International Relations & Politics:
The conflict in Gaza remains a critical international concern, with reports of continued Israeli airstrikes in areas such as Khan Younis and Rafah, leading to civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian situation, including the tragic death of an infant due to freezing temperatures. The United Nations and Latin American nations have called on the US to halt extrajudicial killings and threats against Venezuela, following Pentagon airstrikes on alleged drug boats in the eastern Pacific. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's stance of non-intervention and peaceful resolution of disputes. The US also imposed further sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes, even as the ICC rejected Israel's attempt to halt the probe. Separately, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern and northeastern Lebanon as a deadline loomed for disarming Hezbollah.
The Trump administration expanded its travel ban, imposing full restrictions on five new countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—and on individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism regarding peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, while defending increased US military pressure on Venezuela.
India made significant strides in its international relations, elevating its bilateral ties with Ethiopia to a Strategic Partnership. Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering customs cooperation, UN Peacekeeping training, and data infrastructure. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited Oman, where he was conferred the First Class of the Order of Oman, the country's highest civilian honor. During the visit, India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at boosting trade, investment, and services. India will assume the BRICS presidency for 2026, focusing on themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
Canada concluded its G7 Presidency, highlighting accomplishments such as strengthened support for Ukraine, increased pressure on Russia, enhanced international cooperation on wildfire prevention, and accelerated AI adoption. In Bangladesh, mass protests erupted following the assassination attempt and subsequent death of student leader Sharif Osman Haidi.
Economy & Finance:
The global economy faces "deeper uncertainty" in 2025, driven by the artificial intelligence revolution, rapidly aging populations, climate change, and a global shift away from liberal democracy. Experts warned of a "budding G7 recession" and the presence of widespread financial "bubbles" in areas like AI and cryptocurrency, which could trigger a global collapse if they burst. Cuba devalued its currency in an effort to address a deepening economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved new financial arrangements for ten member countries in 2025, with a substantial $20 billion Extended Fund Facility granted to Argentina.
In India, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) consolidated 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across 11 States/Union Territories, resulting in 28 operational RRBs with a new common logo to establish a unified national brand identity. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of seven companies, aiming to raise over ₹6,000 crore.
Science & Technology:
The US academic journal *Science* named the global surge in renewable energy as the 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, recognizing China's leading role in this transition. China currently produces 80% of the world's solar cells, 70% of its wind turbines, and 70% of its lithium batteries. NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory successfully demonstrated a first-of-its-kind space communications technology, the Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT), enabling spacecraft to communicate seamlessly with both government and commercial networks. In quantum computing, Google Quantum AI reported a physics experiment that achieved a 13,000-fold speedup over the world's fastest supercomputer in a physics simulation. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their pioneering work in revealing macroscopic quantum effects.
Social Welfare:
A recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study linked sexual violence against children (SVAC) and intimate partner violence (IPV) to broader health losses. Concerns were also raised about the rising global prevalence of autism among children, with neuroinflammation and environmental factors increasingly implicated. The Government of India launched the National Mission for Digital Literacy in Schools, aiming to equip students with essential digital skills.
Awards & Appointments:
Beyond PM Modi's honor from Oman, the Hong Kong government announced the appointment of Mr. Frederick Lam Tin-fuk and Ms. Agnes Chan Sui-kuen as non-official members of the Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee. Bob Gale was appointed as the new Chair of Niagara Regional Council in Canada. The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation awarded a major development grant to Ecuador, with smaller programs selected for Bolivia and Guatemala.
Sports (Non-Cricket):
In the Global Chess League (GCL), Gukesh Dommaraju and Arjun Erigaisi secured victories in their first matches. In football, Kylian Mbappé is reportedly one goal away from breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals scored for Real Madrid in a calendar year. A visit by Lionel Messi to India highlighted the country's enthusiasm for football icons, though not necessarily for domestic Indian football. Indian boxers demonstrated strong performances at the Asian Boxing Championship, earning multiple medals. A young Indian golfer also won an international junior tournament, showcasing emerging talent. A Pakistani Kabaddi player faced disciplinary action after participating in an Indian team match at a private tournament in Bahrain, drawing attention to regulations in international competitions.