January 21, 11:40 PM • 10619 viewsJanuary 21, 11:40 PM • 11004 views
January 21, 06:19 PM • 12364 viewsJanuary 21, 03:49 PM • 13015 viewsThe US House of Representatives banned the use of WhatsApp on government devices starting June 30 due to privacy risks and a lack of transparency regarding data protection. Meta, the company that owns the messenger, disagrees with this decision, emphasizing end-to-end encryption of messages and a higher level of security compared to other permitted applications.
Germany and Italy are demanding the return of their $245 billion gold reserves from US vaults, fearing President Trump's interference with the Fed's independence and geopolitical risks. Both countries are among the world's largest gold holders.
Chinese company Pop Mart, which created the Labubu toy, has become a global leader in the toy market, surpassing the value of Hasbro and Mattel. Its success is based on the "blind box" model, which stimulates collecting and repeat purchases, but raises concerns among authorities due to risks for minors.
The Trump administration demands Asian allies, including South Korea, spend up to 5% of GDP on defense. This could lead to significant increases in defense budgets and disputes over their military presence.
Over 13 million people in Africa could contract malaria due to reduced funding for the U. S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). International aid budgets are under increasing pressure.
The European Court of Justice has upheld a fine of 4. 12 billion euros for Google due to competition violations with Android. The decision confirmed regulators' findings about the use of the operating system to restrict competitors. The Advocate General of the EU Court of Justice stated that he supports the decision to uphold the fine. Google has already received approximately 8 billion euros in fines from other legal cases with the EU.
The X platform is preparing to launch financial services, allowing users to make transfers, purchases, and trades directly within the app.
The head of the Central Bank of China announced the emergence of a new currency order, where the yuan will compete with the dollar. China strives for a multipolar system against the background of trade disputes with the United States.
The White House has allowed TikTok to operate in the US for another 90 days to allow time for the sale of the company's stake. Trump wants Americans to be able to use TikTok safely.
Daniel Ek has invested significant funds in the German defense startup Helsing, which, among other things, supplies strike drones for the needs of Ukraine. Helsing has contracts with the governments of several countries.
Oil production is expected to rise to 104. 9 million barrels per day, exceeding demand of 103.8 million. Weak consumption in China and the US will curb global demand.
Meta plans to monetize WhatsApp by placing ads in the "Status" section of the "Updates" tab. Main chats will remain ad-free, and privacy will be preserved.
The EU is preparing for a complete rejection of fossil fuel imports from Russia, but plans regarding uranium are being postponed for now. Sanctions are in effect, however, the EU is still dependent on Russian nuclear technologies.
The Pentagon has launched a review of U. S. participation in AUKUS, a partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom. The agreement involves the development of hypersonic weapons and nuclear submarines.
Harvard University is in talks with other universities about temporarily hosting international students barred from entering the U. S. due to Trump's restrictions. Studying abroad options are being considered.
Qualcomm is acquiring Alphawave for $2. 4 billion, a 96% premium over the closing stock price. The company plans to strengthen its position in the field of artificial intelligence and expand its intellectual property portfolio.
The Central Bank of Russia has reduced the key rate to 20% amid a slowdown in the economy due to military spending. The Russian GDP fell to 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025.
Brussels lawmakers are looking for ways to increase financial pressure on Russia. Most members of the European Parliament are in favor of including Russia in the list of countries with weak control over money laundering.
EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has said that climate change could quadruple the likelihood of conflict over scarce resources. The military is consulting on the impact of climate on security.
The NBU stated that there is no negative impact due to Ukraine's missed payment on GDP warrants. The process of negotiations on debt restructuring is ongoing.
The Prime Minister of Moldova stated that Russia seeks to deploy 10,000 troops in unrecognized Transnistria and establish a pro-Russian government. Moscow is trying to interfere in elections and promote interests in Moldova.
EU officials are discussing possible actions by Trump, including a complete curtailment of support for Ukraine and the start of a large-scale trade war. Official Brussels fears that Trump will combine these issues into a tool of pressure.
The global economy is experiencing its weakest growth since the COVID-19 pandemic due to Trump's trade policies. The OECD has lowered growth forecasts for many G20 countries.
Ukraine has handed over its memorandum to the Russian Federation, which provides for a ceasefire, security guarantees and the involvement of the international community. The Russian memorandum will be considered.
The Ukrainian delegation provided the Russian side with a memorandum containing the terms of a ceasefire. Russia refused to provide its own document, stating that it would publicize the demands during the meeting.
The EU is preparing a new mobile application for age verification that will allow confirming age without disclosing personal data. This step aims to enhance the protection of children online and will be the first stage towards the launch of the EU digital wallet in 2026.
US President Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that he chickened out by imposing high tariffs and then dropping them. He said it was part of a negotiating tactic.
Global temperature may temporarily exceed 2°C in the next five years. The reason is the record concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The President of Ukraine instructed to increase the production of interceptor drones, attracting more funding from partners. There will also be separate funding for the Ukrainian ballistic program.
The Chinese army has increased its readiness for a surprise attack on Taiwan. PLA military aircraft enter Taiwan's air defense zone more than 245 times a month.
