Chandramouli Biswas, 48, former bassist of the iconic Bengali band Fossils, was found dead in his Kolkata home on Sunday. Golok vocalist Mohul Chakraborty discovered his body after failed attempts to contact him. Police confirmed a suicide note and revealed Biswas struggled with long-term depression and financial difficulties. Known for his 18-year tenure with Fossils, Biswas left the band in 2018 due to health issues. Fossils’ manager Rupsha Dasgupta called his death "a huge loss for Bengal’s music industry." Biswas, a former engineer, pursued his passion for music, earning a devoted fanbase. He is survived by his parents.

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.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral after delays. This marks a critical step in the billionaire space race, challenging Elon Musk's SpaceX dominance. The rocket, named after John Glenn, aims to carry up to 45 tonnes to low Earth orbit. Despite prior delays due to sea conditions, the team is hopeful for success. With reusable stages and an innovative payload, this launch could reshape the commercial space industry. Bezos’s space venture competes with Musk’s efforts, which have dominated the market with numerous successful launches. Follow live for updates as the rocket takes flight.

The Indian rupee plunged to an all-time low of 86.35 against the US dollar on January 13, 2025, amid a rally in the dollar fueled by robust US job growth. This marks a 38-paise drop from the previous close. The dollar index rose 0.22% to a two-year high of 109.72, with US bond yields steady at 4.76%. Surging crude oil prices, with Brent Crude at $81/barrel and WTI at $77.92/barrel, alongside foreign capital outflows and weak domestic markets, pressured the rupee further. Additionally, India’s forex reserves dipped by $5.69 billion, exacerbating the economic strain.

Indo-Canadian MP Chandra Arya has announced his candidacy for Canada’s Prime Minister following Justin Trudeau's decision to step down. Representing Nepean since 2015, Arya promises to transform Canada into a republic, introduce a citizenship-based tax system, and address affordability issues. Originally from Karnataka, India, Arya advocates for Hindu-Canadian interests and opposes Khalistani elements. He also supports recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. Arya’s platform emphasizes merit-based governance, bold policy reforms, and an independent foreign policy. He joins Anita Anand and Frank Baylis as contenders in the Liberal Party leadership race.

The UK's bitter cold snap is easing, with temperatures rising to double digits on Monday. The Met Office warns of localised flooding as ice and snow melt, with 30 flood alerts and 2 flood warnings issued across England. Scotland saw a record low of -18.9°C last week, but milder conditions are expected, reaching up to 12°C in some regions. The Environment Agency remains vigilant, deploying flood defences and aiding affected communities. Southern England will see sunny spells, while the north faces rain. The cold weather health alert continues until Tuesday, cautioning risks for vulnerable populations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ₹2,700-crore Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg today. The 12 km-long tunnel, located at 8,650 feet, ensures all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted its potential to transform Sonamarg into a winter sports hub, boosting local tourism and economy. The project includes bypassing avalanche-prone routes, improving safety and access to the strategically important Ladakh region. The Zojila Tunnel, part of this initiative, will be completed by 2028, reducing the Srinagar-Leh distance by 6 km and enhancing regional integration.

Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 24 lives, including former Australian child star Rory Sykes, and caused $135-150 billion in damages. The Palisades Fire, covering 23,600 acres, is 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire, at 14,000 acres, is 15% contained. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, forcing 1 lakh people to evacuate. A fire tornado was spotted in the San Fernando Valley. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a historic disaster and vowed to rebuild, while President-elect Donald Trump criticized local authorities. Strong winds are expected to worsen the situation through Wednesday, as investigations into the cause continue.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has commenced, expecting 45 crore devotees over its duration. On January 13-14, 4 crore pilgrims are anticipated to take holy dips at the Sangam. Security includes 40,000 personnel, 2,751 CCTV cameras, and 328 AI-enabled devices. An anti-drone system and drones ensure 24/7 surveillance across 25 sectors. Authorities have established 1.5 lakh tents and granted 4.5 lakh electricity connections to accommodate the crowd. The UNESCO-recognized event, held every 12 years, attracts devotees seeking purification and salvation. Notable attendees include spiritual leaders and global figures like Richard Gere and Dalai Lama.