New H3N2 flu strain spreads in Argentina, Putin remains firm on Ukraine posing a challenge for Trump

Vladimir Putin remains firm on Ukraine, posing a challenge for Donald Trump as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to discuss a potential peace plan at Mar-a-Lago, with Russian reluctance a key test for Trump's diplomacy. (Sky News )

Chile strengthens its global lithium market position with a state-private partnership between Codelco and SQM, set to boost production and solidify its role in the electric vehicle component industry. (La Jornada )

News - South China Morning Post: Chile's Codelco and SQM merge to form a lithium giant, bolstering electric vehicle component production and solidifying Chile's position in the global market.

Argentina accelerates vaccination efforts amid early flu season onset, driven by confirmed cases of the new H3N2 strain, to mitigate potential health risks and protect vulnerable populations. (Clarin.com - Home - Lo último - Clarin.com - Home)

Yemen's southern region faces escalating complexity due to UAE-Saudi rivalry, with the STC limiting Houthi expansion, as Saudi Arabia warns against STC military action and urges UAE to withdraw mercenaries to stabilize the region. (RUSI - Burcu Ozcelik, Baraa Shiban and Alaa Zoubi,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object])

kayhan.ir: Riyadh urges UAE to withdraw mercenaries from Yemeni territories, amid escalating tensions in the region, in a bid to stabilize the conflict-ridden area and assert Saudi influence.

Báo Thanh Niên: Saudi-led coalition warns of retaliation if Yemen's STC forces undermine de-escalation efforts with military action, amid ongoing tensions in the region.

China expands nuclear production sites, boosting retaliation capabilities and sparking global security concerns amid heightened nuclear ambitions. (The Washington Post - Cate Cadell, Christian Shepherd, Álvaro Valiño)

Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire, ending border clashes over disputed territory and territorial claims, restoring regional stability. (The Washington Times stories: News - Wasamon Audjarint and Sopheng Cheang)

Pakistan sells 16 JF-17 jets to Libya's National Army, boosting China's influence in North Africa through the Chinese-Pakistani joint fighter project. (News - South China Morning Post - Liu Zhen)

AllianceBernstein forecasts a resilient 2026 global economy, citing adaptability to ongoing geopolitical and economic frictions, with growth expected to persist despite challenges. (AllianceBernstein )

Costa Rica, Chile, and Peru establish economic partnerships with the UAE, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment opportunities, strengthening ties between Latin America and the Middle East. (Travel And Tour World )

China's cyber regulator issues draft rules for AI services mimicking human personalities, promoting transparency and accountability in the emerging tech sector. (NDTV )

Italy lifts WhatsApp AI ban, sparking international debate on tech regulation and its implications for global social media platforms and artificial intelligence development. (OpenTools )

Smartphone component prices skyrocket due to high demand from AI data centers, impacting industry production and costs, with unprecedented price surge reported across key components. (Báo Thanh Niên )

Billionaires Larry Page and Peter Thiel may exit California due to proposed 5% wealth tax, sparking concerns about potential brain drain and economic impact on the state. (Times of India - TOI TECH DESK)

Mamadi Doumbouya is poised to win Guinea's presidential election unopposed, seeking legitimacy for the ruling junta and addressing economic challenges amid complex global mineral interests. (Mediapart - Théodore Laurent)

NYT > World News: Guinea holds elections as the ruling junta seeks legitimacy, aiming to address poverty and navigate global mineral interests amidst economic challenges.

Myanmar's military regime holds elections despite boycott calls, aiming to gain legitimacy and secure international funding and recognition for its government. (Mediapart - Laure Siegel)

Ivory Coast held parliamentary elections on December 27, with citizens casting ballots to determine the country's legislative representation. (AFP - ISSOUF SANOGO - Oumarou Sani)

A powerful winter storm hits the northeastern US, disrupting travel in NYC, prompting a state of emergency declaration and widespread disruptions. (The Latest News from the UK and Around the World | Sky News )

Taiwan experiences a magnitude 7 earthquake, prompting authorities to issue an aftershock warning, with residents advised to exercise caution and prepare for potential further seismic activity. (The Independent - Nicole Wootton-Cane)

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Peru's Chimbote coast, with strong tremors reported in Chimbote and Lima, prompting concern among local residents and authorities. (LA NACION )

Ex-tropical cyclone Alfred is ranked among 2025's costliest climate disasters, causing significant damage and economic losses, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather events globally. (The Age - Latest News - Poppy Johnston)