Bruno Retailleau, French Interior Minister, is visiting Rabat. He will discuss security with Abdelouafi Laftit, Moroccan counterpart. Talks will cover migration, organised crime, and drug trafficking. Relations between France and Morocco improved after France recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. France's ties with Algeria have deteriorated. Algeria asked 12 French officials to leave.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Russia for the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, covering trade, military cooperation, science, education, and culture. The treaty is signed ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Iran seeks Russian support amidst economic struggles and regional challenges, including tensions with Israel and issues with the 'Axis of Resistance.'
At least 56 senior officials from USAID were placed on administrative leave following an internal probe into alleged attempts to undermine President Trump's executive orders. This action comes after Trump's directive to pause most foreign assistance for 90 days. The move has caused significant disruption in global aid programs, with many questioning how this might impact US foreign aid priorities in the future.
Former president Bush was asked whether he would behave at the swearing-in ceremony before his entry. The staff also warned Bush that there are hot mics ahead so that they keep their chuckles low. Obama chimed in from behind and said, "Nope". "I'll behave," Bush said with a wink. Though the presidents attended Trump's inauguration, they skipped the inaugural luncheon.
​Prices at $5 million, the Gold Card program would replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program. EB-5s were created in 1990 as a method for immigrants to obtain green cards in which a person must invest at least $1 million in a company –or $800k in a low-income area – that employs at least 10 people. In 2024, more than 4,500 EB-5 visas were issued.
President Trump referenced PM Modi's visit to the US in a speech at the DOJ, highlighting efforts to present a clean and safe Washington DC. He emphasized plans to eliminate crime, graffiti, and tents. Trump also criticized former President Biden's administration, branding it as a 'Department of Injustice', while promising justice and accountability moving forward.
Early Sunday, a man was arrested after climbing the Big Ben tower in London, barefoot and holding a Palestinian flag. The incident caused major traffic disruptions, leading to road closures and the cancellation of Parliament tours. Emergency crews and negotiators eventually talked him down safely. He is now in police custody while supporters chanted nearby.
A massive asteroid, Asteroid 2025 BS4, will safely pass Earth on January 28, traveling at 35,000 miles per hour. Despite its close proximity, twice the distance to the Moon, it poses no threat of collision. Scientists continue to monitor such near-Earth objects to assess potential risks.
The UAE's ministry of economy launched a three-month roadmap for "green intellectual property (IP)" to drive innovation, sustainability, and a circular economy. The initiative aims to boost eco-friendly patents, strengthen legal protections, and integrate IP into sustainable projects. With a goal of 8 per cent of patents in green technology, it supports the UAE’s vision and reinforces its top regional ranking in the global innovation index 2024.
Elon Musk shared a video of a Starship upper stage making a vertical water landing, highlighting effort toward perfecting reentry at extreme temperatures. SpaceX prepares for a critical test flight on March 4, focusing on refining techniques and the Super Heavy booster’s controlled landing. This follows the FAA’s approval and hardware upgrades after a previous prototype was lost.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic wins a landslide re-election, defeating conservative rival Dragan Primorac with over 74% of the vote. Milanovic's victory is seen as a setback for the ruling HDZ party and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. The election highlights issues like corruption, inflation, and a labour shortage in Croatia.