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Bangladesh's student leaders who played a crucial role in the mass protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 are now facing an uncertain political future. Despite their significant contribution to the uprising, they have been allocated only a small share of parliamentary seats under a new electoral alliance led by the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami. The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by the student leaders, will contest just 30 out of 253 constituencies, raising concerns about their influence in governing the nation after the February 12 election. Analysts worry that the youth movement is being sidelined, and their ability to shape the country's future is being compromised. The development is particularly significant as the youth vote is emerging as a decisive force, with nearly 40% of the electorate aged between 18 and 37.

Families of the victims of the 2012 Hong Kong ferry crash are still seeking answers before the verdict is delivered. Alice Leung, whose brother died in the tragedy, believes the inquest findings will not provide all the answers but has symbolic meaning for those seeking truth. The coroner is expected to hand down a verdict on the cause of the tragedy nearly 13 years after a commission of inquiry submitted a report.

A Chinese team of scientists has warned that touching lunar ice during the Chang'e-7 mission could result in losing it due to the fragile nature of water on the moon. The mission aims to sample and directly measure water on the moon, which is locked in frozen soil and held in place by cold and vacuum. The team, from the Harbin Institute of Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has highlighted the challenges of collecting lunar ice without losing it due to warming from contact and friction.

The Coroner’s Court in Hong Kong is set to deliver a verdict on an inquest into the 2012 Lamma ferry crash that killed 39 people. The inquest was delayed for over a decade due to various reasons, including the government's initial inquiry and subsequent criminal proceedings. Families of the victims had opted out of the initial inquiry but later convinced the Court of Appeal to conduct another probe into aspects not covered previously. The 44-day court inquiry focused on identifying those responsible for a critical flaw in the ferry's structure.

The article highlights seven significant news stories from Asia over the past week, including Malaysians' satirical response to a US embassy post, Japan's next-generation fighter jet project gaining momentum, and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removing Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition. The selected stories shed light on topical issues and resonated with readers. The article provides a brief overview of each story, highlighting key events and developments in the region.

Shanghai has outlined a comprehensive plan to become a world-class, socialist metropolis by 2035, with a focus on innovation, manufacturing, and global financial services. The city aims to achieve all-round development, including becoming a global financial centre, and has been given a clear directive by China's central leadership to accelerate its international financial centre development. Shanghai's proposals for its 15th five-year plan, covering 2026-2030, include multifaceted socio-economic goals and a dedicated chapter on financial centre development.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an investigation into allegations that the country's military intelligence command supported a civilian, identified as Oh, in sending drones into North Korea. Oh, a graduate student, claims he flew drones into North Korea three times since September last year, initially stating he was hunting radioactive waste. The allegations have sparked concern over potential links between the drone flights and a trial involving former commanders of the Korea Defence Intelligence Command (KDIC) accused of involvement in ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. Lee expressed skepticism over how civilians could undertake such actions during an ongoing trial and highlighted allegations of state agency involvement.

Eight police officers were killed in Guatemala in retaliation for the government's refusal to transfer gang leaders to a lower-security prison. The killings occurred a day after gang-affiliated inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country. Police regained control of one of the prisons on Sunday, freeing guards being held hostage. The government has suspended schools and issued a security alert, with the U.S. Embassy advising its personnel to shelter in place. The violence is linked to gangs such as Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), which are blamed for much of the country's drug trafficking and criminal violence.

New surveillance footage of the Louvre Museum jewel heist has been released, showing two thieves breaking into display cases and stealing nine pieces of jewelry worth an estimated $102 million. The break-in occurred on October 19, and four suspects are currently in police custody. The incident has raised concerns about the museum's security and highlighted the need for better maintenance and staffing. The stolen jewels, part of the French crown jewels, have not been recovered except for a crown that was dropped during the escape.

Prince Harry has returned to the UK to attend a court case against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail and MailOnline, accusing them of unlawful information gathering. Harry claims that the company hired private investigators to hack his phone, bug his car, and access his private records. The publisher has denied the allegations, calling them 'preposterous smears.' The case is expected to last nine weeks and could have significant implications for Harry's reputation and financial costs. Harry has previously blamed the media for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and has become the first senior member of the royal family to give in-person testimony in a British court in over 130 years in a previous case against the owners of The Mirror.

The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Hoiby, has been charged with new crimes, including a serious narcotics offense, while awaiting trial in February for allegedly raping four women. Hoiby, 29, has admitted to transporting 3.5 kilos of marijuana in 2020. The new charges bring the total counts against him to several dozen, including restraining order violations and traffic offenses. Hoiby denies the most serious charges but plans to plead guilty to some lesser ones.

The World Economic Forum's annual meeting is taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19-23, with nearly 3,000 high-level participants from business, government, and beyond. The theme of this year's meeting is 'A Spirit of Dialogue,' focusing on cooperation, growth, investment in people, innovation, and building prosperity. Critics argue that the forum is too focused on talk and not enough on action to address issues like economic inequality and climate change. The meeting will feature top political leaders, business executives, and experts discussing various issues, including the impact of AI, global cooperation, and wealth inequality.

Wildfires in southern Chile have killed at least 15 people and forced over 50,000 to evacuate. The government declared a state of emergency as nearly 4,000 firefighters battled flames fueled by gusting winds and hot weather. The blazes have been burning for two days in the Nuble and Biobio regions, with temperatures expected to reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The president announced that all resources are available to combat the fires. Residents described fast-moving flames and devastating destruction, with many people forced to flee their homes quickly. The declaration of a state of emergency means the armed forces will now be involved in the response efforts.

The US Navy is facing significant challenges, with its fleet size dwindling to half of its Cold War peak strength, while China's naval capabilities continue to grow. The current plan to achieve a 381-ship navy by 2054 is facing delays, with 37 out of 45 ships under construction experiencing setbacks. The article argues that the President's 'Golden Fleet' plan is not feasible and needs rethinking. China's naval superiority is highlighted by its expected lead in sea-based vertical launch tubes next year, a key measure of missile capacity.

The article discusses the growing trend of passive investment and its potential to inflate a stock market bubble. It references a working paper that suggests passive investing is worse than Marxism and notes that trillions of dollars have flowed from actively managed funds to passive ones. The article highlights that as much as 60% of net assets overseen by American equity funds are in passive vehicles.

The article is not accessible due to a security verification page. However, based on the title and URL, it appears to be discussing a potential charging of an ICE officer involved in the death of Renee Good. The actual content is not available for analysis.

The article discusses the economic implications of regime change, using Venezuela and Iran as examples. It highlights that while political change can occur suddenly, economic outcomes take longer to materialize. The article notes that many Venezuelans and Iranians hope for improved livelihoods following regime change, but cautions that economic recovery is a gradual process. The piece draws on historical lessons to analyze the potential economic consequences of regime change in these countries.

The article argues that corporate landlords in the United States are not the primary cause of the country's housing affordability issues. It suggests that restricting ownership may not lead to more affordable housing and instead may have unintended consequences. The article highlights the cultural significance of home ownership in America and the negative perception of corporate landlords. It also touches on the complexities of the housing market and the need for a nuanced approach to addressing affordability concerns.

Bill Maher criticizes the Golden Globes for not nominating Joe Rogan's popular podcast, 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' in its inaugural best podcast category, calling the nominees 'super woke stuff.' Maher expresses frustration with the perceived liberal bias in the entertainment industry and feels that his own work is now considered conservative. He was nominated for his HBO stand-up comedy special and sees this as a sign that the industry is moving away from 'wokeness.'

A judge and his wife were shot at their home in suburban Indiana on Sunday, sparking a multi-agency investigation. Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 Judge Steven Meyer, 66, and his wife Kimberly were shot just before 2:30 p.m. in their home on Mill Pond Lane in Lafayette. The suspect remains at large, and authorities have not released a motive or description of the shooter. Judge Meyer sustained an injury to his arm, and his wife sustained an injury to her hip. They were both taken to a local hospital in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved, including the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the FBI. Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush expressed concern for the safety of judges and their families, stating that 'any violence against a judge or a judge's family is completely unacceptable.'

The Tennessee Titans have hired Robert Saleh as their new head coach, giving him a second chance after his failed tenure with the New York Jets. Saleh, who was previously the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, will take over a Titans team with significant cap space and a young quarterback in Cam Ward. The hiring removes another vacant head coaching position from the field, and Saleh is expected to call defensive plays for the Titans, a role he did not have with the Jets.

The article argues that Democrats are playing with fire by calling for prosecutions of President Trump and his staff, undermining the democratic process and threatening the stability of the nation. The author, Glenn H. Reynolds, claims that Democrats are eroding the trustworthiness of elections, refusing to accept the results of elections they lose, and posing an existential threat to their opponents. Reynolds warns that this trend could lead to a destabilization of the nation, potentially resulting in severe consequences, including violence or even civil war.

Ghanaian security forces have arrested nine Nigerians suspected of running cyber-crime networks in Accra, along with 44 others believed to be victims brought to Ghana under false pretences. The operation, led by the Cyber Security Authority, uncovered 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action guns. The suspects are accused of engaging in romance scams and business email compromise. The Ghanaian authorities have handed over the arrested individuals to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigations.

Lawyers for the owners of a Swiss bar where a deadly fire broke out on New Year's Eve, killing 40 people and injuring 116, have criticized 'lies' about their clients and 'public vindictiveness' directed against them. The bar owners, Jessica and Jacques Moretti, are under criminal investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The lawyers claim the couple were 'devastated' by the tragedy and deny being aware of any dangers at their venue. Initial findings suggest the fire began when sparklers ignited soundproof foaming in the ceiling of the bar's basement. The bar had not undergone safety checks for five years. The Morettis' lawyers argue that their clients are not criminally responsible and that the couple are being unfairly blamed.

Thirteen schoolchildren died in South Africa after a minibus they were traveling in collided with a lorry south of Johannesburg. The crash occurred on Monday morning when the minibus driver attempted to overtake two vehicles. Eleven students died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries later. Two other pupils remain in critical condition. The incident has been described as 'distressing' by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who emphasized the need to protect learners. Fatal road collisions are common in South Africa due to factors such as speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2023, 11,418 people died in crashes, averaging 31 deaths per day.

A 10-foot-tall replica of a birthday message allegedly from Donald Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has appeared on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The installation, created by a group called 'The Secret Handshake,' is a protest against the Trump administration and its handling of Epstein-related documents. The message, which was part of a collection of letters gifted to Epstein in the early 2000s, contains a naked woman drawing and a signature that reads 'Donald.' Trump has denied signing the letter and having a close relationship with Epstein. The installation's appearance comes as the administration faces pressure to release more Epstein-related files, with the Justice Department having released less than 1% of the documents so far.

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has publicly stated that he does not want to reconcile with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, due to their alleged interference in his marriage to Nicola Peltz. He claims they have tried to 'ruin' his relationship and have disrespected his wife. Peltz Beckham shared several instances of his parents' behavior that contributed to the rift, including his mother canceling Nicola's wedding dress and his father refusing to meet with him and his wife unless it was at a public event. Peltz Beckham stated that he has finally stood up for himself and is no longer controlled by his parents, which has alleviated his anxiety.

The article discusses how Saturday Night Live (SNL) poked fun at free solo climber Alex Honnold's upcoming attempt to climb the 101-story Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan without safety equipment. The article also includes other unrelated news snippets about various topics such as the death of Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, Bruce Springsteen's criticism of ICE, and several viral videos.

The British government is considering a ban on social media for children under a certain age, similar to Australia's recent ban for those under 16. The government plans to examine evidence from around the world and visit Australia to learn from their approach. The proposals aim to better protect children online and address concerns about the impact of screen time on their development and mental health, exacerbated by the rapid growth of AI-generated content. The government is also considering other measures, such as tougher guidance for mobile phone use in schools, better age checks, and limiting features that drive addictive social media use.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, particularly small businesses. The tariffs have led to increased costs for toy retailers, forcing some to close their doors. The article highlights the story of Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids, a Manhattan toy store that was forced to shut down due to the tariffs. The article also notes that big-box retailers like Walmart and Target have been less affected by the tariffs due to their ability to stockpile inventory and spread costs across multiple product lines, resulting in a split Christmas economy.

A Randstad survey of 27,000 workers and 1,225 employers across 35 markets found that four in five workers believe AI will impact their daily tasks, with Gen Z being the most concerned generation. The survey also revealed that nearly half of the workers fear AI will benefit corporations more than the workforce, and there is a discrepancy between employers' and employees' views on business performance.

The article discusses Donald Trump's invitation to Vladimir Putin to join a 'board of peace' aimed at overseeing a ceasefire in Gaza. The author argues that this invitation is a gift for Putin as it rehabilitates him internationally and undermines Ukraine's interests. The move is seen as a sign of Trump's approach to Russia and the war in Ukraine, where he views Putin as a partner rather than a pariah. The article highlights Europe's growing suspicions that Washington favors Moscow in peace talks and notes that Putin's acceptance might prompt others to resign from the board. The author also raises concerns that the board could undermine the role of the UN.

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious iron 'bar' in the Ring Nebula, a well-known nebula 2,600 light-years from Earth. The bar, made up of iron atoms, stretches 3.7 trillion miles across the nebula and is thought to be the remnants of a rocky planet vaporized when the star threw off its outer layers. Researchers used a new instrument called WEAVE on the William Herschel Telescope to make the observation. The discovery offers a potential insight into the fate of Earth when the sun goes through a similar process in billions of years. The research was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Morgan Stanley analysts have identified top stocks to benefit from the growing demand for memory capacity in AI applications, driven by the shift from training models to using AI tools. The investment bank expects a steeper pricing climb and 'favourable conditions' through 2027 as supply struggles to keep up with demand. The top stocks include Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix in dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), Winbond in legacy memory, Western Digital in storage, Disco in advanced packaging, and Applied Materials and ASML in semiconductor equipment.

The Ocean Flower Island project in Hainan, China, a massive real estate development by Evergrande, has failed as a business despite its grandeur. The project, inspired by Dubai's Palm Island, was meant to be a major entertainment, conference, and shopping destination but ended up being a financial disaster due to Evergrande's collapse under over $300 billion in debt. The Danzhou government now controls much of the island and is struggling to figure out what to do with it. The project's failure reflects China's real estate crisis, with new home sales at their lowest level in over 15 years. The article highlights the hubris of Evergrande's founder, Xu Jiayin, and the corruption involved in the project's approval.