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The article explores the Kuroshio, or Black Stream, a powerful ocean current that runs through East Asia, shaping societies and cultures along its path. The current stretches from the Philippines to Japan, transporting nutrients and sustaining fisheries. It has played a significant role in the region's history, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. The article highlights the current's impact on the indigenous Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan, and its influence on the region's cultural narrative. It also touches on the current's potential for harnessing energy and its significance in the context of regional geopolitics.

The article argues that Adam Smith's influence is overstated and his ideas are often misinterpreted. Despite being considered one of the most influential economists in history, Smith's ideas are not as revolutionary as commonly thought. The article examines how Smith's work, particularly 'The Wealth of Nations', has been attributed to various economic and political movements, including the free-market economics of the 1980s in America and Britain, and how his ideas have been invoked by politicians such as Javier Milei and Margaret Thatcher. However, the article suggests that this attribution is often unnecessary and that Smith's actual ideas are more nuanced.

The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a retail giant in Canada, is undergoing liquidation in a Toronto courtroom, marking Canada's first Christmas without the company. Founded as a fur-trading outpost, HBC played a significant role in the country's history, controlling a vast territory larger than the Holy Roman Empire. The company's decline is a significant event in Canadian retail history.

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 challenges of conducting effective job interviews, highlighting the difficulties of assessing a candidate's ability and character in a short period. It notes that traditional job interviews can be flawed, with candidates often pretending to be someone they're not, and interviewers struggling to make accurate judgments. The article is part of The Economist's 'Bartleby' column, which focuses on management and workplace issues.

Argentine President Javier Milei has announced that the Argentine peso will be allowed to float more freely from January, marking a significant shift in the country's economic policy. The decision was made quietly through a statement on the Argentine central bank's website. The peso has been under pressure from markets and was previously propped up by Donald Trump. The move is seen as a crucial change in Argentina's economic policy under Milei's leadership.

The article discusses the growing concern among luxury handbag brands such as Chanel and Prada about the quality of their products. An increasing number of online videos are showcasing the poor craftsmanship of high-end clothing and accessories, with creators 'ripping apart' designer items to reveal loose heel caps and shoddy stitching. This trend is worrying for luxury brands as it may damage their reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

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 largest 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.

Western carmakers may face hazards if they retreat from electric vehicles (EVs) as governments pull back on efforts to speed up the transition. Despite slowing demand, hitting the brakes on the transition away from petrol engines could be dangerous. The EU recently dropped its ban on the sale of petrol cars from 2035, and Ford announced a $19.5bn write-down on its assets as it rethinks its EV strategy. The article suggests that Western carmakers need to adjust their speed to suit road conditions, implying that a balanced approach is necessary.

The article discusses how ambitious businesses, particularly those in the tech sector like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, are considering going public through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) to access deep pools of capital and gain prestige. Historically, going public was seen as a key step for growth, offering both funding and credibility. However, the landscape has changed with the rise of venture capitalists and private equity firms providing substantial funding without the need for public scrutiny. The article questions whether the benefits of more capital outweigh the increased scrutiny that comes with being publicly listed.

The article discusses the history and revival 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. However, in China, a better version of the tea has survived. The article takes the reader on a journey to the birthplace of black tea, describing the challenges of visiting the Wuyi hills, a UNESCO world heritage site, and the efforts to protect its cultural relics and flora and fauna-rich forests. The article is part of the Economist's Christmas Specials series, exploring various topics related to China and its cultural heritage.

Two centuries ago, Russian revolutionaries known as the Decembrists attempted to change the world through an uprising in St Petersburg. The rebels, driven by revolutionary ideals, gathered in Senate Square before dawn on a wintry night. Despite their bravery and willingness to die for their cause, they were ultimately unsuccessful and faced bloodshed and exile. The article reflects on the significance of this event and its legacy.

The article criticizes Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for voting against legislation that would make it easier for children with cancer to access drug treatments and clinical trials. Sanders' opposition was due to the bill being a pared-down version of a previous package that included other healthcare measures, such as funding for community health centers. The article accuses Sanders of 'super-villain behavior' and being 'selfish' for blocking the bill, which could potentially cost the lives of children who could have benefited from it. The author argues that Sanders' actions are driven by his ideology and willingness to withhold support for a bill he otherwise supports in order to get his pet projects passed.

Brown University has placed its campus police chief, Rodney Chatman, on administrative leave 'effective immediately' following a deadly shooting on campus that killed two students. The decision comes as the US Department of Education investigates possible violations of the Clery Act at Brown University. The university is also conducting its own external review of the shooting, which includes an assessment of campus safety. Chatman's tenure has been marred by controversy, including allegations of a 'toxic' department and criticism over the university's response to previous security threats. Hugh T. Clements, former chief of the Providence Police Department, has been named as Chatman's temporary replacement.

Columnist Glenn H. Reynolds argues that the trend of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements at universities and workplaces has damaged American society by unfairly discriminating against white males, particularly young men, and has led to a decline in meritocracy. Reynolds cites a recent exposé by Jacob Savage, which details the negative impact of DEI on various industries, including media, government, academia, and tech. Reynolds contends that DEI policies have not only harmed the careers of young white men but have also contributed to societal problems such as the 'baby bust,' declining homeownership, and loneliness among young people. He calls for an end to DEI policies and suggests that antidiscrimination suits should be filed against their perpetrators.

The IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) team played a crucial role in tracking down Claudio Neves-Valente, the Brown University shooter, by analyzing his financial records and identifying the storage facility where he was hiding. The IRS-CI team worked closely with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to locate Neves-Valente, who had used European SIM cards and other tactics to evade detection. An anonymous tip from a homeless Reddit user, known as 'John,' helped authorities identify Neves-Valente as the suspect. The IRS-CI team's efforts ultimately led to the discovery of Neves-Valente's location in a Salem, New Hampshire, storage facility, where he was found dead with firearms and a satchel. Neves-Valente had killed two students and injured nine at Brown University, and had also shot MIT physics professor Nuno Loureiro before taking his own life.

James Cameron is still upset over a joke made by Amy Poehler during the 2013 Golden Globes, which he considers an 'ignorant dig' at his expense. Poehler had joked about Cameron's marriage to Kathryn Bigelow, saying 'When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron.' Cameron believes the joke went too far and was not a 'good-natured joke.' The two have remained civil over the years, but there have been professional tiffs, including a dispute over screenwriting credits for the film 'Point Break.'

Vice President JD Vance participated in a 90-minute intense beach workout with Navy SEALs at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California. The workout included running, rope climbing, and log carrying exercises, leaving Vance feeling like he 'got hit by a freight train.' Vance, a Marine veteran, expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces and acknowledged that the SEALs went easy on him during the training. The event is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiative, and echoes similar efforts by War Secretary Pete Hegseth to promote fitness among military personnel.

Jim Beam is halting production at its Clermont distillery in Kentucky for at least a year due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and slumping demand for bourbon, which requires years of aging. The company plans to invest in improvements at the distillery during the pause and has reassigned employees within the company with no layoffs planned. The decision reflects the challenges faced by the bourbon industry, which has seen a decline in exports and sales despite an increase in production.

A University of Oklahoma graduate instructor, Mel Curth, was fired after failing a conservative student's Bible-based essay on gender stereotypes in a psychology course. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, argued that there are only two genders as per God's creation, and that believing in multiple genders is 'demonic.' Curth's feedback criticized Fulnecky's lack of empirical evidence and offensive assertions. The university investigated Fulnecky's religious discrimination claims and found Curth's grading 'arbitrary,' leading to her removal from instructional duties. The incident sparked backlash, with some conservatives celebrating Fulnecky as a hero for standing up against what they see as a 'war on Christianity.'

The Powerball jackpot has reached $1.7 billion after 46 consecutive drawings without a winner. The numbers drawn on Monday night were 3, 18, 36, 41, 54, and the Powerball 7. The next drawing is scheduled for Christmas Eve, and the prize is expected to be the 4th-largest in US lottery history. The odds of winning are 1 in 292.2 million, but lottery officials note that the odds are better for smaller prizes. Winners can choose between an annuity of 30 payments over 29 years or a cash option, which for Monday night's drawing would be an estimated $735.3 million.

Director Mike Binder claims that Steven Spielberg refused to work with Ben Affleck on a film project due to a personal grudge stemming from a pool party incident in the early 2000s. Spielberg allegedly disapproved of Affleck's behavior towards his child during the incident and later cited it as a reason for not wanting to collaborate with him. The project, 'Man About Town,' ultimately fell apart, and Binder directed it himself. The incident was later joked about between Binder and Affleck when 'Argo' beat Spielberg's 'Lincoln' at the 2013 Academy Awards.

The article summarizes the extreme weather and natural disasters that occurred in Asia in 2025, including a deadly earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, a cyclone in Indonesia, and multiple typhoons in the Philippines. The article highlights the devastating impact of these events, with thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. It also touches on the underlying factors that exacerbated the disasters, such as deforestation and corruption.

One of China's largest comic conventions, Comicup (CP) 32nd edition 'Pre' event, has banned Japanese-themed content and derivative works just a week ahead of its opening amid spiralling tension between Tokyo and Beijing. The organisers informed exhibitors and visitors that there would be a 'full-scale adjustment' of content shown throughout the venue, pivoting towards a 'new Chinese style' theme. Several dozen exhibitors who featured Japanese anime and other themed content had their booths cancelled, while sections themed around content from the United States and Europe appear to be unaffected.

China has drafted a law on Antarctic affairs to protect its national interests and strengthen its role in the governance of the continent. The proposed law, titled 'Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection Law', aims to regulate and manage Antarctic-related activities, including tourism, shipping, and fishing, in addition to scientific expeditions. The law will apply to Chinese citizens, entities, and organizations conducting activities in Antarctica, as well as foreign individuals and organizations that launch their Antarctic expeditions from Chinese territory. The legislation requires applicants to submit detailed plans, environmental impact assessments, emergency response plans, and proof of insurance or financial guarantees to obtain permission for their activities.

Taiwan's air force is pressing the US and Lockheed Martin to speed up the delivery of F-16V fighter jets, which are undergoing ground tests in the United States. The jets, ordered by Taiwan, have been delayed, prompting criticism from lawmakers. Photos have emerged showing the jets being tested at a US airfield, with features such as conformal fuel tanks and advanced electronic warfare systems.

A viral online discussion in China, known as the '1644 historical perspective', has sparked official criticism from the Zhejiang provincial propaganda department. The discussion centers around the idea that China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing, was responsible for national historical sufferings and that the Ming dynasty, which was ethnically Han, was prosperous and powerful. The authorities warn that this oversimplified discourse risks sliding into 'narrow, Han-centric nationalism' and undermines the resilience of Chinese civilization. The debate has ignited discussion over historical narrative, nationalism, and social governance.

The Nepal government has launched a five-year plan to clean up Mount Everest and reduce waste by limiting the number of climbers and increasing drone usage. The plan aims to address the growing garbage problem caused by decades of commercial mountaineering. The authorities have removed a significant amount of trash and human waste from the mountain, but more needs to be done to preserve the long-term health of the Himalayas. The new plan will involve stricter monitoring and clearer definitions of responsibilities among stakeholders.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong found that over 99% of Hong Kong residents have low immunity against a new 'super flu' strain, H3N2 Influenza A virus subclade K. Despite this, they assured that current vaccines are still effective in preventing the spread of infection and urged the public to get vaccinated. The new strain has been causing large surges in influenza cases globally, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.

China's reusable rocket program has faced its second failure in a month with the Long March 12A rocket's first stage recovery failing after a successful launch. This setback puts China significantly behind the US in reusable rocket technology, a field where Elon Musk's SpaceX has been a pioneer. Chinese state-owned and commercial developers are racing to catch up on a decade of advancements in this technology. The Long March 12A, designed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, launched successfully from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, with its second stage entering the predetermined orbit. However, the failure to recover the first stage marks a significant setback in China's ambitions to develop reusable rocket technology.

China is pushing for the internationalization of its currency, the yuan, with some progress seen in its use in trade settlements. However, the currency's global footprint remains limited due to factors such as high domestic savings and partial capital controls. The yuan's share in global reserve allocation has slipped, and yuan-denominated debt issuance in international markets lags behind other major currencies. Despite this, the yuan has strengthened in recent months, and forecasts suggest it could reach 6.8 against the US dollar in 2026.

Amazon has blocked over 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents attempting to secure remote IT jobs using stolen or fake identities. The company's chief security officer, Stephen Schmidt, revealed that these operatives aim to funnel wages back to fund North Korea's weapons programs. Amazon used a combination of AI tools and staff verification to screen applications. The issue is not isolated to Amazon, as authorities in the US and South Korea have warned about Pyongyang's operatives carrying out online scams. The strategies used by these fraudsters have become more sophisticated, including hijacking dormant LinkedIn accounts and targeting genuine software engineers to appear credible.

A young police officer, Jack Hibbert, who was shot in the head during a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah event, resulting in 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. Hibbert, who had been on the job for only four months, continued to help festival attendees even after being shot. His family thanked the public for their support and praised medical staff for their care. The suspected gunmen, inspired by Islamic State ideology, had planned the attack for months. One of the gunmen, Naveed Akram, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one of terror.

A ferry carrying over 140 people, mostly tourists, capsized in the Mekong River in Laos, resulting in at least three deaths. The ferry was traveling from Huay Xay to Luang Prabang, a popular tourist route. Survivors described scenes of chaos, panic, and a lack of lifejackets. Rescuers found the bodies of a woman and a one-year-old child, and efforts continue to find a second child. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures on the river.

A senior staff member at the Élysée Palace in France, identified as Thomas M, the chief butler, is set to stand trial for allegedly stealing precious tableware from the presidential collection. The stolen items, valued between €15,000 and €40,000, include Baccarat Champagne glasses, Sèvres porcelain plates, and a René Lalique figurine. Thomas M was arrested along with his partner, Damien G, and another individual, Ghislain M, who worked as a guard at the Louvre Museum. The thefts were discovered after investigators found some of the stolen items on Thomas M's Vinted account and in his locker, car, and home. The Élysée Palace has already posted a job advertisement for Thomas M's replacement.

Russia has intensified its attacks on the Ukrainian region of Odesa, causing widespread power cuts and threatening the region's maritime infrastructure. Ukrainian officials warn that Moscow is attempting to block Ukraine's access to maritime logistics. The attacks have resulted in casualties, damaged port infrastructure, and disrupted power supplies. The region's strategic importance has grown as other Ukrainian ports are inaccessible due to Russian occupation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of 'sowing chaos' on the people of Odesa. Diplomatic efforts led by the US have yielded optimistic statements but no clear progress towards ending the conflict.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to talks to revive a ceasefire after deadly border clashes entered a third week. The fighting, which resumed earlier this month, has displaced around 900,000 people on both sides and killed at least 41. Thailand's Foreign Minister said a meeting between military officials from both countries would take place on December 24, and that this would need to happen before any ceasefire agreement could be reached. The conflict has been blamed on both sides, with each country accusing the other of starting the fresh hostilities. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has called for urgent attention to the matter, and the US and China have been attempting to mediate a new ceasefire.

Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty video game series, has died in a car crash in California at the age of 55. Zampella was traveling in a Ferrari with another person when it crashed and caught fire on a highway in Los Angeles on Sunday. Both occupants of the vehicle died. Zampella was a highly influential video game developer who also worked on other popular games such as Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legend. He co-founded Respawn Entertainment, which is owned by Electronic Arts. The cause of the crash is currently unclear, and it is unknown who was driving the vehicle.

The town of La Bañeza in northwest Spain, which was badly affected by wildfires in the summer, has won €468m in the country's Christmas lottery, known as El Gordo. The jackpot has been welcomed as an 'injection of hope' in the region, which has been devastated by the fires. The town's mayor said the win 'means for La Bañeza an injection of excitement and hope.' Other towns in the region, including Villablino, also won significant amounts in the lottery.

Banksy has unveiled a new mural in London, depicting two children lying down and pointing up at the sky. The artwork appeared on a wall in Bayswater, west London, and was confirmed by Banksy on his Instagram account. The mural is the latest in a series of works by the elusive street artist, who has become known for his critical and often provocative art. While the latest artwork does not carry an overt political message, Banksy's previous works have addressed issues such as government policy on migration and war, and environmental conservation.

A British man, Philip Young, has been charged with repeatedly drugging and raping his ex-wife, Joanne Young, over 13 years. Five other men have also been charged with sexual offenses against Joanne Young. Philip Young, who remains in custody, faces 56 sexual offense charges, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance to stupefy his victim. The case is set to be heard at Swindon Magistrates' Court. The article also references a similar case in France where a man was convicted of drugging and raping his ex-wife and inviting other men to assault her.

Chris Rea, the British singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Driving Home for Christmas' and 'Fool (If You Think It's Over)', has died at 74. Rea's family announced his death, stating he passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness. Born in Middlesbrough, England, Rea rose to fame in the 1980s and recorded 25 solo albums. He was known for his bluesy style and had health issues, including pancreatic cancer and a stroke. Rea is survived by his wife and two daughters, and his death has been met with tributes from his hometown and the music industry.

Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in southwest 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, aligns with the sun's movement on the solstices. English Heritage reported 8,500 people attended the celebrations, with many more watching online. The event is seen as a time of renewal, marking the start of longer days. Participants shared their experiences and the significance of the solstice, highlighting its spiritual importance.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell discusses the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and South Sudan on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Russell highlights the enormous needs in Sudan, including extreme hunger, violence, and displacement, and emphasizes the need for better humanitarian access and a political solution to the crisis. She also discusses the impact of funding cuts on UNICEF's work and the challenges faced in Gaza and South Sudan.

The article discusses the aftermath of a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and how it has led to bitter partisanship between Australia's leaders. Initially, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Sussan Ley came together to offer a bipartisan response. However, the unity quickly broke down as opposition leaders blamed Albanese's government for not doing enough to address rising antisemitism. The government has faced criticism for not quickly addressing recommendations from its antisemitism envoy, and the opposition has accused Albanese of letting antisemitism fester. The article highlights the unusual speed at which the event turned into partisan politics in Australia, a country known for its centrist politics and consensus in times of crisis.

Representative Joyce Beatty has sued President Trump, seeking to remove his name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The lawsuit argues that the name change was illegal as it was done without an act of Congress. The Kennedy Center's board, which includes Trump's appointees, voted to change the name last week. Beatty's lawyers claim that the change violates the Constitution and the rule of law. The White House has rejected this interpretation, stating that they do not anticipate Congress overriding the board's decision. The lawsuit is the latest development in the controversy surrounding the renaming of the Kennedy Center.

The Trump administration has ordered nearly 30 U.S. ambassadors to return to the United States within weeks, a move that could leave a significant gap in the American diplomatic corps. The ambassadors, who were appointed by the Biden administration and confirmed by the Senate, are all career diplomats. The recall is seen as a break with longstanding norms and has been criticized by the union representing career diplomats. The move comes as the Trump administration continues to reshape the State Department, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio overseeing a 'reorganization' that has resulted in layoffs and a reduction in U.S. foreign aid.

CBS News is in turmoil after its new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, pulled a '60 Minutes' segment critical of the Trump administration. Weiss claimed the segment was not ready and required more reporting, but the show's staff and correspondents expressed frustration at her handling of the situation and questioned her management style. The segment, which featured the stories of Venezuelan men deported by the US to a prison in El Salvador, was eventually leaked online. The incident has highlighted tensions between Weiss and the old guard of CBS News, as well as concerns about her lack of experience in television journalism.

Senator Richard Blumenthal has written letters to individuals and organizations who donated to President Trump's White House ballroom project, seeking information on their donations and potential conflicts of interest. The project has expanded in scale and cost, raising concerns about preserving the historic White House building and potential favoritism towards donors. Blumenthal's investigation has revealed that some donors have deep financial and business interests before the administration, and that the White House has allowed donors to remain anonymous.

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen share their favorite New Year's Eve memories on CNN. The article discusses their conversation and highlights various entertainment news and videos available on CNN.

A recent mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia, was carried out by a father-son duo, Sajid and Naveed Akram, who killed 15 people. Experts say this is a rare occurrence as most mass shooters act alone. The attack was motivated by Islamic State ideology, and the pair had practiced shooting and recorded videos expressing their extremist views. Criminologists note that family dynamics, such as hierarchy and dependency, can influence the perpetrators' actions. The Australian government has announced plans to increase penalties for hate speech and radicalizing children. The incident highlights the need to re-examine gun laws and the role of family members in enabling violent extremism.

A new Banksy artwork has appeared in London, depicting two children in winter hats lying on the ground. The mural, created by the elusive British street artist, has been spotted in the city, sparking interest and attention from art lovers and the general public. The article discusses the new artwork and provides context about Banksy's style and previous works. The CNN Style video accompanying the article showcases the mural and provides additional information about the artwork.

The article discusses Ukrainian men evading military draft by crossing into Romania through the treacherous Carpathian Mountains. Many risk death, injury, or frostbite, with at least 29 reported deaths. Smugglers offer services to facilitate the crossing for a fee, often bribing Ukrainian authorities. The Ukrainian government has opened nearly 290,000 criminal cases against soldiers absent without leave or desertion. Men like Viktor Pinkhasov and Dima share their harrowing experiences, highlighting the desperation and fear driving these decisions.

A recent terrorist attack in Australia has raised concerns among intelligence officials and counterterrorism experts that global jihadist networks, including ISIS, are far from defeated. The attack, which was inspired by ISIS, has highlighted the persistent threat posed by these groups, despite their territorial losses. Experts warn that Western governments have been too quick to declare victory and that the threat is not limited to ISIS, but also includes other jihadist actors like al Qaeda. The attack has also sparked concerns about the radicalization of individuals, particularly in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war.

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 carrying out 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 with Israel in June that resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Iran's execution rate has been high, with over 1,000 executions this year alone. The country's judicial process for espionage cases is often criticized for being opaque, with closed-door trials and limited access to evidence for the accused.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss concerns over Iran's recent missile drills, which Israeli officials warn could be used as cover for a surprise attack. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee echoed these concerns, stating that Iran's nuclear ambitions and military posture pose a direct threat not only to Israel but also to the United States and Europe. Netanyahu plans to use the meeting to argue that Iran's renewed expansion of its ballistic missile program poses a growing threat that could require swift action.

The remaining 130 children and staff abducted from St Mary's Catholic boarding school in Niger State, Nigeria, 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 took over 300 pupils and 12 staff, had sparked outrage over worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria. Fifty children escaped during the abduction, and the government had previously reported rescuing 100 of those taken. The release followed a military-intelligence driven operation, and the children are expected to reunite with their parents for Christmas.

The article discusses the potential for an AI bubble to burst, citing concerns that the massive investments in AI technology may not yield sufficient returns. The value of companies like Nvidia, Oracle, and Coreweave has fallen since mid-2025, despite the US stock market remaining dominated by AI investment. Experts warn that the consequences of an AI bubble bursting could be dire, with potential impacts on the economy and taxpayers. The article highlights the enormous spending on AI by major tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Oracle, and questions whether the returns on investment will be sufficient to justify the costs.

The article discusses Shane MacGowan's sister, Siobhan, and her struggles to cope with his death, particularly during the Christmas season when his song 'Fairytale Of New York' is widely played. Siobhan finds it painful to listen to the song and has to avoid it. The article also explores Shane's legacy and how it continues to grow after his death, with fans visiting places that inspired his music. Siobhan and Shane's widow have launched a self-guided walking tour to guide fans to these locations. The article highlights the impact of Shane's music and the memories associated with it, both for his family and his fans.

The article discusses the growing Chinese influence in Laos, particularly through the Laos-China Railway (LCR), a high-speed rail line connecting China's Yunnan province to Vientiane, Laos' capital. The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, investors, and migrant workers, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. While the railway has boosted Laos' tourism and hospitality sectors, local businesses complain that the benefits are unevenly distributed, with Chinese-owned ecosystems dominating the industry. The article also highlights concerns about Laos' heavy debt burden and the slow pace of progress in developing its infrastructure.

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 to leave their homes and families to seek work abroad, including in Singapore. The story follows Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who left his village in Gabura Union of the Satkhira district to work in a shipyard in Tuas, Singapore, to build a better future for himself and his family. The article highlights the devastating effects of climate change on Bangladesh, with rising sea levels, storms, and floods eroding land, breaching embankments, and rendering farming and freshwater fishing untenable. The government predicts that one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced due to climate change by 2050, with millions already displaced within the country or migrating abroad.

The US defence industry successfully mitigated the impact of China's rare-earth export curbs in 2023 by diversifying supply chains and investing in recycling and alternative technologies. The industry's reliance on rare-earth elements, particularly for advanced military technologies like missile guidance systems, made it vulnerable to China's export restrictions. However, through strategic stockpiling, development of new mines, and advancements in recycling, the US defence sector managed to avoid significant disruptions.

In the latest episode of 'Mad Money', host Jim Cramer answered callers' stock questions at rapid speed during the 'Lightning Round' segment. Cramer expressed his enthusiasm for Rubrik, stating it's a buy and praising its great trajectory. He was less optimistic about other stocks, advising against Patterson-UTI Energy and suggesting trimming NetApp. FuboTV was also deemed overpriced. Cramer's comments were part of his investment guidance, available through various CNBC channels and resources.

Singapore's inflation rate remained steady at 1.2% in November, below the estimated 1.3%. Core inflation, excluding private transport and accommodation costs, also stood at 1.2%, missing expectations. The inflation reading was influenced by higher services inflation, offset by a decline in electricity costs. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) forecasts core inflation to be around 0.5% in 2025 and headline inflation to average 0.5%-1.0% in 2025. The inflation data follows positive economic indicators, including a surge in non-oil exports and GDP growth. The MAS has maintained its monetary policy, citing a resilient global environment and strong manufacturing and export demand.

At least two people were killed in Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine on December 23, 2025. The attacks targeted Ukraine's energy sector, causing power outages in several regions. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported that over 600 drones and dozens of missiles were launched. The attacks occurred amid ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that initial drafts of US proposals for a peace deal were 'quite solid'. Poland scrambled aircraft to ensure the safety of its airspace after Russia launched airstrikes near the border.

A Mexican Navy plane carrying a young medical patient and seven others crashed near Galveston, Texas, killing at least five people. The plane was on a medical mission in coordination with a nonprofit organization that provides aid to Mexican children with severe burns. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board on the scene. The area was experiencing foggy conditions at the time of the crash.

The Chinese government has cracked down on unofficial Christian churches, detaining numerous pastors and members, including Gao Yingjia, a senior pastor in Zion Church, and Jin Mingri, the church's founder. The arrests have sparked alarm from the US government and human rights groups, with some analysts describing it as the death knell for unofficial churches in China. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to suppress religious activities outside of state-sanctioned institutions. The wife of Gao Yingjia, Geng Pengpeng, has fled the country with their son and is grappling with the uncertainty of her husband's fate and her own future. The article highlights the increasing pressure on Chinese Christians and the challenges faced by house churches in the country.

A Mexican navy plane carrying four military personnel and four civilians crashed near Galveston, Texas, on Monday, resulting in at least five fatalities. The plane was on a medical transport mission in coordination with the Michou y Mau Foundation, a nonprofit that assists Mexican children with burn injuries. Two people survived the crash, but their conditions are unknown, and one person remains missing. The cause of the crash is unclear. The Mexican navy and the US Coast Guard responded to the incident with search and rescue operations.