UK and France agree to deploy troops in Ukraine, clone-hybrid rice to double global production

China's residential land sales revenue plummeted 65% in 2025 from its 2020 peak, reflecting a significant property market downturn. (China Economic Review - will)

Experts warn 2026 may be the most dangerous year since WWII due to rising armed conflicts, global instability, and potential revolutions, with over 130 conflicts recorded globally in 2025. (Le Journal de Montréal - Gabriel Ouimet)

The UK and France agree to deploy troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace deal with Russia, in a trilateral agreement with Ukraine, with US security guarantees also reaffirmed to support Ukraine's stability. (The Washington Times stories: News - Mike Glenn)

UK news | The Guardian: UK and France pledge to deploy troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire, in a major commitment to support the country, with the US also reaffirming its security guarantees.

Chinese scientists create clone-hybrid rice, aiming to boost global production and revolutionize agriculture with enhanced yields and efficiency. (News - South China Morning Post - Shi Huang)

Russia's war in Ukraine serves as a warning to Australia, highlighting the need for preparedness in the Asia-Pacific region amidst rising tensions and potential conflict. (The Guardian - Tom McIlroy)

US considers military option to acquire Greenland, citing national security interests, sparking diplomatic tensions with Denmark and drawing comparisons to expansionist strategies. (World )

Πρώτο Θέμα: RSS: US considers acquiring Greenland, with reports of potential military force, in a move likened to Putin's expansionist strategy.

US considers seizing oil tanker bound for Europe, suspected of carrying sanctioned oil, prompting Russia to deploy a submarine escort, escalating tensions and threatening global energy trade disruptions. (vocal.media - ALAarif Lashari)

پایگاه خبری تحلیلی انتخاب | Entekhab.ir: Russia deploys submarine to escort tanker, thwarting US attempt to seize vessel, amid escalating tensions between the two nations over maritime assets and international sanctions.

The Independent: Nato forces track Venezuelan oil tanker as Putin sends navy escort amid Trump's seizure plans

Thailand-Cambodia border conflict disrupts global manufacturing supply chains, affecting HDD production and automotive, textile, and agriculture industries, with economic losses exceeding $300 million. (ARC Advisory - Rita Liu)

Israel reportedly prepares for imminent war, deploying hundreds of missiles and troops near Lebanese border, as Hezbollah allegedly readies strategic weapons. (ایسنا )

China unveils Hurricane 3000, a microwave weapon system capable of destroying drones within a 3km range, surpassing the US' similar technology with a wider coverage area and integrated approach. (Báo Thanh Niên - Trí Đỗ)

Nestlé recalls infant formula in UK, Ireland, and Hong Kong due to potential food toxin concerns, prioritizing consumer safety and quality standards. (uk - Natasha Hinde)

News - South China Morning Post: Nestle recalls baby formula in Hong Kong due to potential toxin contamination, citing precautionary measures to ensure consumer safety and quality standards.

Chevron and Quantum Capital bid on Lukoil's $22 billion assets, despite US sanctions, in a significant energy sector move, signaling potential investment opportunities amidst geopolitical tensions. (World )

US sanctions on Venezuela may accelerate de-dollarization, potentially benefiting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and XRP as alternative stores of value and mediums of exchange. (CCN.com )

The US and Venezuela have agreed on a $2.8 billion oil deal, with Venezuela delivering 30-50 million barrels, potentially lowering oil prices below $60, in a significant shift in their economic relations. (پایگاه خبری تحلیلی انتخاب | Entekhab.ir )

Reforma: Venezuela to provide the US with 30-50 million barrels of oil, with the US controlling sales and profit distribution in a unique agreement.

https://saudigazette.com.sa/: Venezuela will turn over 50 million barrels of oil to the US, worth $2.8 billion, to be sold in the open market

The Independent: Oil prices drop below $60 as Trump vows to seize Venezuelan crude worth £1.5 billion

Argentina's President Javier Milei proposes "fiscal innocence" law, increasing tax evasion prosecution thresholds to reduce penalties for minor offenses. (Buenos Aires Times )

The UAE has recognized Somaliland passports, while restricting visa issuance to Somali citizens, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations and Somaliland. (Firstpost )

Iranians gather nationwide to condemn unrest, demand economic relief, and support national unity, chanting "We'll stand by Iran until the end" and "Fight against corruption is the government's duty". (kayhan.ir )

Africa must prepare for climate-driven migration, as fragile states risk violent conflict, while stronger governance can absorb migrants peacefully, highlighting the need for institutional resilience and regional coordination. (The London School of Economics and Political Science - Mark Briggs)

Climate change is increasing severe clear-air turbulence, making flights bumpier; researchers study bird physics to improve plane design and predict turbulence, urging passengers to keep seatbelts fastened. (CBC | Top Stories News - Julia Pagel)

Microplastics are reducing oceans' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, weakening a key defense against climate change, a new study warns, emphasizing the need to address plastic pollution to combat global warming. (The Independent - Stuti Mishra)

Scientists warn of a potential eruption of the Axial Seamount submarine volcano off Oregon's coast this year, but experts say the risk to human life is extremely low due to its remote location. (LA NACION )

Sydney braces for extreme fire conditions as a heatwave intensifies, with temperatures expected to reach the 40s, sparking health warnings and fire bans across NSW. (The Age - National - Daniel Lo Surdo, Jack Gramenz, Angus Thomson)

Indonesia increases surveillance against the "super flu" H3N2 virus, with 62 cases reported across eight provinces, amid a global rise in flu cases, to prevent its spread and protect vulnerable groups. (ANTARA News - Yashinta Difa Pramudyani)

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on January 7, 2026, with no tsunami warning or immediate reports of damage, according to the USGS. (The Hindu - AFP)

California proposes a 4-year ban on AI chatbots in children's toys to protect minors from potential harm, allowing time for regulators to develop safety standards. (CryptoRank )

Australia's online watchdog investigates Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok over sexualized deepfake images, amid global backlash and calls for stricter regulations to combat abusive content. (9News - Yashee Sharma)