AnewZ Morning Brief - January 24th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 24th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Damascus after 13-year suspension

In a press conference at the airport, Syrian Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for Humanitarian Affairs Ahmad Dukhan applauded the resumption of flights, thanking "the Turkish government and people for standing by the Syrian people."

2. Trump orders release of thousands of classified files on JFK assassination

Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified governmental documents about the 1963 assassination of John F Kennedy, which has fueled conspiracy theories for decades.

The executive order the president signed on Thursday also aims to declassify the remaining federal records relating to the assassinations of Robert F Kennedy and the Rev Martin Luther King Jr. The order is among a flurry of executive actions Trump has quickly taken the first week of his second term.

3. Tesla to significantly raise prices of all cars in Canada, website shows

Tesla will raise prices of all its cars in Canada from Feb. 1, according to notices on its Canadian website, with prices of Model 3 going up by as much as C$9,000 ($6,254.78).

Model Y variants will see increases of up to C$4,000, while all versions of Model S and X will rise by C$4,000, according to the website.

Tesla did not provide a reason for the price increase.

4. OpenAI’s new Operator AI agent can do things on the web for you

Artificial intelligence continues to advance at a rapid pace, with new developments and applications emerging across various sectors. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, unveiled a new AI agent capable of performing web tasks for users, further expanding the capabilities of AI assistants and their potential to automate everyday tasks

5. UK to investigate Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems

Britain launched an investigation into Apple and Google's smartphone operating systems, app stores and browsers on Thursday, its second use of recently bulked up regulatory powers to scrutinise big tech companies.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it would assess whether Apple and Google  had "strategic market status" in mobile ecosystems, and the impact they had on users and on businesses developing content and services.

6. Best picture, director and lead actor Oscar nominees revealed

The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards have been announced, setting the stage for the upcoming ceremony on March 2. The announcement previews the competition for this year’s top honors in film.

This year’s nominations included notable achievements, with representation across various genres and languages. The announcement also addressed the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, adding a somber acknowledgment to the proceedings.

7. Kazakhstan Selects Four Global Nuclear Firms for NPP Construction

Kazakhstan has shortlisted four global firms—CNNC, KHNP, Rosatom, and EDF—for its future nuclear power plant, chosen for their expertise in water-cooled reactors and extensive experience. The final decision will prioritize national interests, international standards, and IAEA recommendations to ensure safety and sustainability.

In parallel, Kazakhstan is investing 13.5 trillion tenge (US$25.5 billion) by 2029 to modernize its energy infrastructure, upgrade 80,000 kilometers of networks, improve efficiency, and address rising demand while transitioning to market-based pricing and sustainable energy solutions.

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