Latest World News
Russia uses advanced hypersonic ‘Oreshnik’ missile again in Ukraine war
Russia has reportedly deployed its **nuclear‑capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile** against Ukraine for the second time, sharply escalating its strike capabilities. The missile can travel at around **10 times the speed of sound**, complicating interception efforts and raising Western concerns about strategic stability and Ukrainian air‑defence gaps.
US ‘Doomsday Plane’ activity highlights nuclear command readiness amid tensions
The **US Air Force E‑4B “Doomsday Plane”** has been seen operating near Washington, a jet designed to serve as an airborne command center in a nuclear or major crisis. Coverage links its visible activity to heightened **global security tensions**, including Russia’s missile use in Ukraine and broader US–Russia confrontation.
Iran rocked by fresh anti‑government protests despite crackdown and internet controls
New **anti‑regime protests** have erupted in Iran, with demonstrators reportedly chanting “Death to dictator, death to Islamic Republic,” challenging the ruling establishment. Viral images and videos, including that of an **elderly woman saying she has been “dead for 47 years,”** have become symbols of defiance despite internet restrictions and security force pressure.
Khamenei warns Trump and claims US president will be ‘overthrown’
Amid Iran’s domestic unrest and tensions with Washington, Iran’s Supreme Leader **Ayatollah Ali Khamenei** has publicly attacked Donald Trump, saying the US president will be “overthrown.” The rhetoric underscores **deep hostility** between Tehran and Washington and complicates any prospects for diplomatic de‑escalation.
China restricts rare earth and magnet exports to Japanese companies
China has moved to **curb exports of rare earths and high‑performance magnets** to Japanese firms following its ban on supplying dual‑use items to Japan’s military. The step, reported by the Wall Street Journal, heightens concerns over **supply‑chain weaponization** and Japan’s access to critical materials for electronics, defence, and green technologies.
US bill enabling 500% tariffs on Russian oil alarms major importers
A new US measure allows **tariffs of up to 500% on imports of Russian petroleum**, aiming to squeeze Moscow’s fossil‑fuel revenues. Analysts warn this could significantly affect **India, China, and the European Union**, all of which still import Russian energy, with potential knock‑on effects on global oil flows and prices.
Global food prices fall again but remain higher than 2024 average, says FAO
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports **world food prices fell for a fourth straight month in December**, driven mainly by declines in dairy, meat, and vegetable oils. Despite the drop to the lowest average since January 2025, prices over **2025 as a whole remained above 2024 levels**, keeping pressure on food‑importing countries and vulnerable households.
India–EU trade talks focus on FTA while protecting farmers and small businesses
India and the **European Union** held talks in Brussels on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, reaffirming commitment to a **rules‑based trading framework**. Negotiators stressed that any deal must **safeguard farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)**, reflecting political sensitivities over market access and regulatory standards.
Russia–Ukraine war fuels broader security alerts and nuclear signalling
Beyond battlefield developments, Russia’s use of advanced weapons in Ukraine has contributed to **heightened nuclear and strategic signalling**, including US command‑and‑control demonstrations such as the E‑4B flights. Media coverage frames these moves as part of a **wider contest between NATO and Russia**, with risks of miscalculation if communication channels are not maintained.
Storms and extreme weather batter parts of northern Europe
Severe **gale‑force winds** and storms have recently hit parts of northern Europe, disrupting flights, rail services, and power supplies across several countries. Dozens of flights, including around **50 cancellations at London Heathrow**, highlight ongoing vulnerabilities of European infrastructure to extreme weather events linked to climate variability.