A 32-year-old Canadian man was arrested at Delhi airport for carrying a crocodile skull in his luggage. The man was stopped during a routine security check on Monday, where customs officers discovered the skull wrapped in cloth. Weighing 777g, the skull was confirmed to be that of a baby crocodile, a protected species under India's Wildlife Protection Act. The man allegedly purchased it in Thailand without the necessary permits. Authorities have seized the skull, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sub-species. A case has been registered against him for violating wildlife protection laws.

Harrison Ford was seen distressed after being forced to evacuate amid the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. On Wednesday, the 82-year-old actor was parked outside his Brentwood home as fires in the Pacific Palisades area claimed lives and destroyed properties. At least two people died, and many others sustained injuries. Over 30,000 residents have been evacuated, with many leaving with nothing but their pets. Luxury cars were abandoned, and entire neighborhoods were reduced to ashes. Other celebrities, including Anna Farris and Adam Brody, have also lost homes in the devastating fires that continue to rage across the city.

Vietnam’s new traffic rules, effective January 1, impose stricter penalties and reward citizens up to $200 for reporting traffic violations. The system, aimed at enhancing road safety, has sparked lighthearted reactions among Indian netizens. Many joked about quitting IT jobs, claiming they could earn more by reporting violations in India, given the frequent disregard for traffic laws. Economist and Niti Aayog member Arvind Virmani supported implementing similar measures for severe offenses in India. While Delhi and Goa have reward systems for reporting violations, their low awareness limits impact. The debate underscores cultural contrasts in traffic management globally.

In Meerut's Lisari Gate area, five family members, including a couple and their three daughters under 10, were found dead in their locked home. The couple's bodies were on the floor, while the children were hidden in a bed box. Police suspect foul play, as all victims had head injuries caused by a heavy object. Neighbors alerted authorities after not seeing the family since Wednesday evening. Police entered through the roof to discover the bodies. Forensic teams are examining the scene, with SSP Vipin Tada stating the deaths could be linked to personal enmity. Investigations are ongoing.

Los Angeles wildfires continue wreaking havoc, destroying over 10,000 structures and forcing 180,000 residents to evacuate. Officials confirmed 7 deaths, with the toll expected to rise as cadaver dogs search fire-ravaged areas. The Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires have caused unprecedented destruction, with firefighters describing the scenes as “apocalyptic.” High-profile celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins, lost homes in the disaster. Weakened Santa Ana winds helped crews make progress, but new fires in San Fernando Valley prompted fresh evacuations. Officials warned of strained water resources and historic natural disaster impacts as critical fire weather persists across southern California.

The death of a teenage boy at a school dormitory in Pucheng, Shaanxi province, triggered violent protests in China. Official statements termed the January 2 incident an "accidental fall," but allegations of bullying and a cover-up spread online, sparking outrage. Verified videos show demonstrators clashing with police, shouting demands for truth, and mourning the student. Protesters stormed buildings, hurled objects, and faced baton-wielding officers. State media remains silent, and authorities denied protests occurred. Public demonstrations, while not uncommon, have heightened sensitivity since the 2022 White Paper protests against Covid policies. Increased police presence has since quelled the unrest.

Elon Musk reignited global concerns over population decline by highlighting projections of sharp demographic changes by 2100. India's population is expected to drop by 400 million, falling to 1.1 billion, while China faces an even steeper decline of 731 million, reducing its population to 731.9 million. Conversely, Nigeria is forecasted to surge to 790.1 million, surpassing China as the second-most populous country. Experts attribute these trends to declining fertility rates, aging populations, and emigration. Musk labeled population collapse as "humanity’s greatest threat." Nations like Indonesia and Pakistan may see declines, while African nations like Congo will experience growth.

The death toll from Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 10, as per the county coroner's office. Fires, fueled by strong winds, continue to devastate Southern California, burning over 10,000 structures and displacing thousands. The blaze, which started on Tuesday, has ravaged the Los Angeles area, including the Pacific Palisades and parts of Hollywood. Firefighters are battling multiple fronts, struggling to contain the flames amid challenging conditions. Authorities have warned residents to stay vigilant as evacuation orders remain in effect. The destruction has severely impacted the region, leaving communities shattered and in urgent need of assistance.

Delhi and North India faced a dense fog and severe cold wave on Friday, reducing visibility to zero in several areas. Over 270 flights were delayed, and 6 cancelled at Delhi airport, while train services saw delays of up to 8 hours. The AQI in Delhi deteriorated to 409, reaching the severe category. A multi-vehicle collision in Uttar Pradesh injured several due to poor visibility. The IMD has predicted rainfall and hailstorms in North India. Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kashmir experienced freezing temperatures, with warnings for extreme cold, fog, and frost across multiple states.

As wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles, nearly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders. The Palisades fire has burned over 17,000 acres with zero containment, while the Eaton fire has caused five deaths and destroyed over 1,000 structures. Firefighting efforts are hindered by extreme winds, with gusts expected up to 60 mph. More than 95,000 customers are without power, and the region’s water systems are affected by debris and ash. LA Mayor Karen Bass attributed the severity of the fires to historic winds and droughts, while looting has led to 20 arrests.