India
The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers at sea has increased by 60 million barrels since late August due to reduced purchases by India. Russia is seeking alternative markets and using storage in Southeast Asia.
The hands of the Doomsday Clock were moved forward by four seconds, marking the closest to midnight in history. The reasons for this were the aggressive behavior of nuclear powers, the violation of nuclear arms control, and conflicts.
The European Union and India have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, which includes reducing tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement strengthens economic and political ties between the world's second and fourth largest economies and has mixed implications for Ukraine.
The European Union and India have reached a free trade agreement that provides for a significant reduction in tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement is called the "mother of all deals."
Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne stated that Ukraine will be discussed during the visit of EU leaders to India. The visit aims to conclude a free trade agreement.
A number of Asian countries, including Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan, are implementing medical screening for air passengers due to the Nipah virus outbreak in India. The virus is transmitted from bats and pigs, as well as between humans, causing severe complications.
India and the European Union will announce a free trade agreement that includes India reducing tariffs on car imports from the EU by up to 40% from 110%. This will pave the way for an expanded market for European cars and Indian electronics, textiles, and chemicals.
In 2026, Ukraine ranked 20th in the global military power rating among 145 countries, according to Global Firepower. The rating takes into account over 60 indicators, including army size and economic potential.
A group of plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit in a US court against Meta Platforms, accusing the company of making false statements regarding the privacy and security of messages on WhatsApp. The plaintiffs claim that Meta has access to users' "private" messages.
Defense Express analysts have discovered fragments of 48N6E2 export-oriented missiles that Russia is using to shell Ukraine. This indicates the depletion of its own stockpiles and threatens the contract with India for the supply of S-400s.
Indian Oil Corp purchased 7 million barrels of oil for March loading, including Brazilian oil from Petrobras. This is a step towards phasing out Russian oil and increasing imports from the Middle East.
In eastern India, a killer elephant killed 22 people in ten days, including an entire family and an expert. Authorities have lost control, residents are ordered to stay indoors.
Indian refiners are changing their oil import strategy, reducing purchases from Russia and increasing supplies from the Middle East. This could help New Delhi conclude a trade deal with the United States and lower tariffs.
Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, announced she is expecting their fourth child. They already have three children: Ewan (2017), Vivek (2020), and Mirabel (2021).
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Trump can impose 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil without Senate approval. He also highlighted Europe and China's purchases of Russian oil.
Ursula von der Leyen stated the need for a new form of European independence due to geopolitical upheavals. She emphasized the importance of trade agreements and cooperation with the United States.
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.
Indian company Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd is considering purchasing Venezuelan oil, having ceased importing Russian crude due to sanctions. MRPL adheres to sanctions and does not import Russian oil.
Pakistani forces repelled a militant attack in Balochistan, eliminating 12 attackers who attempted to take hostages at a police station. The terrorists stole millions of rupees from banks but were killed in a shootout.
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.
The Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, en route to Astrakhan from an Iranian port, crashed in the Caspian Sea. The crew of 14 people was rescued by the coastal services of Turkmenistan.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the EU and India could sign a free trade agreement by the end of January after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The presidents of the European Commission and the European Council will visit India to sign the agreement if it is finally agreed upon.
Asian stock markets opened the week with gains due to positive US employment data. Oil prices are rising amid escalating protests in Iran.
Russia's crude oil production experienced its largest drop in 18 months in December. This was attributed to Western sanctions and active Ukrainian drone strikes on energy infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump supported a bipartisan bill on sanctions against Russia. The document will allow punishing countries that buy Russian oil, which finances the war.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland will hold a meeting in Paris. The main topic of discussion will be support for Ukraine.
India's largest holding company, Reliance Industries, said it does not expect deliveries of Russian crude oil in January and has not received such shipments in the past three weeks. This could reduce India's imports of Russian oil to their lowest level in years.
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to accelerate arms production for allies to shorten the multi-year delivery times for aircraft and helicopters. He plans to strictly control defense companies to avoid delays in the supply of military equipment.
The European Commission and the British regulator Ofcom are demanding explanations from X over the dissemination of intimate images created by Grok AI. European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier stated that such content grossly violates European law.
Following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, international creditors have intensified their struggle to recover Venezuela's $150-170 billion foreign debt. The main players are China, Russia, bondholders, and energy giants, while restructuring is complicated by US sanctions and a lack of cooperation with the IMF.