The Russian Far East is facing one of its heaviest winters in decades. Kamchatka Peninsula has been hit by record-breaking snow, with drifts over two meters high burying homes, cars, and entire neighborhoods. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to dig out roads and homes, while public transport is severely disrupted.
Tragically, at least two people have died from snow-related accidents, prompting local authorities to declare emergency measures.
Tragically, at least two people have died from snow-related accidents, prompting local authorities to declare emergency measures.
The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge’s order restricting how ICE and other federal agents may interact with peaceful protesters in Minnesota. The ruling limits arrests, detentions, and the use of crowd-control measures, citing the need to protect First Amendment rights.
The Justice Department argues the restrictions interfere with law enforcement’s ability to maintain order and carry out federal duties.
The appeal will be decided by a higher court and could influence how federal agents handle protests across the country.
The Justice Department argues the restrictions interfere with law enforcement’s ability to maintain order and carry out federal duties.
The appeal will be decided by a higher court and could influence how federal agents handle protests across the country.
South Africa has officially declared a national disaster after weeks of heavy rain and severe flooding, particularly affecting Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The floods have claimed at least 30 lives, damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, and swept away critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges. This designation enables the government to coordinate nationwide rescue and recovery operations more effectively.
Japan has reactivated the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki‑Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, marking the first restart of a Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) reactor since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster.
The No. 6 unit, part of what is considered one of the world’s largest nuclear power facilities, was brought back online on the evening of 21 January after nearly 14 years offline.
The No. 6 unit, part of what is considered one of the world’s largest nuclear power facilities, was brought back online on the evening of 21 January after nearly 14 years offline.
Thousands of Norwegians are receiving letters warning that their homes, vehicles, boats, and machinery could be requisitioned in wartime. About 13,500 notices are being issued for 2026. The military says the letters are administrative and have no effect in peacetime, but ensure resources are available for national defense amid rising European security concerns.
Trump: White Genocide Comments About South Africa
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about violence against white farmers in South Africa, describing the situation as a “white genocide.” He said minority communities are being targeted.
The “Kill the Boer” phrase, written at crime scenes or sung at rallies, is widely regarded as intimidating and threatening toward white farmers.
South Africa’s legal and economic policies also disproportionately affect white farmers in some areas, including land redistribution, water rationing based on race, and preferential treatment for historically disadvantaged groups. While these measures are often framed as corrective or redistributive, they can create conditions that make it harder for farmers to survive or thrive-affecting livelihoods, security, and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about violence against white farmers in South Africa, describing the situation as a “white genocide.” He said minority communities are being targeted.
The “Kill the Boer” phrase, written at crime scenes or sung at rallies, is widely regarded as intimidating and threatening toward white farmers.
South Africa’s legal and economic policies also disproportionately affect white farmers in some areas, including land redistribution, water rationing based on race, and preferential treatment for historically disadvantaged groups. While these measures are often framed as corrective or redistributive, they can create conditions that make it harder for farmers to survive or thrive-affecting livelihoods, security, and long-term sustainability.
IMF and European Central Bank officials warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos that advances in artificial intelligence could disrupt large parts of the global labour market, with entry-level jobs likely to be most affected.
They cautioned that AI could widen inequality unless governments coordinate policies and increase investment in reskilling programmes and education to help workers adapt.
They cautioned that AI could widen inequality unless governments coordinate policies and increase investment in reskilling programmes and education to help workers adapt.
Supporters of EFF leader Julius Malema gathered outside East London Magistrate’s Court after his sentencing (for firing a rifle at a 2018 rally) was postponed to 15 April 2026. Malema faces convictions for unlawful firearm possession and reckless endangerment, offenses that carry significant legal penalties.
His legal team dismissed suggestions that a fine could be seen as “buying freedom.” The case has drawn national attention due to its potential impact on public safety and political dynamics in South Africa.
His legal team dismissed suggestions that a fine could be seen as “buying freedom.” The case has drawn national attention due to its potential impact on public safety and political dynamics in South Africa.
Japan shut down the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant just a day after restarting it, after a control-rod-related malfunction triggered an alarm. Operator TEPCO said there was no safety or radiation risk, but inspections are ongoing, dealing a setback to Japan’s nuclear restart plans.
U.S. Border Patrol agents say they were conducting targeted enforcement when a confrontation with a suspect turned violent. Authorities report that a man identified as Pretti allegedly approached agents while armed with a 9 mm handgun and resisted attempts to disarm him.
According to the Border Patrol, an agent fired in self-defense during the encounter. No further details about Pretti’s condition or the exact location of the incident have been released.
According to the Border Patrol, an agent fired in self-defense during the encounter. No further details about Pretti’s condition or the exact location of the incident have been released.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a large U.S. naval force (described as an “armada”) is heading toward Iran amid rising tensions. He warned Tehran against killing protesters and restarting its nuclear program but added he hoped the military buildup would not need to be used.
Iran’s Warning:
A senior Iranian official responded that any U.S. attack (even a limited one) would be treated as “all‑out war,” and Tehran would respond strongly, though specific actions were not detailed.
Iran’s Warning:
A senior Iranian official responded that any U.S. attack (even a limited one) would be treated as “all‑out war,” and Tehran would respond strongly, though specific actions were not detailed.
Thousands gathered at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to say goodbye to Japan’s last two giant pandas, who are returning to China. Their departure coincides with rising tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, following Japan’s warning of possible military action if China attacks Taiwan. Giant pandas, symbols of diplomacy, have been on loan from China since 1972, and their return leaves Japan without any pandas for the first time in over 50 years.
In a unanimous move hailed by conservationists worldwide, Belgium’s Parliament has passed a landmark law prohibiting the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals. The legislation targets the importation of prized trophies such as elephant tusks, lion skins, and other species listed as threatened or endangered, effectively cutting off a significant market for hunters abroad.