Los Angeles residents faced heightened anxiety after an erroneous evacuation alert was sent to 10M people during ongoing wildfires. The fires, claiming at least 10 lives and destroying thousands of homes, have stretched firefighting resources. Water shortages have hampered efforts, with hydrants running dry and residents resorting to garden hoses. Mayor Karen Bass returned from Africa, calling the fires "unprecedented" and promising reviews of disaster preparedness. Climate scientists cited vast demand, not mismanagement, as the cause of water issues. Frustrated residents, many homeless, demand upgrades to public utilities as fires continue to spread. Relief remains elusive amid escalating devastation.

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 10 lives, destroyed over 5,000 structures, and burned 29,000+ acres. Affluent neighborhoods like Malibu and Calabasas have been hit hard, displacing tens of thousands. Mount Wilson, hosting critical communication towers, faces severe risks as new blazes erupt in Woodland Hills. Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the National Guard to prevent looting in evacuation zones. Power outages continue to impact over 90,000 homes and businesses. With Santa Ana winds threatening to worsen conditions, officials urge compliance with evacuation orders. The economic toll is projected to exceed $50 billion, straining California’s insurance industry.

Star cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, at a college graduation event in Chennai, stated that Hindi is not India’s national language but an official one. His remarks came after students hesitated to ask questions in Hindi, prompting him to address India’s linguistic diversity. Ashwin highlighted Tamil Nadu's sensitive relationship with Hindi due to historical resistance to its imposition in schools and government policies. Known for his candid views, Ashwin also shared personal anecdotes on persistence and lifelong learning. His comment reignited debates over Hindi’s status, especially in Tamil Nadu, where pride in Tamil culture and language remains deeply rooted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his podcast debut on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath's "People by WTF" series. In the candid two-hour episode, PM Modi stated, "I am also human, not god," acknowledging his susceptibility to mistakes. The conversation covered his childhood, education, political journey, and handling stress. Kamath shared his apprehension about speaking Hindi, to which Modi responded reassuringly, "Hum dono ki aise hi chalegi" (We will manage together). Modi also recalled washing family clothes to earn time at the pond. Sharing the trailer on X, he wrote, "I hope you enjoy this as much as we did creating it!"

Wildfires in Los Angeles have devastated over 17,000 acres, destroying homes and businesses across six neighborhoods, including Hollywood Hills. Iconic areas like the Walk of Fame and celebrity homes suffered extensive damage, with satellite images revealing the scale of destruction. The Palisades Fire, the largest blaze, remains uncontained, consuming over 15,000 acres and 1,000 structures. Mandatory evacuations affected 1 lakh residents, while 10 fatalities were reported. Emergency crews, including 836 firefighters and aerial support, are battling three uncontrollable blazes. Mayor Karen Bass called it “the big one.” Red flag warnings persist due to strong winds and dry conditions.

The Los Angeles wildfires are projected to become the most expensive disaster in U.S. history, with early damage estimates nearing $50 billion. Insured losses are expected to exceed $20 billion, and the final costs could rise further if the fires continue to spread. The destruction may strain California’s already fragile home-insurance market, potentially resulting in higher premiums and reduced availability of property insurance. Analysts warn that private insurers may need to bail out the state’s Fair Plan, which could face significant financial challenges. The fires are set to surpass previous catastrophic losses, including 2005's Hurricane Katrina.

Tom Hanks' mansion in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, miraculously survived the devastating wildfires that ravaged the area, destroying several celebrity homes. Aerial photos show the actor's residence unscathed, despite nearby properties, including those of Paris Hilton, Anna Faris, and Anthony Hopkins, being destroyed. The Palisades Fire, which began on January 9, 2025, has leveled streets and left many without homes. Hanks' son, Chet, shared his grief on Instagram, expressing shock over the destruction. The actor’s home, surrounded by charred ruins, was untouched by the flames, a surprising turn of events in the midst of widespread devastation.

A Canadian court has ordered mandatory detention for four Indians accused of the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 11, where pre-trial applications will be addressed. Officials denied reports claiming that the accused had been released on bail, clarifying that all remain in custody. The charges against them include first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The killing has triggered a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Canada alleging possible involvement of Indian agents, a claim India strongly denies.

NHS bosses warn that current pressures in accident-and-emergency units in the UK are as severe as during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu cases continue to rise, with over 5,400 patients hospitalized daily in England. NHS England's Prof Sir Stephen Powis described the situation as "exceptional," with some frontline workers saying the strain mirrors pandemic days. With cold weather compounding the crisis, around 20 NHS trusts have declared critical incidents. Long waits for ambulances and A&E treatment are common, raising concerns about emergency services. Flu cases are more than three times higher than this time last year.

Rachel Darvish, a Pacific Palisades lawyer, confronted California Governor Gavin Newsom on the streets over the state’s response to the devastating wildfires. Shouting, "What are you going to do?" Darvish, whose daughter’s school was destroyed, demanded immediate action. The fires have left five dead and forced over 179,000 evacuations. Newsom responded, "I’m literally talking to the president right now," but Darvish remained skeptical. She criticized the lack of water in hydrants and offered to "fill up the hydrants myself," pressing Newsom for assurances that future responses would be better.