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.

India is ready to host the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from Jan 13 to Feb 26, 2025. Over 400 million devotees are expected to participate, with pilgrims taking a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The event spans 4,000 hectares, featuring 150,000 tents, 145,000 restrooms, and 3,000 kitchens. Authorities deployed 40,000 police personnel, AI-powered surveillance, and emergency response teams. Indian Railways introduced 98 special trains. The state allocated ₹64 billion for the festival. Key dates include Jan 29 (Mauni Amavasya) and Feb 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

A tragic bus accident in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district on Sunday claimed 5 lives and injured 17 others. The bus, en route from Pauri to Dahalchori, overturned and plunged 100 metres down a hill. Local residents, along with police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, carried out rescue operations. Four passengers died on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries in the hospital. The injured were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further details are awaited. SDRF Commander Arpan Yadav commended the swift response of rescue teams and locals.

UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that social media platforms, including Facebook and X, must adhere to UK laws requiring the removal of illegal content. His remarks follow Meta's decision to shift fact-checking policies in the US, sparking safety concerns. Kyle stated the Online Safety Act mandates platforms protect children from harmful material and face sanctions if non-compliant. Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly tragically died after viewing harmful content, urged stricter internet safety rules. Meta defended its policies, claiming no changes to handling high-severity content, while online safety advocates called for stronger measures to address existing legal gaps.

Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration as the 47th U.S. President is shaping up to be a global spectacle. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the event. Trump’s team has invited world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, breaking U.S. tradition. Corporates like Boeing, Google, and Microsoft have donated millions, with inaugural funds exceeding $170M. VIP passes for high-profile donors have sold out due to overwhelming demand. Public tickets, distributed through Congress, offer limited access. Security remains a challenge as Trump aims for a "world stage" event showcasing his global influence.

Wildfire in Altadena, California, has destroyed homes, businesses, and lives. At least 16 people have died, and thousands are left homeless. Residents like Daron Anderson, Rachel Gillespie, and Dillon Akers lost everything, including memories and possessions. Many tried to protect their homes with garden hoses, but the flames were unstoppable. As the fire ravaged 14,000 acres, families evacuated, some barely escaping with their lives. Amid the ashes, survivors search for anything they can salvage, including cherished items and family keepsakes. The community remains in shock, with much of their once-close neighborhood now reduced to rubble.

Over 35,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles are without electricity due to ongoing wildfires. Southern California Edison reports 18,400 customers affected, with 16,100 outages for LA Department of Water & Power customers. Nearby areas like San Bernardino and Riverside also face blackouts, impacting thousands more. Since the fires began on Tuesday, power has been restored to 355,000 customers, according to LA Department of Water & Power. The wildfires have caused significant damage, with 16 deaths confirmed and the toll expected to rise. Crews continue to battle the flames, working tirelessly to restore power and aid affected communities.