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As of January 2026, the FTSE 100 has surpassed the 10,000 mark for the first time, capping a 21.5% gain in 2025 driven by mining, defence, and financial sectors. This milestone comes amid ongoing political upheaval in Venezuela following the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro, which has spurred investor interest in Venezuelan debt and defence stocks, while oil prices remain pressured.
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As of January 10, 2026, widespread protests in Iran have intensified, spreading across more than 25 cities due to economic hardship and currency collapse. At least 62 people have died and over 2,300 detained. Supreme Leader Khamenei condemned protesters as foreign agents, while US President Trump threatened strong retaliation if protesters are harmed. Iran has imposed internet blackouts to curb unrest.
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On January 10, 2026, the US-led coalition conducted air and ground strikes against Islamic State targets across Syria, continuing Operation Hawkeye Strike launched after a December 13 ISIS attack killed two US soldiers and a civilian. The strikes reflect growing US cooperation with Syria's new government, which toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024, to prevent ISIS resurgence.
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Multiple nuclear projects are progressing in the US and Slovakia, including TerraPower's Natrium reactor in Wyoming, Meta's nuclear energy deals for data centers, and Slovakia's plans for a new U.S.-built plant. Meanwhile, fusion energy site selection is underway in the US, signaling a new era in nuclear technology.
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UK and France have signed a declaration of intent to deploy troops to Ukraine following a peace deal with Russia. The agreement, signed in Paris, establishes a legal framework for military hubs and security guarantees, contingent on a ceasefire. Deployment decisions will be subject to parliamentary approval, with UK plans including establishing military hubs and supporting Ukraine’s defenses.
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In early January 2026, the US escalated its campaign against Venezuela by seizing two oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, one in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean. This follows the recent US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US plans to control and sell Venezuela's oil, directing proceeds through US accounts indefinitely, amid intensified sanctions and a blockade that has severely disrupted Venezuela's oil exports.
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As of early January 2026, gold, silver, and copper prices have surged to historic highs amid geopolitical tensions following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Markets reacted with mixed moves: Asian stocks mostly rose, oil prices fluctuated, and precious metals soared due to safe-haven demand and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Supply constraints and industrial demand, especially linked to AI and electrification, underpin metals' rallies.
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Greg Abel officially became Berkshire Hathaway's CEO on January 1, succeeding Warren Buffett, who remains chairman. Abel faces challenges managing Berkshire's record cash reserves and maintaining its investment philosophy, with expectations of a more hands-on leadership style and strategic shifts in capital allocation.
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Brian Cole Jr. pleaded guilty to placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021, just hours before the Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate. He faces up to 30 years in prison. The case highlights ongoing threats linked to political tensions.
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New reports from the US, UK, and Israel reveal declining birth rates and falling migration, signaling a potential long-term population decline. The US projects population stagnation by 2030, the UK anticipates a shift in demographic growth, and Israel sees a rare dip in growth rate amid increased emigration from certain communities.
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President Trump indicated that the US may conduct additional strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians persists. Following a Christmas Day operation targeting ISIS militants, Trump emphasized the threat to Christian communities and suggested further military action, despite Nigeria's denials of systematic persecution.
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On January 3, 2026, the US launched large-scale military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Trump announced Maduro's removal and said the US would oversee Venezuela until a transition. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the strikes and demanded proof of life. The operation marks a major escalation amid accusations of drug trafficking and US sanctions.
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The U.S. conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing President Maduro and naming Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim leader. Congress debates the legality and implications amid concerns over transparency and long-term strategy, with bipartisan divisions over military intervention and constitutional authority.
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Brazil's President Lula criticized the US military intervention in Venezuela, calling it an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. The border with Venezuela was temporarily closed amid tensions, and Lula called for UN action. Venezuela's interim president Rodriguez was sworn in after Maduro's removal. The situation remains tense.
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The US launched a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, amid airstrikes and international concern. The move aims to control Venezuela's oil reserves and curb Chinese influence, raising questions about legality and future stability in the region. The US plans a long-term presence.
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Iran faces ongoing protests across 27 provinces, driven by economic hardship, currency collapse, and political discontent. Despite government warnings, demonstrations continue with casualties and arrests reported. The unrest follows recent military conflicts and sanctions, highlighting deepening instability.
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China has conducted extensive military drills near Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, amid rising tensions. Taiwan's defenses are layered and prepared, but experts highlight gaps in China's military capabilities and command structure. The US demonstrated air dominance in recent operations, raising concerns over escalation.
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President Trump is weighing a potential military strike on Iran in response to ongoing protests and economic turmoil. The protests, sparked by economic grievances, have resulted in casualties and increased tensions with US threats to intervene. The situation remains volatile as Iran faces internal unrest and external pressures.
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Venezuelan opposition leader Machado, in Norway after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, plans to return to lead a transitional government. President Trump is set to meet her next week, but dismisses her support, favoring interim president Delcy Rodriguez. The situation follows Maduro's capture and regional instability.
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Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota withdrew from the 2026 gubernatorial race amid a major welfare fraud scandal and political pressures. His decision follows investigations into billions in alleged fraud linked to Minnesota's Somali community and increased federal scrutiny, impacting the state's political landscape.
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The US military seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, claiming enforcement of sanctions related to Venezuela. The operation involved advanced military aircraft and highlighted tensions between the US and Russia amid broader geopolitical conflicts, including Ukraine and Venezuela.
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The US military has seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, claiming it is part of a shadow fleet violating sanctions linked to Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. The operation follows recent US actions targeting Venezuelan oil assets and escalates tensions with Russia amid the recent toppling of Maduro.
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Venezuelan authorities are intensifying repression following the US-led operation that captured Maduro. Citizens face arrests for celebrating or mocking Maduro, amid a state of emergency and increased security measures. Critics fear a return to past repression, with reports of arrests, censorship, and human rights abuses.
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The US is actively controlling Venezuela's oil industry, including seizing a Venezuelan-linked tanker and planning to oversee oil sales indefinitely. President Trump and officials aim to boost US oil imports from Venezuela and rehabilitate its oil sector amid ongoing political instability.
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Chinese authorities have detained and extradited Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Group, from Cambodia to China. The move follows international investigations into his alleged role in operating large online scam centers, trafficking workers, and defrauding victims globally. The Cambodian government confirmed the extradition amid mounting pressure from China and Western nations.
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The US has halted aid to Somalia after allegations that Somali officials seized 76 metric tons of donor-funded food aid and destroyed a warehouse. The suspension reflects ongoing US criticism of Somali governance and increased scrutiny of Somali migrants in the US. The aid freeze may impact future assistance programs.
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Canada's prime minister is visiting China from Jan. 13-17, marking the first such visit in over eight years. The trip aims to rebuild ties, boost non-U.S. exports, and engage on trade, energy, and security issues amid recent tensions and efforts to diversify Canada's global partnerships.
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On January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This move marks the US as the only country to exit the 1992 climate treaty, signaling a sharp retreat from global climate cooperation amid rising climate risks and economic shifts toward low-carbon energy.
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U.S. President Trump and Colombian President Petro spoke by phone after a week of escalating tensions. Trump had previously threatened military action against Colombia, accusing Petro of drug trafficking. The call was described as cordial, with plans for a future meeting in Washington, signaling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.
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The US has announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, effective January 27, 2026. This move aims to exit the international climate negotiations framework, raising legal and diplomatic questions amid ongoing US commitments to other UN agencies.
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The Lebanese army reports significant progress in its plan to disarm non-state militias, including Hezbollah, controlling the south of Lebanon. Despite ongoing Israeli strikes and international pressure, the military claims to have achieved its first phase, with further steps planned. Israel and Hezbollah continue to accuse each other of violations.
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On January 7-8, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale drone attack targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, causing widespread power outages amid freezing winter conditions. Ukrainian crews are working to restore services while President Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a tactic to break civilian morale. Diplomatic efforts for peace continue with no sign of Russian compromise.
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Recent stories highlight the role of crowdfunding in emergencies, with Americans donating mainly for medical costs. However, doubts about campaign transparency, platform fees, and misuse persist, as cases involving misrepresented campaigns and unauthorized fundraisers emerge, raising questions about accountability and trust in the sector.
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Rwanda's trade deficit widened by 13.43% in November to $295 million, driven by a sharp decline in exports, especially in mineral fuels and machinery. Re-exports increased, and import values decreased slightly. The data highlights ongoing challenges in balancing trade amid fluctuating export and import patterns.
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The US has suspended aid to Somalia after Somali officials destroyed a US-funded WFP warehouse and seized food aid. Somalia's government disputes the theft claim, stating aid remains in custody. The incident has prompted US investigations and aid suspension, highlighting tensions over aid management and accountability.
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Congress failed to override President Trump's vetoes on two bills, amid bipartisan efforts on spending and war powers. Five Senate Republicans joined Democrats to advance a resolution limiting Trump's military actions in Venezuela, prompting sharp criticism from Trump. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over military authority and government funding.
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Mexico's homicide rate fell to 17.5 per 100,000 in 2025, the lowest since 2016, down from a peak of 29 in 2018. President Claudia Sheinbaum credits a new security strategy focused on interagency coordination, though data reliability remains uncertain amid ongoing violence and missing persons reports.
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Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy, is set to oversee the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, including disarmament of Hamas and reconstruction efforts. The appointment follows ongoing violence and stalled negotiations, with key meetings held in Jerusalem and Ramallah today.
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The US has seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, accusing it of violating sanctions related to Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. Russia condemns the move as illegal and warns it will escalate tensions. The incident highlights ongoing US-Russia tensions over sanctions and maritime law.
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Recent UN reports indicate that global economic growth will slow to 2.7-2.9% in 2026, slightly below 2025. Despite resilience to US tariffs, persistent weaknesses, geopolitical tensions, and inflation pressures threaten to keep growth below pre-pandemic levels.
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Venezuela announced the release of a large number of political prisoners, some foreigners, amid US pressure and a transition in leadership. The move is seen as a gesture towards dialogue, though the exact number and identities remain unclear. The releases follow Maduro's ouster and US efforts to influence the country's future.
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Iran faces its largest protests in years, sparked by economic hardship and political demands. Security forces warn of red lines, with clashes resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests. Exiled opposition figures call for city takeovers, while US warnings intensify. The unrest marks a significant challenge to Iran's clerical regime.
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Iran's ongoing protests over economic hardship have escalated, with security forces firing on demonstrators and killing at least 36 people, including children. Clashes at hospitals and markets have intensified, prompting government investigations amid international concern and warnings from the US.
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The US announced new aid packages totaling $60 million to Thailand and Cambodia to support border stabilization, demining, and combatting scams and drug trafficking. This follows recent border clashes and a ceasefire agreement, with the US aiming to promote regional stability and economic growth.
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Pope Leo XVI highlighted the importance of fully implementing Vatican II reforms, calling for a rereading of the documents to ensure their insights are preserved. He emphasized the need to move beyond hearsay, focusing on the original texts to guide the church's future direction.
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South Africa hosts the week-long 'Will for Peace 2026' naval exercises led by China, involving ships from BRICS nations including Russia and Iran. The drills, focused on maritime safety and anti-piracy, come amid US sanctions and geopolitical tensions, risking further strain with Western allies.
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Military activity in the Caribbean caused widespread airspace closures, leading to nearly 1,000 flight cancellations. Travelers faced delays of up to a week, with many incurring extra costs for accommodation and alternative routes. The disruption affects holidaymakers and residents, highlighting vulnerabilities in regional air travel during crises.
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Mass protests in Iran, sparked by economic hardship and demands for regime change, have entered their third week. Authorities have responded with internet shutdowns and force, resulting in over 62 deaths. The protests mark a significant challenge to Iran’s government, with calls for the fall of the regime growing louder.
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In recent days, President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing strategic security concerns and warning of a 'hard way' approach if negotiations fail. Denmark and NATO allies oppose any US military action, emphasizing Greenland's autonomy and territorial integrity. Diplomatic tensions are rising over the potential for force.
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On January 9-10, 2026, Venezuela and the US initiated exploratory diplomatic talks to potentially reopen embassies after the US-led capture of President Nicolás Maduro. US diplomats visited Caracas, while President Trump met oil executives to discuss accessing Venezuela's oil reserves. Venezuela began releasing political prisoners, signaling a tentative thaw in relations.