All news: Monday 20 January 2025
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World
More2025 Catatumbo attacks
Colombian president Gustavo Petro declares a state of emergency in response to rebel attacks in the Catatumbo region.
2025 Catatumbo attacks
The death toll from fighting in the Catatumbo region, Colombia, increases to more than 100 as the National Liberation Army (ELN) launches more attacks. The Colombian government vows "war" against the ELN with Colombian president Gustavo Petro saying that the group has "chosen the path of war, and a war they will have".
2025 Catatumbo attacks
More than 11,000 people flee to the city of Cúcuta as ELN rebels clash with the 33rd Front of the FARC dissidents. Authorities say more than 20,000 people have now been internally displaced due to recent fighting.
Attacks in Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian War
Ukrainian drones attack industrial facilities in Tatarstan, Russia, prompting the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency to temporarily suspend flights at Kazan International Airport in Kazan and Begishevo Airport in Nizhnekamsk.
Gaza war
The Palestinian Civil Defence (PCD) states that the remains of 137 people have been recovered from Rafah in the Gaza Strip since the start of the ceasefire. The PCD estimates that there are 10,000 bodies buried under rubble left to be recovered.
Politics
MoreSecond inauguration of Donald Trump
Donald Trump and JD Vance are inaugurated as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States in Washington, D.C., with Trump becoming the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms.
Second inauguration of Donald Trump
The inauguration is held indoors in the United States Capitol rotunda due to extreme cold temperatures, making it the first inauguration since 1985 to be held indoors.
Second inauguration of Donald Trump
During celebrations of the inauguration, businessman Elon Musk makes two gestures to a crowd at the Capital One Arena that some on social media liken to Nazi salutes. The gestures were made as Musk thanked the crowd, stating "My heart goes out to you." Musk denied any meaning behind the gestures.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
On his first day of his second term, Trump signs his first executive orders on gender and immigration, and also signs an order ending usage of the CBP One app.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
Trump signs the Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements executive order directing the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
Trump signs an executive order directing the United States withdrawal from the World Health Organization|U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
Trump signs executive orders calling for the renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and for Denali to return to its former name "Mount McKinley". The rename would apply to all references from the federal government.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
Trump declares illegal immigration a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
Trump officially creates the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk aimed at cutting spending of the U.S. government. DOGE is a temporary organization under the United States DOGE Service, not a federal executive department. Within minutes of the announcement, government employee unions, watchdog groups, and public interest organizations sued over this executive order.
Executive orders in the second presidency of Donald Trump
Trump revokes Biden's removal of Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list.
Protests against Donald Trump
Anti-Trump protests are held in cities across the United States, as well as in other countries, such as Mexico, Panama, and the United Kingdom.
Second cabinet of Donald Trump
The United States Senate unanimously confirms Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, making him the first Cabinet official of Trump's second term to be confirmed by the Senate. Rubio also becomes the first Latino American to serve as Secretary of State.
Money
MoreKingdom Holding announces the resumption of construction on the 1,000 metres (3,300 ft)-tall Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to be the world's tallest building.
Crime
MorePardon of January 6 United States Capitol attack defendants
United States President Donald Trump formally pardons around 1,500 defendants who had been criminally charged with involvement in the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol. Fourteen convicted individuals have their sentences commuted to time served.
2024 Southport stabbing
Axel Rudakubana pleads guilty to all 16 charges, including three charges of murder in relation to a mass stabbing in Southport, Merseyside, England, in July 2024. Rudakubana is expected to be sentenced on Thursday.
Capital punishment in China
China executes the perpetrators of the 2024 Zhuhai car attack and the 2024 Wuxi stabbing attack.
China–Philippines relations
Philippine police arrest a student of the People's Liberation Army for allegedly attempting to spy on several military facilities, including U.S.-accessible bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Presidency of Joe Biden
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden announces pre-emptive pardons for his siblings, former Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and members of the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack prior to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Biden also commutes the sentence of Indigenous activist and convicted murderer Leonard Peltier.
Eight people are killed and seven others are injured in an arson attack at a nursing home in Barajevo, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sport
More2025 College Football Playoff National Championship
In American football, the Ohio State Buckeyes win their 9th college football championship, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
News items: Wikipedia contributors, Current events portal for 20 January 2025, adapted, CC BY-SA 4.0.