An anonymous trader’s perfectly timed bet on the fall of Venezuela’s leader has ignited debate over whether fast-growing prediction markets have adequate safeguards.

 Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt Imagine walking across a field, the sun setting on the horizon, and suddenly, a sharp, clear tone rings out in your headphones. You dig carefully, and moments later, you are holding a piece of history in your hand—a silver coin from a century ago, a relic from a forgotten war, or perhaps a natural gold nugget.

Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power, ocean and geothermal energy, biomass and biofuels offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels. They reduce pollution, broaden our energy options and decrease our dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices. In 2023, lawmakers increased the EU target for the share of renewable sources of energy in gross energy consumption from 32% to at least 42.5% by 2030, while aiming for 45%. In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 24.5% of the EU’s final energy consumption. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The common fisheries policy (CFP) has come a long way since it was first formulated in the Treaty of Rome. Initially linked to the common agricultural policy, it gradually developed a separate identity. The core area of the CFP – conservation and management of fish stocks – was launched in 1983. The policy was reformed in 1992, 2002 and 2013. The current framework, resulting from the 2013 reform, is aimed at ensuring that EU fisheries are sustainable – environmentally, economically and socially. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Trans-European Networks (TENs) – large, infrastructure networks that enable essential services and efficient connections between national networks – are jointly funded by the European Union and the Member States. Financial support from the EU serves as a catalyst, with the Member States providing the bulk of the financing. The financing of the TENs can be complemented by Structural Fund assistance, aid from the European Investment Bank (EIB) or contributions from the private sector. A major reform was introduced across the TENs with the establishment of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in 2013, renewed in 2021. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This is the tenth edition of an annual EPRS paper aimed at identifying and framing many of the key issues and policy areas that will feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass, the next long term EU budget, Ukraine's integration into the EU, defence, EU-China relations, the impact of artificial intelligence on the web, the potential of startup companies, irregular migration, climate policy, action for the oceans, and lessons from the post-COVID 19 Recovery and Resilience Facility. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The ECB’s Governing Council set up a High-Level Task Force to recommend simplifications of banking regulation and supervision, chaired by Vice-President Luis De Guindos. On 11 December 2025, the ECB published the task force’ report. This briefing reviews and analyses the proposals and provides context in view of the ECON committee exchange of views with Vice-President De Guindos on 15 January 2026. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

[FPRI] On November 5, the Trump administration unveiled the new National Security Strategy (NSS) for the United States. Since the passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Act in 1986, presidents have been required by Congress to provide an NSS. Waiting for this strategic guidance has become a routine across parts of the US government, and the document's release attracts considerable international attention.

The director of national intelligence was conspicuously absent among Trump’s top national security advisers during the planning for the Maduro mission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying New Year greetings and discussing ways to strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership. The leaders also exchanged views on the regional situation and reaffirmed their shared resolve to fight terrorism with greater determination.

The West has “certain expectations” of Kiev in exchange for economic aid, the German chancellor has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi’s concern following Trump’s action against Nicolas Maduro Read Full Article at RT.com

The first group of 182 Jamaican seasonal farm workers departed yesterday for Canada’s 2026 farming season, underscoring the island’s long-standing labour partnership with its North American partner. Speaking at the Overseas Employment Centre,...

Over 40 staff at Salada Foods volunteered to pack more than 600 care packages for farming communities hit by Hurricane Melissa, closing out the company’s 2025 production year at its Bell Road plant in Kingston. General Manager Tamii Brown led the...

Looking ahead to 2026, the priority for the Caribbean must be balancing how to live in the spectre of geopolitical tensions among global superpowers. This is crucial as the foreign policy of Caribbean countries is inextricably linked to their...

As we enter 2026, one of the main priorities for Jamaica and the Caribbean should be strengthening regional ties. In a time of uncertainty on the global landscape, the Caribbean must utilise regional integration as a vehicle for resilience. If we...

Last year was a gruelling one for Caribbean economies. With international disruptions, such as tariffs, geopolitical tensions and natural disasters, the year underscored the importance of advancing the mission of economic development. Of particular...

MCP Director of Youth Baba Malondera has issued a blistering condemnation of the continued detention of Malawi Congress Party Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, MP, describing it as a direct assault on justice, constitutionalism, and the nation’s moral conscience. Malondera said Chimwendo has now spent 27 days on remand since his arrest on 12 December […] The post MCP Youth Director Malondera Condemns Chimwendo Detention as Illegal, Warns Justice System Is Being Weaponised appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The US is no longer the EU’s chief ally, Josep Borrell has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Middleton International School will be able to resume operations of its food business effective Jan 6, having implemented the necessary requirements by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), said the agency in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 7).The business, located at 2 Tampines Street 92, had its food business operations suspended since Nov 21. This was after SFA and the Communicable Diseases Agency received reports of 263 persons at E-Bridge preschools who developed gastroenteritis symptoms between Nov 19 and Dec 10, 2025 after consuming food supplied by Middleton International School. At the time, four individuals were hospitalised, and SFA had issued a suspension notice to «protect consumers from further public health risks».According to SFA, Middleton International School cleaned and sanitised their premises, including equipment and utensils, and disinfected food preparation surfaces, tables and floors during its suspension period.

Three SBS Transit staff at Newton MRT station have earned the praise of a train commuter after they tried to repair her sandals which broke during her journey last month.On Wednesday (Jan 7), SBS Transit shared the post by Susan Loh, the affected commuter.The public transport operator said that three station staff — Station Managers Mohamed Yadly and Jeffrey Chen and Assistant Station Manager Maharaja Chettier — had tried to fix the commuter's sandals.«When that wasn't possible, they went the extra mile by borrowing a pair of slippers from an off-duty colleague for Ms Susan so that she could continue her journey safely,» wrote SBS Transit.Recounting the incident on Facebook, Loh said that the incident happened on Dec 13.«I was rushing out and didn't want to wear track shoes (as it was raining heavily), so I wore a pair of sandals.»Suddenly, my sandals broke at Newton MRT. Luckily, I met so many kind souls helping me. They even offered me their slippers to wear for the day!," wrote an appreciative Loh.

A 47-year-old Malaysian man was arrested by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers on Dec 23 for attempting to smuggle duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint.ICA said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Jan 7) that the Malaysia-registered car driven by the man was directed for enhanced checks where its search and examination officers found over 420 cartons and 1,600 loose packets of duty unpaid cigarettes.In the video posted by ICA, its officers were seen removing the contraband items from the car's roof cargo box and various compartments of the car, including the door panel.The driver was arrested and the case has been referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.Intensified checks against smuggling at Singapore's checkpointsIn an advisory on Nov 17, ICA had warned travellers that it will be conducting more intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers and contraband items during the year-end school holidays.

A 102-year-old Singaporean matriarch was given an elaborate farewell by her family, featuring a grand white tent, red carpets, 16 banquet tables and even a replica slot machine.Centenarian Chen Shuying (transliteration) died on Jan 3, reported Shin Min Daily News. She is survived by her seven sons, seven daughters and their families, which together include 78 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Chen's wake is being held at an open field near Block 230, Choa Chu Kang Road. 'Considered a joyous occasion'63-year-old Lan Wenchang (transliteration) is Chen's youngest son and founder of a funeral home, while his wife is a well-known spirit medium, reported Shin Min.Considering the family's size and their large social circle, Chen's family felt it was only appropriate to have a grand funeral. Lan told Shin Min that since they anticipated many relatives and friends would come to pay their respects, they decided to hold the wake for seven days. 

Social and governance commentators have applauded President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for declining to sign into law the Constitution (Amendment) Bill of 2025, citing concerns over the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). President Mutharika has vetoed the Bill following public outcry that the Bill gives members of Parliament (MPs) absolute authority over the […] The post Commentators hail APM for withholding assent to CDF Bill: “He’s Demonstrated That He’s A Leader of the People” appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a resounding display of corporate excellence, Zozodo Gemstone Consultancy Limited (ZGC-LTD) convened its 2025 Annual Zonal General Meeting (AGM) under the theme “Planning for a Better Future”. The event brought together stakeholders to reflect on achievements and chart a course for future growth. The 2025 financial year saw ZGC-LTD make significant strides in quarry […] The post ZGC-LTD Charts a Course for a Brighter Tomorrow appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Listed NBS Bank, in partnership with Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM Trust), have donated festive season hampers amounting to K100 million to 500 elderly and underprivileged people in Area 44 at Landscape Grounds, Lilongwe, as part of new year celebrations. The initiative was championed by the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Madame Gertrude Mutharika […] The post NBS Bank partners with Beautify Malawi to donate K100 million items to charity appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The BJP has accused former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of harboring «the greatest hatred towards Lord Somnath,» citing his letters that allegedly discouraged the temple's restoration. MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed Nehru prioritized appeasing Pakistan and India's international image over defending Hindu historical symbols. The accusations surface ahead of PM Modi's visit to the Somnath temple.

The 2025 Singapore-Cambridge O-level examination results will be released on Jan 14 at 2pm, the Ministry of Education said on Wednesday (Jan 7).Details on the collection arrangements will be shared by the respective schools, the ministry said.Candidates who are unable to collect their results in person can appoint a proxy to do so. Proxies will have to produce relevant documentation when collecting results from the school.If they are unable to appoint a proxy, they are advised to approach their schools for assistance.Private candidates eligible for Singpass can use their Singpass account to obtain their results online through the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board's (SEAB) candidates portal from 2.45pm until 11pm on Jan 28.Those ineligible for Singpass can get their results using the account they created during their examination.With their O-level results, students can apply for admission to junior colleges, Millennia Institute, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) via the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

The sizable death toll adds meaning to President Donald Trump’s public remarks that the operation he approved was “effective” but “very violent.”