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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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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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Bank of England's Greene signals potential rate cuts if economic weakness persists, citing weak employment and consumption data. Markets expect a rate cut to 3.75% by end-2025 amid mixed economic signals, with inflation and wage growth key factors.
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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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Australia faces a series of security and domestic challenges, including a deadly attack linked to hate speech, ongoing military upgrades with the US and UK, and regional security concerns. The government is implementing legislative reforms, increasing defense spending, and monitoring Chinese military activity to bolster national security.
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Russian authorities have announced bans on Snapchat and Apple’s FaceTime, accusing both of facilitating terrorist activities, recruitment, and crimes. The moves follow a series of restrictions on social media and messaging platforms since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, intensifying government control over online communication.
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Recent articles highlight rapid advancements in humanoid robotics driven by AI and significant investments, especially in China and the US. Despite industry enthusiasm, skepticism persists over technological readiness and market sustainability, with warnings of a potential bubble amid fierce competition and regional efforts to establish ecosystems.
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Tesla is testing driverless robotaxis without safety monitors in Austin, aiming for full autonomy by 2026. Meanwhile, Elon Musk emphasizes rapid AI development at xAI, with plans for space-based data centers and AI breakthroughs. Tesla's valuation remains driven by self-driving and humanoid robot ambitions, despite regulatory and technical hurdles.
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On December 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations by establishing a unified federal framework. The order directs the Attorney General to challenge state laws deemed burdensome and threatens to withhold federal funding from states enforcing conflicting AI rules. This move has ignited bipartisan opposition, legal challenges, and fierce pushback from states like California, which have enacted their own AI safety laws.
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Rivian unveils new AI-driven autonomous hardware and software plans, aiming for full self-driving capabilities by 2026. Meanwhile, Waymo expands its driverless taxi service across multiple US cities, facing safety incidents involving animals and regulatory scrutiny. The industry pushes toward broader adoption amid safety and environmental debates.
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Recent reports highlight widespread use of AI chatbots for emotional support among UK teenagers, especially those affected by violence. Experts warn about dependency, safety concerns, and the need for regulation, amid cases of harm and suicide linked to AI interactions.
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In 2025, Europe delays key climate policies amid economic concerns, while AI's environmental impact surges, matching NYC's emissions. China advances fusion research, and US opposition grows against data centers due to rising energy costs. These shifts reflect a complex global climate and energy landscape today.
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Waymo, the autonomous taxi service owned by Google’s parent company, is expanding rapidly across U.S. cities, with plans to reach one million rides weekly by 2026. Recent incidents include a woman giving birth in a Waymo vehicle and a passenger found in the trunk, raising safety and reliability concerns amid ongoing growth.
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The Biden administration has introduced new visa policies, including a weighted lottery favoring higher-paid applicants and a $1 million 'Gold Card' for wealthy immigrants. These changes aim to prioritize high-skill, high-wage workers and raise billions, amid ongoing legal challenges and policy debates.
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Israeli tech exits, including M&As and IPOs, soared 340% to $58.8 billion in 2025, driven by mega-deals like Google's $32B acquisition of Wiz and CyberArk's $25B sale. Despite geopolitical challenges, US firms dominate Israeli deals, with a rise in smaller, AI-focused startups.
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Nvidia's AI chip dominance faces scrutiny amid US-China tensions, export controls, and market shifts. The company’s close ties with US regulators and Chinese illicit channels complicate its global position, while industry rivals seek alternatives to Nvidia’s CUDA ecosystem. Market confidence fluctuates as geopolitical risks grow.
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In early 2026, AI continues to reshape technology, with vibe coding revolutionizing software development, government launching a major tech talent initiative, and societal concerns rising over AI's influence on human behavior and security. These developments highlight rapid progress and emerging risks.
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The US Trade Representative warns of retaliatory measures against EU companies amid ongoing disputes over digital regulations. The EU recently fined Elon Musk's X for transparency violations, prompting US threats of countermeasures. The conflict highlights deepening trade frictions over tech regulation and market access.
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Apple is appealing a £1.5bn UK court decision that found it overcharged consumers through its App Store. The company disputes the verdict, which could lead to compensation for millions. Several class actions are ongoing, targeting alleged overcharging and anti-competitive practices in app stores.
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The Justice Department is investigating companies over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, using the False Claims Act to argue that discriminatory practices may violate federal law. Google and Verizon are among those under scrutiny, amid broader efforts to enforce civil rights through financial investigations.
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In 2025, Elon Musk experienced a tumultuous year marked by political alliances, failed government reforms, business setbacks, and expanding AI influence. His brief role in government efficiency efforts ended in chaos, while his companies faced both growth and decline amid global scrutiny and internal controversies. Today’s date is Thu, 01 Jan 2026.
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AI safety researchers warn of potential catastrophic risks from advanced AI systems, including cyber-attacks and robot coups. Despite widespread use, experts fear unregulated development could lead to AI-driven crises, with some predicting AI could threaten human existence if misaligned or exploited by malicious actors.
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CES 2026 highlighted advances in autonomous vehicles, AI chips, and robotics, with companies like Nvidia, Hyundai, and Boston Dynamics unveiling new technologies. Nvidia announced its Vera Rubin AI platform, promising significant performance gains, while other exhibitors showcased humanoid robots, smart home devices, and immersive health tech. The event signals AI's rapid integration into consumer and industrial sectors.
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CES 2026 showcased advanced robotics, including humanoid robots capable of household chores, industrial automation, and AI integration. Major companies like Boston Dynamics, Hyundai, and Samsung unveiled new prototypes and partnerships, signaling a push toward automation in homes and factories amid geopolitical competition.
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Google and Character.AI have settled lawsuits linked to AI chatbots allegedly contributing to minors' suicides, including a Florida case involving a 14-year-old. The settlements cover multiple states, still awaiting court approval, amid ongoing scrutiny of AI safety and child protection issues.
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Drivers and supporters protested outside California regulators' office, citing safety and fairness concerns over the increasing presence of Waymo's autonomous cars in San Francisco. Incidents include vehicle blockages, illegal U-turns, and a pet fatality, raising questions about safety and regulation as the industry expands.