Week 2, 2025 News Review

The wildfires in Los Angeles, California, continue to rage intensely. As of the 11th, the fires have resulted in 16 deaths and at least 13 people missing. The two largest fires, named 'Eaton' and 'Palisades', are ravaging the eastern and western sides of Los Angeles County. The Eaton Fire has destroyed over 7,000 buildings and caused 11 deaths, while the Palisades Fire has destroyed more than 5,300 buildings and resulted in 5 deaths. The National Weather Service predicts that the hazardous fire weather in southern California will persist until next week, with high winds and low humidity potentially exacerbating the fires.

On January 12, foreign ministers from Middle Eastern and European countries gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss promoting peace and stability in Syria following the fall of the Assad government. The meeting was divided into two sessions: the first exclusively for Arab officials, and the second with broader participation, including Turkey, the UK, the EU, and the UN. US Deputy Secretary of State Basset is expected to attend. Basset's recent talks in Turkey covered the importance of regional stability and preventing Syria from becoming a terrorist base. Syrian new leader Shara is pushing for sanctions relief, with the EU indicating potential easing if the new Syrian government is inclusive of minority groups. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Mikati visited Damascus, meeting with Shara and pledging lasting relations, marking the first visit by a Lebanese government head since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. Syrian intelligence thwarted a terror plot targeting a Shiite shrine in southern Damascus, arresting four suspected ISIS members.

On January 12, Syria's new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani met with foreign ministers and top diplomats from Western and Middle Eastern countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy were expected to join the talks. Participants included foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, as well as envoys from the European Union and the United States. This meeting was the first of its kind since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024. Led by Saudi Arabia, discussions focused on how the international community can support the interim Syrian authorities and hold the Assad regime accountable for war crimes. The meeting followed a Syria-focused diplomatic gathering in Rome on January 9 and a landmark meeting in Jordan in December 2024. Syria's new administration urged the West to lift sanctions to facilitate international funding to Damascus. Germany, Italy, and France recently pushed for easing EU sanctions on Syria, but a final decision requires the entire bloc's consensus. The US issued a six-month sanctions exemption for transactions with Syrian governing institutions on January 6 to ease the flow of humanitarian aid.

On January 12th, Saudi Arabia hosted a multilateral conference in Riyadh on the Syrian issue. Attendees included German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other foreign ministers and senior diplomats from Western and Middle Eastern countries. The conference aimed to discuss the lifting of sanctions on Syria. On the same day, a large-scale rally was held in Latakia, Syria, calling for the lifting of foreign sanctions.

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.

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.

On January 12, 2025, Croatia held the second round of its presidential election in the capital, Zagreb. Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic led in opinion polls against the ruling party's candidate, Dragan Primorac. Polling stations opened at 0600 GMT and closed at 1800 GMT, with exit polls expected shortly thereafter. Preliminary results were anticipated by around 1900 GMT, with full official results due in the following days. Approximately 3.8 million voters were eligible, with a turnout of 13.8% by 11:30 a.m. (1030 GMT). In the first round two weeks prior, Milanovic of the Social Democratic Party secured 49.1% support, while Primorac of the Croatian Democratic Union trailed with 19.35%. A Friday poll by Nova TV Daily News indicated Milanovic would win the runoff with 67.4% support, compared to less than 27% for Primorac. After voting, Milanovic expressed confidence in his re-election, highlighting his performance over the past five years. The Croatian presidency lacks veto power but influences foreign policy, defense, and security. Milanovic, a former populist prime minister, has clashed with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic over foreign and public policies. Primorac, a former science teacher, also voted in Zagreb, emphasizing that the ultimate decision-makers are the citizens of Croatia.

On January 12, Croatia will hold the second round of its presidential election on Sunday. Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic and independent candidate Dragan Primorac, a physician, geneticist, and forensic scientist, are vying for the position. The first round, conducted on December 29, 2024, saw none of the eight candidates secure more than 50% of the vote, with Milanovic receiving 49.09% and Primorac 19.35%. The winner in the second round must secure a relative majority. According to a survey by the IPSOS agency commissioned by Croatian Nova TV, 67.4% of respondents intend to vote for Milanovic, while just under 27% plan to vote for Primorac, with 5.8% undecided, resulting in a gap of over 40%.

US Steel and Nippon Steel announced that the Biden administration has postponed the deadline for enforcing an order to abandon their merger to June. On January 11, US Steel stated that the US Foreign Investment Committee approved the delay, setting a new deadline of June 18. On January 3, Biden blocked the acquisition on national security grounds, giving the companies 30 days to unwind the deal. US Steel and Nippon Steel have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the order. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized the importance of the US-Japan alliance and the need to handle the transaction carefully to avoid damaging relations. Analysts believe the issue will have a limited impact on US-Japan relations.

US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's planned acquisition of US Steel on national security grounds on January 3. On January 11, the companies announced that the Biden administration would delay enforcing a January executive order requiring Nippon Steel to abandon its $14.9 billion bid. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that the proposed deal had undergone a thorough analysis by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The delay allows courts to review a legal challenge filed by the parties in early January against Biden's order, which previously gave them 30 days to unwind the transaction. The companies jointly stated that CFIUS extended the deadline to June 18, 2025, for abandoning the transaction. In a lawsuit on January 6, US Steel and Nippon Steel alleged that the CFIUS review was biased by Biden's longstanding opposition, seeking a federal appeals court to overturn his decision for a fresh review. Both Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, had opposed the Japanese company's acquisition of the American steelmaker.

U.S. President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel on national security grounds on January 3. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated this week that the proposed deal underwent a thorough analysis by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Originally, the parties had 30 days to unwind the transaction, but CFIUS extended this requirement to June 18, 2025, allowing courts to review the steelmakers' legal challenge against Biden's order. Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel expressed their hope to complete the transaction for the benefit of the U.S. steel industry and all stakeholders. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya regretted Biden's decision, urging the U.S. to handle the transaction appropriately to avoid disrupting the Japan-U.S. alliance.

On January 12, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders at a summit on girls' education in Islamabad, Pakistan, not to 'legitimise' the Afghan Taliban government and to oppose their curbs on women and girls' education. She called on Muslim leaders to show true leadership, stating that the Taliban do not see women as human beings and cloak their crimes in cultural and religious justification. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed a strict version of Islamic law, excluding women and girls from secondary and university education and many government jobs. Representatives from the Afghan Taliban government did not attend the event. Malala, who was shot by the Pakistani Taliban in 2012 for advocating female education rights, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

According to Swiss daily Le Temps, Switzerland is prepared to host a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump on resolving the Ukrainian conflict, should such a request be made. Nicolas Bideau, a spokesman for the Swiss Foreign Ministry, stated that since the Burgenstock summit, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have been regularly informed of Switzerland's readiness to support any diplomatic efforts for peace. The Swiss authorities will not take the initiative on this issue. On January 10, Trump announced that preparations for a meeting with Putin were underway, emphasizing the need to end the Ukrainian conflict. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said that Putin was ready to meet Trump without preconditions. Additionally, the Ukraine forum held in Burgenstock, Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024, was deemed a failure, as Russia was not invited and most UN delegates did not attend.

On November 11, 2024, the Japanese government decided to send Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Traditionally, Japan has been represented by its ambassador at US presidential inaugurations, but this time, Japan hopes Iwaya will have the opportunity to meet with former Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as the head of the State Department. This move may facilitate the first meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Trump won the US presidential election on November 5, 2024, and will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, becoming the 47th President of the United States.

On January 11, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky held a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden. Zelensky briefed Biden on his strategic planning in the war against Russia. Biden, in turn, updated Zelensky on US efforts to support Ukraine, including the delivery of hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, hundreds of armored vehicles, and other critical equipment to Ukrainian forces over the past several months. Additionally, the United States announced a comprehensive sanctions package against the Russian energy sector on the same day.

Firefighters in Los Angeles are making a concerted effort to prevent a deadly wildfire from spreading into one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods. Aerial crews have been dropping water and fire retardant on the flaming hills to contain the Palisades fire, which has expanded to threaten Brentwood and scorched nearly 23,000 acres, leaving at least 11 people dead. Large areas of Brentwood, including celebrity homes and the Getty Center museum, have been issued evacuation orders. The second-largest fire, the Eaton fire, has burned over 14,000 acres. Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to exacerbate the fires. Approximately 153,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation, with another 166,000 warned they may need to flee. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Fire Chief Kristin Crowley face criticism over their response, and Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into water supply issues.

On January 10, calmer winds around Los Angeles provided a brief opportunity for firefighters to battle five major wildfires. At least 11 people have died, and thousands of homes have been destroyed in a disaster likened to a 'war scene' by US President Joe Biden. Initial estimates suggest damages could reach $150 billion. California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the National Guard to enhance law enforcement and imposed a nighttime curfew. The fires have burned over 14,000 hectares, with the largest blaze in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas now 8% contained. Authorities have begun investigating the causes and responses to the fires.

On January 11, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced during a press conference that evacuation orders in the Los Angeles area due to severe wildfires cover approximately 153,000 people, with an additional 166,000 under potential evacuation notice. The fires threaten 57,000 buildings, and the cause is under investigation with FBI involvement. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead, with 13 missing. The wildfires began on January 7, exacerbated by dry and windy conditions. The California Fire Department reports the fire has engulfed nearly 15,500 hectares. The two largest fires, in Eaton and Palisades, are 15% and 11% contained, respectively. Over 12,300 buildings have been destroyed, including properties of celebrities. US President Joe Biden described the wildfires as the largest and most destructive in California's history.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on January 11 the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, marking the first time North Korean soldiers have been captured alive since their entry into the war last autumn. According to Kyiv and its Western allies, North Korean regular troops joined the war on Russia's side in October, with initial estimates of their numbers exceeding 10,000. Zelensky stated that the captured soldiers were brought to Kyiv and are communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), receiving necessary medical assistance. Ukraine claims that North Korean troops are fighting in the Kursk region, where Ukraine still controls several hundred square kilometers of territory. Pyongyang is also alleged to be supplying Russia with large quantities of artillery shells. The capture was carried out by Ukrainian special forces and paratroopers. SBU footage showed the wounded soldiers receiving treatment. Due to language barriers, their interrogation is being conducted in Korean with the help of South Korea's NIS. The soldiers, born in 2005 and 1999, have been serving in the North Korean armed forces since 2021 and 2016 respectively. They are being held under conditions in accordance with international law, and a criminal investigation is underway to determine if they violated Ukrainian law.

On December 19, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during the European Council Meeting in Brussels that Ukraine has captured two injured North Korean soldiers from the battlefield in Russia's Kursk region and transferred them to Kyiv. These soldiers are currently communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine. This marks the first time Ukraine has publicly stated it has detained North Korean troops, following reports from the U.S. and its allies that Pyongyang deployed approximately 11,000 soldiers to support Russia. Zelenskyy stated that the captured soldiers are receiving necessary medical assistance and noted the difficulty of their capture, claiming that Russian and North Korean soldiers usually execute their wounded to erase evidence of North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine. Ukraine's military had previously warned in December that Russia was trying to conceal the presence of North Korean military personnel by issuing false documents. Zelenskyy also said he instructed Ukraine's security service to allow journalists access to the prisoners to reveal the truth.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian troops captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The soldiers are receiving necessary medical assistance and are in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Kyiv. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukrainian paratroopers and Special Operation Forces for the capture. He noted the difficulty of the task, as Russian and North Korean soldiers typically execute wounded North Koreans to hide their involvement in the war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian intelligence service stated that the prisoners were captured on January 9th and immediately provided with medical care in accordance with the Geneva Convention. The prisoners do not speak Ukrainian, English, or Russian, so communication is conducted through Korean interpreters. Zelensky stated that the soldiers are being interrogated by the SBU and journalists have been granted access to them. The SBU is investigating all circumstances of North Korean military involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine.

The black box of the Jeju Air plane that crashed last month stopped recording data four minutes before the accident. On January 11, the Korean Ministry of Transport stated that neither the Cockpit Voice Recorder nor the Flight Recorder recorded data in the final four minutes, and a plan has been formulated to investigate the cause. Investigators emphasized that they will not abandon the quest to determine the crash cause due to the data loss. The recorders have been sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board for analysis. Former accident investigator Shim Jae-dong noted that such a complete power failure is rare. The crash resulted in 179 fatalities, with only two crew members surviving. Prior to the incident, the airport had warned of bird activity, and the pilot issued a distress signal before attempting to go around, but the plane crashed on the second attempt when the landing gear was not lowered.

South Korea's transport ministry stated that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the Jeju Air passenger plane that crashed last month stopped recording four minutes before the disaster. The crash resulted in 179 fatalities, marking it as the deadliest air accident in Korean history, with only two cabin crew members surviving. Investigators had hoped the recorder data would shed light on the crucial moments preceding the tragedy. Initially examined in South Korea, the recorders were sent to the US for analysis by American safety regulators after data was found missing. The flight, originating from Bangkok on December 29, crash-landed at Muan International Airport and slid into a wall off the runway, bursting into flames. Former transport ministry accident investigator Sim Jai-dong told Reuters that the loss of crucial data was surprising and suggested a complete power failure, including backup systems. Many questions remain unanswered, with investigators examining potential factors such as bird strikes and weather conditions, as well as why the Boeing 737-800's landing gear was not deployed upon impact.

On January 11, 2025, Sudan's army announced the recapture of the central city of Wad Madani, sparking celebrations among citizens. Wad Madani, the capital of El Gezira state, had been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since December 2023. This operation marks the army's biggest gain in nearly two years of conflict. A video posted by the army showed troops inside the city. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged the defeat but insisted the battle was not over. A U.N. panel of experts deemed credible reports of planes from the United Arab Emirates resupplying the RSF in Chad. El Gezira state, facing famine risks due to the conflict, has seen intensified army efforts to retake control, following the recapture of Sennar state in the south and advances in the capital area.

A tram collision occurred in Strasbourg, France on the afternoon of November 11th, injuring over 30 people. Around 3:30 PM local time, a tram reversing at an underground station near Strasbourg Central Station collided with another stationary tram, causing severe damage to both ends. The platform was filled with smoke, and injured people were lying on the ground. Police set up a cordon and ambulances arrived at the scene. Officials from the Lower Rhine Provincial Government reported no severe injuries, while firefighters estimated around 50 casualties. The exact cause of the accident is unclear, and local prosecutors have launched an investigation, ruling out intentional human action.

On Saturday, at least 30 people were injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg's central station. Videos and photos on social media depicted chaotic scenes with smoke rising. Reports suggest the accident occurred when one tram switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram. Strasbourg Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, at the scene, stated the cause was unknown and urged people to await investigation results. Rene Cellier, director of the Bas-Rhin Fire and Rescue Service, reported mostly trauma injuries, including scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains, with around 100 people seen by doctors despite no significant injuries. Approximately 50 vehicles and 130 firefighters responded, with the situation potentially being more severe. Emmanuel Auneau, director of CTS responsible for public transport in Strasbourg, noted the tram drivers were physically unharmed but severely shocked.

The US Supreme Court hinted at supporting a ban on TikTok during its hearing on January 10th. The nine justices focused on the risks of the Chinese government using TikTok to surveil Americans, prioritizing national security over free speech. Most justices viewed ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government as dangerous, with only Justice Gorsuch supporting overturning the ban. If TikTok is not divested and sold by January 19th, it will be banned in the US. ByteDance insists on not selling but may reconsider. The ban affects companies like Apple, Oracle, and Google. With 170 million US users, TikTok's performance will degrade if banned. Users and influencers are preparing, while billionaire McCourt plans a $20 billion acquisition of TikTok.

Earlier this week, a cargo plane was parked in the snow at an airport in Louisville, Kentucky. On January 10, a storm in the southern United States led to the cancellation of more than 3,000 flights and thousands of delays, according to airlines and tracking website FlightAware. Delta Airlines reported that a “worse-than-expected mix of winter weather” resulted in the shutdown of all five runways at Atlanta International Airport for over two hours, canceling approximately 1,100 flights across their network. A Delta plane had to abort take-off in Atlanta due to an engine issue, forcing over 200 passengers and crew to evacuate via emergency slides, as reported by US media. Dallas Fort Worth airport in Texas and Charlotte Douglas airport in North Carolina were also affected, with more than 1,200 flights canceled between them. FlightAware recorded over 3,000 cancellations nationwide on January 10. The United States had already been hit by a winter storm at the start of the week, causing at least five deaths, hundreds of flight cancellations, and leaving tens of thousands without electricity as temperatures plummeted below minus 18 degrees Celsius in some areas.

On the 10th local time, multiple southern states in the United States continued to be hit by a winter storm, affecting approximately 80 million people. States including Texas and Georgia declared states of emergency. Heavy snowfall resulted in 30 cm of snow accumulation in parts of Texas and Oklahoma, with widespread road icing. Other states like Tennessee were also affected, with over 3,000 flights canceled or delayed nationwide. Schools in Atlanta, Georgia's capital, were closed, disrupting residents' lives. Meteorological authorities expect the severe weather to persist, urging the public to take precautions.

On January 11, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Syria and met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aiming to improve long-strained ties between the two countries. This was the first visit by a head of government to Syria since President Bashar al-Assad was toppled on December 8, and the first by a Lebanese premier to Syria in 15 years. The countries agreed to prioritize securing their land borders and delineating their shared land and sea borders. Mikati stated that the top priority is the demarcation of land and sea borders between Lebanon and Syria and preventing illegal smuggling. Addressing the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, estimated to be nearly 800,000, has also become urgent, as they place a massive burden on Lebanese public services. Sharaa also named the border as his top priority and discussed Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun noted the historic opportunity for 'serious and equitable dialogue' with Syria.

A spokesman for the US Justice Department told TASS that Jack Smith, the Special Counsel in charge of proceedings against American President-elect Donald Trump, has resigned. Smith completed his work and submitted his final confidential report on January 7, 2025, and officially separated from the Department on January 10. This information was mentioned in a document previously filed in a federal district court in Florida. The representative confirmed Smith's resignation.

Jack Smith, the special counsel who led two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, has resigned from the Justice Department before the president-elect takes office later this month. A court filing on Saturday indicated Smith 'separated from the Department' on Friday. CBS News reported in November that Smith would resign after completing his work. His departure comes amid a dispute over the release of his report on Trump's classified documents case. Appointed in 2022, Smith oversaw cases involving alleged improper hoarding of classified documents and an alleged attempt to interfere in the 2020 election outcome, both resulting in criminal charges against Trump, who pleaded not guilty. The cases were closed last year following Trump's presidential election win, as Justice Department regulations prohibit prosecuting a sitting president. This week, US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who oversaw the classified documents case, temporarily barred Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland from releasing the report. Trump's legal team received a draft copy last weekend, expected to be released on Friday. Judge Cannon's move followed requests from attorneys for Trump's former co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveir, both of whom pleaded not guilty. The release is on hold pending an emergency appeal to the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta. On Friday, Trump was sentenced to an 'unconditional discharge' in a hush-money case, sparing him jail and a fine, but he will still become the first US president with a felony conviction.

On January 11, US President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation's highest civilian honor. This was the first time Biden awarded the medal with distinction during his tenure. Biden, who was scheduled to visit Rome to meet Pope Francis, canceled the trip due to the California fires. He expressed disappointment but felt it was more important to stay in Washington. A week earlier, Biden awarded the medal to figures like Hillary Clinton. The White House stated that the two leaders discussed efforts to advance global peace. In his citation, Biden praised Pope Francis for his service to the voiceless and vulnerable, hailing him as the 'People's Pope' for his humility and grace.

On October 29, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden met with Pope Francis at the Vatican and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, marking the first time this honor has been bestowed during his presidency. The White House stated that Pope Francis, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, is known as the 'People's Pope,' embodying faith, hope, and love globally. Biden also discussed with the Pope efforts to advance world peace, particularly the Pope's work in aiding vulnerable communities. This award followed Biden's cancellation of a planned trip to the Vatican to monitor devastating wildfires in California. Their last meeting was in June during the G-7 Leaders' Summit in Apulia, Italy, where they discussed ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The Vatican emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and a hostage deal. This is the first Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction awarded by Biden and the first since President Obama awarded one to then-Vice President Biden. Biden is the second Roman Catholic to be elected president, following President John F. Kennedy.

Germany's military will place territorial defence under army command from April 1, 2025. On Jan 11, the army announced the establishment of a new division dedicated to territorial defence, integrating existing reserve units. This reorganization will increase the number of German divisions to four while maintaining the total force size of around 180,000 soldiers. Nato is at its highest alert since the Cold War, with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noting a potential Russian attack within four years. The new division will focus on domestic defence, protecting critical infrastructure. Germany is preparing to serve as a major logistics hub in any conflict with Moscow, expecting the deployment of tens of thousands of allied troops through its North Sea ports.

Caroline Darian, daughter of Dominique Pelicot, convicted of drugging his ex-wife and facilitating her rape by dozens of strangers, told the BBC her father should die in prison. Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in December. Darian believes she was also drugged and raped by him. Fifty co-defendants received sentences ranging from three to 15 years. Darian will narrate a documentary on drug-facilitated rape, airing on France 2 on Jan 21, featuring testimonies from six other victims.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia on Saturday, following his attendance at an African agriculture summit in Uganda. The visit signals a significant improvement in bilateral relations after a year of tensions over Ethiopia's plans to build a naval base in Somalia's breakaway region, Somaliland. During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and shared priorities, with both sides agreeing to restore and enhance diplomatic representation. On Jan. 2, Ethiopia's defense minister visited Mogadishu, marking the first bilateral visit since relations soured. Tensions arose in January 2024 after Ethiopia signed an MoU with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a threat to its territorial integrity. On Dec. 11, the two countries agreed in Turkey to resolve the dispute and commence technical negotiations by the end of February. The visit to Addis Ababa was a follow-up to the Ankara agreement, with leaders also agreeing to boost security cooperation against extremist threats.

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, several major US companies are adjusting their policies to align with his ideals. Meta announced the withdrawal of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while Amazon confirmed the halt of some of its diversity programs. Previously, brands like Walmart, McDonald's, and others had already revoked or scaled back similar plans. Meta will end its supplier diversity program and cancel specific targets for women and minorities, shifting focus to support small and medium-sized enterprises. These DEI initiatives were largely introduced after the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement but are being reevaluated due to their conflict with Trump's policies. Meta also terminated its third-party fact-checking system in favor of a community notes system, drawing criticism from President Biden. Trump and the Republican Party have long been critical of social media fact-checking, and Meta CEO Zuckerberg has been seeking reconciliation with Trump.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that President-elect Trump's tariff threats have already raised global long-term borrowing costs. She warned that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies would exacerbate headwinds for the global economy, particularly impacting countries and regions closely integrated with global supply chains. The IMF is set to release its latest World Economic Outlook report on January 17, projecting stable global economic growth, but noting that the U.S. economy is performing better than expected, while China faces deflationary pressures and weak domestic demand. Georgieva called on countries to address the challenges of low growth and high debt.

The Danish authorities informed US President-elect Donald Trump's team that they are open to discussing the expansion of the US military presence in Greenland, Axios reported. According to sources, the Danish government sent private messages to Trump's representatives, expressing willingness to enhance security in Greenland or increase the US military presence on the island. The Danish government aims to convince Trump that his security concerns can be addressed without territorial aspirations for Greenland. A European diplomat noted that Denmark is considered one of the closest US allies within the EU, and it was unexpected that it would be the first country Trump would confront. At a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida this week, Trump refused to guarantee that he would not use military force or economic coercion to resolve issues related to the Panama Canal and Greenland. Previously, he claimed that the US must regain control over the Panama Canal and that Greenland, a Danish autonomous region, should become US territory. Pentagon Deputy Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated that she is unaware of any plans by Washington to invade Greenland.

Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump has shown renewed interest in taking control of Greenland, a largely autonomous territory of Denmark. In 2019, Trump first proposed buying Greenland, and this week he went further, refusing to rule out economic or military force to gain control. Danish and European officials have responded negatively, insisting Greenland is not for sale. Greenland, 80% covered in ice, holds significant untapped mineral wealth. Trump's move may aim to push Denmark to enhance Greenland's security against Russian and Chinese influence. Denmark recently announced a $1.5bn Arctic military package. Experts believe Trump is positioning himself before taking office, while Greenland uses the occasion to boost its international standing towards independence. Even if Trump loses interest, he has brought the issue to the forefront.

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned new U.S. sanctions against Moscow's energy sector, describing them as an attempt to harm Russia's economy and potentially destabilize global markets. Russia vowed to continue with its major oil and gas projects and respond to Washington's 'hostile' actions. The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, along with 183 vessels transporting Russian oil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that these measures would significantly impact Moscow, noting that reducing Russia's oil revenue would help bring about peace sooner.

The wildfire in Los Angeles, USA, which began on January 7, has resulted in 10 deaths and the evacuation of 180,000 people as of January 9, with nearly 14,000 hectares of land burned. President Biden described it as the worst fire in California's history, canceling his visit to Italy; Vice President Harris also canceled her trips to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany. Among the five wildfires in Los Angeles County, the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires are the most severe, with over 9,000 buildings damaged or destroyed and 130,000 residents evacuated. Biden announced that the federal government will cover the first 180 days of disaster relief costs, deploying an additional 400 firefighters and 30 firefighting aircraft. Many celebrity homes have been destroyed, with estimated damages reaching up to $150 billion.

The wildfires in the Los Angeles region have persisted for four days, affecting millions of residents. On Thursday afternoon, a mistakenly sent evacuation alert text caused widespread panic. At least 10 people are known to have died, with the death toll potentially rising. Mayor Karen Bass faced questions about preparedness and water issues. Resident Larry Villescas was unable to fight a fire at his home due to low water pressure. Experts attribute the water shortage to unprecedented demand. Residents Hipolito Cisneros and Fernando Gonzalez highlighted the need for upgrades to public utilities. The fires have become the most destructive in Los Angeles history.

The US has increased its reward to $25 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, on the day he was sworn in for a third six-year term. The inauguration was met with condemnation from the international community and Venezuelan opposition leaders. Rewards were also offered for the arrest of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and up to $15 million for Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino. The UK sanctioned 15 Venezuelan officials for undermining democracy and human rights. The EU and Canada also imposed new sanctions due to Maduro's actions. Maduro denied allegations by Western countries and vowed his new term would bring peace and prosperity. The July 28 election results were widely rejected internationally, leaving Maduro increasingly isolated.

On January 10, 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for his third six-year term in Caracas. Canada imposed sanctions on 14 current and former senior officials of the Venezuelan government on Friday, alleging their involvement in activities supporting human rights violations. These sanctions align with measures taken by Canada's allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and are intended to demonstrate solidarity with the Venezuelan people, according to a statement from the Canadian foreign ministry. The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to the new and expanded sanctions from countries including the United States and Britain on Friday. President Maduro and his government have consistently rejected sanctions by the United States and others, labeling them as illegitimate measures constituting an 'economic war' against Venezuela. Despite blaming some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions historically, Maduro and his allies have celebrated the country's resilience in the face of these measures.

Venezuela's incumbent President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for his third term on January 10 at the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas, a position he will hold until 2031. Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin attended the inauguration ceremony. Maduro won the presidential election on July 28 last year with 51.95% of the vote, while his main rival, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, received 43.18%. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated on the day of the vote that Gonzalez's team would not recognize the defeat. Countries including Russia, Bolivia, Honduras, Iran, China, Cuba, and Nicaragua congratulated Maduro on his victory, while some nations, such as the US, did not recognize Maduro's re-election and supported Gonzalez.

Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun was elected as the 14th President, ending over two years of power vacuum. Supported by over two-thirds of lawmakers, his U.S.-backed candidacy marks a decline in Iranian influence. At 61, Aoun vowed to reform, protect citizens' rights, and foster national development. President Biden welcomed his election, while the UN and Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated him, urging swift government formation to ensure stability and reforms.

US President Joe Biden imposed significant sanctions on Russia's energy sector on January 10. The sanctions target Russian oil and liquefied natural gas, and are expected to cost Russia billions of dollars per month. The blacklist includes companies like Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 tankers, traders, oilfield services firms, and senior officials at the Russian Energy Ministry. The US has also narrowed the Treasury's license that allowed Western financial systems to process transactions of Russian energy. It is suggested that these sanctions could be part of a potential deal on Ukraine between Moscow and the incoming Trump administration.

In 2024, global average temperatures reached approximately 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the first time the symbolic 1.5°C threshold was crossed and making it the hottest year on record. Although the international 1.5°C target has not yet been breached, this data indicates we are nearing this critical point. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged countries to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2025. Copernicus data reveals that the last decade has been the warmest in history. The extreme heat in 2024 was primarily due to human-emitted greenhouse gases, with natural factors like El Niño playing a smaller role. Experts warn that even minor global warming can lead to more frequent extreme weather. In 2024, regions such as West Africa, South America, Central Europe, North America, and South Asia experienced severe weather events. Scientists express concern about future climate trends but emphasize that emissions reductions can still control warming.

2024 has been recorded as the hottest year since 1850, with global temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by over 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time. The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the global average temperature in 2024 reached 15.10 degrees Celsius, 0.12 degrees higher than in 2023. All months except July exceeded the 1.5-degree threshold compared to pre-industrial levels. Climate change has led to widespread disasters, including wildfires in California, USA, and catastrophic fires in Bolivia and Venezuela. US President-elect Trump, skeptical of climate change, plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Experts urge nations to take action to mitigate global warming.

The year 2024 was recorded as the hottest year on record. A spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Clare Nullis, revealed this information ahead of a press conference in Geneva. The comprehensive report, set to be released at 5 p.m. Geneva time (1600 GMT) on Friday, will collate data from meteorological observatories in Britain, China, the EU, and the U.S. Nullis stated that the WMO will officially confirm 2024 as the hottest year. The globe experienced extraordinary land and sea surface temperatures, extreme ocean heat, and severe weather conditions affecting many countries, devastating lives, livelihoods, hopes, and dreams.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Israel has struck multiple Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for Houthi attacks on Israel. The targets included military infrastructure sites on Yemen's western coast and inland, particularly at the Hizaz power station, which serves as a central energy source for the Houthi terrorist regime's military activities. Additionally, the IDF targeted military infrastructure in the Al Hudaydah and Ras Isa ports on the western coast. The IDF emphasized that the Houthi terrorist regime has repeatedly attacked the State of Israel, its citizens, and civilian infrastructure, including with UAVs and surface-to-surface missiles. The IDF stressed that Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself. The Houthi regime, a key part of the Iranian axis of terror, continues to destabilize the region and the wider world through attacks on international shipping vessels and routes. The IDF vowed to continue operating against any threat to the State of Israel and its citizens at any distance.

On January 10, the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV channel reported that US and UK forces conducted a strike on the Haziz Power Plant in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a, injuring a power plant employee and damaging nearby residential buildings. The channel also reported eight coalition strikes on Sana’a. Previously, the coalition had attacked the Yemeni province of Amran and the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa. According to Al Arabiya, US, British, and Israeli forces carried out simultaneous attacks on Houthi facilities in Sana’a, Amran, Hodeidah, and Saada provinces. Following the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Ansar Allah movement vowed to strike Israeli territory and block Israeli-associated ships from passing through the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait until operations in the Palestinian enclave cease. Since November 2023, the Houthis have attacked dozens of civilian ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In response, the US announced the formation of an international coalition and launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure freedom of navigation and protect ships in the Red Sea, followed by regular US and UK strikes on Houthi military facilities across Yemen.

The US Supreme Court is set to rule on a law that bans TikTok in the US over national security concerns unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform before a January 19 deadline. The court's nine justices heard arguments from TikTok and content creators' lawyers, who argued the ban would violate free speech protections for over 170 million US users. The US government contends that without a sale, TikTok could be used by China for spying and political manipulation. President-elect Donald Trump opposes the ban. The law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok in the US or cease operations by January 19, but the company refuses to sell. Congress passed the law with bipartisan support, addressing years of concerns about the popular platform. The legislation does not ban app use but requires tech giants like Apple and Google to stop offering it and inhibit updates, which analysts say would eventually kill TikTok. TikTok denies any Chinese Communist Party influence and claims the law violates users' First Amendment rights. Former US Solicitor General Noel Francisco stressed the ban could lead to dangerous censorship. Stanford law professor Jeffrey L. Fisher, representing creators who sued, noted historical foreign adversary campaigns but argued ideas are not national security threats under the First Amendment. Justice Department lawyer Elizabeth B. Prelogar highlighted ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government as a national security risk. During nearly three hours of debate, justices repeatedly addressed national security and free speech concerns. Trump urged the court to delay its decision for a political solution. Legal observers predict the Supreme Court may side with the government.

On January 10, 2025, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the media in the Oval Office regarding the federal response to wildfires in Los Angeles. The Biden administration on Friday renewed deportation relief for 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan, delaying any attempts by President-elect Donald Trump to end these protections. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended enrollment in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for these nations, providing an additional 18 months of deportation reprieve and work permits. Since taking office in 2021, Biden has significantly increased the number of immigrants eligible for TPS, which now covers over 1 million people from 17 countries. Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20, previously sought to end most TPS enrollments during his 2017-2021 term but was blocked by U.S. courts. Trump is expected to try again to terminate most TPS protections. The Biden administration's actions fell short of broader demands by activists and some Democrats to grant TPS to more recent immigrants and those from other nations. Todd Schulte, president of the advocacy group FWD.us, said the extensions would allow hundreds of thousands to continue contributing to their communities and the economy, but also urged Biden to expand TPS to Nicaragua and other nations. Approximately 600,000 Venezuelans are eligible for TPS, the largest group in the program. The Biden administration, which first granted Venezuelans TPS in 2021, cited high crime rates in Venezuela linked to political and economic instability under President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in for a third term on Friday.

Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual and close friend of US President-elect Donald Trump, has escalated his involvement in European politics by broadcasting a lengthy conversation with Alice Weidel, the leader of Germany's far-right party, on his X social media platform. The discussion between Musk and Weidel, who heads the Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its racist and vehemently anti-immigrant stance, aired late on January 9 in Europe. This dialogue has garnered significant attention, highlighting Musk's sympathies towards far-right politics.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on Friday that he is prepared to block financial aid to Ukraine if the gas transit issue remains unresolved. On January 1, Russian gas transit through Ukraine ceased following the expiration of a 2019 contract between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz, affecting Moldova and four EU countries, including Slovakia. Fico warned that if informed within three weeks that Ukraine is obstructing transit, he will block aid without hesitation and veto the EU's decision to send an additional 50 billion euros to Ukraine. European Commission Spokesperson for Climate Action and Energy Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said the Commission will form a technical group with Slovakia to discuss energy issues, excluding Ukraine.

On January 10, 2025, thousands of protesters in Bratislava, Slovakia, held an anti-government rally in support of Ukraine, accusing Prime Minister Robert Fico of aligning with Russia following a gas dispute with Ukraine. Slovakia faces a loss of around 1.5 billion euros due to Ukraine halting Russian gas transit. Fico threatened to reduce aid to Ukraine. Protesters chanted slogans like 'Slovakia stands with Ukraine,' with organizers estimating 15,000 participants. Since taking power in 2023, Fico has strengthened ties with Russia and refused military aid to Ukraine.

On the afternoon of January 10, a hammer attack occurred at the Tama Campus of Hosei University in Tokyo, Japan, injuring eight people. A 22-year-old South Korean female student was arrested for wielding a hammer in class and assaulting her classmates. All the injured were conscious and sustained minor injuries. The police received the report at around 3:45 PM and quickly cordoned off the scene for investigation. The suspect claimed she felt oppressed and frustrated due to being ostracized by her peers, leading her to commit the attack. This incident is a rare case of violence on a Japanese campus.

On January 10, 2025, a massive winter storm hit the Southern U.S., causing over 3,000 flight cancellations and more than 4,000 delays. A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-300 aborted takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to an engine issue shortly after 9 a.m., leading to the evacuation of 201 passengers and seven crew members via emergency slides. Four passengers sustained minor injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. Over half of Atlanta's flights were canceled, with more than 400 delayed. Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte Douglas International Airports also saw over 1,200 cancellations.

On January 10, US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed Washington's support for Ukraine, new US sanctions against Russia, and enhancing Ukrainian air defenses. In a social media post, Mr. Zelensky thanked Mr. Biden for the nearly three-year support in Ukraine's war with Russia and praised the US for its vital role in uniting the international community. The presidents also talked about new sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector to curb Putin's war funding. Mr. Zelensky emphasized the need to continue strengthening Ukraine's air defenses to protect cities and villages from Russian missile and drone attacks, noting the effectiveness of US-supplied Patriot missiles.

On January 10, US President Biden held a phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, discussing recent US aid to Ukraine. Biden briefed Zelensky on efforts made by the US in the past few months to increase support for Ukraine and announced a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector. Zelensky expressed gratitude for US support and outlined Ukraine's strategic planning in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Biden emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

On August 22, 2024, Tesla announced a voluntary recall of approximately 239,000 electric vehicles in the U.S. to address an issue that can cause rearview camera failures. The recall affects 2024-2025 Model 3 and Model S sedans, and 2023-2025 Model X and Model Y SUVs. Tesla stated it has released a free over-the-air software update to fix some camera issues. In 2024, Tesla issued 16 recalls in the U.S., covering 5.14 million EVs. For the latest recall, Tesla received 887 warranty claims and dozens of field reports but reported no injurious or fatal accidents due to the camera failures. Vehicles with circuit board failures will receive free computer replacements from Tesla.

US President-elect Donald Trump announced preparations for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Putin wants to meet and arrangements are being made, emphasizing the need to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Additionally, Trump is also working to arrange a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Previously, Trump expressed his desire to hold talks with Putin within six months of taking office. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the US has not yet formally requested a meeting.

On January 8, 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to begin his third term amid protests led by opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez. Gonzalez, recognized as president-elect by several countries, has been in exile, while detailed election results remain unpublished. Machado faced a brief detention during a protest. The government accuses the opposition of conspiracies and has arrested about 2,000 protesters, releasing 1,515. Maduro plans constitutional reforms as the country grapples with ongoing economic woes.

On January 10, 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected President-elect Donald Trump's last-minute bid to halt his sentencing in a criminal hush-money case by a 5-4 vote. Trump was convicted of falsifying records to disguise a $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels as legal expenses in 2016. Judge Juan Merchan, overseeing the case, indicated he would not consider a jail term for Trump. Trump reacted by calling the case a 'disgrace' despite acknowledging the Supreme Court's decision as 'fair.' Three lower New York courts had previously denied Trump's delay attempts. The Supreme Court believed his concerns could be addressed during an appeal and deemed the burden of attending sentencing 'insubstantial.' Manhattan prosecutors argued there was a 'compelling public interest' in proceeding with the sentencing. Trump's sentencing was initially set for July 2024 but was delayed three times until January 10, just days before his inauguration.

On May 30, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by his attorney Todd Blanche, arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court for his criminal trial involving alleged hush money payments. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, denied Trump's request to halt proceedings in his New York criminal case, clearing the way for his sentencing on Friday morning. The majority ruled that Trump's sentencing would impose a 'relatively insubstantial' burden on his presidential responsibilities, as he is expected to receive a sentence with no actual punishment. Trump was convicted in state court in Manhattan of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. His attorneys argued for a stay of proceedings, but both state courts and the Supreme Court rejected the bid. The judge is expected to impose a sentence of 'unconditional discharge,' meaning Trump will face no jail time, probation, fines, or other conditions.

Slovak Prime Minister Fico stated on January 9th in Brussels after meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen that Slovakia may take countermeasures against Ukraine if the issue of Russian gas supply transiting through Ukraine remains unresolved. These measures could include halting humanitarian aid to Ukraine, vetoing related EU proposals, stopping electricity supply, and reducing welfare support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. The EU and Slovakia agreed to establish a high-level working group to assess the situation. The gas transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia expires on December 31, 2024, and due to Ukraine's refusal to renew, Russia's gas supply to Slovakia will be cut off from January 1, 2025, causing dissatisfaction in Slovakia and other countries.

The Chinese foreign ministry stated on Friday that it has maintained close communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding respiratory diseases, in response to rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized at a regular press conference that the Chinese government takes the health of its citizens and foreign nationals in China seriously, but noted that HMPV is not a new virus and has been circulating in humans for over 60 years. China's Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its latest update that HMPV cases remain high, consistent with cases in other parts of the northern hemisphere. Guo highlighted that HMPV infections are self-limiting and cautioned against alarmist rhetoric that exaggerates common viruses as unknown ones, which contradicts scientific common sense. On Tuesday, the WHO confirmed it had been in contact with Chinese health officials and had not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns.

Ukraine and Brussels announced on Friday that Ukraine has received the first tranche of 3 billion euros ($3.09 billion) from the European Union, part of a loan agreed by the Group of Seven members and backed by earnings from frozen Russian sovereign assets. In October, G7 leaders agreed to provide approximately $50 billion in loans to Ukraine through various channels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on social media platform X that the funds would empower Ukraine to continue fighting for its freedom. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the transfer of the funds on the Telegram app. The funding channels agreed by the G7 include a Macro-Financial Assistance Loan from the EU, the IMF's Multi-Donor Administered Account for Ukraine, and a newly established Financial Intermediary Fund for Ukraine at the World Bank. In December 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department transferred the $20 billion U.S. portion of the G7 loan to the World Bank fund.

On January 10 local time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on social media that the EU has granted a €3 billion loan to Ukraine. This amount is part of the G7's aid program for Ukraine. In October last year, G7 leaders reached a consensus to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan, secured by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets, with a commitment to disburse the funds by the end of this year. The loan is intended to support Ukraine's fiscal, military, and reconstruction efforts. As part of the G7 loan program, the United States has pledged to provide $20 billion to Ukraine.

Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will begin consultations with parliament members on January 13 to nominate a prime minister. Current caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is seen as a frontrunner, but opposition lawmaker Fouad Makhzoumi may have the backing of several legislators. The prime ministerial post is reserved for a Sunni Muslim under Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Aoun's election on Thursday filled a vacancy since October 2022, indicating the weakened influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Aoun pledged to assert the state's monopoly on arms. Mikati announced the start of disarmament in southern Lebanon to assert state presence. Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in November, authorizing only official military and security forces to bear arms, committing to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Following last year's visit to China by UK Foreign Secretary Rami, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak embarked on a visit to China this week. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Shuqing announced that the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue will be held in Beijing on January 11, co-chaired by He Lifeng and Sunak. The dialogue will cover topics such as macroeconomic policies and trade investment. Sunak's visit aims to restore closer ties with China and boost the UK economy. Accompanying him are top financial officials, including the central bank governor. Sunak will also visit Shanghai to meet with UK companies operating in China. The resumption of the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, after a nearly six-year hiatus, marks a significant step in bilateral relations. Experts believe that the UK Labour government prioritizes economic and financial cooperation, but vulnerabilities remain in China-UK relations.

A study published in The Lancet suggests that the actual Palestinian death toll in the Gaza war could be significantly higher than the official figures reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. The UK-led research covered the first nine months of the war, which began with Hamas gunmen attacking Israel on October 7, 2023. Using data from the ministry, an online survey of relatives reporting fatalities, and obituaries, the study estimated that up to June 30, 2024, 64,260 Palestinians died from traumatic injuries, indicating an under-reporting of deaths by 41%. The Israeli embassy in the UK质疑 the reliability of any information from Gaza, while the UN considers the health ministry's figures reliable. The ministry's figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians, but a recent UN report stated that the majority of verified victims over a six-month period were women and children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have eliminated over 17,000 terrorists in August, though the methodology behind this figure is unclear. Israel is not allowing international journalists, including those from the BBC, independent access to Gaza, making it difficult to verify facts on the ground. The research team used a statistical method called 'capture-recapture' to evaluate deaths, suggesting that the number of deaths directly caused by traumatic injury could be significantly higher than hospital figures published by the Ministry of Health. The Lancet report estimated a death toll between 55,298 and 78,525 people, compared to 37,877 reported by the health ministry. The study also noted that 59% of those killed, for whom data on sex and age was available, were women, children, and the elderly. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas's attack, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken back to Gaza. In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive, with the health ministry reporting 46,006 people, mostly civilians, killed by the Israeli campaign.

Brazil's government announced on Friday that neighboring Venezuela has ordered a temporary closure of their shared border, hours after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a new term following a months-long election dispute. The announcement was made in a statement from Brazil's foreign ministry, noting the border closure will remain in place until next Monday. Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has not officially recognized Maduro as the winner of last July's contested election and did not comment on Maduro on Friday. However, the Brazilian government sent its envoy to Caracas, Ambassador Glivania Maria de Oliveira, to the inauguration. Brazil's foreign ministry added that its consular officials in Venezuela will assist Brazilian citizens in case of emergency during the border closure.

Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin stated that the United States is constructing airfield infrastructure in Greenland for planes capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The US Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), part of the US system for warning against nuclear strikes from the Arctic, is undergoing comprehensive modernization, including radar systems worth billions of dollars. The base has already been used for training F-35 fighter jets, which can carry nuclear weapons. Barbin emphasized Russia's support for enhancing stability in the Arctic, based on an equitable international security system. Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and its future should be determined by the Greenlanders themselves. President-elect Donald Trump previously called US ownership of Greenland an 'absolute necessity,' but the Pentagon denied any plans to take control of Greenland by force.

On January 10, US President-elect Donald Trump was convicted for paying hush money to a porn star, but the judge ruled that he will not go to jail or pay a fine. Justice Juan Merchan sentenced the 78-year-old Trump to an unconditional discharge, closing the case just days before his January 20 inauguration. Despite the guilty verdict, Trump will face no legal penalties such as custody, a fine, or probation. Trump pleaded not guilty and vowed to appeal the decision. He appeared with his lawyer via video link in court, with two American flags in the background.

On January 10, 2025, Judge Juan Merchan in New York sentenced US President-elect Donald Trump to an 'unconditional discharge,' concluding the first criminal trial of a former US president. The hush-money payment case spared Trump any penalty, including jail time or a fine, making him the first US president to take office with a felony conviction. Trump, appearing via video call, declared himself 'totally innocent' and accused the judicial system of being 'weaponized.' The case stemmed from a $130,000 payment by Trump's then-attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to keep silent about an alleged sexual encounter. Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records but ultimately avoided punishment. He will be sworn in 10 days later as the first US president with a felony conviction.

The US Supreme Court seemed inclined on January 10 to uphold a law that could effectively ban TikTok. The law mandates ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell the app by January 19 or face shutdown. The court discussed the balance between national security concerns, as the app is suspected of sharing data with the Chinese government, and free speech rights. Justice Kavanaugh highlighted the app's potential use for espionage, while TikTok argued the law infringes on its First Amendment rights. The court's decision, expected soon, will significantly impact the tech industry and US-China relations.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' planned three-day visit to China, aimed at boosting trade and economic ties, has sparked controversy despite the pound falling to its lowest level in over a year and UK borrowing costs hitting a 16-year high. Opposition parties called for the trip's cancellation, but Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the importance of the UK's relationship with China, the world's second-largest economy. Rising borrowing costs have raised fears of further tax hikes or spending cuts. The Treasury ruled out emergency market intervention, stating markets function orderly. Global government borrowing costs have increased due to concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans. Reeves will meet China's Vice Premier He Lifeng and discuss reviving the annual economic dialogue, criticized by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

On January 10, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede stated his readiness to speak with US President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of respecting Greenland's independence aspirations. At a press conference in Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also addressed the issue, having requested a meeting with Trump. Greenland, a former Danish colony and now a semi-autonomous territory, hosts a US military base. Egede highlighted Greenland's desire for independence but clarified that it does not mean severing all ties with Denmark.

On January 10, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump remotely attended a sentencing hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to 'unconditional discharge,' meaning no jail time, probation, or fine. Nonetheless, Trump will become the first U.S. president with a criminal record while in office. In May, a jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts related to a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Merchan stated that unconditional discharge was the only lawful sentence to avoid encroaching on presidential powers. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass noted that Trump's actions caused enduring damage to the public perception of the justice system. Trump's attorney, ToddTodd Blanche, disagreed with the prosecutor about the validity of the case and Trump's conduct. After the hearing, Trump claimed victory on social media, despite the judge's clear reasoning for the unconditional discharge based on his impending presidency.

On January 9, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that the latest statements by US President-elect Donald Trump have heightened European allies' concerns about the future direction of US policy over the next four years. Washington's partners are also alarmed about the potential deterioration of Euro-Atlantic relations in the future. Even if Trump's comments, particularly about Greenland, are mere negotiation tactics, they carry significant weight ahead of his inauguration on January 20. US allies from both the EU and NATO are awaiting Trump's return to the White House with great uncertainty. On January 7, Trump stated at a press conference in Florida that he could not rule out using economic or military pressure to gain control over the Panama Canal and Greenland. Previously, Trump declared that Washington views the ownership and control of Greenland as an absolute necessity. In response, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasized that Greenland 'will never be for sale.'

On the evening of January 8, intense gunfire broke out near the National Square and the presidential palace in Chad's capital, plunging the city into a state of tension. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated that authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, adding that the situation is fully under control. Armored vehicles and special units were deployed in the streets of N'Djamena to secure the area. At least 19 people, including 18 gunmen, were killed in the incident. Intelligence sources linked the attackers to the Boko Haram terrorist group. Chad, located in a volatile region, frequently faces terrorist attacks, particularly in the Lake Chad area bordering Nigeria and Cameroon.

On January 8, 2025, violence erupted in the capital of the African state of Chad, N'Djamena, with gunfire near the presidential complex. Around 24 armed fighters from the jihadist militant group Boko Haram attempted to storm the presidential complex. At the time of the attack, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was inside the presidential office. Roads leading to the presidential complex were blocked, and armored vehicles along with special units were deployed for a counter-terrorism operation. The presidential guard overpowered the infiltrators, killing at least 18 assailants, with one member of the security forces also dying. Government spokesman and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated in a social media video post that the destabilization attempt had been thwarted and noted that the attackers were “probably not” rebels. The attack coincided with an official visit to Chad by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The violence follows shortly after a general election seen as a step towards transitioning away from military rule. Last November, Chad demanded the withdrawal of the French military contingent following the termination of a defense agreement with Paris, following France’s expulsion from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Chad continues to face security threats from jihadist groups like Boko Haram, particularly in the Lake Chad region.

Mozambique's opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has declared himself the country's president after losing the October 9 presidential election. Returning to the capital Maputo from self-imposed exile due to threats to his life, Mondlane took the presidential oath with a Bible at the airport in the presence of his supporters. He expressed readiness for dialogue with the authorities while urging continued protests against the election outcome. Legally elected President Daniel Chapo, also secretary general of the ruling Frelimo party, called for national unity and reconciliation. On December 23, the Constitutional Council confirmed Frelimo's victory and Chapo's election. Mondlane, refusing to recognize the results, called for protests that have reportedly led to over 270 deaths according to opposition sources. The authorities announced Chapo's inauguration for January 15.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara stated on Thursday his desire to continue serving as president, while emphasizing that his party has not yet formally decided on its candidate for this year's election. Ouattara, 83, was controversially re-elected for a third term in 2020. He previously indicated a willingness to step down but suggested he would need old rivals to withdraw from politics as well. In a speech to the diplomatic corps in Abidjan, he expressed his good health and eagerness to continue serving the country, marking his strongest indication yet of a potential re-election bid. In September, the ruling party expressed support for his candidacy in the 2025 election, scheduled for October, but the official nomination and acceptance have not yet occurred.

On March 4, 2024, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated in an interview that US President-elect Donald Trump's demand for NATO allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) is unrealistic. Habeck proposed raising defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, emphasizing that the increase would be temporary. He noted that 3.5% is currently being discussed within NATO as a medium-term goal. If Germany can ensure a reasonable level of security in a few years, defense spending could be reduced again. In December, Trump's team informed European officials that his new administration would require allies to commit to spending 5% of their domestic industrial output on defense. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that defense spending should be significantly higher than the current 2%.

Wildfires in Los Angeles, California, continue to rage, resulting in at least five deaths, the destruction of 1,100 homes, and the evacuation of over 100,000 people. As of the evening of January 8, six wildfires in Los Angeles County were dangerously spreading, with four out of control. More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the blazes, supplemented by personnel from six other states. President Biden canceled his trip to Italy to focus on the crisis and visited a fire station in Los Angeles County for a briefing. Southern California regions have been declared in a state of emergency. The Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas have been severely affected, with over 100 square kilometers burned. Meteorological forecasts suggest the fires will continue to spread, with nearly 300,000 households experiencing power outages, schools closed, and the Hollywood Universal Studios shut down. Preliminary estimates put economic losses at over USD 50 billion, with three arrests made for looting.

On January 8, 2025, devastating wildfires fueled by strong winds forced evacuations in the Los Angeles area, California, U.S. JPMorgan estimates that insured losses from this week's fires may exceed $20 billion, surpassing the $12.5 billion in damages from the 2018 Camp Fire. Since Tuesday, five wildfires have burned through 29,000 acres around Los Angeles, with the largest fires, Palisades and Eaton, still uncontained. Nearly 180,000 people remain under evacuation orders, according to the LA County Sheriff, with the death toll unknown. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the five, has destroyed over 17,000 acres and more than 1,000 structures. Economic losses from the wildfires have doubled to nearly $50 billion and could rise to $57 billion, according to estimates.

US President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion to annex Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal, with the possibility of using military force, has ignited a global debate. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Greenland is not for sale, while King Frederik X updated the royal coat of arms to emphasize Greenland. Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede dismissed Trump's remarks, insisting on their independence. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the inviolability of borders, noting Trump's comments caused confusion among EU leaders. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot affirmed the EU's stance against border threats but doubted a US invasion of Greenland. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy dismissed Trump's comments as provocative but avoided condemning the US. Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha asserted Panamanian control over the canal. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc rejected Trump's '51st state' idea as a source of chaos. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre declared Canada would never be the 51st state. Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tweet rejecting the idea drew a sharp reply from Trump ally Elon Musk.

The Lebanese Parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as the new president, with 99 out of 128 votes. In his inaugural address, Aoun stated that his primary goals are to rebuild Lebanon after the war with Israel and to strengthen relations with Arab countries. He emphasized that Lebanese authorities aim to develop foreign policy relations with both Western and Eastern nations, establishing new alliances based on mutual respect. Aoun highlighted that the reconstruction efforts will address the damage caused by Israeli aggression.

On January 9th, the Lebanese Parliament held a presidential election, where Joseph Aoun secured 99 votes in the second round, becoming the 14th President of Lebanon. He is the fifth Lebanese Army Commander to assume the presidency in the country's history. After being sworn in, Aoun pledged to restore order and stability, rebuild areas damaged by Israeli attacks, and initiate a new phase in Lebanon's history. The presidency had been vacant for over two years since the former president stepped down in October 2022. Aoun, who has close ties with the United States, played a key role in implementing the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement. Both Israel and the United Nations welcomed Aoun's election, but the new president faces significant challenges, including a fragile security situation and long-term economic difficulties.

On January 9, General Joseph Aoun was sworn in before the members of Lebanon's parliament, becoming the country's 14th president since its independence in 1943. In his inaugural speech, Aoun highlighted the severe crisis Lebanon is facing and the need for a change in governance to overcome it. He pledged to work with the future government to draft a law ensuring judicial independence. The president also committed to developing a new Lebanese defense doctrine to protect the nation from Israeli aggression.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. His state funeral was held on January 9, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral, concluding three days of tributes in the nation's capital. Attendees included current President Joe Biden, who delivered a eulogy, President-elect Donald Trump, and former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Carter's casket was transported from the U.S. Capitol to the cathedral, with family members and foreign dignitaries also present to pay their respects.

On January 9, the state funeral of former US President Jimmy Carter was held at the Washington National Cathedral. Hundreds of mourners, including all five living current and former US presidents, attended the ceremony. Democratic President Joe Biden eulogized Carter, praising him as a man who placed honesty and kindness above partisan politics. Carter passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Biden emphasized that Carter's life was a model of service and shaping the world. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Western allies to send troops to force Russia to peace during a meeting at the US air base Ramstein in Germany, noting that Donald Trump's return to the White House would mark a new chapter. A UN report predicts global economic growth to remain at 2.8% in 2025. Elon Musk supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on his social media platform. Everton Football Club sacked manager Sean Dyche hours before an FA Cup tie.

On January 9, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was freed after being detained during a protest in eastern Caracas. Machado's detention followed her first public appearance in months, prompting her ally, former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, to demand her immediate release, with several governments condemning the incident. Machado was forced to record videos during her detention, according to her Vente Venezuela movement. Government officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, claimed her arrest was a fabrication by the opposition. Both the opposition and the ruling party claim victory in the 2024 presidential election, though detailed vote tallies have not been published. The government, accusing the opposition of plotting, has detained several prominent opposition members. Gonzalez, who met with US President Joe Biden, has vowed to return to Venezuela. Machado urged peaceful protests and called on police and military to support Gonzalez. Around 7,000 protesters gathered in Caracas, with demonstrations occurring nationwide. President Nicolas Maduro, in power since 2013, retains the support of the armed forces.

Venezuelan opposition parties and their supporters are set to hold nationwide protests on Thursday, aiming to pressure President Nicolas Maduro ahead of his third-term inauguration. Both sides dispute last year's presidential election results, with the electoral authority affirming Maduro's victory without releasing detailed tallies. The government accuses the opposition of plotting and threatens to arrest opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez. The opposition claims Gonzalez won decisively, citing vote tallies and garnering international support. Prominent opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from running, will join the protests, urging peaceful demonstrations and seeking police and military backing. Maduro, in power since 2013, enjoys strong support from the military and intelligence services. Heavy military security has been deployed in Caracas, with the ruling party planning a rival march. Gonzalez vows to return but offers no specifics, while Machado faces investigations but no public arrest warrant. The government has released some of the detained protesters.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced during the Ramstein-format contact group on military aid to Ukraine that Germany plans to train an additional 10,000 Ukrainian servicemen this year. To date, over 19,000 Ukrainian troops have already received training in Germany. As the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the United States, Germany has allocated or pledged approximately 28 billion euros. According to its 2025 budget, Germany is expected to provide about four billion euros for military aid to Ukraine this year, though the budget has not yet been approved by the Bundestag.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) in protest of its issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over Israel's campaign in Gaza. The vote, with 243 in favor and 140 against, supported the 'Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,' which sanctions foreigners who investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. citizens or those of allied countries, including Israel. Forty-five Democrats joined 198 Republicans in backing the bill, with no Republican opposition. Representative Brian Mast, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated in a speech that the U.S. is passing this law due to a 'kangaroo court' attempting to arrest Israel's prime minister. The vote highlights strong Republican support for Israel's government, now controlling both chambers of Congress. President-elect Donald Trump, set to be sworn in for a second term on Jan. 20, will see the act swiftly considered in the Senate by Republican majority leader John Thune. The ICC, a permanent court prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression, justified the warrants based on prosecutorial evidence and the need to prevent ongoing crimes. Congressional Republicans have denounced the ICC since it issued warrants for Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 15-month Gaza conflict, allegations Israel denies. The Republican-led House passed a similar act in June, but it was not taken up by the then Democratic-controlled Senate.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia will impose tough measures against Ukraine if the gas transit issues are not resolved, including halting humanitarian aid, reducing support for refugees, and potentially stopping emergency power supplies to Ukraine. Fico also mentioned that Slovakia could use its veto power in the EU on Ukraine-related matters. On Monday, Fico noted that a new round of EU gas consultations scheduled for January 7 was disrupted due to the absence of the Ukrainian delegation. On January 1, transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine was completely halted following Kiev's refusal to extend a previous agreement that allowed for the annual pumping of 40 billion cubic meters. Earlier, Gazprom reported that Kiev's refusal deprived the Russian company of the technical and legal ability to supply fuel via this route. Data from European gas transportation operators confirm that supplies to Austria, Italy, Moldova, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic have been stopped.

Due to an overflow of tourists, the Kyoto City Government plans to raise the accommodation tax from the current 1,000 yen per person per night to a maximum of 10,000 yen. The Japan Kyodo News reported this measure. Kyoto's new fee is the highest among 11 local governments with a fixed tax system. The city is expected to submit a revision bill to the city council next month, which requires the approval of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications to be implemented. Kyoto introduced the accommodation tax in 2018, currently in three tiers; the new tax will be divided into five tiers, with the highest tax applicable to stays over 100,000 yen per night. The plan is to implement the new tax from next spring, with expected revenue exceeding 10 billion yen. Mayor Daisaku Matsumoto stated this move aims to balance tourism and residents' lives.

Recently, multiple European countries have been experiencing severe cold weather. The UK Met Office stated that the UK will continue to be covered in snow and ice in the coming days, with temperatures in Scotland's snowfields dropping to as low as -16 degrees Celsius. Sub-zero temperatures have also been observed in northern France and Germany, while Belgium and the Netherlands have issued orange alerts for snow and ice. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, experienced heavy snowfall on January 9th. Satellite service company Maxar reported that a cold front is sweeping through Northern Europe, with the average temperature in Oslo, the capital of Norway, expected to reach -11.3 degrees Celsius on January 12th.

On January 22, 2024, a portrait of Elon Musk was photographed in Krakow, Poland. On October 25, Musk plans to host a chat with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), on his X social media platform, sparking outrage among European politicians. AfD is currently polling second ahead of the February 23 general elections, advocating for free speech, stricter asylum laws, and other policies. Despite being classified as a 'suspected extremist organization' by German intelligence, Musk has expressed support for the party. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition leader Friedrich Merz criticized Musk, while French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed concerns. Legal experts note that the livestream would be legal if the content is lawful, but it could impact public discourse and elections in Germany. The EU's Digital Services Act requires platforms to assess content risks, and the European Commission will discuss the issue. Some argue that the interview could violate EU election laws.

According to Reuters, US President-elect Donald Trump is serious about his ambition to buy Greenland in order to expand US influence in the Western Hemisphere. Sources indicate that Trump is unlikely to use military force to gain control over the autonomous Danish territory but may apply diplomatic or economic pressure on Denmark. Trump previously mentioned the possibility of buying Greenland in 2019, but the idea was rejected by Denmark. This time, Trump reiterated his desire, with Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede stating, 'We will never be for sale.' Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also emphasized, 'Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.'

Just 10 days before the U.S. ban on TikTok takes effect, businessman Frank McCourt's internet advocacy group, Project Liberty, announced it has submitted a proposal to buy the social media site from Chinese technology company ByteDance. Project Liberty and its partners, known as 'The People's Bid for TikTok,' plan to restructure the app on an American-owned platform, prioritizing users' digital safety. McCourt stated the proposal aims to keep the platform alive for millions of Americans. The group did not disclose financial terms but confirmed ByteDance received the proposal. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the ban, signed by President Joe Biden last April, on Friday. ByteDance has refused to sell TikTok and appealed on First Amendment grounds. On Dec. 6, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the law, citing compelling national security justifications. TikTok claimed in a Dec. 9 court filing that the ban would cost U.S. small businesses and creators $1.3 billion in one month, affecting over 7 million U.S. users. The ban, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, prohibits the app's distribution under Chinese ownership. The People's Bid for TikTok aims to migrate TikTok to an open-source platform, giving users more data control.

A study published in The Lancet on January 9 suggests that the official Palestinian tally of direct deaths in the Israel-Hamas war likely undercounted casualties by 41 per cent. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Yale University, and other institutions used capture-recapture analysis to estimate 64,260 deaths due to traumatic injury from October 2023 to June 2024, 41 per cent higher than the Palestinian Health Ministry's count. The study found that 59.1 per cent of the deceased were women, children, and those over 65. The Palestinian health ministry's capacity for maintaining electronic death records deteriorated under Israeli military operations, which included raids on healthcare facilities. Israel claims efforts to avoid civilian deaths, while Hamas denies using hospitals as cover. The study used multiple data sources to reveal a higher actual death toll than reported.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump made a series of remarks on July 7, suggesting the use of military or economic means to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, advocating for Canada to become part of the U.S., and proposing to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of the United States'. The Panamanian government emphasized that the sovereignty of the canal is non-negotiable, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada could never become part of the U.S. International media and experts strongly reacted, viewing Trump's comments as contrary to international norms and potentially causing turmoil in alliances. The EU and German government both expressed opposition to changing borders by force.

US President-elect Donald Trump stated in a press conference that he would not rule out using military means to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, and threatened to use economic power to force Canada to join the US. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with China's operation of the Panama Canal and demanded Denmark relinquish control of Greenland. His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., visited Greenland, sparking speculation, but claimed it was a private trip. Trump also plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of the United States' and warned Mexico to control illegal immigration. He called for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, criticized President Biden's handling of troop withdrawals and conflicts, and announced that UAE billionaire Hussain Sajwani will invest $20 billion in US data centers.

Los Angeles experienced one of its most devastating days on Tuesday as wildfires ravaged the city. The Pacific Palisades Fire began around 10:30 AM local time, rapidly spreading to over 3,000 acres due to fierce winds. Thick black smoke covered the horizon, with ash falling on cars 20 miles away. The fire remains out of control, joined by three other uncontained fires. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described it as a 'tragic time' with unprecedented winds. Television footage showed multimillion-dollar homes engulfed in flames, with residents comparing the scene to a disaster movie. Fires are burning uncontrollably, overwhelming emergency services and leading to water shortages. Elderly residents were evacuated from a convalescent home in Altadena amid flying embers. This is the worst wildfire situation in 25 years, resulting in two deaths, at least 1,000 buildings destroyed, with forecasts suggesting worse to come.

A wildfire broke out in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles County, California, USA, on the morning of January 7th, rapidly spreading due to strong winds and forcing the evacuation of approximately 30,000 residents. Fire Department Chief Crowley stated that over 25,000 people were threatened by the wildfire, with no reported casualties so far. The evacuation process was chaotic, causing major road traffic to collapse, with some residents abandoning their vehicles and walking through flames. Firefighters cleared firebreaks and firefighting aircraft fetched water from the sea. President Biden has provided federal assistance. The National Weather Service issued the highest-level fire warning, anticipating wind speeds of up to 130 km/h. A separate wildfire in Eaton Canyon, north of Los Angeles, burned 81 hectares of land.

Multiple wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area, fueled by strong winds, resulting in destroyed homes, blocked roadways, and tens of thousands of evacuations. On Tuesday evening, a fire broke out near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly and forcing the evacuation of a senior living center. Another blaze ripped through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for celebrity residences. A third fire in Sylmar, a northern Los Angeles community, prompted evacuations. Santa Ana winds reached 60 to 70 mph, hindering firefighting efforts. The Los Angeles Fire Department called for off-duty firefighters to assist. Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed over 1,400 personnel, while President Joe Biden canceled plans to monitor the situation. By Wednesday morning, over 130,000 residents were affected, and more than 2 million were without power. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

On January 9, the situation in Chad's capital N'Djamena returned to normal following an attempted destabilization. A General Staff spokesman stated that the situation is fully under control and the attempt to destabilize has been foiled. Earlier, reports emerged of shots fired near the presidential palace, with unidentified gunmen attacking the palace, but the assault was quickly suppressed. The Al Arabiya TV channel quoted sources saying that Chadian armed forces repelled an attack by the Boko Haram terrorist group on the presidential palace. Tanks and police units have been deployed to the palace, and residents of the capital are also heading there for a rally in support of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. According to the AFP news agency, shooting also occurred inside the presidential palace, but this information has not been confirmed by other sources.

Chad's government announced that security forces thwarted an attempt to destabilize the country on Wednesday evening, following gunfire near the president's office in the capital N'Djamena and military blockades of surrounding streets. Government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah, in a video from the presidential headquarters, stated the situation was fully under control but provided no specifics. He described it as a minor incident and assured calm had been restored. The event coincided with China Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Chad, which recently ended its defense pact with France. A security source labeled the incident an attempted terrorist attack, with attackers in three vehicles neutralized by the army. Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire. Chad is led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power after his father's assassination in 2021.

On January 9, an attack on the presidential palace in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, resulted in the death of at least 19 people, including 18 militants, as reported by the AFP news agency citing the Chadian government. Earlier, the tchadinfos news outlet reported shots fired near the presidential palace in central N'Djamena. Security officials stated that unidentified gunmen attacked the palace, but the assault was quickly subdued. The Al Arabiya TV channel quoted sources saying that the Chadian armed forces repelled an attack by the Boko Haram terrorist group on the presidential palace. Tanks and police units have been deployed to the palace, and residents of the capital are also heading there for a rally in support of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, arrested in Iran on December 19, has been released and is returning to Rome. Her arrest followed the detention of an Iranian engineer in Milan by Italian authorities on suspicion of supplying drone technology linked to US soldiers' deaths. Held in Tehran's Evin prison, Sala's release was announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who thanked those involved in her return. Sala's partner, Daniele Raineri, said she was emotional and overjoyed. Iran initially cited a violation of its laws for her detention, but US officials suggested it was linked to the arrest of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini in Milan on December 16. Abedini is set to appear in court on January 15. Italy's foreign intelligence chief, Giovanni Caravelli, personally escorted Sala back to Italy.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump requested the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and halt the sentencing in a hush money case involving him, following the New York appellate court's rejection of his request to suspend the sentencing. New York State Supreme Court Judge Merkin had set January 10 for the sentencing in the hush money case. On May 30, 2024, a New York City jury found Trump guilty of violating New York state laws by paying $130,000 in hush money to an adult film actress during the 2016 presidential election. Trump's motion to suspend the sentencing was denied.

On January 8, 2025, Takeshi Ebisawa, a leader of the Japanese organized crime syndicate yakuza, pleaded guilty in a New York federal court to charges of trafficking nuclear materials and conspiring to traffic narcotics and heavy weapons. Prosecutors stated that Ebisawa admitted to conspiring to purchase U.S.-made surface-to-air missiles and other heavy weaponry intended for armed ethnic groups in Myanmar, and to accept large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine as partial payment for the weapons. The 60-year-old Ebisawa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

Ukraine's Telegraf news outlet, citing sources close to Vladimir Zelensky, reported that Zelensky has decided to run for re-election. The information has not been officially confirmed or denied. The report states that with a 52% confidence level, Zelensky still has a chance to win the presidential election, provided former Ukrainian army chief Valery Zaluzhny does not run. Zaluzhny has not yet made a final decision on his political future. Zelensky's presidential term expires on May 20, 2024, and parliamentary and presidential elections have not been held in the country due to martial law.

On January 8, 2025, Ann Altman, the sister of ChatGPT creator Sam Altman, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleging that Sam Altman sexually abused her between 1997 and 2006. The lawsuit claims the abuse began when she was three and Sam Altman was 12. Sam Altman, who is the CEO of OpenAI, denied the allegations in a joint statement with his mother and two brothers, stating that all claims are untrue and highlighting the difficulty of caring for a family member with mental health issues. Ann Altman alleges that her brother groomed and manipulated her, causing severe physical injuries and emotional distress, resulting in significant medical expenses. Sam Altman noted that he provides monthly financial support to his sister but emphasized the immense pain this situation causes to their family. The lawsuit states that the last instance of alleged abuse occurred when Sam Altman was an adult and Ann Altman was still a minor. Ann Altman has previously made similar allegations on social media platforms.

On New Year's Day, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver. On January 7, officials revealed that the suspect used ChatGPT to plan the blast. The deceased was identified as Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty soldier from Colorado Springs. Authorities stated this was the first incident in the U.S. where ChatGPT was used to build an explosive device. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department noted clear evidence of the suspect using ChatGPT to aid in his attack plan. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, said their models are designed to refuse harmful instructions. The FBI indicated that the suspect had no animosity towards President-elect Donald Trump and likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

On January 8th local time, Poland's Consulate General in St. Petersburg officially closed. The Polish and EU flags were lowered, and the sign at the entrance of the consulate building was removed. In early December last year, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that in response to the Polish government's closure of the Russian Consulate General in Poznan and the expulsion of Russian diplomats, Russia decided to close the Polish Consulate General in St. Petersburg from January 10, 2025. This incident reflects the tense diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Polish government has not yet made an official response. The closure of the consulate will affect related consular services.

A former senior UK Special Forces officer testified in a public inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan that the SAS had a 'golden pass' allowing them to get away with murder. The accusation was published by the Afghanistan Inquiry on January 8, 2025, focusing on night raids by UKSF between 2010 and 2013. The officer, a former operations chief of staff for the SBS, raised concerns in 2011 about the SAS carrying out executions and covering them up. The inquiry revealed doubts about the SAS's pursuit of kill counts in Afghanistan. A junior SBS officer testified that the SAS killed civilians, including children. In February 2011, Afghan special forces temporarily withdrew support due to alleged unlawful killings by the SAS.

The Nigerian military announced on Wednesday that its troops had killed 34 Islamist militants in a gun battle in northeastern Borno state, with six soldiers also losing their lives. The clash occurred on Saturday in Sabon Gari village when militants ambushed troops returning to a military base, according to military spokesman Major-General Edward Buba. The militants, belonging to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), were riding motorcycles and trucks mounted with guns. The troops, supported by the Civilian Joint Taskforce militia and vigilante groups, successfully repelled the attack. Nigeria has been battling a 16-year-long Islamist insurgency in its northeast, primarily driven by Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP, leading to significant human and economic losses, including mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Buba stated that six soldiers were killed in the operation, and a vigilante commander was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). The Nigerian Air Force also conducted airstrikes on the fleeing insurgents, resulting in additional casualties beyond the 34 killed in the gun battle.

On January 8, Italy's alpine rescue service reported the discovery of a body believed to be one of two missing British men in the Dolomites. Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, were last heard from on January 1 and failed to return as scheduled on January 6. The rescue team found their backpacks and equipment. Video evidence showed they planned to travel light. The search for the other man continues with the aid of dog units, and family members are being supported psychologically.

Hundreds of US veterans and current and former officials have signed a letter urging President-elect Donald Trump to preserve special visa and resettlement programs for Afghans at risk of retribution for working with the US during the 20-year war against the Taliban. The letter, organized by #AfghanEvac, has garnered over 380 signatures, including that of Jack McCain, son of the late Senator John McCain. It calls for continued funding for the resettlement of at-risk Afghans and their families and for an additional 50,000 Special Immigration Visas (SIVs), as the current cap is nearing exhaustion. The Trump transition team has not yet responded. Shawn VanDiver of #AfghanEvac expressed concerns that Trump might curtail these programs. Since the Taliban seized Kabul in August 2021, over 183,000 at-risk Afghans and family members have been resettled in the US. Currently, more than 20,000 SIV applications are being processed, with about 40% of completed applications rejected.

Federal Reserve officials expressed concerns about inflation and the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump's policies during their December meeting, indicating a slower pace of interest rate cuts due to uncertainty, according to minutes released Wednesday. The meeting summary mentioned the effects of potential changes in immigration and trade policy on the U.S. economy at least four times. Since Trump's November election victory, he has signaled plans for aggressive tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, along with deregulation and mass deportations. The Fed lowered its benchmark rate to 4.25%-4.5% but reduced the expected number of rate cuts in 2025 from four to two. Market expectations suggest only one or two more cuts this year, with a nearly 100% chance of no change at the Jan. 28-29 meeting. Officials noted increased inflation risks and the need for cautious decision-making. Fed Chair Jerome Powell likened the situation to navigating in uncertainty, emphasizing the need to slow policy easing.

On Tuesday, a windstorm rapidly transformed a typical brush fire into a fierce wildfire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, prompting the evacuation of 30,000 people. The blaze quickly expanded from 10 acres to several thousand, causing residents to abandon their cars and flee. The main evacuation route, the Pacific Coast Highway, became gridlocked. Eyewitnesses described scenes resembling a Hollywood disaster movie, with flames approaching vehicles and people screaming. Celebrities like James Woods were among those forced to evacuate. Firefighters and residents struggled to cope, with some people getting trapped. The fire also spread to nearby Topanga Canyon and Venice Beach.

Canadian Opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to prevent Canada from joining the US and ensure the security of its borders, including the Arctic, if he wins the election. He stated that Canada will never be the 51st state and pledged to rebuild the military and regain control of the border. Poilievre accused current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of failing to convey these points to Americans. Trudeau announced on January 6 that he would resign as leader of the ruling Liberal Party and as prime minister after a new leader is elected. The Canadian election is scheduled for October but may be held earlier due to Trudeau's resignation. Polls show Trudeau's approval rating at 17.4%, while Poilievre's is at 40%, making him a strong contender for the next prime minister.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. His remains arrived in Washington on Tuesday to lie in state at the Capitol. Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Mike Johnson paid tribute to Carter in the Capitol Rotunda. Carter will be transported to Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral on Thursday morning, where President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy. Other living former presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump, are expected to attend. After the funeral, Carter will be flown back to Georgia for a private service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. He will be buried near the home he built with his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

On December 22, 2024, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Fico announced in a Facebook video at the start of 2025 that he had secured Slovakia's domestic gas supply after Ukraine halted the transit of Russian gas. Slovakia has been receiving gas via Hungary, which gets Russian gas through the Turk Stream. Fico stated that the halt cost Slovakia 500 million euros in transit fees and 1 billion euros due to higher gas prices. He accused Kyiv of harming Slovakia by not extending the transit deal and threatened to cut electricity to Ukraine and reduce refugee aid. Fico is set to meet European Commission officials in Brussels to discuss the gas transit halt. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Fico of opening a 'second energy front' against Ukraine at Russia's behest.

At least 19 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Gaza overnight. A mother and her four children died when a tent camp in al-Mawasi was hit, and another family perished in the nearby city of Khan Younis. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas fighters involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Deadly strikes were also reported in central and northern Gaza, with a total of 51 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. In Gaza City, at least six bodies, including a baby, were recovered from two houses. Three people were killed in Deir al-Balah, and an infant died in the Bureij refugee camp. Gaza's health ministry urgently appealed for fuel to keep hospital generators running, warning of imminent failure. Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks in Qatar showed progress, with US President-elect Donald Trump's envoy, Stephen Witkoff, set to join negotiations. Trump reiterated his threat of severe consequences if Hamas does not release 100 hostages before his January 20 inauguration. Over 45,930 people have been killed in Gaza since the October 7 attack.

On January 8, Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 22 Palestinians. An airstrike in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City killed at least 10 people in a multi-storey house, while another in the nearby Zeitoun suburb killed five. In Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are sheltering, an Israeli airstrike killed three others. In Jabalia, an airstrike killed four people. On January 7, Israeli strikes killed at least 24 Palestinians, including women and children. The US, Qatar, and Egypt are intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire, but differences remain. Hamas demands Israel end the war and withdraw troops to release remaining hostages, while Israel insists on Hamas's dismantling and the release of all hostages. Nearly 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.

Ukraine's military announced on Wednesday that they conducted an overnight strike on the 'Kristal' oil depot in the Russian city of Engels, which supplies fuel to the 'Engels-2' military airfield where Russia's strategic bomber fleet is based. The attack resulted in multiple explosions and a significant fire at the depot. The Ukrainian military stated that the strike causes serious logistical issues for the strategic aviation of the Russian occupiers and significantly reduces their ability to target peaceful Ukrainian cities and civilian objects. Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksandr Kamyshin noted that the military utilized Ukrainian-made long-range capabilities in the attack. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian local authorities reported that a Ukrainian drone attack caused a major fire at an industrial site in the Saratov region.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen's office announced on Wednesday that Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg will take over as interim chancellor from Karl Nehammer, who resigned following the collapse of centrist coalition talks last weekend. On Monday, Van der Bellen tasked the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), which secured roughly 29% of the vote in September's parliamentary election, with forming a coalition government after failed three- and two-party talks. The current conservative-led government is operating in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. Schallenberg, who previously served as chancellor for two months in 2021, will assume the role on Friday at 11 a.m. (1000 GMT). FPO leader Herbert Kickl confirmed on Tuesday evening that he had invited Christian Stocker, the interim leader of the conservative People's Party (OVP), to coalition talks. Stocker is scheduled to make a statement to the media at 2 p.m.

On December 4, 2024, Ann Altman, the sister of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleging that her brother sexually abused her between 1997 and 2006. The lawsuit claims the abuse occurred at their family home in Clayton, Missouri, starting when Ann was three and Sam was 12. The filing details the abusive acts and states that Ann has suffered severe emotional distress as a result. Ann has previously made public allegations on social media but this is her first legal action. Sam Altman and his family issued a joint statement denying the allegations, citing Ann's mental health challenges. Sam Altman has gained international fame since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, with the company valued at $157 billion. Additionally, he faces a lawsuit from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for breach of contract and fiduciary duty.

Ann Altman, sister of Sam Altman, filed a lawsuit in a US federal court accusing the OpenAI CEO of sexually abusing and manipulating her for nearly a decade during their upbringing in Missouri from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. The January 6 lawsuit alleges the abuse began when she was three and the last instance occurred while she was still a minor. Ann Altman had previously made similar claims on social media. On January 7, Sam Altman posted a statement on X on behalf of himself, his mother, and brothers, denying the claims as 'utterly untrue.' Sam Altman, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, gained global recognition with the success of OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot. Bloomberg News estimated his net worth at over $2 billion in 2024. He has repeatedly stated he does not own equity in OpenAI. Under Missouri law, plaintiffs can file claims for childhood sexual abuse until age 31. Ann Altman is suing for damages, citing severe emotional distress and significant medical expenses related to her mental health treatment.

On December 25, 2024, Israeli soldiers observed the situation in Syria from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Amid growing concerns over legal risks faced by reservists abroad for alleged war crimes in Gaza, the Israeli military imposed new restrictions on media interviews with active-duty soldiers. This move followed an incident where an Israeli reservist vacationing in Brazil was forced to leave after being accused of war crimes in Gaza. The new rules require that media not display the full names or faces of soldiers ranked colonel and below, similar to existing rules for pilots and special forces. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated that the guidelines aim to protect soldiers from anti-Israel activists. He noted that soldiers are already prohibited from posting war zone content on social media and that there are long-standing rules for soldiers traveling abroad. In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri over alleged war crimes in Gaza, sparking outrage in Israel. Shoshani mentioned a handful of cases where reservists abroad were targeted, all initiated by activist groups pushing for investigations.

On January 8, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to France, stated at a press conference in Paris that President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about controlling Greenland 'will not happen.' Blinken deemed the comments 'clearly not a good idea' and emphasized that 'it clearly will not happen,' suggesting that time should not be wasted discussing it. Previously, Trump had said at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, that he would not rule out using 'military or economic coercion' to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland for U.S. 'economic security needs.' Greenland, the world's largest island, is an autonomous territory of Denmark with extensive self-governance, while defense and foreign affairs are managed by the Danish government. The island is rich in rare earth resources.

On January 7, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, declined to rule out using the U.S. military to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, citing their importance to U.S. economic security. Trump criticized China's activities in both regions and announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America.' Since winning the November election, Trump has repeatedly discussed annexing territories, particularly the Panama Canal. He also considered using economic pressure, not military force, to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford opposed the idea, while Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede stated that Greenland is not for sale.

On January 7, 2025, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Shigatse city in Tibet, China, with a depth of 10 kilometers. According to Chinese state media, the quake has resulted in at least 95 deaths and 130 injuries. Tremors were felt in neighboring Nepal and parts of India. Shigatse, considered one of Tibet's holiest cities, saw significant destruction of houses, with rescue efforts underway. Temperatures dropped to -18°C, disrupting power and water supplies. Jiang Haikun, a researcher at the China Earthquake Networks Center, stated the likelihood of another major quake is low. President Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue efforts to minimize casualties. Nepal reported only minor damages.

On January 7, 2025, at 9:05 AM, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tingri County in Shigatse City, Tibet, China, with the epicenter located in CuoGuo Township. Within a 20-kilometer radius of the epicenter, there are three township (town, street) seats and 27 villages, with a population of approximately 6,900 people. As of 3 PM, the earthquake had resulted in 95 fatalities and 130 injuries. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to China through the Kremlin's official website, stating that Russia shares the grief of those affected and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

On January 7, 2025, at around 9 a.m., a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others, according to state media. The earthquake caused significant damage to homes near the epicenter, trapping some residents. Deputy Mayor Liu Huazhong reported that over 3,400 rescue personnel were dispatched, and emergency supplies were allocated. The tremors were also felt in Kathmandu, Nepal, 250 miles away, but no damage was reported there. The region, located in the Himalayan fault zone, is prone to frequent earthquakes.

On June 6, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in Ottawa that he will resign after the Liberal Party selects a new leader. Trudeau has been in power for nearly a decade, with the Liberal Party's support rate now trailing the Conservative Party by over 20 percentage points. Public opinion is concerned that his resignation will exacerbate economic uncertainty. Trudeau faced several controversies during his tenure,被认为未能有效解决生活成本上升等问题. The new leader is expected to be chosen by late March, with Parliament able to initiate a no-confidence motion earliest in May. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals, while Trump's tariff threats are seen as Canada's primary crisis.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation due to declining support within his party and the country. Trudeau plans to remain in office until a new party leader is chosen, following Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation last month. Trudeau's unpopularity stems from rising food and housing costs and immigration issues. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose high tariffs on Canadian goods, risking a trade war. The Liberal Party must select a new leader before Parliament resumes on March 24 to avoid a no-confidence vote and potential early elections. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and Freeland are seen as potential successors. Recent polls show the Liberals significantly trailing the opposition Conservatives.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on January 6 that he will resign as the leader of the Liberal Party and as prime minister once the party selects its next leader. Trudeau also requested Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, to avoid a vote of no confidence planned by the opposition for late January. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Trudeau has been a steadfast friend of the United States, and Washington will support the Canadian people in electing a new leader. Trudeau's resignation plan has sparked domestic political attention, with the prorogation measure aimed at stabilizing the current political situation.

French far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 96. Le Pen founded the National Front in 1972 and ran for president multiple times, notably reaching the second round in 2002, sparking nationwide protests. His daughter, Marine Le Pen, took over as party leader in 2011 and expelled him in 2015. His political career was marked by controversy and multiple convictions for extremist remarks. He was a seminal figure in French far-right politics, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's political landscape.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France's far-right National Front, died on Tuesday at the age of 96. Known for his fiery anti-immigration and anti-multiculturalism rhetoric, Le Pen was convicted multiple times for antisemitism and inciting racial violence. Despite being politically ostracized, his nativist ideas remain influential in France and Europe. His daughter, Marine Le Pen, took over and rebranded the party as the National Rally. French President Emmanuel Macron offered condolences. At the time of his death, Marine was in the French territory of Mayotte inspecting cyclone damage and is considered a potential contender for the 2027 presidential election.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the former leader of France's far-right National Front party, died at the age of 96 on Tuesday. He had previously been hospitalized due to suspected heart issues. The Elysee Palace issued a statement expressing condolences and noting that history would judge his role in the country's life. According to reports, Le Pen passed away at a medical facility in Garches, near Paris, surrounded by his family. He had been hospitalized there for several weeks. Le Pen, known for his right-wing views, ran for president five times. In 2011, he handed over the party leadership to his daughter Marine Le Pen and was expelled from the party in 2015. In 2018, the National Front was renamed the National Rally. Despite his mandate as a member of the European Parliament expiring in 2019, Le Pen frequently appeared in the media, commenting on current events in France.

South Korea's anti-corruption agency received a new court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a previous attempt blocked by the presidential security service. Yoon faces rebellion allegations over his short-lived martial law decree on December 3. Last week, 150 investigators tried to detain Yoon but retreated after a standoff. Detention warrants typically last seven days but can be extended to around 10 days. If detained, the agency may seek formal arrest. The Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon's impeachment.

On January 7, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump warned Hamas at a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, that 'all hell will break out in the Middle East' if it does not release the hostages held in Gaza by his inauguration on January 20. Trump emphasized that this would be detrimental to Hamas and everyone involved, stating the need to retrieve the hostages for Israel and the U.S. Approximately 100 hostages are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, with some presumed dead. Hamas released a list of 34 hostages it is willing to release in the first stage of a potential ceasefire with Israel. Trump's designated envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, reported progress in negotiations in Doha, Qatar, and expressed hope for positive announcements by the inauguration. Israel insists the war will continue until the hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.

Recently, scenes of crowded hospitals in Beijing with masked individuals have raised concerns about another pandemic. Beijing has confirmed a significant increase in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV), particularly among children. Public health experts note that HMPV has been present for decades, with nearly every child being infected by age five. However, it can cause severe illness in very young children and those with weakened immune systems. HMPV spreads through direct contact and presents symptoms similar to the flu. Many northern hemisphere countries, including China, have seen a rise in HMPV cases, attributed to seasonal fluctuations. Experts reassure that HMPV is not likely to cause a pandemic like Covid-19, but advise standard precautions such as mask-wearing and hand hygiene.

On January 7, 2025, two British men, Aziz Ziriat and Samuel Harris, went missing while hiking in the Dolomites, Italy. Their last contact was on January 1, and they failed to return as planned. Local rescue teams, including Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza, and the fire brigade, are actively searching, but recent snowfall has hindered progress. Rebecca Dimmock, Ziriat's girlfriend, described them as experienced hikers who planned a New Year's hike. Friends and family have traveled to Italy to assist in the search and have posted appeals on social media.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on the 6th his resignation as the leader of the Liberal Party, stating he will step down as Prime Minister once a new leader is elected. His successor will automatically become Prime Minister until the next general election. Potential contenders include former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, current Finance Minister Bill Morneau, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, and current Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. Freeland resigned last month due to policy differences with Trudeau and played a key role in NAFTA negotiations. Morneau, a close friend of Trudeau, has significant party support. Carney, favored by Trudeau's team, excels in economic and climate policies. Joly is known for her pragmatic diplomatic style. Polls indicate Freeland is the most popular candidate, but Morneau has strong support within the party.

Despite declarations by European allies to reduce dependence on Russian energy, they are actually purchasing record amounts of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). Bloomberg reports that European states are buying more Russian LNG than ever before, surpassing the volumes previously shipped through the pipeline via Ukraine. This week, the European Commission acknowledged that EU gas storage facilities are depleting at a faster rate than last year. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that natural gas prices in the European market have risen by 20% since Ukraine announced the halt of Russian gas transit last month. While European nations aim to undermine Russia's economic influence, their contradictory actions on energy may backfire.

On January 7, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump made a series of attention-grabbing remarks during a press conference at his Florida resort. Trump suggested that the U.S. should expand its territory by acquiring Greenland and retaking control of the Panama Canal, not ruling out military or economic means. He referred to the border with Canada as an “artificially drawn line” and proposed that Canada should surrender its sovereignty to become part of the U.S. Additionally, Trump criticized the Panamanian government for overcharging U.S. cargo ships, labeled Mexico as a “very dangerous place,” and suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. He also questioned Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland. On economic matters, Trump painted a grim picture despite strong economic indicators. He also pledged to pardon many supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and criticized the Biden administration's energy-saving policies, claiming wind turbines are causing whales to kill themselves.

President-elect Donald Trump stated he would not rule out using military force to control the Panama Canal and Greenland, deeming them vital to U.S. national security. Speaking two weeks before his inauguration, with his son Donald Trump Jr. in Greenland, Trump's stance deviates from decades of U.S. policy favoring self-determination over territorial expansion. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a significant U.S. military base, drew skepticism from Trump regarding Denmark's claim. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed disbelief that the U.S. would use force to control Greenland. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha reiterated the non-negotiable sovereignty of the Panama Canal. Trump also suggested Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, facing strong opposition from Canadian leaders. Additionally, Trump criticized President Joe Biden's ban on offshore drilling, vowing to reverse it upon taking office.

On January 7, a wildfire burned approximately 200 acres in an upscale area of Los Angeles, threatening homes and forcing evacuations. The fire occurred in the Pacific Palisades region between Santa Monica and Malibu, prompting the Los Angeles Fire Department to issue a mandatory evacuation order. Huge plumes of smoke were visible as flames approached nearby residences, fueled by Santa Ana winds. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection issued an urgent evacuation notice. Some evacuees walked away, while others were stuck in traffic. The National Weather Service had previously issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions, predicting wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ordered emergency measures to prepare for potential power outages. Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott warned against complacency due to cool winter weather, citing 'explosive wildfire behavior'.

A strong earthquake struck a high-altitude region of western China and parts of Nepal on Tuesday, killing at least 95 people in Tibet and damaging hundreds of houses. Many were trapped as dozens of aftershocks hit the remote area. Rescue workers searched for survivors in heavily damaged villages. CCTV reported at least 130 injuries in the earthquake-hit area in Tibet. Over 1,000 homes were damaged. Northeastern Nepal felt the quake strongly, but no initial injuries were reported. The epicenter was in Tibet's Tingri county, a seismically active area. Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue efforts, and over 3,000 rescuers were deployed. The government allocated 100 million yuan for disaster relief.

After aiding Donald Trump's re-election campaign, Elon Musk has turned his focus to Europe, endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), demanding the release of UK anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson, and calling British Prime Minister Keir Starmer an 'evil tyrant.' Musk's social network X is rife with abusive language and retweets from far-right and anti-immigrant accounts. Experts say he is using the platform to propagate his political views. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern over Musk's involvement, emphasizing that Germany's future will be decided by its voters. French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis also voiced concerns about Musk's actions. Musk has accused Starmer of failing to prosecute child sexual abuse cases during his tenure as a prosecutor. The EU is investigating whether Musk's live chat with AfD leader Alice Weidel gives undue preference to the party during an election period. Musk's outspokenness has raised concerns among Tesla investors, with the company's European sales declining.

The Korean High Public Officials Crime Investigation Division announced on Tuesday that the court has issued a new arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, following the expiration of the previous warrant on January 6. The division did not disclose the validity period of the new warrant. Yoon's lawyer's request to revoke the warrant was rejected by the court. The Constitutional Court is scheduled to begin Yoon's impeachment trial on January 14, with his attendance still uncertain. The court has up to 180 days to decide whether to remove his presidential powers. Yoon was impeached after declaring martial law in December, and attempts by the investigation division and police to arrest him last week failed. His supporters are camping outside his private residence. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken met with Acting President Choi Sang-moo, expressing confidence in South Korea's ability to overcome the crisis.

Nearly 44 years after leaving office, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter returned to Washington for a three-day state funeral starting Tuesday. His remains, previously lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, were flown to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland accompanied by his family. A motorcade then transported the casket to the Capitol, where members of Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris, cabinet members, and three Supreme Court justices paid their respects. Harris and others delivered eulogies highlighting Carter's faith, military service, and dedication to public service. Carter's body will lie in state at the Capitol on Tuesday night and Wednesday, with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, where President Joe Biden will speak. The ceremonies included military honors and patriotic hymns, reflecting Carter's life and legacy.

On January 7, the body of former US President Jimmy Carter arrived in Washington to begin three days of official mourning. Carter's casket was transported from Air Force One to a hearse and was scheduled to be taken to the US Navy Memorial, where it would be transferred to a horse-drawn caisson for a procession to the Capitol. The state funeral for the 39th US president coincides with preparations for Republican President-elect Donald Trump to succeed Democratic President Joe Biden, with heightened security in Washington. Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, died on December 29 at the age of 100. Members of Congress will pay their respects at a 4:30 pm service in the Capitol Rotunda on January 7, with public viewing from 6 pm until midnight. On January 8, public viewing resumes at 7 am, and Carter will lie in state in the Rotunda for 24 hours before being taken to the Washington National Cathedral. Both Biden and Trump are expected to attend the funeral service on January 9, with Biden delivering the eulogy. Carter's remains will be flown back to Georgia and interred in his hometown of Plains later that day.

Las Vegas police said Tuesday that a decorated soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, who exploded a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel, used generative AI including ChatGPT to plan the attack. The 37-year-old Livelsberger fatally shot himself, and officials said he did not intend to harm others. Investigations revealed he searched for information on explosive targets via ChatGPT. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department called the use of AI a “game-changer.” The vehicle contained 60 pounds of pyrotechnic material and 70 pounds of birdshot, but the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear. Livelsberger had considered targeting the Grand Canyon's glass skywalk in Arizona but changed his plans. The explosion injured seven people lightly and caused minimal damage to the Trump International Hotel. His notes mentioned political and societal grievances, calling the explosion a “wake-up call” for the nation's troubles.

On January 7, CCTV reporters learned that the Las Vegas Police in the United States stated that 37-year-old suspect Matthew Livelsberger used AI tools including ChatGPT to plan the January 1 explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel. Livelsberger committed suicide before the explosion. Police investigations of his laptop, phone, and watch revealed that he had searched for explosion target information and specific ammunition speeds on ChatGPT. In his suicide note, he mentioned political dissatisfaction, social issues, and the international situation, writing that the U.S. is in a 'critically ill state on the brink of collapse.' The investigation showed that he had no hostility towards President-elect Trump.

A 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a double-decker bus in Woolwich, south-east London. The incident occurred around 14:30 GMT on the 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street. Despite the rapid response from the London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance, the teenager died at the scene. No arrests have been made, and a police cordon and road closures remain in place. This is the second fatal stabbing of a teenager in Woolwich in three months. Last year, 11 teenage boys were killed in London, the lowest number since 2012, but many are calling for more action. Local MP Matthew Pennycook and the CEO of Project Lifeline expressed grief and urged for solutions. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan vowed to work closely with police and increase patrols in the area.

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a $20 billion foreign investment to build new data centers across the United States. Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, a Trump associate and founder of DAMAC Properties, pledged at least that amount, with Trump suggesting the investment could double or more. The first phase of the plan will be implemented in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. Sajwani attributed his commitment to Trump's election victory. This follows Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son's announcement of a $100 billion investment in the U.S. to create 100,000 jobs over Trump's term. Trump, set to take office on January 20, has been offering incentives like expedited permits to attract foreign investments of $1 billion or more.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued six major landlords on Tuesday for alleged anticompetitive practices in housing rental markets, expanding its first case alleging algorithmic collusion. In August, the DOJ and a coalition of states sued in North Carolina, accusing property management software company RealPage of enabling landlords to collude by sharing pricing information through its software, which then recommends rent prices. RealPage has denied the allegations and is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit. The amended lawsuit also accuses Cushman & Wakefield, Greystar Real Estate Partners, Blackstone's LivCor, Camden Property Trust, Cushman's Pinnacle Property Management Services, and Willow Bridge Property Co. of using RealPage to unlawfully share non-public rental pricing information. The landlords also shared pricing strategies with competitors via calls and user groups hosted by RealPage, according to the DOJ. A spokesperson for Cushman stated that Pinnacle is solely a property manager and does not own properties or set pricing. Greystar denied engaging in anti-competitive practices and vowed to defend against the claims. Cortland Management has agreed to settle the claims. The lawsuit alleges that the coordination likely harmed renters in local housing markets in Illinois, Massachusetts, and several other states.

The U.S. Justice Department is suing several large landlords for allegedly using an algorithm to set rents and sharing sensitive information with competitors to keep rents high. This lawsuit comes as U.S. renters struggle under a harsh housing market, with half of renters spending over 30% of their income on rent and utilities in 2022, an all-time high. This leads to difficult daily choices between essentials and rent, resulting in eviction notices and lengthy court cases, with 1.5 million children evicted annually, according to Princeton University's Eviction Lab. While multiple factors contribute to the housing crisis, the Justice Department claims major landlords are partly responsible. Along with 10 states, the department accuses six landlords operating over 1.3 million units in 43 states and D.C. of conspiring to avoid lowering rents. Defendant Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC declined to comment but vowed to defend itself. The lawsuit alleges landlords shared sensitive data on rents and occupancy via various means. One landlord agreed to cooperate, with a proposed settlement restricting data and algorithm use. Acting Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki stated the action aims to end profit-over-people practices and make housing more affordable. These landlords were added to an existing lawsuit against RealPage, whose algorithm recommends rental prices using competitive data. RealPage's Jennifer Bowcock argued their software is used in less than 10% of U.S. rental units and price recommendations are followed less than half the time, urging an end to blaming RealPage and its customers for housing affordability issues.

On January 7, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, that he would not rule out the possibility of seizing control of the Panama Canal and Greenland through military or economic coercion, citing the need for U.S. economic security. Trump emphasized that this option has not been excluded. The statement has drawn international attention, with the involved countries yet to issue formal responses.

Russia claims that its forces have captured the front-line town of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. The town, which has been a focal point of Russian advances in recent months, serves as a crucial stepping-stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Ukraine has not acknowledged the fall of Kurakhove, located 35km south of Pokrovsk. Intense fighting has also been ongoing in Russia's Kursk region following a Ukrainian counter-attack on Sunday. An unverified image from social media, provided by Reuters, appears to show a soldier holding a Russian flag in Kurakhove. Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces, told Reuters that Ukrainian forces were still engaging Russian troops inside Kurakhove as of Monday morning. Kurakhove is connected to Pokrovsk by roads that are vital for moving troops and supplies along the front line. Analyst Roman Pohorily noted that capturing Kurakhove would allow Russian forces to attack Pokrovsk from a new northern direction. Russia's defense ministry also claimed on Monday that it had captured the village of Dachenske, about 8km south of Pokrovsk. Kyiv's forces have reportedly been suffering from manpower shortages and have been losing ground in eastern Ukraine as Russian troops advance.

Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPö), topped last September's election with only 29% of the vote, despite efforts by centrist politicians to keep him out of power. Kickl is now poised to become chancellor. While the FPö has previously been in government as a junior partner, this time Kickl is likely to secure the top position. His calls for a 'Fortress Austria' free of asylum-seekers and his rhetoric with Nazi overtones spell bad news for the country. This development also consolidates a worrying trend of Russia-sympathizers gaining power across central Europe.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rejected a suggestion by US President-elect Donald Trump on January 7 that he could use 'economic force' to make Canada merge with the US. Trudeau stated there is 'not a snowball's chance in hell' that Canada would become part of the United States. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also emphasized that Canada will 'never back down' in the face of threats. Trump made this proposal during a news conference on January 7 and threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Canadian officials are preparing to retaliate in what could become a trade war.

US President-elect Donald Trump previously stated that many Canadians are allegedly in favor of their country becoming the 51st US state. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau firmly denied the possibility, writing on X: 'There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.' He emphasized that workers and communities in both countries benefit from being each other's largest trading and security partners. Trump had claimed that unification would bring economic stability to Canada and protect it from external threats, specifically mentioning Russian and Chinese ships.

On January 7th, the inauguration of the President of Ghana took place at Independence Square in the capital city of Accra. Elected President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office. Heads of state from Kenya, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and over 40 diplomatic delegations, as well as representatives from various international and regional organizations, attended the ceremony. On December 7, 2024, Ghana held presidential and parliamentary elections, with over 18 million voters casting their ballots to elect the president and 276 members of parliament. On December 9, the Ghana Electoral Commission announced Mahama's victory. Born in 1958, Mahama previously served as President from July 2012 to January 2017.

The World Health Organization stated that the first fatal H5N1 avian flu case reported in the US poses a low public health risk. The patient, over 65 with underlying health conditions, contracted the virus from backyard chickens and wild birds. Nearly 70 cases have been reported in the US since April last year, mostly among farm workers. No signs of human-to-human transmission have been detected. Experts advise caution when in contact with poultry.

New York appeals court Judge Ellen Gesmer swiftly rejected President-elect Donald Trump's second attempt to delay sentencing in his hush money case on Tuesday. Gesmer's ruling keeps Trump's sentencing scheduled for Friday, though he can still seek intervention from other courts. Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued that as president-elect, Trump enjoys the same immunity from criminal proceedings as a sitting president. Trial Judge Juan M. Merchan had already denied Trump's first attempt to delay sentencing on Monday. Prosecutor Steven Wu noted that Trump can appear virtually for sentencing and that Merchan plans to impose no jail time, fine, or probation for Trump's 34 felony counts. Trump was convicted last May for allegedly hiding a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, with the sentencing initially set for July 11 but postponed multiple times.

On the afternoon of January 7th, a shooting incident occurred in Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. Around 5:45 PM local time, a masked gunman entered a local company and opened fire, killing two men and seriously injuring another. The police have launched a manhunt, and the gunman is currently at large. The incident poses no danger to other civilians.

The United States faced a severe cold wave on Tuesday, following the first significant winter storm of the year that brought ice, snow, and strong winds across a vast area. The storm system caused disruptions in typically mild southern regions, downing trees, threatening a freeze in Florida, and prompting residents in Dallas to wear heavy winter gear. Wind chill temperatures were expected to drop as low as minus 10.5°C from Texas to the Gulf Coast. A low-pressure system could bring snow to parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana starting Wednesday. The polar vortex kept much of the country east of the Rockies in frigid conditions, leading to treacherous roads, school closures, widespread power outages, and flight cancellations. The National Guard in Indiana assisted stranded motorists, and a truck stop in Kentucky was crowded with trucks forced off icy roads. Numerous traffic accidents and flight disruptions were reported nationwide, with widespread school closures and over 218,000 customers without power across several states. A temporary water system malfunction occurred in Virginia’s capital due to power outages.

The White House announced that US Vice-President Kamala Harris will travel to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia from January 13 to 17. This trip is likely to be her last as vice-president before leaving office on January 20, with stops in Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany. On January 15, Harris will meet with leaders and visit Changi Naval Base in Singapore. The following day, she will meet with leaders in Manama, Bahrain, and visit Naval Support Activity–Bahrain, the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command and the US 5th Fleet. On January 16, Harris will be in Spangdahlem, Germany, to visit the US Air Force 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base. Throughout her trip, she will discuss the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration over the past four years, US partnerships with respective nations, the contributions of US military forces to regional and global security, and enduring US national security interests, and will engage with US servicemembers.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch of the country's newest intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6. The missile, fired from a launching ground in a suburb of Pyongyang, traveled 1,500 kilometers, reaching a peak altitude of 99.8 kilometers and a second peak of 42.5 kilometers, at a speed of twelve times the speed of sound, accurately hitting a simulated target in the open sea. Kim Jong Un stated that the test demonstrated North Korea's active development of new-type weapon systems to counter current security threats from hostile forces. He emphasized that this is a self-defense plan, not an offensive action, aimed at enhancing the country's nuclear deterrent. The new missile can penetrate any global air defense system and poses a reliable deterrent to potential rivals in the Pacific region. The missile's engine body uses a new carbon fiber composite, and the flight and guidance control system incorporates comprehensive and effective technologies.

North Korea announced on Tuesday that its latest weapons test involved a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to strike remote targets in the Pacific, as leader Kim Jong Un vowed to expand his nuclear arsenal to counter rival nations. South Korea's military had detected a North Korean missile launch the previous day, which flew 1,100 kilometers before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. This launch occurred weeks before Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency, following a year of intense weapons testing by North Korea. Last year, North Korea demonstrated various weapons systems capable of targeting its neighbors and the U.S., including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles. There are concerns that its military capabilities could further advance through technology transfers from Russia, as the two countries align over the war in Ukraine. North Korea has been testing various intermediate-range missiles in recent years, which could potentially reach the U.S. military hub of Guam. Recently, North Korea has been testing these missiles with purported hypersonic warheads to enhance their survivability. Since 2021, North Korea has been testing hypersonic weapons designed to fly at over five times the speed of sound. North Korean state media reported that Kim supervised Monday's launch, with the missile traveling 1,500 kilometers and reaching speeds of 12 times the speed of sound before accurately hitting a sea target. Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the South Korean military believes North Korea exaggerated the missile's capabilities. The test was likely a follow-up to another hypersonic missile test in April. Kim described the missile as a crucial achievement in bolstering North Korea's nuclear deterrence. The launch coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul for talks on the North Korean nuclear threat. Blinken condemned the launch, which violated U.N. Security Council resolutions, and expressed concerns about growing alignment between North Korea and Russia in Moscow's war on Ukraine. Assessments indicate North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's war effort, raising concerns about potential technology transfers to North Korea. Kim vowed to implement the toughest anti-U.S. policy and criticized the Biden administration's security cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo.

On January 7 local time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Shevchenko stated that US envoy Keith Kellogg will visit Ukraine at an appropriate time, with both sides currently finalizing the schedule. On January 6, it was learned that Kellogg postponed his trip to Europe and Ukraine. Originally planned to visit Kyiv in early January and meet with European officials, the trip has been delayed. Reuters reported that this visit would be the first by a Trump administration official to Kyiv, expected to occur after Trump's official inauguration on January 20, with the specific date yet to be determined. The reason for the delay remains unclear. On November 27, 2024, Trump announced the nomination of Kellogg as Presidential Assistant and envoy for Ukraine and Russia issues. Kellogg had previously threatened to halt US military aid to Ukraine if it refused to negotiate with Russia, and to provide all necessary support if Russia did not engage in talks.

Keith Kellogg, the special envoy for Ukraine in the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, postponed his planned visit to Kiev and other European capitals from early January due to Trump's inauguration on January 20. Kellogg's team had also planned trips to cities including Rome and Paris. Kellogg is expected to visit Ukraine after Trump takes office, though the exact date has not been set. On November 27, Trump nominated Kellogg as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg advocates a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Ukraine, proposing to persuade Moscow and Kiev to resume dialogue by stabilizing the current front line.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily blocked the public release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on investigations into Donald Trump as an appeals court considers a challenge to the disclosure of the highly anticipated document. Cannon's ruling may offer a short-lived victory for Trump, marking another instance of the Trump-appointed judge taking action in favor of the Republican. The halt followed an emergency request on Monday by Trump's defense lawyers, who argued the report would be one-sided and prejudicial. Trump responded by calling the investigation and report 'fake' at a news conference. The two-volume report is expected to detail charging decisions in Smith's investigations into Trump's hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Cannon's order barred the release of any report information for three days after the dispute is resolved by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Smith's team plans to file a response to the appeals court. Trump's lawyers, including Todd Blanche, urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to block the report's release and remove Smith from his position.

Nippon Steel CEO Eiji Hashimoto stated on Tuesday at the company's Tokyo headquarters that the firm will not放弃 its proposed $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel despite President Joe Biden's blockage. He believes the deal is beneficial for both nations. Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel filed federal lawsuits in the U.S. on Monday, challenging the Biden administration's decision for ignoring 'the rule of law.' The companies argue that the acquisition will enhance, not threaten, U.S. national security. Biden stated on Friday that U.S. steel producers need to lead in protecting America's national interests. Proponents argue that Japan, a U.S. ally and major investor in American companies, would create jobs and up to $1 billion in economic impact through the merger. Hashimoto emphasized that both companies are united in pursuing the deal, deeming Biden's decision unlawful and invalid. U.S. Steel Corp. accused the Biden administration of interference and vowed to defend its rights to complete the transaction. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba supports the deal, denying any security concerns. Incoming President Donald Trump also opposes the acquisition. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States earlier failed to reach a consensus on potential national security risks. Fitch Group’s CreditSights categorized the opposition as primarily political, noting that U.S. Steel can remain a standalone company benefiting from recent steel price increases.

US President-elect Donald Trump stated that Greenland is an incredible place and its people would benefit tremendously if it becomes part of the US, promising to protect and cherish it from a vicious outside world. He confirmed that his son, Donald Trump Jr., will visit Greenland to see some of its most magnificent areas and sights. According to Danmarksradio, Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to arrive in Greenland on Tuesday, with no planned meetings with Greenland government members. Greenland's public broadcaster KNR noted that this unexpected visit coincides with intense political debates about Greenland's future relationship with Denmark, sparked by Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede's call for independence in his New Year's address. Late last year, Trump posted on Truth Social that Washington needs to control Greenland, to which Egede responded that the island is not for sale. During Trump's first presidential term in 2019, American media reported his interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory with extensive autonomy, but Danish authorities refused to discuss the sale, deeming the idea absurd.

Shares of Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings plummeted nearly 8% in Hong Kong after being added to a list of 'Chinese military companies' by the U.S. Department of Defense, mirroring an 8% drop in its U.S. depository receipts on Wall Street. Other companies added to the list included battery maker CATL, part of the supply chain for automakers like Ford and Tesla, with CATL shares falling as much as 5.6% and eventually closing down 2.8% in Shenzhen. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 stipulates that the DoD will be prohibited from procuring goods or services directly from entities on the list starting June 2026, and indirectly from June 2027. In response, Tencent stated that its inclusion was 'clearly a mistake,' emphasizing it is not a military company or supplier and that the listing has no impact on its business. CATL also called the designation a mistake, stating it is not involved in any military-related activities. Ivan Su, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, believes Tencent has a good chance of being removed from the list through U.S. courts due to its business model focused on social networking and online gaming. He estimates the fair value of Tencent shares at HK$704 each, representing an 86.14% upside from the current price of HK$378.2. Separately, Vincent Su, also a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, noted that CATL's inclusion may deter U.S. customers from purchasing its energy storage system batteries in the future. The U.S. has been taking steps to restrict the transfer of high-end technologies to China, including revoking certain licenses to sell chips to Huawei in May last year and introducing sweeping export controls on critical technologies in September, including quantum computing and semiconductor goods.

On January 6, the Italian Prime Minister's office stated that Prime Minister Meloni did not discuss SpaceX's provision of Starlink services to Italy during her meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, denying any new agreements. The statement called the topic absurd, noting that contacts with SpaceX are part of regular discussions. Meloni arrived in the U.S. on January 4 to meet Trump. Bloomberg reported that negotiations between Italy and SpaceX had stalled but seemed to progress after the meeting. On January 6, Musk posted on social media, ready to provide Italy with the safest and most advanced network connection. Meloni is seen as a potential strong partner for Trump, having close ties with his ally Musk. She is one of the few foreign leaders to meet Trump in Florida since the U.S. elections last November.

On January 6, the Italian Prime Minister's office stated that Prime Minister Meloni did not discuss SpaceX's provision of Starlink services to Italy during her meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, denying any new agreements. The statement clarified that this topic was not discussed, and interactions with SpaceX are part of regular discussions. On January 4, Meloni arrived in the U.S. for the meeting. Previous reports indicated that negotiations between Italy and SpaceX had stalled, but seemed to progress after the meeting. Musk also posted on the same day, ready to provide network services to Italy. Meloni is seen as a potential strong partner for Trump, with close ties to his ally Musk. She is one of the few foreign leaders to meet Trump in Florida since the U.S. elections.

At least 46 people, including women and children, were kidnapped in a raid on Gana town in Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state, according to residents and a local traditional leader. The attack, which occurred at about 2200 GMT on Sunday, involved dozens of gunmen on motorbikes who opened fire on the community and set fire to several homes and businesses. Alhaji Garba Haure, a traditional leader, stated that government security forces intervened, preventing the attackers from burning down the entire town, with no lives lost. Resident Bala Harauma suggested the actual number of abductees could be higher, with six people managing to escape. Another resident, Yusuf Mohammed, reported that the bandits set ablaze dozens of houses and silos containing foodstuffs. The captives from a similar attack in December were released after a ransom was paid.

On January 7th, local time, CCTV reporters learned that on the evening of January 5th, a town in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, was attacked by bandits. The attack occurred around 10 PM, with dozens of armed men on motorcycles launching a fierce assault on residential areas and setting fire to multiple houses. At least 46 people, including women and children, were kidnapped in the attack, causing extreme panic among local residents.

The Wall Street Journal reported in October that then-US presidential candidate Donald Trump might ban certain DEI initiatives if he won a second term. McDonald's has announced it will scale back on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies towards employees and suppliers, which critics perceive as 'woke.' The company will abandon practices including 'external surveys' that measured workplace inclusion for different minorities. This announcement follows McDonald’s global sales decline of 1.5% in Q3 2024, the largest in four years, coinciding with last year's E. coli outbreak linked to its burgers across 13 US states. McDonald's is the latest US company to roll back diversity goals, following similar actions by Walmart, Ford Motor Co., John Deere, Tractor Supply Company, and Harley Davidson. These developments came after US President-elect Donald Trump named Stephen Miller, a former adviser who leads a group challenging corporate DEI policies, as his incoming deputy chief of policy.

South Korea's Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Park Yang-woo, announced on the 7th his plan to resign, taking responsibility for the plane crash at Muan Airport on December 29, 2024. Park stated at a press conference that he felt a significant responsibility for the disaster and would resign after handling the current situation. The incident involved Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, which crashed while landing at Muan Airport, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 175 passengers and 6 crew members, with only 2 flight attendants surviving. This marks the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea. The Korean prosecution subsequently decided to establish an 'Accident Response Headquarters' to investigate the incident in collaboration with the police, fire services, and other relevant authorities.

South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol remains defiant in his newly-fortified residence as an arrest warrant over his short-lived martial law order nears expiration on Monday. Yoon's security team blocked investigators from arresting him on Friday and fortified the compound with barbed wire and buses over the weekend. Ignoring multiple summonses for questioning on insurrection and abuse of power, a six-hour standoff ensued before investigators withdrew. They may seek to extend the warrant, but police refuse to execute it, citing legal controversies. Public anger has escalated, with thousands protesting in heavy snow. South Korea has been in crisis since Yoon's martial law attempt, citing North Korean threats. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul aims to stabilize ties ahead of a Trump presidency. Yoon's lawyers claim the warrant is illegal, and the presidential security team cites this in blocking his arrest. Acting President Choi Sang-mok resists calls to sack obstructive security officials. Investigators could apply for a new detention warrant, but without changes, another arrest attempt seems unlikely.

On January 6, 2025, a senior Hamas official shared a list of 34 hostages with the BBC, indicating the group's willingness to release them as part of the first stage of a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel. The list includes 10 women, 11 male hostages aged between 50 and 85, and young children previously reported by Hamas as killed in Israeli airstrikes. Some hostages Hamas claims are sick are also on the list. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes killed over 100 people last weekend. The Israeli prime minister's office denied receiving a hostage list from Hamas, stating the list was originally passed from Israel to intermediaries in July 2024. Hamas's release of the hostage names is seen as an attempt to pressure the Israeli government. Ceasefire negotiations resumed in Doha, Qatar, but have not made significant progress. A Hamas official told Reuters that any deal to return Israeli hostages depends on Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that a deal would eventually be reached. Hamas posted a video of 19-year-old Israeli captive Liri Albag, urging her government to make a deal. The unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.

Ukraine has launched a counter-attack in Russia's Kursk region, with the Russian defence ministry stating it responded with artillery and air power. Ukrainian forces entered Kursk in August, seizing territory, though Russian forces have partially pushed them back. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said security guarantees to end the war would be effective only if provided by the US under Donald Trump. The Russian defence ministry reported a Ukrainian assault near Berdin village on Sunday, destroying several armored vehicles. Ukraine's presidential office head said Russia was 'getting what it deserves'. Ukraine's top counter-disinformation official noted Russian anxiety in Kursk. Recently, Ukrainian forces have lost ground in the east, and Russia launched a drone attack, with Ukraine shooting down 61 drones. In November, Ukrainian troops engaged North Korean soldiers in Kursk.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy went on trial in Paris on Monday over allegations of illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by the government of then-Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. This case, the most significant and potentially shocking among several scandals involving Sarkozy, is scheduled to run until April 10, with a verdict expected later. Sarkozy, 69, faces charges including passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, concealment of embezzlement of public funds, and criminal association, which could result in up to 10 years in prison. He has denied any wrongdoing. The trial involves 11 other defendants, including three former ministers. Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, accused of being an intermediary, has fled to Lebanon and is not expected to appear in court. Sarkozy's lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, stated that Sarkozy is facing the hearings with determination and denies any Libyan financing of his campaign. The case emerged in 2011 following reports by a Libyan news agency and an interview with Gadhafi, with French investigative magistrates later deeming a related document authentic, though no definitive evidence of the transaction exists. The official cost of Sarkozy's 2007 campaign was 20 million euros. Additionally, there are allegations of witness tampering, leading to preliminary charges against Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Sarkozy has been convicted in two other scandals, but the Libyan case is likely to significantly impact his legacy.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to stand trial on February 14 for allegedly receiving millions of euros in illegal financing from Libya's late leader Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy has consistently denied the accusations. He faces charges including concealment of embezzlement of public funds, passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, and criminal conspiracy. The trial, which will last three months, risks further eroding public confidence in the French political class. Investigators allege a corrupt pact between Sarkozy and the Libyan government, involving Libyan spies, a convicted terrorist, and arms dealers. Sarkozy's lawyer claims the case is fabricated and there is no evidence of Libyan financing. If convicted, Sarkozy could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 375,000 euros. In recent years, Sarkozy has faced multiple legal battles, including a December conviction for corruption and influence peddling upheld by France's highest court.

On January 6, 2025, US President Joe Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling along most of America's coastline. The ban covers the entire Atlantic coast, eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast off California, Oregon, and Washington, and a section of the Bering Sea off Alaska. This is the latest in a series of last-minute climate policy actions by the Biden administration ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump, who pledged to increase domestic fossil fuel production to lower gas costs despite record high extraction rates, vowed to reverse Biden's conservation and climate change policies upon taking office. Biden's decision, made under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953, reflects the long-held concerns of coastal communities and businesses about irreversible damage from drilling. The ban has no end date and could be challenging for Trump to overturn. It covers over 625 million acres (253 million hectares) of waters. Environmental groups welcomed the move, while the oil and gas industry criticized it as harmful to American energy security.

President Joe Biden has announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters to prevent potential expansion by the incoming Trump administration. Biden cited the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to protect areas along the East and West coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea. The ban exempts large parts of the Gulf of Mexico but safeguards coastlines in California, Florida, and other states, protecting over 625 million acres of federal waters. Trump may find it challenging to reverse these actions, which likely require Congressional approval. Environmental advocates praised Biden's move, emphasizing the need to curb new drilling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biden's actions continue a bipartisan tradition of coastal protection. Trump's spokeswoman criticized the decision, accusing Biden of political revenge. Biden has proposed up to three oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, balancing energy demands and environmental concerns.

The U.S. Congress convened on January 6 to confirm Donald Trump's victory in the November presidential election, marking his return to the presidency after eight years. Outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden pledged to ensure a smooth transition of power and emphasized that the violent riot by Trump supporters four years ago, which aimed to stop the certification of the election results, should not be forgotten or rewritten. The Senate and House of Representatives are scheduled to hold a joint session at 1 p.m. Washington time to count the electoral votes, with Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the presidential race to Trump, presiding as the Senate's president. The certification process is typically routine, but on January 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, leading to deaths and over 100 police injuries. Biden, in a Washington Post op-ed, urged Americans not to forget the riot. The U.S. Secret Service is leading security efforts, designating the certification as a 'national special security event' to prevent a recurrence. Approximately 1,572 people have been charged over the riot, with nearly 1,000 pleading guilty and over 200 convicted. Trump plans to pardon some non-violent offenders upon taking office, raising concerns among Democrats about the deterrent effect of criminal prosecutions and the potential damage to democracy.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris will preside over the official certification of the November presidential election result in Congress on Monday, having lost the contest to Donald Trump. The date also marks the fourth anniversary of a riot at the US Capitol, when Trump's supporters tried to block the certification of Democratic President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. Heavy security is in place in Washington DC, with President Biden vowing no repeat of the violence on January 6, 2021. Despite heavy snow forecasts, House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to proceed with the certification at 13:00 EST (18:00 GMT). As the current vice-president, Harris is constitutionally required to preside over the certification after Trump defeated her in the nationwide poll on November 5. Trump won all seven swing states, securing victory in the electoral college. Harris's role on Monday will be to announce the number of electoral college votes each candidate received. Trump's second term will begin after his inauguration on January 20, marking the first time since 2017 that the president's party will hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, albeit slim. Trump's win represents a remarkable political comeback from his 2020 electoral defeat and a 2024 criminal conviction. During the recent campaign, Trump survived a gunman's attack at a rally in Pennsylvania. Away from the White House, he faced numerous legal cases, including those related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 result. On certification day, January 6, 2021, Trump urged supporters to 'fight like hell' but also to 'peacefully' make their voices heard. He also pressured Vice-President Mike Pence to reject the election result, a call Pence declined. Rioters breached barriers and ransacked the Capitol before Trump intervened by telling them to go home. Biden has called on Americans to never forget the incident.

The U.S. Congress convened amid a winter storm to certify President-elect Donald Trump's victory, with the shadow of the January 6 Capitol riot lingering. No violence or protests are expected this time, as both Republican leaders and Democrats accept the election results. House Speaker Mike Johnson vowed to ensure the certification process goes smoothly. Trump denies his previous loss and promises to pardon some Capitol riot participants. Experts warn of the dangers of Trump returning to power. President Biden calls for a return to normal power transitions. Congress will follow traditional procedures to certify the vote, with new rules in place to prevent similar unrest.

A group of Afghan nationals arrived in the Philippines on Monday to process special immigrant visas for resettlement in the United States, as part of an agreement between Manila and Washington. Last July, the Philippines agreed to temporarily host a U.S. immigrant visa processing center for a limited number of Afghan nationals aspiring to resettle in America. Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Afghan nationals, who had completed extensive security vetting and full medical screenings, were provided entry visas. The U.S. government will cover their expenses in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical, and transportation. Daza did not specify the number of Afghans or the duration of the visa processing, but Philippine rules allow applicants to stay for no more than 59 days. A senior Philippine official, speaking anonymously, said only 150 to 300 applicants would be accommodated under the 'one-time' deal. These Afghan nationals primarily worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan or were eligible for U.S. special immigrant visas but were left behind during the chaotic period in 2021 when Washington withdrew and the Taliban took power. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken first relayed the request to his Philippines counterpart in 2022, and President Joe Biden discussed it with Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to the U.S. last year. Marcos, who won the presidency by a landslide two years ago, has rekindled relations with the U.S., including allowing an expansion of the American military presence under a 2014 defense agreement, a decision that upset China.

Current US President Joe Biden stated that he considers the actions of then-President-elect Donald Trump during the attack on the United States Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021, as a genuine threat to democracy. Biden made this comment as Congress was about to approve the results of the 2024 presidential election. He expressed hope that the nation has moved beyond this incident and emphasized the need to return to a normal transfer of power. Biden pointed out that the issue lies internally within the Republican Party and mentioned that the Democrats have made themselves available, without providing specific details.

Foxconn reported a record fourth-quarter revenue of 2.1 trillion New TaiwanTaiwan dollars, up 15% year-over-year, driven by growth in cloud and networking products. This news boosted semiconductor stocks globally, with TSMC hitting a record high and SK Hynix and Samsung seeing significant gains. Microsoft's plan to invest $80 billion in AI-capable data centers by 2025 further lifted chip stocks prices, including Nvidia and AMD.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday after nearly a decade in power, citing rising discontent over his leadership and internal turmoil within his government, highlighted by the sudden departure of his finance minister. Trudeau stated he cannot lead during the next elections due to internal battles and will remain as prime minister until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen. Parliament, scheduled to resume on January 27, will be suspended until March 24 to allow for a Liberal Party leadership race. All three main opposition parties plan to topple the Liberals in a no-confidence vote when Parliament resumes, making a spring election likely. Trudeau has become increasingly unpopular due to soaring food and housing costs and surging immigration. Liberal Party President Sachit Mehra expressed gratitude to Trudeau and will begin selecting a new leader this week. Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned on December 16, criticizing Trudeau's economic priorities.

On January 6, 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, but will remain as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. He stated that his resignation aims to provide the Liberal Party with a stronger option for the upcoming general elections. Trudeau also announced that Parliament would be prorogued until March 24, when a confidence vote will be held. Recently, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned due to differences with Trudeau over responding to Trump's economic nationalism. Trudeau's approval ratings plummeted following Freeland's departure, posing significant challenges to the Liberal Party. The Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party are leading in polls, and Trudeau's resignation is seen as a move to revitalize the Liberal Party.

On January 6, Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign in the coming months, but will remain in office until a successor is chosen. Trudeau's decision, after nine years in power, comes amid legislators' concerns over the party's poor pre-election polling numbers. US President-elect Donald Trump suggested Trudeau's resignation was a response to Canada's need for US support. Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals for merely changing faces. New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh argued the issue extends beyond Trudeau to the entire Liberal Party. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stressed the need for Canadian stability to avoid devastating US tariffs. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for immediate elections to let Canadians choose a new leader. Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney thanked Trudeau for his service. Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Candace Laing viewed Trudeau's resignation as a pivotal moment for Canada to address unprecedented challenges and strengthen the Canada-US trade relationship.

Hamas has expressed willingness to release 34 Israeli hostages in the first phase of a proposed ceasefire agreement. US Secretary of State Blinken hopes to see the Gaza ceasefire agreement reached within two weeks, with hostages released. Hamas and Israel resumed indirect negotiations in Qatar last week. Hamas needs a week to confirm the status of the hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that Hamas has not yet provided a list of hostages, but later Hamas provided a copy of the list to Reuters. On October 7, 2023, Hamas abducted 251 hostages; a temporary ceasefire in late November saw 80 released, with 96 still held in Gaza, 34 of whom are believed dead. Mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US have been unsuccessful, with Israel insisting on the elimination of Hamas. Blinken, who has visited the Middle East 12 times to promote a ceasefire without success, hopes to reach an agreement before Trump's inauguration.

According to Asharq TV, the Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas has agreed to release 34 hostages from a list provided by Israel as part of the first stage of a ceasefire deal. The list, submitted by Israel and approved by Hamas, meets criteria set during the latest round of talks and includes women, children, and those in poor health held in the Gaza Strip. Hamas stated it needs about a week to verify if these hostages are alive. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the list was handed over by Israel last summer, not prepared by Hamas. On January 5, a Hamas representative said the group approved a list of 24 hostages, but Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the Israeli prime minister, told TASS that no such list was received. In late November 2023, Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, agreed on a one-week humanitarian truce during which Israel freed 110 hostages. On December 1, the Israel Defense Forces accused Hamas of ceasefire violations and resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip. Despite several rounds of talks in 2024 involving Egypt, Qatar, and the US, no agreement was reached. On January 2, Netanyahu's office announced that an Israeli delegation would soon travel to Qatar to resume negotiations.

Israel and Hamas appear to be moving closer to a ceasefire that could end the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israeli hostages. Both sides are under pressure from outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before the Jan. 20 inauguration. The latest negotiations have stalled over the list of hostages to be released in the first phase. Israel demands assurances that the hostages are alive, while Hamas is uncertain due to the heavy fighting. The first phase, expected to last 6-8 weeks, includes a halt in fighting, release of Palestinian prisoners, and increased aid to Gaza. On Oct. 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 250 hostages. A November truce freed over 100 hostages, but about 100 remain in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports a partial ceasefire but rejects Hamas' demand for a full Israeli withdrawal.

The U.S. Congress officially certified Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election on Monday. Harris, who accepted her defeat the day after the November 5 election, presided over the joint session of Congress and announced the final Electoral College tally: 312 votes for Trump and 226 for Harris. The 30-minute certification ceremony was solemn and orderly. However, the echoes of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot persist, with Democrats and Republicans disputing its historical interpretation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the riot and warned against 'election denialism.' Harris did not challenge the election outcome or spread false conspiracy theories. The Capitol was under heavy security, designated a 'National Special Security Event' by the Homeland Security Department. The Justice Department has charged over 1,580 riot participants, with about 1,270 convictions. Trump, impeached for inciting the riot, has vowed to pardon its participants.

On January 6, the US Congress formally certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump's November election victory over Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris during a joint session, clearing the way for his inauguration on January 20. Harris, acting as the president of the Senate, presided over the ceremony. This certification starkly contrasted with the events four years ago when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an unsuccessful attempt to block the certification of President Joe Biden's win. Trump continues to falsely claim widespread fraud in his 2020 defeat. The final tally showed Trump securing 312 Electoral College votes to Harris's 226. Republicans also gained a majority in the Senate and a narrow edge in the House, supporting Trump's agenda of tax cuts and a crackdown on illegal immigrants. Democrats did not attempt to block the certification. Security at the Capitol was heightened and expected to remain so through Trump's swearing-in. Trump plans to pardon over 1,500 individuals charged in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

On January 6, the U.S. Congress officially confirmed former President Donald Trump as the elected president. A joint session of the Senate and House was held, chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump secured 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 votes needed to win, while Harris received 226 votes. The U.S. presidential election uses the Electoral College system, with Congress's vote count as the final confirmation step. Security around the Capitol was significantly enhanced, commemorating the Capitol Hill riot four years ago. On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, resulting in 5 deaths and over 100 injured police officers, with more than 1,500 individuals facing federal criminal charges. A post-election poll indicates that 60% of voters are concerned about a repeat of the 2021 riot after the 2024 presidential election. The presidential inauguration is scheduled for January 20.

A severe winter storm has swept across multiple US states, resulting in at least five deaths. Seven states, including Maryland, Virginia, and others, declared emergencies, with over 2,000 flights canceled and around 6,500 delayed. More than 250,000 people were without power on Monday afternoon, with snowfall expected to continue into the night on the East Coast. Washington DC saw 5-9 inches of snow, with up to a foot in nearby Maryland and Virginia. Schools closed and travel chaos ensued. Meteorologists predict that the polar vortex-driven cold conditions will persist for several weeks. Numerous car crashes occurred in Missouri and Kansas, causing injuries and fatalities. A man in Houston died due to the cold weather.

A major winter storm swept across the U.S. from central and southern states to the East Coast early Monday, causing dangerous travel conditions and prompting school and government closures in several states. Heavy snow and ice covered roads in Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, where the National Guard was activated to assist stranded motorists. At least 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow was expected, with winds gusting up to 45 mph (72 kph). The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings from Kansas and Missouri to New Jersey, noting it could be the heaviest snowfall in a decade for some areas. Schools across Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky announced closures, and Maryland's governor declared a state of emergency. Over the weekend, hundreds of motorists were stranded, and numerous car accidents were reported. Indiana's highways were fully covered in snow, and authorities urged residents to stay home. The storm is forecast to move into the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states, with a hard freeze expected as far south as Florida. Air and rail travel were disrupted, with flights canceled and railway services affected. Temperatures are expected to plunge significantly below normal across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.

On January 6, Russia reported significant gains in eastern Ukraine while defending against a new Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region of western Russia. The Russian Defence Ministry stated it had captured Kurakhove, 32km south of the Ukrainian logistics hub Pokrovsk, aiding its advance in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState showed Kurakhove largely under Russian control. Both sides are scrambling to improve their battlefield positions before the inauguration of US President-elect Trump, who has pledged to end the nearly three-year-old war. Ukraine's main achievement in the past five months has been capturing territory in Russia's Kursk region, potentially a bargaining chip in peace talks. Ukrainian official said Russia is 'getting what it deserves'. Russian accounts claim initial Ukrainian assaults were repelled, with more expected. Reuters cannot verify battlefield updates. The US, Britain, and EU reaffirmed support for Ukraine, emphasizing its right to self-defense and legitimate targets under international law. The US State Department vowed to strengthen Ukraine's battlefield position, and Britain committed to ongoing support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on January 6 that Ukrainian forces have established a buffer zone in Russia's Kursk region. He claimed that Russian forces have suffered heavy losses in five months of fighting in the area, with nearly 15,000 soldiers killed. Ukraine launched a significant incursion into the Kursk region in August, seizing portions of territory, although Russia claims to have recaptured much of it. On January 5, Ukraine initiated a new offensive in the region but provided few details. Ukrainian and Western assessments indicate that around 11,000 North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russian forces, a presence Russia has neither confirmed nor denied. Russia's defense ministry reported that the Ukrainian advance was thwarted and the main force destroyed near the settlement of Berdin. Russian forces have made significant gains in eastern Ukraine, including capturing the town of Kurakhove, which Zelensky did not mention. He emphasized that the buffer zone prevents Russia from deploying its forces to key front-line areas in eastern Ukraine, such as the Donetsk region, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.

U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel has cast a shadow over Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Japan on Tuesday. Announced on Friday, the rejection coincides with U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with Asian allies amid South Korea's political crisis, potentially complicating the Washington-Seoul-Tokyo relationship. The State Department stated Blinken will meet Japanese officials to review U.S.-Japan alliance progress and reaffirm its importance. In Seoul on Monday, Blinken expressed confidence in South Korea's handling of its turmoil. Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel sued Biden on Monday, alleging constitutional violation. Experts believe any damage to U.S.-Japan relations will be limited despite tensions. Business lobbies strongly backed the merger, but both Biden and incoming President Trump opposed it.

The first U.S. bird flu death has been reported in Louisiana, involving a person over 65 with underlying health issues who had contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. State health officials announced the death on Monday, confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the nation's first bird flu fatality. Since March, 66 confirmed bird flu infections have been reported in the U.S., mostly mild. Globally, over 950 infections and more than 460 deaths have been recorded since 2003. Experts warn of the virus's serious threat, while the CDC states there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

On June 10, 2024, the U.S. reported its first human death from bird flu. The deceased, over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized in Louisiana in December, marking the country's first severe H5N1 infection. The patient had been exposed to a backyard flock and wild birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that all but one of the confirmed cases occurred in the last 10 months, with most being mild. Most patients fell ill after contact with infected cattle or poultry, with the Louisiana case being the first linked to a backyard flock. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, but virus samples indicate potential increased human transmissibility. The CDC maintains a low immediate public health risk and advises against contact with sick or dead animals. The U.S. government has escalated its response, but some experts criticize it for being too slow.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) of the Republic of Korea plans to apply to the court for an extension of the arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk Yeol. The CIO stated that they are considering submitting the application today and plan to listen to the position of the National Office of Investigation. The CIO has decided to delegate the execution of the arrest warrant to the police tonight. The warrant is set to expire on January 6. Earlier, it was speculated that the CIO might apply for a new warrant or attempt to extend the existing one.

On Monday, three Israelis were killed and several injured in a shooting attack near Kedumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national ambulance service. The Israeli military cordoned off all villages in the area to search for suspects believed to have fled to a nearby Palestinian village. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. Violence in the West Bank has escalated since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a forceful military response. MDA reported two women in their 60s and a man around 40 died at the scene, with seven wounded, including a 63-year-old male bus driver in serious condition. On Sunday, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in Nablus and Jenin.

On Monday, gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Israelis in the occupied West Bank village of Al-Funduq, killing at least three people and wounding seven others. Violence in the territory has surged since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack from Gaza ignited the ongoing war. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that two women in their 60s and a man in his 40s were killed, with the military searching for the attackers. Palestinians have conducted numerous shooting, stabbing, and car-ramming attacks against Israelis in recent years. Israel has conducted near-nightly military raids across the territory, often leading to gun battles with militants. The Palestinian Health Ministry states that at least 838 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to apprehend the attackers. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. Approximately 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank under Israeli military rule, with over 500,000 Israeli settlers in more than 100 settlements. The war in Gaza continues with recent progress in ceasefire and hostage release talks.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden reduced the prisoner population at Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba by nearly half on Monday, transferring 11 detainees to Oman. The U.S. military stated that only 15 detainees remained after the transfer, marking a significant step towards closing the facility in the administration's final days. The detention center, opened on Jan. 11, 2002, by President George W. Bush, was intended for holding terrorism suspects and 'illegal enemy combatants' during the U.S. 'War on Terror' following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. At its peak in 2003, the center housed about 680 prisoners, according to Pentagon data. The latest transfer of 11 Yemeni men leaves the U.S. naval base with fewer detainees than when it first opened with prisoners from Afghanistan. The U.S. military expressed appreciation for Oman's government and other partners' support in reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility. The Pentagon named the 11 transferred detainees. Of the remaining 15 detainees, three are eligible for transfer, and an equal number are eligible for periodic review board assessments, while the rest have been charged or convicted of war crimes. The facility has long been criticized by human rights groups and legal advocates for potential breaches of international human rights laws and camp conditions.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited a makeshift memorial in New Orleans on Monday to mourn the victims of a deadly New Year's attack. The attack, which occurred last week, saw an Army veteran drive a truck into a crowd of revelers, killing 14 and injuring 30. The Bidens placed flowers and observed a moment of silence at the memorial on Bourbon Street before meeting with grieving families and survivors at St. Louis Cathedral. This visit is likely Biden's last to a crime scene as president to console victims' families. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted Biden's personal understanding of loss, emphasizing it as part of his presidential duty. Biden also planned to meet with first responders and travel to California. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had posted videos supporting ISIS before the attack and was killed in a shootout with police. Biden urged residents to ignore conspiracy theories, stating the attack was the act of a lone individual. Victims ranged in age from 18 to 63 and hailed from various states and countries.

New York Judge Juan M. Merchan denied President-elect Donald Trump's request to halt sentencing in his hush money case, scheduling it for this Friday. Trump is set to be the first president to take office with a criminal conviction. Last Friday, Merchan rejected Trump's bid to dismiss the case due to his impending return to the White House but indicated he is unlikely to impose punishment for the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump's lawyers filed an appeal with the state appellate court but did not immediately seek to pause sentencing. Prosecutors urged proceeding as scheduled, citing public interest and the finality of criminal proceedings. Any delay could push sentencing beyond Trump's second term, potentially until 2029. Merchan suggested unconditional discharge as the most viable solution.

New York Judge Juan Merchan has refused to delay this Friday's sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in his hush money case. Trump's attorneys had sought to dismiss the 'politically motivated' prosecution, but their arguments were rejected by the judge. Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May, becoming the first former president to be convicted of a crime. The sentencing had been repeatedly delayed due to the 2024 presidential election and Trump's claims of presidential immunity, which Judge Merchan ultimately rejected in December. On January 3, Merchan indicated he would proceed with sentencing before Trump's inauguration, but would not consider a custodial sentence, suggesting an 'unconditional discharge' instead. Trump's transition spokesman, Steven Cheung, called the prosecution unlawful. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg requested that the sentencing proceed as scheduled.

US President-elect Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., is set to visit Greenland on January 7, according to a local government official who spoke to Reuters. This comes two weeks after Trump expressed interest in gaining control over the Arctic island. Greenland's permanent secretary for foreign affairs, Mininnguaq Kleist, stated that no meetings with Greenlandic government representatives are scheduled, labeling it a private visit. A source familiar with the trip revealed that Trump Jr. plans a one-day visit to shoot video content for a podcast and will not meet any government officials or political figures. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of 57,000, is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas but has a slow economy reliant on fishing and annual subsidies from Denmark. Trump previously expressed interest in buying Greenland during his 2017-2021 term but was publicly rebuffed by Greenlandic and Danish authorities. Two weeks ago, Trump posted on Truth Social that controlling Greenland is an absolute necessity. Last week, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede, in his New Year speech, intensified calls for independence from Denmark, urging the island to break free from the shackles of colonialism and shape its own future.

Pope Francis appointed Italian nun Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman prefect of a major Vatican office, responsible for all Catholic religious orders. This historic appointment marks a significant step in Francis' efforts to increase women's leadership roles in the church. Brambilla, 59, previously served as the deputy in the same department and has worked as a missionary in Mozambique. The pope also named Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime as her co-leader. One of Brambilla's major challenges will be addressing the declining number of nuns globally. Francis' 2022 reform allowed laypeople, including women, to head dicasteries, but he has upheld the ban on female priests.

New York City's Manhattan 'Congestion Reduction Zone' officially began imposing a congestion fee on the 5th, making it the first city in the United States to do so. Vehicles entering the zone during peak hours on weekdays must pay at least $9, with taxis and ride-hailing services charging passengers a lower fee, and low-income vehicles eligible for discounts. The new regulation aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve public transportation, and enhance air quality. An average of 500,000 vehicles enter the zone daily, with an expected 13% reduction in traffic after the fee is imposed. The congestion fee is projected to raise $15 billion, which will be used for the maintenance and upgrade of the transportation system. The plan has faced opposition from some politicians and the public, but has been implemented following court rulings.

France's health ministry reported its first case of the new mpox variant on Monday, according to AFP. The patient, a woman, had not traveled to Central Africa, the origin of the new virus strain, but had been in contact with two individuals who had returned from that region. The diagnosis was made in the northwestern region of Brittany at a hospital in Rennes, as reported by the French regional newspaper Ouest France. The new form of mpox, known as the clade 1b variant, is associated with a global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization in August. Neighboring Germany and Britain reported their first cases in October.

On Monday, a security guard at the Honduran consulate near Atlanta, USA, was shot dead by an armed man who refused to surrender his weapon and instead opened fire. Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina stated that the suspect, a Honduran national, was in custody, and another person was wounded. The guard, of Mexican origin, was mortally wounded with five shots but managed to close the door, potentially preventing further casualties. A Honduran witness reported the suspect's license plate number to the police. The suspect is being questioned at the Doraville Police Department, and the injured person is receiving treatment at a hospital, according to Doraville city spokesperson Emily Heenan.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was found in contempt of court on Monday for failing to properly respond to information requests related to a $148 million defamation judgment awarded to two Georgia election workers. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled after Giuliani testified for a second day at a contempt hearing. Giuliani missed a Dec. 20 deadline to provide evidence, impacting the judge's decision on whether he can keep his Palm Beach, Florida, condominium. Giuliani failed to disclose full details of his doctors and other professionals, leading the judge to infer they were not in Florida. The judge also barred Giuliani from presenting email or text message evidence. Giuliani testified for three hours on Friday and remotely on Monday. His attorney, Joseph Cammarata, called the case a form of 'lawfare.' The election workers' lawyers cited Giuliani's 'consistent pattern of willful defiance.' The trial is set for Jan. 16.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, has postponed a fact-finding trip to Kyiv and other European capitals originally planned for early January. The trip, which was to take place before Trump's inauguration on January 20, has been delayed. Kellogg's team had also arranged meetings with officials in cities including Rome and Paris. This would have been the first visit to Kyiv by Trump administration officials since the November 5 election. The reason for the delay is not immediately clear. Trump has previously claimed he could resolve the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, but has made little progress. Ending the conflict swiftly remains a key priority for his incoming administration. Neither Kellogg nor a representative for the Ukrainian embassy in Washington immediately responded to requests for comment.

On Monday, a suspected bomb explosion at a school near Abuja, the Nigerian capital, resulted in at least two deaths and two injuries. Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh stated that the incident occurred at Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in a village near Abuja. Investigations revealed that three men from the northern state of Katsina, who visited the school, were suspected of bringing an improvised explosive device (IED). Tragically, two of the men died while tampering with the IED on the school veranda, while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard. The FCT Bomb Squad confirmed it was an IED explosion, as remnants of the device have been recovered. It was unclear if there were students at the school at the time. Schools in Abuja were scheduled to reopen for a new term on January 13, although Islamic schools sometimes follow different calendars. Adeh said the police had taken the school owner into custody for questioning.

Four years after initiating a diversity push, McDonald's is adjusting some of its diversity practices due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. Following the 2023 decision and conservative backlash against DEI programs, McDonald's joins companies like Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson in scaling back initiatives. McDonald's will retire specific diversity goals for senior leadership and end a program encouraging supplier diversity training. It will also pause external surveys, similar to Lowe's and Ford Motor Co. In 2021, McDonald's launched diversity initiatives amid sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits. The company cites the shifting legal and political landscape, including opposition from President-elect Donald Trump, as factors influencing policy review. In an open letter, McDonald's leadership reaffirmed commitment to inclusion, noting progress in gender pay equity and diverse supplier spending. The diversity team will be renamed the Global Inclusion Team, and demographic reporting will continue.

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a 171-page agreement with the federal government to overhaul police training and use-of-force policies following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. The consent decree, requiring court supervision, mandates officers to prioritize human life and prohibits race, gender, or ethnicity from influencing force decisions. This follows a scathing DOJ report in June 2023 alleging systemic discrimination and constitutional rights violations by the Minneapolis Police Department. An independent monitor will oversee changes, subject to judicial approval. Council President Elliott Payne emphasized the long journey ahead, while Council member Robin Wonsley expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's commitment. A similar state agreement was approved in 2023. The DOJ has initiated 12 similar investigations since April 2021, reaching agreements with several cities.

Moldovan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tatiana Barac stated on the ministry's Telegram channel that a representative of the Russian embassy was summoned to the Foreign Ministry following the embassy's statement on the energy crisis in Transnistria. Barac noted that such statements negatively impact relations between Chisinau and Moscow. Earlier, the Russian embassy expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Transnistria, where Russian gas supply was cut off on January 1. The embassy claimed the crisis in the unrecognized republic was artificially created by the collective West and Ukraine, accusing Moldovan and Ukrainian media of shamelessly shifting responsibility to Russia. Unlike Moldova, Transnistria lacks an alternative gas source and has shut down central heating and hot water supply, closed industrial enterprises, and initiated rolling blackouts. The Cuciurgan (Moldovan) power plant in Transnistria has switched from gas to coal, with stockpiles expected to last until late January or mid-February.

On Monday, gunmen attacked a bus carrying Israelis in the occupied West Bank, killing two 70-year-old women and a 35-year-old policeman. The Israeli military launched widespread operations in the northern West Bank to find the attackers. Since capturing the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, Israel faces Palestinian claims to these territories for their future state. The ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed over 45,800 Palestinians, half of them women and children, shows no end despite recent progress in ceasefire talks. The war began with a massive Hamas-led attack 15 months ago, resulting in 1,200 deaths and around 250 abductions, with about 100 hostages still in Gaza. On Monday, militants in Gaza fired three rockets into Israel, damaging a home in Sderot. A U.N. aid convoy in Gaza was shot at by Israeli soldiers, with no casualties. Israeli forces have withdrawn from three southern Lebanese towns as part of a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. The U.N. special envoy for Yemen arrived in Houthi-held Sanaa to de-escalate tensions and advance the peace process.

On January 6, the arrest warrant for South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol expired. The Public Prosecutor's Office decided to transfer the arrest task to the Police Agency, but the police found legal issues with the document, effectively refusing to execute it. Large crowds protested near the presidential residence, questioning the office's capability. The Constitutional Court accelerated preparations for Yoon's impeachment trial. Yoon's camp remained defiant, with the presidential guard enhancing security. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken visited South Korea, reaffirming security commitments.

Austrian Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl met with the country's president on Monday amid expectations that he might be tasked with forming a new government, which would be the first led by the far right since World War II. The Freedom Party won 28.8% of the vote in September's parliamentary election, defeating outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative Austrian People's Party. However, in October, President Alexander Van der Bellen asked Nehammer to try forming a new government after his party refused to work with the Freedom Party, and other parties also refused to cooperate, leading to the collapse of coalition efforts. Nehammer announced his resignation in the first days of the new year. The People's Party then indicated a willingness to work under Kickl. Negotiations are not guaranteed to succeed, but there are no other realistic coalition options in the current parliament, and polls suggest a new election could further strengthen the Freedom Party. The far right and conservatives have governed together before, with the Freedom Party as the junior partner, most recently from 2017 to 2019, when Kickl served as interior minister in a government that collapsed due to a scandal involving the Freedom Party's leader at the time. The Freedom Party's election program calls for the 'remigration of uninvited foreigners' to achieve a more 'homogeneous' nation through strict border control and suspending the right to asylum via emergency law. The party also advocates ending sanctions against Russia, criticizes Western military aid to Ukraine, and wants to withdraw from the European Sky Shield Initiative, a missile defense project launched by Germany. Kickl has criticized 'elites' in Brussels and called for some powers to be returned from the European Union to Austria.

Since April, nearly 70 people in the US, mostly farmworkers, have contracted bird flu. On January 6, the Louisiana Department of Health reported the country's first human death from H5N1 bird flu. The patient, hospitalized on December 18 after exposure to backyard chickens and wild birds, was over 65 with underlying health conditions. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the public health risk remains low, but those working with birds, poultry, or cows are at higher risk. The ongoing outbreak has killed nearly 130 million wild and domestic poultry and affected 917 dairy herds. Genomic data shows the virus is related to recent cases in the US and Canada.

The US Congress confirmed Donald Trump's victory in the November 5 presidential election on January 6. The joint session was chaired by Vice President Kamala Harris, who leads the Senate under the US Constitution and was Trump's rival in the race. The certified election results from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were read aloud. Vice President-elect James David Vance attended the meeting, but Trump was absent. No public disorder or incidentsances occurred during the approval. Notably, on January 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, attempting to block the certification of the election won by Dem Candidate Joe Biden. Despite heavy snowfall, one of the strongest in recent years in Washington, D.C., the hearing proceeded without obstruction, though the weather significantly impacted federal operations and traffic.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday amid internal party pressure, but will remain in office until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen. Trudeau, who took office in 2015, led the Liberals from a third-party status to a majority in parliament. However, his government faced several controversies, including ethics scandals and struggles with inflation. The Liberals' support waned in the 2019 and 2021 general elections. Recent polls indicate the Conservatives are leading. Trudeau's resignation followed the departure of his key deputy, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, which acted as a catalyst.

On January 6, 2025, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen met with far-right Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl in Vienna. The FPO, which secured over 29% of the vote in September's parliamentary election, topped the polls for the first time. Previously a junior coalition partner, the FPO has never led a government. Following the collapse of a centrist bid to form a government over the weekend, Kickl is expected to be tasked with coalition formation. Van der Bellen's initial reluctance to entrust the FPO with government formation had angered the party. Conservative People's Party (OVP) leader Karl Nehammer, who came second in the election, resigned after failing to form a coalition. New OVP leader Christian Stocker indicated willingness to join coalition talks led by Kickl. A snap election is likely if talks fail, with FPO support growing since September. The parties align on tough immigration policies but differ on budget deficits and Ukraine aid. Van der Bellen vowed to safeguard democratic principles.

The Yemeni movement Ansar Allah, known as the Houthis, announced on Monday that it had conducted an attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman as it was preparing for a major air assault on Yemen. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria stated that Yemeni Armed Forces' missile and UAV units carried out a joint operation using two winged missiles and four drones north of the Red Sea, thwarting the American attack. Last month, direct conflict between Israel and the Houthis intensified following a series of rocket and drone attacks from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and the Hudaydah province on December 19, resulting in civilian casualties. On December 26, Israel struck Sanaa International Airport again following additional Houthi attacks. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at the airport during the strike; he was unharmed, but a UN delegation crew member was injured.

The arrest warrant for South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is set to expire at midnight on Monday, but Presidential Security Service Chief Park Jong-jun refused to cooperate, citing judicial procedure disputes. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) attempted to arrest Yoon last Friday but failed, and is considering reapplying for the warrant. Yoon is currently suspended due to a parliamentary impeachment motion, but his legal team protests the arrest and plans to indict the CIO chief and over 150 others. The Constitutional Court has scheduled five hearings, and Yoon may appear in person. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken visited Seoul for talks with South Korean officials.

According to Israel's Channel 12, Hamas' refusal to name the hostages to be released in the first stage is a major obstacle to concluding the deal. During talks resumed with Qatar's mediation, a Hamas delegation said they needed a week to locate all hostages. Israel is trying to increase the number of hostages released in the first stage. Earlier, the Jerusalem Post reported significant progress in the talks, with two Israeli officials suggesting a deal could be reached within a month. Over the past year, several rounds of talks on hostage release have been fruitless, failing to extend the November 2023 ceasefire agreement. Israel states that 96 out of 251 hostages abducted on October 7, 2023, are still held in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has rescued eight hostages and recovered 38 bodies in the past 14 months. Tensions escalated in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a state of war readiness, a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, and military operations by Israel.

On January 5, 2025, Hamas released a video of 19-year-old Israeli captive Liri Albag, urging the Israeli government to reach a deal. She was taken hostage during Hamas's October 2023 attack on the Nahal Oz army base on the Gaza border. Talks between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire and hostage release resumed in Qatar. Israel intensified attacks on Gaza, resulting in 88 deaths in the past 24 hours. A strike in Gaza City on Saturday killed 11, including seven children. The Israeli military claimed to have struck over 100 'terror targets' and eliminated dozens of Hamas members in two days. Liri's parents appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for action. Israeli President Isaac Herzog vowed to continue negotiations until all hostages are freed. Last month, a Palestinian official said talks were nearly complete but key issues remained. On Sunday, the Israeli military intercepted a missile from Yemen's Houthi movement, which claimed it was in response to Israeli actions in Gaza. Since Hamas's October 2023 attack, over 45,800 people have died. All three government hospitals in northern Gaza are out of service. The Israeli military has blockaded parts of northern Gaza, leading to a 'near-total siege' according to the UN. The Biden administration plans an $8 billion arms sale to Israel.

On January 4, a winter storm hit the central United States, affecting over 60 million people. The National Weather Service warned of severe weather including heavy snow, freezing conditions, and strong thunderstorms in the eastern regions. The storm, originating from the Gulf of Mexico and moving north, is expected to last until January 6, causing significant snowfall and accumulations, severely delaying transportation. Missouri and neighboring states are expected to see the deepest snow, with potential power outages. Southern regions face threats of rain and thunderstorms. Eastern temperatures are predicted to be 30 degrees Fahrenheit below normal, with several states declaring states of emergency. Meanwhile, the UK and Germany also experienced severe snowstorms, impacting airport operations.

On January 5, Russia stated that Ukraine launched a new attack in the Kursk region, an area where Ukrainian forces have held territory since a surprise incursion on August 6, 2024, potentially providing Kyiv with a key bargaining chip in peace talks. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed it was repelling Ukrainian forces, but Russian military bloggers reported heavy pressure on the Russian side. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, shared 'good news' from Kursk, while Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Centre Against Disinformation, noted multiple attacks on Russian troops. Russia said Ukraine attacked near Berdin village at 0600 GMT with tanks and armored vehicles. Despite initial defensive struggles, Russian forces reportedly regained control. Acting Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein urged trust in official sources. Ukrainian and Western assessments indicate around 11,000 North Korean troops are in Kursk supporting Russia, though Russia has not confirmed this. Zelensky claimed significant Russian and North Korean losses in the region. Putin vowed to expel Ukrainian forces but did not set a timeline. Ukraine's success could bolster its negotiating position, though it has weakened its eastern defenses.

On January 5, the Ukrainian military launched a new offensive in Russia's Kursk Region, deploying tanks, a demolition vehicle, and armored vehicles with airborne troops. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have repelled two Ukrainian attacks, resulting in 340 Ukrainian soldiers killed. Ukrainian President's Office Chief Yermak confirmed the offensive, stating that Ukrainian forces had made progress. Last year, Ukrainian forces occupied several villages in Kursk but stalled after Russian reinforcements arrived. President Zelensky reported heavy casualties among Russian and North Korean troops in Kursk, with North Korea deploying about 11,000 soldiers. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of deliberately attacking civilians. Ukraine fired US-made missiles, prompting Russian threats of retaliation.

Last month, Musk posed for a photo with Farage, seemingly backing him. On Jan 5, Musk abruptly called for Farage to resign as leader of the UK's right-wing Reform UK party, stating Farage lacks the necessary qualities. Farage responded that he disagrees with Musk. Reform UK won 4.1 million votes and five parliamentary seats in last July's national election. Farage had discussed potential donations from Musk but opposed Musk's support for anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Musk also endorsed Germany's anti-immigration party and has repeatedly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Last week, Musk backed calls for an inquiry into the government's handling of rape cases by men of Pakistani heritage. Starmer is expected to address the criticism on Jan 6. UK Health Minister Wes Streeting defended Starmer.

On December 5, 2016, former UKIP leader Nigel Farage campaigned for UKIP candidate Victoria Ayling in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election in Sleaford, England. Recently, Elon Musk abruptly called for Farage to step down as leader of Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, stating he lacks the necessary qualities on his social media platform X. Previously, Musk had supported Farage and posed for a photo with him. Reform won 4.1 million votes, or 14% of the total, and secured five parliamentary seats in last July's national election. Farage had been in talks with Musk about a donation to Reform but distanced himself from Musk's support for British anti-immigration and anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. Farage responded to Musk's post, disagreeing with him. Last month, Musk endorsed the Alternative for Germany, an anti-immigration, anti-Islamic party. He has also repeatedly criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, backing calls for a national inquiry into the handling of rape cases by men of Pakistani heritage against underage girls. A 2014 inquiry found at least 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham, northern England, between 1997 and 2013. Starmer is expected to address the criticism at a news conference but is unlikely to directly criticize Musk. UK Health Minister Wes Streeting defended Starmer and cabinet member Jess Phillips on Sunday.

The ongoing acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel, valued at approximately $12.7 billion, has been officially blocked by the Biden administration. Both companies expressed disappointment, stating that Biden's decision violates due process and is politically motivated, and they will take appropriate actions to protect their rights. The Japanese government called the US decision incomprehensible and regrettable. Despite multiple concessions by Nippon Steel, the US rejected the deal on national security grounds. This case is seen as a new example of US protectionism, potentially weakening economic ties between Japan and the US. Nippon Steel faces a substantial breach of contract penalty and has decided to sue the US government. The US has a history of intervening in Japanese economic affairs, such as forcing Japan to limit car exports and signing the Plaza Accord.

US President Biden officially blocked Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel on the 3rd, citing national security risks. The decision caused an uproar in Japan, with media highlighting Japan's status as a US ally and noting this as the first time a US president has halted a Japanese firm's acquisition. Japanese Economy Minister Motoo Hayashi expressed regret, and Nippon Steel plans to take legal action against the US government. The Japanese government intends to support the lawsuit and convey its stance to US Secretary of State Blinken. US media analysts believe the move deviates from globalization principles. Biden's statement emphasized that a strong domestic steel industry is a national security priority. The United Steelworkers welcomed the decision, while Nippon Steel and US Steel claimed the move violated due process and law. In December last year, Nippon Steel announced a $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel, which underwent months of CFIUS review before Biden made the final decision. The Japanese government and industry expressed concerns over future investment cooperation.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on Sunday that the allegations made by opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter about his supposed upcoming trip to Moscow are false, describing such rumors as 'deeply indecent.' On Saturday, Kiesewetter claimed on X that Scholz might visit Moscow and meet Russian President Vladimir Putin before February 23, while US President-elect Donald Trump's meeting with Putin was scheduled for March. He did not provide any sources for his claim. Scholz, quoted at his party's meeting by the RND media group, called the statement 'false' and emphasized that such rumors were 'deeply indecent.'

German parliamentarian Roderich Kiesewetter from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) stated that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz may visit Russia and meet with President Vladimir Putin before the early Bundestag elections on February 23. Kiesewetter also revealed that a meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Putin is planned for March 2025. Kiesewetter opposes any agreements regarding the end of the conflict in Ukraine, believing they will harm Kiev's interests. In December, German media reported rumors of Scholz possibly visiting Moscow on a 'peace mission' soon, but the German government's press service denied these reports.

German lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter from the CDU posted on X claiming that Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to visit Moscow before the snap parliamentary election on February 23. He also mentioned a supposed meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Putin in March. Scholz dismissed these claims as 'untrue' and 'extremely indecent.' German Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated legal action would be taken against Kiesewetter. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also refuted the claims, stating there are no such plans.

A truck attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day resulted in 14 deaths, with the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, having previously visited the city twice and recorded videos of the French Quarter using Meta smart glasses. The FBI stated that Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and former U.S. Army soldier, had traveled to Cairo and Canada, though it is unclear if these trips were related to the attack. Jabbar was fatally shot by police at the scene. The FBI believes Jabbar acted alone but is investigating his contacts. Jabbar had visited New Orleans twice before the attack, recording videos with smart glasses. The FBI released videos from his planning trips. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell vowed to enhance security measures. President Joe Biden plans to visit New Orleans to comfort the victims' families.

On January 5th local time, the FBI stated that the suspect in the New Orleans car attack, Shamsudeen Jaber, acted alone, but they are still investigating potential accomplices. Jaber traveled to Egypt and Canada between June and July 2023 and visited New Orleans multiple times in 2024. He used Meta smart glasses to record video of the crime scene. On December 31, 2024, Jaber arrived in New Orleans from Texas and placed an explosive device and set a fire in the early hours of January 1, 2025. The incident resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries, and the FBI has classified it as a terrorist attack.

On January 1, a ramming attack on a crowded street in New Orleans killed 14 people. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had previously visited the city for reconnaissance, using camera-equipped Meta glasses to record locations. The FBI stated that Jabbar had traveled to Cairo for 11 days in the summer of 2023 and to Ontario, Canada, for three days shortly afterward. Jabbar first visited New Orleans in late October and again on November 10. The FBI noted that Jabbar, a US Army veteran, had used a rented pickup truck in the attack and had been carrying homemade bombs. The agency also revealed that Jabbar had tested the Meta glasses before the attack and had expressed allegiance to the Islamic State on social media.

US President Biden will issue an order banning new offshore oil and gas drilling in US waters, including the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, to permanently protect coastal waters and dependent communities from fossil fuel risks. The ban excludes the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico, where current production accounts for 14% of US total. Biden will announce this decision on January 6th, enhancing his climate policy credentials. The ban is based on a 72-year-old federal law, allowing long-term protection of certain areas without affecting existing contracts. Environmentalists support the move, while drilling advocates argue it will limit energy supply. The Trump transition team criticizes the ban as political retaliation, and Trump may attempt to revoke it.

US President-elect Donald Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 4. On January 5, Ms. Meloni expressed her readiness to work with Mr. Trump following the surprise visit, which had not been announced in advance. Leading a right-wing coalition in Italy since October 2022, Ms. Meloni posted a photo with Trump on social media, thanking him for the welcome. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between Italy and the US.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni flew to Florida, United States on the 4th local time and met with US President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Members of Mar-a-Lago welcomed Meloni with applause following Trump's introduction. Although the specifics of their discussion have not been disclosed, Italian media reported that Meloni intended to discuss issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, trade, and the Middle East situation with Trump. Meloni's office declined to comment. Trump praised Meloni as an 'amazing woman' and viewed her as a 'potential strong partner.' Meloni has also established close ties with US entrepreneur Elon Musk. Since the US election last November, Meloni has been one of the few foreign leaders to meet Trump in Florida, following previous meetings with Argentine President Milei, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán, and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau.

Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who led Greece into the European Union's single currency in 2001, passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 at his summer house in the Peloponnese. Simitis, a law professor and reformist, assumed leadership of the PASOK socialist party in 1996 and served as prime minister until 2004. Current conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to him as a worthy and noble political opponent. The government declared four days of mourning and announced that his funeral would be state-funded. While credited for reducing government spending, critics argue he did not sufficiently tackle corruption. Simitis had been vacationing near Athens in the Peloponnese and was rushed to the hospital unconscious early in the morning, where his death was confirmed. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Under his leadership, Greece reduced its budget deficit and public debt, qualifying Athens for euro zone membership. In 2012, he published a book titled 'Derailment,' criticizing the handling of the Greek debt crisis by Greek politicians and the EU, and accusing the European Commission of ignoring overspending by his conservative successor.

According to Japanese media reports, a fishing boat carrying 20 people capsized in the waters near Ibaraki Prefecture in eastern Japan early on the 6th. The incident resulted in 2 deaths and 3 people missing. Rescue personnel are currently conducting intensive search operations for the missing individuals. The cause of the accident is under investigation. This event has raised concerns about maritime safety.

New York City became the first in the United States to impose a congestion fee for vehicles entering the busiest areas of Manhattan south of 60th Street starting January 5th. The fee varies based on time, vehicle type, and payment method, with regular cars paying $9 during peak hours and $2.25 otherwise. Small commercial trucks and some buses pay $14.40 and $3.60 respectively, while large trucks and tour buses pay $21.60 and $5.40. Taxis and ride-hailing services pass the fee to passengers. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimates the plan will reduce congestion by at least 13% and raise $15 billion for transportation improvements, including subway modernization. Critics argue it's a money-making scheme with limited congestion relief. Republican lawmakers have urged President-elect Trump to abolish the fee, as he pledged during his campaign.

President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law on Sunday, boosting Social Security payments for nearly 3 million public employees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. The bill repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which limited Social Security benefits for recipients with other retirement income. The Congressional Research Service estimated that in December 2023, 745,679 people were affected by the Government Pension Offset, and 2.1 million by the Windfall Elimination Provision. The Congressional Budget Office projected that eliminating these provisions would increase monthly benefits by an average of $360 to $1,190 by December 2025. The changes take effect from January 2024, requiring the Social Security Administration to issue back-dated payments. The bill received bipartisan support but faces concerns over the Social Security Trust Fund's solvency.

On January 5, 2025, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act in the East Room of the White House. The legislation provides increased Social Security benefits for public sector workers such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers by repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have been in place for over four decades. This move will benefit approximately 2.5 million Americans, with an average increase of $360 per month. The bill passed the Senate with a 76-vote majority and the House with a 327-vote majority, receiving praise from various advocacy groups.

On January 5, Syria's Finance Minister announced that the government will increase salaries for many public sector employees by 400% next month after completing an administrative restructuring of ministries. The hike, estimated to cost 1.65 trillion Syrian pounds (about US$127 million), will be funded by existing state resources, regional aid, new investments, and efforts to unfreeze Syrian assets abroad. This is the first step by Syria's caretaker government to stabilize the economy. Currently, public sector salaries are around US$25 a month, below the poverty line. The increase follows an evaluation of up to 1.3 million registered employees to remove fictitious ones. Despite liquidity challenges due to war, the government expects regional and Arab country assistance. A new tax system draft is expected within four months, aiming for tax justice by year-end.

The first congestion charge scheme for vehicles in the US has come into effect in New York. Car drivers will pay up to $9 a day, with varying rates for other vehicles. The congestion zone covers an area south of Central Park, including landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the financial district around Wall Street. The scheme aims to alleviate New York's notorious traffic problems and raise billions for the public transport network, but has faced resistance, including from President-elect Donald Trump. New York state Governor Kathy Hochul first proposed the scheme two years ago, but it was delayed and revised following complaints from some commuters and businesses. Most drivers will be charged $9 once per day to enter the congestion zone at peak hours, and $2.25 at other times. Small trucks and non-commuter buses will pay $14.40 at peak times, while larger trucks and tourist buses will pay $21.60. The charge has been met with significant opposition, including from taxi drivers' associations. Trump, a native New Yorker, has vowed to scrap the scheme when he returns to office this month. Congressman Mike Lawler, representing a suburban district north of New York City, has asked Trump to commit to ending the scheme. A judge denied an eleventh-hour effort by neighboring New Jersey state officials to block the scheme on environmental impact grounds. Last year, New York City was named the world's most-congested urban area for the second consecutive year by traffic-data analysis firm INRIX, with vehicles in downtown Manhattan averaging speeds of 11 mph during peak morning periods.

On January 5th, the Ukrainian military announced a large-scale offensive in the direction of Russia's Kursk region. The confirmation of this news was made by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak. As of now, there has been no response from the Russian side. Earlier on the same day, four Russian airports suspended flight operations, reportedly due to possible drone attacks, though this has not been officially confirmed by Russian authorities. In August of the previous year, Ukraine had launched a significant attack on the Kursk region, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in the area.

The leadership of Austria's ruling conservatives held an emergency meeting on Sunday to select a successor to Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who resigned on Saturday after failing to form a coalition government without the far right. The collapse of both three-party and two-party talks leaves President Alexander Van der Bellen with limited options, including a snap election or tasking Freedom Party (FPO) leader Herbert Kickl with forming a government. The FPO, which won September's parliamentary election with around 29% of the vote, has seen its support grow since then. Nehammer's departure makes it likely that his successor will be more open to a coalition with the FPO, which shares similar views on immigration with the People's Party (OVP). The two parties previously governed together from 2017 to 2019 but the current situation would make OVP the junior partner. Prominent figures like former leader Sebastian Kurz are no longer in the running for the OVP leadership, with lesser-known candidates like Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer emerging.

On January 5, 2025, billionaire Elon Musk called for the replacement of Nigel Farage as the leader of Reform UK on his social media site X, just weeks after reports of his talks to donate to the party. Farage believes this call stems from a disagreement over Musk's support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Despite being surprised by Musk's comment, Farage insisted he would not compromise his principles. Previously, Farage had described Musk as a 'friend' on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Musk has been a vocal supporter of Farage and his party but a rift emerged this week over his support for Robinson, who is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court. Farage responded that Robinson is not right for Reform UK. Musk then posted a call to 'Free Tommy Robinson now.' Farage plans to discuss various issues, including Robinson, with Musk at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Founded in 2018, Reform UK saw Farage return as its leader in 2024. In December, Farage met Musk to discuss a potential donation. Recently, Musk has shown increasing interest in UK politics, particularly criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

New York City's new congestion pricing in Manhattan's central area officially launched on Sunday, requiring drivers to pay $9 during peak hours to enter the busy district. The toll aims to alleviate traffic congestion and raise funds for public transit infrastructure. Most drivers using E-ZPass will pay $9 on weekdays and specific weekend hours, with a reduced fee of $2.25 during off-peak times. Some motorists expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy, while others hoped it would reduce traffic jams. Former President-elect Donald Trump vowed to scrap the program, but its future remains uncertain. Similar congestion pricing schemes exist in cities like London and Stockholm. The plan was originally set to start last year with a $15 charge, but Governor Kathy Hochul paused it before the election and later restarted it at the lower $9 rate.

Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who reported on alleged corruption in public construction projects, was found dead in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh state. Chandrakar, 32, went missing on New Year's Day, and his family filed a police complaint. His body was discovered on January 3 in the compound of a road construction contractor in Bijapur town after police tracked his mobile phone. Three individuals, including two relatives, have been arrested in connection with his death. The Press Council of India has called for a thorough investigation, and the state's chief minister described the death as 'heartbreaking,' forming a special investigation team. Local journalists protested, demanding strict action against the alleged perpetrators. Attacks on journalists reporting on corruption or environmental issues are not uncommon in India.

Ecuador's former Vice President Jorge Glas survived an assassination attempt in La Roca prison. His lawyer, Sonia Gabriela Vera, stated that Glas was evacuated due to the threat and accused the government of responsibility. She called for UN and other international interventions. Glas, previously convicted for corruption, also faces charges of misusing earthquake relief funds. The Ecuadorian National Prison Agency (SNAI) has not yet commented.

Incoming first lady Melania Trump will be the subject of a new documentary directed by Brett Ratner and distributed by Amazon Prime Video. The tech giant's streaming arm secured exclusive licensing rights for a release later this year. Filming is underway, with the company promising an 'unprecedented behind-the-scenes look' at Melania Trump. She released a self-titled memoir last year, and her husband takes office on Jan. 20. The film marks another connection between Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump, following Amazon's $1 million donation to the inauguration fund and plans to stream the inauguration on Prime Video, valued at another $1 million. Despite past conflicts, Bezos has recently expressed optimism about Trump's second term. The documentary is Ratner's first project since facing sexual misconduct allegations in 2017. Argentine filmmaker Fernando Sulichin is executive producing the film, which began shooting in December. Melania Trump, an enigmatic figure since her husband's 2016 campaign, has largely maintained her privacy, focusing on her 'Be Best' initiative and raising their son, Barron.

Amazon Prime Video announced on November 6, 2024, that it has exclusively licensed a documentary film about former First Lady Melania Trump. The movie, executive produced by Fernando Sulichin of New Element Media and directed by Brett Ratner, began filming in December 2024 and is expected to be released in the second half of 2025. This announcement comes after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who plans to donate $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund, met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida following Trump's election win. Additionally, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes of The Washington Post resigned after her satirical cartoon depicting Bezos and other billionaires kneeling before Trump was rejected for publication.

On January 4, President Biden awarded 19 Presidential Medals of Freedom at the White House to figures from politics, sports, entertainment, and other fields. Biden noted it was his last time bestowing the honor as president. Recipients included Hillary Clinton and Argentine soccer player Messi, who was absent due to scheduling conflicts. The awards sparked controversy, as several recipients had criticized Trump, and Biden also honored Democratic mega-donor George Soros. This drew strong criticism from conservatives, with Trump's former advisor Bannon calling for Soros's medal to be revoked. Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated on Sunday that Syria's new leadership is determined to eliminate separatists within the country. The Turkish military reported it had 'neutralized' 32 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Syria. Last month, groups aligned with Turkey ousted Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Since then, Turkey-backed Syrian forces have clashed occasionally with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in the north. Erdogan, speaking at his party's provincial congress in Trabzon, said the revolution in Syria has dashed the hopes of the separatist terrorist organization. The new Syrian administration is firmly committed to preserving the country's territorial integrity and unitary structure. He warned the PKK that their only option is to surrender their weapons, abandon terrorism, and dissolve the organization, or face Turkey's iron fist. The defense ministry also announced an operation in northern Syria that neutralized 32 PKK members and another four in northern Iraq, where the militants are based.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expressed disappointment over President Biden's ban on Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, stating it could impact Japanese investments in the US. Biden claimed the acquisition posed risks to national security and ordered Nippon Steel and US Steel to abandon the deal within 30 days. Both companies accused the decision of being politically motivated and threatened legal action. Nippon Steel plans to file for a stay of execution by February 2. Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda expressed disappointment and concern over future investments. US Steel's headquarters in Pennsylvania, a key electoral state, adds political complexity. Despite Nippon Steel's commitment not to reduce US Steel's capacity, the deal faced strong opposition. If successful, Nippon Steel would have become the world's third-largest steelmaker.

On January 4, 2025, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Accompanied by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Michael Waltz, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties ahead of Trump's inauguration on January 20. Discussions reportedly covered Russia's war in Ukraine, trade issues, the Middle East, and the plight of an Italian journalist detained in Tehran. Meloni, seen as a potential strong ally due to her conservative credentials and the stability of her right-wing coalition, also enjoys a close relationship with Trump ally Elon Musk. After the meeting, Trump and Meloni watched a documentary questioning the legal scrutiny faced by former Trump lawyer John Eastman. One of Meloni's challenges is the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Iran.

The US Department of State has notified Congress of a planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel, confirmed by an American official to the BBC. The weapons consignment, requiring approval from House and Senate committees, includes missiles, shells, and other munitions. This move comes just over two weeks before President Joe Biden leaves office. Washington has rejected calls to suspend military support for Israel due to civilian casualties in the Gaza war. In August, the US approved a $20 billion sale of fighter jets and military equipment to Israel. The latest shipment includes air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and bombs. A source familiar with the sale stated that President Biden has affirmed Israel's right to defend its citizens under international law and to deter aggression from Iran and its proxies. The US is Israel's largest arms supplier, accounting for 69% of its major conventional arms imports from 2019 to 2023, according to SIPRI. In May 2024, the US paused a bomb shipment but later partially lifted the suspension. This planned sale is one of several steps by the Biden administration to shore up his legacy and likely the last before he leaves office on January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump is inaugurated.

On January 4 local time, according to a knowledgeable US official, the Biden administration plans to sell $8 billion worth of weapons and ammunition to Israel to replenish its critical ammunition stocks and air defense capabilities. The US Department of State notified the Senate and House on January 3. The arms sale includes AIM-120C-8 missiles, 155mm artillery shells, AGM-114 missiles, and other weapons, most of which will take over a year to deliver. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee will review the proposal. If approved, this will be the last arms sale to Israel under the Biden administration. Since the outbreak of the new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023, the US has provided at least $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel. The conflict has resulted in nearly 46,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 109,000 injuries, sparking strong domestic dissatisfaction in the US.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday killed at least 21 people, including at least two children, as ceasefire talks continued in Qatar. Thousands in Israel rallied for a ceasefire deal, following a Hamas video showing a hostage still held in Gaza. Three airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, hit a car, a house, and people on the street. Gaza's Health Ministry reported at least 59 deaths and over 270 injuries from strikes in the past 24 hours. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations against Hamas, which regroups in areas vacated by Israeli forces. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are mediating the talks, with the U.S. planning an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel. The war, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and around 100 hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have resumed indirect ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar. Hamas stated that the negotiations aim to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the determination of implementation details, as well as the return of displaced persons to their homes. Hamas issued a statement on January 3, emphasizing their serious and proactive approach to the negotiations. Previous mediation efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have been unsuccessful, with Israel's reluctance to agree to a permanent ceasefire being a major obstacle. On January 2, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the dispatch of a new delegation to Qatar. On the same day, the Israeli military bombed about 40 Hamas sites in Gaza, while Hamas fired rockets into Israel, resulting in approximately 30 deaths. Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, nearly all 2.3 million people in Gaza have been displaced, causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The International Organization for Migration noted that winter weather has exacerbated the situation, with about 945,000 people urgently needing assistance. Additionally, the U.S. plans to sell $8 billion in weapons to Israel, pending congressional approval.

Austria's two main centrist parties' coalition talks collapsed on January 4, prompting conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer to announce his resignation. A day earlier, the liberal Neos party withdrew from the talks, blaming other parties for failing to take decisive action. Nehammer stated he would step down as chancellor and leader of the People's Party in the coming days to ensure an orderly transition. The collapse highlights the difficulty of forming stable governments in European countries like Germany and France, where the far right is rising. The eurosceptic, Russia-friendly Freedom Party (FPO) won 29% of the vote in September's election but failed to find a coalition partner due to Nehammer's refusal to govern with FPO leader Herbert Kickl. President Alexander Van der Bellen may now task Kickl with forming a government or call a snap election. Nehammer described Kickl as a conspiracy theorist but deemed parts of the FPO trustworthy. The People's Party leadership is set to meet on Sunday to discuss Nehammer's successor, who is likely to be more open to a coalition with the FPO. The two parties previously governed together from 2017 to 2019 before a scandal led to the coalition's collapse. Polls show the FPO leading the People's Party and the Social Democrats by over 10 points, posing a dilemma for President Van der Bellen. Social Democrats leader Andreas Babler blamed Nehammer's party for being stingy on pensions and salaries for teachers and police, while Nehammer criticized the Social Democrats for insisting on wealth and inheritance taxes.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Saturday that he will resign as the country's leader and the head of the Austrian People's Party (OVP) following the collapse of coalition talks. Nehammer stated that no agreement could be reached during negotiations between his OVP party and the Social Democrats. He plans to step down in the coming days. Nehammer, who previously served as interior minister, expressed it was an honor to serve his country. Austria's political future has been uncertain since September's parliamentary elections, where the populist, anti-mass immigration, anti-Brussels, pro-neutrality, anti-Ukraine conflict Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) nearly doubled its vote share to over 29%, causing the ruling People's Party/Green coalition to lose its majority. Nehammer refused to form a coalition with the FPO and attempted to form a new government with the New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) and the SPOe, both attempts ending in failure.

Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, recognized as the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records, passed away at the age of 116 on May 23, 2024. She died in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Itooka became the world's oldest person following the death of Spain's Maria Branyas Morera in August 2024 at age 117. Ashiya's 27-year-old mayor, Ryosuke Takashima, stated that Ms. Itooka's long life gave people courage and hope. Born in May 1908, she lived through world wars and significant technological advancements. As a student, she played volleyball and climbed Mount Ontake twice. In her later years, she enjoyed bananas and Calpis, a popular milky soft drink in Japan. She married at 20 and had two daughters and two sons. During World War Two, she managed her husband's textile factory office. After her husband's death in 1979, she lived alone in Nara. She is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends. As of September 2024, Japan had over 95,000 people aged 100 or older, 88% of whom were women. Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, born 16 days after Itooka and also 116, is now believed to be the world's oldest person.

The farewell ceremony for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter began in Georgia on December 29, following his death at the age of 100. Carter's casket journeyed from his hometown of Plains, passing by the farm where he once worked, to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. Accompanied by family and descendants, thousands of employees participated in the memorials. Grandson Jason Carter emphasized the continuation of Carter's legacy. The仪式 included Secret Service and Navy honor guards, with reflections from Carter's pastor and former legislator. Carter will lie in state in Washington before being buried in Plains.

Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. Flags across the country have been flying at half-mast since his death. A six-day farewell ceremony for Carter began on January 4. His casket, escorted by Secret Service agents, will tour Plains, pausing at his boyhood peanut farm where a bell will toll 39 times in honor of the 39th president. The body will then be taken to Atlanta for a stop at the Georgia Capitol and the Carter Presidential Centre, where it will lie in repose from January 4 to 7. On January 7, his remains will be flown to Joint Base Andrews outside Washington and transported to the US Navy Memorial. Carter's body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until January 9. A national funeral service will be held at the National Cathedral on January 9, with President Joe Biden delivering the eulogy. Carter's remains will be returned to Plains for a private funeral and burial alongside his wife, Rosalynn.

The state funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter began on December 29 in Georgia, following his death at the age of 100. Carter's flag-draped casket journeyed from his hometown of Plains, passing by the farm where he once toiled, to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. His son and grandson spoke at the memorial, praising his life and contributions. The casket will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center for public viewing until January 2. National rites will continue in Washington, culminating in a funeral at Washington National Cathedral, after which Carter will be buried in Plains. His life spanned from a poor Southern farm to the White House and impactful global humanitarian work.

On January 4, police reported that a British national, who was the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry's former nanny, was among the victims of a deadly truck-ramming attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people. King Charles III was said to be deeply saddened and had contacted the family to offer personal condolences. Prince William and his wife Catherine expressed shock and sadness over the tragic death of Edward Pettifer. The Pettifer family issued a statement expressing their devastation. On New Year's Day, a US army veteran, who had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State, used a pickup truck to attack revellers in the crowded French Quarter, killing and wounding many before being shot by police. Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed extreme sadness and stated that the UK is supporting the victim's family and stands united with the US against terror threats.

On December 21, 2024, Russia declared a regional state of emergency in Crimea following an oil spill in the Black Sea last month. Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Russia-installed governor of Sevastopol, announced the emergency status due to new traces of minor pollution, granting authorities greater decision-making powers. The Kerch Strait, separating Crimea's Kerch Peninsula from Russia's Krasnodar region, was affected. Over 86,000 metric tons of contaminated sand and soil have been cleared by rescue workers after two aging tankers were damaged in a storm on December 15, with one sinking and the other running aground. More than 10,000 people have been involved in cleaning viscous fuel oil from beaches around Anapa, a summer resort, with environmental groups reporting deaths of marine life. The emergencies ministry stated that contaminated soil was collected in the broader Kuban region and Crimea, whose annexation by Russia remains unrecognized. Initial estimates indicate about 2,400 metric tons of oil products spilled, less than initially feared, involving heavy M100-grade fuel oil that does not float on water.