In other news

The article explores the significance of the Kuroshio ocean current, also known as the Black Stream, which runs through East Asia. The current has shaped the region's societies, cultures, and economies for millennia, influencing the lives of people living along its path. The article discusses the current's impact on fisheries, global trade, and cultural exchange, as well as its potential for generating renewable energy. It also highlights the importance of understanding the current's dynamics and its role in shaping the region's history and identity.

The article discusses the decline of Britain's aristocracy, highlighting their efforts to preserve their heritage through organizations like Historic Houses. The annual meeting of Historic Houses is portrayed as a gathering of the aristocracy, with attendees showcasing their grand homes and estates. Despite their efforts, the article suggests that the traditional aristocratic way of life is coming to an end.

The article discusses the impact of Extinction Rebellion's co-founder, Roger Hallam, on British politics and society. It describes a protest where activists smeared apple crumble and custard on the Crown Jewels case in the Tower of London, highlighting the tactics used by Hallam's group, Take Back Power. The article reflects on what can be learned from Hallam's approach to activism and its effects on various stakeholders.

The article 'Blighty newsletter: Reasons for Britain to be cheerful' by Matthew Holehouse, the Britain political correspondent for The Economist, highlights several unsung industries in Britain that are performing well. The newsletter discusses various aspects of British society and politics, including the country's aristocracy, the judicial system, and the impact of historical events like the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It also touches upon contemporary issues such as the popularity of Premium Bonds among Britons and the obsession with pet photography. The overall tone is informative with a positive outlook, aiming to provide readers with reasons to be optimistic about Britain's future.

The article discusses the growing trend of pet photography in Britain, with many pet owners taking professional photos of their pets and sharing them on social media. The trend is driven by the increasing popularity of pets as part of the family and the desire to capture special moments. Pet photography studios are popping up in major cities, offering customized services to capture the unique personalities of pets. The article highlights the story of Storm, a Maltipoo who had a photo shoot in a London studio, and her owner who shared the photos on Instagram.

The article discusses the growing threat of the crypto industry to traditional banking and Wall Street's privileged position, citing the industry's resilience and increasing influence. The crypto industry has faced skepticism and derision from Wall Street elites, but is now gaining traction and challenging the status quo. The article suggests that the crypto industry's growth is a significant development in the financial sector, with potential implications for the future of banking and finance.

The article discusses how magicians are adapting to stay relevant in the age of AI and social media. It explores the challenges they face, such as shrinking attention spans and the ease of revealing secrets online. The article profiles magicians like Justin Flom, who have found success by sharing their secrets and creating engaging content. It also examines the tension between revealing and concealing magic tricks, and how some magicians are using this tension to their advantage.

The article discusses the popularity of Premium Bonds among Britons, particularly high earners seeking to reduce their tax liability. Launched in 1957, Premium Bonds offer tax-free prizes to holders at random while preserving their initial capital. The article questions the rationality of investing in Premium Bonds, given that many investors expect to generate a yield comparable to regular government bonds through smaller prizes.

The article discusses the ongoing efforts to heal the trauma caused by the killings during Northern Ireland's Troubles, a period of sectarian violence that lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. The British government has established new commissions to investigate and draw a line under the Troubles. The article profiles Martin McAllister, a former IRA member who was involved in the conflict and later helped to locate the body of a British soldier. McAllister's story serves as a microcosm for the complexities of the Troubles and the challenges of reconciliation. The article highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the past and the importance of acknowledging the trauma experienced by all parties involved.

The article discusses American investors, particularly Josh Goldman, the boss of KoBold Metals, who are investing in the Democratic Republic of Congo despite the country's numerous conflicts and challenges. The country is rich in minerals, including lithium, making it an attractive destination for investors. KoBold Metals is gearing up to do business in Congo, where one of the world's biggest known lithium deposits is located.

The Economist's Christmas double issue is a special edition that deviates from their usual format. The cover features an illustration inspired by one of the special articles, and the issue includes several commissioned articles that take a break from the news. The articles cover a range of topics, including the biggest cruise ship in the world, the relevance of magicians in the age of AI, and the history of lapsang souchong tea. The issue is designed to be a festive and engaging read during the holiday season.

The article discusses the history and current state of lapsang souchong, a type of smoky black tea originating from the Wuyi hills in northern Fujian, China. The tea was once popular in the West but has since declined in favor. However, in China, a better version of the tea survives, and efforts are being made to protect the cultural heritage and natural environment of the Wuyi hills, where the tea is produced. The article highlights the challenges of visiting the birthplace of black tea due to the protected status of the Wuyi hills as a UNESCO 'world heritage site'.

The article discusses the phenomenon of concentrated market returns, highlighting that many companies take a long time to recover from significant losses. It uses Bank of America's stock recovery as an example, which took 19 years to surpass its pre-2006 financial crisis peak. The article notes that a surprisingly large share of companies lag behind their former greatness, and this trend is worth examining.

Trust in Britain's judicial system and police has significantly decreased over the past year, particularly among voters of the populist-right Reform UK party. This decline is notable given the global reputation of Britain's legal system, especially its commercial courts. The article explores the reasons behind this trend and its implications.

The article discusses the Decembrist uprising in St. Petersburg, Russia, which occurred two centuries ago. The Decembrists, a group of Russian revolutionaries, attempted to overthrow the Tsarist government but were ultimately unsuccessful. Despite their failure, they are considered pioneers in the Russian revolutionary movement. The article describes the events leading up to the uprising, the confrontation between the rebels and the imperial cavalry, and the aftermath of the failed rebellion.

The article 'Watch who you're calling childless' challenges the common perception that women in America are having fewer children. Using a hypothetical scenario of a lizard colony with a fixed population, it illustrates how demographic measures can be misleading. The article argues that American women are having as many babies over their lifetimes as they did two decades ago, contrary to the narrative of declining birth rates. It discusses the complexities of measuring fertility rates and how factors like delayed childbirth can affect these measures.

Pope Leo XIV has summoned the world's cardinals to a two-day meeting to help him govern the church, marking a significant step in his pontificate. The gathering, known as a consistory, will be held on January 7-8, following the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year. This will be Pope Leo's first consistory, and it is seen as a sign that he is taking charge and setting his own agenda after fulfilling the obligations of the Holy Year and wrapping up the outstanding matters of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

The LEGO Group's secret museum in Billund, Denmark, was opened to CBS News, providing a rare glimpse into the company's history and creative process. The museum showcases the evolution of LEGO bricks and the company's commitment to creativity and imagination. The article also discusses the company's challenges in finding sustainable materials and its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. LEGO's designers and executives share their insights on the company's success and its focus on children as its primary audience.

The United States launched retaliatory strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria, killing at least five ISIS members, according to a Syria monitoring group. The strikes were in response to an attack on December 13 that killed two U.S. Army soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. The U.S. military used over 100 precision munitions, F-15 fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolts, and Apache attack helicopters in the operation. Jordan also participated in the strikes, confirming its involvement on Saturday. The U.S. Central Command described the operation as a 'massive strike' and stated that it was retaliatory. Since the December 13 attack, the U.S. and partner forces have conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the deaths or detention of 23 terrorist operatives.

Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in England to celebrate the winter solstice, a significant event for druids and pagans. The ancient monument, built between 5,000 and 3,500 years ago, is a sacred site that aligns with the movement of the sun on the solstices. The event drew around 8,500 people on Saturday, with many more watching online. The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is celebrated as a time of renewal.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses the Catholic Church's stance on immigration and deportation policies with Margaret Brennan on 'Face the Nation.' Coakley expresses concern over the dehumanizing rhetoric and violence directed at immigrants and law enforcement, citing anxiety and fear among migrant communities. He emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status. Coakley also addresses criticisms from Vice President JD Vance, stating that the Church's efforts are driven by humanitarian concerns rather than financial gain.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on December 21, 2025. Hassett discussed the recent jobs report, inflation data, immigration policy, and potential economic stimulus checks. He expressed confidence in the current economic data, citing a three-month moving average of core consumer prices at an annual rate of 1.6%, below the Fed's target. Hassett also defended the administration's immigration policies, stating that native-born workers have filled jobs left by foreign-born workers. He suggested that the President may propose $2,000 checks for households in 2026, contingent on Congressional approval.

Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' to discuss the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case. They expressed disappointment that the Justice Department's release was incomplete and that certain key documents were not included. The representatives argued that the department was not complying with the spirit or letter of the law that required the release of these documents. They discussed potential actions to force compliance, including inherent contempt against Attorney General Pam Bondi.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell discusses the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and South Sudan on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Russell highlights the dire situation, with over 200 million children requiring humanitarian assistance, and emphasizes the need for better humanitarian access and a political solution to the crisis. She also addresses the impact of funding cuts on UNICEF's work and the importance of continued support from donors.

China and South Korea are reviving stalled trade talks, aiming to expand cooperation in services, investment, and finance. The move follows President Xi Jinping's state visit to South Korea in October and an agreement between the two countries' trade ministers to accelerate negotiations on the second phase of their free-trade agreement. The development is seen as a geopolitical prize for South Korea's soft stance amid tensions with Japan. Analysts believe that Chinese market access could be a significant reward for South Korea.

China has praised its joint effort with the US in combating drug-related money laundering after two men were sentenced for their involvement in a money laundering case. The case was initiated following a tip-off from US authorities, which led to Chinese police contacting 2,000 people and obtaining over 10 million trading records. The two men, Tong and Chen, were found to have operated a car showroom in the US and later engaged in illegal foreign exchange trading, laundering money for drug dealers.

A former director of the Confucius Institute at Lancaster University in England has written a memoir detailing his experiences and countering accusations that the institutes serve as vehicles for Beijing's state narratives or spy hubs. Zeng Jinghan, now a professor at City University of Hong Kong, took the director role in 2019 to learn more about the institutes and promote engagement with China. His book, 'Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director, Volume 1: Challenges, Controversies and Realities,' provides a detailed look at the daily operations of the institute and addresses criticisms of the organization's ties to the Chinese government. The Confucius Institutes are educational and cultural centers funded by the mainland government to promote Chinese language and culture, with around 500 institutes worldwide.

Hong Kong police have arrested 15 individuals in connection with a robbery outside a currency exchange shop, where four suitcases containing 1 billion yen (US$6.4 million) were stolen. The robbery was described as 'meticulously planned' and 'violent', with three assailants ambushing two employees of a Japanese company at the shop on Wing Lok Street in Sheung Wan. The suspects, aged 20-69, include 11 men and four women, with several having triad backgrounds. Seven have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

A Malaysian court has dismissed former Prime Minister Najib Razak's bid to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. Najib, 72, is serving a six-year sentence for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal. The court ruled that the alleged royal decree authorizing house arrest was not valid as it did not follow the procedure prescribed under the Federal Constitution. The decision keeps Najib behind bars as he awaits the outcome of the larger 1MDB case.

The US has unveiled its 'Pax Silica' initiative, a new AI supply chain alliance that includes a select group of countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The initiative excludes major Indo-Pacific economies like India and Vietnam, sparking concerns about a 'tiered' alliance-building strategy. The chosen countries bring distinct capabilities to the AI supply chain, including precision manufacturing, semiconductor production, and logistics expertise. Analysts see this as a move to prioritize trusted partners and enhance US economic security.

The article summarizes five news stories from the past weekend, including a Chinese scientist leaving the US for China, Mexico imposing a 50% tariff, China's warning to India over the Dalai Lama, a Hong Kong district officer apologizing for their attire at a firefighter's funeral, and other regional news. The article provides a brief overview of each story and offers links to the full articles.

Dianne Holechek, the first wife of Chuck Norris, has died at 84 after battling dementia. The couple met in high school, married in 1958, and had two sons together. Although they divorced in 1989 after 30 years of marriage, they remained close friends. Chuck Norris expressed his sadness and gratitude for their friendship, praising Dianne as an incredible person and devoted mother.

A Detroit Lions fan, Ryan Kennedy, was shoved by Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf during a game on December 21, 2025. Kennedy claims he called Metcalf by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, which Metcalf apparently didn't like, leading to the altercation. Kennedy's shirt was ripped, but he wasn't ejected from the game. Metcalf didn't address the incident post-game, while Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he hadn't seen the footage and had no comment.

Columnist Victor Davis Hanson argues that Western civilization is showing signs of collapsing, similar to its past collapses in ancient Greece and the Western Roman Empire. He cites declining fertility rates, unsustainable public debt, and a decline in critical thinking as indicators of this potential collapse. Hanson notes that societal complacency, excessive consumption, and the erosion of traditional values have contributed to the downfall of civilizations in the past. He warns that if the West fails to address its current issues, it may descend into a new Dark Age, characterized by tribalism, loss of scientific knowledge, and the breakdown of societal norms.

The New York Post criticizes New York Giants head coach Mike Kafka for his handling of quarterback Jaxson Dart, suggesting that the team's struggles are compounded by Kafka's decisions. The article expresses concern over Kafka's use of Dart, implying that the team's failure to succeed with their franchise quarterback is a significant disappointment.

The article, written by Miranda Devine, defends President Donald Trump's speech where he highlighted his administration's achievements in 2025. Devine argues that Trump's speech was 'loud' because he was rightfully boasting about his accomplishments, such as reducing inflation and cracking down on welfare fraud. She criticizes the media for being biased against Trump and not giving enough credit to his administration's successes. The article also touches on various policies implemented by Trump's administration, including efforts to restrict 'gender-affirming care' for minors and increasing deportations of illegal immigrants. Devine concludes by warning that if Democrats regain power, they will entrench their power and impose their policies without guardrails.

The Boston Red Sox have acquired Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade involving pitchers Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita. Contreras, who has spent his career primarily as a catcher but shifted to first base in 2025, brings a .257 batting average, .791 OPS, 20 home runs, and 80 RBIs to the Red Sox lineup. The trade comes after the Red Sox failed to sign Pete Alonso and follows Alonso's subsequent signing with the Baltimore Orioles. The deal also has implications for the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry due to Dobbins' past comments about the Yankees.

The Nigerian government has secured the release of 130 schoolchildren who were kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state on November 21. This brings the total number of children released to 230. The kidnapping, which involved over 250 children and staff, was one of the country's worst mass kidnappings. The authorities have not disclosed how they secured the release or whether a ransom was paid. The incident is part of a growing number of targeted attacks on schools and places of worship in north and central Nigeria, believed to be carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom payments.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a grassroots organization formed by families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas, has become a powerful international lobbying force. The group, which began with distraught relatives gathering in an underground car park in Tel Aviv, has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the plight of the hostages and pressure governments to secure their release. Despite facing challenges and animosity from some government supporters, the forum has remained determined and has achieved significant success in its campaign.

The article discusses the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar as civilians flee their homes due to the military junta's airstrikes and forced election. Thousands have been displaced, with many crossing into India. The junta's latest offensive has been described as the fiercest in over three years, with reports of attacks on hospitals, schools, and churches. Civilians and rebel groups alike view the upcoming election as a sham, and many are resisting the junta's efforts to control the narrative. The article highlights the trauma and fear experienced by civilians, as well as the determination of rebel fighters to continue their resistance against the junta.

A high-speed train collided with a herd of wild Asian elephants in north-eastern India's Assam state, killing seven elephants, including calves, and injuring another. The train driver applied emergency brakes after spotting the elephants, but some were still hit, causing five carriages to derail. No passengers or staff were injured. The incident occurred in Hojai district, an area not designated as an elephant corridor. Assam has a large elephant population, and local railway tracks are frequently crossed by elephant herds.

South East Asian nations gathered in Malaysia to address the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which has resulted in at least 41 deaths and displaced nearly one million people. The meeting aimed to revive a ceasefire brokered in July and to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing for over a century. Both countries have blamed each other for the recent hostilities, and tensions remain high. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is seeking to mediate a peaceful resolution, with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing cautious optimism. The US and China are also attempting to mediate a ceasefire.

China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has kept its benchmark lending rates unchanged for a seventh consecutive month, despite weak economic data and a slump in the property sector. The 1-year and 5-year loan prime rates remain at 3% and 3.5%, respectively. The decision comes as China's economy faces challenges, including lower-than-expected retail sales and industrial output, as well as a decline in new home prices. Experts believe that monetary stimulus may be necessary to boost the economy, but its effectiveness is uncertain due to weakness in the private sector. China's finance ministry plans to issue ultra-long-term special government bonds to fund key projects, and policymakers have vowed to support consumption.

The FTSE 100 index has outperformed the S&P 500 this year, gaining over 21%, despite the UK facing political and economic uncertainty. Money managers are optimistic about the index's prospects in 2026, with some predicting it could reach new record highs. JP Morgan sees the FTSE 100 rising as much as 10% in the New Year. The index's performance is attributed to rising corporate profits, generous cash returns to shareholders, and a mix of M&A activity, helped by falling interest rates. While some investors remain cautious, others see the FTSE 100 as a good play on global growth and inflation, with a bedrock of yield support from utilities and consumer staples.

China's hottest artificial-intelligence listings, such as MetaX Integrated Circuits and Moore Threads, have delivered significant gains in their Shanghai market debuts. However, foreign retail investors are largely excluded from participating in these initial public offerings (IPOs) due to regulatory restrictions and difficulties in opening onshore brokerage accounts. While some large institutions can participate through qualified foreign institutional investor (QFII) programs, individual foreign investors are left out. Alternative options, such as Stock Connect and offshore funds, offer limited exposure to A-shares, but with restrictions and uncertainties.

Baidu has partnered with Uber and Lyft to bring its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles to London, marking a significant expansion of its global footprint in the autonomous vehicle market. The trial, expected to begin in 2026, will see Baidu's robotaxis integrated into Uber and Lyft's platforms, pending regulatory approval. This move is part of a larger trend of interest in autonomous vehicle technology in the UK, with the government aiming to permit robotaxis to operate in small-scale pilots starting in spring 2026. Baidu's competitor, Waymo, is also expected to begin testing in London, highlighting the growing battleground in the autonomous vehicle space.

The holiday season may see an increase in 'fake' chocolate due to unpredictable cocoa markets and rising prices. Some candy makers are reducing their cocoa content or switching to alternative ingredients altogether. Startups are developing cocoa alternatives made from ingredients like sunflower seeds, carob, and chickpeas, touting them as more sustainable and ethical. Industry experts predict that 'real' chocolate may become a luxury item, with alternative chocolate becoming more prevalent in budget-friendly products.

The article reports on the dire living conditions in Gaza during the winter season, where over 400,000 homes have been destroyed due to war, leaving Palestinians with the grim choice of living in tents exposed to the elements or in the ruins of buildings that could collapse at any moment. The situation is exacerbated by torrential rains and floods that have killed at least 17 people, including children, and affected over 90% of shelters for displaced people. The United Nations and international NGOs are calling for more aid to be allowed into Gaza to help those without homes survive the winter.

Japan has approved the restart of the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, 15 years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), has been dormant since 2011. The restart is seen as a pivotal moment in Japan's shift away from fossil fuels and towards nuclear energy to meet its energy demands and climate goals. Despite concerns from local residents, TEPCO has assured that the plant has undergone multiple inspections and upgrades to ensure safety. The restart is expected to help Japan reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions.

The article discusses South Korean actor Hyun Bin's role in the crime thriller series 'Made in Korea', where he plays KCIA agent Baek Kitae leading a double life as a smuggler in 1970s South Korea. The series explores themes of espionage and deception.

The Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world, starting as early as September and lasting until January. Filipinos eagerly anticipate the holiday season, decorating their homes, shopping malls, and public spaces with vibrant decorations. The country's Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in Christianity, with many attending holy masses and participating in Simbang Gabi, a nine-day pre-dawn prayer tradition. Families reunite during Christmas, sharing traditional dishes and participating in festive activities like karaoke and fireworks displays. The country's love for Christmas is reflected in its extravagant decorations, themed shopping malls, and joyful atmosphere.

The remaining 130 children and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria's Niger State on November 21 have been freed, bringing an end to one of the country's biggest mass kidnappings in recent years. The abduction, which initially involved over 300 pupils and 12 staff, had sparked widespread outrage over insecurity in northern Nigeria. Fifty children escaped during the abduction, and 100 were previously rescued on December 8. The release followed a military-intelligence driven operation, and the children are expected to reunite with their parents for Christmas.

The article discusses the growing concerns over an AI bubble, with some analysts questioning the sustainability of the massive investments in AI technology. The 'magnificent seven' big tech companies (Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, and Tesla) account for 37% of the S&P 500's performance, with 75% of returns coming from 41 AI stocks. Critics argue that the focus on Large Language Models (LLMs) has not yet delivered sufficient profits to justify the enormous spending. Experts warn that if the AI bubble bursts, the consequences could be severe, potentially leading to significant economic disruption. The article highlights several pressure points that could contribute to a potential bubble burst, including the rapid depreciation of AI hardware, the massive energy consumption of data centers, and the lack of clear returns on investment.

The parents of Jennifer Kesse, who went missing nearly 20 years ago, are hopeful that AI-enhanced technology and new DNA evidence will help solve her case. Jennifer's car was found abandoned a mile from her home in Orlando, Florida, with CCTV footage showing a suspect walking away from the vehicle. The footage was too grainy to identify the suspect, but AI technology is being used to enhance an image of the person's ear. The family has been working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and has provided new DNA evidence from the vehicle. Jennifer's parents, Drew and Joyce Kesse, are determined to find out what happened to their daughter and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Shane MacGowan's sister Siobhan opens up about the pain of listening to his music, particularly 'Fairytale Of New York', since his death in November 2023. Siobhan has launched a self-guided walking tour, 'Unravelling Shane', to help fans visit places that inspired his music. The tour has attracted interest from around the world, with fans visiting Nenagh, Co Tipperary, where Shane grew up and drew inspiration from. Siobhan reflects on her brother's legacy and how it continues to grow stronger after his passing.

Iran executed a 27-year-old man named Aghil Keshavarz on Saturday after convicting him of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. Keshavarz was arrested in May while taking pictures of a military headquarters in Urmia, a city in northwest Iran. He was accused of conducting over 200 similar assignments for Mossad in various Iranian cities. The execution is part of a larger trend, with Iran having executed 11 people for espionage since a 12-day air conflict in June that was sparked by Israel. Iran's execution rate has topped 1,000 this year, with many facing closed-door trials and limited access to evidence.

The Mossad chief, David Barnea, has warned that Iran and ISIS continue to pose a significant threat to Jews worldwide, following a deadly terrorist attack in Australia during a Hanukkah celebration. Barnea stated that the attack, which killed 15 people, reflects a broader and ongoing threat from Iranian-backed networks and jihadist ideology. Israeli intelligence officials have identified or disrupted similar activity across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and have warned that Iran's nuclear program is inseparable from its terrorist ambitions. The attack has fueled calls in Washington for a tougher counterterrorism posture.

A high-speed passenger train collided with a herd of wild Asiatic elephants in northeastern India, killing seven elephants and injuring a calf. The train, carrying around 650 passengers, was traveling through Assam when the driver spotted the elephants crossing the tracks and applied the emergency brakes, but was unable to avoid the collision. The impact caused the engine and five coaches to derail, but none of the passengers were harmed. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of train-related deaths of elephants in the region, with at least a dozen elephants killed on railway tracks in Assam since 2020. Asiatic elephants are considered endangered, with only an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 left in the wild.

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 Md Emran Hosain to leave their homes and families to work abroad 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 increased displacement and migration. It also touches on the struggles of families left behind and the challenges faced by Bangladesh in accommodating its growing population.

A group of people dressed as Santas and elves stole groceries worth C$3,000 from a supermarket in Montreal, Canada, and claimed to have given the stolen goods to the needy. The activist group 'Robins des ruelles' (Robins of the Alleys) claimed responsibility for the heist, citing the cost-of-living crisis and supermarkets' use of inflation to make record profits. The group justified their actions by stating that corporations are holding basic needs hostage and are the real criminals. The police investigation is ongoing.

The article discusses the impact of Trump's trade war on America's toy industry, particularly on small businesses. The imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports has led to increased costs for toy retailers, forcing some to close down. 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 able to absorb the costs, but small businesses have been hit hard. The trade war has resulted in a split Christmas economy, with the giants thriving and small businesses struggling.

South Korea's parliament has launched an independent inquiry into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people in December 2024. The investigation comes amid accusations of delays and cover-ups by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (Araib), which reports directly to the transport ministry. The parliamentary committee will investigate potential bird-strike mismanagement, aircraft defects, and government attempts to minimize findings. The crash was one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korea's history, and the investigation has been marked by repeated transparency battles and distrust from the victims' families.

A series of absurdist signs have been erected in Christchurch, New Zealand, as part of an art project called 'Christchurch city confusion.' The signs, created by artist Cameron Hunt, resemble official city council information boards but feature odd warnings and messages, causing confusion and delight among passersby. The signs are part of the Little Street art festival and have been well-received by the council and the public, with many taking photos and sharing them online.

The Gaza Strip has seen a decrease in famine conditions due to increased food deliveries following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October. However, 1.6 million people, or three-quarters of the population, still experience acute food insecurity and malnutrition. The situation remains dire, with many criticizing the lack of media coverage and U.S. financial support for Israel.

President Donald Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, a territory Denmark controls that Trump has expressed interest in acquiring for the United States. Landry, a staunch Trump supporter, described the role as a 'volunteer position' that he will serve alongside his governorship. Trump's interest in Greenland is driven by national security concerns and the island's untapped rare earth metals. Denmark has been cautious in its response, summoning the top US diplomat in Copenhagen to express concerns over alleged US influence operations in Greenland.

A silver steward at the Élysée Palace, the French presidential palace, has been charged with stealing 'heritage property' after about a hundred precious silverware and tableware items went missing. The items, including copper pots, Sèvres porcelain, and Baccarat Champagne glasses, were discovered in the steward's locker, car, and home. The theft was discovered after one of the stewards reported the disappearance of items with an estimated value of between 15,000 and 40,000 euros. The suspect, along with his partner and another individual accused of being a fence, have been arrested and charged. The theft has rattled France, coming after a series of high-profile thefts at cultural institutions, including the Louvre.