Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India has been extended as part of a “long-term arrangement,” according to official sources, amid extradition demands from Bangladesh. Hasina, ousted from her position in August 2024 following a student-led protest, has been residing in New Delhi since then. The extension follows India’s tradition of hosting its guests, as stated by officials. This development comes after Bangladesh revoked Hasina’s passport and issued arrest warrants for her and several other officials for alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. The Bangladesh government has set a deadline for Hasina’s arrest by February 12.

Michael Clarke has criticized Cricket Australia (CA) for excluding Sunil Gavaskar from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy presentation despite his presence at the SCG. The trophy, named after Gavaskar and Allan Border, saw only Border present the award to Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins. Gavaskar, who was reportedly meant to present the trophy had India won, expressed disappointment. Clarke, defending Gavaskar, emphasized that both legends should have jointly presented the trophy. He called the decision a missed opportunity and an oversight, stating that having both men present at the same time was a rare privilege.

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.

Indian professionals and students aspiring to work in the US face renewed anxiety over H-1B visa policies as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term. Trump’s supporters criticize the visa program for undercutting American workers, despite its role in attracting global talent. Indian nationals account for 72% of H-1B visas, with median annual salaries of $118,000. Critics cite fraud concerns, but proponents argue it supports the US economy. Experts like Stephen Yale-Loehr note potential stricter measures, creating uncertainty for Indian dreamers. Despite these challenges, Indian interest in pursuing the American dream remains strong.

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.

A tragic stampede at Tirupati’s Tirumala temple killed 6 devotees and injured 40 during token distribution for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam. “A DSP opened the gates, and immediately everybody pushed ahead, leading to this stampede,” said TTD Chairman BR Naidu. Tirupati Municipal Commissioner Mourya added, “Nearly 5,000 people came together at a single counter.”   A grieving devotee stated, “My wife was trying to get a token when the rush took her life.” Videos showed police administering CPR and assisting the injured. CM N. Chandrababu Naidu called the incident “deeply disturbing” and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured.

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.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 6.4°C on Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting further dips to 5°C. Air quality remained "poor" with an AQI of 287. Neighboring areas like Noida also reported dense fog. Himachal Pradesh's Tabo witnessed extreme cold at -13.6°C, while Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg plummeted to -9.8°C. The IMD forecast rain and snowfall for northwest India later this week due to a western disturbance. Isolated cold wave conditions are expected in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu-Kashmir. Residents are advised to stay cautious during the harsh weather conditions.

A devastating wildfire in Los Angeles has claimed the lives of at least two people, with over 30,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes. Fires spread rapidly across the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Sylmar areas, threatening thousands of homes and causing injuries to several people. Strong winds and dry conditions exacerbated the situation, fanning the flames and leading to significant destruction. Hollywood stars were among those fleeing, with roads jammed as people abandoned vehicles in panic. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, while President Biden offered federal support. Firefighting efforts continue as the blaze grows.