China
Chinese hospitals are experiencing a surge in human metapneumovirus cases, especially among children under 14. The virus causes respiratory symptoms and can lead to pneumonia, but the risk of a pandemic is low.
The Center for Public Health reports that the situation with metapneumovirus in Ukraine is under control. There have been 13 cases of the disease, which is milder than the flu and rarely causes complications.
The Biden administration plans to impose sanctions on tankers transporting Russian oil at more than $60 per barrel. The measures will also affect those involved in oil trading above the price ceiling.
Taiwan's National Security Bureau reports a sharp increase in cyberattacks in 2024, with an average of 2. 4 million attempts per day. Most of the attacks are carried out by Chinese groups amid Beijing's growing military activity in the region.
A professor at Tongzhen University has discovered 16 new species of spiders in China and named them after songs by Taiwanese musician Jay Chou. Among them are the “starry-eyed spider” and the “rainbow spider”.
The Cameroon-flagged cargo ship Shunxing 39, owned by a Chinese company, damaged a communication cable near the port of Keelung. Taiwan asked South Korea for help in investigating the incident.
China has recorded a significant outbreak of metapneumovirus, which causes symptoms similar to influenza and COVID-19. The virus mainly affects children under 14, causing a high rate of hospitalizations.
Tim Cook plans to personally donate $1 million to Donald Trump's inaugural committee. The inaugural committee aims to raise more than $150 million from various companies and individuals.
Garlic prices in Ukrainian stores have reached a historic high of UAH 200 per kilogram. The deficit was caused by a 15% reduction in planted areas and rising demand in Europe, where prices are even higher.
The Biden administration is planning to introduce new rules that will limit China's access to powerful GPUs for AI. The restrictions are aimed at controlling global chip supplies and eliminating regulatory loopholes.
Consumption of red wine in France has fallen by 90% since the 1970s due to changing tastes of the younger generation. Producers are forced to adapt to new realities and switch to producing other types of wine.
Tesla reported a decline in annual sales in 2024 to 1. 79 million vehicles compared to 1.81 million in 2023. The decline is attributed to increased competition from Chinese and European manufacturers.
Chang Guang Satellite Technology has achieved 100 Gbps data transmission speeds via laser communication from the satellite to the Earth. This is 10 times faster than the previous record and outpaces the capabilities of Starlink.
Some Chinese air carriers have begun to avoid flying over southwestern Russia after the plane crash in Kazakhstan. New routes to Georgia and Hungary now go through Azerbaijan and other regions of Russia.
In 2024, the average temperature in China reached a record 10. 92°C, 1.03°C above normal. The country also experienced devastating floods that led to loss of life and mass evacuations.
Chinese automakers achieved record sales in 2024, but expect a challenging 2025. Market growth will slow to 2% due to trade tensions and fierce competition.
Hackers affiliated with the Chinese government launched a cyberattack on the US Treasury Department through a software vulnerability. The goal was to obtain data on Chinese companies that could be subject to sanctions.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the inevitability of China's reunification with Taiwan in his New Year's address. China continues to strengthen its military presence around the island through regular drills.
The Kremlin has instructed the Russian government and Sberbank to develop AI together with China. Sanctions and the lack of access to microchips significantly complicate Russia's ambitions in this area.
The 500 richest people in the world have reached a combined capital of 10 trillion dollars. Ilon Musk is the leader with a fortune of 442.1 billion dollars, having increased it by 213 billion over the year.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte promised to increase military presence in the Baltic Sea after the incidents with the cables. Poland proposed to make the Baltic Sea a zone of enhanced NATO military control.
The WHO has called on China to provide more data on the origin of COVID-19. Beijing denies the accusations and claims that it shared all the information “without concealment.
China has unveiled a prototype CR450 train capable of reaching a speed of 450 km/h. The new train outperforms the previous CR400 model and is undergoing final tests before commercial operation.
Auckland marked the start of 2024 with a grand fireworks display near the Sky Tower. New Zealand became one of the first countries to welcome the New Year after Kiribati and the Tonga Islands.
The Russian command has developed plans in case of war with Japan and South Korea, including a list of 160 targets. Documents from 2013-2014 contain targets for strikes on nuclear power plants, bridges, tunnels and industrial facilities.
Beijing denies any involvement in the cyberattack on the US Treasury Department that took place in early December. Hackers gained access to unclassified documents through an external security provider.
The Novi Sad prosecutor's office has charged 13 people, including the former transport minister, over the collapse of the roof at the station. The tragedy claimed the lives of 15 people and injured about 30.
In his New Year's address, Xi Jinping confirmed further cooperation with the terrorist country. The Chinese leader emphasized avoiding confrontation with third parties and achieving a new level of strategic coordination.
Hackers linked to Chinese government agencies gained access to the US Treasury Department's systems in December. BeyondTrust discovered an access key leak that allowed the attackers to penetrate the Treasury's network.
In 2025, the green wooden snake should choose the right colors of clothes and follow special rituals. Here's a look at New Year's fortune telling on the Christmas tree, tangerines, and sweets.