The US is reportedly sending $40 million weekly to the Taliban, raising fears in Pakistan. A Congressional report claims these funds strengthen the Taliban, now a direct threat to Pakistan. The group uses US-supplied weapons to launch attacks and supports the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This has put pressure on Pakistan’s military and intelligence agency, ISI. Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, $2.6 billion has been sent to the Taliban through NGOs, according to reports. Critics, including US lawmakers, demand stricter oversight of foreign aid. Pakistan worries these funds are bolstering Afghanistan’s economy while increasing threats within its borders.

5 wildfires are burning out of control near Los Angeles, forcing 49,000 people to evacuate. Strong winds, reaching up to 100 mph, are spreading the fires rapidly. Firefighters say there is no chance of containing the flames yet. Dry weather and worsening winds are making the situation critical. In Pacific Palisades, a famous high school has been damaged by fire. More than 1,400 firefighters are working to stop the destruction. Officials have urged residents to take evacuation orders seriously. With no rain forecast, the fires remain a major threat to lives and homes across the region.

Three devastating wildfires in Los Angeles suburbs have forced tens of thousands to evacuate as flames spread rapidly. Over 1,400 firefighters are battling the blazes, with helicopters conducting water drops in Pacific Palisades. The fires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, are advancing from the north and west, prompting authorities to warn there is "no possibility" of containment in the immediate future. Residents face increasing danger as worsening weather conditions threaten more destruction. Emergency services urge people to evacuate immediately and avoid the affected areas. The fires highlight the growing threat of wildfires in California's dry climate.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation ahead of the upcoming general election, triggering a leadership race within the ruling Liberal Party. Anita Anand, 57, a Tamil-origin leader and current Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, has emerged as a frontrunner. A former Defence Minister, Anand played a pivotal role in securing COVID-19 vaccines and supporting Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war. Born in Nova Scotia to Indian-origin parents, Anand holds multiple law degrees and has been a key Liberal figure since 2019. The new leader will be chosen before Parliament reconvenes on March 24.

A 14-year-old schoolboy, fatally stabbed on a bus in Woolwich, London, has been named as online rapper 'Grippa.' The attack occurred on the 472 bus near Woolwich Church Road, where the teen, identified as Kelyan, was fatally wounded. Despite efforts by paramedics, he succumbed to his injuries. Grippa had recently released the track 'Bangers & Mash' on Christmas. Friends and family have paid tribute, with many describing him as a kind-hearted, aspiring rapper. Police are conducting a manhunt for the attacker, but no arrests have been made. The incident has shocked the local community.

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages before his January 20 inauguration. "All hell will break out in the Middle East" if they fail to comply, Trump stated during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff, leading negotiations, noted significant progress and credited Trump's firm stance for driving talks. Witkoff remains optimistic about an agreement before inauguration day. Trump reiterated his commitment to ensuring the hostages' return and warned of severe consequences if the situation persists. He also praised the negotiation team's efforts in advancing discussions.

Orthodox Christians marked Christmas on 7 January, following the Julian calendar. Celebrations included church services, candlelight ceremonies, and traditional rituals across the globe. In Syria, worshippers gathered in Damascus for their first Christmas since Bashar al-Assad’s departure. In Bethlehem, Patriarch Theophilos III led services at the Church of the Nativity. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended mass in Moscow, while Ethiopian Christians sang hymns in Addis Ababa. In Serbia, Prince Philip participated in a Yule log burning ritual. From Tbilisi to Sharjah, faithful celebrated Jesus Christ’s birth, highlighting unity in diverse cultural traditions. Orthodox Christians number approximately 200 million worldwide.

A 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a double-decker bus in Woolwich, southeast London, on Tuesday. Paramedics arrived promptly but were unable to save him. This marks the latest knife-crime tragedy in London, following a series of violent incidents. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled knife crime a "national crisis," while Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences. Recent statistics show a 4% rise in knife crime in England and Wales compared to last year, though rates remain below pre-pandemic levels. The Labour government has pledged to halve knife crime within a decade, enacting stricter knife bans in September.

Las Vegas police revealed that Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Army Green Beret, used generative AI, including ChatGPT, to plan the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year's Day. Livelsberger, who later fatally shot himself, loaded the vehicle with 60 pounds of pyrotechnic material and 70 pounds of birdshot. Authorities clarified he intended the explosion as a "wake-up call" for societal issues and did not plan to harm others. The blast caused minor injuries to seven people but no significant damage to the hotel. Officials called AI's involvement a "game-changer" and are collaborating with OpenAI.

The UK faces severe weather as snow and ice warnings are issued in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and Wales. The Met Office has cautioned residents about dangerous road conditions and icy surfaces. Simultaneously, hundreds of flood alerts remain active, with one prompting a "large-scale" evacuation in a high-risk area. Emergency services are on high alert as heavy rainfall continues to threaten communities. Authorities urge residents to stay updated on weather advisories and avoid non-essential travel. Energy providers are also working to restore power in affected regions. The situation remains critical as weather conditions show no immediate signs of improvement.