The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
Poland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, after the Hungarian presidency
Bulgaria and Romania complete the process of joining the Schengen Area, lifting land border controls. The first country to legalize same-sex marriage was the Netherlands, which did so on April 1, 2001
The reports have raised alarm over Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as “zombie deer disease,” and its potential to jump to humans.
Greater Los Angeles experiences the most destructive wildfires in its history, fuelled by strong winds and prolonged drought conditions. A firenado is a fire whirl, defined as a spinning column of hot air and gases rising from a fire. It can vary in size, with diameters ranging from less than one foot to over 500 feet. This was seen during the wildfire in LA.
Indonesia becomes the tenth member to join BRICS. The BRICS economic partnership currently includes 10 member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining later.
Mount Ibu, located in North Maluku, Indonesia, erupted, sending ash clouds up to 3 kilometres high.
The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, is successfully arrested after a second attempt by police following a martial law declaration and successful impeachment motion last December.
Thailand Banned Plastic Waste Imports in 2025
The World Economic Forum (WEF) hosted Annual Meeting from January 20 to 24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland. The WEF was founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, a German professor.
The Extraordinary African Union Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda, on January 11, 2025.
Germany reported its first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years.
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency due to increase in violence.
In early January 2025, US President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”
The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, is successfully arrested after a second attempt by police following a martial law declaration and successful impeachment motion last December.
Storm Éowyn hits Ireland and the United Kingdom. Record high wind speeds of 183 km/h (114 mph) are recorded in Ireland, while over a million homes are left without power.
Liechtenstein becomes the 37th country to legalize same-sex marriage.
Thailand becomes the 38th country and the first in Southeastern Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
Global technology shares outside China fall sharply in response to the release of DeepSeek’s chatbot, a Chinese competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Chip giant Nvidia loses almost $600 billion of its value, the biggest drop for a single company in U.S. stock market history.
Africa Energy Summit took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The incumbent People’s Action Party led by Lawrence Wong wins re-election in a landslide, retaining a supermajority government
President Donald Trump unveiled Project Stargate, an initiative aimed at establishing a robust artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the United States.
Ahmed al-Sharaa is appointed as the president of Syria, after a one-month vacancy following the fall of the Assad regime.
Nigeria was officially admitted as a partner country of the BRICS group
Konstantinos Tasoulas is elected President of Greece by the Hellenic Parliament after four rounds in the 2025 Greek presidential election
Klaus Iohannis resigns as President of Romania, making him the first Romanian president to do so post-revolution
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is elected as the chairperson of the African Union Commission
Vladimir Putin announces that Russia and the United States have officially agreed to restore diplomatic relations. A four-hour summit between the US and Russia is held in Saudi Arabia
Croatia completes the process of joining the European Economic Area
Firefly Aerospace becomes the first commercial company to successfully land on the Moon with no technical issues, with its Blue Ghost Mission 1
2025 Australian federal election: The incumbent Labor Party led by Anthony Albanese wins re-election, increasing their majority
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games is held in Turin, Italy
2025 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election: After Justin Trudeau resigned as Canada’s prime minister in January, former governor of the Bank of Canada Mark Carney becomes the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, becoming the Prime Minister of Canada five days later. The next month in April, the Liberal Party wins a fourth consecutive re-election and forms a minority government.
Balochistan Liberation Army militants blow up railway tracks and hijack the Jaffar Express train bound from Quetta to Peshawar, taking 450 people hostages including both security personnel and civilians
Keith Rowley resigns as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago after nine years in office, and is succeeded by Stuart Young
Kirsty Coventry is elected as the 10th, first female and African President of the International Olympic Committee in the first round of voting in the 144th IOC Session
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake occurs in Myanmar, resulting in thousands killed and more than 20,000 injured
Fram2 launches aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, becoming the first crewed spaceflight to enter a polar retrograde orbit
Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church since 2013, dies at the age of 88. World leaders pay tribute. Many countries have declared national mourning
133 cardinal electors elect Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Francis’s successor, on the fourth ballot. He takes the name Pope Leo XIV, and becomes the first pope from North America, the first with Peruvian or U.S. citizenship, and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine
Operation Spiderweb: Ukraine launches a large drone attack on Russian military bases. More than 40 aircraft of the Russian Air Force are attacked
The 2025 IIHF World Championship (Hockey) is held in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark, and is won by the United States
2025 German federal election: Friedrich Merz is elected Chancellor of Germany in the second round of parliamentary voting, hours after being defeated in the first round, a first in post-WWII German history
2025 South Korean presidential election: After being pushed forward as a result of the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol, Lee Jae Myung wins the election, beating Kim Moon-soo
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is held in the United States, and is won by Chelsea
The No Kings protests occur across many cities in the U.S., as well as Canada, Europe, Japan and Mexico, against Donald Trump
The 51st G7 summit is held in Kananaskis, Canada
A NATO summit is held at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. The NATO summit of 2025 marked shift in defence policy and international relations. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, NATO members agreed to a controversial target of 5% of their GDP for defence spending. This decision has far-reaching implications for the alliance and its approach to global security.
Neuralink, a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, has made strides in restoring communication for individuals with severe speech impairments. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the company a Breakthrough Device Designation for its innovative brain-chip technology.
The International Thermo-Nuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a viable energy source. Located in Southern France, it brings together over 30 countries, including India, to build the world’s largest tokamak. This magnetic fusion device is designed to replicate the fusion processes that power the Sun
The UN recently released the State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Report. It reveals that Indigenous Peoples represent about six per cent of the global population. However, they protect approximately 80 per cent of the planet’s remaining biodiversity. Despite this, they receive less than 1% of international climate funding. This situation raises urgent questions about equity and inclusion in climate action
The World Social Report is published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. It was co-produced with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER). The report serves as a key document for discussing socio-economic issues at the intergovernmental level. The World Social Report 2025 reveals a troubling increase in economic insecurity and inequality. More than a third of the global population struggles with daily income levels that barely sustain them. The report urges immediate action to address these challenges, advocating for a new policy framework based on equity, economic security, and solidarity
Recently, Pakistan announced the suspension of the Cholistan Canal Project due to escalating tensions with India and growing internal dissent. This decision followed India’s unilateral move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. The Cholistan Canal Project is part of Pakistan’s Green Pakistan Initiative, aimed at transforming the Cholistan Desert into arable land. The project includes the construction of six canals to irrigate over 1.2 million acres in southern Punjab. It is expected to enhance food security, create jobs, and develop agricultural hubs. The project is backed by the Pakistan Army and aims to increase agricultural productivity
Recently, Mexico and the United States reached a critical agreement concerning water distribution from the Rio Grande basin. This agreement comes after rising tensions, including threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs and sanctions. The deal mandates Mexico to transfer additional water to Texas farmers
Uturuncu, located in the Central Andes of Bolivia, is often referred to as a “zombie” volcano. Despite being dormant for 250,000 years, it exhibits signs of unrest. Recent studies reveal that this unrest is linked to the movement of magma and gases beneath the surface
Project SeaCURE is a pioneering initiative based on England’s south coast, aimed at enhancing the ocean’s role in combating climate change. Launched in Weymouth, this pilot project seeks to extract carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from seawater. Funded by the UK government, it explores innovative technologies to improve the ocean’s capacity as a carbon sink
Recently, the manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra were added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. This recognition marks their significance in preserving cultural heritage
UNCTAD recenty released a report titled “Trade and Development Foresights 2025 – Under Pressure: Uncertainty Reshapes Global Economic Prospects”. According to the report, growth is expected to decline to just 2.3 per cent. This marks a stark contrast to pre-pandemic growth rates. Various factors contribute to this downturn, including rising trade tensions, financial volatility, and increasing uncertainty
Mount Spurr, situated near Anchorage, Alaska, is currently under scrutiny due to increased volcanic activity. A recent swarm of earthquakes has raised alarms among scientists and residents alike. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported over 50 seismic events in just one week, indicating magma movement beneath the volcano
Sudan is currently facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to extreme hunger affecting nearly half of the population. Over 25 million people are in dire need of assistance. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with millions fleeing their homes. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of gender-based violence and severe food insecurity
Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act. This act mandates proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. Advocated by Republicans, it aims to prevent noncitizen voting. Voting rights groups argue this could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. The legislation has sparked debate about voting rights and access. he SAVE Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, was introduced to address concerns about noncitizen voting. Supporters claim it is necessary to ensure the integrity of elections
Recently, Japan’s West Japan Railway Company revealed the world’s first 3D-printed train station in Arida town
Recently, Bangladesh became the 54th nation to sign the Artemis Accords. The Artemis Accords aim to establish guidelines that ensure peaceful and cooperative exploration of outer space
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its Biomass mission, aimed at mapping the world’s forests
Morocco has initiated project known as the “water highway” to address its pressing water crisis. The project redirects surplus water from the Sebou River to supply drinking water to Rabat and Casablanca. This initiative comes in response to severe water shortages exacerbated by climate change and prolonged drought
Iran’s Parliament voted to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This decision came after military strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites. The legislation marks a very important moment in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and raises concerns regarding nuclear proliferation
The GENIUS Act Bill was passed by the US Senate in June 2025. This bill aims to regulate stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies backed by reserves. The passage signifies a major shift in the US government’s approach to digital assets. The bill’s approval has led to a notable increase in the market capitalisation of stablecoins and the shares of cryptocurrency firms
The Bonn Climate Change Conference is a very important annual event under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This conference serves as an essential platform for climate negotiations and discussions. The 2025 conference commenced on June 16 and will conclude on June 26. Over 5,000 representatives from governments, Indigenous groups, international organisations, scientists, and civil society are participating. This year’s agenda includes discussions on financing climate action and the Global Goal on Adaptation
The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt in Canada has gained attention for potentially housing the oldest known rocks on Earth. Recent research indicates these rocks may date back to 4.16 billion years, offering vital information about the planet’s early history
Gold has officially become the second-largest global reserve asset, surpassing the euro, as revealed by a recent European Central Bank (ECB) report
In a move that has sparked national and international attention, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Prof. Mohammed Yunus has officially dropped the title of ‘Father of the Nation’ for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a revised version of the Liberation War Act, issued on June 3, 2025. This revision, coupled with the earlier release of new currency notes excluding Mujib’s image, marks a historic shift in the country’s political and symbolic landscape
In a significant political development amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Yuliia Svyrydenko, former Economy Minister and a key figure in negotiating Ukraine’s mineral deal with the United States, was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine
In a landmark resolution, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to acknowledge and amplify the crucial role played by women in global agriculture
Germany unseated Japan as the world’s largest creditor nation in 2024, marking the end of Japan’s 34-year reign
Luís Montenegro returned to power as Portugal’s Prime Minister after his coalition, the Democratic Alliance, secured the most seats in the recent elections
Veteran mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa from Nepal once again made history by conquering Mount Everest for a record-breaking 31st time
The United Kingdom has formally agreed to return the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius under a historic bilateral agreement
Denmark launched the world’s first large-scale commercial plant producing e-methanol, a sustainable fuel derived from renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide
Bhutan has unveiled a revolutionary crypto-based tourism payment system in collaboration with Binance Pay and DK Bank, making it the first country in the world to officially embed cryptocurrency into its national tourism services
Iranian authorities have confirmed that Russia will construct eight nuclear reactors across Iran, reinforcing a long-standing energy partnership
Sri Lanka observed Poson Poya, a revered Buddhist festival marking the historic arrival of Buddhism on the island more than two millennia ago
In a landmark decision reflecting the evolving dynamics of the intelligence community, the United Kingdom has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the first woman to lead its foreign spy agency, MI6
Zero Discrimination Day, observed annually on March 1, promotes the right of every individual to live with dignity and equality, free from discrimination. Initiated by UNAIDS in 2014, this day highlights the importance of inclusion, compassion, and peace while addressing various forms of discrimination, particularly against marginalized communities. The 2025 theme is We Stand Together and it underscores the role of community-led initiatives in sustaining the HIV response and global health efforts
NASA’s SPHEREx telescope was launched on February 27, 2025. This mission aims to create the most detailed and colourful map of the universe ever
The World Government Summit (WGS) 2025 commenced on February 10, 2025, in Dubai, UAE. This 12th edition of the summit is centred around the theme “Shaping Future Governments”. It has garnered unprecedented international participation, featuring over 30 heads of state and more than 400 ministers
NASA’s mission Pandora aims to study the atmospheres of distant exoplanets. With the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) facing overwhelming demand for observation time, Pandora will fill a critical gap
China’s Chang’e-7 mission launched in 2025 aims to investigate the Moon’s south pole for potential water resources
Recently, New Zealand ‘s Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga, was officially recognised as a legal person. This landmark decision acknowledges the mountain’s significance to Indigenous Māori people, granting it all the rights and responsibilities of a human being
The Abel Prize for mathematics was awarded to Masaki Kashiwara in 2025. The 78-year-old Japanese mathematician received this honour for his contributions to algebraic analysis and representation theory. The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters recognised his work in developing D-modules and discovering crystal bases. This award marks the importance of mathematics in advancing scientific knowledge
Noma, also known as cancrum oris, is a severe, gangrenous disease primarily affecting children aged 2 to 6 years. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of December 2023. Noma is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa but has also been reported in parts of Asia and the Americas. The disease is characterised by rapid progression, often leading to severe disfigurement and social stigma
Recently, the United States continues to grapple with trade deficit. In 2024, the trade deficit exceeded $1 trillion for the fourth consecutive year
Günter Blöschl, a renowned hydrologist, has been awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize in 2025. This recognition marks his contributions to flood risk management and water resource engineering
In the 2025 report, Finland leads the rankings, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Israel ranks eighth despite ongoing conflicts. Costa Rica and Mexico enter the top ten for the first time, ranking sixth and tenth respectively. The United States has dropped to its lowest position at 24, while the United Kingdom ranks at 23. Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country, followed by Sierra Leone and Lebanon. India ranks 118 out of 147 countries in the 2025 report. While it scores well on social support due to its community-focused culture, it struggles with perceptions of freedom. The World Happiness Report 2025 was published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released the State of Climate 2024 report. It revealed that carbon dioxide (CO2) levels reached 420 parts per million in 2023. This is the highest concentration in the last 800,000 years
Recently, France made breakthrough in clean energy with the discovery of a vast reserve of natural hydrogen in Folschviller, Moselle. This reserve is estimated to contain 46 million tons of “white hydrogen,” a naturally occurring gas that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance is facing unprecedented challenges. Formed during World War II, it includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Recent shifts in US foreign policy under Donald Trump have disrupted long-held assumptions about the alliance. This situation has raised concerns about the future of intelligence sharing and collaboration among these nations
The Syrian conflict has escalated dramatically in recent years. Following the rise of a new government in December 2024, violence erupted, resulting in over 1,000 deaths in just two days. The new regime, which emerged after the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly targeting the Alawite community. This group, historically aligned with the Assad regime, now faces severe consequences due to its perceived loyalty to the former government
The Cairo Declaration emerged from an Emergency Summit of the Arab League held on March 4, 2025. This summit adopted a $53-billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, marking collective Arab response to the humanitarian crisis following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The plan aims to establish a comprehensive strategy for Gaza’s future, contingent on the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement
The rhino census in Nepal, conducted every five years, is now in jeopardy. The suspension of USAID funding has created a financial crisis for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. This department relies on various partnerships to carry out the census. The last census took place in 2021 and indicated a population of 752 one-horned rhinos in the country
On March 2, 2025, Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its spacecraft, Blue Ghost Mission 1, on the Moon. This marks only the second private mission to achieve a lunar landing and the first to do so upright. This milestone reflects the growing trend of commercial space exploration and NASA’s collaboration with private companies
Recently, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing English as the official language of the United States. This marked a historical shift, as the US had never designated an official language since its founding
