Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump returns to office, signaling major policy shifts.
Donald Trump takes the oath for a second term as U.S. president, a rare re-election after a break in power. His administration is expected to move swiftly on immigration and economic policies, with global leaders and markets assessing the impact of his agenda.
2. South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol to appear before constitutional court in impeachment trial.
South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol is set to appear before the constitutional court today as it reviews an impeachment motion alleging a violation of his constitutional duties.
Detained under a separate criminal investigation into an attempted imposition of martial law in December, Yoon may have the opportunity to present his defense or answer questions from the judges.
The court will determine whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him. Security measures in Seoul have been heightened amid rising political tensions surrounding the case.
3. Marco Rubio confirmed as U.S. secretary of state in Trump’s second term.
The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state, marking the first cabinet appointment of President Donald Trump’s second administration. A longtime member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio is known for his strong stance against China, unwavering support for Israel, and advocacy for a hardline policy on Cuba and Venezuela. During his confirmation hearing, he emphasized the need to reduce U.S. reliance on China and suggested that a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine may require territorial concessions. Rubio becomes the first Hispanic person to serve as the nation’s top diplomat.
4. Trump plans meeting with Putin amid calls for dialogue.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though no date has been set. Trump suggested talks could happen "very soon."
Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s openness to dialogue with Washington, particularly on Ukraine, and emphasized the need to prevent global conflict.
5. EBRD hits record €3 billion investment in Central Asia.
The EBRD invested €2.26 billion in 121 projects across Central Asia in 2024, nearly doubling its 2023 funding. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan led in financing, while investments focused on sustainable infrastructure, green energy, and small business support.
6. Florentino Pérez re-elected as Real Madrid president until 2029.
Florentino Pérez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president, extending his leadership until 2029 after running unopposed.
The 77-year-old, who has led the club since 2009, has overseen a golden era, securing five La Liga titles and six Champions League trophies, including a historic three-peat from 2016 to 2018.
Hundreds of people gathered for a second consecutive week at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, on Friday (12 December), to support the family of Master Sg...
Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised ad...
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukraini...
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral tr...
Lebanon is prepared to demarcate its border with Syria, President Joseph Aoun said on Friday, while noting that the dispute over the Shebaa Farms coul...
Hundreds of people gathered for a second consecutive week at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, on Friday (12 December), to support the family of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last remaining Israeli hostage whose body is believed to be held in Gaza.
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders, a U.S. official said.
Thailand's leader vowed to continue military operations along the disputed border with Cambodia, as fighter jets launched strikes on Saturday, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
The resignation of Bulgaria's government on Thursday (11 December) puts an end to an increasingly unpopular coalition but is likely to usher in a period of prolonged political instability on the eve of the Black Sea nation's entry into the euro zone.
An extratropical cyclone has caused widespread disruption across Brazil’s São Paulo state, with powerful winds toppling trees and power lines, blocking streets and leaving large parts of the region without electricity.
Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised address to urge people across the country to take part in cancer screening programmes, officials confirmed.
Talks aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia are set to continue in Berlin this weekend, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders, a U.S. official said.
Türkiye’s Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Friday that discussions in Washington with U.S. officials have strengthened efforts to expand bilateral trade, moving closer to a $100 billion target.
Lebanon is prepared to demarcate its border with Syria, President Joseph Aoun said on Friday, while noting that the dispute over the Shebaa Farms could be addressed at a later stage.
Greek farmers blocked the Port of Thessaloniki on Friday (12 December) as part of nationwide protests demanding delayed European Union subsidies and compensation for rising production costs and livestock losses.
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