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American Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic from Colorado, has been detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban for one year. Coyle was taken from his Kabul apartment and has been held in near-solitary confinement without charges. His family says he is being held in a basement room and has been denied basic rights. The Taliban claims Coyle is in good health and that his rights are protected. The US government has designated Coyle as wrongfully detained and has been working to secure his release. The case highlights the ongoing risks faced by Americans in Afghanistan and the challenges of negotiating with the Taliban.

As the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, experts warned that a surge in 'AI slop' - AI-generated content that distorts historical facts - is threatening efforts to preserve the memory of Nazi crimes and the millions of Jewish people killed during World War II. Holocaust memorials and commemorative associations issued an open letter warning about the rising quantity of fabricated content, which is being used to achieve maximum reach with minimal effort or to spread revisionist narratives. Experts are concerned that this content is having a concrete impact on how people perceive the Nazi era, particularly among younger visitors to concentration camps.

Australia is experiencing a severe heat wave with temperatures reaching as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The rural towns of Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria state recorded preliminary highs of 120 degrees, potentially breaking records set in 2009. The heat wave has caused disruptions, including the Australian Open tennis tournament, where extreme heat protocols were enacted, and three forest fires burned out of control in Victoria. Although no casualties were reported, authorities urged caution. The heat wave is part of one of Australia's hottest summers ever, following another heat wave earlier in the month.

The Canadian government has conditionally approved a plan to export Marineland's 30 beluga whales and four dolphins to the United States, saving them from euthanasia. The decision comes after Marineland, a shuttered theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, pleaded with Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, stating that the animals would be euthanized if export permits were not authorized by January 30. Marineland is in discussions with four U.S. institutions to take the animals, and the Canadian government has agreed to issue final permits once required information is received. The move is seen as a positive step by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who stated that the animals will have a 'better home' than their current enclosure.

Australian cyclist Jay Vine won the Tour Down Under cycle race after being knocked off his bike by a kangaroo on the final stage. Vine was leading the race by 1 minute and 3 seconds when the incident occurred, but he quickly got back on his bike and re-joined the peloton. Despite the setback, Vine managed to maintain his lead and finished 1 minute and 3 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. The kangaroo involved in the incident was injured and later euthanized. Vine's win was considered a remarkable achievement given the challenging circumstances.

The families of two Trinidadian men, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo, who were killed in a U.S. missile strike on a boat in the Caribbean in October 2025, have sued the Trump administration in federal court. The lawsuit argues that the killings were 'premeditated and intentional' and lacked 'any plausible legal justification.' The strike was part of the Trump administration's campaign against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The families claim that Joseph and Samaroo were not involved in drug trafficking and were simply traveling back to Trinidad and Tobago after fishing and working on farms in Venezuela. The lawsuit is seeking compensation under the Death on the High Seas Act and the Alien Tort Statute. The families are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights. This is at least the second legal action taken by the family of those killed in the Trump administration's boat strikes.

A senior lawyer in Australia, Rishi Nathwani, has apologized for filing fake quotes and nonexistent case judgments generated by artificial intelligence in a murder case. The submissions were made in the Supreme Court of Victoria state and included fabricated quotes from a speech to the state legislature and nonexistent case citations. The errors were discovered by the judge's associates, causing a 24-hour delay in resolving the case. The judge ruled that Nathwani's client was not guilty of murder due to mental impairment. The incident highlights the risks of using AI in the justice system and the need for lawyers to verify the accuracy of information generated by AI tools.

A lightning strike near a rally of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia on Sunday injured 89 people, according to the fire department. The gathering was organized to demand 'amnesty' for Bolsonaro, who is currently incarcerated for leading a failed coup d'etat. Thousands had gathered in the rain to support Bolsonaro, who has been experiencing serious health complications.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee released the 232-athlete roster for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, featuring athletes ranging in age from 15-year-old freeskier Abby Winterberger to 54-year-old curler Rich Ruohonen. The team includes veterans like Lindsey Vonn and bobsledders Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor, as well as 33 returning medalists. The Olympics will take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 6, with events spread across Milan, Cortina, and other mountain clusters.

A CBS News investigation found that Grok AI on Elon Musk's X platform still allows users to digitally undress people without consent, despite public pledges to stop. The European Union has announced an investigation into X's integration of Grok AI, while the UK government has warned that X could face a ban if it fails to block the feature. The tool has been used to generate non-consensual sexualized images, with one analysis estimating that Grok was creating one such image per minute. Regulators and advocacy groups are calling for greater regulation and action to address the issue.

A 44-year-old American lawyer, Rachel Green, died on a Delta flight from Minnesota to London after falling asleep on her mother's shoulder. The coroner's court heard that Green had a preexisting heart condition and a cocktail of prescription drugs in her system, including antidepressants and melatonin. The combination of the heart condition and the prescription drugs likely caused her death. Green's sister questioned the number of prescription drugs she was on and expressed concern that she was never referred to a cardiologist. The coroner concluded that Green died while on the flight and expressed sympathy for her family.

The New York Giants have requested to interview Davis Webb, their former quarterback and current quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos, for their vacant offensive coordinator position. Webb, who was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has previously interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Raiders and Bills, and has also received interview requests from the Eagles and Ravens for their open OC jobs. Webb has been praised by Russell Wilson, with whom he worked in Denver, who believes he has the ability to be a great coach and potentially a head coach in the future.

A reporter from The California Post attended a public LAPD meeting, which turned chaotic when anti-police agitators, including Jason Reedy, a notorious Black Lives Matter figure, disrupted the proceedings and attacked the reporter and photographer. The meeting was intended to be a transparent forum on police accountability but was hijacked by protesters who shouted profanities and called police 'pigs.' The reporter and photographer were eventually forced to stop recording and leave due to safety concerns.

The owners of a Swiss nightclub, Le Constellation, where 40 people died in a New Year's Eve fire, have blamed their waitress, Cyane Panine, for the tragedy. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the owners, told prosecutors that Panine was responsible for the fire, claiming she was holding two bottles of champagne with pyrotechnic candles while wearing a helmet. However, Panine's family and witnesses deny the allegations, stating that the Morettis directed her to perform the stunt and that she was exhausted and overworked. The Morettis have been charged with 'homicide, injuries, and arson by negligence' and face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing the Morettis for their handling of the situation and alleged attempts to shift the blame.

Radical left-wing agitators disrupted a Los Angeles Police Commission meeting, shouting obscenities and accusing the police department of being murderers. The group, many of whom obscured their identities with masks or scarves, targeted a California Post journalist, attempting to intimidate her and block her from filming. The disruption was sparked by a discussion on a recent court ruling restricting the department's use of certain crowd-control munitions. The incident highlighted the growing tension between city official-endorsed activism and the breakdown of order in official oversight hearings.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policy of not clearing homeless encampments has been criticized for putting both the homeless and the general public at risk. The policy has led to an increase in crime, filth, and disease, with 10 people found dead outside in the cold. Critics argue that Mamdani is prioritizing his vision of government-controlled housing over the safety and comfort of the city's population. The article argues that clearing encampments is necessary to protect both the homeless and the city, and that Mamdani's policy is impractical and inhumane.

Russian military commanders have been accused of torturing two soldiers accused of desertion by tying them to trees, shoveling snow down their throats, and berating them near the frontline. The incident was captured on video and obtained by East2West. The soldiers were allegedly punished for failing to follow orders and reaching their destination. The leaked footage comes amid ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejecting Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand that Ukraine cede territory. The incident has sparked outrage, with Ukrainian channels condemning the Russian military's actions as 'torture' and 'inhumane'.

The article discusses Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's efforts to resist federal immigration enforcement, drawing parallels with Thomas Jefferson's Kentucky Resolutions, which advocated for states' rights to nullify federal laws. The author argues that Walz's actions, including a lawsuit against the Trump administration and encouraging resistance to DHS agents, are unconstitutional and akin to nullification. The article suggests that while Walz may be successful in his efforts, they set a dangerous precedent and undermine the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.

A top Hawaiian chef and father of three, Nick Mastrascusa, was identified as one of the six people killed in a private jet crash in Maine on Sunday. The Bombardier Challenger 600, owned by the Houston-based Arnold & Itkin law firm, crashed and burst into flames during takeoff from Bangor International Airport. Mastrascusa was the executive vice president of hospitality for a luxury travel company, 'Beyond,' founded by Kurt Arnold and Tara Arnold, who also died in the crash. A GoFundMe page was set up to support Mastrascusa's family, raising over $117,000. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the NTSB.

A US Postal Service mail carrier from Ohio, Jason Thompson, was suspended without pay after criticizing the 'extreme conditions' faced by mail carriers during Winter Storm Fern on Facebook. Thompson arrived at the Fairfield Post Office to find the parking lot poorly plowed and delivery trucks buried under 2-3 feet of snow. He complained that carriers were being put in harm's way with nothing to deliver and were expected to clear their vehicles without proper instruction or authority. USPS higher-ups warned him to take down the post or face repercussions, and he was eventually suspended. Thompson praised his direct supervisors but criticized the lack of planning for extreme weather conditions. The USPS spokesperson stated that employee safety is a top priority and that they have plans in place for extreme weather conditions.

A Chinese drug, VV116, originally developed to treat Covid-19, has shown potential in treating Nipah virus, a deadly virus with a fatality rate of up to 75%. Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology found that the drug allowed two-thirds of infected hamsters to survive a lethal dose. The virus has recently infected at least five people in the Indian state of West Bengal. The researchers believe that VV116 could be a 'readily available' option for dealing with Nipah virus outbreaks, particularly for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers.

China has emerged as the world's second most competitive country for artificial intelligence in finance, ranking behind the US but ahead of the rest of Asia, according to the Global AI Competitiveness Index. China scored 83.41, trailing the US at 98.84, and outperformed all countries in financial sector AI maturity with a score of 90. The country's strong adoption of AI across banking, insurance, fintech, and investment management, as well as government support and market demand, drove its AI capacity in finance. Hong Kong ranked third as a city hub, behind New York and London.

The article reports that French luxury giant LVMH saw an uptick in sales in China during the last three months of 2025, indicating a potential recovery in the Chinese luxury market. LVMH's total annual sales reached €80.8 billion, down 5% year on year, but sales returned to organic growth in the second half of the year, rising 1%. The improvement was partly driven by positive growth in most of Asia. Analysts had been waiting for LVMH's results to gauge the luxury market's trajectory, as other groups' sales figures presented a mixed picture. British brand Burberry reported 6% year on year growth in China, while Swiss group Richemont saw its sales growth slow to 2%.

Hong Kong's home prices have ended a three-year downturn with a 3.25% increase in 2025, driven by rate cuts, stock gains, and talent schemes. Rents surged to a record high in December, with annual gains reaching 4.26% in 2025. Analysts predict further price gains and a broader rebound in the property market this year, with Ricacorp Properties forecasting an annual growth of 6-8%. The property market has been supported by macro-level interest rate cuts, sustained gains in the Hong Kong stock market, and demand from talent schemes and non-local students.

The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), a wholly-owned investment vehicle managing HK$62 billion (US$8 billion) in funds, is looking to invest in fintech, aerospace, and artificial intelligence, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths and incoming talent and enterprises amidst geopolitical shifts. CEO Clara Chan Ka-chai stated that the HKIC will focus on these new sectors in addition to its existing areas, seeking co-investments from international institutions and identifying quality growth companies. The HKIC's dual mandate is to deliver financial returns while strengthening Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness, coinciding with rising geopolitical tensions and China's drive for tech self-reliance, creating new investment opportunities.

A small cluster of Nipah virus infections reported in eastern India has sparked regional anxiety due to the disease's high fatality rate. Countries across Asia, including Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, and Indonesia, have tightened health screening ahead of the Lunar New Year travel rush. However, experts say the outbreak is likely to remain contained, citing the limited numbers of cases and the time passed since the infections were detected. India's Ministry of Health has confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal and stressed that speculative reports of higher case numbers are incorrect.

Taiwan's defence ministry has criticized an opposition party's proposal to cut the special military budget from NT$1.25 trillion to NT$400 billion and drop plans for the 'T-Dome' air defence system. The ministry warned that the plan would be unworkable and undermine the island's defence readiness in the face of mounting military pressure from Beijing. The proposal was unveiled by the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), which listed five specific weapons systems for purchase. The legislature remains deadlocked over the special funding bill, which has been blocked for the 10th time.

The article discusses the mixed performance of Asia-Pacific markets on a particular Wednesday, with South Korean markets continuing to hit fresh highs while Indonesia's Jakarta Composite plunged over 7% due to a potential downgrade warning from MSCI. The S&P 500 had closed at a record high the previous night, driven by gains in Apple and Microsoft. The article also touches on various other market movements, including the yen strengthening against the dollar and Australia's inflation rate rising to 3.6%. The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision is also anticipated.

ASML, a Dutch chip giant, reported a strong Q4 2025 earnings report with bookings exceeding expectations at 13.2 billion euros, ahead of analyst estimates of 6.32 billion euros. The company also announced a 12-billion-euro share buyback plan and expects revenue growth of at least 20% in 2026. ASML's business is benefiting from the AI infrastructure boom, with customers like TSMC and Samsung increasing their chipmaking capacity. The company's forecast points to continued growth, driven by demand for AI chips and infrastructure. ASML's CFO noted that customers have been 'more positive in their assessment of the medium-term market perspectives' due to sustainable demand for AI.

Chinese humanoid robot company LimX Dynamics is in talks with U.S. business partners and is about to close a funding round with its first foreign backer from the Middle East. The company plans to start shipping humanoids to the Middle East this year and is exploring business collaborations in the U.S. LimX is not alone in the humanoid robot market, as other Chinese companies such as Unitree are also making advancements. The competition is mounting for Elon Musk's Optimus robot, with Morgan Stanley doubling its forecast for China humanoid robot sales this year to 28,000 units. LimX aims to be a global leader in the underlying technology and plans to improve voice commands with agentic artificial intelligence.

European stocks are expected to open in mixed territory as investors await key earnings reports and the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. ASML's earnings report showed record orders and upbeat 2026 guidance, driven by the AI boom. Other companies reporting earnings include Volvo, Lonza Group, and KPN. The Fed is expected to keep interest rates steady, but traders will be looking for hints on future monetary policy changes.

SK Hynix has reported record quarterly revenue and profit, driven by surging demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The company's revenue rose 66% year-over-year to 32.827 trillion won ($23 billion), exceeding analyst estimates. Operating profit surged 137% to 19.17 trillion won. The demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, used in AI data center servers, has been particularly strong, with HBM revenue more than doubling year-over-year. The company is benefiting from the AI boom, but the demand has outpaced supply, leading to shortages and surging memory prices. SK Hynix's results are seen as a positive indicator for the memory chip industry, with rival Samsung also set to report earnings.

The article discusses a new book about India's economic growth and development, referencing Arvind Subramanian's tenure as the Indian government's chief economist. Subramanian's annual 'Economic Survey' reports were notable for their striking charts and provocative arguments, including a chart showing that democracy and development tend to go hand in hand, with India being an exception as it is not rich enough given its democratic institutions. The article highlights India's economic ascent, attributing it to a combination of luck, economic reform, and external factors like Donald Trump's policies.

The article discusses the effectiveness of education technology (ed-tech) in US schools, citing a specific example of McPherson Middle School in Kansas that adopted a digital program called IXL. Despite initial enthusiasm, the article questions the overall usefulness of ed-tech, referencing independent research that identifies few learning gains. The piece highlights the financial profitability of ed-tech companies while criticizing their impact on student learning outcomes.

The article discusses Senator Susan Collins' potential to lead efforts to rein in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and redeem Congress. Collins, a Republican from Maine, has a reputation for being a conscientious and skilled politician, having cast over 9,800 votes without missing a roll call and being the first senator from Maine to be elected to five consecutive terms. As the chair of the Senate appropriations committee, Collins has significant power over government spending. The article suggests that Collins could use her position to push for reforms to ICE, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the agency's actions in Minneapolis.

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The price of gold has surged to above $5,000 per ounce, driven by a combination of factors including geopolitical tensions and investor demand. Despite initial expectations that good news would negatively impact gold prices, the metal has continued to rise, exceeding analyst forecasts. The article explores the drivers behind gold's relentless rally, including the impact of President Donald Trump's threats against European allies and the overall market sentiment.

Coco Gauff, a 21-year-old tennis star, has called for more privacy for tennis players after being caught on camera smashing her racket in an off-court players' area following her Australian Open quarter-final loss. Gauff expressed frustration that certain moments, like her racket-smashing incident, were broadcast on TV and social media despite her attempt to find a private area. She suggested that some conversations can be had about the lack of privacy in tennis, citing a similar incident involving Aryna Sabalenka. The incident has sparked a conversation around player privacy, especially with many young players in the sport.

The Doomsday Clock has been moved to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been, by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The clock is a metaphor for the dangers facing humanity, and its movement is based on perceptions of how close humans are to destroying the world. The scientists cited nuclear threats, war, and AI as driving factors, including aggressive behavior by nuclear powers Russia, China, and the US. The clock has been ticking away since 1947, and its movement is determined by experts on the board, academic colleagues, and the Bulletin's sponsors, including 13 Nobel laureates.

Rwanda is suing the UK for £50m in compensation after the UK government scrapped a controversial deportation scheme that would have sent asylum seekers to Rwanda to have their claims processed. The UK government has defended its decision to end the scheme, calling it a 'complete disaster' that wasted £700 million of taxpayer money and failed to deter illegal migration. Rwanda has launched arbitral proceedings against the UK through The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer teased French President Emmanuel Macron over his viral wearing of Top Gun-style aviator sunglasses at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Starmer poked fun at Macron by wearing similar sunglasses and uploading a video to TikTok, captioning it 'talk to me, Goose', a famous quote from the film Top Gun. Macron responded quickly, and the two leaders continued the joke, with Starmer creating a mock-up image of them standing side by side in a Top Gun-style photo.

A Russian captain, Vladimir Motin, is on trial at the Old Bailey for manslaughter after his container ship, the Solong, collided with an anchored US oil tanker, the Stena Immaculate, near the Humber Estuary, resulting in the death of a crew member, Mark Angelo Pernia. The prosecutor, Tom Little KC, questioned Motin about the collision, suggesting that he had been negligent and failed to take necessary precautions to prevent the crash. Motin denied the allegations, claiming he had made a 'mistake' when attempting to switch to manual control. The trial is ongoing.

A year into Donald Trump's presidency, China's economy has surprisingly thrived despite initial expectations of trouble. China has expanded its global influence by fostering ties with key partners like Canada and India, posting a record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion in 2025. The country's economy has grown by 5% in 2025, meeting the government's target, and its currency, the yuan, has gained global usage. Analysts attribute China's success to its ability to position itself as a reliable trade partner amidst Trump's unpredictable policies. However, some caution that distrust in the US does not necessarily translate to trust in Beijing.

The Straits Times' property market sector news includes various updates on the real estate market. Hong Kong home prices rose for the first time in four years in 2025. In Singapore, private home prices increased at a gentler pace of 3.3% in 2025, despite new home sales hitting a 4-year high. Other news includes a significant rise in rental fraud in Malaysia and the sale of Cuppage Terrace with a $250 million valuation. Additionally, there are reports on Trump's order to restrict Wall Street firms from buying single-family homes and China's new home prices falling again in December.

The article discusses the impact of the US-China trade war on America's toy industry, particularly on small businesses. The Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese imports have 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 tariffs have disproportionately affected small businesses, which make up 96% of the toy industry, while big-box retailers like Walmart and Target have been able to absorb the costs. The article suggests that the trade war has created a split in the Christmas economy, with big retailers thriving while small businesses struggle.

The US administration, under the Trump presidency, has been found to have made numerous social media posts that echo white supremacist messaging, including references to neo-Nazi literature, ethnic cleansing, and QAnon conspiracies. These posts were made by officials in the White House and government agencies, using official government accounts. The posts have been criticized for promoting extremist ideologies and have raised concerns about the administration's tolerance for white supremacist views.

The families of two Trinidadian men killed in a US strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat off the coast of Venezuela have filed a lawsuit against the American government. The lawsuit, filed in Boston's federal court, claims the strike was a 'lawless killing' and that the men were not involved in any military hostilities against the US. The US has struck at least 36 vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific since September, killing over 120 people, claiming it is targeting 'narco-terrorists'. The families argue that the US should have arrested and charged the men instead of killing them.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has written to South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung requesting more BTS concerts in Mexico after the band's three scheduled shows in Mexico City sold out in under 40 minutes. The K-pop group's comeback tour has been highly anticipated after a four-year hiatus, with tickets for the Mexico City shows selling for between 1,800 and 17,800 pesos. Fans have accused Ticketmaster and resale platforms of dynamic pricing, prompting an investigation by Mexico's consumer watchdog.

The Spanish government plans to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants who have lived in the country for at least five months prior to December 31, 2025, and have no criminal record. The regularization process, expected to begin in April and end in June, will provide beneficiaries with a one-year residence permit that can be extended. The decision is part of the government's efforts to reinforce a migration model based on human rights, integration, and economic growth. The move is seen as a significant step by the socialist-led coalition government, which has been an outlier on migration issues among larger European nations. The opposition has criticized the plan, with the conservative People's Party leader stating it would 'increase the pull effect and overwhelm our public services' and the far-right Vox party vowing to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Ecuadorian government has accused a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent of attempting to enter its consulate in Minneapolis, prompting a formal protest note to be sent to US authorities. The incident has sparked a reaction from various officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. CNN has reached out to the State Department and ICE for comment.

Japanese police are warning about an increase in groping incidents, particularly targeting students during exam season. CNN's Hanako Montgomery reports on how Tokyo is addressing the insidious crime. The article highlights the concerns of students and the measures being taken by authorities to prevent such incidents. Groping, or 'chikan' in Japanese, is a pervasive problem in Japan, with many cases going unreported. The issue has become more pronounced during exam season, with crowded trains and public areas providing opportunities for perpetrators. The article emphasizes the need for increased awareness and action to prevent such crimes and ensure student safety.

A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals that Russia has suffered approximately 1.2 million casualties in the Ukraine conflict since its invasion in 2022, a number that dwarfs its losses in all conflicts since World War II. Despite this, Russia has only managed to increase its control over Ukrainian territory by 12% since 2022. The report suggests that Ukraine retains a significant advantage on the battlefield due to its 'defense-in-depth' strategy. The human toll and economic burden of the war have been severe, with Russia's economy effectively being reduced to a second- or third-rate power. The report concludes that without greater Western pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to settle for a peace deal.

China has condemned the US sanctions and embargo on Cuba, calling it a violation of international law. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern and urged the US to lift its blockade and sanctions against Cuba. The US had recently captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, disrupting Cuba's access to Venezuelan oil and triggering outrage from Havana. The US has been tightening its policy toward Cuba, reinforcing sanctions and travel bans.

The French government has backed a bill banning social media for children under 15, with lawmakers describing it as a 'battle for free minds.' The bill, which also bans mobile phones in high schools, passed by a 130-21 vote and will now head to the Senate for discussion. French President Emmanuel Macron has pushed for the legislation, citing the need to protect children's brains from being influenced by algorithms. The move is part of a broader trend across Europe to restrict social media access for minors, with Australia introducing a similar ban in December. France's health watchdog has warned of links between heavy social media use and reduced self-esteem, increased exposure to harmful content, and risky behaviors.

North Korea has launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea ahead of a major political meeting, the ruling party's first full congress in five years. The launches were detected by South Korea's military and the Japanese Defense Ministry. The missiles flew approximately 217 miles and landed off the coast of the Korean Peninsula. This is the first time North Korea has fired weapons since testing hypersonic missiles in early January. The meeting is expected to set new political and economic priorities, with the US and South Korea seeking renewed talks with North Korea.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her country has paused oil shipments to Cuba, citing it as a 'sovereign decision' not influenced by US pressure. The pause is part of general fluctuations in oil supplies. The decision comes amid growing pressure from the US, led by President Donald Trump, to isolate Cuba and distance Mexico from the Cuban government. Mexico has long been a key oil supplier to Cuba, shipping nearly 20,000 barrels per day in the first nine months of 2025. The pause has caused concern among Cubans, with many waiting in long lines for gasoline and expressing anxiety about the future.

The Spanish government has announced plans to grant legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants living and working in the country without authorization. The move is seen as a victory for migrant rights groups and is in contrast to the increasingly harsh immigration policies imposed in the United States and much of Europe. Eligible immigrants will be granted up to one year of legal residency and permission to work. The decision is expected to benefit an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 people living in Spain without authorization, many of whom are from Latin American or African countries working in the agricultural, tourism, or service sectors. The government's move has been praised by supporters, who argue that it will help to dignify and recognize the contributions of migrants to Spanish society, while also benefiting the economy. However, the decision has been criticized by center-right and far-right parties, who accuse the government of being soft on immigration.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), known as the 'Bible of Psychiatry', is undergoing a significant overhaul. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is moving away from a print format to a 'living document' online, allowing for more frequent updates and incorporation of scientific advancements. The next edition will emphasize factors influencing mental health symptoms and outline approaches to prevention. The APA is seeking input from a broad range of mental health professionals and individuals with psychiatric conditions. Changes include incorporating biological markers for mental disorders and addressing criticisms that the current DSM does not adequately account for the causes of mental illnesses.

The article discusses the possibility of Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's new leader, following in the footsteps of Deng Xiaoping, China's former leader who implemented economic reforms in the late 1970s. Rodríguez has hinted at plans to launch a period of 'reform and opening up' in Venezuela, modelled on China's post-Mao economic boom. Analysts believe that Rodríguez may be trying to emulate Deng's economic pragmatism, but critics argue that she is not committed to democratic reforms and is instead trying to legitimize her authoritarian rule. The article examines the potential for economic reform in Venezuela and the challenges that Rodríguez faces in reviving the country's economy.

New Zealand is at risk of more deadly landslides due to the climate crisis triggering intense storms, experts warn. The country has experienced two fatal landslides in the North Island, resulting in eight deaths. Experts say that global warming is intensifying tropical storms, leading to more frequent and severe landslides. The country's landscape, prone to landslides due to its tectonic boundary and maritime climate, is further exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation and land use changes. Experts urge the government to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to have a serious conversation nationally and internationally about managing landslide risks.

The article discusses various news events in Australia, including the Palestine Action Group's plan to hold a 'national day of protest' during the visit of Israel's President Isaac Herzog, a new economic and security agreement between Australia and Timor-Leste, and several other domestic news stories. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, signed the agreement with Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, to deepen cooperation between the two nations. Meanwhile, Sussan Ley said David Littleproud rejected her offer for peace talks ahead of a potential Liberal leadership contest. The article also touches on other news, including inflation figures, bushfires in Victoria, and comments from various politicians.

The US Justice Department expects to finish reviewing and releasing government files related to Jeffrey Epstein 'in the near term', Attorney General Pam Bondi said in court filings. The review involves several million pages of materials and hundreds of department attorneys, agents, and others. The release was initially mandated by a law enacted in November, which required the department to release the materials by Dec. 19, 2025, after redacting the names of Epstein's sex-trafficking victims. However, the department has missed this deadline, leading to criticism from Congress and calls for an independent monitor to oversee the process.

A growing number of Europeans are calling for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, due to President Donald Trump's policies and actions. Critics argue that Trump's presidency and the US government's treatment of immigrants and minorities make it inappropriate for the US to host the tournament. Petitions and motions have been circulated in several European countries, including the Netherlands, France, and the UK, calling for a boycott or for FIFA to exclude the US from the tournament. However, top French and German sporting officials have dismissed the likelihood of a boycott.