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The article discusses Peru's diplomatic balancing act between China and the US amidst rising tensions between the two superpowers. Peru's rich mineral resources make it a focal point for both countries, with China investing in a strategic port on Peru's Pacific coast. Despite chaotic politics, analysts believe Peru is unlikely to become 'another Venezuela' due to its maintained alignment with US interests and avoidance of strongly anti-American stances. Peru's response to the US raid on Venezuela was cautious, calling for a 'prompt political solution and democratic transition' without directly criticizing the US.

China's growing upper-middle-income population is reshaping the retail market, driving demand for quality goods and creating opportunities for global brands. According to PwC China, the number of households with annual disposable income above $25,000 is projected to nearly double by 2029. Consumers like 33-year-old Zhao Wenyu are prioritizing health and long-term value over bargains, spending more on organic food, nutritional supplements, and functional beverages. Experts say that winning over this new generation of affluent consumers poses a challenge for international brands.

The article reports that European immunologist Andrew Macpherson has joined the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) as a full-time professor, attracted by China's reputation for cutting-edge biomedical research. Macpherson was previously a professor at the University of Bern and director of the gastroenterology department at Inselspital Hospital in Switzerland. His research on gut microbiota and immune regulation has been widely acclaimed, and he has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers. The recruitment is seen as a boost to China's growing reputation as a global hub for biomedical research.

China's outbound travel is expected to grow by 10 million trips in 2026, driven by visa-free policies and a stronger yuan. However, visits to Japan may plummet by nearly 50% due to a political dispute. Mainland Chinese travelers are expected to take 165-175 million cross-border trips in 2026, with South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand being the most popular destinations. Other countries like Russia, Turkey, and Cambodia are also expected to see an increase in Chinese tourists due to relaxed visa policies.

Hong Kong police are set to release a list of the 161 victims of the Tai Po fire tragedy, having informed some families of the plan. The fire, which occurred on November 26, was the deadliest in decades, claiming 161 lives, injuring 79, and displacing almost 5,000 people. Some families were contacted by police on Sunday to inform them of the plan to release the list, while others were not notified.

China successfully recovered a stranded tunnel boring machine (TBM) beneath the Yangtze River using another TBM, achieving a precise rendezvous with just 2mm of vertical error. The feat saved a major infrastructure project, the Jiangyin-Jingjiang Yangtze River Tunnel, from being scrapped. The project, worth millions of dollars, was threatened when the first TBM halted during excavation due to unforeseen failure. The successful recovery demonstrated China's engineering capabilities and set a benchmark for precision in deep underground engineering.

A new survey by KPMG and the Singapore Institute of Directors has found that rising business costs and tariffs are the biggest challenges faced by Singaporean businesses, particularly those serving overseas markets. The survey of 1,000 business owners and workers revealed that supply chain difficulties, unfamiliarity with new markets, and lack of funding are also key hurdles. Skincare chain Kskin is among the businesses affected, with rising costs and US tariffs impacting their margins.

The US has shifted its foreign aid strategy to prioritize 'America first' by tying development dollars to commercial and security goals, rather than framing it as a moral undertaking. This change is evident in the Asia-Pacific region, where aid is now focused on projects that promote US businesses and national security priorities. Analysts condemn this shift as 'corrosive', reflecting the Trump administration's view that foreign assistance should advance America's national interest above all else. The new strategy is being implemented in the Pacific, where aid is being channelled into initiatives that deliver clear economic and security returns, such as supporting the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and funding infrastructure upgrades at Koror International Airport in Palau.

The article discusses the predictions for individuals born in the Year of the Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) in the upcoming Year of the Horse 2026, according to renowned fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. The Year of the Horse is expected to be positive for Sheep, with improved interpersonal relationships and good fortune. The lucky number, colour, and element for Sheep in 2026 are 4, white, and sterling silver, respectively. The article provides insights into wealth, career, and overall fortune for Sheep in the coming year.

The article discusses the recent surge in demand for luxury watches, particularly vintage models, and how it has led to a boom in the secondary market. A vintage Omega watch sold for a record-breaking price at an auction, sparking rumors and suspicions about its authenticity. The article explores the factors that contributed to the growth of the luxury watch market, including the pandemic, low interest rates, and the rise of e-commerce. It also highlights the increasing involvement of new, young collectors and the emergence of digital auction platforms. However, the article notes that this growth has also attracted unscrupulous players, leading to concerns about counterfeit watches and other malpractices.

The article discusses the possibility of humans returning to the Moon in the coming year, specifically through NASA's Artemis II mission, which is currently scheduled to launch in February 2026. The mission aims to send astronauts around the Moon, marking a significant step in space exploration. The article highlights the delays that have plagued the mission, but notes that it is just one of many space missions to watch in the near future. The Economist's science editor, Alok Jha, provides analysis on the mission and its significance.

The article discusses how some traditional businesses are thriving despite the threat of disruptive innovation. While many companies are embracing new technologies and business models, others are successfully preserving or resuscitating traditional ones. Examples include luxury goods such as Swiss watches and Montblanc fountain pens, as well as bespoke products like Harris Tweed jackets and Folio Society books. The article suggests that these companies are able to succeed by focusing on quality and craftsmanship, and by appealing to customers who value traditional products and experiences.

The Brazilian government plans to rebuild the BR-319 highway, a 900km road in the Amazon rainforest, which has been in disrepair since its inauguration in 1976. Locals are in favor of the reconstruction as it will improve their connectivity and access to basic amenities like healthcare and education. However, environmentalists are concerned that rebuilding the highway will lead to further deforestation and push the Amazon closer to its 'tipping point'. The Amazon has already lost almost a fifth of its jungle since the 1970s, and scientists believe that continued deforestation will turn the region into a dry savannah. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has promised to rebuild the highway in consultation with environmentalists, but activists fear that it will pave the way for more deforestation and land grabbing.

The article 'The evolution of watches reflects changing relations with time' discusses how watches have been intertwined with history, reflecting societal values and power struggles. It references a luxury watch commissioned by an admirer of Marie Antoinette for Breguet, the royal watchmaker, and how it symbolized the excesses of the ancien régime. The article also mentions a recent incident involving President Emmanuel Macron and a luxury watch during a television interview. The piece highlights the historical significance of watches and their connection to cultural and societal changes.

The article discusses the 'Hermès heist', a case in which Nicolas Puech, an heir to the luxury dynasty, was swindled out of $15 billion worth of shares in the French fashion house Hermès. Puech held a 6% stake in Hermès through the Isocrates foundation, a philanthropic organization that was set to receive billions of euros upon the death of its benefactor. The article hints at a complex and potentially scandalous situation involving the management of Puech's stake and the potential misuse of his shares.

The Indian government has opened a new railway line connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India, despite local concerns about its implications. The $4.4 billion project, known as the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, features the world's highest single-arch railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. While the railway is expected to boost the local economy by increasing tourism, many Kashmiris are wary of its potential to further militarize the region and undermine their autonomy. The project has been carried out by the Indian government, which has been accused of backing Hindu nationalist ideology and stripping Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. The railway line has been designed to withstand natural disasters and terrorist attacks, but its impact on the local population remains to be seen.

The article 'The year in photos 2025' by The Economist provides a visual narrative of the significant events that occurred in 2025, with a focus on the tumultuous global landscape dominated by the figure of Donald Trump, who became the 47th president of the United States. The year was marked by various crises, including wars in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine, natural disasters on multiple continents, and social unrest. The article highlights the contrast between the devastation caused by human actions and natural disasters, and moments of resilience and hope. Through a collection of photographs, it captures the essence of a year characterized by turmoil, division, and the human spirit's capacity to prevail in the face of adversity.

Alex Bregman has agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, ending his free agency. Bregman, 32, was one of the top bats in free agency after spending the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox. He had received interest from several teams, including the Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, and Tigers. Bregman has a history with the Houston Astros, where he won two World Series titles and received MVP votes in four separate seasons. He is expected to play third base for the Cubs, a position he has played for most of his MLB career. The deal comes after Bregman's decision to test the open market again, following a solid 2025 season with the Red Sox.

The Chicago Bears orchestrated a major 18-point comeback to defeat the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in a wild-card game, keeping their breakout season alive. Caleb Williams threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining to give the Bears the lead. The Bears rallied from a 21-3 halftime deficit and outscored the Packers 25-6 in the fourth quarter. The win marked the Bears' first playoff victory in 15 years and extended their resurgent season under coach Ben Johnson. The Packers, who had dominated the Bears for years, struggled without star pass rusher Micah Parsons, who suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the season.

Emmy-nominated composer Guy Moon, known for his work on Nickelodeon shows such as 'The Fairly OddParents' and 'Danny Phantom', died in a car crash in California on January 9, 2026, at the age of 63. Moon's family announced his passing on Facebook, paying tribute to his legacy and impact on their lives. Moon had a four-decade career in music composition, with credits in over 70 works across film, television, and animated series. He was nominated for four Emmy awards for his work on 'The Fairly OddParents'. Tributes have been paid to Moon by his colleagues and friends, including Butch Hartman and Stephen Kramer Glickman.

The article introduces Dina Broadhurst, a 50-year-old Australian socialite and artist known for her erotic self-portraits, who partied with British rocker Yungblud on a luxury yacht in Sydney Harbor. Broadhurst has gained a significant following on social media with 363,000 Instagram followers and has been featured in the media for her artworks and high-profile relationships. The article discusses her reaction to being labeled a 'nude artist,' her 50th birthday celebration, and her recent sale of a Darling Point apartment for $8 million. It also mentions her on-again, off-again relationship with Appliances Online millionaire John Winning and her friendship with Yungblud, whom she watched perform at a concert in Sydney.

The article criticizes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of recent police shootings, arguing that his anti-policing stance and rhetoric will undermine the NYPD's effectiveness and lead to increased crime. The author compares Mamdani's approach to that of former Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose relationship with the NYPD was toxic. The article suggests that Mamdani should instead follow the examples of mayors Eric Adams, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg, who supported the police and gave them the benefit of the doubt. The author argues that Mamdani's fact-free remarks and tendency to condemn law enforcement without evidence will lead to chaos and insurrection.

The family of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of negligence over the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The family alleges that the hospital denied the child oxygen, gave him too much sedation, and handled him improperly, leading to a heart attack and brain injury. The hospital has denied improper care, stating that it followed international standards and that Nkanu was critically ill when he arrived. An investigation into the death is underway, with the Lagos State government pledging to take action against any individual or institution found culpable of negligence.

US film stars Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been granted Guinean citizenship after DNA tests revealed their ancestry to the West African nation. The couple, who married in 2023, attended a private cultural ceremony where they were presented with passports by the minister and chief of staff of the presidency. The event is part of a broader initiative to encourage people of African descent to reclaim their heritage and invest in the continent. The couple expressed their intention to have a long-term connection with Guinea, potentially having a home there and spending meaningful time in the country. This move is part of a trend among celebrities taking up citizenships of African countries, following initiatives like Ghana's 'Year of Return' in 2019.

A rare 1938 comic book featuring the first appearance of Superman, once owned by Nicolas Cage, has sold for $15m to an anonymous collector. The comic, Action Comics No 1, is highly valuable due to its rarity and historical significance. It was stolen from Cage's home in 2000 but recovered in 2011 and later sold at auction for $2.2m. The recent sale more than doubled the previous record for a comic book sale.

A mysterious brain disease has been affecting hundreds of people in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, with symptoms including dementia, weight loss, and hallucinations. Neurologist Alier Marrero identified the cluster of cases and worked with patients, but a recent research paper concluded that there was no mystery disease, and patients had previously known conditions. Patients and their families disagree, believing they have been poisoned by an industrial environmental toxin and that the government has conspired against them.

Wildfires have swept across parts of southern Argentina, specifically in the Argentine Patagonia region, forcing thousands to flee. The fires have burned around 3,000 hectares of forest since Monday, fueled by drought conditions and strong winds. The affected area includes popular tourist destinations such as El Bolson, Lago Puelo, and El Hoyo. Officials have deployed helicopters, amphibious planes, and air tankers to extinguish the flames, with efforts hampered by massive columns of smoke. The province's governor has warned that the next 48 hours are vital and urged the community to remain alert. The fires have destroyed properties and displaced at least 3,000 people, with more than 500 personnel, including firefighters and rescuers, fighting the blazes. This is the first large-scale fire recorded in 2026, following a devastating fire in the same region last year.

Russia's recent use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile in Ukraine has raised concerns about the threat it poses to Europe and NATO. The missile, with a range of up to 5,500 kilometers and a speed of Mach 10-11, was launched against Lviv, a city in western Ukraine near the Polish border. While the physical damage was limited, the attack signals a potential threat to European security and NATO infrastructure. Defence analysts have questioned the missile's capabilities, but Ukraine's foreign minister described it as a 'grave threat.' The attack comes amid Russia's changes to its nuclear deterrence doctrine and warnings against Western involvement in Ukraine.

The article discusses Germany's efforts to combat illegal migration, particularly along its border with Poland. Chief Inspector Igor Weber's Pasewalk force is on the frontline of this fight, dealing with a complex and well-funded people smuggling racket. Germany has tightened border controls and asylum rules, resulting in a 25% decrease in illegal entries in 2025. However, this has also led to controversy over deportations, with some critics arguing that the government's policies are inhumane. The article also highlights the plight of asylum seekers, such as Sayed, who face deportation to their home countries despite fearing for their safety. The situation in Germany may have implications for the UK, as rejected asylum seekers may attempt to travel to the UK.

A 67-year-old deaf Palestinian man, Basim Saleh Yassin, was beaten by dozens of masked Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The attack occurred at a plant nursery in the village of Deir Sharaf, where Yassin was unable to hear warnings to flee due to his deafness. Witnesses described the violent incident, stating that Yassin suffered broken bones in his hand and other injuries to his face, chest, and back. The attack is part of a rising trend of Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, with rights groups and Palestinians arguing that the problem is more widespread than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's characterization of it as 'a handful of extremists.' The Israeli army condemned the violence and apprehended three suspects.

The article discusses how cars stolen in the U.S. are being smuggled to Mexico, where they are often used by organized crime groups and are difficult to recover. The California Highway Patrol reports a 79% increase in stolen vehicles tracked crossing the border from California, Arizona, and Texas over the last four years. The article follows the story of Catherine Vermillion, whose Jeep was stolen and tracked to Tijuana, Mexico, and was eventually recovered with the help of a repo man and local law enforcement.

A 26-year-old man, Fuzuki Asari, was arrested in Tokyo under an 1889 anti-dueling law after a street fight in the Kabukicho district resulted in the death of his 30-year-old opponent, Naoya Matsuda. The fight occurred in September, and Matsuda died on October 12 due to head injuries. Asari admitted to the allegations and was charged with conspiring to duel and causing injury resulting in death. The 1889 law carries a punishment of 2-5 years imprisonment for dueling, while the charge of causing death from involuntary injury carries a minimum sentence of 3 years. The application of the anti-dueling law is rare in Japan, but there have been recent cases in Gunma prefecture and a similar law was used in West Virginia in 2007.

A 56-year-old woman from Minnesota, identified as Arlene Lillis, died after a shark attack in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The incident occurred at Dorsch Beach in St. Croix, where Lillis lost an arm during the attack. This is the second fatal shark attack in less than a month, following a similar incident in California. The attack is under investigation, and the type of shark involved is not yet clear. The U.S. Virgin Islands are home to various shark species, including Caribbean reef sharks, hammerheads, and tiger sharks.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, where recurring disasters have crippled livelihoods, forcing thousands of young climate migrants, like 24-year-old Md Emran Hosain, to leave their homes and families to work in countries like Singapore. The article highlights the devastating effects of cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels on the region's agriculture and fishing industries, leading to displacement and migration. Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with a projected 30cm sea-level rise by 2050 potentially displacing millions more.

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 article discusses the diplomatic dynamics between Russia, Venezuela, and the United States, particularly focusing on an incident where US President Donald Trump challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin over Venezuela, and Putin's subsequent silence. The meeting between Putin and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in May 2025 is highlighted, showcasing their strong bilateral relations. The article analyzes the implications of Trump's challenge and Putin's response, providing insights into the geopolitical tensions and alliances at play.

The article discusses the potential collapse of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the uncertainty surrounding who would succeed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei if the regime were to fall. Experts warn against a cosmetic transition that merely reshuffles elites and emphasize the importance of the security forces' role in determining Iran's future. The article highlights the challenges faced by Iran's opposition in translating street protests into organized political power and notes that the exiled opposition, including Reza Pahlavi, may play a significant role in shaping the country's future. The tone is analytical and cautionary, with a neutral sentiment. The primary intent is to inform and analyze the potential consequences of the Islamic Republic's collapse.

Former US President Donald Trump rejected the idea of a US mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's suggestion that the US could do so following its operation against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Trump expressed frustration over the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, stating that he had hoped to end it quickly. He criticized the Biden administration for sending $350 billion to Ukraine and claimed that the US was benefiting financially from the conflict through arms sales to NATO allies. Trump also made several claims about Russian casualties and the impact on the Russian economy.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that aimed to end a program allowing migrants from certain Central and South American countries to reunite with their families in the US while awaiting visas. The judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to provide adequate notice to affected migrants. The program, known as the Family Reunification Parole Program, was set to be canceled, potentially affecting over 10,000 migrants, including many children. The decision is the latest in a series of court battles between the Trump administration and the courts over immigration policies.

The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has removed wall text referencing President Trump's two impeachments from its 'America's Presidents' exhibition. The text, which described Trump's impeachments and acquittals, had been a point of contention with the Trump administration. The gallery replaced Trump's portrait with a new black-and-white image and updated the accompanying text to simply identify him as the 45th and 47th president. The change comes amid pressure from the Trump administration to present a positive view of America and scrutiny of the Smithsonian Institution's exhibitions.

According to Janine Chamberlin, LinkedIn's U.K. country manager, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to dominate hiring in 2026, speeding up processes and helping recruiters sift through high volumes of job applications. Chamberlin suggests that job seekers should tailor their applications, avoid generic cover letters, and ensure their skills are clearly highlighted to stand out in an AI-driven job market. The job market has been challenging for both employers and professionals, with widespread layoffs and intense competition for jobs. LinkedIn research found that 80% of workers feel unprepared for the job hunt in 2026, and nearly two-thirds feel that the job search has become more challenging.

Charlie Dalin, a 41-year-old French sailor, competed in the Vendée Globe, a grueling 24,000-mile solo sailing race around the world, while battling gastrointestinal cancer. Diagnosed with a 15-centimeter-long tumor on his small intestine a year before the race, Dalin kept his condition secret from his competitors, fans, and even his own team. Despite the challenges, he won the race, passing his competitors one by one and demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.