Sanctions and Tariffs Top the Risk ListRising economic conflict between major powers is now seen as the greatest threat to global stability, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026. The report, released ahead of the WEF’s annual Davos meeting, ranks “geoeconomic confrontation” — the use of sanctions, tariffs and trade restrictions — above misinformation, social division, extreme weather and even armed conflict as the most serious global risk for the coming year. The findings are based on insights from more than 1,300 experts and leaders across business, government, academia and civil society. Half of respondents expect the…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
The artificial intelligence boom continues to reshape Silicon Valley, and Alphabet — Google’s parent company — is the latest tech titan to cash in. This week, Alphabet crossed a staggering $4 trillion market valuation for the first time, becoming only the fourth company in history to reach that level, alongside Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. It now sits as the world’s second-most valuable company, trailing only Nvidia. Investors have poured money into AI-focused companies over the past year, driving valuations to record highs. Even warnings about possible overvaluation — including from Google’s own CEO — haven’t cooled enthusiasm. Alphabet’s stock has…
Germany’s new chancellor is wasting no time shaping Europe’s trade future. Friedrich Merz has thrown his weight behind expanding the EU’s network of free trade agreements, signalling that a long-awaited deal with India could be signed before the end of the month — even as Europe’s recent Mercosur agreement continues to stir controversy. Merz Bets on India as Europe’s Next Key Trade Partner Speaking during a visit to India, Merz said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa may travel to New Delhi in the coming weeks to finalise a free trade agreement. He…
The crisis in Iran is deepening, with reports suggesting Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US military intervention, while Tehran warns it will retaliate against any attack. At the same time, Iran remains gripped by mass protests, a sweeping internet blackout, and a growing death toll. Iranian officials have issued stark warnings, declaring that US forces and Israel would become “legitimate targets” if the United States launches military action against Iran. The statement came as US President Donald Trump renewed public support for Iranian protesters, further escalating tensions between the two nations. Iran Warns of Retaliation as US and…
Governments around the world are facing growing pressure to take bold action against extreme carbon inequality. Campaigners are calling for bans on high-polluting luxury goods and new taxes on fossil fuel profits as essential steps to meeting global climate targets. At the heart of the debate is a stark reality: the wealthiest people on Earth are responsible for a wildly disproportionate share of emissions. Oxfam describes their behaviour as “gross carbon recklessness,” warning that without urgent intervention, climate goals will slip further out of reach. New research from the organisation shows that the richest one per cent had already used…
The United States has seized another oil tanker as part of its expanding effort to choke off sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports, marking the fifth such interception in recent weeks. The vessel, Olina, was taken during a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean as Washington intensifies a sweeping naval campaign in the region. ‘Ghost fleet’ tanker intercepted at sea According to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Olina was part of a so-called “ghost fleet” — tankers accused of using false identities and evasive tactics to transport embargoed oil. The ship had reportedly departed Venezuela and was attempting to avoid detection…
Iran was shaken by a fresh surge of unrest on Thursday night as protesters poured into the streets of Tehran and shouted from rooftops after a call for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. The latest protests mark a sharp escalation in a movement that began over economic hardship and has since spread across the country. Streets Erupt, Internet Goes Dark As the clock struck 8pm local time, neighbourhoods across the capital rang out with chants of “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” Witnesses said thousands gathered in the streets, while others joined in…
Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic has once again thrust the vast island into the centre of global politics, after the White House said the use of the US military remains an option in President Donald Trump’s renewed effort to bring the territory under American control. Greenland lies off Canada’s northeastern coast, with more than two-thirds of its landmass inside the Arctic Circle, a position that has made it central to North American defence planning since World War II. White House Keeps Military Option on the Table White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said late Tuesday that President Trump views…
North Korea says its leader Kim Jong-un has overseen new test-flights of hypersonic missiles, reinforcing his call to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent as Pyongyang stages a fresh round of weapons displays before a major political gathering. State media reported the tests on Monday, a day after South Korea and its neighbours said they detected multiple ballistic missile launches and accused the North of escalating regional tensions. Kim Jong-un Signals Push for Stronger Deterrence According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill involved a hypersonic weapon system and was designed to check combat readiness, sharpen missile units’ operational…
A prized bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s traditional New Year fish auction, fetching an eye-watering 510 million yen, about €2.78 million, at Toyosu Market. The sale marked the highest price ever paid for a tuna at the famous event and set an extravagant tone for the start of 2026. A Familiar Face Wins the Biggest Bid The winning bidder was Kiyomura Corp, led by Kiyoshi Kimura, the well-known owner of the Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Kimura is no stranger to headline-grabbing purchases at the annual auction and once again outdid himself, surpassing his own previous record of 334…
