Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, discusses potential limits on international student admissions to address the housing affordability crisis. With a record-high of nearly one million students admitted in 2023, concerns rise over the strain on housing demand. Miller emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging that reducing admissions alone won't solve the crisis. The proposal raises challenges for universities dependent on international tuition fees. Canada grapples with soaring demand for housing, prompting political pressure on Prime Minister Trudeau. The housing agency estimates a need for 3.5 million more units by 2030.

The world's wealthiest individuals, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, have seen their fortunes surge to $869 billion since 2020, while nearly 5 billion of the world's poorest have faced financial setbacks, states Oxfam's latest report. Predicting the emergence of the first trillionaire within a decade, the report highlights a widening wealth gap and warns that at current rates, global poverty won't be eradicated for another 229 years. Oxfam calls for a wealth tax, suggesting that taxing British millionaires and billionaires could generate £22 billion annually. The report coincides with the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for constitutional changes designating South Korea as the "number one hostile state," signaling the end of the regime's commitment to Korean peninsula unification. In a speech to North Korea's parliament, Kim accused the South of seeking regime change and unification by stealth. The announcement led to the closure of three agencies overseeing inter-Korean relations. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned North Korea's stance, labeling it "anti-national." The shift marks a departure from decades of reconciliation efforts, raising concerns about heightened tensions and potential use of nuclear weapons.

Home Secretary James Cleverly announces the ban on Hizb ut-Tahrir, labeling the Islamist group as "antisemitic" and accusing it of actively promoting terrorism. The decision, under UK terrorism laws, follows allegations of chanting "jihad" at a pro-Gaza rally. Hizb ut-Tahrir denies the accusations, vowing to challenge the ban legally. The ban, effective this Friday, criminalizes association with, support for, or display of material endorsing the group. The organization, founded in 1953, advocates a single Islamic government globally. The move is met with support from some quarters, while Hizb ut-Tahrir contends it's being silenced for its political stance.

Maj Gen Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, from Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, warns that the current US-led airstrikes against Houthi rebels won't secure Red Sea navigation. He calls on the West for arms, training, and intelligence to complement air campaigns, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach. Recent Houthi attacks near Hodeidah and on a US-owned cargo ship highlight the urgency. Zoubaidi dismisses Houthi claims, linking attacks to Israel, stating they serve Iran's agenda. The plea for ground support coincides with stalled peace talks and the revelation that the de facto ceasefire is nonexistent, with daily Houthi drone activity.

Amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, classified documents accessed by Germany's Bild newspaper reveal alarming preparations for an armed conflict with Russia. The report suggests Germany anticipates Russia expanding its aggression to NATO ally countries, potentially sparking World War 3. The "Alliance Defence 2024" scenario outlines a spring offensive by Russian forces against Ukraine, leading to heightened clashes by September. Tens of thousands of German soldiers are reportedly poised for deployment. While Russian officials label the report as "fake," the documents indicate a strategic response by NATO, including measures for credible deterrence by May 2025.            

Vivek Ramaswamy exited the Republican primary race after finishing fourth in the Iowa Caucuses. The biotech entrepreneur and vocal critic of 'wokeness' threw his support behind Donald Trump following the former president's dominant win. Ramaswamy acknowledged the lack of a viable path for his candidacy, citing concerns about the nation's direction. Known for his provocative statements, he faced challenges sustaining momentum. Despite once polling at 11.6%, he dwindled to just over 4% on his campaign's final day. Former GOP Speaker Newt Gingrich commended Ramaswamy's endorsement of Trump as "mature and statesmanlike."

Hamas releases a video announcing the death of two Israeli hostages seized in October. The footage features a woman hostage, Noa Argamani, revealing their deaths under duress. Israel's military denies responsibility, calling it a "brutal use of innocent hostages." The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, attributes the deaths to "Zionist army's bombing." The situation exacerbates tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accuses Hamas of applying "psychological pressure," ruling out a Gaza ceasefire. The international community watches closely as the humanitarian crisis escalates in the region.

In the initial stages of the Iowa caucuses, former President Donald Trump secures a notable victory, clinching 49.5% of the votes with just 6% of the ballots counted. Trump is set to address his supporters in Des Moines, where celebrations are underway. The competition for second place unfolds between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, securing 22.4%, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley with a substantial 20.6%. Amid the political drama, a disruption hits a caucus site in Des Moines. President Biden's campaign reacts swiftly to Trump's projected win, emphasizing the need to protect previous achievements.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on alleged Israeli "spy headquarters" in Iraq's Kurdistan region and terrorist sites in Syria. The strikes, in response to recent attacks on Iranians, resulted in four deaths and six injuries in Iraq. The US condemned the "reckless" actions, while explosions were reported in Syria. Tensions escalate as Iran accuses Israel of conducting "spy operations." The region is on edge amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with previous strikes and counter-strikes heightening geopolitical tensions. The situation remains fluid, with international concerns about the potential for further violence.