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The BBC has reached an agreement with an Israeli family who survived the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, after a team of journalists entered their badly-damaged home without permission and filmed inside. The family, who survived because their home's door jammed when attackers tried to blow it out with explosives, felt that the BBC's actions were another intrusion into their lives. The BBC paid a financial settlement of £28,000 to the family. The incident occurred during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant loss of life on both sides.

Craig, a 54-year-old Kenyan elephant known for his large tusks, has died of natural causes at Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya. Craig was a major attraction at the park and was named an ambassador for the Kenyan lager brand Tusker in 2021. Conservationists praised Craig as an 'icon' of successful conservation and a 'living monument to Africa's natural heritage'. Craig was one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa, a rare class of bull elephants with tusks weighing over 45kg each. The Kenya Wildlife Service described Craig as having a 'remarkably calm nature' and said he died peacefully due to the efforts of his protectors. Craig's death is significant as he was a major tourist draw, with over two million tourists visiting Kenya's national parks last year, contributing 10% to the country's GDP.

Heavy snowfall in Japan has caused over 100 people to shelter overnight in the Mitsumine Shrine, located on a mountain top in the Saitama prefecture. The shrine's surrounding roads were closed due to safety concerns after several accidents occurred, including cars slipping on icy roads. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported up to 80cm of snow in some areas over the past 72 hours, with more snow forecasted. The shrine, a significant Shinto worship center, accommodated around 130 people in its halls and lobbies, with the local authority confirming that no one fell ill. The snowfall and freezing temperatures have created hazardous conditions, with temperatures as low as -15C.

A Russian missile attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine, killed two people, including a three-year-old child, and injured 28 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as 'heinous' and blamed Russia for continuing to kill civilians despite diplomatic efforts. Russia's Defence Ministry denied responsibility, claiming the blast was caused by Ukrainian ammunition detonating. The attack occurred ahead of crucial talks on a US-brokered peace plan in Kyiv, which is expected to be attended by around 15 countries, the EU, and Nato.

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the owners of a bar in Crans-Montana, a ski resort town, where a fire killed 40 people and injured 119 others. The fire was likely caused by sparklers being carried too close to the ceiling, and the bar's acoustic foam may have contributed to the spread of the fire. The owners, a French couple, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The victims include many teenagers, and the identification process has been slow due to the severity of the burns. A helpline has been set up for concerned families.

The UK and France conducted a joint airstrike on an underground Islamic State (IS) arms cache in Syria near Palmyra. The strike, carried out by Royal Air Force Typhoon jets and French aircraft, targeted a facility storing arms and explosives in mountains north of Palmyra. The UK Ministry of Defence stated that careful intelligence analysis led to the operation, which was successful and did not harm civilians. The strike is part of ongoing efforts to prevent IS resurgence following its defeat in 2019. UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK's determination to stand with allies against IS's violent ideologies. The operation involved Paveway IV guided bombs and was supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker. All aircraft returned safely. The strike is part of a broader international coalition effort to combat IS, which still has between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has criticized Donald Trump's warning to intervene if peaceful protesters in Iran are killed, calling it 'reckless and dangerous.' The protests, which began in Tehran over economic issues, have spread to other cities, resulting in at least eight deaths. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has addressed the protests, calling for 'rioters' to be put in their place, while the EU has expressed concern over the deaths and called for restraint.

A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, killing at least two people and causing moderate damage. The epicentre was near the tourist town of Acapulco, in the south-western state of Guerrero. A 50-year-old woman died in Guerrero, while a 60-year-old man died in Mexico City, where 12 others were injured. The earthquake caused power outages, landslides, and damage to roads and hospitals. Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, was holding a press conference when the earthquake struck, and was seen evacuating the room calmly. The Mexican Seismic Alert System, put in place after a deadly 1985 earthquake, was activated, prompting residents and tourists to rush into the streets.

The article discusses the escalating conflict in Yemen between Saudi Arabia and UAE-backed forces. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has launched a military offensive in eastern Yemen, prompting Saudi Arabia to call for a 'dialogue' in Riyadh. The conflict has brought the two Gulf powers into direct confrontation, with Saudi Arabia accusing the UAE of pressuring the STC to launch the offensive. The UAE has denied the allegations but has agreed to withdraw its forces from Yemen. The conflict has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with over 19 million people requiring assistance.

The article discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming childhood, both at home and in schools. It highlights the benefits and potential dangers of AI in education, using the example of Khan Academy's AI-powered study aid that allows students to interact with simulations of historical figures like Pythagoras. The article notes that while AI can provide personalized learning experiences, it also raises concerns about cheating and the potential for over-reliance on technology. The article touches on the broader implications of AI on childhood and education, suggesting that it is a double-edged sword that requires careful consideration.

The article discusses Canada's first Christmas without the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a retail giant that has been a part of Canadian history for centuries. The company, which started as a fur-trading outpost, grew into a department-store giant and played a significant role in founding the country. However, what's left of the company is now slowly dying in a Toronto courtroom, marking the end of an era for Canadians, especially during the Christmas season.

The article discusses how the 'Donroe Doctrine' is changing Puerto Rico, particularly with the presence of F-35 fighter jets in Ceiba. The United States has been projecting power throughout its hemisphere, and Puerto Rico is central to these efforts. The article mentions the capture of Venezuela's dictator, Nicolás Maduro, and the implications of this event on the region. It also touches on the potential consequences of the 'Donroe Doctrine' on countries like Peru and Brazil.

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The article discusses the prevailing belief among Israelis that another war with Iran is imminent, with the only uncertainty being the timing. Israeli intelligence officers believe that Iran is seeking to demonstrate its capability to surprise Israel, having been outmaneuvered in the past. The article is part of a briefing section in The Economist, exploring various global issues.

The article discusses the annual tradition in Peru of burning effigies of hated public figures, particularly politicians, to bid farewell to the old year. This tradition is seen as a reflection of the country's deep-seated hatred towards its leaders. The article also touches upon the current political climate in Peru and neighboring countries, including Venezuela, where the US has allegedly captured dictator Nicolás Maduro. The tone is informative with a hint of satire, and the sentiment is neutral with a slightly negative undertone. The primary intent is to inform readers about Peruvian culture and politics.

The article discusses a recent rift in the long-standing intelligence-sharing relationship between Britain and America. For two months, the US has been conducting strikes against boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, claiming they are involved in drug smuggling. Britain has suspended intelligence-sharing with the US on drug-trafficking in the region, citing concerns over the legality of the strikes. This move marks a significant rupture in the 80-year-old intelligence relationship between the two countries.

The article discusses Iran's surprising overtures to America despite a recent bombing campaign by America and Israel that severely damaged Iran's air defenses and killed top generals. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is signaling a willingness to engage with America, contrary to the expected response of hostility. The article explores the reasons behind this unexpected move, suggesting that Iran's clerical regime is adapting to survive.

The US armed forces have conducted airstrikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing at least 83 people, many of whom were apparently civilian smugglers. The operation has raised concerns about the lack of legal oversight and the potential for civilian casualties. The article questions whether Congress will rein in Pete Hegseth, a key figure associated with the campaign, and hold the administration accountable for its actions. The strikes have been carried out with little to no congressional oversight, sparking debate about the use of military force in anti-drug operations and the balance between national security and human rights.

The managers of a Swiss bar, Le Constellation, where a fire killed at least 40 people during a New Year's celebration, are under criminal investigation for negligent homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. The fire, believed to have been caused by sparklers on champagne bottles, injured over 100 people, and the identification process for the dead and injured was ongoing. The bar's owners, a French couple, had been questioned by investigators, and the incident has been described as one of Switzerland's worst tragedies.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) carried out airstrikes against an Islamic State (IS) underground facility in Syria on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in a joint operation with the French air force. The target was a suspected weapons stockpile in a mountainous area north of Palmyra, and the operation aimed to prevent a resurgence of the terrorist group. RAF Typhoon FGR4 combat jets, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, used Paveway IV guided bombs to target access tunnels leading to the facility. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the operation was successful, and there was no risk to the local population. Defence Secretary John Healey said the action demonstrated UK leadership and determination to eliminate the terrorist threat.

The article analyzes the implications of Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela, where he has seized the leader Nicolas Maduro, citing the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century US foreign policy. The author suggests that Trump's actions may not be limited to Venezuela and could potentially extend to other countries in the region, such as Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia, that are considered hostile or criminal. The article provides historical context and examines the potential consequences of Trump's new foreign policy approach, dubbed the 'Donroe Doctrine'.

The US has carried out strikes on Venezuela, following a period of escalating tensions between the two countries. The strikes were justified by US President Donald Trump as targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's alleged involvement in drug cartels. The US has accused Maduro of heading a drugs cartel and playing a major role in supplying illegal drugs that kill Americans. Maduro denies these allegations and claims the US wants Venezuela's oil. The strikes have killed 115 people and have been met with outcry from inside and outside Venezuela. Analysts suggest that the US is motivated by a desire to deny China and Russia access to Venezuela's resources.

The article discusses the downfall of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who combined 'swaggering incompetence with ruthless repression' during his presidency. Maduro's misrule led to the economic collapse of Venezuela, an oil-rich nation, and the fleeing of seven million Venezuelans. Despite his failures, Maduro continued to dance and celebrate, comparing himself to Taylor Swift. The US imposed sanctions under Donald Trump's presidency, which further worsened the Venezuelan economy. However, Maduro clung to power through repression and election fraud. Eventually, Trump's re-election and naval deployment led to Maduro's capture and downfall.

The article discusses why Donald Trump is interested in Venezuela's oil reserves, which are the largest in the world. Trump has stated that the US will 'run' Venezuela until a transition can take place and tap its vast oil reserves. The country's oil production has declined significantly since the 1970s due to corruption, underfunding, and sanctions. The US is interested in Venezuela's heavy oil, which is needed to feed its refineries. However, analysts warn that reviving the Venezuelan oil industry will require tens of billions of dollars in investment and may take years to realize.

The newly elected chairwoman of Taiwan's main opposition party, Cheng Li-wun, plans to visit Beijing early this year to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to improve cross-strait communication amid rising tensions. While supporters see the trip as an opportunity to ease tensions, critics warn it may signal political alignment with Beijing, potentially downplaying the security threat to Taiwan. Cheng plans to visit the US after her trip to Beijing and is concerned about the timing due to the upcoming local elections in Taiwan.

Nobel Prize jurist Thomas Mikael Oliveberg has joined the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University in southern China as a full-time professor. After working in Europe for 35 years, Oliveberg left Stockholm University to take on the new role. He will be working with the university's team researching thalassemia, a type of blood disorder. Oliveberg was welcomed to his new post by Li Lang, Guangxi Medical University's vice-president, at a signing ceremony on December 16. He expressed his dedication to academic research and confidence in the collaboration with Guangxi Medical University.

The Chinese property industry remains a significant threat to the country's economic growth due to its substantial impact on employment and consumer demand. Despite efforts by Beijing to stabilize the sector, property investment, housing sales, and home prices declined sharply in 2025. Analysts warn that a further downturn could have a ripple effect, putting developers, workers, homebuyers, and banks at risk. The property sector accounts for about a quarter of mainland China's economic output, and a continued decline could impact related industries such as home appliances and construction materials.

The article discusses the impact of US sanctions on Chinese-Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi's Hong Kong-based firms. Chen's companies have been linked to telecoms fraud, money laundering, and 'pig butchering' scams. Hong Kong police have frozen HK$2.75 billion in assets tied to Chen. Several directors and auditors have resigned from his firms, and two of his Hong Kong-listed companies, Geotech Holdings and Khoon Group, remain under scrutiny despite Chen's assertion that he has no role in their operations.

China's initial public offerings (IPOs) nearly doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by the China Securities Regulatory Commission's (CSRC) eased curbs on new listings and resumed approvals for pre-profit technology companies. A total of 115 companies raised 128 billion yuan (US$18.3 billion) across mainland China's exchanges, surpassing the 67.4 billion yuan raised in 2024. The rebound in IPOs coincided with a listings boom in Hong Kong, fueled by demand for leading Chinese companies. Analysts expect the pace of new share sales to accelerate in 2026, driven by further reforms to boost the inclusiveness of the multilayer capital markets.

The Singaporean government has launched a US$155.6 million programme to support the local film industry, focusing on international co-productions to expand financing options, tap wider markets, and improve global visibility. The industry faces challenges such as shrinking cinema audiences, high production costs, and intense competition from global streaming content. The government's initiative aims to help local filmmakers overcome these challenges and reach a broader audience.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to Britain after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. The crash occurred on a major road near Lagos when the vehicle they were traveling in struck a stationary truck. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital after being deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home. The driver of the car, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged with dangerous and reckless driving. Joshua has family roots in Nigeria and holds Nigerian nationality. The article reports on the incident and Joshua's return to Britain ahead of the funerals of his friends.

The US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has disrupted Caribbean travel, causing hundreds of flight cancellations across the eastern Caribbean region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed airspace restrictions, affecting major airlines such as JetBlue, United, Southwest, American, and Delta. Flights to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and other destinations near Venezuela were canceled. Airlines are waiving change fees for passengers who need to reschedule their flights. Maduro is expected to be turned over to federal authorities upon landing at New York Stewart International Airport.

The article discusses the history of US military interventions in Latin America, triggered by the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The US has a long history of intervening in the region, often citing communist threats or protecting US interests. Examples include the 1954 Guatemala coup, the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, and support for dictatorships in Chile and Argentina in the 1970s. The article also highlights US interventions in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Grenada, and Panama. The tone is critical of US foreign policy, and the sentiment is negative towards US interventions. The primary intent is to inform and analyze the historical context of US-Latin America relations.

The article discusses the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and draws a parallel with the arrest of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega by U.S. forces 36 years ago. Noriega, once a U.S. ally and CIA informant, fell out of favor due to allegations of accepting bribes and was eventually ousted in a U.S. military invasion. The article highlights the similarities between the two events and quotes U.S. officials reacting to Maduro's capture.

The article discusses how climate change is affecting Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods and storms. Many young people, like 24-year-old Md Emran Hosain, are forced to migrate to other countries, including Singapore, in search of work to support their families. The article highlights the devastating impact of climate change on the livelihoods of people in Bangladesh, with millions displaced and many more expected to be in the future.

The governments of Malaysia, France, and India have criticized X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk, for allowing its AI chatbot Grok to create and disseminate 'offensive' and 'illegal' images, including sexualized content involving minors. The authorities have launched investigations and threatened legal action against X for violating laws related to harmful content. Grok's actions appear to contravene its own acceptable-use policy, which prohibits the sexualization of children. The incident has raised concerns about the regulation of AI-generated content on social media platforms.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they increased significantly, forcing Bergman to close her store. The tariffs have created a split in the Christmas economy, with big-box retailers like Walmart and Target able to absorb the costs, while small businesses suffer. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on small toy retailers and the wider toy industry, which employs nearly 700,000 people.

The US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture and exfiltration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has sparked concerns among European leaders about the implications for international law and global security. While European governments have reacted cautiously, they privately agree that the US intervention broke established rules of international law. The operation may embolden nations like Russia and China to disregard international law and revive the Monroe Doctrine, risking spheres of influence. The article argues that Trump's actions set a dangerous precedent by targeting a head of state and heightening global security risks.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has condemned anti-regime protesters as 'rioters', as demonstrations against the government's corruption and economic mismanagement continue to spread across the country. At least 10 people have been killed in the protests, with many more injured or arrested. The protests have been met with a heavy-handed response from the authorities, with security forces opening fire on demonstrators in multiple cities. The US has expressed support for the protesters, with President Trump warning that the US would 'come to their rescue' if they are violently suppressed.

The US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3 has drawn comparisons to the 1989 US operation to capture Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Both operations involved surprise military actions without explicit congressional authorization. The US used psychological warfare, including blasting rock music, to force Noriega out of hiding, resulting in his surrender on January 3, 1990. Maduro is expected to face drug and weapons charges in the US. The operation has sparked reactions from global leaders and politicians, with some praising Trump's 'bold action' and others warning against trusting Maduro's vice president.

The US Trump administration's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seen as a significant blow to Iran's interests in the Western Hemisphere, as Maduro was a longtime ally of Tehran. Experts contend that the capture will weaken Iran's operational hub for terrorism, drug trafficking, and power projection in Latin and South America. Iran has condemned the US military operation as a 'flagrant violation' of Venezuela's sovereignty, while experts believe it will damage the regime's revenues and resources, potentially leading to defections among ruling officials.

The article criticizes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for rescinding executive orders that supported Israel and combated antisemitism on his first day in office. The author argues that this move reveals Mamdani's deep-seated antisemitism and hostility towards Israel. The decision has been widely condemned by Jewish organizations and the Israeli Foreign Ministry, who accuse Mamdani of fueling antisemitism. The author suggests that Mamdani's actions are a result of his long-standing antipathy towards Israel and its supporters. The article also highlights Mamdani's past statements and actions that are perceived as antisemitic, including his support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and his vow to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York.

The article discusses the ongoing bid by Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), with WBD CEO David Zaslav rejecting several offers. Paramount Skydance is considering litigation, alleging that the bidding process was rigged in favor of Netflix, which ultimately won the bid. The article highlights the tension between the two parties, with Paramount Skydance believing their offer is superior and Zaslav looking for a higher price. The author predicts that cooler heads will prevail, and Paramount Skydance will sweeten their offer to make it more attractive to Zaslav.

The article explores the world of superfans who collect memorabilia related to their favorite pop stars, often spending large sums of money on items such as rare records, costumes, and autographs. The article profiles several collectors, including James Harknett, who has spent over $650,000 on Madonna memorabilia, Zachary Gordon-Abraham, who has collected thousands of Britney Spears items, Francie Elliott, who has spent between $50,000 to $100,000 on Mariah Carey memorabilia, and Cleonilson Junior, who has collected over 2,000 items related to Kylie Minogue. The article examines the motivations behind this behavior, including the emotional connection fans feel with their favorite celebrities and the sense of identity and community that comes with being part of a fan culture. Experts, including psychologists and popular culture scholars, provide insight into the phenomenon, noting that this type of collecting has been around for thousands of years and is driven by a deep emotional bond and a belief in the 'contagion' of a celebrity's star power.

The article discusses the 'Russian town' of Enhe in northern China, which was set up by the Chinese government to preserve the culture and traditions of China's tiny Russian minority. However, despite its Russian-style architecture and Cyrillic signs, the town has lost its Russian identity due to generations of intermarriage and assimilation policies. The town's residents, who are officially registered as ethnic Russians, have lost touch with the Russian language and Orthodox Christian faith of their forefathers. The article highlights the Chinese government's efforts to assimilate ethnic minorities into the dominant Han Chinese culture, and the tension between this policy and the preservation of minority cultures.

The US carried out a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and sparking widespread reactions across Latin America. President Trump claimed the operation was a law enforcement action, not regime change, and announced plans to maintain a US presence in Venezuela until a 'proper transition' takes place. The move has been met with both support and condemnation from regional leaders, with some viewing it as a blow against authoritarianism and others as a dangerous precedent for military intervention. The operation has significant implications for regional security and the role of the US in Latin America.

Democrats accuse the Trump administration of misleading Congress before a failed raid to capture Venezuelan President Maduro, saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured lawmakers that the administration didn't intend to conduct a military attack on Venezuela just before the Senate rejected bipartisan legislation to block such an action.

US airlines resumed Caribbean flights on Sunday after the US aviation authorities lifted temporary airspace restrictions imposed following US strikes on Venezuela. The restrictions, which were set to expire at midnight Eastern time, triggered hundreds of flight cancellations and affected thousands of travelers during the New Year holiday period. Airlines such as United, Delta, and Frontier resumed service, with some waiving change fees and fare differences for affected customers. The brief shutdown highlighted the impact of military action on civilian air travel, with disruptions extending beyond the immediate conflict zone.

The article discusses the downfall of the 'Four Families' accused of running global cyber scam operations from Myanmar's Kokang region. These crime families, known as the Bais, Lius, Weis, and Mings, built multibillion-dollar empires through illegal activities including cyber scams, drug production, and human trafficking. The Chinese authorities have extradited and prosecuted dozens of alleged cybercrime bosses and warlords, with some receiving severe punishments, including death sentences. The article details the horrific conditions faced by workers in the scam compounds, including torture, beatings, and forced prostitution. The global scam industry, largely centered in Southeast Asia, is estimated to be worth between $50 billion and $70 billion, with victims in the United States losing at least $10 billion dollars last year.

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the sea on Sunday, hours before South Korea's president was due to visit China for talks on North Korea's nuclear program. The launch, which followed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's call for doubling the output of tactical guided weapons, was condemned by Japan and South Korea, who saw it as a provocative act violating UN security council resolutions. Analysts linked the launch to Kim Jong-un's concerns about US military actions and his efforts to strengthen North Korea's military capabilities ahead of a landmark party congress.