"Global Perspectives: This Week's News Highlights Through the Lens of Change"

"This week featured dramatic wildfires in Los Angeles, a remarkable birth on a migrant boat, and a variety of cultural events spanning multiple continents, highlighting a blend of adversity and celebration."

Ruins, racers, and revelry: Captured moments from around the world.

In Los Angeles, California, wildfires wreaked havoc, resulting in at least ten fatalities and the destruction of thousands of structures, sparking widespread evacuations. A striking photograph shows a firefighter bravely combating the Eaton fire in Altadena. The Pacific Palisades blaze has been marked as the most catastrophic in the city’s history. Meanwhile, the Eaton fire's devastation extended to the Altadena Community Church, a poignant reminder of the destruction fueled by winds and the impacts of climate change, which experts say intensify such fire conditions.

Across the Atlantic, a heartwarming scene unfolded as a baby was welcomed aboard a migrant dinghy en route from Africa to the Canary Islands. The Spanish coastguard shared images capturing the newborn boy, rescued alongside his mother from the crowded vessel.

In Venezuela, tensions escalated as María Corina Machado, opposition leader, was briefly detained following her speech at a protest in Caracas, coinciding with President Nicolás Maduro's contentious inauguration. Reports of arbitrary arrests and intimidation in the lead-up to opposition demonstrations caught the attention of the UN, raising international concern.

In the United States' Capitol Rotunda, tributes flowed as former President Jimmy Carter lay in state following his passing at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024.

Art took center stage as artist Luke Jerram revealed his astronomical sculpture, "Helios," at the Bath Assembly Rooms in England.

Elsewhere, in Ouidah, Benin, the first day of the vibrant Voodoo Festival showcased dancers in a sacred forest, a testament to the culture recognized by nearly 40% of the local population.

Carnival season took off in New Orleans as revellers paraded joyfully through the streets on a streetcar during Twelfth Night festivities.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Marathon kicked off near the iconic Queen Hatshepsut temple, against a backdrop of soaring hot air balloons over Luxor's Nile River.

In Saudi Arabia, competitors raced through stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally, while in India, a man diligently cleared snow from boats on the picturesque Dal Lake following a fresh snowfall.

Lastly, on a more whimsical note, Elvis impersonator Alfred Vaz prepared for his journey to the Parkes Elvis Festival, captivating a snapshot of fandom in Sydney's Central Station.