Economic Clashes Take Center StageRising economic tensions between major powers, including sanctions and tariffs, are now considered the top threat to global stability, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2026. Released just days before the WEF’s annual meeting in Davos, the report draws on the views of more than 1,300 experts and leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society. The findings place geoeconomic confrontation above other major concerns, including misinformation, societal polarisation, extreme weather, and armed conflict. Half of those surveyed expect the world to face turbulent conditions over the next two years, up sharply…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
AI Momentum Fuels Record GrowthAlphabet, the company behind Google, has joined an exclusive club of tech giants by surpassing a $4 trillion market valuation, following Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Investor enthusiasm around artificial intelligence has propelled tech stocks to new highs over the past year, with Alphabet seeing its shares rise roughly 75% in 12 months and nearly 7% since January. Apple’s recent announcement that it will incorporate Google’s Gemini AI into Siri added extra momentum, signaling strong confidence in Alphabet’s AI leadership. Battling for the AI EdgeThe AI arms race is heating up, and Google is fighting to maintain…
Germany is taking a leading role in advancing the EU’s trade agenda, supporting both the newly approved Mercosur deal with South America and a potential free trade agreement with India. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week that European leaders could sign the pact with New Delhi by the end of January, signaling a push to diversify trade ties beyond the US and China. Merz Champions Free Trade with India Speaking during a visit to India, Merz criticized rising protectionist policies worldwide, calling them a threat to “the principles of free trade and open markets.” He suggested that European Commission President…
Iran is facing an intensifying crisis as nationwide protests continue into their third week, the death toll rises, and the country remains largely cut off from the internet. Meanwhile, reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed the possibility of US intervention, prompting stern warnings from Tehran. Tehran Threatens Retaliation Against US and Israel Iranian leaders have made it clear that any US strike would trigger direct retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that US military sites, shipping centres, and Israel would be considered “legitimate targets” if America attacks. Iran does not recognise…
Governments are facing growing pressure to address the outsized role of the ultra-wealthy in driving climate change. Activists are calling for bans on high-carbon luxury goods and new taxes on fossil fuel profits as key tools to meet global climate targets and reduce inequality. New research from Oxfam reveals that the richest one per cent had already used up their entire annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026, surpassing the emissions limit needed to keep warming below 1.5℃ — a milestone dubbed “Pollutocrat Day.” Even more striking, the wealthiest 0.01 per cent exceeded their carbon allowance in just the…
The United States has seized another tanker as part of its ongoing effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth ship apprehended in recent weeks amid a significant naval buildup in the Caribbean. Ghost Fleet Operation US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the vessel, Olina, as part of a “ghost” fleet — ships suspected of disguising their identity to transport embargoed oil. According to officials, the tanker left Venezuela attempting to evade American forces before being seized. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels hiding under false claims of nationality would face consequences.…
Since late December, Iran has seen waves of protests, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO reporting at least 45 demonstrators killed by security forces. Initially sparked by economic hardship, the unrest has grown into a nationwide challenge to the country’s leadership. Streets Filled with Chants and Defiance On Thursday night, residents across Tehran took to their homes and streets after exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi called for mass demonstrations. Witnesses reported chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while others expressed support for the former monarchy, shouting, “This is the last battle! Pahlavi will…
Greenland, a vast Arctic island off the northeastern coast of Canada, has become the center of renewed international attention as the Trump White House signals that military options remain on the table to bring the territory under U.S. oversight. With more than two-thirds of its land inside the Arctic Circle, Greenland has long been crucial to North American defense and global strategic planning. U.S. Signals Interest in Greenland White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States. “It’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region,” she said.…
North Korea has conducted new hypersonic missile tests under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang ramps up weapons demonstrations ahead of its first major political gathering in five years, the Workers’ Party congress. The announcement followed reports from neighboring countries that multiple ballistic missiles had been launched, which they described as provocative. The tests occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for China to meet President Xi Jinping. Kim Stresses Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill…
A giant bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, selling for a jaw-dropping 510 million yen (€2.78 million) at the first auction of 2026. Kiyomura Claims Another Victory The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a familiar face at these New Year auctions, broke his own 2019 record of 334 million yen (€1.82 million). Speaking to reporters afterward, he admitted he had hoped to pay a little less, but “the price shot up before you knew it.” The Allure of Oma Tuna The 243-kilogram…
