January 22, 2025

Daily News Brief

Day four of the truce reveals grim discoveries in Gaza, with 120 bodies found in bombed homes. While over 2,400 humanitarian aid trucks have entered the enclave, challenges persist. The aid flow offers some relief, but Gaza’s recovery remains overshadowed by the devastation of Israel's 15-month brutal war. Türkiye declared a national day of mourning after a devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu claimed at least 70 lives and injured 51 others. President Erdogan expressed condolences and vowed accountability for the tragedy at the popular ski resort. Calling for unity and compassion, he urged all sectors to respect the nation’s grief during this difficult time. As rescue operations concluded, the country reflected on the immense loss and renewed calls for safety measures. Donald Trump kicks off his new presidency with a bold move, firing 1,000 opponents in his administration. His late-night Truth Social post announced the dismissal of key figures, including retired General Mark Milley. While Trump pushes to reshape the government, critics and even religious leaders urge him to prioritise unity and compassion, especially for immigrants. A report reveals that children were held in secret detention centres during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh’s prime minister. Babies were reportedly used as leverage during interrogations, with mothers denied basic needs like milk. The commission investigating enforced disappearances uncovered multiple cases, including a pregnant woman beaten in custody. Hasina, now in exile after a student-led revolution, faces arrest for crimes against humanity. Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station produced oxygen and rocket fuel components through artificial photosynthesis. Using semiconductor catalysts, the Shenzhou-19 crew converted carbon dioxide into oxygen and ethylene, a key fuel ingredient. These experiments, crucial for long-term space survival, are part of China’s push for a crewed moon mission by 2030.