In other news

A new generation of Chinese companies is expanding globally, following a different strategy than their predecessors. Chinese brands such as Urban Revivo, Luckin Coffee, and Mixue are gaining popularity in America, particularly among younger consumers. These companies are leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to promote their products and are opening physical stores in major cities like Manhattan.

The article discusses a private memo sent by central bankers from around the world to their governments in solidarity with Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, who faces charges from the Trump administration for not cutting interest rates faster. The memo is seen as a rare show of unity among central bankers and a rebuke to the Trump administration's attempts to influence monetary policy. The article highlights the tension between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, and notes that the central bankers' statement is a defense of their independence and a warning against political interference.

The article discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry by improving the drug discovery and testing process. The current drug development process is marred by high failure rates, with only one in ten drug candidates succeeding in human trials, and taking around 10-15 years to develop at a cost of $2.8 billion per successful drug. AI is transforming this landscape by potentially increasing the success rate and reducing the time and cost involved.

The European Union and Mercosur, a bloc of South American countries, have sealed a trade pact after years of negotiations. The deal, which was first discussed in 1999, is seen as a significant development in geoeconomics and a counterbalance to the protectionist policies of the Trump era. The agreement is expected to boost trade between the two regions and promote globalization.

Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus, has filed for bankruptcy just over a year after consolidating the three luxury department stores. The company is offering steep discounts to customers who received gift cards, but the cards may soon be worthless. The bankruptcy is attributed to the company's own failures rather than external market factors.

The article discusses how job applicants are using AI tools like ChatGPT to generate job applications, overwhelming recruiters. While recruiters initially saw AI as a way to streamline their work, they are now facing a surge in AI-generated applications. This has created a new challenge for companies, as they struggle to manage the influx of applications.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title 'Energetic abroad, Emmanuel Macron faces a mess at home' and the URL, it appears that the article discusses French President Emmanuel Macron's challenges and controversies at home while being active on the international stage. The article likely analyzes Macron's domestic policies and their reception, as well as his foreign policy endeavors.

The article discusses how Latvia's decision to shut down its Russian-language radio station, LR4, is alienating its Russian-speaking population. Despite having a stable audience and an anti-Kremlin editorial line, the station was closed because it broadcast in Russian. The article argues that this move is a gift to the Kremlin and may have negative consequences for Latvia's relations with its Russian-speaking minority.

The Spanish judiciary is embroiled in a bitter political war, with multiple court cases pending against allies of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, including his wife and brother. The government has denounced the charges as 'lawfare,' a term used to describe the alleged misuse of the legal system for political purposes. The cases involve allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest, and have sparked tensions between the government and the judiciary.

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas highlighted the excitement around new AI-powered devices, but the increasing demand for memory chips driven by AI development is causing a supply crunch for electronics manufacturers, leading to rocketing prices for this essential component. This affects not just smartphones and PCs but also gaming consoles and cars. The article discusses the mixed feelings among gadget-makers about the future, balancing enthusiasm for AI innovations with concerns over component shortages.

The article discusses the concept of the 'Peter principle,' which suggests that employees tend to rise to their level of incompetence within an organization. It argues that promotions often lead to problems, as individuals may not be suited for the new role or responsibilities. The article highlights that this phenomenon is still prevalent today, and that it can have negative consequences for both the individual and the organization.

The article discusses how Europe is experiencing a modest resurgence in the use of cash despite the growing prevalence of digital payment methods. It highlights how, in some contexts, the traditional use of cash is being rediscovered for its virtues. The piece uses the example of a church in Sweden where donations are now often made through a payment app called Swish rather than cash, but notes a broader trend where cash is still valued. The article touches upon the changing landscape of financial transactions in Europe, influenced by technology and shifting consumer behaviors.

Two people were killed in Thailand when a crane collapsed onto a highway outside Bangkok, just a day after another crane accident killed 32 train passengers in the country's northeast. The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about the construction safety record of Italian-Thai Development, the company responsible for both projects. Dashcam footage showed the crane toppling onto unsuspecting drivers, causing a plume of dust and debris. The incident has renewed scrutiny on the company's safety protocols.

The Hong Kong International Airport saw a 15% year-on-year increase in passenger trips in 2025, reaching 61 million, driven by a busy Christmas season and the full-year operation of its third runway. The Airport Authority's CEO, Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, attributed the strong performance to increased connectivity and flight frequencies. Cargo throughput also rose by 2.7% to 5.07 million tonnes. The airport handled 5.8 million passengers in December alone, a 13.5% increase from the previous year.

The Chinese government is recruiting social workers for disputed islands in the South China Sea. The government of Sansha is looking for 11 'community workers' to post on eight reefs and islands in the Paracel and Spratly islands. The job adverts suggest that the roles will play a part in day-to-day governance, and that military veterans and Communist Party members will be favoured for the positions. Candidates should be aged between 18 and 35, have a college degree, and be able to cope with long-term postings in remote maritime locations. The recruitment is part of China's efforts to assert its control over the disputed territories.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has removed Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition following his conviction for lying under oath to a parliamentary committee. Singh was fined S$14,000 and his conviction was upheld on December 4 after he appealed against it. The decision comes a day after most MPs voted for a motion that deemed Singh unsuitable for the role. Wong stated that Singh's criminal convictions, taken together with Parliament's considered view of his unsuitability, made it no longer tenable for him to continue as the Leader of the Opposition. Singh assumed the role in 2020 following the general election where his party, the Workers' Party, secured a record 10 elected seats in parliament.

The Chinese military is developing over 10 quantum warfare weapons, according to a report by the official newspaper Science and Technology Daily. The People's Liberation Army is using quantum technology to gather high-value military intelligence from public cyberspace. The project is being led by a supercomputing laboratory at the National University of Defence Technology, with a focus on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology. The technology is expected to provide better front-line mapping, improve air defences by detecting stealth aircraft, and create highly accurate navigation systems resistant to spoofing or jamming. Commanders hope that quantum computing will allow them to process large amounts of battlefield data within seconds, helping them to make decisions and allocate resources.

China's central bank is set to cut key policy relending rates by a quarter of a percentage point, effective Monday, as part of efforts to expand credit support for private and tech firms. The People's Bank of China's deputy governor, Zou Lan, announced the move at a press conference in Beijing, stating that the one-year rate of the structural relending tools will be lowered to 1.25% from 1.5%. The central bank will also increase the quota for relending programs for agricultural and small businesses, and establish a dedicated relending facility for private enterprises, with an extra 500 billion yuan allocated for agriculture and small businesses, and a 1 trillion yuan facility for small and medium-sized private firms. Additionally, the bank will expand its relending program for technological innovation and industrial upgrading, increasing the quota from 800 billion yuan to 1.2 trillion yuan.

Amazon has launched its 'sovereign cloud' in Europe, designed to comply with the region's stringent data regulations. The Amazon Web Services (AWS) European Sovereign Cloud is physically and logically separate from other AWS regions and will be locally controlled in the European Union (EU) and run by EU citizens. The cloud is based in Brandenburg, Germany, and Amazon has invested 7.8 billion euros in it through 2040. The company plans to expand the sovereign cloud to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The move is seen as a response to growing concerns about the dominance of U.S. tech giants in the cloud space and potential access to European citizens' data. European regulators are currently investigating cloud computing services from Amazon and Microsoft under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors assessed the Bank of Korea's decision to hold its benchmark interest rate at 2.50%. South Korea's Kospi jumped to a record high, while Japan's Nikkei 225 declined after hitting a second straight day of record highs. The US tech stocks slid overnight amid earnings and China chip trade concerns. Shares of Toyota Industries rose after Toyota Motors increased its bid for the company. The Japanese yen strengthened marginally against the dollar. Indian markets were closed for a holiday.

Bank of America analysts have reiterated their 'Buy' rating for Siemens Healthineers, citing a 38.4% potential upside in the stock's value. The analysts point to the company's 'unprecedented' product cycle and structural growth drivers, including the rise of radiopharmaceuticals. A portfolio manager at Rhenman & Partners Asset Management agrees, describing Siemens Healthineers as 'one of the more attractive large-cap medtech companies in Europe.' However, some near-term pressures remain, including uncertainty around Siemens AG's planned share spin-off and lingering tariff and foreign exchange pressure. Despite these challenges, the company's long-term pipeline and ambition to deliver double-digit adjusted EPS growth through 2030 make it an attractive investment opportunity.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported a 35% increase in fourth-quarter profit, beating estimates and hitting a fresh record due to strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The company's revenue rose by 20.5% from a year ago to surpass NT$1 trillion, also beating forecasts. TSMC's advanced chips measuring 7-nanometer or smaller made up 77% of total wafer revenue during the quarter. The company guided revenue for the current quarter to hit between $34.6 billion and $35.8 billion, up 4% sequentially, or up 38% year-over-year at the midpoint. TSMC's high-performance computing division, which includes AI and 5G applications, made up 55% of sales in the October-December quarter. The company is looking to further ramp up its cutting-edge 2 nm offerings this year and expects its capital expenditure to reach between $52 billion and $56 billion in 2026.

The UK economy grew by 0.3% in November 2025, exceeding economists' expectations of 0.1% growth. The growth was driven by the services and production sectors, which rose by 0.3% and 1.1% respectively. The construction sector, however, fell by 1.3%. The data comes after the economy contracted by 0.1% in October due to a cyber-attack at Jaguar Land Rover and consumer uncertainty. Economists expect the UK economy to improve in 2026, driven by interest rate cuts and a rebound in consumption and investment. The Bank of England is likely to continue its interest rate-cutting path, supporting economic growth.

A cold front is expected to bring bone-chilling temperatures and a possible wintry mix of rain and snow to New York City on Thursday. Temperatures will drop significantly, with lows reaching around 24 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday night, making it the coldest night of the season so far. Although no accumulation is expected from the wintry mix, temperatures will remain chilly into Friday, with a high of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. AccuWeather Meteorologist Scott Homan provided insights to the New York Post about the weather forecast.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is praised for her decision to temporarily suspend licensing requirements for out-of-state nurses during the ongoing nurses' strike, allowing hospitals to continue providing life-saving care. The move is seen as a responsible step to protect the public's health, despite potentially annoying a powerful union. In contrast, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is criticized for supporting the strikers, whose demands could have significant financial implications for the city's public hospitals and overall budget. The article highlights Hochul's pragmatic approach to the crisis, distinguishing her from Mamdani's more union-friendly stance.

The New York Giants are on the verge of hiring John Harbaugh as their next head coach. After being fired by the Baltimore Ravens on January 6, Harbaugh was the Giants' top choice to replace Brian Daboll, who was fired 10 games into the previous season. The Giants pulled out all the stops to secure Harbaugh, sending co-owner Steve Tisch's private plane to Baltimore to fly him to their team facility for a formal interview. Despite initial speculation that Harbaugh might not want to work with general manager Joe Schoen, the two sides are close to finalizing a contract. Harbaugh's hiring would be a major coup for the Giants, with his 18-year tenure with the Ravens including a Super Bowl win in 2012. The contract is expected to be worth around $20 million per year.

Actor Timothy Busfield has been dropped by his talent agency, Innovative Artists, following his arrest on child sex abuse charges. Busfield, 68, appeared in court in New Mexico on January 14, 2026, where he was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The allegations stem from incidents on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady' in 2022, where Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two young boys. Busfield has denied the allegations, with his lawyer stating they are 'completely false.' A third alleged victim, a 16-year-old girl from Sacramento, California, has also come forward, accusing Busfield of sexual abuse 'several years ago.' Busfield is currently being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.

The sister of a victim of the Uvalde school massacre, Velma Duran, was removed from a Texas courtroom during the trial of former school police officer Adrian Gonzales, who is facing child endangerment charges related to the shooting. Duran disrupted the trial with an outburst, shouting that her sister, Irma Garcia, used her body to protect her students before being killed by the gunman. The judge barred Duran from reentering the courtroom for the remainder of the trial. Duran has been an outspoken critic of Gonzales, claiming that he could have stopped the gunman but failed to act. The trial has been emotional for Duran, who was upset by the lack of charges related to her sister's death and the references to autopsy photos of the students in court.

Somalia has severed diplomatic ties with the UAE over the latter's alleged interference in its sovereignty, particularly regarding Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the cancellation of all port management and security cooperation agreements with the UAE, citing the UAE's failure to engage Somalia as an independent and sovereign nation. The move is seen as a response to the UAE's perceived backing of Somaliland's independence and its support for Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi. The diplomatic row has significant implications for the region, with Somalia rallying support from other countries in Africa and the Middle East.

The Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, is facing a rift within the leadership due to his increasingly authoritarian and isolationist policies. A leaked audio clip revealed Akhundzada's concerns about internal divisions, which could bring down the Islamic Emirate. An investigation by the BBC found two distinct groups within the Taliban: one loyal to Akhundzada, pushing for a strict Islamic state isolated from the modern world, and another, based in Kabul, advocating for engagement with the outside world, economic development, and education for girls and women. The tension between these groups escalated when Akhundzada ordered the internet to be shut off, but the Kabul group countermanded this decision, sparking a clash of wills.

A dispute has erupted between the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba over Crown Royal whisky, a Canadian-made, British-owned brand. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has vowed to remove Crown Royal from provincial liquor stores after Diageo, the whisky maker, announced it would shut down a bottling plant in Ontario and move operations closer to the US. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has urged Ford to reconsider, citing concerns about the impact on the Crown Royal distillery in Gimli, Manitoba, which is a major employer in the town. The row highlights tensions between the two provinces and the challenges of maintaining a unified 'Team Canada' approach in the face of US tariffs.

An amateur tennis player, Jordan Smith, has won a million-dollar prize by beating professional tennis player Jannik Sinner in the One Point Slam tournament held in Australia. The new format of the tournament allows amateurs to compete with professionals in one-point matches. Smith, 29, from Sydney, defeated Sinner, 24, and then Joanna Garland, 24, in the final to claim the jackpot. The tournament featured other big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Francis Tiafoe, and Daniil Medvedev. The event is gaining popularity and has a different dimension with the inclusion of amateurs and celebrities.

Spanish prosecutors have launched an inquiry into allegations that Latin pop legend Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his Caribbean residences between January and October 2021. The allegations were published in a joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias. Iglesias, 82, has not publicly commented on the allegations. The singer, father of Enrique Iglesias, is one of the world's most successful musical artists, having sold over 300 million records in multiple languages. The Spanish prosecutors' office received formal allegations against Iglesias on January 5, and he could potentially be tried in a Madrid court for alleged crimes committed abroad as a Spanish citizen.

The French interior ministry has banned ten British 'far-right activists' from France for engaging in 'reconnaissance and destruction activities' against small boats used in migrant crossings. The individuals were identified as part of the Raise the Colours movement, which claims to be a 'lawful, civic movement'. Raise the Colours stated that it has always maintained that its activities must remain peaceful and within the law, and that it does not support violence or any unlawful activity. The French ministry said the banned individuals took part in operations in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais areas in December, targeting small boats and engaging in propaganda activities along the French coastline.

Armed Kurdish separatist groups attempted to breach the Iran-Iraq border amid ongoing protests against the Iranian regime, sparking fears of regional destabilization. Iranian officials reported that the groups were trying to exploit the unrest and create further instability. The attempted breach occurred as Iran faced widespread protests, with the government cracking down on dissent and resulting in significant casualties. The international community, including the US and Turkey, has taken notice of the situation, with some warning against interference in Iran's affairs.

The article discusses the global persecution of Christians, highlighting the top 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. Open Doors' World Watch List 2026 report reveals that countries such as North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan are among the most dangerous for Christians. The report details the various forms of persecution, including execution, imprisonment, and harassment, faced by Christians in these countries. The article also shares personal stories of Christians who have risked their lives to practice their faith.

Four NASA astronauts, including Zena Cardman and Michael Fincke of NASA, Kimiya Yui of JAXA, and Oleg Platonov of Roscosmos, are returning to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule after an earlier-than-scheduled departure from the International Space Station due to a medical issue involving one of the crew members. The astronauts undocked from the space station on Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. ET and are expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at around 3:41 a.m. ET on Thursday. NASA officials described the return as a 'controlled medical evacuation,' the first of its kind in 25 years. The agency has not disclosed the identity of the ill astronaut or the nature of the medical issue, citing privacy concerns. The astronauts will be examined by doctors after splashdown before being flown to shore in a helicopter.

Immigrant rights lawyers urged a federal appeals court in California to restore deportation protections for about 600,000 Venezuelans in the United States. The lawyers argued that many of their clients had lost their jobs and businesses as the Temporary Protected Status (T.P.S.) program had expired. The Trump administration had ended the program, citing improved conditions in Venezuela, but the lawyers countered that the decision was based on racial animus and violated federal legal procedures. The case is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Nine newborn babies died at Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No. 1 in Russia, prompting the arrest of the chief physician and acting head of intensive care on charges of negligence and causing death through negligence. The incident has highlighted chronic staff shortages and funding gaps in Russia's medical system, sparking widespread anger and calls for action. Russian politicians and officials have condemned the incident, with some describing it as a 'crime against the country'. An investigation is underway to determine the exact causes of the deaths.

Four astronauts from NASA's Crew-11 mission are returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule due to a medical issue affecting one of the crew members. The astronauts left the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday and are expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California early Thursday. NASA decided to bring the crew home early after canceling a planned spacewalk last week due to the medical issue, which is not related to an injury sustained during operations but rather a condition exacerbated by microgravity. The affected astronaut is in stable condition, and details about their condition are being kept confidential to protect their privacy. The Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to splash down around 3:40 a.m. ET Thursday, and upon recovery, the astronauts will undergo medical evaluations. The premature departure of Crew-11 leaves the ISS with three crew members: two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut.

Spanish prosecutors are investigating allegations that Julio Iglesias sexually assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The allegations were made by the two women, who claim they were subjected to sexual harassment, human trafficking, and forced labor while working for Iglesias between January and October 2021. Iglesias has not publicly commented on the allegations. The Spanish prosecutors' office has received formal allegations against Iglesias and is studying the case. The women's lawyer said that Spanish legislation regarding sexual violence and trafficking could be an option for the women, and that they have been granted the status of protected witnesses.

The article discusses how climate change has affected the lives of people in Bangladesh, particularly in the southern coastal regions, leading to displacement and migration. The story of Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old man from the Sundarbans region, is highlighted. Emran left his village in July 2024 to work in Singapore, as his family's livelihood was impacted by recurring disasters and rising sea levels. The article explains how Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with storms and floods crippling the local economy and pushing people to migrate. It also provides statistics on the number of people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh and the predicted impact of climate change by 2050.