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.
The European Union has moved closer to implementing tariff cuts under last year’s U.S. trade agreement after negotiators agreed on a provisio...
UEFA has imposed a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech women’s football coach, after finding him guilty of...
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Mos...
Lithuania on Wednesday issued an “air danger” warning urging residents to seek shelter and temporar...
Demand for electric vehicles has surged across Europe as elevated fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict push consumers toward new and second-hand...
UEFA has imposed a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech women’s football coach, after finding him guilty of serious misconduct involving the secret filming of players in changing rooms.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Lithuania on Wednesday issued an “air danger” warning urging residents to seek shelter and temporarily suspended operations at the capital’s airport amid fears that drones had entered the country’s airspace, as tensions between Russia and the Baltic states continue to escalate.
Demand for electric vehicles has surged across Europe as elevated fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict push consumers toward new and second-hand EVs, according to data shared with Reuters. It is providing a boost to an auto industry that has struggled with slower-than-expected adoption.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he had paused a planned attack on Iran after Tehran sent a peace proposal to Washington. He said there was now a “very good chance” of reaching a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear programme.
The European Union has moved closer to implementing tariff cuts under last year’s U.S. trade agreement after negotiators agreed on a provisional legislative text.
Lithuania on Wednesday issued an “air danger” warning urging residents to seek shelter and temporarily suspended operations at the capital’s airport amid fears that drones had entered the country’s airspace, as tensions between Russia and the Baltic states continue to escalate.
UEFA has imposed a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech women’s football coach, after finding him guilty of serious misconduct involving the secret filming of players in changing rooms.
Russian attacks killed two people and injured 19 across Ukraine overnight, local officials said on Wednesday, while Kyiv launched drone strikes targeting industrial sites in central Russia.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment