Bloomberg L.P.
In his New Year's address, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced that the country had reached "new heights" in economy, technology, and defense. He emphasized the inevitability of Taiwan's annexation and reaffirmed the course for an internal party purge.
New Delhi recorded its worst air pollution in nearly a decade this winter, leading to rare public protests and criticism of the government. The Air Quality Index exceeded 300 on 88% of days in November and December, the highest since 2017.
The US Coast Guard has suspended its pursuit of the tanker Bella 1, suspected of violating sanctions against Venezuela. The ship's crew painted a Russian flag on board, complicating the seizure operation.
The United Nations has approved a 7% budget cut to $3. 45 billion for 2026, which is $270 million less than the current budget. This decision is due to a financial crisis caused by US debt and involves cutting 2,900 positions.
Meta Platforms has agreed to acquire Singaporean AI startup Manus, which conducts in-depth research and performs tasks for paying users. The deal is valued at over $2 billion, with Manus maintaining independent operations while integrating its agents into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
President Donald Trump said the United States struck a "large target" in Venezuela as part of a campaign against alleged drug trafficking operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The meeting comes amid fears of renewed regional fighting and criticism from Arab partners regarding Israeli strikes.
China has launched live-fire military exercises around Taiwan after the US announced a major arms package for the island. The exercises, dubbed "Mission Justice-2025," involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, serving as a "stern warning" against separatist forces.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent a medical procedure to treat hiccups, which involved blocking the phrenic nerve. He also underwent surgery to remove a hernia, which is a consequence of a stab wound in 2018.
The Russian Federation has officially extended the temporary restriction on gasoline exports outside the country until February 28. This decision is aimed at maintaining stability in the domestic fuel market.
The historic FBI headquarters building in Washington will be decommissioned, and employees will move to a facility previously occupied by the disbanded U. S. Agency for International Development. This decision, announced by FBI Director Kash Patel on December 26, will save taxpayer money and better meet the Bureau's needs.
World oil prices for Brent and WTI fell by more than 2% due to expectations of a significant supply surplus in 2026 and US diplomatic activity. Traders are selling off contracts ahead of the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting, where a peace plan will be discussed.
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison became the central figure of business events in 2025, surpassing Elon Musk. His fortune grew by $89 billion in one day, temporarily making him the richest person in the world.
Russia has almost doubled its exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Central Asia and Afghanistan, reaching 1. 016 million metric tons from January to November 2025. This happened after the EU imposed restrictions on the import of Russian propane and butane in December 2024.
Russia and Kazakhstan have postponed the first launch of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle as part of the joint Baiterek space project for additional system checks. The Baiterek program is in its final stages, and the launch was delayed due to falling behind schedule and sanctions.
In the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, an explosion occurred at the Jumaat mosque during evening prayers. Five people were killed and about 35 were injured.
The US government has extended the energy emergency for northeastern states until January 15. This decision is due to an industrial accident and the approaching powerful winter storm.
The US Department of Justice has found about a million new documents in the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which were handed over by federal prosecutors in New York. The release of these materials may take several weeks due to the need to protect victims and the significant volume of information.
The Russian ruble has strengthened by 45% since the beginning of the year, trading at around 78 rubles per dollar, which is the strongest growth since 1994. This poses a threat to the country's war economy, despite falling oil prices and new sanctions.
U. S. federal road safety authorities have launched an investigation into emergency door opening mechanisms in some Tesla Model 3 vehicles. This is due to a petition from an owner who claims to have been locked in his car.
The global economy is decarbonizing faster than expected, with record investments of $2. 2 trillion in 2025. Investments in clean energy exceed spending on fossil fuels, and renewable energy covers all new electricity demand.
In Algeria, parliament supported a bill recognizing the 130-year French occupation as a war crime, demanding compensation and apologies. The document criminalizes the approval of colonialism and obliges France to deactivate nuclear test sites.
Due to severe storms and precipitation, California is facing a flood threat. The elements are raging precisely during the Christmas holidays, which complicates people's travel and trips.
Indian company Reliance Industries Ltd. has resumed purchases of Russian crude oil from non-sanctioned suppliers. India's largest refinery has chartered Aframax tankers to receive Russian oil.
Analysts warn that tariffs imposed by Donald Trump will slow global GDP and overload European ports. This will also lead to a massive review of supply chains by companies.
Ukraine and the US have disagreements on territorial issues and the status of the Zaporizhzhia NPP in peace talks. Zelenskyy reported on the state of affairs regarding elections and EU accession.
The US Department of Homeland Security is replacing the lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritizes highly paid foreign workers. The new system will take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply to the upcoming H-1B registration season.
Hedge fund Citadel will pay investors approximately $5 billion in profits earned in 2025. After the payouts, the company's assets under management will amount to $67 billion.
The F-35 fighter jets' readiness for flight in 2024 was only 50% due to poor maintenance by Lockheed Martin and a lack of Pentagon oversight. Despite this, the Pentagon paid the company $1.7 billion without penalties, and the US Air Force reduced its F-35 order for 2026 due to rising costs.
A Mexican Navy Beech King Air 350i aircraft with eight people on board, including a child with burns, crashed off the coast of Galveston, USA. At least five people died, two were rescued, and one is missing.