News from January 13, 2025 at 2 PM

The wildfires in Los Angeles, USA, have resulted in 16 deaths, with 11 fatalities attributed to the Eaton Fire and 5 to the Palisades Fire. Since January 7, the Eaton Fire has burned approximately 5,710 hectares, while the Palisades Fire has scorched around 9,500 hectares. Fueled by strong winds, the wildfires are spreading northeast, threatening communities such as Mandeville Canyon and the upscale Brentwood area. Wind speeds are expected to increase, potentially exacerbating the fire's spread. UCLA is on high alert, and Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 1,680 National Guard personnel to assist in firefighting efforts, with support from multiple states. Los Angeles has imposed a curfew, and over 12,000 structures have been destroyed. Public质疑 of officials' emergency response and water supply issues have sparked concern. The FBI and ATF are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the wildfires.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is willing to hand over two captured North Korean soldiers to Pyongyang in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the soldiers, captured on January 9th, are in Kyiv receiving medical care. One soldier claimed he thought he was going to Russia for training, not to fight. The SBU noted that the soldiers only speak Korean and are being questioned with the assistance of South Korea's National Intelligence Service. President Vladimir Putin previously said deploying North Korean troops was Russia's sovereign decision. Zelensky shared photos of the soldiers, highlighting Russia's attempts to conceal their North Korean identity. Reports indicate North Korea has sent at least 10,000 troops to Russia, with over 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his final week in office, pushing for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Progress is being made between Israel and Hamas, but key aspects of the potential agreement remain uncertain. The White House noted Biden discussed regional changes, including Israel's ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and Iran's weakened regional influence. Netanyahu updated Biden on negotiations in Doha. During Sunday's call, Biden emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and hostage return. Previously, Netanyahu sent a top security delegation to indirect negotiations in Qatar. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem to discuss the deal's progress. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, also met Netanyahu to strive for a deal before the January 20 inauguration. Despite heightened activities, clarity on issues like a permanent ceasefire and Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza is lacking. Anshel Pfeffer of The Economist is skeptical about a quick deal but believes both sides are motivated to agree before Trump takes office. The war began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Gaza's health ministry reports over 46,500 deaths in the war, while Israel says 94 hostages remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead.

Authorities in Prayagraj, India, are scrambling to prepare for the Kumbh Mela festival, set to begin on Monday, with an expected 400 million pilgrims attending the 45-day event. The first major bathing day will see naked Naga sadhus immerse themselves at dawn. A vast tent city spanning 4,000 hectares has been erected to accommodate pilgrims and tourists. However, some areas remain under construction, with some camps lacking water and power. Officials say preparations are nearly complete, with 650 km of temporary roads and tens of thousands of tents and toilets set up. Over 100,000 people, including 40,000 police and security personnel, are working to ensure the event's success. The Kumbh Mela, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is held every 12 years in four cities, with Prayagraj hosting the largest gathering.

US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, stated that phone talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected soon. In an interview with ABC News, Waltz revealed that preparations are underway, though the exact framework has not been set. Trump mentioned on January 10 that preparations for a potential meeting with Putin are in progress to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's press secretary, indicated that the Russian leader is ready to meet Trump without any preconditions.

Iranian-German women's rights activist Nahid Taghavi has been released from prison in Iran and returned to Germany after more than four years of incarceration. Taghavi was detained in October 2020 during a visit to Tehran and sentenced to 10 years and eight months for alleged involvement in an illegal group and propaganda against the state. Amnesty International called the charges fabricated. Her daughter, Mariam Claren, expressed joy at her mother's return, mourning the lost years and the horrors she endured in Evin prison. Amnesty reported that Taghavi was tortured and held in solitary confinement. She safely arrived in Germany on Sunday. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock welcomed the news, calling for more releases in Iran. Germany has previously clashed with Iran over the jailing of dual nationals and criticized its human rights record, recalling its ambassador in October over the execution of German-Iranian Jamshid Sharmahd. Last week, Iran freed Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Tehran during a reporting trip.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun began consultations with lawmakers on Monday to nominate a new prime minister, with incumbent Najib Mikati and International Court of Justice President Nawaf Salam as leading candidates. This nomination is the next step in forming a new administration following Aoun's election, which reflects a shift in power balance since last year's war with Israel. Aoun, supported by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, needs the backing of the majority of parliament's 128 lawmakers. The outcome is expected by the end of the day. According to Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system, the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim. Mikati, a four-time prime minister, is expected to receive support from Hezbollah and its allies, while Salam has the backing of anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces. The votes of the Free Patriotic Movement and the Progressive Socialist Party will be decisive. Saudi Arabia strongly supported Aoun's election but has not shown preference for the new prime minister. U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Aoun's election, highlighting a path aligned with peace and reconstruction. The new administration faces tasks including rebuilding war-torn areas and initiating long-delayed economic reforms.

A rare tram collision occurred in the main train station tunnel in Strasbourg, eastern France, injuring approximately 36 people. The incident took place before 4 PM on January 11th. Fire department statistics indicate nearly 50 injuries, including head trauma, collarbone fractures, and knee sprains. Strasbourg Mayor Jeanne Barseghian and several officials quickly arrived at the scene, confirming no fatalities or critical conditions. Witnesses suggested a brake failure led to the severe collision. French prosecutors have launched an investigation, with the cause still under confirmation. Experts note that such accidents are rare, and trams remain a safe mode of transport.

Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, in an interview with Reuters, stated he does not believe SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will leverage his close ties with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to undermine Blue Origin. Bezos expressed 'very optimistic' views about the incoming administration's space agenda. Bezos noted that Musk has been clear about acting in the public interest rather than for personal gain. Currently in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for the debut launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn, a 30-story-tall rocket, Bezos aims to challenge SpaceX's market dominance and initiate Blue Origin's entry into the satellite launch business. Musk, who spent over a quarter billion dollars to aid Trump's election, recently suggested the U.S. should send missions directly to Mars instead of the moon first, sparking industry concerns about major changes to NASA's space exploration program. Bezos advocated for simultaneous lunar and Martian exploration, emphasizing the importance of continuing the lunar program. Trump is expected to make significant changes to NASA's moon program in his second term, with a heavy focus on Mars missions.

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic secured a landslide victory in the January 12 run-off election, garnering over 74% of the vote and defeating Dragan Primorac, who was backed by the centre-right HDZ party. This marks the highest vote share for a presidential candidate since Croatia's independence in 1991. Despite the largely ceremonial role of the presidency, Milanovic's overwhelming win is a significant setback for the HDZ and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, particularly following a high-profile corruption scandal in November 2024. Milanovic nearly won outright in the first round two weeks ago with 49% of the vote. The turnout on January 12 was nearly 44%, slightly lower than the first round. The election took place as Croatia, an EU nation of 3.8 million people, grapples with the highest inflation rate in the eurozone, widespread corruption, and a labor shortage.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed strong concerns to US President Joe Biden on January 13th regarding the US ban on Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel. Ishiba highlighted that both Japanese and American business communities are deeply worried and urged Biden to take measures to alleviate these concerns. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among allied nations for building a resilient supply chain. Biden had blocked the acquisition on January 3rd citing national security reasons and ordered the deal to be dissolved within 30 days. Nippon Steel and US Steel have sued the Biden administration, seeking to rescind the order. The US Committee on Foreign Investment has postponed the deadline to June 18th. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also stated he would ask the US to address business concerns, stressing the importance of properly handling the issue to maintain the Japan-US alliance.

Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali stated that the comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement between Tehran and Moscow comprises 47 articles, covering all areas of bilateral cooperation. The accord includes a preamble and 47 articles, with a focus on balance, principles of sovereignty, and respect for territorial integrity. Jalali announced on December 26 that the agreement will be signed in Moscow on January 17, 2025, during talks between the two countries' presidents.

Nigeria's air force conducted an air strike targeting armed gangs in the northwest over the weekend, resulting in civilian casualties. Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa stated that the Saturday strike in Zamfara state aimed at bandits and successfully rescued kidnapped victims. However, residents reported that at least 15 civilians, including local security guards, were killed. An investigation is underway, Akinboyewa said. In December, a similar strike mistakenly killed 10 civilians. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa assured that the military does not intentionally target civilians and vowed a thorough investigation into the Zamfara incident.

On January 12, 2025, the Sudanese army announced the recapture of the key eastern city of Wad Madani, marking its biggest gain in nearly two years of fighting against rebel forces. Social media footage showed people celebrating as army soldiers entered the city. The leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, acknowledged the defeat in an audio message, attributing it to the army's air superiority and use of Iranian-made drones, but vowed to continue fighting. Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazira state and 140km south of the capital Khartoum, is a strategic crossroads. Since the outbreak of fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army in April 2023, the war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced about nine million people to flee their homes. Sudan is also facing a severe famine, with nearly half the population in urgent need of food aid. Earlier this month, the US sanctioned Hemedti for the RSF's alleged role in genocide during the 20-month conflict.

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada is prepared to impose counter-tariffs against the US if President-elect Donald Trump initiates a trade war in North America. Speaking on MSNBC, Trudeau emphasized that while his government does not seek a trade conflict, it will retaliate if the US imposes tariffs on Canadian products. According to US Commerce Department data, Canada purchased approximately $320 billion in US goods in the first 11 months of 2024, with a US trade deficit of $55 billion during that period. Trudeau highlighted Canada's role as the top export partner for about 35 US states, noting that any measures thickening the border would harm American citizens and jobs. Previously, in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2018, Canada imposed levies on various US goods. Trump is now considering broad 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, with a Canadian retaliation plan potentially affecting nearly all product categories imported from the US. Trudeau also discussed Canada's increased investment in border security in response to Trump's concerns. Trudeau will resign on March 9, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have engaged on energy relations and tariff retaliation.

On Sunday, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, demanding the resumption of the presidential election cancelled last month. The demonstration was organized by the Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR). AUR leader George Simion stated that this was the largest protest in support of freedom and democracy, with over 100,000 participants. He warned that protests would continue in Bucharest and other Romanian cities until their demands are met. Protesters waved Romanian national flags and chanted anti-government and anti-president slogans. The protest lasted over 10 hours, accompanied by a large police and gendarmerie presence, with no major incidents reported. The Romanian presidential runoff between independent candidate Calin Georgescu and centrist Elena Lasconi, scheduled for December 8, was cancelled after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the November 24 presidential election on December 6.

On January 10, Germany confirmed its first case of foot-and-mouth disease, significantly impacting the country's meat and dairy exports outside the EU. The outbreak occurred in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin, marking the first instance of the disease in nearly 40 years. Foot-and-mouth disease causes fever and mouth blisters in cloven-hoofed ruminants like cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, and has historically required extensive slaughtering to eradicate. The German Federal Agriculture Ministry warned that the loss of foot-and-mouth disease-free status under World Organisation for Animal Health requirements means numerous veterinary certificates for exports outside the EU can no longer be issued, effectively halting exports of milk, dairy products, meat, hides, and blood products. Agriculture Minister Cem Oezdemir stated the immediate goal is to prevent the disease from spreading to minimize impact on farming and food industries. Authorities in Berlin and Brandenburg announced a six-day suspension of livestock transport for susceptible animals while the cause of the outbreak is investigated.

On March 4, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted a group of Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon following the detection of ceasefire violations. On Saturday, the IAF identified several terrorists leaving a Hezbollah military compound in southern Lebanon and struck them to eliminate the threat. The IDF emphasized its commitment to adhering to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, maintaining its deployment in southern Lebanon to counter any threats to Israel and its citizens. Despite the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on November 27, Israeli forces have continued to violate Lebanese airspace, striking targets in the south, conducting aerial reconnaissance over Beirut and major cities, and raiding border villages.