News from January 29, 2025 at 2 AM

On January 28, 2025, US President Donald Trump called the rise of Chinese company DeepSeek 'a wake-up call' for the US tech industry. DeepSeek's R1 model, developed at a fraction of the cost of its rivals, triggered a shockwave on Wall Street, causing Nvidia to lose nearly $600bn in market value. DeepSeek became the most downloaded free app in the US just a week after its launch. Trump suggested this could be positive for the US, but Australian Science Minister Ed Husic expressed concerns over data privacy. Founded by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek's technology has received praise but also faces skepticism. As the US restricts chip exports to China, Chinese AI developers are finding alternative approaches, leading to mixed market reactions.

On January 28, 2025, under a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Palestinians displaced to the south by Israeli orders during the war began returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Gaza City, after 15 months of fighting, lay in ruins, with many seeking shelter among the rubble and searching for lost relatives. Over 300,000 people had returned to Gaza City and the northern edge of the enclave. Hamas is set to release more Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The second phase of ceasefire negotiations, which will decide the fate of remaining hostages and Israeli withdrawal, is due to start soon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from hardliners in his government, while U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal has further complicated the situation.

Congolese social networks are filled with calls to paralyze city life in protest against Rwanda's alleged support of the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 rebel group. Protesters have attacked embassies of countries suspected of supporting M23, looting Uganda's Embassy and setting fire to the French Embassy. Roadblocks with burning tires have been set up across Kinshasa, with police deployed to restore order. Rallies in support of the Congolese army, which is defending against rebel and Rwandan army attacks, have been organized in several cities. In Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, the Congolese army holds key strategic positions, while UN and Southern African Development Community peacekeepers safeguard the international airport. The M23 rebels, who began hostilities in January 2021, have captured several towns and over 100 villages in North Kivu province.

On January 28 local time, a Busan Airline plane's tail caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea. The aircraft was originally scheduled to fly to Hong Kong, China. After the fire broke out, all 169 passengers and 7 crew members were evacuated emergency. According to South Korea's YTN TV, some people on board sustained minor injuries. Local fire authorities have initiated firefighting operations, and the cause of the fire is under further investigation.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic will hold an emergency press conference at 11:00 a.m. (10:00 a.m. GMT) on January 28, during which he will announce his resignation. According to the Vecernje Novosti newspaper, it was confirmed that the reason for the PM's emergency address was his decision to resign due to ongoing student protests. This resignation has garnered significant attention, with the student protests being the catalyst.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, while visiting France on the 28th, stated that national sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, in response to the US threat to seize control of Greenland. She emphasized that Denmark has received significant support from European partners and conveyed a clear message to the US. Frederiksen also highlighted the importance of building a strong Europe on social media. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with rich resources, has been a target of US President Trump's expressed desire for control since his election victory in November 2024.

On January 27, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was commemorated in Oswiecim, Poland. Survivors were joined by world leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Britain's King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Polish President Andrzej Duda. The event aimed to listen to survivors' firsthand accounts and honor the memory of the atrocities. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed concern over the German AfD party's attempts to downplay Nazi crimes. A spokesperson for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum noted this was likely the last major anniversary with a significant number of survivors present. Four survivors were scheduled to speak, sharing their harrowing experiences in the camp, where over 1.1 million people were murdered.

A Russian delegation arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for the first time since the ousting of Moscow's ally, President Bashar al-Assad. The delegation, including Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Kremlin special envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev, is expected to hold talks with Syria's new rulers. Two Syrian sources earlier told Reuters that discussions between the delegation and Syria's leadership were scheduled in Damascus this week. Russia, which provided refuge and military support to Assad against rebel forces before his downfall, aims to retain its two bases in Syria: the naval facility in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base near the port city of Latakia. The Tartous facility serves as Russia's sole Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and Moscow has used Syria as a staging post for its military contractors traveling to and from Africa.

On January 15, 2025, the Trump administration introduced a government-wide 'deferred resignation' buyout program, encouraging federal workers to resign by February 6. Those who accept will receive pay and benefits through September 30. The move aims to ensure federal workers align with the new administration's higher office standards. Currently, only 6% of federal employees work full-time in office. The White House expects up to 10% of employees to take the buyout. All full-time federal employees except military personnel, USPS workers, and specific roles are eligible. Trump signed an order ending remote-work policies. The federal labor union criticized the plan, warning of chaos in government operations.

Two Colombian air force planes have landed in Bogotá, bringing back deported migrants from the US. On Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro barred US military aircraft from landing, arguing that the deportees were being treated like criminals. The incident nearly led to a trade war, with Trump threatening 25% tariffs on Colombian goods and Petro promising retaliation. A diplomatic deal was reached, allowing Colombia to send its planes to ensure migrants were treated with dignity. The US had imposed visa restrictions and sanctions, which were lifted after the migrants returned. It remains unclear if Colombia will continue this practice.

In 2023, the symbolic Doomsday Clock was moved 10 seconds closer to midnight, primarily due to the Ukraine crisis, reaching 90 seconds to midnight. On January 28, 2024, Daniel Holtz, Chairman of the Science and Safety Board of the US Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, announced during a videoconference that the clock was adjusted one second closer, now showing 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. However, in 2024, scientists refrained from further adjustments to the clock's position.

Lebanon agreed to extend the presence of Israeli troops in its southern areas until February 18 in exchange for the release of Hezbollah or other Lebanese prisoners. Initially, Israeli troops were scheduled to leave by the end of January under a ceasefire deal concluded on November 27. Israeli demands for an extension were due to insufficient time to destroy Hezbollah's military infrastructure, leaving Lebanon with no choice but to consent. Another reason for Israel's extended presence was to gauge Hezbollah's reaction and potential future actions. Last weekend, Lebanese civilians attempting to return to their southern homes were fired upon by Israeli troops, resulting in 15 deaths and 83 injuries. Hezbollah termed this a 'natural form of resistance' and blamed the Lebanese government. The November 27 ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, stipulated the deployment of Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers along the southern border, with Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River. Israel was given 60 days to withdraw, but the White House announced an extension to February 18.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the relocation of the Mona Lisa to a new exhibition space at the Louvre in Paris by 2031, as part of efforts to alleviate overcrowding. This move is part of his New Renaissance project, which includes an international competition to design a second entrance. Starting next January, non-EU visitors, including UK tourists, will pay higher entry fees. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars highlighted severe overcrowding and infrastructure issues, with annual visitor numbers exceeding nine million. About three-quarters of the museum's 30,000 daily visitors come to see the Mona Lisa, but the experience is suboptimal. The project also involves redesigning the eastern facade and creating new underground exhibition spaces, with a total cost of several hundred million euros, to be funded through ticket sales, donations, and sponsorship.

On January 28 local time, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Trump at the White House on February 4. Netanyahu is the first foreign leader invited to visit the White House during Trump's second term. The meeting is highly anticipated and is expected to discuss bilateral relations and regional security issues. CCTV reporter Xu Tan reported the news.

Google announced on Monday that it will rename the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' following updates in official government sources. The company also stated it will start using Mount McKinley, currently known as Denali. Last week, President Donald Trump signed executive actions ordering the name changes on official maps and federal communications. Google noted that the Gulf of Mexico will retain its original name in Mexico, while users in other countries will see both names. Trump plans to restore the name of former President William McKinley to a mountain now referred to as Denali in Alaska, citing McKinley's contributions to the country's wealth through tariffs and talent. The mountain was named Mount McKinley until 2015, when the Obama administration changed it to Denali as a symbolic gesture to Alaska Natives.

On January 28, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sharply criticized Elon Musk's support for right-wing parties in the European Union during a campaign event in Berlin, calling it 'really disgusting' and stating that it hinders democracy in the bloc. Musk, who has repeatedly attacked Scholz and his government, urging him to resign and claiming that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is the country's only savior, recently made a surprise appearance via video link at an AfD campaign event, urging Germans not to feel guilty about their parents' sins. Scholz strongly criticized Musk's remarks on German history, emphasizing Germany's ongoing responsibility for its past actions. This week, as the world commemorates the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, Scholz expressed gratitude to the US for freeing Germany from the Nazis and helping it become a democracy again, while expressing anger over Musk's intervention for the far-right. Last week, Musk caused uproar with a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during Trump's inauguration festivities. The anti-immigration, anti-Islam AfD, labeled as a right-wing extremist party by German security services, is currently polling second in nationwide surveys ahead of the upcoming snap election in Germany, where the debate on immigration has intensified following a series of violent attacks by foreign-born suspects.

CCTV reporters learned that the United Nations announced the United States will officially exit the Paris Agreement on January 27, 2026. The agreement, reached in 2015 and signed by nearly 200 countries and regions, came into effect in 2016, aiming to control global temperature rise. US President Trump signed an executive order on January 20 to announce the withdrawal. The US has toggled its participation in the agreement three times in less than eight years. The European Union expressed regret, emphasizing continued cooperation on climate change. A poll shows about half of Americans oppose the withdrawal.

To boost tourism and economic development, New Zealand has relaxed its visitor visa regulations, allowing travelers to work remotely while on vacation. Immigration Minister Stanford announced that the visa policy adjustment, effective January 27, applies to general tourists, family visit visa holders, and dependents of long-term visa holders. Digital nomad visas are popular in other countries, and New Zealand aims to attract high-skilled professionals, particularly IT talents from Southeast Asia and the United States. Economic Growth Minister Willis stated that the new policy is designed to position New Zealand as a welcoming destination for global talent and encourage visitors and their companies to engage in more business with New Zealand. The country's economy entered a technical recession in the third quarter of last year, and the tourism sector has not fully recovered, with current international visitor numbers at about 86% of 2019 levels.

Caroline Kennedy urged senators on Tuesday to reject her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the top U.S. health agency, calling him a 'predator' and his healthcare views 'dangerous.' She argued that RFK Jr. has discouraged vaccinations for personal profit and lacks the necessary experience to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Nominated by President Donald Trump in November, RFK Jr. will face questioning by senators on Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET. In a social media video, Caroline Kennedy accused RFK Jr. of lying and cheating throughout his life, emphasizing the need for a secretary committed to advancing medical science. Despite RFK Jr.'s written testimony supporting vaccines, he has led an anti-vaccine group and faces scrutiny over ties to a pharmaceutical law firm.

EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox gaming consoles could be included in the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, as reported by the Financial Times. Brussels is examining items that aid Russia's military actions, with game consoles being considered due to their apparent use in controlling drones. Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony halted sales in Russia in early March 2022, so the EU ban will target third parties in member states reselling goods to Russia, including used games. The sanctions list will also include chemicals allegedly essential for Russia's military industry and restrictions on LNG imports. Diplomatic sources added that the proposed 16th package may include measures to limit Russian aluminum imports, though it is unclear whether this will be a complete ban or the imposition of duties.

On January 27, 2025, Coca-Cola recalled some of its drinks in certain European countries due to higher levels of chlorate. The recall is focused on Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with only five product lines affected in Great Britain, which have already been sold. Affected brands include Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Tropico, and Minute Maid. The company stated that the risk to consumers is very low and has alerted authorities, continuing to collaborate with them. The Food Standards Agency is investigating, promising action if unsafe food is identified. Chlorate exposure can cause health issues, particularly in children and infants. The issue was discovered during routine testing at the company's facility in Ghent, Belgium.

On October 31, 2024, Starbucks announced a new round of leadership changes. CEO Brian Niccol brought in two executives from his former employer Taco Bell and restructured key leadership roles to advance the 'Back to Starbucks' plan and optimize the operating model. The company reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations, but same-store sales declined for the fourth consecutive quarter. Current North American President Sara Trilling will depart, with Meredith Sandland taking over as Chief Store Development Officer and Mike Grams joining as North America Chief Stores Officer. Chief Supply Officer Arthur Valdez also plans to leave the company.

On January 27, 2025, Swedish authorities seized the Maltese-flagged ship Vezhen, suspected of damaging an undersea data cable running to Latvia in the Baltic Sea. The ship is currently anchored outside the Swedish port of Karlskrona. Preliminary investigations suggest sabotage, with Sweden's police, military, and coast guard involved in the inquiry. Bulgarian shipping company Navigation Maritime Bulgare claimed the ship's anchor dropped due to high winds, denying malicious intent. Latvia's military reported three ships in the area where the damage occurred. NATO recently launched a new mission in the Baltic Sea in response to repeated attacks on underwater cables. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina stated her country is working closely with Sweden and NATO. The damaged cable belongs to Latvia's state broadcaster LVRTC, which reported minor disruptions. NATO's new Baltic Sentry mission includes more patrol aircraft, warships, and drones. NATO chief Mark Rutte vowed to step up monitoring of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and respond robustly to future incidents. Finnish police are also investigating a Russian ship's involvement in a separate cable sabotage between Finland and Estonia.

U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a Republican-led effort to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) in protest of its arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. The chamber voted 54-45 in favor of the bill, falling short of the 60 votes needed for passage. Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat to support the measure. The 'Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act' would have imposed sanctions on foreigners investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting U.S. citizens or those of allied countries, including Israel. The bill had earlier passed the House of Representatives 243-140. Senate Democrats argued the bill was too broad and risked alienating key allies and sanctioning low-level ICC staff in the Netherlands. Republicans had hoped the bill would be signed into law by President Donald Trump soon after his inauguration on Jan. 20, ahead of Netanyahu's planned visit to the White House on Feb. 4. White House officials did not immediately comment on whether Trump would use an executive order to impose sanctions.