Nearly 1,000 inmates are battling Los Angeles wildfires as part of California's Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, earning $10.24/day for life-threatening work like cutting fire lines and removing fuel. Critics decry exploitation, as professional firefighters earn $85,000-$124,000/year. Proponents argue it offers sentence reductions, career skills, and improved conditions. Inmates comprise 30% of California's wildfire-fighting force. At least 24 deaths and 12,300 destroyed structures highlight the devastation. Ethical debates persist over prison labor, with calls for better investment in firefighting resources and equitable treatment of incarcerated workers.

Kolkata has been named India’s most congested city, overtaking Bengaluru, as per the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index. The city records an average speed of 17.4 km/h, with a 10 km commute taking over 34 minutes. Bengaluru and Pune follow closely, with travel times of 34 minutes and 33 minutes, respectively. Other cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai also face significant traffic challenges. Experts blame inadequate infrastructure and urbanization for worsening congestion. The report highlights the need for strategic urban planning and sustainable solutions to improve mobility and commuting in India's rapidly growing urban areas.

India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri recently met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, marking a significant diplomatic shift. This is the highest-level engagement since Kabul's fall to the Taliban in 2021. Talks focused on expanding trade, leveraging Iran's Chabahar port for regional connectivity, and countering Pakistan's influence. India, which has invested $3 billion in Afghanistan, aims to retain public goodwill and prevent terrorism threats. Experts highlight the risks of engaging with the Taliban, citing its ties to terror groups and human rights concerns. However, India's outreach aligns with its strategic goals in the region.

UK inflation dropped to 2.5% in December, below November's 2.6%, with core inflation slowing to 3.2% from 3.5%. The decline reflects easing price pressures on services and goods, according to the Office for National Statistics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the data but emphasized the need for further measures to address living costs. Economists predict the Bank of England will cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5% in February. Reeves faces fiscal challenges, including balancing tax hikes and spending cuts, as economic growth remains sluggish. The British pound rose 0.1% after the report.

Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif has launched an investigation into a controversial Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ad criticized for resembling 9/11 attacks. The social media post, celebrating resumed Paris flights after 4 years, showed an aircraft near the Eiffel Tower, sparking backlash for its similarity to the 2001 World Trade Center tragedy. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar labeled the ad “stupidity” during a parliamentary session. While PIA’s Paris flight landed successfully, the airline remains banned in the US and UK. PIA's history of controversies, including a 2020 fraud scandal and operational bans, continues to plague its reputation globally.

An India-US inquiry has recommended action against an individual linked to the failed assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The investigation, launched in November 2023, uncovered ties to organised crime, terrorism, and drug networks. Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, has been charged by the FBI for orchestrating the plot. Arrested by Delhi Police, Yadav is accused of attempted murder and kidnapping. The Home Ministry acknowledged information shared by US authorities but refrained from directly referencing the plot. This joint investigation highlights global efforts to counter extremism and criminal syndicates.

Los Angeles faces extreme fire danger as high winds are forecast to intensify the ongoing wildfires. Forecasters predict gusts up to 50 mph will fan the remaining blazes, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, which have already claimed 25 lives. Thousands remain under evacuation orders, and many homes have been destroyed. Firefighters have made progress, with containment at 35% for Eaton Fire and 18% for Palisades. However, officials stress the urgent need for rain to help contain the flames, as the region has seen no significant rainfall in over 250 days.

A handwritten letter by Steve Jobs, written in 1974, has sold for Rs 4.32 crore ($500,312) at an auction by Bonhams. The letter, postmarked just before Jobs' 19th birthday, reveals his plans to attend the Kumbh Mela in India and reflects his spiritual journey. In the letter, Jobs expresses his desire to visit India for the Kumbh Mela and shares his introspective thoughts, influenced by Zen Buddhism. This comes as his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, currently in India for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, continues his spiritual legacy.

Coldplay has announced the release of additional tickets for their Ahmedabad concerts on January 25 and 26 at Narendra Modi Stadium. The tickets will be available for purchase on BookMyShow starting at 6:00 pm IST, with the waiting room opening an hour earlier at 5:00 pm. Fans will be able to buy up to four tickets per transaction. This follows a similar sale for the band's Mumbai shows earlier this month. Limited tickets remain for the Ahmedabad concerts, so fans are urged to act quickly to secure their spot for the highly anticipated performances.

A case has been filed against BJP leader Pravesh Verma for violating the election code in the New Delhi constituency. The complaint follows a video showing Verma distributing shoes to voters, an act that allegedly contravenes the poll code. The incident, which has sparked controversy, is being investigated. Verma, the BJP’s candidate for the upcoming Delhi elections, faces potential legal action. This is a developing story, and more details will emerge as the investigation progresses.