Greek shipowners are deploying new tankers to transport Russian oil due to a record surge in freight costs. This comes amidst US and EU sanctions, which have led to a shortage of vessels.
A powerful tropical storm caused a massive landslide on Mount Maunganui in New Zealand, burying a popular campsite. Several people are officially reported missing, and a search operation is underway.
Global gold prices plummeted by 1. 1% after Trump's announcement of abandoning tariffs against the EU and reaching a "framework agreement" on Greenland. The decrease in geopolitical tension weakened investors' interest in safe-haven assets, leading to a drop in gold prices to $4783.27 per ounce.
For the first time in almost a year, Venezuelan crude oil is heading to Europe, with the vessel Poliegos set to deliver fuel to Italy. The shipments are organized by Vitol Group with US involvement to support Venezuela's economy.
Apple plans to update Siri to a full-fledged generative AI chatbot, Campos, which will compete with ChatGPT and Gemini. The technology will be unveiled in June, with a release scheduled for September 2026.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the country will not immediately join Trump's "Peace Council" project. The reason is the inconsistency of certain provisions with Italian law and the need for parliamentary approval.
Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian officials on Wednesday before traveling to Moscow with Jared Kushner for talks with Putin on a peace plan. Documents on a peaceful settlement have been unofficially handed over to Moscow for review.
U. S. Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff will meet with Putin in Moscow on January 22 to receive a response to the peace plan. This will be the seventh meeting; the previous six did not yield significant results.
Donald Trump could continue to lead his proposed Peace Council after his presidential term ends.
The value of the Russian Central Bank's gold reserves has increased by $216 billion since 2022, reaching $326. 5 billion. This growth is due to a 65% increase in gold prices in 2025 and another 8% in early 2026.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated in Davos that Russia poses an obvious, albeit potential, threat in the Arctic. He emphasized that Canada is expanding its navy and air force to defend against Russian threats.
Elon Musk has once again floated the idea of buying Ryanair after a dispute with its CEO, Michael O'Leary. The billionaire conducted a poll on X regarding the acquisition of the company, which has a market value of approximately 30 billion euros.
A study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy shows that 96% of the tariff burden from Trump's tariffs falls on American buyers. This leads to higher product prices for consumers.
Donald Trump has invited a number of countries to his "Peace Council for Gaza" to implement a 20-point plan. The signing ceremony is scheduled for this Thursday in Davos.
In Nigeria, armed bandits kidnapped 172 worshippers from two churches in Kaduna State. 163 people remain in captivity, nine managed to escape.
French President Emmanuel Macron declined Donald Trump's invitation to the "Peace Council. " The reasons were differences in diplomatic vision and a $1 billion contribution.
Donald Trump allegedly approached Alexander Lukashenka with a proposal for Belarus to become one of the founders of the Peace Council. Lukashenka's office has already stated that Belarus is ready to participate in the activities of this organization.
France plans to convene a meeting of G7 finance ministers on Wednesday to discuss US threats to impose tariffs over Greenland. This is in response to Trump's statements about imposing tariffs if EU countries oppose his intentions to annex Greenland.
Danish officials will not attend the World Economic Forum in Davos amid an escalating dispute over Greenland. US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose tariffs over the island's situation.
The Czech government has decided not to sell light combat aircraft to Ukraine, said Tomio Okamura, leader of the far-right party. The Minister of Defense stated that the Czech army would need these aircraft.
China's GDP grew by 5% in 2025, despite the trade war, thanks to export growth that offset a weak domestic market. In the fourth quarter, GDP growth slowed to 4.5%.
European countries are strengthening control over maritime transport and compliance with the sanctions regime. Germany denied the tanker Arcusat entry into its waters, and the vessel Hizer Reis also raised suspicions.
The EU is preparing to suspend the ratification of a new trade agreement with the US in response to Donald Trump's statement about imposing tariffs on goods from European countries that supported Greenland's sovereignty. The EU is considering using the Anti-Coercion Instrument, which would allow for the introduction of mirror tariffs.
The Trump administration is developing a 'Peace Council' project as an alternative to the UN. Countries can obtain permanent membership for a one-time payment of $1 billion.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud criticized Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland, emphasizing the unacceptability of violating Somalia's integrity. He called for direct negotiations with the central government.
Elon Musk has raised the stakes in his legal battle with OpenAI and Microsoft, demanding between $79 billion and $134 billion in compensation. He claims the companies deceived him by deviating from the startup's original non-profit goals.
Thailand's ruling Bhumjaithai party promises to resolve the territorial dispute with Cambodia before the 2026 elections. The government will focus on restoring security and economic ties.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Taiwan and South Korea would face 100% tariffs if they do not invest in semiconductor manufacturing in the US. This applies to Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC.
President Trump has decided not to deploy regular troops in Minnesota, despite previous threats to use the Insurrection Act. He noted that he currently sees no reason for its immediate implementation.
OpenAI is starting to test ads in ChatGPT for users in the US, including the free version and a new budget-friendly "Go" plan for $8 a month. More expensive subscriptions will remain ad-free, and ads will not affect the AI's objectivity.
