Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he stands by his comments from a recent speech, despite suggestions that he retracted them during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The call followed Carney's speech in Davos, where he criticized major global powers, and Trump later responded by discussing trade and diplomatic issues with Carney. Carney emphasized that Canada is adapting to U.S. trade policy changes and denied that Canada is negotiating a free-trade deal with China.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a speech in Davos critical of major global powers, reportedly hinting at the U.S.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Carney retracted his statements during a call with President Trump.
Carney denied retracting his statements, asserting that he stood by his remarks.
The conversation between Carney and Trump covered topics like trade agreements and Arctic security.
Carney highlighted that Canada is adapting to changes in U.S. trade policies under President Trump.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent criticized Canada's trade actions with China.
President Trump threatened Canada with tariffs if it allows Chinese goods to bypass U.S. tariffs.
Carney stated Canada is not seeking a free-trade deal with China and viewed Trump's threats as a negotiation tactic related to the USMCA.
Spain plans to grant legal status to half a million undocumented migrants. This process will begin in April 2025, allowing migrants who have lived in Spain for at least five months without a criminal record to apply. The Spanish government says this move will boost the economy and improve social harmony.
Key Facts
Spain's new plan is to legalize the status of at least 500,000 undocumented migrants.
Migrants must have lived in Spain for at least five months by December 31, 2025, and have no criminal record.
The process to apply for legal status will start in April 2025 and end in June 2025.
Successful applicants will receive an initial one-year residence permit, which can be extended.
Spain's government sees migrants as important for the economy, citing a recent drop in unemployment and economic growth.
The number of undocumented migrants in Spain has grown significantly, with many coming from Colombia, Peru, and Honduras.
This initiative is the first large-scale migrant regularization in Spain in about 20 years.
Some political parties oppose the measure, claiming it could strain public services and affect national identity.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Donald Trump that Canada intends to pursue new trade agreements with other countries. This is part of Canada's plan to reduce reliance on the United States for trade. During a recent speech in Davos, Carney highlighted the need for countries to work together to counter U.S. policies under Trump.
Key Facts
Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada.
Carney told President Trump that Canada plans to engage in 12 new trade deals across four continents.
The conversation between Carney and Trump lasted half an hour and included discussions on trade and global issues like Ukraine and Arctic security.
Trump had threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods over trade disagreements.
Carney's statements in Davos suggested middle-power countries should unite against larger powers' economic coercion.
Trump has made comments about acquiring Greenland and has previously mentioned making Canada the 51st U.S. state.
The United States makes up over 75% of Canada’s export market.
Canada aims to double its non-U.S. exports within the next decade to diversify its trade relations.
People around the world, including Holocaust survivors and political leaders, gathered to remember the millions killed by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. The events took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed annually on January 27, the day Auschwitz was liberated in 1945. Leaders and survivors shared reflections on the dangers of hatred and the importance of remembering history.
Key Facts
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is marked on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Soviet army.
Auschwitz was a Nazi death camp where about 1.1 million people were killed, mostly Jews.
In total, 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, along with others such as Poles and Roma.
The day was established by a U.N. resolution in 2005.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella spoke about the dangers of hatred and racism.
In Berlin, candles were lit at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
Events included speeches by survivors who stressed the lessons of history and the threat of rising hatred.
Russia was not invited to the Auschwitz observance due to its invasion of Ukraine.
A sudden snow squall warning was issued for more than 450,000 people in north-central Ohio, rapidly expanding to over 1.7 million affected by the event. The National Weather Service advised residents to avoid travel due to sudden whiteout conditions and icy roads.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued a sudden snow squall warning for north-central Ohio.
Over 450,000 people were initially alerted, expanding to more than 1.7 million.
A snow squall causes sudden whiteout conditions, making roads icy and dangerous quickly.
Warnings were focused on areas including the Ohio Turnpike and several major highways.
A snow squall warning means the squall is occurring or about to occur, similar to a tornado warning.
Residents were advised to avoid or delay travel until conditions improved.
Snow squalls typically last around an hour but can have severe impacts.
More warnings were issued as winds and snow moved eastward in Ohio.
The UK has sent 281 migrants back to France under a new agreement. For each person returned to France, another individual with a strong asylum case is accepted into the UK. This agreement aims to discourage illegal crossings of the English Channel by small boats.
Key Facts
The UK sent 281 migrants back to France under a "one in, one out" agreement.
In exchange, 350 people have entered the UK from France legally.
In 2025, 41,472 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats.
The agreement allows the UK to return migrants to France and accept eligible asylum seekers.
Fluctuating numbers of migrants have been exchanged since the agreement started in September 2025.
The agreement aims to reduce illegal channel crossings by threatening removal back to France.
Practical issues exist, such as detainment and transportation logistics for returning migrants.
India and the European Union (EU) announced a new trade deal, marking a significant shift in their economic relationship. The deal occurred due to changing global politics and concerns about U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. India and the EU aim to strengthen ties amid global trade uncertainties.
Key Facts
The trade deal between India and the EU aims to improve economic relations.
The EU is India's largest trading partner, with trade in goods totaling $142.3 billion in 2024.
India ranks as the EU's ninth-largest trading partner.
Trade talks between India and the EU were stalled for 20 years before this agreement.
U.S. tariffs, particularly those imposed by President Trump, have impacted global trade, affecting both India and the EU.
The deal is part of a broader move by countries to secure trade agreements amid global economic unpredictability.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders praised the agreement as a major milestone.
A person was critically injured in a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. The FBI is investigating the incident as an alleged assault on a federal officer. The wounded individual was taken to a hospital, and the situation is under investigation.
Key Facts
A person was shot and is in critical condition near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an alleged assault on a federal officer.
The shooting occurred near Arivaca, Arizona, about 10 miles from the border.
The Santa Rita Fire District provided medical assistance to the wounded person.
The injured individual was taken by helicopter to a regional hospital.
The area is commonly used by drug smugglers and migrants crossing the border illegally.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is collaborating with federal authorities on the case.
No information about the suspect has been released by authorities.
Storm Chandra has caused widespread flooding and some road closures across the UK. Various regions are under weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain, with some areas also facing snow. Schools in different parts of the UK have closed, and there have been disruptions to travel services like trains and flights.
Key Facts
Storm Chandra is the third named storm this year in the UK.
It has caused road, rail, ferry, and flight disruptions.
Some schools in England and Northern Ireland are closed due to the storm.
There are yellow warnings for wind, rain, and snow across England, Scotland, and Wales.
An amber warning for wind is in the east of Northern Ireland.
Flooding is happening in many areas, with the south-west of England especially affected.
A severe flood warning, indicating a danger to life, is in Upper Frome, Dorchester.
Up to 20cm of snow is expected in higher areas, causing road closures like the A66.
The "Doomsday Clock," created by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is now set at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been to symbolizing the risk of a global catastrophe. The clock represents threats like nuclear war, climate change, and the misuse of technology, highlighting increased tensions between countries and insufficient global cooperation.
Key Facts
The "Doomsday Clock" is now at 85 seconds to midnight, indicating increased risk of global destruction.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists updates this clock annually to show how close humanity is to a major global catastrophe.
Reasons for the closer time include nuclear threats, climate change, and unregulated use of advanced technology like artificial intelligence.
The clock was previously set at 89 seconds to midnight last year.
Conflicts involving nuclear-armed countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, are a significant concern.
The group emphasizes the need for international cooperation to mitigate these risks.
They note worsening climate change events like droughts and floods, and criticize a lack of effective global climate agreements.
President Trump's actions to promote fossil fuels and reduce renewable energy efforts were mentioned as factors contributing to climate risk.
The article discusses the situation of Hamza Al-Rubaie, a child who lost his parents and siblings in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He is now being cared for by his aunt.
Key Facts
Hamza Al-Rubaie is a child from Gaza.
He lost both parents due to the conflict in the region.
Hamza also lost his three siblings in the same conflict.
There are at least 17,000 children in Gaza who have lost both parents.
Hamza's aunt is now taking care of him.
The report about Hamza was covered by Al Jazeera journalist Moath al-Kahlout.
The inflation rate in Guernsey has slowed down, with the Retail Price Index showing a 3.4% increase in the cost of living for the year ending December 2025. This is a decrease from the 4.6% inflation rate reported for the previous year.
Key Facts
Guernsey's inflation rate for the year ending December 2025 was 3.4%.
In December 2022, inflation in Guernsey peaked at 8.5%.
The Retail Price Index (RPI) in Guernsey tracks price changes of 2,000 goods and services.
Fuel prices rose by 6.3% over the 12 months to December 2025.
Prices for catering services increased by 6%, and personal goods/services went up by 5.7%.
Housing costs increased by 1%, largely due to higher mortgage payments.
There was a 2.7% drop in fares and other travel costs in the last quarter of 2025.
Alcohol prices increased by 0.6%, but special offers during Christmas helped offset some costs.
Work has started on a tunnel for the high-speed rail project HS2, connecting west London to Euston. A large machine named Madeleine is digging the tunnel, with future plans and costs still uncertain. The UK government aims to create a major transport hub at Euston but has not established a clear timeline.
Key Facts
Construction began on the HS2 tunnel from west London to Euston.
The tunnel is part of the high-speed rail line project, HS2.
A boring machine named Madeleine is being used to dig the tunnel.
Madeleine was built in Germany and assembled in London.
The project's total cost is uncertain, with reports suggesting it might reach £100 billion.
The UK government plans to make Euston a major transport hub.
A new organization, the Euston Delivery Company, will manage the project at Euston.
Funding for extending the rail line to Euston will involve private investment.
Iran's currency fell to a record low against the US dollar, leading to economic difficulties and protests in the country. The protests, sparked by economic issues and government decisions, faced a strong response from Iranian security forces. Tensions between Iran and the US are growing, with military movements from the US near Iran and calls for diplomacy.
Key Facts
Iran's currency, the rial, dropped to a record low of 1,500,000 rials per US dollar.
Economic troubles and international sanctions have worsened living conditions in Iran.
Protests began in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and spread nationwide due to the falling rial value and government policy changes.
Iranian security forces cracked down on protesters after demonstrations spread across the country.
The Iranian government confirmed many deaths, while a US-based group reported higher numbers.
Tensions between Iran and the US have increased, with the US moving military assets close to Iran.
President Donald Trump mentioned potential diplomacy but sent military forces to the region.
Iranian officials expressed readiness for conflict but prefer diplomatic solutions.
Rwanda is taking legal action against the United Kingdom for not making payments linked to a halted deal on resettling asylum seekers. The dispute is being handled by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, where Rwanda claims the UK did not fulfill its promises. The deal, initiated by the previous UK government, was stopped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration in 2024.
Key Facts
Rwanda has filed a legal case against the UK at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The case revolves around a scrapped deal where the UK was to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Under the agreement, the UK was supposed to pay Rwanda to host the asylum seekers and help its economy.
After the deal was cancelled in 2024 by the new UK government, payments totaling £220 million were halted.
Rwanda began arbitration proceedings in November, as shown on the arbitration court's website.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration is in The Hague, Netherlands, and can issue final, binding rulings.
Originally, the deal involved spending about £700 million, with only four volunteers being sent to Rwanda.
Iraq's parliament has delayed the election of the country's next president. The delay allows the two main Kurdish political parties time to agree on a candidate. This decision comes amid ongoing negotiations and international interest in the outcome.
Key Facts
Iraq's parliament postponed the presidential election to allow Kurdish parties to agree on a candidate.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) requested the delay.
Iraq's political system allocates the presidency to a Kurdish candidate, typically from the PUK.
This time, the KDP proposed Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein as their candidate.
The new president needs approval from both Shia and Sunni parliament blocs.
The elected president will have 15 days to appoint a prime minister, with former PM Nouri al-Maliki likely to return.
Al-Maliki was previously Iraq's prime minister from 2006 to 2014 and is seen as having close ties to Iran.
The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shia parties, supports al-Maliki’s candidacy.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Conor McGinn has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman. The charge relates to an incident from July 2022, and McGinn is expected to appear in court in February 2024. McGinn served as an MP for St Helens North and was an independent after being suspended by the Labour Party.
Key Facts
Conor McGinn, a former MP, has been charged with sexual assault.
The charge is linked to an alleged incident in July 2022.
McGinn was an MP for St Helens North from 2015 to 2024.
He was suspended by the Labour Party in December 2022.
After his suspension, McGinn served as an independent and decided not to seek re-election.
He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 27 February 2024.
The Crown Prosecution Service has determined there is enough evidence to charge him.
McGinn has stated his belief that the allegation is unfounded and denies any wrongdoing.
President Donald Trump plans to create a "Board of Peace" with himself as the chairman. This board includes countries with poor human rights records and aims to promote stability but does not mention human rights. Some leaders invited to join face international charges of war crimes.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to set up a new group called the "Board of Peace."
He intends to be the lifetime chairman of this board.
Countries invited include those with known human rights abuses.
The U.S. has reduced funding for several United Nations programs.
The Trump administration left the UN World Health Organization and climate agreements.
Russia and China support the downplaying of human rights at the UN, aligning with the board's charter.
Permanent board membership has a $1 billion fee.
Leaders facing war crime charges, like Vladimir Putin, have been invited.
Reform UK has announced that academic and commentator Matt Goodwin will be their candidate for a by-election in Greater Manchester's Gorton and Denton area. The by-election was triggered by Andrew Gwynne's resignation and is marked by internal debates within the Labour Party about candidate selection. Goodwin sees the election as a chance for voters to express their views on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
Matt Goodwin, an academic and commentator, is Reform UK's candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The by-election was called after Andrew Gwynne resigned for health reasons.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wanted to run for the seat but was blocked by the Labour Party's ruling body.
Labour's leader, Sir Keir Starmer, emphasized focusing resources on necessary elections.
About 50 Labour MPs signed a letter asking their party to reconsider disallowing Burnham's candidacy.
In the 2024 general election, Labour won the seat with a 13,000 majority, while Reform UK came second with 5,000 votes.
Matt Goodwin considers the by-election as a chance for voters to voice their opinions on Keir Starmer's leadership.
Goodwin has a personal connection to Manchester and has worked there in the past.
