Here's a summary of some of the latest news for today, February 5, 2025:

Trump Administration Actions on USAID: The Trump administration has announced it is pulling almost all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers off the job and out of the field worldwide. This order takes effect just before midnight tonight, giving direct hires 30 days to return home unless deemed essential.

Digital Assault by Elon Musk on Federal Systems: There's been significant discussion regarding Elon Musk's influence over federal IT systems, with reports indicating he and his allies have gained access to the Treasury Department's payment systems and have managed to send mass emails offering federal employees early buyouts. Concerns have also been raised about potential access to student loan data.

Mass Shooting in Sweden: In what has been described as the worst mass shooting in Sweden's history, at least 10 people were killed at a school. The suspected perpetrator also died. This event has caused national mourning and shock.

U.S. Policy on Gaza: President Trump announced a plan for the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip, though specifics were not provided during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Protests in New York: There are ongoing protests in New York against the Trump administration's recent policies, showing public dissent.

US Postal Service: The US Postal Service reversed a decision from yesterday, announcing it will once again accept parcels from China and Hong Kong.

Here are some of the most current news points from Nepal:

Nepal Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: The Nepalese government has expressed support for the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing the need for peace and urging the release of Bipin Joshi and other hostages.

Power Cuts in Lalitpur: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) announced scheduled power cuts in various parts of Lalitpur to replace electric poles, affecting local residents and businesses.

Hydropower Project Agreement: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a deal with SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd., and Nepal Electricity Authority for a 900 MW Hydropower Project in Nepal.

Disaster Statistics: According to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC), 679 people died, 66 went missing, and 1,323 were injured in Nepal due to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and fires over a recent period.

Political Instability: Observers are noting the recent political instability in Nepal, which complicates its foreign relations, particularly with India and China. This has been discussed in relation to the frequent changes in government leadership.

Legislative Updates: The Public Service Broadcasting Bill was recently passed, with Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung acknowledging there is still much work to be done in this area.

Transgender Candidates in Elections: In a significant step for representation, two transgender candidates ran for election in Nepal, marking a historic moment for transgender political participation.

Trump ups the ante on tariffs, vowing massive taxes on goods from Mexico, Canada and China on Day 1

TikTok is suing the Biden administration – citing the First Amendment – over a new law signed by President Biden that would ban the social media platform in the U.S. if China-owned ByteDance doesn’t divest by January.

NEWS ALERT
U.S. Agency Warns Employees About Phone Use Amid China Hack -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a directive to employees to reduce the use of their phones for work matters due to China’s recent hack of U.S. telecommunications infrastructure.

A significant setback for #China military modernization efforts occurred this spring when the country’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank, according to U.S. officials. The incident, which took place at a shipyard near Wuhan in late May or early June, had been kept under wraps by Chinese authorities and has only now come to light.