Bangladesh is witnessing intense protests as citizens oppose the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s tax hikes. The government recently imposed a 15% VAT on essential goods and services, including restaurant bills, biscuits, and driving licenses, sparking public outrage. Citizens claim soaring taxes and commodity prices are making life unaffordable. Protesters, carrying torches and sticks, have threatened to paralyze the nation if the new tax policies aren't revoked within 48 hours. Activist Azmul Jihad stated, "We won't tolerate such exploitation." The unrest echoes earlier movements against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with fears of similar upheaval on the horizon.

Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton are among the many celebrities who lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires. Over 1,000 structures, including houses in Pacific Palisades, have been destroyed. Crystal expressed heartbreak over losing his family home of 45 years, while Hilton described watching her Malibu home burn on live TV as "devastating." Other stars affected include Mark Hamill, Eugene Levy, and Miles Teller. Firefighters continue battling six major blazes, with losses exceeding $50 billion. Authorities urge evacuations, and celebrities have shared their grief and support for affected communities on social media.

Wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated southern California, with scenes resembling an apocalyptic world. Driven by strong 'Santa Ana' winds, the fires reached Hollywood Hills, consuming neighborhoods like Altadena, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades. Social media videos showed fireballs engulfing homes, and aerial footage captured the iconic area surrounded by flames and thick smoke. Five deaths have been reported, with hundreds of homes destroyed, including those of celebrities. The fires also scorched historical landmarks. The 'Santa Ana' winds, which have gusted over 70 mph, have made firefighting efforts difficult, delaying aerial responses.

A Canadian court has granted bail to four Indian nationals accused of murdering Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Arrested in May 2024, Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy. Nijjar was killed in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia. The case escalated after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement, which India denied. The trial, now moved to the British Columbia Supreme Court, will continue with a hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025. Critics suggest delays and lack of evidence weaken Canada’s stance.

Six people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday night, as thousands gathered for tickets to a special festival. Temple officials cited overcrowding as the cause of the tragedy, with 91 counters set up for ticket distribution. The stampede occurred when people rushed toward the counters. Temple trust members have apologized for the incident, which is said to have never happened before at the sacred site. Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister and Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and pledged support to the affected families.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended the Oscar nomination voting window due to deadly wildfires in Los Angeles. Initially set to close on January 12, voting for nearly 10,000 Academy members will now end on January 14, with nominations announced on January 19. Fires, including the growing Sunset Fire near the iconic Hollywood sign, have claimed five lives, displaced residents, and disrupted the Hollywood industry. Scheduled events, such as shortlist screenings and branch bake-offs, are postponed or canceled. Despite challenges, the 2025 Oscars ceremony remains scheduled for March 2, hosted by Conan O’Brien.

Wildfires in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades have destroyed homes of celebrities like Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Moore shared, “Our community is broken…so many have lost everything.” Hilton posted, “Heartbroken beyond words…watching our home burn was devastating.” The fire, spanning 12,000 acres, forced thousands to evacuate, including Cary Elwes and Henry Winkler, who called the scene “biblical.” Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins as rescue efforts continue. Curtis described the loss of cherished spaces: “The church where I got sober is gone.” Firefighters are battling to contain the blaze as communities mourn and rally to rebuild.

US President-elect Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for the state's escalating wildfire crisis, accusing him of prioritizing a fish species over human safety. Trump stated that Newsom's refusal to sign a water restoration declaration worsened conditions, leaving areas without water for fire hydrants. The fires have burned thousands of acres, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and killed two people. Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency, citing extreme fire risks and windstorms. Trump also blamed outgoing President Biden for inadequate FEMA resources, saying, "No money in FEMA, no water in hydrants." Over 245,000 residents remain without power.

Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 5 lives and forced over 137,000 evacuations. The Sunset Fire, burning 20 acres near the Hollywood Hills, threatens landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Dolby Theatre, and Hollywood Bowl. Six fires, including the 16,000-acre Palisades Fire, remain uncontained, with power outages affecting over 1.5 million. Firefighters face water shortages, relying on pools for firefighting. Smoke advisories impact 17M residents. Celebrities like Mandy Moore and Jamie Lee Curtis have lost homes. President-elect Trump criticized Biden and Governor Newsom for inadequate resources. LA Mayor Karen Bass, under scrutiny for her absence, defended her actions.

Celebrated poet, filmmaker, and writer Pritish Nandy passed away on January 8 at the age of 73. Known for his multifaceted career, Nandy served as editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India and publishing director of The Times of India. He produced acclaimed films like Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Jhankaar Beats through Pritish Nandy Communications. A former Rajya Sabha member, he was also a passionate animal rights advocate. Tributes poured in, with actor Anupam Kher recalling their bond and Suhel Seth cherishing their Twitter banter. Nandy's creative brilliance and fearless personality leave an indelible mark on Indian media and culture.