-
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.
-
Myanmar's military junta began phased elections on December 28, 2025, amid ongoing civil war and widespread opposition. The polls exclude major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi's dissolved National League for Democracy, and are held only in military-controlled areas. Critics and international observers denounce the elections as neither free nor fair, citing repression, arrests, and violence.
-
Recent discoveries include 210-million-year-old dinosaur footprints in Italy, a rediscovered flat-headed cat in Thailand, a chick of the endangered takahē in New Zealand, and critically endangered snails on Norfolk Island. These findings underscore ongoing conservation challenges and successes across the globe.
-
James Cameron’s 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' has surpassed $1 billion globally in three weeks, driven by strong international sales and holiday box office. Meanwhile, Disney’s 'Zootopia 2' remains a top performer, and Hollywood’s overall box office shows signs of recovery despite a challenging year.
-
Three new dog breeds have been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, including a French hunting hound, a Russian toy dog, and a terrier named after a U.S. president. This recognition increases their visibility in U.S. dog shows and reflects evolving breed standards.
-
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.
-
Recent trade disputes between the US and Canada have intensified, with tariffs and political disagreements impacting economic relations. Canada plans to renegotiate the USMCA in January 2026 amid ongoing tensions, while trade disruptions have affected industries like steel, aluminum, and spirits. The US continues to pursue tariffs, citing security and trade concerns.
-
As of early January 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country's 2025 military and economic progress, including the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and multiple missile tests. He reaffirmed commitment to nuclear weapons development and sent New Year greetings to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance ahead of a key party congress.
-
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.
-
The US is making progress in developing domestic rare-earth processing, but China maintains a dominant position in the supply chain. Recent efforts aim to diversify sources and reduce reliance, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and strategic vulnerabilities in critical industries.
-
On December 23, 2025, President Trump announced the Trump-class battleships, a new class of heavily armed, large surface combatants designed to restore US naval dominance. The USS Defiant, the first ship, will be 30,000-40,000 tons, equipped with hypersonic missiles, lasers, and nuclear cruise missiles. The plan includes building up to 25 ships, aiming to counter global threats and revitalize US shipbuilding amid growing Chinese naval power.
-
As of early 2026, Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16, prompting France to prepare similar legislation banning under-15s from social media starting September 2026. Other countries including Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are considering comparable measures amid rising concerns over youth mental health and online harms. The bans target platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, aiming to protect young people from exposure to harmful content and addictive behaviors.
-
Octopus Energy, Britain's largest energy supplier, reported a £260.1 million pre-tax loss for the year ending April 2025, mainly due to weather impacts and regulatory changes. Despite this, it gained 800,000 UK customers, overtaking British Gas, and announced a major stake sale in Kraken Technologies, valuing it at $8.65 billion, with plans for a potential stock market listing.
-
President Trump announced a US military strike on a Venezuelan dock, claiming it was used for loading drug-carrying boats. The operation follows a series of US-led attacks on Venezuelan vessels amid ongoing tensions over drug trafficking allegations and US sanctions. Venezuela has yet to respond.
-
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of intense border fighting that resulted in over 100 deaths and displacements of more than half a million. The two nations, with China's mediation, held talks in Yunnan to restore peace and trust, with ongoing concerns over border violations and deeper territorial issues.
-
China has announced large-scale military exercises named "Justice Mission 2025," involving its navy, air force, army, and rocket force. The drills focus on sea-air combat, port control, and deterrence outside the island chain, signaling heightened military readiness amid regional tensions.
-
China dispatched air, navy, and rocket troops for joint military drills around Taiwan, prompting Taiwan to alert its forces. The drills follow U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and comments from Japan's prime minister about potential military involvement. Markets show mixed reactions amid geopolitical tensions.
-
China has reinforced its global influence through assertive trade policies, military displays, and diplomatic engagement. Despite economic challenges, Xi Jinping projects strength, while internal debates over population policies continue. Meanwhile, China's influence extends beyond borders, targeting dissent and shaping international relations.
-
Japan is increasing its defense budget significantly, surpassing ¥9 trillion for 2026, driven by regional threats from China. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasizes self-reliance and deterrence, amid regional military developments and constitutional debates. The move aligns with US pressure and regional security concerns.
-
In 2025, President Trump announced multiple tariffs targeting global trade, including plans for a new External Revenue Service and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and movies. Many of these threats were not implemented, amid ongoing trade disruptions and economic turbulence caused by erratic tariff policies.
-
China announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 individuals in response to the US's $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan. The measures freeze assets in China, ban business dealings, and bar entry for targeted individuals, escalating tensions over Taiwan's security and US-China relations.
-
On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent country, signing a joint declaration with Somaliland's president. The move, framed as part of the Abraham Accords, has sparked widespread condemnation from Somalia, the African Union, and regional powers, who view it as a threat to Somalia's sovereignty and regional stability. Somaliland hailed the recognition as historic and a step toward strategic partnership.
-
Thailand and Cambodia announced an immediate ceasefire after three weeks of border fighting that resulted in at least 47 deaths and displaced over a million. The agreement, brokered during ASEAN talks, covers all weapons, troop movements, and includes cooperation on demining and cybercrime. Tensions over border temples sparked the conflict.
-
In 2026, NASA prepares for its first moon crew since 1972, with Artemis 2 launching early in the year. The year also features lunar robotic landings, a total solar eclipse, and the return of interstellar visitors, marking a pivotal year in space exploration and policy.
-
On December 29-30, 2025, China launched its largest military exercises yet around Taiwan, named "Justice Mission 2025." The drills involved live-fire rocket launches, naval blockades, and air sorties encircling Taiwan, simulating a blockade of key ports. Taiwan responded with heightened military alert and flight disruptions, while China framed the exercises as a warning against Taiwan independence and foreign interference following a record $11.1 billion US arms sale to Taiwan.
-
Panama's government demolished a monument honoring Chinese contributions near the Panama Canal, citing safety concerns. The move sparked outrage from the Chinese community and led to diplomatic protests, with Panama promising to rebuild the structure. The incident highlights ongoing regional tensions and debates over Chinese influence.
-
Recent data indicates China's manufacturing sector is expanding slightly, with PMI rising to 50.1 in December. Despite short-term improvements, long-term challenges like property sector slump and overcapacity persist, suggesting limited growth prospects for 2026.
-
China has conducted its sixth large-scale military exercise around Taiwan since 2022, involving live-fire drills and simulations of blockade and attack. The drills follow US arms sales to Taiwan and heightened tensions over China's claim of sovereignty. Taipei responded with military exercises, while US and regional leaders watch closely.
-
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire ending 20 days of border clashes that resulted in over 100 deaths and displacements. The two countries agreed to return detained soldiers, with the process delayed briefly over alleged ceasefire violations. The situation remains fragile amid ongoing tensions.
-
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in China for a four-day trip, his first since June, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. The visit occurs as North Korea tests hypersonic missiles and regional tensions rise over Taiwan and Japan. Leaders signed cooperation agreements on trade, technology, and regional security.
-
China launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, in response to US arms sales and Taiwan's independence stance. The drills, called 'Justice Mission 2025,' aimed to demonstrate force and test regional capabilities, heightening regional tensions.
-
The US Department of Agriculture announced aid payments for row crop farmers, including soybeans, corn, and sorghum, to offset losses from China's trade restrictions. Payments are scheduled for delivery by February, but farmers remain concerned about ongoing costs and market access. The aid totals $11 billion, with additional funds for specialty crops.
-
China launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, in response to US arms sales and Taiwan's defense efforts. The drills, called 'Justice Mission 2025,' aim to deter outside intervention and demonstrate China's military capabilities, escalating regional tensions.
-
The US dollar fell about 8-10% in 2025, its worst annual performance in eight years, driven by Federal Reserve rate cuts, geopolitical tensions, and President Trump's tariffs, with ongoing implications for global markets and US exports.
-
China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan, firing dozens of rockets and deploying warships and aircraft. The drills, part of 'Justice Mission 2025,' aim to pressure Taiwan and shift domestic public anger over economic issues into nationalist sentiment. The US and regional allies condemned the actions as destabilizing.
-
A new ICO report highlights the rise of agentic AI capable of autonomous decision-making, raising privacy concerns and regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, innovative uses of AI in social and dating contexts are emerging, including AI-powered romantic venues and stricter Chinese data rules, reflecting both technological progress and societal debates.
-
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in China for a five-day trip, including meetings with Chinese leaders, to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. The visit follows recent tensions over tariffs and trade disputes between China and the EU, with discussions focusing on trade issues like beef exports and dairy tariffs.
-
South Korean President Lee's four-day trip to China marks his first visit since June, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions. He will meet Xi Jinping to discuss security, economic cooperation, and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, amid ongoing US-China-Japan tensions over Taiwan and North Korea.
-
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.
-
The US conducted a surprise military operation in Venezuela, seizing Maduro and his wife, involving commandos, airstrikes, and naval forces. The UN will hold an emergency session amid international concern. Washington aims to replace Maduro with a compliant government, focusing on Venezuela's oil reserves.
-
Pakistan claims about 2,500 foreign militants entered Afghanistan from Syria after Assad's ouster, raising security concerns. The militants are non-Pakistani and non-Afghan, and their reemergence could threaten regional stability. Pakistan and China call for measures to eliminate terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
-
Markets worldwide are mixed amid geopolitical tensions following the US seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers and President Trump's comments on controlling Venezuela's oil industry. Asian stocks show cautious gains, while US markets fluctuate as investors assess energy and economic impacts. Oil prices remain volatile.
-
A giant panda named Rio was examined outside its incubator for the first time at Taman Safari in Indonesia. Born on Nov. 27 through artificial insemination, Rio's healthy growth marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts. The birth highlights ongoing international cooperation and panda conservation challenges.
-
Amid rising global tensions and climate change, Greenland's strategic importance is increasing. The US seeks control over the mineral-rich island, but Greenland and Denmark oppose US overtures. The region's security and resource potential are fueling international competition, with Russia, China, and Western powers all active in the Arctic.
-
The U.S. detained Venezuelan leader Maduro, asserting regional influence and challenging China's Latin American ties. Beijing condemned the action, framing it as hegemonic, while the move impacts U.S.-China rivalry and regional stability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
-
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.
-
China has imposed a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, citing Japan's recent remarks on Taiwan and potential military intervention. The move follows China's halting of Japanese seafood imports and encourages Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan. Japan protests the measures as unjustified.
-
NASA plans to move the Artemis 2 rocket to the launch pad on January 17, aiming for a crewed moon mission between February and April. Final tests and weather conditions will determine the exact launch date, marking a key step in lunar exploration after delays and technical fixes.
-
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.
-
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.