January 20, 2025, International News:

January 20, 2025,  International News:

Middle East

• Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Agreement: Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of hostages held in Gaza. This development is seen as a crucial step toward ending the 15-month conflict that has significantly impacted the Middle East.

United States

• President-elect Donald Trump's Inauguration Preparations: As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump approaches, U.S. national security agencies have issued warnings about potential threats from violent extremists targeting the event. Security measures are being intensified to ensure the safety of attendees.

• Outgoing President Joe Biden's Farewell Address: In his final televised speech from the Oval Office, outgoing President Joe Biden warned against the dangers of oligarchy taking shape in the U.S., emphasizing the need to protect democratic institutions and values.

Asia

• Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan Attacked: Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an intruder at his home in Mumbai. He is reported to be out of danger following the attack.

• India's Space Achievement: India has successfully conducted a historic space-docking test, becoming only the fourth country in the world to possess such technology, following the United States, Russia, and China.

Business

• BP to Cut Jobs: Oil giant BP has announced plans to cut 4,700 jobs, affecting more than 5% of its global workforce, as part of efforts to reduce costs.

• Hindenburg Research Disbands: Nate Anderson, the founder of Hindenburg Research, has announced his decision to disband the company. Hindenburg Research was known for its reports accusing major corporations of fraud, including the Adani Group.

Technology

• Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin Rocket Launch: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's space company, Blue Origin, has launched its first rocket into orbit, challenging Elon Musk's dominance in the private space industry.

Health

• US Bans Red Food Dye: The United States has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a controversial food and drug coloring long known to cause cancer in animals.

Economy and Industry

• Biocon Advocates for Tax Exemptions on Lifesaving Drugs: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson of Biocon Ltd, has urged the Indian government to eliminate taxes on medications for cancer, chronic diseases like diabetes, and rare diseases. She emphasized that such lifesaving therapies should be more affordable, noting the financial burden on patients who often pay out-of-pocket for medicines and diagnostic scans. Currently, India imposes a 12% tax on medication for chronic diseases, contributing to higher expenses in a price-sensitive market.

• India to Permit 1 Million Tons of Sugar Exports: Despite an anticipated production shortfall, India is set to authorize the export of 1 million metric tons of sugar in the current season. This decision aims to alleviate local stock surplus and stabilize domestic prices. Key sugar-producing states have experienced lower cane yields, reducing the estimated output for the 2024-25 season to about 27 million tons, below the annual consumption of over 29 million tons.

Entertainment

• Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin's Public Appearance in Mumbai: Actress Dakota Johnson and musician Chris Martin were seen holding hands in Mumbai, India, dismissing previous split rumors. The couple, linked since 2017, appeared happy as they prepared for Martin's three Coldplay concerts in the city.

Regional News

• Kerala Government Forms SIT to Investigate Temple Fire Accident: The Kerala government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a fire accident at a temple near Neeleswaram, which left 154 people injured, eight of them seriously. The incident occurred during a Theyyam performance when firecrackers stored nearby exploded. The district administration has directed an additional divisional magistrate to conduct a separate inquiry into the incident.

Politics

• India Deems Iranian Leader's Comments 'Unacceptable': The Indian government has labeled comments made by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei regarding Indian Muslims as "unacceptable." Khamenei had mentioned the suffering of Muslims in regions including India, which prompted India's foreign ministry to strongly deplore the remarks.

Sports

• India's Cricket Team Faces Decline in Test Performance: The Indian cricket team has experienced a downturn in Test cricket form, losing four of their last five matches, including a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand. Inconsistent batting and a struggling bowling attack are cited as primary reasons for the decline.

Politics and Security

• Pakistan's Strategy with the Taliban Backfires Amid Rising Violence: Pakistan's support for the Taliban in Afghanistan has led to increased violence within its borders. In 2024, over 2,500 people were killed in terror attacks in Pakistan, marking a significant rise from the previous year. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghanistan, has intensified attacks using sophisticated weapons left after NATO's exit. Despite Pakistan's appeals, the Afghan Taliban has been reluctant to curb TTP activities, fearing internal dissent.

• Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years in Corruption Case: Former Prime Minister and ex-cricket captain Imran Khan, 72, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty in a £200 million corruption case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, received a seven-year sentence for their involvement in accepting land from real estate tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for laundered money. Khan denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the charges are politically motivated to prevent his return to office.

Humanitarian Incidents

• Over 40 Pakistanis Feared Drowned in Migrant Boat Capsize: More than 40 Pakistanis are feared drowned after a migrant boat capsized off West Africa's Atlantic coast. The boat, originating from Mauritania with 80 passengers, capsized near Dakhla, a Moroccan-controlled city. Most Pakistani victims were from Punjab province. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed sorrow and called for measures against human trafficking.

Regional News

• Formation of Special Investigation Team for Temple Fire Accident: The government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a fire accident at a temple near Neeleswaram, which left 154 people injured, eight of them seriously. The incident occurred during a Theyyam performance when firecrackers stored nearby exploded. The district administration has directed an additional divisional magistrate to conduct a separate inquiry into the incident.

Health

• COVID-19 Positivity Rate Among Cold and Cough Patients in Karachi at 30%: Health authorities in Karachi have reported a 30% COVID-19 positivity rate among patients presenting with cold and cough symptoms. This indicates a significant spread of the virus in the region, prompting calls for increased testing and adherence to preventive measures.

Hollywood

Hollywood has been focusing on structured and organized production processes. Actress Priyanka Chopra highlighted the industry's emphasis on detailed paperwork and specific scheduling, contrasting it with Bollywood's more flexible approach.

Bollywood

Bollywood is experiencing a transformative phase. The industry is striving to align its content with audience preferences, especially after facing competition from Southern Indian cinema and digital platforms. Successful sequels like "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and "Pushpa 2: The Rule" are anticipated to rejuvenate box office revenues.

Additionally, art-house films are gaining traction. "All We Imagine as Light," directed by Payal Kapadia, has received international acclaim, including a Grand Prix at Cannes and a nomination for Best Director at the Golden Globes. This success underscores a growing appreciation for diverse storytelling in Indian cinema.

In casting news, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has commenced shooting for his Bollywood comeback film, "Abir Gulaal," in the UK. This project marks a significant collaboration between Pakistani and Indian talent.

Lollywood

Pakistan's film industry, Lollywood, is witnessing a resurgence. The recent release of "Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum" premiered to impressive reviews, marking a positive trend in Pakistani cinema.

Moreover, interactions between Lollywood and Bollywood actors are fostering cultural exchange. A meeting between Pakistani actor Ahsan Khan and Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Dubai garnered attention, highlighting the potential for future collaborations.