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In Depth: 5 dead, 31,000 evacuated as Los Angeles wildfires devour homes

Two massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west were still burning uncontained on Thursday, but a brief respite from the fierce winds that have fanned the flames for two days allowed crews to slow their explosive spread. The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming nearly 31,000 acres (12,500 hectares) - or some 48 square miles (125 sq km) - turning entire neighborhoods to ash. At least five people have been killed, thousands of homes and businesses have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes, with another 200,000 under evacuation warnings, officials said.

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Amruta Fadnavis: 'I'm Overwhelmed About The Way BJP Has Performed Across 29 Mahanagar Palitikas'

In an exclusive interview with India Today, banker and social worker Amruta Fadnavis discusses the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) performance in the Maharashtra local body elections. Fadnavis expressed her joy, stating, "I'm very happy and overwhelmed about the way BJP has performed across 29 Mahanagar palitikas." She attributed the success of the Mahayuti alliance to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the hard work of Devendra Fadnavis, whom she described as the "infra man for Maharashtra." The conversation highlighted the significant role of women and youth voters, with Fadnavis noting that they have rejected the politics of caste and language in favour of development and transparency. She emphasized that the mandate carries "great expectations" and stressed the importance of addressing the needs of common citizens, especially since many corporations had been without representatives for several years. Fadnavis also advocated for increased female participation in politics to strengthen the voices of women at the highest levels of governance.

'After Bidding, We Should Not Lose Our Head': Speaker To Workers On Mumbai Development Agenda

An unidentified speaker addressed party workers at the BJP office, emphasizing that the development agenda remains the top priority for Mumbai. The speaker urged elected representatives and workers to maintain good conduct, stating, 'After bidding, we should not lose our head.' The address focused on assuring the people of Mumbai of a developed city and addressing any existing gaps in urban infrastructure. The speaker also touched upon the definition of Hindutva and expressed gratitude to various leaders including PM Modi and Nitin Gadkari, as well as allies like the Shiv Sena and RPI. Highlighting the role of grassroots efforts, the speaker dedicated the victory to party workers, particularly those who worked tirelessly despite not receiving tickets. The speech concluded with a call for responsibility and continued dedication to the city's progress.

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Devendra Fadnavis Arrives At BJP Office As Party Celebrates Maharashtra Election Success

On this Special Report, the focus is on the political ascent and impact of Devendra Fadnavis following the BJP's performance in Maharashtra. The transcript highlights his journey from a councillor in Nagpur to becoming a three-term Chief Minister, noting his resilience and strategic comebacks. A significant point of discussion is the 'Mumbai model' of development, with specific reference to mega-infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road and the expanding Metro rail network. The speaker notes that 'the entire mandate seems to be for a better city that Mumbaikars really want', attributing the party's consolidation in the state to Fadnavis's leadership. The programme also features visuals of Fadnavis arriving at the BJP office alongside colleagues Ashish Shelar and Pankaja Munde, as supporters celebrate the election results. The discussion explores how the ease of travel and urban transformation in Mumbai served as a key narrative during the campaigning phase, ultimately resonating with the electorate.