A Hunger Strike Turns into Arrest

On January 6, 2025, political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor was arrested while sitting on an indefinite hunger strike in Patna. Kishor was demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) following allegations of a paper leak. The Patna Civil Court granted him bail on a personal bond of ₹25,000, but Kishor refused to sign the bail bond, leading to his 14-day judicial custody:cite[1].

A Return to the White House

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election marks his return to the White House for a second term. After defeating Kamala Harris in a closely contested race, Trump is set to be sworn in on January 20, 2025. His second term comes at a time of profound uncertainty, both domestically and internationally, and his policies are expected to have far-reaching implications.

Key Policy Priorities

1. Immigration and Border Security: Trump has pledged to implement stricter border controls and mass deportations, building on the policies of his first term. He has also promised to end birthright citizenship and crack down on illegal immigration.
2. Trade and Tariffs: Trump’s campaign rhetoric included threats of imposing tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. These measures could spark a global trade war, with significant implications for the U.S. economy and its trading partners.
3. Healthcare: The future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains uncertain, with Trump likely to push for its repeal or significant reform. However, any major changes to healthcare policy will require bipartisan support, which may be difficult to achieve.
4. Foreign Policy: Trump’s isolationist approach to foreign policy could lead to significant changes in U.S. relations with key allies and adversaries. He has promised to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, though the feasibility of these goals remains unclear.

Challenges and Controversies

Trump’s second term is likely to be marked by controversy, particularly given his promises of retribution against political foes. He has already pursued legal action against media entities and pollsters, raising concerns about the erosion of press freedom and democratic norms. Additionally, his administration will face significant challenges in managing the economy, particularly if his trade policies lead to higher consumer prices and job losses.

A Busy Start to 2025

The first two weeks of 2025 have been marked by significant political developments in the United States, as the country transitions into a new era under President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress. From the swearing-in of the 119th Congress to debates over immigration and the Supreme Court’s influence, here are the key political decisions and events shaping the nation.

1. The 119th Congress Begins

On January 3, 2025, the 119th Congress officially convened, with Republicans holding a slim majority in both the House and Senate. The House faced immediate challenges, as Speaker Mike Johnson sought re-election amid internal party divisions. Despite opposition from some Republicans, Johnson secured the speakership, but his ability to govern with such a narrow majority remains uncertain.

Berlin, Germany – As 2025 begins, Germany finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a series of political and economic challenges that could shape the future of Europe’s largest economy. From a snap federal election to rising energy costs and growing concerns over immigration and cybersecurity, the year ahead promises to be a defining one for the nation.

Snap Elections Loom Amid Political Turmoil

Germany will hold federal elections on February 23, 2025, seven months earlier than originally planned. The decision to call a snap election came after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition government collapsed under the weight of internal disagreements and policy failures. The conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, is widely expected to emerge as the strongest party, but forming a stable government will be no easy task in a politically fragmented landscape.