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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 discusses the rarity of political courage, using the example of a vote against gerrymandering. It references John F. Kennedy's 'Profiles in Courage' and highlights the challenges politicians face in balancing their principles with the desire to get along with their peers and win re-election. The article argues that political courage is particularly valuable now, and that politicians often have good reasons to avoid taking brave stands, but that such courage is essential for advancing principles in the long run.

The article discusses how Donald Trump is targeting Brutalist architecture, specifically the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building in Washington, DC, designed by Marcel Breuer. The building, despite being on the National Register of Historic Places, is disliked by its occupants due to its poor condition and design flaws. The article highlights the tension between the building's historical significance and its practical usability.

The article by Dalia Dassa Kaye discusses the prospects of improved US-Iran relations under the Trump administration. Despite initial optimism and secret talks mediated by Oman, the relationship took a turn for the worse when Trump ordered a US-led attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in June. The author argues that a reset in relations is unlikely due to the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and the complexities of Iran's internal politics. Trump's recent statements suggesting openness to dialogue with Iran are met with skepticism. The article highlights the challenges in US-Iran relations, including the impact of Trump's actions and the divisions within Iran's leadership.

The article by Gita Gopinath, former IMF chief economist, discusses the potential consequences of a crash in the American stock market, which has become increasingly dependent on a few sectors, particularly artificial intelligence. Gopinath warns that a market correction could have severe and global implications, torching $35 trillion in wealth. She draws comparisons to the dotcom crash of 2000, but notes that the current situation is more complex and globally interconnected. The article highlights the risks associated with the current rally, fueled by enthusiasm around AI, and the potential for a painful market correction.

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 for social media platforms. It also examines the tension between revealing and concealing magic secrets, and how some magicians are subverting this act to keep audiences mystified.

The article discusses Iran's current political situation, where the leadership is divided and facing pressure from within to reform. The author, Vali Nasr, argues that Iranians are looking for a leader like Deng Xiaoping, who implemented significant economic reforms in China. Iran's strategic influence has declined after the collapse of its Lebanese and Syrian allies and a recent war with Israel and America. The article suggests that Iran's rulers are facing a reckoning at home and need to respond to calls for change.

The article 'It’s time Europe got to grips with the MAGA challenge' by Mark Leonard discusses the ideological challenge posed by the MAGA movement to European leaders. It highlights their dependence on the US for security while facing threats from ideologically aligned parties within their own continent. The article argues that European leaders are focused on short-term emergencies rather than addressing the deeper ideological challenge posed by MAGA. It suggests that Europe needs to develop a strategy to counter this challenge.

Larry Fink and Rob Goldstein discuss how tokenisation could transform finance, highlighting the evolution of financial transactions from paper-based to electronic and the potential for blockchain technology to further revolutionize the industry. They reflect on the advancements in financial technology over the past fifty years, from the introduction of SWIFT in 1977 to the current millisecond execution times for trades between major financial hubs. The authors suggest that tokenisation, enabled by blockchain, could bring about significant changes in finance, similar to how double-entry book-keeping and electronic messaging have done in the past.

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, which discusses the monumental tasks of catering on the biggest cruise ship in the world. The issue contains specially commissioned articles that allow journalists and readers to take a break from the news. The articles cover a range of topics, including the cruise ship industry, magicians adapting to AI, the rise and fall of lapsang souchong tea, and the impact of a mighty ocean current on societies in East Asia. The issue also includes a quiz testing readers' knowledge of the year's events and articles on historical events such as the Decembrists' revolution and the concept of loneliness in individualistic societies.

The article 'Russia must get no amnesty in any peace deal for Ukraine' by Gyunduz Mamedov, a lawyer-turned-soldier and former Ukraine's deputy national prosecutor, argues that Russia should not be given amnesty in any peace negotiations for Ukraine. Mamedov, who is now an army officer advising front-line commanders and working in battlefield forensics, shares his personal experience of the Russian invasion and its impact on Ukrainians. He expresses concern that the West might acquiesce to Russia's attempts to undermine justice, emphasizing the need for accountability. The article highlights the division of life into 'before' and 'after' the invasion for most Ukrainians and stresses the importance of not compromising on justice for the atrocities committed by Russia.

The article discusses the growing trend of using AI chatbots to provide personalized spiritual guidance, with a focus on a 'AI Jesus' that can offer counsel on faith. As trust in clergy hits a record low in the US, with more people praying in their cars than in churches, technology is being seen as a potential solution to bridge the gap between congregants and the divine. The article highlights how this development is changing the way people interact with faith and spirituality.

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.

The article discusses the increasing prevalence of toll roads in the United States, specifically focusing on the decline of petrol taxes as the primary cause. It uses the example of the Skyway, a toll road in Chicago that connects the city to the Indiana border, to illustrate the financial engineering behind such infrastructure projects. The article highlights how the decline of petrol taxes has led to a shift towards toll roads as a means of funding highway construction and maintenance.

The article discusses the evolution of English slang, its significance in Anglophone culture, and the work of lexicographers like Jonathon Green and Eric Partridge. It highlights how slang has been used to create a sense of community and exclusivity, and how it reflects the cultural and social context of its time. The article also touches on the challenges of documenting slang in the digital age, where language is constantly changing and new words emerge rapidly.

The article discusses how Superman, once a cultural icon, has become less relevant in the 21st century due to his outdated character and the changing world around him. The article uses a scene from the 1978 film 'Superman: The Movie' to illustrate this point, where Clark Kent struggles to find a payphone to change into Superman. The article argues that Superman's inability to adapt to the modern world is both a weakness and a strength, and that this predicament is a common challenge faced by many comic-book heroes. The article also touches on the broader theme of cultural relevance and the need for icons like Superman to evolve with the times.

Social media influencer Estee Williams' 3-month-old daughter, Estelle, suffered a cardiac arrest and is on full life support. Estelle was diagnosed with congenital heart defects shortly after birth and has undergone multiple open-heart surgeries. Williams shared an update on her Instagram story, revealing that her daughter is on an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) life-support machine. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with medical expenses. Estelle is expected to receive a VAD device, also known as a Berlin Heart, to support her until she is eligible for a heart transplant.

A Florida man, Jason Kenney, 47, shot and killed his wife, Crystal Kenney, and shot his 13-year-old stepdaughter before taking his own life after an argument over an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts. The argument escalated after Crystal suggested turning off the game, and Jason, who had been drinking, became violent. Their 12-year-old son called 911 and ran to a neighbor's house when he heard gunshots. The stepdaughter was hospitalized with gunshot wounds to the shoulder and face. Deputies found a note Crystal had written to Jason, urging him to seek help for his drinking and cocaine use. The surviving children are now in the custody of their grandparents.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers stars in a humorous IHOP commercial that pokes fun at fantasy football fans who drafted him with high expectations before his season was cut short due to a torn ACL. The ad features Nabers on crutches, joking about the consequences of his injury on fantasy teams and embracing the humor in his situation. Fans praised Nabers for his good sportsmanship and humor about his injury.

The article argues that despite claims that Israel is a pariah state, it remains well-integrated into the regional and global economy. Recent trade deals and diplomatic meetings demonstrate Israel's strong relationships with its neighbors and other countries, including Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, the UAE, Jordan, Morocco, Bahrain, and India. The author suggests that while some countries and celebrities criticize Israel, the 'people who matter' ignore this criticism and prioritize business and strategic interests.

Former Nickelodeon star Daniel Curtis Lee attempted to help his ex-co-star Tylor Chase, who was living on the streets after a viral TikTok video showed him homeless. Lee paid for a motel room for Chase, but the actor allegedly trashed it, causing extensive damage. The incident highlights the challenges of helping someone with severe mental illness and addiction without professional care. Chase's family and other former child stars, including Shaun Weiss, have tried to intervene, but he continues to refuse treatment and remains homeless.

The Obama Presidential Center, a $830 million complex in Chicago, has been criticized for its design, with some comparing it to the 'Death Star' from Star Wars. However, according to Obama Foundation officials, the design is meant to evoke unity, with the shape of the building representing four hands coming together. The center is expected to open in June and will feature digital files of Obama's presidential records, as well as various interactive exhibits and programs.

A woman got her head stuck in a new MTA turnstile gate at a Manhattan subway station while attempting to take a fare-free ride. The incident was captured on video and sparked a mixed reaction online, with some blaming the woman and others criticizing the MTA for the design of the turnstile. The MTA is testing the gates and has installed them at select stations as part of a larger effort to reduce fare evasion.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is uncertain about his future in the NFL as he approaches the end of the 2025 season, which may be his last. In an interview with Amazon's Prime Video, Kelce stated that he is 'still searching for answers' regarding his retirement. The 36-year-old three-time Super Bowl champion is in his 13th NFL season and has been named to his 11th Pro Bowl. The Chiefs are not expected to make the postseason due to injuries, including a season-ending ACL and LCL injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kelce expressed his love for the game and a desire to continue playing if possible, but emphasized that the decision is a 'two-way street' between him and the Chiefs.

YouTuber Logan Paul is auctioning off a rare 1997 Illustrator Pikachu Pokémon card, which he purchased for $5.3 million in 2022. The card is considered the rarest and most valuable Pokémon card in the world, with a flawless PSA 10 grading. Paul showcased the card on Fox Business' 'The Big Money Show,' wearing it in a diamond-encrusted case around his neck. He believes Pokémon cards have outperformed the stock market by 3,000% in the last 20 years and encourages new collectors to start investing in the hobby. The auction is set to take place in February.

The article reviews China's achievements in space exploration in 2025, highlighting the country's progress in Mars missions and the successful return of stranded astronauts from the Tiangong space station. China's Mars mission is ahead of NASA's by at least four years in bringing back rocks from Mars. The article also discusses the challenges faced by China's space program, including a debris crisis at the Tiangong space station.

The Beijing municipal government has eased home purchase restrictions to boost the sluggish property market. Non-Beijing residents can now buy homes within the Fifth Ring Road after two consecutive years of local income tax or social security payments, down from three years previously. The move is seen as a precursor to more national supportive policies expected in 2026. China aims to stabilize the property market as part of its 15th Five-Year Plan. The new policies also allow multi-child families to purchase extra properties and lower the eligibility threshold for homes purchased outside the Fifth Ring Road to one year of tax payments.

China's Communist Party has vowed to continue its anti-corruption campaign in 2026 after a record 63 high-ranking officials were investigated for graft in 2025. The Politburo met to discuss plans to improve party conduct, strengthen integrity, and combat corruption, with a focus on providing a 'guarantee' for China's economic and social development until 2030. The party's discipline inspection and supervision bodies will prioritize 'political supervision' to maintain officials' loyalty to the leadership and ensure effective implementation of key decisions.

China's state-owned planemaker, Comac, has partnered with China Eastern Airlines to develop a stretched variant of its C919 passenger plane, dubbed the C919-800, which is expected to seat over 200 passengers. The partnership aims to meet rising market demand for bigger narrowbody types and enhance the C919's appeal and marketability. China Eastern, the C919's launch customer, will play a key role in the development, certification, and trials of the new model.

Chinese researchers have made a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by achieving a stability milestone with their superconducting quantum computer, Zuchongzhi 3.2. Led by Pan Jianwei, the team at the University of Science and Technology of China became the first outside the US to cross the fault-tolerant threshold, a crucial step towards building practical quantum computers that can work reliably at scale. Their approach, using microwave-based control, is considered more efficient than Google's hardware-intensive error-suppression methods. While the achievement is seen as impressive, experts caution that it is still far from the scale needed for real-world applications.

Hong Kong's restaurant sales dropped by 10% during Christmas due to a surge in cross-border trips, with 1.2 million trips made on the first day of the long holiday. The hospitality sector, however, saw better performance with some hotels achieving over 90% occupancy. Industry leaders attribute the decline in restaurant sales to locals traveling abroad and a decrease in spending power.

Chinese surgeons have successfully performed a groundbreaking operation to reattach a patient's torn-off ear. The patient, a woman, suffered the injury in an industrial accident that also ripped away a large part of her scalp. The surgeons first grafted the ear onto her foot before reattaching it to her scalp. This innovative technique was necessary due to the severe damage to her scalp tissue and vascular network, which made standard reattachment methods impossible. The operation was performed by a team led by Qiu Shenqiang, deputy director of the microsurgery unit at Shandong Provincial Hospital in Jinan.

The article discusses Indonesia's 2025 under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, marked by both challenges and achievements. Prabowo asserted his authority through domestic initiatives and foreign diplomacy, despite facing protests and criticism over governance and transparency. His approval rating remained high at 78%, attributed to a fragmented opposition and public desire for stability. Key actions included a free nutritious meals program for schoolchildren and efforts to boost food self-sufficiency, alongside an active foreign policy stance on issues like the Gaza war and Palestinian statehood.

The article provides predictions for the 12 Chinese zodiac signs during the 11th lunar month, based on insights from feng shui master Andrew Kwan. It covers various aspects of life, including work, love, health, and finances for each sign. The article advises individuals on how to navigate challenges and maximize opportunities in the coming weeks.

Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonization of the country a crime and demanding an apology and reparations. The law also criminalizes the glorification of colonialism. This move is seen as a sign of strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been tense since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago. France's colonization of Algeria was marked by mass killings and large-scale deportations, and ended in a bloody war of independence. The Algerian government is seeking compensation for the 'tragedies' caused by France and has been demanding the return of looted artifacts, including a 16th-century bronze cannon.

Eleven suspects have been arrested in connection with a mass shooting at a tavern in South Africa that left nine people dead. The suspects, including nine Lesotho nationals, one Mozambican, and one South African mineworker, were detained after police launched a manhunt for 12 unidentified gunmen. Preliminary investigations suggest the attack was linked to illegal mining turf wars. The incident has raised concerns about gun violence in South Africa, where there are an estimated 3 million legally held firearms and at least as many unlicensed weapons.

Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the front-runner to be the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile. Rahman's return comes ahead of landmark general elections, in which his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to participate. The BNP is eyeing a return to power after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now living in exile in India. Hasina's Awami League party is unlikely to be permitted to take part in the elections. Rahman's return is seen as a significant development in Bangladesh's politics, with many viewing the upcoming elections as among the most consequential in the country's history.

Heavy rain storms in California have caused widespread flooding and mudslides, resulting in three deaths and leaving around 100,000 people without power. The storms, which are expected to continue through Friday, have prompted evacuations and shut down major roads. California's Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and other southern Californian counties. The storms are attributed to multiple atmospheric rivers carrying large plumes of moisture from the tropics, exacerbated by the impact of previous wildfires that have stripped vegetation from areas, making them more susceptible to mudslides.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has filed an appeal to an appeals court seeking his immediate release from prison and overturning his conviction on two prostitution-related crimes. Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison after being convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution. His attorney argues that the sentence was unlawful and unconstitutional, and that the conduct resulting in his conviction was not criminal in nature. The appeal also claims that the judge did not follow sentencing guidelines and improperly considered conduct for which Combs was acquitted. Combs is also facing dozens of pending civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, rape, and sexual exploitation.

Indonesians in Aceh province are raising white flags to protest the slow response to deadly floods that have killed over 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The government's refusal to accept international aid has sparked criticism, with many arguing that it is out of touch with the needs on the ground. President Prabowo Subianto has insisted that the situation is 'under control' despite widespread damage and shortages of basic necessities. The crisis has brought back memories of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which devastated the region. Critics accuse the government of prioritizing 'symbolic performance of sovereignty' over crisis management and being insensitive to the victims' plight.

US authorities have discovered over a million new documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which they plan to release in the coming weeks. The Department of Justice (DoJ) has been under scrutiny for not meeting the December 19 deadline to release all Epstein files as mandated by a new law. The newly discovered documents are being reviewed and redacted to protect victims' identities. The release of these documents is expected to provide more insight into Epstein's crimes and potentially reveal new information about his associates and co-conspirators. The DoJ has faced criticism for the level of redactions in previously released documents, with some lawmakers accusing the White House of 'illegally' withholding information.

The article discusses the impact of Chinese investment in Laos, particularly with the construction of the Laos-China Railway (LCR). The LCR has brought an influx of Chinese tourists, businesses, and money into Laos, transforming towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. However, the benefits of this investment have been unevenly distributed, with many Laotians feeling that they are not reaping the rewards. The article highlights concerns about the dominance of Chinese businesses and culture, as well as the potential risks of Laos becoming too dependent on Chinese capital.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, where recurring disasters have crippled livelihoods and forced thousands of young people to migrate abroad, including to Singapore, in search of better opportunities. The story follows Mr. Md Emran Hosain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi migrant who left his village in Gabura Union to work in a shipyard in Tuas, Singapore, to support his family. The article highlights the devastating effects of climate change on Bangladesh, including rising sea levels, increased salinity, and frequent cyclones, which have destroyed homes, farmland, and livelihoods, pushing millions to the brink of displacement. By 2050, the government predicts that one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced due to climate change, with 28 million refugees expected. The article also notes that many Bangladeshis are migrating to cities, including Dhaka, and abroad, with the number of workers taking up overseas employment increasing significantly in recent years.

The article discusses the ongoing repair work at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which was damaged by a Russian drone strike in February 2025. The strike left a large hole in the New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure, a radiation shield built to contain the remnants of the 1986 nuclear disaster. The repair work is expected to take three to four years, and there are concerns that another Russian strike could cause a catastrophic disaster. The plant's director, Sergiy Tarakanov, warns that the inner radiation shell could collapse if hit by a missile or drone, causing a mini-earthquake in the area.

The article discusses a program in the US called 'Screenagers' that aims to educate high school students on how to navigate social media and artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly. The program, led by teacher Valerie Ziegler at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, teaches students to critically evaluate online content, identify deepfakes, and understand the motivations behind influencer content. The course covers topics such as digital literacy, recognizing rage-baiting content, and consulting multiple sources to verify information.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected America's toy industry, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs. Despite assurances from suppliers that prices would remain low, they increased significantly, forcing Bergman to close her store. The tariffs have created a split in the Christmas economy, with big-box retailers like Walmart and Target able to absorb the costs, while small businesses suffer. The article highlights the impact of the trade war on small toy retailers and the wider toy industry, which employs nearly 700,000 people.

The article discusses the evolving landscape of weight-loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 medications developed by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Recent developments include the approval of a pill version of Wegovy, which may increase accessibility due to lower costs. The drugs have shown significant weight loss results and potential benefits beyond obesity treatment, such as preventing heart attacks and treating sleep apnea. However, high prices and limited insurance coverage have restricted access for many Americans. The Trump administration has negotiated lower prices and expanded Medicare coverage, potentially benefiting millions more patients.

Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow on Wednesday, just days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general in the same area. The incident occurred when the officers approached a suspicious individual, triggering an explosive device. The blast is the latest in a series of attacks on senior Russian military officers, with Ukraine potentially being behind the latest incident. The Russian authorities have blamed Ukraine for several assassinations of military officers and public figures in Russia since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine nearly four years ago.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to establish a national bravery award to recognize civilians and first responders who confronted an antisemitic terror attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people. The attack, perpetrated by Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, was motivated by ISIS ideology. Several individuals, including Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-Australian Muslim, and Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, an American, displayed extraordinary bravery during the attack. The Australian government has also strengthened gun laws, capping individual gun ownership at four and reclassifying high-risk weapons. The attack has cast a shadow over the nation's holiday season, with the government and community leaders urging solidarity with the Jewish community.

King Charles III and the royal family, excluding Prince Andrew, gathered for Christmas at Sandringham Estate. The king's Christmas speech emphasized unity and diversity, highlighting the importance of shared values amidst global division. Charles also touched on his recent health issues and recovery, as well as his efforts to forge closer relations between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The speech was followed by a performance supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

The article showcases Christmas celebrations around the world in 2025, highlighting various traditions and customs in different countries. Despite global conflicts and crises, billions of people mark the birth of Jesus Christ with family, joy, and prayer. The article features photographs from various locations, including Yangon, Myanmar; Frankfurt, Germany; Beijing, China; Helen's Bay, Northern Ireland; Ahmedabad, India; Lviv, Ukraine; Bethlehem; Nineveh Governorate, Iraq; and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Each location has its unique way of celebrating Christmas, reflecting local cultures and traditions.

A North Korean defector, Il-yong Ju, shares his experiences of secretly celebrating Christmas in North Korea, where the holiday is banned. Ju's family would decorate a tree and sing Christmas carols, despite the risk of persecution. Ju's story highlights the suppression of Christianity in North Korea and the risks faced by those who practice it. Ju eventually escaped to South Korea, where he became a Christian and now advocates for human rights in North Korea. He met with Donald Trump in 2019 to share his story and raise awareness about the persecution of Christians in North Korea.

The article features Sky News correspondents reflecting on their experiences and key events from 2025. Adam Parsons reports on the devastating impact of war in Gaza, describing the utter devastation and lack of life. Stuart Ramsay shares his experiences in Syria, highlighting the country's transition from being under Bashar al-Assad's rule to attempting to rebuild. Tom Parmenter discusses the heated immigration debate in the UK, marked by violent protests and racist incidents. Martha Kelner recounts a viral encounter with Marjorie Taylor Greene in the US Capitol, showcasing the changed dynamics in politics. Yousra Elbagir reports on the ongoing war in Sudan, particularly in North Darfur, where armed violence has ravaged the region. The correspondents' stories highlight the turbulent nature of 2025, with wars, international crises, and social unrest, but also moments of liberation and resilience.

The article discusses the 56-year-old communist insurgency in the Philippines between the New People's Army (NPA) and the government, which has claimed 60,000 lives. Despite the ongoing conflict, both sides have observed a Christmas ceasefire tradition since at least 1986. The article highlights the significance of this tradition as a rare moment of peace in a world with more conflicts than at any point since World War II. Experts argue that such grassroots practices and local communities are essential for successful peacemaking, rather than relying on geopolitical powers and institutions. The article also notes that the NPA declared a four-day ceasefire covering Christmas and New Year this year, although it was not reciprocated by government forces.

The White House has ordered the US military to enforce a 'quarantine' on Venezuelan oil for the next two months, indicating a shift towards economic pressure rather than military action to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The move is seen as a toning down of previous language used by President Donald Trump, who had ordered a 'blockade' of oil tankers into and out of Venezuela. The US has amassed a significant military presence in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat 'narco-terrorists' and drug smuggling. Maduro has accused the US of trying to overthrow him and seize Venezuela's oil reserves.

Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Friday despite several exchanges being closed for the Boxing Day holiday. Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi indexes gained ground, driven by tech stocks, while China's CSI 300 also rose. In contrast, India's Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex declined. Precious metals like gold and silver continued their rally, hitting record highs amid investor uncertainty over riskier assets and U.S. Fed rate cuts. Tokyo's core CPI rose 2.3% in December, above the Bank of Japan's 2% target, supporting the case for further interest rate hikes.

Miro Mitev, founder of SmartWealth Asset Management, discusses the role of humans in AI-driven investment decisions. Despite his firm using a network of AI systems to make investment calls, Mitev emphasizes that humans are crucial in selecting training data, building parameters, and tweaking the model. He believes that taking the emotion out of investing leads to better results, citing his firm's 407.63% gains over 10 years compared to the industry benchmark of 145.34%. Mitev stresses the importance of trusting the AI model and not overruling its results, as well as constantly monitoring and updating the data to prevent errors.

US President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new 'Trump-class' battleship, touted as the 'fastest, biggest, and 100 times more powerful' than any battleship ever built. However, defense experts are skeptical about the feasibility and practicality of the project, citing that battleships have been obsolete for decades and that the cost of building such a vessel would be prohibitive. Experts describe the proposal as a 'prestige project' and a 'bomb magnet,' arguing that it goes against the Navy's current strategy of distributed firepower and would be too expensive to build and maintain.

An Israeli reservist soldier ran over a Palestinian man while he was praying in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred hours after the soldier fired gunshots in the area. The Israeli military and CNN's review of the footage confirmed the incident. The article also mentions other unrelated news stories, including a severe storm in California and Pope Leo's Christmas message.

The article discusses how JR, a renowned street artist and filmmaker, transformed an old train carriage into a luxurious suite for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The carriage, named 'L'Observatoire,' features intricate designs, rare materials, and hidden details. JR's work on the carriage is a departure from his usual ephemeral art, and he sees it as a chance to create something permanent. The carriage is now part of the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, which travels across Europe.

The article discusses the potential addition of a new Chinese character to the Unicode standard, a gender-neutral pronoun that has been invented by the intersex and non-binary community. The character, X也, has been in use for nearly a decade but has remained on the fringes due to its unofficial status and lack of representation on keyboards. The addition to Unicode means that users may eventually be able to type the character on phones and laptops, and search and display it online. This development is seen as a major step toward broader recognition and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in China, where conservative attitudes and government crackdowns have made life increasingly tough. The article highlights the importance of language in shaping identity and culture, and the challenges that remain in implementing the new character.

The article discusses the rise of India's Hindu nationalist movement, led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (R.S.S.), over the past century. The R.S.S. has transformed India's secular identity, with its influence extending to politics, culture, and education. The article highlights key moments in the R.S.S.'s history, including its founding in 1925, Gandhi's assassination in 1948, and the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992. The R.S.S.'s political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J.P.), has been instrumental in shaping Indian politics, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election in 2014 marking a significant turning point. The article argues that the R.S.S. has normalized religious polarization and treated religious minorities as second-class citizens.

The article discusses the rise of the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (R.S.S.) in India and its influence on the country's politics and society. The R.S.S. has grown into a powerful organization with a vast network of affiliates and has reshaped India's secular republic into a Hindu-first nation. The article highlights the group's history, its infiltration into various institutions, and its impact on India's social fabric. It also notes the tensions between the R.S.S. and minority groups, particularly Muslims, and the rise of extremist right-wing leaders.

The Trump administration celebrated Christmas by posting religious messages on official government accounts, sparking criticism from those who cited the country's separation of church and state. Cabinet members and agencies referenced Jesus and the religious meaning of Christmas, drawing condemnation from groups like Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The messages were seen as divisive and un-American by some, while conservative Christians and far-right activists celebrated them. The actions were part of a larger trend of the Trump administration expanding the power and influence of conservative Christians across the government.

Three Palestinians were arrested for allegedly burning a Christmas tree and damaging a Nativity scene at a Catholic church in the West Bank city of Jenin. The attack occurred on Monday at around 3 a.m. and was condemned by the Palestinian Authority Police as an attempt to incite sectarian and religious tensions. The church quickly cleaned up the damage and erected a new Christmas tree for Christmas Mass. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the small Christian community in the West Bank, who are threatened by extremism from both Israeli settlers and Palestinian extremists. The Christian population in the region is declining due to conflict and harassment.

Poland scrambled fighter jets on Thursday after detecting a Russian reconnaissance aircraft operating near its airspace. The aircraft was intercepted and escorted out after being identified over international waters in the Baltic Sea. Separate airspace incidents were also detected overnight near Poland's eastern border, which were determined to be smuggling balloons. The incident comes just days after Polish aircraft were scrambled again on Tuesday as Russia carried out widespread strikes against Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the Russian attack, stating that it sent a clear signal about Russia's priorities and that the world needed to put more pressure on Russia to stop its aggression.

Japan's cabinet has approved a record-high defence budget amid escalating tensions with China. The budget, worth over ¥9tn ($58bn), is 9.4% larger than the previous one and focuses on enhancing strike-back capabilities and coastal defences. China has accused Japan of fuelling a 'space arms race' due to its recent space technology developments, including launching rockets carrying cargo spacecraft and satellites. The tensions between Japan and China have been rising since Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan would likely become militarily involved if China attacked Taiwan.

The article discusses how Ukraine's national parks are being utilized to provide mental health support to individuals affected by the ongoing war with Russia. Various organizations are offering nature-based therapy programs, including adventure therapy, therapeutic horticulture, and forest bathing, to help veterans, displaced children, and others cope with trauma and stress. These initiatives aim to fill the gap in Ukraine's overwhelmed mental health system, which has been strained by the war. The programs are being led by park rangers and staff who have received training in nature-informed therapy. Despite challenges such as limited funding and a shortage of qualified specialists, the initiatives have shown promise in helping individuals heal and find peace in nature.