AMERICA
Global Events, Cybersecurity, and Key Predictions Mark 2025 Beginnings
1. US Treasury Hacked by China-Linked Hackers
January 2025 seems to be destined for even bigger things as the US Treasury Department levels accusations against China for that cyberattack which accessed unclassified documents and employee workstations by infiltrating some third-party service. The Chinese government has denied responsibility, calling the accusations “groundless.” US authorities are treating it as a significant cyber incident and have thus far found no evidence of ongoing access. As usual, this event depicts the escalating tide of cyber tensions that keep rising between the US and China.
2. Global New Year’s Celebrations Welcome 2025
The grandiosity of Sydney’s dazzling fireworks and the enormous beach party in Rio ushered in 2025 all over the world with light shows, concerts, and traditions. While some areas like the Middle East witnessed not-so-joyful festivities due to conflict, others like New York, Paris, and Dubai marked the day with glorious spectacles. In Asia, Japan launched a long-awaited celebration of the Year of the Snake, while Pope Francis commenced the Holy Year in Rome. Festivities did not deter Europeans from enjoying the festivities as the entire world raised a cheer toward the new year even while some parts of Europe were hit by harsh climates.
3. Elon Musk’s Optimistic Prediction for 2025 at Trump’s New Year Bash
Positive hopes for 2025 were expressed by Elon Musk at a New Year’s celebration event organized by Donald Trump. Musk, who cooed over his prediction during the as-good-as-partying event, adds that to the newer updates suddenly finding their way into the ongoing key developments in US politics, economy, and social issues. The entire country is thinking of fresh new year updates shaping America’s future.
4. Trump to Attend Carter’s Funeral, Endorses Johnson
Donald Trump confirmed he would be attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Jan. 9, 2025, following Carter’s demise at the age of 100. Trump also endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson at a New Year’s Eve party and predicted his re-election even in the face of GOP opposition. Trump defended the H-1B visa program, joining the argument with Elon Musk that America needs to attract foreign talent to the U.S.
ASIA
Asia Faces Tensions: Arrests, Bans, and Conflicts
1. South Korea’s President Faces Historic Arrest Over Martial Law
Fake President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea will most probably be arrested before his arrest warrant can expire over a brief martial law declaration in December last year. Chief anti-graft investigator Oh Dong-woon warned against resistance citing prosecution risks. Yoon for that matter now faces allegations of abuse of power and insurrection, probably incurring a life sentence. This, however, would set the precedent for the first time in South Korean history, where a sitting president would have to face arrest.
2. Indonesia Bans iPhone 16 and Google Pixel Sales
The iPhone 16 and Google Pixel have been banned from sale in Indo-nesia because of non-compliance with the local component requirements under the Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri, or TKDN. This rule dictates that at least 40 percent of the component parts must be sourced locally. Although Apple assured the investment of $100 million within the country, the government had said not enough. But it also disappointed many fans of technology like Winston, who have had their issues with past laws.
3. Fishing Wars Strain India-Sri Lanka Relations
Sri Lanka, this time, rounded up 535 Indian fishermen in one of its haul records for the year 2024, almost double the number from last year. India is once again in tension with this country over cross-border fishing. The fact is that most Indian fishermen come into Sri Lankan territorial waters and are arrested because there is a lack of fish in Indian waters due to the high pollution levels. This would soon create protests in India, as they claim to show that these fishermen should be kept safe and made more secure against the impacts of climate change.
4. Farmers in Odisha Risk Jail for Profitable Cannabis Cultivation
For the most part, illegal cannabis farming is now emerging as one of the alternatives that most farmers in Odisha, India opt for so that they can be able to earn profit in terms of money. The farmers are still ready to face the consequences of the law concerning the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act regarding the illegal cannabis cultivation at risk under which they fall. As if the Haryana State has declared illegal farming of cannabis, its production has made marked changes in the lifestyles of these farmers within the state. Despite calls for police raids and the risk of legal action, the trade flourishes, as one robustly builds urban demand for cannabis. Cannabis is still the most profitable crop, although some farmers have already turned to safer crops such as millet.
MENA
Middle East Struggles: Military Shifts, Humanitarian Crises, and Displacement
1. Israel May Extend Presence in South Lebanon Beyond Ceasefire Terms
As per reports, Israel might withdraw from south Lebanon in a period of about 60 days, violating the truce agreed on November 27. They demolish, still occupy, and prevent the civilians from returning, admit, that there are casualties. Complaint from UNIFIL has surged but without much mechanism for enforcement: it raises regional tensions on the whole.
2. Ivory Coast Ends Decades-Long French Military Presence
Ivory Coast announced the withdrawal of French troops by January 2025, following similar moves by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. President Alassane Ouattara emphasized the modernization of the Ivorian army as French forces, stationed since colonial times, hand over their base in Abidjan. This reflects a broader trend of West African nations reducing ties with their former colonizer.
3. Hypothermia Crisis in Gaza
Being in Gaza, six small ones are dead from hypothermia within a week due to cold permeating up to 17 degrees below zero, insufficient weatherproofing, and starvation because of conflict. The cutting and locking of humanitarian access to Israel have worsened it so much as to leave 2.3 million internally displaced persons totally vulnerable. Night temperatures are as low as 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) and, as heavy rains fall, worsen again. Whether by the hunger or the cold, the age group that will suffer most from this risk will be the children because they lose body heat much faster than adults.
4. Heavy Rains Worsen Displacement Crisis in Gaza
Heavy rains have inundated hundreds of makeshift shelters in Gaza, making life even worse for the displaced Palestinians. It is causing chill-related fatalities and has already claimed at least seven lives, including the six infants. The tents are unusable, and the emergency relief supply has been drained, which has increased noise in the health care system. Approximately 45,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023.
EUROPE
Europe Rings in 2025 with Celebrations, Protests, and Geopolitical Shifts
1. European Capitals Celebrate 2025 with Spectacular Fireworks
Celebrating New Year 2025 in European cities like Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Athens was not without spectacular fireworks. The light display was held on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Colosseum in Rome was used for the New Year’s celebration. Berlin saw the sky so perfectly lit by the Brandenburg Gate, while Athens had a unique silent fireworks spectacle near the Acropolis. The continent merrily ushered in the New Year.
2. Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Area
Now, Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Area, abolishing land borders between 25 million people. It provides visa-free travel across 29 countries that include France, Spain, and Norway, without checks. After many negotiations, it is a big step for the two countries in getting integrated into the EU. However, random checks will still be held for six months on larger vehicles to prevent crime.
3. Russia Ends Gas Supply to Europe via Ukraine
On January 1, 2025, Russia closed its gas supply pipelines to Europe through Ukraine after the previous five-year deal with Ukraine ended. President-zero-sum_volodymyr_zelenskyy did not sign that deal again because it would help Europe get rid of Russian energy. Meanwhile, the EU has made efforts to find other alternative gas sources;) for some Eastern European countries and Moldova, where the majority still use Russian gas as the only option. It affects energy costs and competitiveness for the entire European industry.
4. Tbilisi Anti-Government Protests Continue on New Year’s Eve
Tens of thousands of pro-European protesters gathered in Tbilisi for the 34th day in a row after Georgia’s government suspended the EU accession talks. Protesters demanded early elections and freedom for imprisoned activists. Several of them even organized a traditional dinner. European ministers condemned the use of violence against the protesters and vowed to continue supporting Georgia’s democratic aspirations.
