Guwahati, India (AP) — At least nine workers are trapped inside a flooded coal mine in India’s northeastern Assam state, officials said Tuesday, as authorities summoned the army to help in the rescue operation.
The miners became trapped on Monday morning in the Umrangso area in Dima Hasao district, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of the state capital, Guwahati.
The workers are “feared trapped 300 feet below the ground after water gushed in from a nearby unused mine. We are mobilizing resources to rescue them,” said Kaushik Rai, a local government minister who is monitoring the rescue efforts.
Army soldiers and a national disaster management team at the site used ropes and cranes to assist the ongoing operation.
Rescuers found three helmets, some slippers and a few other items, Rai said. “The divers have been able to dive into 35 or 40 feet of water inside the mine. The water level now is estimated at 100 feet,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on the social media platform X that the mine appeared to be illegal and that police had arrested one person as they investigate the case.
Workers at the site reported that more than a dozen miners were trapped inside the coal mine, which lacks proper safety measures. Some miners managed to escape as water from a nearby unused mine began flooding the area.
In the eastern and northeastern regions of India, workers extract coal under hazardous conditions in small “rat hole” mines. These narrow pits, typically designed for one person, are common in hilly areas. Coal is usually lifted to the surface in boxes using pulleys, and in some cases, miners carry the coal in baskets up wooden slats along the mine’s walls.
Accidents in illegal mines are frequent, as many workers depend on the illicit sale of coal for their livelihoods. In 2019, at least 15 miners lost their lives after becoming trapped in a similar mine in Meghalaya state.
Bangkok, Thailand — Thailand has achieved a historic milestone in its tourism sector, welcoming over 35.5 million international visitors in 2024. This record-breaking figure surpasses the government’s expectations and reflects the country’s efforts to revitalize its economy.
The tourism industry, a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, accounts for nearly 20 percent of the nation’s GDP. In recent years, it faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting traveler preferences. However, the surge in visitor numbers indicates a robust recovery and renewed global interest in Thailand as a top travel destination.
Officials credited the achievement to strategic marketing campaigns, improved infrastructure, and a diverse range of tourist offerings catering to international travelers. This success underscores Thailand’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism hubs.
China has regained its status as Thailand’s top source of tourists, rebounding from a post-pandemic decline, with over 6 million visitors in 2024. Malaysia and India followed as the second and third-largest sources of international travelers.
Known for its pristine beaches and iconic temples, Thailand generated over 1.6 trillion baht (approximately US$46 billion) in tourist spending last year, according to Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
To boost tourism, the Thai government, under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, introduced measures such as a free visa program for Chinese and Indian visitors.
Having surpassed its 2024 target of 35 million tourists, the government has now set an ambitious goal of welcoming 39 million international visitors in 2025.
Speculation began after the opposition party in Canada withdrew its support for Trudeau in September 2024
Ottawa, Canada — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially announced his resignation, bringing an end to his tenure at the helm of the country’s government. The announcement was made today in a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, confirming that Trudeau will step down after serving as the leader of Canada for several terms.
Trudeau, who first assumed office in 2015, led the Liberal Party through multiple elections, securing re-election in 2019 and 2021. His leadership has been marked by significant policy shifts on climate change, social justice, and international relations. He serve 9 year as a Prime Minister of Canada. However, his tenure has also faced challenges, including controversies and declining public approval in recent years.
In his statement, Trudeau expressed pride in his work and gratitude to the Canadian people, thanking his colleagues and supporters for their trust and partnership throughout his time in office. “It has been an honor to serve as Prime Minister, and I am confident the future of Canada is bright,” Trudeau said.
“I don’t easily back down faced with a fight, especially a very important one for our party and the country. But I do this job because the interests of Canadians and the well being of democracy is something that I hold dear,” said Trudeau, who was initially teary-eyed at the announcement outside his official residence.
He said Parliament, which had been due to resume Jan. 27, would be suspended until March 24. The timing will allow for a Liberal Party leadership race.
Trudeau’s resignation opens the door for a new leader to take charge of the Liberal Party and lead Canada into the next phase of its political future. Speculation about his successor is already underway, as both domestic and international observers await the next steps in Canadian politics.
Beijing, China — Indonesia has officially become a full member of BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, China’s Foreign Ministry announced.
In a statement, China warmly congratulated Indonesia on its entry into BRICS, highlighting the country’s significant role as a major developing nation and an influential force in the Global South.
“Indonesia’s official entry into BRICS serves the common interests of BRICS countries and the Global South,” the ministry said, emphasizing the country’s active participation in “BRICS Plus” cooperation and alignment with the bloc’s values and goals.
China expressed confidence in Indonesia’s ability to contribute meaningfully to BRICS’ development and strengthen its collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges.
BRICS is a key platform for promoting solidarity and cooperation within the Global South and plays a major role in driving reforms to the global governance system. The member countries are steadfast in their commitment to multilateralism, fairness, justice, and common development. Indonesia’s addition to BRICS follows the historic trend of the collective rise of the Global South.
China also stated that it is ready to work closely with Indonesia and other BRICS members to build a more comprehensive, inclusive, and practical partnership. The goal is to advance high-quality development in BRICS cooperation and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Beijing, China — Guo Jiakun, the 35th Foreign Ministry spokesperson, made his debut at Monday’s daily news conference.
Guo, 44, has been working in the Foreign Ministry for 23 years and is experienced in both diplomacy and communication.
“I will try my best to timely and accurately explain China’s foreign policy and practices of Chinese modernization,” Guo told journalists.
He said he expects to work with journalists to present an accurate, multidimensional and panoramic image of China to the world.
The Foreign Ministry introduced the system of spokespersons in 1983, making it the first government department in China to start such a practice. It is also the only government department that holds routine news briefings on every working day.
Paris, France — French authorities detained three Algerians on Sunday over suspicions of inciting violence through TikTok videos, with at least two facing terror-related charges.
The arrests occur against a backdrop of escalating political tensions between Paris and its former North African colony.
Among those arrested was a video blogger known as “Imad Tintin,” apprehended Friday near Grenoble. He had posted a video urging followers to “burn alive, kill, and rape on French territory.”
The post was taken down after receiving 800,000 views but hardline right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau published a video grab on his social media accounts, condemning the publication as “vile”.
A judge on Sunday placed the 31-year-old blogger under judicial supervision, Grenoble prosecutors said.
He was due to appear Monday in a fast-track trial on charges of “direct incitement of an act of terrorism”, the state prosecution service said.
“Imad Tintin” entered France in December 2021 and applied for a residence permit in August 2023 after his marriage to a French woman. But his application was refused and he is also subject to an expulsion order.
Terror incitement charge
In a second case, a 25-year-old Algerian identified as Youcef A. but known on social media as Zazou Youssef was remanded in custody Friday in the western city of Brest, prosecutor Camille Miansoni said in a statement.
He will stand trial there on February 24 on a charge of “publicly advocating an act of terrorism” in posts to his hundreds of thousands of TikTok followers, she said.
He faces up to seven years in jail and a 100,000-euro ($103,000) fine if convicted, the statement added.
Zazou Youssef appeared in a video posted on TikTok on December 31, calling for attacks in France and violence in Algeria.
He was living in France on a temporary residency permit.
TikTok told AFP the account from which the video was posted had been banned for posting several videos that broke its rules on hate speech.
Video targets Algerian activist
Prosecutors announced the arrests of Imad Tintin and Yousseff on Friday and Interior minister Bruno Retailleau on Sunday announced a third arrest.
The third man was detained in the southern coastal city of Montpellier for violent comments targeting an Algerian activist opposed to that country’s government.
Prosecutors told AFP local authorities had reported a video in which the influencer said of the activist: “Kill him, let him suffer.”
The regional prefect’s office told AFP it was considering withdrawing that blogger’s residence permit and issuing an expulsion order.
Tensions Between France and Algeria
Tensions have surged between France and Algeria after President Emmanuel Macron renewed French support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara during a landmark visit to the kingdom last year.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is mostly under the de facto control of Morocco. But it is claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, who are demanding a self-determination referendum and are supported by Algiers.
French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, a major figure in modern francophone literature, has meanwhile been imprisoned by the Algerian authorities since mid-November on national security charges.
Mentioning Sansal’s case on Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he had “doubts” over Algeria’s commitment to a roadmap set out by the two sides in 2022 to smooth post-colonial relations.
“Zazou Youssef” and “Imad Tintin” have joined “the war waged in France by the Algerian regime”, Chawki Benzehra, an Algerian dissident, told AFP.
Benzehra took refuge in France after taking part in pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.
Washington, USA — Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s decision to block a proposed nearly $15 billion deal for Nippon to acquire Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel..
The suit, filed Monday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, alleges that it was a political decision and violated the companies’ due process.
“From the outset of the process, both Nippon Steel and U. S. Steel have engaged in good faith with all parties to underscore how the Transaction will enhance, not threaten, United States national security, including by revitalizing communities that rely on American steel, bolstering the American steel supply chain, and strengthening America’s domestic steel industry against the threat from China,” the companies said in a prepared statement Monday. “Nippon Steel is the only partner both willing and able to make the necessary investments.”
Nippon Steel had promised to invest $2.7 billion in U.S. Steel’s aging blast furnace operations in Gary, Indiana, and Pennsylvania’s Mon Valley. It also vowed not to reduce production capacity in the United States over the next decade without first getting U.S. government approval.
Biden on Friday decided to stop the Nippon takeover — after federal regulators deadlocked on whether to approve it — because “a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority. … Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure,” he said in a statement.
While administration officials have said the decision was unrelated to Japan’s relationship with the U.S. — this is the first time a U.S. president has blocked a merger between a U.S. and Japanese firm.
Biden departs the White House in just a few weeks.
The president’s decision to block the deal comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the deal last month, and sent a long-awaited report on the merger to Biden. He had 15 days to reach a final decision.
Winterberg, Germany — Germany won a World Cup luge team relay on Sunday, with Austria finishing second. That’s not exactly breaking news. Those nations have the top two luge programs in the world right now.
The news was Ukraine finishing third — and how the war-torn nation got there.
Ukraine won its first World Cup luge medal in more than 16 years. The country’s relay team — singles sliders Yulianna Tunytska and Andriy Mandziy, along with Ihor Hoi and Nazarii Kachmar on one doubles sled, Olena Stetskiy and Oleksandra Mokh on the other — finished third in a race at Sigulda, Latvia.
“It’s amazing,” Tunytska said, holding a bouquet of flowers and blowing kisses on the award podium afterward.
Greg Cackett, Brad Hall, Taylor Lawrence and Arran Gulliver from Britain celebrate their victory after the four-man bobsleigh, 2nd run, at the Bobsleigh World Cup in Winterberg, Germany, Sunday Jan. 5, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)
The medal came in a very unconventional way. There were seven teams in the relay, and four of them didn’t finish. Ukraine finished almost four seconds back of Germany’s winning time — four seconds is a lifetime in luge, a sport where races are often decided by hundredths or even thousandths of a second — but out of the three finishers, it was third-fastest.
That meant bronze.
“Congratulations to Ukraine. … Drama is drama, and a great story is a great story,” commentator Tim Singer said on the International Luge Federation’s broadcast of the race.
To say Ukraine — a nation about to enter its fourth year of war with Russia — does not have much in the way of sliding resources would be an understatement.
There is no sliding track in Ukraine; the team considers the facility in Sigulda to be its home track and prepares for seasons with a fall training camp there. Sliders from many nations — Germany, the U.S., Canada, Italy, Austria, China, South Korea and Switzerland among them — often have the chance to slide on tracks in their own countries, a big advantage. Ukraine doesn’t have that luxury.
It has never won a sliding sport medal — not in luge, bobsled or skeleton — at the Olympics, and it hadn’t been a real contender in any race contested during the four World Cup luge stops so far this season until Sunday. Ukraine’s most recent World Cup luge medal before Sunday was Natalia Yakushenko winning silver in a women’s singles race at Sigulda on Dec. 6, 2008; she also won bronze at the world championships in Lake Placid, New York, on Feb. 6, 2009.
“It was a curious race,” Mandziy said.
Germany’s Kira Lipperheide, left, and Lisa Buckwitz celebrate their victory after the women’s two-man bobsleigh, 2nd run, at the Bobsleigh World Cup in Winterberg, Germany, Sunday Jan. 5, 2025. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP)
The U.S., Italy, Latvia and Poland all failed to finish the team relay, a variety of mishaps thwarting their chances.
The team relay is composed of four sleds — women’s singles, men’s singles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles — and a slider from each sled must not only finish getting down the track but reach up and hit a pad at the finish line that triggers a signal telling the next sled it’s time to start. The best total, four-sled time wins.
U.S. women’s slider Emily Sweeney did not hit enough of the pad on her run, so the Americans were disqualified — but were given a second chance after a technical error with the timing system at the start. Sweeney crashed on her second try, and the Americans were out again.
Latvia also got a second chance after the timing issues at the start and crashed out on its second try as well. Poland and Italy crashed out, and Ukraine was one of the three teams standing when it was all over.
“It’s a very emotional race,” Mandziy said. “Very emotional. … We’re very happy.”
In the World Cup luge men’s singles race, Nico Gleirscher of Austria was first, with Kristers Aparjods of Latvia second and Max Langenhan of Germany third. The top U.S. men’s finisher was Tucker West, who placed seventh.
Bobsled At Winterberg, Germany, the home nation won five of six available medals in a pair of World Cup races on Sunday.
Germany swept the podium in a women’s bobsled race, with Lisa Buckwitz and Kira Lipperheide winning, Laura Nolte and Deborah Levi finishing second and Kim Kalicki and Leonie Fiebig placing third.
The top U.S. women’s sled — driven by Kaillie Humphries and pushed by Emily Renna — placed fourth. Lolo Jones, in her first World Cup bobsled race since 2021, was part of a 12th-place finish with driver Elana Meyers Taylor.
In the four-man race, Brad Hall of Britain drove to the win, with Germans Francesco Friedrich second and Adam Ammour third. The U.S. sled driven by Frank del Duca was 12th.
Up next
Skeleton — World Cup men’s, women’s and mixed race at St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Friday.
Bobsled — World Cup at St. Moritz on Saturday and Sunday.
Luge — World Cup at Altenberg, Germany on Saturday and Sunday.
Beverly Hills, USA — Hollywood is gearing up for the return of the Golden Globes, the annual champagne-filled celebration of film and television that marks the ceremonial start of awards season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, including how to watch, stream, and follow the live action on Sunday. The event, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, will take place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
This Cincinnati-born comedian is making history as the first woman ever to host the Golden Globes solo.
Nikki Glaser, a stand-up comedian and television host, gained widespread attention in May 2024 for her sharp and unfiltered performance in “The Greatest Roast of All Time: The Roast of Tom Brady,” part of the annual “Netflix is a Joke Festival.” During this event, Glaser humorously targeted NFL star Tom Brady, including jabs about his divorce from model Gisele Bündchen and his unsuccessful cryptocurrency investments.
In 2025, Glaser is set to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, making her the first solo female host of the event.
Glaser rose to fame after appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Last Comic Standing.” Her first stand-up comedy special “Perfect” aired on Comedy Central in 2016 and her second special, titled “Bangin’,” premiered on Netflix in 2019.
Nikki Glaser with her parents, Edward J. Glaser (father) and Julie E. Glaser (mother), and her sister, Lauren Glaser. Photo : ABTC/fatheringexcellence
Nikki Glaser’s Early life
Glaser was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Julie E. (née Burke) and Edward J. Glaser. She has one sibling, a younger sister named Lauren. She was raised Catholic.Glaser spent most of her childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, living in the suburb of Kirkwood. She graduated from Kirkwood High School and briefly attended the University of Colorado Boulder before transferring to, and graduating from, the University of Kansas with a degree in English literature.
Personal life
Nikki Glaser is 40 year old and currently in a relationship with producer Chris Convy and resides in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis. She has maintained sobriety from alcohol since 2012 and quit smoking, attributing her success to the writings of Allen Carr. Glaser has openly shared her struggles with an eating disorder in the past and pursued help through a recovery program. A passionate animal rights activist, she has been vegan since 2016. Additionally, starting in October 2023, she attended 22 concerts during the Eras Tour.
Nikki Glaser and Chris Convy attend the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
She now hosts the dating shows “Blind Date” and “FBoy Island” and was the subject of an E! channel reality series “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser.” She has also hosted several podcasts, including “You Had to Be There,” “The Nikki Glaser Podcast” and “We Know Nothing.”
Apart from her professional pursuits, Glaser made headlines in December 2024 for revealing she spent nearly $100,000 in tickets to attend Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour 22 times.
In an interview with People, Glaser said she justified the hefty purchases because she isn’t spending that money elsewhere, like on raising kids.
Beverly Hills, USA — Hollywood is getting dressed up as the Golden Globes are returning for their annual champagne-soaked celebration of film and television that serves as the ceremonial start to awards season.
Here’s what you need to know about the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards, including how to watch, stream and follow along live with Sunday’s happenings from the show at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.
The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards are scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Comedian Nikki Glaser will host the event, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ for subscribers with the Showtime add-on.
Golden Globe Awards 2025: Nominees and Streaming Details
Paramount+ users with the Showtime add-on can stream the Golden Globes live. Other Paramount+ subscribers can stream the show the next day.
The Globes can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV or FuboTV.
In India, viewers can watch the Golden Globe Awards live on Lionsgate Play on Monday, January 6, 2025, starting at 6:30 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST).
Indian People How watch on live stream ? In India, viewers can watch the Golden Globe Awards live on CBS and stream it on Paramount+ with the Showtime add-on. The red carpet pre-show will be available on Variety and Entertainment Tonight websites, as well as on Paramount+. E! will also provide red carpet coverage starting at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Golden Globe Awards are renowned for honoring outstanding achievements in film and television. This year’s nominees include “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, which leads with several nominations, including Best Picture (Musical or Comedy). The TV show “The Bear” has accumulated five nominations. Viola Davis and Ted Danson will receive lifetime achievement awards.
