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.

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.