The U.S. slashed tariffs on 13 Italian pasta brands from 92% to 2%-14% amid findings of no attempt to undercut local producers. Ongoing trade talks also see furniture tariff delays, with final decisions pending by March 12.

Legendary horse trainer Ian Balding, renowned for his career at Kingsclere and training the celebrated Mill Reef, has passed away. Tributes from racing figures highlight his lasting impact on the sport.

Kim Ju Ae's public appearance at Kumsusan Palace fuels speculation she's North Korea's next leader. State media's focus on her signals a potential dynastic succession amid regional tensions.

Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables are contesting a U.S. Interior Department order halting offshore wind leases, affecting the nearly complete Revolution Wind project. The suspension reflects increasing political and regulatory risks, potentially impacting jobs and energy development.

A deadly fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, claimed around 40 lives and injured 115 during New Year’s Eve festivities. Authorities are investigating the cause, amid international support and aid efforts.

Asian markets surged into 2026, driven by AI optimism and tech rallies, with South Korea's Kospi hitting a record and Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbing 2.6%. U.S. policy uncertainty looms as investors await crucial economic data and potential Fed shifts, with the dollar's softness supporting regional assets.

Lidl GB achieved a record-breaking Christmas, with UK turnover exceeding £1.1 billion and customer numbers rising by 8% to nearly 4 million more shoppers. CEO Ryan McDonnell attributes this growth to low prices and strong support for British products, reinforcing Lidl's status as the UK's fastest-growing supermarket.

Finnish authorities arrested 14 crew members of the cargo ship Fitburg over damage to a Gulf of Finland telecommunications cable, amid concerns of hybrid threats in Europe. The investigation, involving sanctions compliance and potential sabotage, highlights NATO's increased Baltic Sea presence and EU efforts to protect critical infrastructure.

President Trump plans a major renovation of Andrews Army Air Field's golf courses, enlisting Jack Nicklaus as the architect. The project, highlighting Trump's golf vision, may include a new event center, impacting access for military families.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor marks a significant milestone with the completion of TM5, its first mountain tunnel in Palghar. Spanning 508 km, the project aims to reduce travel time to two hours by 2027, enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.

A man tragically drowned near Brighton after a New Year’s Day swim, with authorities confirming the incident wasn't suspicious. The RNLI issued a safety warning, urging swimmers to heed cold water risks.

The expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies has triggered a significant rise in health insurance premiums for millions, with some seeing increases up to 114%. As political negotiations continue, the uncertainty leaves many enrollees facing tough financial choices and the potential loss of coverage.

Indian workers in Germany earn the highest wages, driven by their dominance in STEM and technical roles, according to a 2024 study. This trend is bolstered by Germany's skilled-immigration policies and a strong presence in academia.

2026 is set to be a landmark year for space exploration with ambitious missions from NASA, ISRO, SpaceX, and others. Key projects include Artemis II's crewed lunar mission, SpaceX's Mars-bound Starships, and ISRO's uncrewed Gaganyaan program.

New York City's new mayor launched three executive orders aimed at boosting affordable housing and tenant protection on his first day in office. Key initiatives include reviving the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and establishing task forces to expedite housing developments and reform public sector reliance.

The U.S. has ramped up military pressure on Venezuela with a warship flotilla and oil sanctions, accusing President Maduro of narcotics trafficking, which he denies. Maduro suggests openness to talks on drug, oil, and economic issues amid heightened tensions and alleged U.S. drone strikes.

The FTSE 100 index hit an unprecedented high of 10,022, marking a 21.5% gain for 2025, driven by defense stocks and precious metal miners. This milestone underscores renewed investor confidence in UK equities amid global market volatility.

Collinson International is expanding its airport lounge network across the Asia-Pacific region, capitalizing on rising demand for premium travel experiences. The expansion includes new services like family-friendly lounges and sustainable design, enhancing the travel experience for Priority Pass members.

Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Trump have agreed on a spring visit to the U.S. to discuss China-related tensions. This follows recent Chinese military drills near Taiwan, prompting diplomatic coordination.