness and leadership in extended Test series were raised. The BCCI is expected to finalize India's captaincy roadmap during the upcoming 5-match Test series against England post-IPL 2025.

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 24 lives and displaced over 100,000 residents. Officials warn of worsening conditions as powerful Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 112 kph, are expected to intensify the blazes. The Palisades Fire has burned 23,700 acres and is only 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire scorched 14,117 acres, with containment rising to 27%. Governor Gavin Newsom described the disaster as potentially the worst in U.S. history, pledging a "Marshall Plan" for rebuilding. Night curfews and National Guard resources have been deployed, with firefighters racing against time to contain the fires.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to exchange two captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. The soldiers, taken in Kyiv, reportedly thought they were in Russia for "training," according to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). One soldier carried a fake Russian ID, while the other had no documents. Zelensky shared their photos online, suggesting alternatives for those unwilling to return to North Korea, including aiding peace efforts. Reports suggest North Korea has sent 10,000 troops to support Russia, with 2,700 wounded and 300 killed. Russia has not denied using North Korean troops.

Renowned music producer Greg Wells, known for his work on "Wicked," lost his Pacific Palisades home and state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos mixing studio in the Los Angeles wildfires. Speaking to Variety, Wells expressed gratitude for his family’s safety despite losing valuable equipment, including a custom 48-channel analog console and 17 speakers. He emphasized resilience, stating, "None of that stuff makes a song better." Paris Hilton also revealed her Malibu home was destroyed in the fires. The wildfires have left countless families homeless, with Wells and Hilton highlighting the emotional toll of losing cherished spaces and memories.

China conducted high-altitude military drills near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, showcasing advanced technologies such as drones, all-terrain vehicles, and exoskeletons. The exercises, led by the PLA Xinjiang Military Command, underline Beijing's focus on preparedness in extreme conditions. These drills come days before India’s Army Day and amid fragile peace after the October 2024 disengagement agreement. India has bolstered its LAC defences, deploying advanced surveillance systems and conducting rigorous winter warfare exercises. While diplomatic efforts continue, experts see these activities as strategic posturing, emphasizing the need for vigilance and modernisation to address persistent challenges along the border.

Thousands of men are using Telegram to participate in chat groups where they exchange advice on raping and sexually assaulting women, an investigation has revealed. These groups, with up to 70,000 members, predominantly communicate in English and span multiple countries. Shockingly, users discuss assaulting their own family members and provide instructions to others. Some members share photos and live videos of assaults. The investigation also uncovered instances of sedation and sharing partners for abuse. Telegram, known for its privacy stance, claims a zero-tolerance policy and has deactivated some groups amidst ongoing scrutiny.