January 29, 2025

Daily News Brief

Israel continues its attacks on Palestine and beyond Tel Aviv continues its attacks in the region despite a ceasefire with Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Israeli troops raided villages near the occupied West Bank town of Ramallah, setting up checkpoints and firing concussion grenades, according to the WAFA news agency. Separately in Lebanon, Israeli strikes wounded 24 people, including 20 in Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 4. Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader invited during Trump’s second term. Fury in DRC: Protesters target embassies over Goma crisis Anger erupted in Democratic Republic of the Congo's capital Kinshasa as protesters stormed embassies, accusing Rwanda and Uganda of backing M23 rebels in Goma. Following a brutal three-day battle that left over 100 dead and nearly 1,000 wounded, demonstrators damaged diplomatic missions and looted businesses. Chanting "Enough is enough," they denounced the international community’s inaction. As tensions rise, African nations condemn the embassy attacks, while Congolese authorities urge calm amid the escalating crisis. Deaths as stampede breaks out at India Hindu festival A deadly stampede has claimed over seven lives and left around 10 injured in Uttar Pradesh as around a million Hindus gathered for the Maha Kumbh Mela religious festival. Chaos erupted in the early hours, with panicked devotees scrambling for safety. Disturbing visuals show bodies on stretchers and abandoned belongings scattered in the aftermath. Authorities deployed crisis forces, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged swift action. The festival attracts more than 400 million visitors over six weeks, both Indians and tourists. Trump plans to withdraw hundreds of US troops from Syria — report US President Donald Trump is planning to withdraw hundreds of US troops from Syria, according to Israeli media. Nation’s public broadcaster KAN says White House officials have informed Tel Aviv. The US has some 2,000 troops deployed in Syria in support of YPG/PKK terrorist organisation, creating tensions with its NATO ally Türkiye. EV sales to exceed '20 million' units in 2025 The electric vehicle market is expected to break records. Sales are set to hit a record 20 million units in 2025—an 18 percent jump from 2024, says Rho Motion. China is leading the charge, backed by aggressive global expansion and strong domestic demand. Meanwhile, the EU tightens emissions rules, and Trump's presidency signals policy shifts in the US. Experts call 2025 “the year of legislation” as the EV revolution accelerates worldwide.