Only seven countries met the WHO air quality standard in 2024, with India hosting 13 of the top 20 most polluted cities. A report from IQAir found that 83% of cities failed to meet air pollution norms. The report highlights a lack of monitoring equipment in Africa, while Oceania remains the cleanest region.
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China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint naval drills called Maritime Security Belt 2025 in the Gulf of Oman. These exercises come as tensions over Tehran's nuclear program rise and Houthi rebels in Yemen threaten attacks on shipping. The drills also reflect China's and Russia's strategic interests in the region.
The CIA has shifted its stance toward favouring the theory that Covid-19 emerged from a lab in Wuhan, citing conditions in high-security labs as partial evidence. This new assessment, however, is held with 'low confidence' due to fragmentary data. This change comes amid debates over whether China sufficiently regulated its markets or lab security.
A New York judge has rejected President-elect Donald Trump's bid to delay his sentencing in a hush-money case, scheduled just days before his inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan upheld his earlier decision despite Trump's legal team's appeals. Trump, convicted of falsifying business records in 2023, faces sentencing on January 10, 2025, though jail time is unlikely.
Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, the head of the US military’s health agency, retired under the Trump administration. Her retirement follows the ousting of six senior military officials. The Pentagon is phasing out diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, arguing they harm unit cohesion.
Elon Musk's popularity has been decreasing since he took over the Department of Government Efficiency. A Wall Street Journal poll shows half of the respondents view his advisory role under Trump unfavorably. Despite this, his influence within the MAGA circle is increasing, with new responsibilities as the sole chief of the Department of Government Efficiency and White House access.
House Republicans narrowly approved a budget resolution, advancing Trump's economic plan with $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in cuts. The proposal, which faces Senate review, has stirred concerns over social program cuts and the national debt among lawmakers.
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Bettina Anderson both attended Donald Trump's inauguration but according to reports, they did not meet as Kimberly Guilfoyle was seen at the closed-door oath-taking ceremony while Bettina was present at the Liberty Ball. They, however, met a day before on January 19 at a pre-inauguration party. Kimberly did not sit with the family at the inauguration event.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement came after weeks of painstaking negotiations in Doha but Donald Trump claimed credit for the deal and said it would not have been possible had he not won the election and his victory in the November election sent a message to the world that the new US administration would not have it any other way.
Retired US General Mark Milley faces a political upheaval after US defence secretary Pete Hegseth revoked his security clearance and detail, and called for an inspector-general review to assess if his rank should be reduced. The move highlights tensions during Milley's service under Trump, his controversial decisions, and alleged overstepping of his role.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed agreements including a USD 1.2 billion deferred payment for oil imports and a USD 41 million water supply project. This deal aims to bolster Pakistan's economy by ensuring a steady petroleum supply while easing immediate fiscal pressures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi dignitaries witnessed the signing.