AnewZ Morning Brief - January 27th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for January 27th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Trump Imposes Emergency Tariffs on Colombia

President Donald Trump announced 25% emergency tariffs on Colombia after President Gustavo Petro blocked U.S. military deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants. Trump cited national security concerns, warning the tariffs could rise to 50% within a week, alongside travel bans and visa sanctions for Colombian officials and allies.

Petro defended his decision, demanding deported migrants be treated with dignity and transported on civilian planes, not restrained on military aircraft. Colombia has accepted 475 U.S. deportation flights since 2020 but halted them after recent protocols.

Trump's measures, part of a broader immigration crackdown, include increased customs inspections and further sanctions against Colombia

2. CIA Report Suggests Low-Confidence Lab Leak Origin for COVID

The CIA has released a declassified report suggesting that COVID-19 most likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, though it assigns "low confidence" to this conclusion due to insufficient evidence. The assessment, ordered by Trump-appointed CIA Chief John Ratcliffe, does not include new intelligence but builds on existing analyses. Chinese officials dismissed the report as politically motivated, while U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Tom Cotton, called for accountability from China.

The origins of COVID-19 remain inconclusive, with the CIA acknowledging both lab and natural origin theories as plausible. Scientists still favor the idea that the virus likely jumped from animals to humans, while investigations into the lab-leak theory continue to fuel global debate. China has refused to cooperate with probes into the pandemic's origins.

3. Trials resume for ethnic Armenians and 'state minister' Vardanyan charged with war crimes against Azerbaijan

The Baku Military Court, under Judge Zeynal Aghayev, continues the trial of Armenian-origin individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, torture, and other illegal acts against Azerbaijan and its citizens. Among the defendants are Arkadi Ghukasyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Davit Manukyan, Garik Martirosyan, Melikset Pashayan, Davit Allahverdyan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, Madat Babayan, Vasili Beglaryan, and Erik Gazaryan. During today's hearing, decisions on previous motions, including requests for house arrest, will be announced, while discussions on submitting the case for court hearing will proceed.

Separately, the preliminary hearing for Ruben Vardanyan, charged with terrorism, war crimes, and other violations, also continues. Vardanyan, who requested additional time to review case materials, faces charges under numerous articles of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including planning aggressive warfare, torture, and financing terrorism. Both proceedings are being held at the Baku Court Complex.

4. Bangladesh to Launch Direct Flights with Pakistan

Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain, announced plans to start direct flights between the two countries to boost bilateral ties. Speaking in Peshawar, he emphasized the historic relationship and highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in tourism, trade, and education. Hussain also noted increasing trade, ongoing shipping routes between Chittagong and Karachi, and growing demand for Bangladeshi products in Pakistan.

He praised investment potential in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in healthcare and industry, and underscored Bangladesh's focus on economic development and free speech. The High Commissioner also commended Pakistan’s Air Force, further signaling a commitment to strengthening relations.

5. Gasoline Tanker Explosion Kills 18 in Southern Nigeria

At least 18 people died, and 10 were injured after a gasoline tanker exploded on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in southern Nigeria’s Enugu state. The tanker lost control, collided with 17 vehicles, and burst into flames, leaving victims “burnt beyond recognition,” according to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps.

This tragedy follows another tanker explosion earlier this month in Niger state that killed 98 people. Authorities have since launched a campaign to prevent dangerous practices like gasoline scooping, urging stricter safety measures to avoid further loss of life.

6. Belarus Presidential Election Sees 85.7% Voter Turnout

The voter turnout for Belarus's presidential election on January 26 reached 85.70%, according to Central Election Commission Chairman Igor Karpenko. Turnout varied across regions, with the highest in Mogilev Oblast (92.64%) and the lowest in the city of Minsk (69.72%). Other regions reported turnout rates ranging from 86.39% to 91.54%.

The law further restricts the distribution of religious literature outside religious settings and bans political parties from being founded on religious principles. Political campaigns must remain secular, and parties are prohibited from receiving financial support from foreign governments or religious organizations. These measures underscore the government’s efforts to reinforce secularism in the country’s governance and public life.

7. Sweden Probes Sabotage in Baltic Undersea Cable Damage

Swedish authorities have launched a sabotage investigation after a fibre optic cable connecting Latvia and Sweden was damaged on Sunday, likely due to external influence. Latvia’s Prime Minister confirmed "significant" damage, prompting NATO to deploy ships and aircraft under its "Baltic Sentry" mission to protect critical infrastructure. A vessel has been seized in Sweden as part of the probe, with Swedish and Latvian officials closely cooperating with NATO and Baltic countries.

8. Kazakhstan Expands Tax-Free Program to Boost Tourism and Trade

Kazakhstan has extended its tax-free system until December 2025 to promote inbound tourism and increase trade turnover. The program allows foreign tourists from non-EAEU countries to claim VAT refunds on non-food and non-excise goods worth at least 78,640 tenge ($148.4) when exported outside the EAEU Customs Union.

The initiative, available at retail outlets in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Turkestan, requires tourists to provide a "Tax-Free" receipt validated by state authorities. Goods must be exported via international airports within three months of purchase, ensuring compliance with national MCI thresholds. The program aims to attract more visitors and encourage cross-border trade.

9. Neymar set to join Brazil's Santos

Neymar is reportedly set to rejoin Santos, the club where he began his professional career, as negotiations to terminate his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal near completion. While still on Al Hilal's roster, Neymar was not registered for the Saudi Pro League, limiting his appearances to the AFC Champions League.

Sources indicate Neymar could sign a six-month deal with Santos, with an option to extend for a year. If finalized, he is expected to return to Brazil this week and potentially make his debut on February 5.

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