Efforts to control California wildfires continue, with improvements in weather conditions aiding containment. Experts predict significant progress over the weekend, although full control may take several more days. The Palisades Fire is at 17% containment, impacting 24,000 acres. Over 5,000 firefighters are battling the blaze.
Related news
US President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden for lacking necessary resources to address California's wildfire crisis. Trump highlighted shortages in water supplies, financial inadequacies in FEMA, and pointed out the state's insufficient preparations under Governor Gavin Newsom. Firefighters are struggling due to resource constraints.
Syrian rebels, led by a former al-Qaida member, overthrew President Assad, prompting a return of refugees and a halt in public services. Israel launched airstrikes on suspected weapons sites, while Turkey's allies captured Manbij from Kurdish forces. Russia granted Assad asylum as Syrians celebrated in the streets and searched for missing loved ones.
Suhag Shukla of the Hindu American Foundation condemned Republican Brandon Gill for his remarks, which she deemed as anti-Indian and anti-Hindu. Gill criticized a cultural gathering of the Patel community in Texas, mislabeling it as caste-based, promoting harmful rhetoric that led to recent violence.
Bill Gates discussed his experimentation with drugs during his teenage years, including marijuana and LSD, and how his preference for a logical mind led him to stop using them. He also mentioned his interest in the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs for conditions like depression and OCD.
Elon Musk said it was a strategy of the legacy media to weaken his relationship with Trump. "That is exactly the goal. The political & legacy media puppets all got their new instructions yesterday and are now parroting the same message to drive a wedge between @realDonaldTrump and me. They will fail," he said.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya has been barred from the Liberal Party's leadership contest. He was informed by the party about his disqualification. Arya's campaign included eliminating the monarchy and addressing issues with strained Canada-India relations. His disqualification raises concerns about the leadership race transparency. While Arya mulls his next steps, six contenders remain in the race.
China-funded New Gwadar International Airport in Balochistan, completed in October 2024, remains non-operational, highlighting ongoing regional instability. Despite the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor's investments, locals in Gwadar continue facing challenges like lack of electricity and clean water.
China is committed to continuing its participation in the WHO and the Paris climate accord, expressing concern over US President Trump’s orders to withdraw from both. Beijing emphasizes the importance of international cooperation on health and climate change, and hopes to strengthen dialogue with the US on trade and other issues despite existing tensions.
A powerful earthquake struck the foothills of the Himalayas near Tibet's holy city, killing at least 126 people and injuring around 188. Buildings were damaged across Shigatse region, and over 1,000 houses were damaged. Rescue efforts are underway amidst freezing temperatures. The quake's impact was felt in neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Pope Francis has extended the Catholic Church's reform process by three years, despite ongoing health issues. The reforms aim to elevate women's roles, potentially by ordaining female deacons, and increase laypeople's involvement. While still in the hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff has remained active in governance, indicating his commitment to these changes.