UAE President Declares 2025 the 'Year of Community'
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2025 the "Year of Community," a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and inclusion within society. The campaign, under the slogan "Hand in Hand," emphasises the UAE leadership's commitment to building a cohesive and empowered community. This initiative will involve a range of programs and events throughout the year, focused on strengthening social bonds, promoting volunteering, and celebrating the country's cultural diversity.
Lee Zeldin Confirmed as Trump's Pick for Environmental Protection Agency
President Donald Trump's nominee to head the US Environmental Protection Agency was confirmed by the Senate, drawing cheers from the fossil fuel industry and sparking alarm among green groups.
Lee Zeldin, a former US congressman from New York, has committed to Trump's campaign pledges of boosting US energy dominance and rolling back environmental regulations enacted under former President Joe Biden.
Lee Zeldin nomination was confirmed by a 56-42 vote.
Ahmed al-Sharaa is Syria's Transitional President
Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was named President for the "transitional period", seven weeks after he led the rebel offensive that overthrew Bashar al-Assad.
Rebel military commander Hassan Abdul Ghani also announced the cancellation of Syria's 2012 Constitution and the dissolution of the former regime's parliament, army and security agencies.
As President, Sharaa would form an interim legislative council to help govern until a new constitution is approved.
Jan 29, 2025
Serbian PM Quits after Months of Mass Protests
Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned, following nationwide protests over the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy.
President Aleksandar Vucic is to decide within the next 10 days on whether to hold parliamentary elections or form a new government.
Jan 28, 2025
US Suspends USAID Funding to Bangladesh amid Global Foreign Aid Review
In a policy shift, the United States suspended all USAID funding to Bangladesh following President Donald Trump's directive for a comprehensive 90-day review of foreign aid programs. This decision mandates an immediate halt to all USAID-related activities in Bangladesh, affecting numerous development projects across the nation.
The suspension poses significant challenges for Bangladesh, which has been grappling with economic difficulties. USAID has been a pivotal partner in Bangladesh's development since 1972, contributing over $8 billion across sectors like democracy and governance, food security, health, education, and climate change. Notably, in September 2024, USAID committed an additional $202.25 million to enhance good governance, social and economic opportunities, and resilience in Bangladesh.
Jan 27, 2025
Trump Administration Officially Changes Name of Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
The Trump administration's Interior Department said that it had officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and the Alaskan peak Denali to Mount McKinley.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the name changes as part of a flurry of executive actions, making good on a campaign promise.
These changes reaffirm the Nation's commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets.
Jan 26, 2025
Micheál Martin Elected as Irish Prime Minister
Ireland's Micheál Martin was elected Prime Minister for the second time by a coalition of the country's two large centre-right parties and independents, and set himself the task of warding off threats arising from Donald Trump's return as US President.