- Global Economy:
The World Bank has sharply downgraded its global economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.3%, citing “a substantial rise in trade barriers” (referencing President Trump’s trade policies without naming him). This is a downgrade from 2.8% in 2024. The U.S. economy’s growth forecast has been halved to 1.4% for 2025. India is still expected to be the fastest-growing major economy at 6.3%.
- Conflicts and Security:
- Ukraine: Russia has launched another large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, causing casualties and damage, including to Kyiv’s world heritage cathedral. Ukraine reports being in the middle of the most sustained bombardment since the early stages of the war.
- Middle East (Israel-Gaza):
- The UK and four other allies have sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians, imposing travel bans.
- UN experts accuse Israel of “extermination” in attacks on Gaza schools and religious sites.
- Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel after a Gaza-bound aid boat she was on was intercepted. She has since returned to Sweden, criticizing Israel’s “violations of international law and war crimes” in Gaza.
- Reports of Israeli gunfire killing Palestinians near aid sites continue.
- An IMF team has made its first visit to Syria since 2009 to assist in rebuilding the economy after years of civil war.
- Colombia: At least seven people have died in a wave of bombings and gun attacks, as the country grapples with an escalating security crisis.
- South Africa: Heavy floods and snow have swept away schoolchildren, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
- Other Major News:
- Austria: A school shooting in Graz has left at least nine dead, including the suspected gunman.
- France: A teaching assistant was killed in a stabbing outside a school.
- United States:
- President Trump has deployed additional troops (Marines and National Guard) to Los Angeles to quell protests related to immigration raids, stating the city would “burn to the ground” without their presence. California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized this move.
- A new travel ban implemented by the Trump administration on citizens from 12 countries could impact the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, though exceptions are made for athletes and team members.
- Brazil: Former President Jair Bolsonaro is on trial, accused of plotting to overthrow the current government.
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