The pound dropped 0.9% to $1.226, its lowest in over a year, as UK borrowing costs soared to a 16-year high. Economists warned that rising costs could force tax hikes or spending cuts to meet fiscal rules. Treasury Minister Darren Jones dismissed the need for emergency action, citing orderly market conditions. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride criticized the government for higher debt and lower growth concerns. Mohamed El-Erian of Allianz highlighted rising debt interest costs and slower growth impacts. The Bank of England held interest rates at 4.75%, citing uncertainty. Global factors, including US policy shifts, also influenced bond yields.

India has slipped from 80th to 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, which ranks 199 countries by visa-free access. Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free to 57 destinations, sharing the rank with Equatorial Guinea and Niger. Singapore retains the top spot, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan (193) and Finland (192). The UAE climbed to 10th place with 185 destinations, while the US fell to 9th. Pakistan and Yemen rank at the bottom, with visa-free access to 33 countries. Experts attribute India's decline to limited bilateral agreements improving travel freedom.

Satellite images show the extent of destruction caused by wildfires in Los Angeles. Fires have burned nearly 2,000 buildings, forcing 130,000 people to evacuate. The fires have been fueled by strong winds, spreading quickly across Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Some areas saw quiet streets turn into blazing infernos in just hours. Firefighters continue to battle the flames, trying to save homes and prevent further damage. So far, five people have died, and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed. The situation remains dire as the fires rage on, with little containment in sight.

Hollywood stars, including Paris Hilton, Adam Brody, and Mandy Moore, lost their homes to the Pacific Palisades wildfires. The fires have scorched over 12,000 acres, destroying buildings and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Mandy Moore expressed shock, sharing that her children’s school and favourite places were gone. Paris Hilton shared her heartbreak, calling the loss overwhelming but grateful her family was safe. The wildfires, fuelled by strong winds, remain uncontained. Firefighters continue to battle the flames as residents return to find their neighbourhoods in ruins. Many celebrities are sharing messages of resilience and gratitude amidst the tragedy.

Wildfires in Los Angeles have killed five people, destroyed 2,000 buildings, and forced 130,000 evacuations. The fires began on Tuesday in Pacific Palisades and spread quickly due to strong winds. A new blaze has now reached the Hollywood Hills, threatening famous landmarks like the Walk of Fame. The fires have burned over 27,000 acres, with the hardest-hit areas being Santa Monica, Malibu, and Studio City. Emergency crews are working day and night, but dry weather and warm winds are making it harder to control the flames. Officials have called this one of the worst disasters in the city's history.

A 16-member Assam Police team, guided by Google Maps, mistakenly entered Nagaland's Mokokchung district during a raid, sparking chaos. Mistaken for criminals, the team, mostly in civil dress, was attacked and held captive by locals. One officer sustained injuries. The confusion arose as Google Maps incorrectly showed a tea garden in Assam instead of Nagaland. Upon realization, Nagaland Police intervened, rescuing the team after a night of captivity. Five officers were freed initially, with the remaining 11 released the next morning. The incident highlighted challenges in cross-border operations and reliance on navigation apps.

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.