News from January 29, 2025 at 2 PM

The newly launched Chinese AI app DeepSeek has swiftly shaken the technology industry and stock markets, described by venture capitalist Marc Andreessen as AI's 'Sputnik moment.' Over the weekend, DeepSeek became the most downloaded free app on Apple's US App Store. By Monday, the AI chatbot triggered a massive sell-off of major tech stocks, with Nvidia's shares plunging by 17%, erasing nearly $600 billion in market value. DeepSeek's development cost was just $5.6 million, a fraction of what giants like OpenAI spend. Analyst Gene Munster questioned DeepSeek's financials, suspecting subsidies. President Donald Trump called it a 'wake-up call' for US tech. DeepSeek's rise challenges the US's leadership in AI.

On January 28, US District Judge Loren AliKhan temporarily blocked part of President Donald Trump's directive to pause federal grants, loans, and other financial aid until February 3. This ruling responded to a lawsuit from nonprofits, public health officials, and small businesses, who argued the policy would disrupt programs serving tens of millions of Americans. Trump's directive is part of his sweeping effort to overhaul the federal government, which has included halting foreign aid, freezing hiring, and shutting down diversity programs. Democrats criticized the move as an illegal assault on Congress' spending authority, while Republicans defended it as fulfilling campaign promises. The White House claimed critical benefit programs would not be affected, but Senator Ron Wyden confirmed that doctors in all 50 states were unable to secure Medicaid payments. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the Medicaid portal would soon be back online. Health care officials warned that the interruption could cause lasting damage.

President Donald Trump has offered buyout packages to nearly all federal employees in a significant move to shrink and reform the US government. An email sent on Tuesday required workers to decide by February 6 whether to join a 'deferred resignation' program, offering about eight months of salary to those who agree to quit in September. The Trump administration expects up to 10% of employees, or around 200,000 people, to accept the offer, which could save up to $100 billion. The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) highlighted reforms, including a requirement for most employees to work in offices five days a week. The offer excludes certain staff like postal workers and military members. The White House described the package as 'very generous' but warned of future downsizing. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) condemned the move, warning of chaos. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine questioned Trump's authority. Trump, who pledged to cut government size and spending during his campaign, tasked Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with leading an advisory body for reforms.

Congolese social networks are filled with calls to paralyze city life in protest against Rwanda's alleged support of the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 rebel group. Protesters have attacked embassies of countries suspected of supporting M23, looting Uganda's Embassy and setting fire to the French Embassy. Roadblocks with burning tires have been set up across Kinshasa, with police deployed to restore order. Rallies in support of the Congolese army, which is defending against rebel and Rwandan army attacks, have been organized in several cities. In Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, the Congolese army holds key strategic positions, while UN and Southern African Development Community peacekeepers safeguard the international airport. The M23 rebels, who began hostilities in January 2021, have captured several towns and over 100 villages in North Kivu province.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House next week, specifically on February 4th, according to Netanyahu's office. Trump previously mentioned on Air Force One that Netanyahu would visit Washington soon. The meeting coincides with a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. Trump has claimed credit for the ceasefire, attributing it to his presidential election win. Last week, Trump proposed that Egypt and Jordan take in Palestinians from Gaza, a suggestion met with widespread condemnation. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza, followed by an Israeli offensive that resulted in over 47,200 Palestinian deaths.

On January 29, 2025, millions of people across Asia and the world welcomed the Lunar New Year, marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Widely regarded as the most significant event of the year for many in Asia and some Asian communities globally, the Lunar New Year symbolizes a fresh start. Celebrations, which typically last around 15 days, feature fireworks, music, fairs, lanterns, dragon and lion dances. Cities such as Beijing, Yangon, Bangkok, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Bandung, New York, Seoul, and Hanoi hosted various events. In Beijing, performers celebrated the start of the Year of the Snake; in Yangon, candles were lit at a Chinese temple; in Bangkok, people prayed at shrines; in Surabaya, prayers were offered at the Hong San Koo Tee temple; in Banda Aceh, lion dancers attracted crowds; in Kuala Lumpur, worshippers gathered at the Sin Sze Si Ya temple; in Manila, dragon dancers paraded through streets amid firecrackers; in Bandung, large candles were lit at the Darma Ramsi Temple; in New York's Chinatown, lion dance performances took place at midnight; in Seoul, traditional dances were held at Namsangol Hanok Village; and in Hanoi, people prayed with incense, locally referring to the Lunar New Year as Tet.

Palestinian Adham Bartawi returned to his home in northern Gaza after more than a year and found most of it destroyed. Since Israel allowed displaced residents to start returning on Monday, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have gone back to the north. This return is a result of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, aimed at ending the war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. A UN official noted the massive effort required to provide key services to those returning. The UN estimates that about 70% of the Gaza Strip's buildings have been damaged or destroyed since October 2023, with the worst destruction in the north. Many residents are returning despite knowing their homes are likely destroyed, as basic aid supplies have started arriving since the ceasefire came into effect a week ago.

According to an opinion poll conducted by the Verian social research company, 85% of Greenlanders oppose the island becoming part of the US, with only 6% in favor and 9% undecided. The poll, conducted from January 22 to 26, is based on an online survey of 497 Greenlanders over the age of 18. Respondents were asked whether they wanted Greenland to leave the Danish Commonwealth of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland to become part of the US. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, should join the US.

A Russian delegation arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for the first time since the ousting of Moscow's ally, President Bashar al-Assad. The delegation, including Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Kremlin special envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev, is expected to hold talks with Syria's new rulers. Two Syrian sources earlier told Reuters that discussions between the delegation and Syria's leadership were scheduled in Damascus this week. Russia, which provided refuge and military support to Assad against rebel forces before his downfall, aims to retain its two bases in Syria: the naval facility in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base near the port city of Latakia. The Tartous facility serves as Russia's sole Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and Moscow has used Syria as a staging post for its military contractors traveling to and from Africa.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has halted its operations in the Gaza Strip due to an impending ban by Israel. The agency's chief, Philippe Lazzarini, stated that this move will undermine the ceasefire, recovery, and political transition in Gaza. Last week, Israel's mission to the United Nations notified that UNRWA must cease its activities in Jerusalem by January 30. On October 28, 2024, the Knesset, Israel's unicameral parliament, passed a law prohibiting UNRWA's activities in the country, supported by 92 lawmakers and opposed by ten. The legislation was drafted following reports of UNRWA employees' alleged involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly claimed that many UNRWA employees are linked to the radical movement.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic will hold an emergency press conference at 11:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. GMT) on January 28, during which he will announce his resignation. According to the Vecernje Novosti newspaper, it was confirmed that the reason for the PM's emergency address was his decision to resign due to ongoing student protests. This resignation has garnered significant attention, with the student protests being the catalyst.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on January 29, 2025, the formal exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc. These countries announced their withdrawal last January after ECOWAS demanded the restoration of democratic rule in Niger following a military coup in 2023. In response, the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States and launched their own biometric passports. ECOWAS stated that the remaining members tentatively agreed to continue recognizing the national passports and identity documents from these countries to maintain trade under existing regional agreements and to continue diplomatic cooperation. In December, ECOWAS had given Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger a six-month grace period to reconsider their decision to exit.

According to an article in Foreign Affairs, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to fulfill his promise to annihilate the Palestinian radical group Hamas, with the objectives of the Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip remaining unmet. Despite suffering heavy casualties during the conflict, Hamas has retained some of its civilian responsibilities and military capabilities. Many Israelis fear that the January 19 ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave could allow Hamas to survive, despite its weakened state, and quickly regain control of Gaza. The situation escalated dramatically after armed Hamas supporters infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza on October 7, 2023, killing residents in border settlements and seizing over 240 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military operation aimed at destroying Hamas and securing the hostages' release. By January 2025, the operation had resulted in at least 47,000 Palestinian deaths and 111,000 injuries. On January 15, mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the United States announced an agreement between Israel and Hamas to release hostages and establish a ceasefire, which went into effect on January 19. In the first phase of the deal, lasting 42 days, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Hamas released three hostages on the first day, while Israeli authorities released 90 prisoners, including Russian national Alexander Trufanov, who also holds Israeli citizenship, confirmed by Israel’s ambassador to Russia, Simone Halperin.

On January 28, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sharply criticized Elon Musk's support for right-wing parties in the European Union during a campaign event in Berlin, calling it 'really disgusting' and stating that it hinders democracy in the bloc. Musk, who has repeatedly attacked Scholz and his government, urging him to resign and claiming that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is the country's only savior, recently made a surprise appearance via video link at an AfD campaign event, urging Germans not to feel guilty about their parents' sins. Scholz strongly criticized Musk's remarks on German history, emphasizing Germany's ongoing responsibility for its past actions. This week, as the world commemorates the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, Scholz expressed gratitude to the US for freeing Germany from the Nazis and helping it become a democracy again, while expressing anger over Musk's intervention for the far-right. Last week, Musk caused uproar with a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during Trump's inauguration festivities. The anti-immigration, anti-Islam AfD, labeled as a right-wing extremist party by German security services, is currently polling second in nationwide surveys ahead of the upcoming snap election in Germany, where the debate on immigration has intensified following a series of violent attacks by foreign-born suspects.

On January 28, 2025, the Doomsday Clock, symbolizing humanity's proximity to destruction, was moved forward by one second to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) cited nuclear threats, potential misuses of advances in biology and artificial intelligence, and climate change as key factors. Daniel Holz, chair of the BAS Science and Security Board, called the move a warning to all world leaders. In their statement, BAS highlighted that the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East could escalate into broader wars, while the long-term outlook for addressing climate change remains poor. Threats in the biological realm persist, and the military use of artificial intelligence increases risks. The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories exacerbates these dangers, with the US, China, and Russia holding the collective power and responsibility to pull the world back from the brink.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the relocation of the Mona Lisa to a new exhibition space at the Louvre in Paris by 2031, as part of efforts to alleviate overcrowding. This move is part of his New Renaissance project, which includes an international competition to design a second entrance. Starting next January, non-EU visitors, including UK tourists, will pay higher entry fees. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars highlighted severe overcrowding and infrastructure issues, with annual visitor numbers exceeding nine million. About three-quarters of the museum's 30,000 daily visitors come to see the Mona Lisa, but the experience is suboptimal. The project also involves redesigning the eastern facade and creating new underground exhibition spaces, with a total cost of several hundred million euros, to be funded through ticket sales, donations, and sponsorship.

On January 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in response to a journalist's question that any future negotiations with Ukraine would ensure Russian interests. Putin emphasized that Russia is not opposed to negotiating with any Ukrainian representatives, but the signing of documents must be treated seriously to ensure long-term security for both countries. He pointed out that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unauthorized to sign documents on behalf of Ukraine, as his term extension was not approved by the Verkhovna Rada. Putin believes that if Ukraine does not revoke the decree prohibiting negotiations with Russia, any talks would be illegal. The chairman of the Verkhovna Rada could legally cancel this decree, but Russia has not seen any willingness from Ukraine to do so. Zelensky's term is set to end in May 2024, and due to the state of war, Ukraine did not hold the scheduled presidential election in March 2024.

Google announced on Monday that it will rename the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' following updates in official government sources. The company also stated it will start using Mount McKinley, currently known as Denali. Last week, President Donald Trump signed executive actions ordering the name changes on official maps and federal communications. Google noted that the Gulf of Mexico will retain its original name in Mexico, while users in other countries will see both names. Trump plans to restore the name of former President William McKinley to a mountain now referred to as Denali in Alaska, citing McKinley's contributions to the country's wealth through tariffs and talent. The mountain was named Mount McKinley until 2015, when the Obama administration changed it to Denali as a symbolic gesture to Alaska Natives.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that five people were injured in an Israeli drone strike on the southern Lebanese town of Majdal Selm on Wednesday. On Tuesday night, Israeli airstrikes in the major southern Lebanese town of Nabatieh injured 24 people. The Israeli military stated it had targeted Hezbollah vehicles transporting weapons on the outskirts of Nabatieh. Following these strikes, senior Hezbollah official Mohammad Raad declared the Lebanese people's right to resist Israeli attacks as a 'sacred and legitimate right,' emphasizing the need to exercise this right at the necessary time and place to protect national security. Lebanon's Hezbollah, backed by Iran, and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in late November, ending a conflict that had killed thousands since the Gaza war in 2023. The U.S. announced on Sunday that the agreement, which included an initial 60-day period for Israeli troop withdrawal, would remain in effect until February 18, extending the previously agreed January 26 deadline. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, who chairs the ceasefire monitoring committee, to pressure Israel to implement the ceasefire in accordance with international law. The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli forces killed at least 24 people and wounded at least 141 in southern Lebanon on Sunday and Monday, as thousands attempted to return to their homes in defiance of Israeli military orders.

CCTV reporters learned that the United Nations announced the United States will officially exit the Paris Agreement on January 27, 2026. The agreement, reached in 2015 and signed by nearly 200 countries and regions, came into effect in 2016, aiming to control global temperature rise. US President Trump signed an executive order on January 20 to announce the withdrawal. The US has toggled its participation in the agreement three times in less than eight years. The European Union expressed regret, emphasizing continued cooperation on climate change. A poll shows about half of Americans oppose the withdrawal.

UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday that the Labour government will support the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport to boost trade and economic growth. Successive governments have hesitated over the expansion, balancing capacity needs with environmental concerns. Reeves emphasized the stronger-than-ever necessity for a third runway and aims for approval by the end of this parliament in 2029. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye stated that the third runway could be operational by 2035. Reeves highlighted that persistent delays have raised doubts among international investors about the UK's commitment to improving its economic prospects. Despite government backing, the plan faces challenges including financing and legal hurdles. French private equity group Ardian, Heathrow's largest shareholder with a 23% stake, supports the expansion. Heathrow is considering options that meet strict tests on carbon, noise, and air quality, and must agree on a funding model with investors and airlines. The airport is currently operating at 99% capacity and risks being overtaken in Europe.

Jordanian helicopters have commenced aid deliveries to Gaza, marking the first since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was declared. The BBC was permitted to join the mission, landing in Israeli-controlled southern Gaza between the Israeli border and Wadi al-Salqa. The small airstrip, surrounded by razor wire, can only accommodate two Blackhawk landings at a time. Jordanian personnel do not leave the airstrip. The aid, including supplies from Britain, is delivered amid a desolate landscape. Jordanian air force men ensure World Food Programme staff receive the aid, with trucks waiting to transport it to nearby Khan Younis. The operation is swift, with 14 more helicopters queued to follow, highlighting the urgency. Despite being on the edge of the conflict zone, the area resembles a wasteland after 15 months of war. Dr Mohammad al-Momani, Jordan's official spokesman, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'horrific and inhumane,' stating Jordan is collaborating with the international community to alleviate suffering.

U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a Republican-led effort to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) in protest of its arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. The chamber voted 54-45 in favor of the bill, falling short of the 60 votes needed for passage. Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat to support the measure. The 'Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act' would have imposed sanctions on foreigners investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting U.S. citizens or those of allied countries, including Israel. The bill had earlier passed the House of Representatives 243-140. Senate Democrats argued the bill was too broad and risked alienating key allies and sanctioning low-level ICC staff in the Netherlands. Republicans had hoped the bill would be signed into law by President Donald Trump soon after his inauguration on Jan. 20, ahead of Netanyahu's planned visit to the White House on Feb. 4. White House officials did not immediately comment on whether Trump would use an executive order to impose sanctions.

US First Lady Melania Trump's new official portrait was released on Monday. The black and white photo, taken in the White House, shows her wearing a dark business suit and white shirt, with her hands resting on a reflective table in the Yellow Oval Room. The Washington Monument is visible in the background. The photographer, Régine Mahaux from Belgium, has been taking photos of the Trump family for over 20 years. Experts note that the portrait depicts Melania moving from the family quarters to a space closer to the Oval Office, appearing ready to wield more power. Fashion critics observe that the portrait's heaviness contrasts with the traditional role of a first lady, exuding a sense of corporate power.