China conducted military exercises in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, simulating attacks on military bases and ships. The maneuvers took place amid rising tensions in the region and territorial disputes.
The US Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for 13 states. Heavy snowfall, ice, and gusty winds are expected, with up to 38 centimeters of snow in some areas.
Geneva-based Mercuria Energy Group and US-based TechMet Ltd. are discussing a joint tantalum mining project in the DRC. The initiative depends on a peace agreement to be facilitated by the Trump administration.
From spring 2026, "Roskomnadzor" will be able to block websites and disconnect the Russian internet without a court decision. This is a step towards complete censorship and isolation of Russians from alternative sources of information.
Botswana's President Boko confirmed the government's intention to acquire a controlling stake in the diamond company De Beers. The government has already initiated concrete steps to buy out shares from the British company Anglo American Plc.
In the US, the Supreme Court rejected the motion of former Kentucky official Kim Davis to review the 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The right to same-sex marriage in the US remains in force, despite attempts to challenge it.
Belgium has sought assistance from allies after a series of drone incursions near airports, military bases, and nuclear power plants. Officials say the incidents "resemble" Russian actions, but there is no direct evidence yet.
Turkey, together with the US and Arab mediators, is working to ensure safe passage for some 200 Hamas militants hiding in tunnels in Israeli-controlled Gaza. This initiative is part of a broader ceasefire plan.
France released Crimean Tatar Ilnur Shagayev, detained at the request of the Russian Federation. He returned to Ireland, where he has temporary protection.
The US Senate has voted to advance a bill that would allow the federal government to resume operations and end the 40-day "shutdown. " The bill provides for government funding until January 30 and prohibits the dismissal of federal employees.
At least six people have died after US forces struck two vessels linked to drug cartels in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The operations have caused diplomatic tension in Latin America and controversy in the US Congress.
Russian mobile operators have started temporarily blocking internet and SMS for subscribers returning from abroad. This is due to security concerns and protection against the use of "ownerless" SIM cards in drones.
In India's capital, Delhi, a car bomb near the historic Red Fort killed eight people and injured more than 20. The cause of the incident is under investigation, with six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws damaged.
The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to halt $4 billion in food aid. This comes despite the Senate advancing a bill to reopen the government and fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for 42 million recipients.
Dmytro Lubinets reacted to the beating of a schoolboy in Bukovyna, where a classmate inflicted bodily harm. The school principal concealed the incident, did not inform the police, and ignored the perpetrator's presence under house arrest.
The all-Ukrainian mental health program "How are you?", initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
The IOC is discussing a complete ban on transgender women participating in women's competitions due to potential physical advantages. Possible changes could come into effect before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but no final decisions have been made yet.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported the approval for operation of over a hundred new types of domestically produced weapons and military equipment in the last month. Among the novelties are unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare systems, large-caliber artillery shells, and more.
SWIFT is fully transitioning to the digital standard ISO 20022 CBPR+, which will synchronize the banking systems of 11,000 financial institutions. This update will enable international transfers in a single digital format, compatible with blockchains and CBDCs.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation is launching a program to pay citizens and businesses for connecting generators with a capacity of 7. 2 kW or more to mobile stations. For an hour of work, you can get 110-140 UAH to ensure communication during blackouts.
Germany and Spain have announced joint funding of $100 million for a new climate change adaptation program aimed at helping developing countries. The funds will be channeled through the Climate Investment Funds, a multilateral mechanism of the World Bank.
In Iran, reservoirs are almost depleted, and the country is experiencing the most severe drought in decades. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a possible evacuation of Tehran if there is no rain.
A man who was on an international wanted list on suspicion of embezzling over UAH 5. 8 billion has been detained in Ukraine. He was part of an organized group operating in Ukraine's fuel and energy sector.
Piles of garbage have turned Gaza into a dangerous living zone, with humanitarian services warning of health risks for over two million people. Following Israel's military campaign, the waste disposal system is virtually non-functional, with over two million tons of untreated waste accumulated.
The US plans to acquire at least 1 million drones for the army over the next two to three years. This is a response to the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and concerns about dependence on Chinese-made components.
Dozens of people were injured in a blast at a Jakarta mosque on Friday. Police suspect a 17-year-old student from a nearby school.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar has once again topped the list of Grammy nominations, receiving nine nods. He will compete for "Album of the Year" with Lady Gaga, who earned six nominations.
Newly appointed Nigerian Army Commander Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu announced intensified military operations in the country's northeast. This came after US President Donald Trump threatened military action if the government failed to stop religious violence.
The US shutdown has deprived oil traders of access to critical data on market positioning. This could destabilize commodity trading as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has stopped publishing Commitments of Traders reports.
Donald Trump said that Washington is considering making an exception for Hungary regarding sanctions on Russian oil imports. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for Hungary to obtain oil and gas from other regions due to its landlocked status.
