Southern California Wildfire Destroys Pacific Palisades Indian Restaurant, Owner Faces Uncertain Future

A devastating wildfire has destroyed not just luxury homes but also local businesses in the upscale Pacific Palisades community, leaving business owners like Sunny Sukhwinder Singh grappling with uncertainty about their future.

Singh, the owner of Taj Palace Indian Cuisine, a beloved spot in the area for nearly 24 years, said the loss of his restaurant, which catered to local residents and celebrities alike, is heart-wrenching. The fire, which ignited around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, quickly spread through the area, prompting evacuation orders around 12:30 p.m.

Southern California Wildfires Kill 10, Force Thousands to Flee 

A wildfire that began in the upscale Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles County on Jan. 7 has killed at least 10 people and forced thousands to evacuate their homes, spreading fear and uncertainty across the region. The fire has burned over 29,000 acres and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

Among those affected are several Indian Americans, many of whom have been forced to take refuge with friends or at temporary Airbnb properties. For some, the fire ravaged what they considered their dream homes, while others expressed deep distress at leaving their residences behind. Many are now concerned about the threat of looting, as the devastation continues.

1,200 people evacuated as wildfire ravages Southern California

Over 12,200 acres (approx 49.4 square km) of land has been burned overnight by a fast-moving wildfire in Southern California, forcing at least 1,200 people to evacuate from a popular recreation area, authorities said Sunday, June 16.

The wind-driven wildfire, dubbed the Post Fire, started Saturday afternoon in Gorman, about 100 km north of Los Angeles, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Hawaii’s Maui island wildfire deadliest in century as deaths near 100

The raging wildfire that swept through Lahaina town on the Hawaiian island of Maui this week has killed at least 93 people, making it the most deadly US fire in a century. Maui County officials said early Sunday that firefighting crews are continuing to extinguish flare-ups in the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires. In the Upcountry Maui fire, three structures in Olinda and 16 structures in Kula were destroyed.

Hollywood star Jason Momoa warns against visiting Maui amid wildfire

Hollywood star Jason Momoa, who is of Hawaiian descent, has warned fans to not attempt to come to wildfire-ravaged Hawaii to help fight the devastation caused by the disaster. Born in Honolulu, the ‘Aquaman’ actor issued a stern warning to his social media followers as the infernos continued to kill islanders and holidaymakers, with the death toll from the blazes in Maui hitting 93 on Sunday.

Death toll in Hawaii wildfire climbs to 53

At least 53 people are confirmed killed by the Lahaina fire as the firefighting efforts continue in Hawaii, media reported citing Maui County’s statement. Maui County in the statement said, “As firefighting efforts continue, 17 additional fatalities have been confirmed today amid the active Lahaina fire. This brings the death toll to 53 people.”

Sitarist Anoushka Shankar nominated for 2 Grammys, set to present award

British-American sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar is set to represent India as a presenter at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this Sunday, February 2,marking yet another proud moment for Indian talent on the global stage.

This comes on the heels of comedian Vir Das hosting the 2024 Emmy Awards, showcasing India’s growing influence in international entertainment.

Great honor, says EAM Jaishankar after representing India at Trump inauguration

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that it was a “great honor” to represent the country at the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President Donald Trump

Sharing the pictures of the inauguration ceremony on X, he wrote, “A great honour to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of @POTUS President Donald J Trump and @VP Vice President JD Vance in Washington DC today.”

How Prepared Are the Small Businesses of Little Bangladesh in Mid-City Los Angeles?

By Rimon Tanvir Hossain- As the brush fires which started on Tuesday, January 7, rage on with the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst Fires accounting for 40,000 acres of Los Angeles County burning from four different vicinities—the Pacific Palisades, Santa Clarita, West Hills and Altadena—, inner-city immigrant communities are bracing themselves for a potential spread […]

Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024: $1.2 million awarded to 300 teen scientists, including 78 Indian Americans

Seventy-eight students of Indian origin are among 300 scholars honored with the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The Society for Science (the Society) announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024 on January 10. The 300 scholars will be awarded $2,000 each and their schools will be awarded $2,000 for each enrolled scholar.

Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey funds emergency aid plane for Maui survivors

Oscar winning actor Matthew McConaughey announced that he and his family are funding an emergency aid plane to help survivors of the deadly wildfires in Maui. Through an emotional video shared on social media, the ‘Interstellar’ actor and his son Levi McConaughey revealed their partnership with the charity group Baby2Baby, committing to substantial relief efforts in the wake of the catastrophe.