Taliban authorities announce prisoner swap with US

China discovered enormous rare earth deposit

China discovers a 1.15M-ton rare earth deposit in Yunnan, including 470K tons of key REEs like neodymium, marking its largest medium-heavy rare earth find.

UNESCO urges educators to keep a critical eye on AI

UNESCO urges ethical AI use in education, emphasizing human agency and investment in teacher-student training, as part of International Education Day 2025.

EBRD turns into the largest investor in Central Asia with focus on green economy

Chinese company to establish drone production in Kazakhstan

Yesil Technology to build a $12M unmanned drone production facility in Kazakhstan, boosting innovation, local expertise, and Central Asia's low-altitude economy.

Trump’s nominee for secretary of state supports lifting the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Central Asia

Trump’s nominee for secretary of state supports lifting the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Central Asia, a move that could reshape U.S. trade and diplomatic relations in the region. The policy shift signals a potential change in Washington’s approach to post-Soviet economies.

Uzbekistan to construct a dozen toll roads based on PPP

Uzbekistan advances road infrastructure with PPP projects, including high-speed toll roads and tunnels, to boost connectivity and trade. Key routes: Samarkand-Bukhara, Tashkent-Samarkand, Tashkent-Andijan.

Davos forum promises “strong” government representation, Trump to join virtually

Donald Trump joins WEF 2025 virtually; world leaders, CEOs, and innovators unite in Davos to shape a sustainable, inclusive future under the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age."

US to remove Cuba from state sponsors of terror list

The U.S. will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of a prisoner release deal. Havana welcomed the move but criticised ongoing U.S. sanctions.

US, Armenia announce “Strategic Partnership”

The United States and Armenia have signed a strategic partnership charter, enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense, security, democracy, and nuclear energy.

Armenia is set to draft new Constitution by 2026 elections

Kremlin: Russia, Iran to Sign ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17 to sign a historic Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement, expanding cooperation across key sectors.

German Defence Minister arrives to Kiev to show of Europe’s support for Ukraine

Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reassured Ukraine of continued support, emphasizing NATO solidarity and announcing the delivery of advanced howitzers to aid Ukraine's defense against Russia.

Heathrow Airport breaks record for passenger numbers

Heathrow Airport sets record with 84M passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Investments in modern facilities drive growth as 2025 aims for 84.2M passengers.

SOCAR set to issue first “green bonds”

SOCAR issues $200M "green bonds" to boost climate finance in Azerbaijan, supporting renewable energy and zero-emission goals by 2050. Invest by Feb 28, 2025.

Georgian Foreign Minister pays first official visit to Azerbaijan

Georgia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, will visit Azerbaijan on January 16 for talks with Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov on regional stability and economic cooperation. She will also attend the 10th Joint Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Baku.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week to explore digital-climate nexus

ADSW 2025, under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's patronage, unites 13 heads of state and 140+ ministers to address AI, energy, and sustainability. With the theme "The Nexus of Next," the summit drives global solutions for a $10 trillion economic opportunity.

Kiev captured first-time alive soldiers from North Korea

Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, marking a first. Zelenskyy shared evidence, highlighting their survival and potential asylum or prisoner exchange.

EU aviation watchdog issued warning over Russian airspace flights

EASA issues a safety alert advising against flights in key Russian airspace, citing risks tied to the Ukraine conflict and a recent crash. Guidance applies until July 2025.

Pakistan’s state-run airlines resume flights to Europe

PIA resumes direct flights to Europe after a 4-year EU ban. First flight to Paris launched, marking a new chapter in Pakistan's aviation post-safety standards improvement.

Prada among potential buyers for Versace, an Italian daily reports

Prada is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Versace, with Capri Holdings considering the sale of its luxury brands, including Jimmy Choo, as it refocuses on Michael Kors. The potential deal comes ahead of Donatella Versace's contract expiration in February 2025.

US charges Japanese Yakuza leader for global trafficking of nuclear materials, narcotics

Japanese crime leader Takeshi Ebisawa has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to trafficking weapons-grade nuclear materials, narcotics, and arms, with plans to supply Iran and other countries. His international network spanned multiple nations, with the seized materials confirmed as suitable for nuclear

Iran unveils its latest loitering munitions, missile defence system

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.

AIIB Commits $500 Million to enhance Tajikistan’s hydropower potential

AIIB approves $500M program to boost regional energy security with hydropower in Tajikistan, addressing growing demand and promoting renewable energy in Central Asia.