Author: Rachel Maddow

Sanctions and Tariffs Take Centre Stage in Global Risk OutlookRising economic conflict between major world powers has been named the most serious threat to global stability in 2026, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report. Released ahead of the WEF’s annual gathering in Davos, the report highlights “geoeconomic confrontation” — the growing use of sanctions, tariffs and trade restrictions — as the top global risk for the year. Drawing on insights from more than 1,300 experts across business, government, academia and civil society, the report places economic warfare above misinformation, social polarisation, extreme weather and armed conflict.…

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has officially joined the world’s most valuable companies after its market value crossed $4 trillion. Only three other firms have reached this milestone before — Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple — placing Google at the heart of a historic surge driven largely by artificial intelligence excitement. Over the past year, investor enthusiasm for AI has pushed tech stocks to extraordinary heights. Money continues to flow into companies seen as leaders in digital innovation, even as some experts — including Google’s own CEO — warn that valuations may be running ahead of reality. Alphabet’s share price has climbed…

Germany’s chancellor is doubling down on free trade ambitions, calling for the European Union to finalize a long-awaited agreement with India — just days after EU nations approved the controversial Mercosur pact. The push reflects Europe’s growing urgency to secure new economic partners as protectionism spreads worldwide. Merz Backs India Deal Amid Global Protectionism During a visit to India on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said EU leaders could sign a free trade agreement with New Delhi before the end of the month. He suggested European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa may travel…

Tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel are escalating rapidly, as reports suggest Washington and Tel Aviv have discussed possible US military intervention in Iran. At the same time, Tehran is issuing sharp warnings of retaliation, nationwide protests are entering their third week, and a sweeping internet blackout has left the world struggling to see what is happening inside the country. Iranian officials have made clear that any US attack would be met with direct retaliation. Speaking in parliament on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that US forces and Israel would be treated as “legitimate targets”…

Governments are facing mounting pressure to confront a growing driver of the climate crisis: extreme wealth. Campaigners are calling for bans on high-polluting luxury goods and tougher taxes on fossil fuel profits, arguing that without targeting the biggest emitters, global climate targets will remain out of reach. New analysis from Oxfam highlights the scale of carbon inequality. The richest one per cent of the global population had already burned through their entire annual carbon budget just ten days into 2026. This marks the point where emissions exceed levels consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, a moment now referred to…

The United States has intercepted another tanker as part of its crackdown on Venezuelan oil exports, marking the fifth vessel seized in recent weeks amid an expanding US naval presence in the Caribbean. Targeting the “Ghost Fleet” US Homeland Security Secretary Noem described the vessel, Olina, as part of a “ghost fleet” — tankers suspected of hiding their identities to transport embargoed oil. The tanker had departed Venezuela attempting to evade US forces before being intercepted. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels operating under false claims of nationality would be held accountable. Joint Military…

Iran has seen a sharp escalation in nationwide unrest after large crowds took to the streets and rooftops of Tehran and other cities following a call for mass demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Nighttime Protests Grip Tehran Witnesses said neighbourhoods across the capital erupted in chants late Thursday as protesters responded to Pahlavi’s call to demonstrate at 8pm local time. People shouted slogans from their homes and gathered in public spaces, with thousands reported on the streets. Crowds chanted “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to the Islamic Republic!” while others openly praised the former monarchy, shouting: “This…

Greenland’s strategic position in the Arctic has once again thrust it into the global spotlight, after the White House said the use of the US military remains an option in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring the island under American control. The comments have sparked strong pushback from European leaders and Canada, all of whom insist that Greenland’s future can only be decided by its own people and Denmark. Trump Renews Strategic Case for Greenland President Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his initial term, but has revived the proposal following a recent US military operation…

North Korea has announced that leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw test-flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent. The tests come as Pyongyang intensifies weapons demonstrations ahead of its major political gathering, the Workers’ Party congress. The announcement followed reports from neighbouring countries that multiple ballistic missile launches were detected, which they described as provocations. The launches took place just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for a summit with President Xi Jinping. Kim Stresses Military Readiness According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday’s drill tested a hypersonic…

A single bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s famous New Year fish auction, selling for a staggering price and signalling another headline grabbing start to the year at Toyosu market. A New Record at Toyosu Market At the first auction of 2026, a 243 kilogram Pacific bluefin tuna sold for a record 510 million yen, about €2.78 million. The sale took place before sunrise at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, where New Year auctions are known for their festive atmosphere and sky high bids. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the man behind the popular…