Avalanche traps skiers in California
An avalanche struck a group of backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe during a powerful winter storm. Rescuers saved six skiers and nine are still missing.
According to AP, the 15-member group was touring near Castle Peak when the snow slide hit. Authorities received a 911 call reporting people buried under snow. Teams from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office pushed through deep snow and dangerous conditions to reach the site. Two of the rescued skiers were taken to hospital.
The expedition was led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. Emergency beacons helped crews to locate survivors. Heavy snowfall and strong winds had triggered avalanche warnings across the Sierra Nevada.
Takaichi secures second term as Japan's PM
Sanae Takaichi was reappointed as Japan’s prime minister on Wednesday after Parliament approved her second Cabinet, days after her party’s sweeping election victory, AP reported. All ministers are expected to retain their posts as she begins her new term.
According to AP, her ruling Liberal Democratic Party now controls a two-thirds supermajority in the powerful lower house, giving it the ability to override the upper chamber and fast-track legislation. Takaichi has pledged to expand military capabilities, increase defense spending and review restrictions on weapons exports. She also supports tougher immigration rules, male-only imperial succession and traditional family policies, while opposing same-sex marriage and a dual-surname system for married couples.
AP wrote, at the same time, she faces mounting pressure to tackle rising prices and stagnant wages. She has proposed a temporary sales tax cut on food to ease living costs, though economists warn her spending plans could add to Japan’s heavy public debt.
On foreign policy, Takaichi is preparing for talks with US President Donald Trump and has taken a firm stance toward China, including comments about Taiwan that have drawn criticism from Beijing. Analysts say her decisive election win could embolden a more hawkish regional approach in the months ahead.
University ousted over robot claim in India
An Indian university has been asked to vacate its stall at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after a staff member was seen presenting a Chinese-made robotic dog as its own innovation, according to government sources, AP reported.
According to AP, during a televised segment with state broadcaster DD News, a professor from Galgotias University introduced the robot “Orion” as a development of the university’s Centre of Excellence. Social media users quickly identified the machine as the Unitree Go2, manufactured by Unitree Robotics and widely available for commercial purchase.
The controversy intensified after India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the clip online before deleting it amid criticism. The university later clarified that it had not claimed to have built the robot, though the incident sparked debate over transparency and innovation claims.
The summit, being held at Bharat Mandapam, has been promoted as a major AI gathering in the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tech leaders including Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman and Dario Amodei are scheduled to address the event, which has also seen major investment pledges despite reports of logistical challenges.
Gold price drops by Rs 1, 500 per tola on Wednesday
The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 500 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 300, 500 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 301, 900 per tola on Tuesday.
Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 4, 880 per tola.
