Home / Centerstage / 2025 / January / Week 4
Doomsday clock moving faster by 89 seconds took centerstage on Monday, 27 January 2025 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
Picture Courtesy:
Profit loss
The Doomsday Clock moves to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest ever to global catastrophe, as humanity fails to address existential threats. Nuclear risks escalate with the ongoing Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and expanding arsenals. Arms control efforts collapse while non-nuclear nations consider weapon development. Climate change worsens, breaking records in sea-level rise and global temperatures. The Science and Security Board urges world leaders to take bold action to prevent disaster.
Monday, 27 January, 2025
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, tighten control over Goma, forcing civilians and foreign workers, including World Bank staff and private military contractors, to flee eastern DR Congo. Sporadic gunfire continues on the city’s outskirts, while electricity remains cut, and hospitals struggle with wounded civilians. President Felix Tshisekedi is set to address the nation, though he will not join a crisis summit with Rwanda. Rwanda’s envoy confirms the rebel advance will extend into South Kivu province.
Tuesday, 28 January, 2025
Nicaragua’s legislature unanimously approves constitutional reforms granting President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo expansive powers. The reforms extend the presidential term to six years, make the vice president a “co-president,” and allow Murillo to assume the presidency without elections if Ortega dies. Human Rights Watch warns the changes legitimize human rights violations, continuing Ortega’s repressive rule since the 2018 deadly crackdown.
Thursday, 30 January, 2025
BT plans to cut up to 55,000 jobs by 2030, with around a fifth replaced by AI-driven customer service automation. The reduction affects both staff and contractors from its 130,000-strong workforce, primarily in the UK. CEO Philip Jansen assures AI will enhance efficiency without making interactions robotic. BT continues fiber network expansion, reducing future staffing needs. Jansen highlights AI’s potential, citing tools like ChatGPT as key to further technological advancements and cost savings.
Friday, 31 January, 2025
President Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, triggering a trade war. Canada retaliates with identical tariffs on U.S. goods, while British Columbia bans alcohol imports from "red U.S. states," and Nova Scotia removes American alcohol from stores. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announces a matching 25% tariff on U.S. imports. Trump also imposes 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to seek action at the World Trade Organization.
Saturday, 1 February, 2025
The White House rescinds a memo freezing hundreds of billions in federal grants and loans after widespread panic. A judge temporarily halts the order just hours after President Donald Trump signs it, following a lawsuit by organizations representing grant recipients. The court pauses the freeze until Monday, giving time for further legal review. The reversal eases concerns for millions who rely on government aid, though uncertainty remains over future funding policies.
Wednesday, 29 January, 2025
At the 67th Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar dominates, winning all five nominated categories, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his diss track Not Like Us, targeting Drake. Beyoncé wins Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, marking her first win in the category despite holding the most Grammy wins ever. Chappell Roan secures Best New Artist, while Beyoncé also wins Best Country Album and Best Country Duo with Miley Cyrus.
Sunday, 2 February, 2025