China EVs in 2026 look less like a boom and more like a survival test as global expansion ramps up
Analysts predict China's electric car market will see growth slow significantly in the year ahead.
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Latest news bulletin | December 30th, 2025 – Morning
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this December 30th, 2025 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
The business of predicting the future is booming but EU regulators remain uneasy
Prediction markets are ushering in a new era where collective judgement and "crowd wisdom" are no longer theoretical concepts but tradable commodities. Yet despite their growing success, they remain banned in many EU countries.
Stronger toy safety rules enter into force
The new Toy Safety Regulation will enter into force on 1 January 2026, following its adoption by the European Parliament and the Council. It strengthens children's protection from harmful chemicals in toys and improves enforcement of EU toy safety rules. Under the regulation,
Myanmar junta accuses rebels of 'malicious' election attacks
The junta-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper listed rebel attacks ranging from "firing homemade heavy weapons and rockets from a distance" to "dropping bombs using drones".
Africa: Looted African Belongings Must Be Returned
[UCT] Museums and universities around the world hold vast collections of cultural artefacts, artworks, objectified belongings and even ancestral remains. Many were not freely given but taken during colonial times, through force, manipulation, theft or violence. For decades,
In India’s race for development, elephants are losing out as their habitat fragments
Wildlife experts are calling for known elephant tracks to be declared and protected by the government.
Japan footballer 'King Kazu' signs for new team at 58
Kazuyoshi Miura will join Japan's Fukushima United on loan until June for what will be his 41st season as a professional footballer.
8 Philippine police officers face dismissal over alleged home robbery
The victims also filed an administrative complaint against the officers with the Internal Affairs Service.
Myanmar junta accuses rebels of ‘malicious’ election attacks
The junta also accused the unnamed groups of issuing threat letters.
From MSG to microchips: The lesser known side hustles of Japanese legacy brands
Many of these firms are leveraging their core expertise to evolve and find new uses for their proprietary technology.
Trump says US struck Venezuelan shore facility used for drug-smuggling boat 'load up'
The US president declined to specify the location or which agency conducted the operation. The strike marks an escalation beyond previous attacks on boats in open waters.
Malaysia's jailed ex-PM Najib files appeal against 1MDB conviction
He has also filed an appeal against a separate court ruling this month denying his bid to serve the remainder of his current prison term under house arrest.
China’s new nuke posture puts US on notice and world on the brink
China’s rapid silo buildup, early-warning push and flirtation with launch-on-warning (LOW) mark a decisive shift from a minimalist deterrent to a hair-trigger nuclear posture that could redefine crisis stability from Taiwan to the continental US. This month, the US Department
How ancient Sparta explains 2026
Netanyahu, the Trump administration and others on the global right are drawing renewed inspiration from a Greek city-state mythologized for its militarism.
‘I can’t move’: Man climbing Mount Fuji falls, dies after calling police
The police’s mountain rescue team found him in cardiac arrest.
Africa: GERD Success Sends Powerful Message of Ethiopia's Resilience, Africa's Ability - Scholar
[ENA] Addis Ababa -- The completion and operational launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stands as a powerful political, diplomatic, and economic signal from Ethiopia to Africa and the global community," Professor Ashok Swain of Uppsala University stated.
Africa: Choosing a Career? in a Fast-Changing Job Market, Listen to Your Inner Self - Counsellor
[The Conversation Africa] The world of work today, in the 21st century, is far more unpredictable than it was in the 20th century. Jobs come and go, roles change constantly, and automation and digital disruption are the only constants. Many young people will one day do jobs
Africa: UN, U.S. Sign $2 Billion Humanitarian Funding Agreement for 17 Crisis-Hit Countries
[UN News] The United Nations and the United States on Monday formalized an agreement under which the US committed $2 billion in humanitarian assistance for global relief programmes, a move the UN's top relief official hailed as a landmark commitment to saving lives amid
More Acts Cancel Kennedy Center Performances After Trump Name Change
Two more acts have canceled their upcoming performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the wake of Donald Trump adding his name to the historic forum, according to the New York Times. A veteran jazz septet known as The Cookers canceled two New Year’s
China seeks better US ties while vowing not to cede on Taiwan
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signalled that Beijing intends to assume a more assertive role on the global stage.
Zelensky agrees relationship with Trump has ‘evolved’ over time
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that his relationship with President Trump has “evolved” over time. During an interview that aired Monday on Fox News’s “Special Report,” the network’s Bret Baier asked Zelensky about his recent meeting with the president. “So, just
Swedish workers trial 'friendship hour' to combat loneliness
The pilot project is even giving staff free money to help pay to do activities with their friends.
Trump, top aides asked Netanyahu to change policy in occupied West Bank, Axios says
Dec 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trumpand his top advisers asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto change Israel's policies in the occupied West Bank during their meeting, Axios said on Monday. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. International pressure
Dual-cation strategy boosts upconversion efficiency in stable oxide perovskites
Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new way to significantly enhance upconversion luminescence in oxide perovskites, a class of materials known for their thermal and chemical stability but limited optical
Michael Lippman, Longtime Manager for George Michael and Matchbox Twenty, Dead at 79
Towering music industry figure guided careers of David Bowie and Bernie Taupin, among many others
Meta to acquire Singapore-based startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
The artificial intelligence startup is among a flurry of Chinese firms that have set up base in Singapore in recent years.
Number of Japanese restaurants overseas down for first time amid China slowdown
The Chinese economy has recently been hit by weak domestic demand amid a property industry crisis.
North Korea leader Kim calls for strong artillery production ahead of party congress
SEOUL, Dec 30 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a factory that produces multiple rocket launchers and ordered increased output of the weapons system that would be the mainstay of the country's modernised long-range artillery, state media reported on Tuesday.
Saudi-led coalition says targets arms shipments from UAE in Yemen
A Saudi-led coalition said it targeted Tuesday a large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles destined for separatist forces that were being offloaded from ships at a port in Yemen, coming from the UAE. Yemen has been fighting a crippling war, as armed factions loosely grouped
Saudi-led coalition says targeted arms shipments from UAE in Yemen
A Saudi-led coalition targeted a large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles that were being offloaded in Yemen from ships coming from the UAE, the Saudi news agency reported Tuesday. The coalition had warned it would back Yemen's government in any military confrontation with
Spanish woman who found fame for botching fresco restoration dies
Cecilia Giménez's effort to restore the painting Ecce Homo earned the artwork the nickname "Monkey Christ".
How growing up in war really affects an 11-year-old
Fergal Keane has met thousands of traumatised children while reporting on conflicts. Here, he researches the long-term effect on them - and what, if anything, can help.
Chinese homeschool students embrace freer youth in cut-throat market
Homeschooling is banned in China, although the authorities generally overlook rare individual cases.
Are Colorado's new natural gas pipeline rules tough enough?
A state audit in 2023 painted a grim picture of Colorado's oversight of natural gas pipelines, but critics say despite the findings and legislation mandating improvements, new rules backed by regulators are inadequate.
‘Durian tsunami’: Musang King prices in Malaysia fall after bumper crop
One stall has even introduced a “fill-the-bag” Musang King package.
Khaleda Zia: Slain leader's widow who became Bangladesh's first PM
The country's first female prime minister governed in periods of violent unrest and economic hardship.
Bangladesh's first female prime minister Khaleda Zia dies aged 80
Zia became the country's first female leader in 1991 after its first democratic election in 20 years.
Colorado River: Upper Basin states must be willing to compromise
The states along the Colorado River are proving the truth of the famous adage often attributed to Mark Twain: "Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over."
Zelensky says Putin ‘doesn’t want success for Ukraine,’ contradicting Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian President Vladimir Putin “doesn’t want success for Ukraine,” contradicting an earlier statement from President Trump. “I don't trust Putin. And he doesn't want success for Ukraine, really, he doesn't want — he can say it.
Bears delaying hibernation due to food access in Japan’s residential areas: Expert
Bears start hibernation after realising there is no food in the mountains, an expert noted.
China to crack down on AI firms to protect kids
The draft regulations are aimed to address concerns around chatbots, which have surged in popularity in recent months.
‘The Princess Bride’ Star Cary Elwes Shares Tribute to Rob Reiner: ‘From That Very First Meeting I Fell In Love With Him’
Cary Elwes, who starred in Rob Reiner’s 1987 fantasy classic “The Princess Bride,” released a statement on Instagram Monday night in remembrance of the director and his wife, Michelle Singer, who were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. “Enough time has passed that I
Accidental death reports in Japan to be reviewed with AI
Data will be used to draft prevention measures.
Alleged Bondi gunmen acted alone and did not train in the Philippines, police say
The father-and-son duo spent a month in the Philippines before the attack that killed 15 people in Bondi.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, dies at 80
DHAKA, Dec 30 - Khaleda Zia, who became Bangladesh's first female prime minister in 1991 and went on to develop a bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina as they spent decades trading power, died on Tuesday after a long illness. She was 80.
Soaring prices spark Australia gold rush for new generation of fortune hunters
A dream of riches drives people to get out, but they stay because of psychological benefits that come from the hunt.