International

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to build a 30,000-bed migrant detention facility at the US Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, separate from the existing high-security prison.

The facility, managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will house migrants, including those intercepted at sea, whom Trump referred to as the “worst criminal illegal aliens.”

This announcement follows Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the jailing of undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes. The act is named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan migrant.

The Cuban government has condemned the move, calling it illegal and inhumane, as Guantanamo Bay has been historically controversial due to allegations of detainee mistreatment.

On January 24, 2025, Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, was elected as Ireland’s Prime Minister for the second time by the Dáil (Irish Parliament). His election was supported by a coalition of the two major center-right parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, along with independent lawmakers.

Martin, 64, previously served as Prime Minister from 2020 to 2022 before transferring leadership to Fine Gael as part of a power-sharing agreement. Outgoing Prime Minister Simon Harris is expected to reassume leadership in late 2027 under the coalition deal. Following the November 2024 general election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael retained power, winning a combined 86 seats in the 174-seat Dáil, just shy of a majority. Sinn Féin, the main opposition party, secured 39 seats, second to Fianna Fáil’s 48 seats.

On January 21, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert declared competence to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Indus Water Treaty. The Neutral Expert rejected Pakistan’s plea to establish a Court of Arbitration, instead deciding to assess the Points of Difference on merit.

The MEA emphasized that India’s consistent position has been vindicated, asserting that the Neutral Expert alone has the authority under the treaty to address such issues. The Neutral Expert’s decision pertains to all seven questions raised about the hydroelectric projects.

In 2022, the World Bank had appointed a Neutral Expert and a chairman of the Court of Arbitration to address the disagreements over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The inauguration took place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extremely cold weather. Trump took the oath of office using a Bible given to him by his mother and President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible. Vice President J.D. Vance was also sworn in during the ceremony.

In his inaugural address, Trump declared that the “Golden Age of America” begins now and announced measures such as declaring a national emergency at the southern border. He emphasized his “America First” policy and promised to restore sovereignty, safety, and justice. Trump also previewed a series of executive orders targeting immigration, energy policy, and diversity programs within federal agencies.

The event was attended by prominent figures from politics, business, and technology, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Tim Cook. The ceremony marked a significant moment in American history as Trump became the second president to return to power non-consecutively.

The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting took place from January 20-24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland. The theme for this year was “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, reflecting the need for global cooperation in an era of rapid technological advancements.

The meeting brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 governmental leaders such as heads of state and government. Key topics discussed included geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, climate change, and technological innovation. The forum aimed to address these challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable growth and resilience.

One of the highlights was the virtual address by Donald Trump, who returned to the White House for a second term and participated in interactive sessions. The meeting also saw strong representation from India, with several state delegations showcasing their potential to attract global investors.

Overall, the 55th WEF Annual Meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19, 2025, marks a significant step towards ending the 15-month-long conflict. The agreement, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, includes a phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The initial phase involves the release of three Israeli hostages and 30 Hamas prisoners. The ceasefire is expected to bring much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and allow displaced Palestinians to return home. This ceasefire is seen as a crucial first step towards lasting peace in the region, although its fragility remains a concern.

Sanctions lifted on Indian entities: The US has removed sanctions on three Indian entities—Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).

Reason for lifting sanctions: The sanctions, imposed during the Cold War era, were lifted to enhance US foreign policy goals, support shared energy security needs, and strengthen joint efforts in science and technology between India and the US.

Strengthened India-US collaboration: Recent years have seen increased cooperation in peaceful nuclear activities and related research, benefiting global partner countries.

US action against Chinese companies: The US added 11 Chinese companies to the Entity List for activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.

About the Entity List: It is a US government compilation of foreign individuals, companies, and organizations considered a national security concern.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has arrived in New Delhi on a five-day state visit to India starting from 15 January 2025. He was welcomed by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada at the airport. As part of his delegation, President Tharman is accompanied by ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials.

During his visit, President Tharman will meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honor. He will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with other Indian dignitaries. President Tharman will visit Odisha from 17th to 18th January.

India and Singapore share a robust partnership built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and marks the commencement of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Wildfires have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles recently, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area, has been particularly devastating, destroying over 17,000 acres and 1,000 structures. The Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, 2025, in Altadena, and the Sunset Fire, which ignited on January 8, 2025, in the Hollywood Hills, have caused significant damage as well.

The fires have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, and extremely dry conditions. These factors have made firefighting efforts incredibly challenging, with ground crews and aerial operations struggling to contain the blazes.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved federal aid for California. Despite the chaos, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, though the situation remains fluid.

John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as President of Ghana on January 7, 2025. This marked his return to office after winning the December 2024 presidential election with 56.55% of the vote.

Born in 1958 in Ghana’s Savannah region, Mahama previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017.

He pledged that his government would address youth unemployment by fostering strong partnerships with the private sector to create decent and well-paying jobs.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, 2025, citing internal government conflicts. He will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader.

His resignation follows dissatisfaction with his leadership and the recent departure of the finance minister. The Canadian Parliament will be suspended until March 24 for the leadership race.

Trudeau, who led the party in three general elections (2015, 2019, 2021), leaves behind strained relations with India and internal party challenges for his successor. Chrystia Freeland and David McGuinty are potential candidates for leadership.

New Non-Permanent Members of UNSC: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia began their two-year term as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 1 January 2025.

Replacements: They replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.

Ceremony: A flag installation ceremony was held at the UN headquarters in New York, where the new members’ permanent representatives delivered speeches and installed their national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.

UNSC Composition: The UNSC has 15 members – 5 permanent members (United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France – collectively known as the P5, with veto power) and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms.

Full Membership: Romania and Bulgaria officially became full members of the Schengen zone on January 1, 2025.

13-Year Wait: This marks the end of a 13-year wait for the two countries to join the borderless area.

Expanded Zone: The Schengen zone now includes 29 members, expanding the borderless area significantly.

Economic Impact: Analysts estimate that joining the Schengen zone will boost Romania’s and Bulgaria’s GDP by at least one percentage point.

Historic Moment: Leaders on both sides hailed the expansion as a historic achievement.

Austria’s Objections: Austria had previously blocked their full entry over migration concerns but dropped its objections after a border protection agreement was reached.

Improved Travel: The removal of land border checks will ease travel and strengthen economic ties between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries.