India is exploring the option to build passenger jets domestically. It recently signed a deal with Russia to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft in India. However, the plan faces several challenges, including questions about cost, feasibility, and logistics.
Key Facts
India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
IndiGo and Air India are the major airlines in India and have ordered nearly 1,500 planes in the next decade.
India and Russia signed an agreement to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger plane in India.
The SJ-100 aircraft is a twin-engine plane carrying up to 103 passengers and is used by Russian airlines.
Western sanctions have affected the aircraft production in Russia by limiting spare parts supply.
India has tried to domestically manufacture passenger planes since the 1950s with limited success.
Past projects like the Saras and Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) have faced delays and challenges.
Experts cite the lack of domestic demand, skilled labor, and a small manufacturing infrastructure as challenges.
President Donald Trump has a plan to boost U.S. involvement in Venezuela's oil industry by encouraging American companies to invest billions to improve the country's oil infrastructure. Venezuela has large oil reserves, but produces much less oil compared to its potential due to infrastructure and political issues. Experts say that the plan faces many challenges and would take a very long time and a lot of money to make a real impact.
Key Facts
President Trump wants U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela, which has the largest oil reserves in the world.
Venezuela's oil output has significantly decreased since the early 2000s.
U.S. companies, like Chevron, still operate in Venezuela but have reduced their operations due to U.S. sanctions.
Venezuela's oil is "heavy, sour," making it difficult to refine; the U.S. mainly produces "light, sweet" oil.
Legal and political hurdles, including requiring government agreements, are major barriers to Trump's plan.
Experts warn it could take tens of billions of dollars and up to a decade to restore Venezuela's oil production.
The International Energy Agency reported Venezuela produced about 860,000 barrels per day as of November.
Analysts believe Trump's plan would have little immediate impact on global oil prices due to the lengthy timeline and obstacles involved.
James Cameron's new movie, "Avatar: Fire and Ash," hit over $1 billion at the box office. It is Cameron's fourth film to reach this milestone. The movie earned $306 million in the U.S. and $777.1 million internationally.
Key Facts
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" is now the fourth James Cameron movie to surpass $1 billion in box office sales.
The film has made $306 million from U.S. ticket sales.
It has also earned $777.1 million outside the U.S., making the total $1.083 billion.
It took 18 days for the movie to pass the $1 billion mark.
Previous "Avatar" films reached the $1 billion milestone faster, with the first film taking 17 days and "Avatar: The Way of Water" taking 14 days.
The original "Avatar" is the highest-grossing movie ever, making $2.93 billion, and its sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water" earned $2.343 billion.
If "Avatar: Fire and Ash" does well, Cameron could have four out of the five top-grossing films in history.
In the East of England, many people are using food banks, indicating ongoing cost of living challenges. Measures in the recent budget might impact the economy, with changes like raising the minimum wage and removing some energy taxes. Business owners, like those in the hospitality sector, express concerns over rising costs and their ability to survive financially.
Key Facts
Over 330,000 people used food banks in the East of England last year.
Food bank usage indicates ongoing financial difficulties, affecting even teachers, police officers, and nurses.
The recent budget includes measures like raising the minimum wage and removing certain energy taxes.
Business confidence is currently low in the East of England, according to local chambers of commerce.
Hospitality business owners report increased expenses due to rising minimum wage and business rates.
The food bank co-director expects changes from the budget to take time to impact people's finances.
A Treasury spokesperson highlighted measures like freezing rail fares to help with the cost of living.
Industry body Hospitality UK expects that average business rates will nearly double over three years.
The British plush toy brand Jellycat has become very popular in China, particularly during the pandemic. The toys, originally aimed at children, have found a large market among young adults in China who buy them for comfort.
Key Facts
Stella Huang started collecting Jellycat plush toys during the pandemic and now owns 120 of them.
Jellycat toys were originally for children but became popular with young adults in China seeking comfort.
The Amuseable line of toys features faces on items like boiled eggs and toilet rolls.
Jellycat entered the Chinese market in 2015 and increased its focus during the pandemic.
The company used pop-up store events and local cultural references, like teapot plushies, to attract buyers.
In 2024, Jellycat's revenue increased by two-thirds to £333 million.
The collectable-toy market in China is expected to reach 110 billion yuan in 2024.
The city of San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against 11 major food companies. The lawsuit claims these companies sell ultraprocessed foods that are harmful to people's health.
Key Facts
San Francisco is suing 11 top U.S. food manufacturers.
The lawsuit claims the companies sell harmful ultraprocessed foods.
Ultraprocessed foods make up over 60% of consumed foods in the U.S., according to some estimates.
The lawsuit is the first of its kind in the U.S.
Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor, studies the impact of such foods on addiction.
This article provides advice on how to save money on energy bills during winter. It includes practical tips such as sealing gaps to prevent heat loss, adjusting boiler temperatures, and using reflective panels.
Key Facts
The energy price cap will increase by 0.2% in January, affecting energy costs for households in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The energy price cap sets a maximum charge for energy usage, and from January to March 2026, it is set at £1,758 for a typical household.
Sealing gaps and draught proofing can reduce heat loss and save on heating costs.
Lowering the boiler temperature from 60C to between 55C and 45C can improve efficiency and save money.
Turning down heating by one degree can save up to £73 annually, though it's advised not to go below 18C for vulnerable groups.
Reflective panels behind radiators can help retain heat by reflecting it back into the room.
Plug-in heaters are generally less efficient and can be more expensive than central heating.
Using a dehumidifier can help reduce dampness and save on tumble dryer costs.
The article discusses the growing trends in the wellness industry for 2026, focusing on recovery, the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), and brain-boosting supplements. Experts highlight a shift towards prioritizing rest and mental health alongside physical fitness and the increasing popularity of cognitive supplements.
Key Facts
The wellness industry is predicted to focus heavily on recovery in 2026.
Recovery involves understanding when to rest and how technology, like smartwatches, guides fitness routines and rest periods.
JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out—is a shift from FOMO to prioritize personal comfort over societal expectations.
This trend encourages people to feel less pressure to socialize and to focus more on personal needs.
Brain-boosting supplements, known as nootropics, are increasingly popular and aim to enhance cognitive functions.
Nootropics are not the same as regulated medications and are marketed for memory and stress reduction benefits.
The market for these supplements, including ingredients like lion's mane and L-theanine, is expected to grow significantly by 2030.
Micro-condos in Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver are losing value because there are too many available and not enough buyers. The trend of building small, affordable units to attract investors has led to a surplus, especially as Canada's population growth slows down.
Key Facts
Micro-condos are small living spaces, often around 300 square feet.
These types of condos have become common in Toronto and Vancouver over the past decade.
The value of micro-condos is falling faster than other types of homes.
The condo market in Canada is experiencing a significant downturn not seen since the 1980s.
In 2025, Canada saw a large decline in population growth due to new immigration limits.
Over 60,000 new condo units were built recently, exceeding current demand.
Investors own most of the smaller condos in Toronto, which were initially popular due to lower prices.
Many recently built condos are sitting empty and unsold in Toronto and Vancouver.
Tesla lost its spot as the top global seller of electric vehicles to Chinese company BYD in 2025. Tesla sold 1.64 million vehicles compared to BYD's 2.26 million. The decline in Tesla's sales coincided with political controversies involving CEO Elon Musk and the end of U.S. tax breaks for electric vehicles.
Key Facts
Tesla sold 1.64 million vehicles in 2025.
BYD sold 2.26 million vehicles, overtaking Tesla as the top global seller of electric vehicles.
Tesla's sales fell by 9% from the previous year.
Elon Musk's political activities and connection with President Trump led to protests and sales slumps.
A $7,500 U.S. tax credit for electric vehicle purchases ended in September 2025.
Tesla's fourth quarter sales were 418,227, missing a 440,000 unit target.
Despite challenges, Tesla's stock rose by about 11% in 2025.
Tesla introduced cheaper Model Y and Model 3 vehicles to compete in Europe and Asia.
Korean beauty products, known as K-beauty, have grown from a trend to a major industry, valued at $13 billion in South Korea alone in 2024. These products, popularized through social media, are now global phenomena, making South Korea the second-largest exporter of beauty products.
Key Facts
K-beauty products have become popular worldwide, boosted by viral social media content.
The South Korean domestic market was worth about $13 billion in 2024.
South Korea became the second-largest beauty product exporter in 2025, surpassing France.
K-beauty is part of the "Korean Wave," alongside K-pop and K-dramas.
Products like snail mucin serums have gained international attention.
The industry is driven by constant innovation and new product releases.
There are concerns about the impact of beauty ideals propagated on social media.
Tesla's vehicle sales fell in 2025, marking the lowest since 2022. The company reported an 8.6% drop in deliveries, partly due to changes in federal tax credits and CEO Elon Musk’s political activities.
Key Facts
Tesla's vehicle deliveries fell by 8.6% in 2025, totaling 1.64 million.
Deliveries were 9.5% lower than the all-time high in 2023.
The fourth quarter of 2025 saw deliveries drop to 418,227, down 15.6% from the previous year.
The decline followed the expiration of a federal EV tax credit at the end of September.
Elon Musk's political involvement in 2025 caused some backlash, affecting sales.
No new Tesla vehicles or major redesigns have been introduced this decade.
Despite the drop, the fourth-quarter sales exceeded lower analyst expectations.
Tesla shares increased by 0.7% after the sales report.
The article provides expert advice on achieving financial goals like paying off debt and saving for retirement. It emphasizes understanding personal finance priorities and developing habits that promote financial health.
Key Facts
Financial experts suggest that setting clear priorities is important for managing money effectively.
Kumiko Love, a financial counselor, stresses understanding what you value most when setting goals.
30% of Americans make New Year resolutions, and 61% focus on financial goals, according to Pew Research.
Experts recommend taking small steps and celebrating minor achievements to maintain motivation.
Fear of money often stems from not knowing where your money is going, according to Tori Dunlap.
Michelle Singletary advises finding community support or someone knowledgeable to help with financial planning.
Tackling high-interest debt, like credit card debt, should be a priority due to its compounding interest.
Understanding why you are in debt can help establish better financial habits and prevent future debt.
The United States decided to reduce proposed high tariffs on Italian pasta imports that were initially aimed at 13 producers. The drastic tariff cuts come after Italian companies addressed concerns about selling pasta at unfairly low prices. The original tariff rate of 91.74% could have severely increased pasta prices in the U.S.
Key Facts
The U.S. considered high tariffs on Italian pasta, initially up to 91.74%.
These tariffs were part of President Trump's approach to address what he sees as unfair trade practices.
After discussions, proposed tariffs were reduced significantly.
Italian pasta represents only a small portion of U.S. pasta imports.
The Italian foreign ministry announced the tariff reduction as a cooperative effort.
For one company, La Molisana, tariffs were reduced to as low as 2.26%.
Tariffs are taxes paid by importers on the goods they buy from another country.
The Trump administration has softened other tariffs recently, including those on furniture and some food products.
Almost 500,000 Social Security recipients in West Virginia will get higher monthly payments as the state removes income tax on those benefits. This is the final stage of a three-year plan, matching what is already done by most other states. Removing this tax will reduce West Virginia’s revenue by around $37 million.
Key Facts
West Virginia is removing the income tax on Social Security benefits over three years.
Nearly 500,000 residents of the state will see an increase in their Social Security payments.
Before the change, West Virginia was one of the few states taxing these benefits.
The tax removal is expected to cut state revenue by about $37 million.
The change aims to keep retirees in the state and boost local economic activity.
Delegate Jonathan Pinson highlighted that this move allows seniors more financial flexibility.
The decision has gained bipartisan support and could influence other states to follow suit.
Removing the tax might encourage more spending by retirees, which can benefit local economies.
Tesla has lost its position as the world's top electric vehicle maker to Chinese company BYD. In 2025, Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles, while BYD sold 2.26 million, making it the global leader in electric vehicle sales.
Key Facts
Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, showing a 9% decrease from the previous year.
Chinese company BYD sold 2.26 million vehicles, becoming the top electric vehicle maker globally.
Tesla's decline in sales is partly due to the end of U.S. tax credits, competition overseas, and reactions to Elon Musk's political views.
Elon Musk previously dismissed BYD as a competitor when Tesla was leading the market.
The reported changes in the electric vehicle market indicate significant competition from international companies.
The National Park Service (NPS) is starting a road improvement project on Willow Beach Road at Lake Mead this month. The $2 million project aims to fix the road to make it safer and enhance the visitor experience.
Key Facts
The project will repave nearly four miles of Willow Beach Road.
Lake Mead is the largest man-made water reservoir in the U.S., created by the Hoover Dam.
The project, costing $2 million, is funded by visitor entrance fees.
Construction will start on January 5 and aims to finish by mid-March 2026.
The road will remain open during weekends, though some delays may occur on weekdays.
Willow Beach's marina and fish hatchery will stay open 24/7 during construction.
Hardpacked gravel will cover the road temporarily before the final paving.
The project aims to improve safety and convenience for visitors.
Stocks in the U.S. showed mixed results as the markets opened in 2026, with technology stocks initially boosting gains that later faded. Major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq saw slight declines, while the Dow Jones made a small gain. Global markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, experienced stronger growth, and technology stocks remain in focus due to advancements in artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
The S&P 500 fell 0.1% after initially rising by 0.7%.
The Nasdaq composite dropped by 0.3%.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 84 points, or 0.2%.
European and Asian markets, including Britain and South Korea, made strong gains.
Nvidia and Broadcom shares increased by 1.3% and 1.9%, respectively, while Alphabet and Microsoft saw declines.
Tesla's stocks fell 0.6% following a second year of declining sales.
Alibaba and Baidu's stocks rose significantly in Hong Kong, partly due to Baidu's plans to list its AI chip unit.
Oil prices decreased with U.S. crude at $56.77 per barrel, while gold prices rose slightly.
Treasury yields remained steady, with a slight rise in the 10-year Treasury yield to 4.18%.
Upcoming U.S. economic reports could provide more insights into economic conditions for the Federal Reserve's next meeting.
In 2025, President Trump's wealth increased, largely due to his investments in cryptocurrency. However, some of the investments linked to Trump's business ventures did not perform well in the stock and crypto markets. While Trump and his family saw financial gains, many retail investors in Trump-related assets faced losses.
Key Facts
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) shares fell 67% in 2025.
The Global X Social Media ETF, which includes Trump Media, rose 27% during the same period.
The Nasdaq, a tech-stock index, gained 18% in 2025.
Official TRUMP, a memecoin, dropped by 89% shortly after its launch.
Dogecoin, another popular memecoin, fell 67% during the year.
Global cryptocurrency market value decreased by 16% in 2025.
A $1,000 investment in TMTG shares would be worth about $331 by the end of 2025.
President Trump's net worth more than doubled in 2025, according to Forbes.
The FTSE 100, an index tracking the largest companies on the London Stock Exchange, has reached 10,000 points for the first time. This increase in the stock index reflects strong performances by international companies, especially those in mining and defense.
Key Facts
The FTSE 100 index hit 10,000 points for the first time.
This rise happened on the first trading day of the year.
The index increased by more than 21% compared to the previous year.
The FTSE 100 includes large international companies, not solely UK firms.
Mining companies like Antofagasta and Rio Tinto saw gains due to higher metals prices.
Defense companies, including Bae Systems and Rolls-Royce, also increased in value.
Large banks such as Lloyds and HSBC performed well.
Dan Coatsworth described the event as a historic moment for the FTSE 100.
