Births in China dropped to a historic low in 2025, with only 9.02 million newborns reported. This decline follows a decrease in birth rates despite efforts by the government to encourage more births. The rate is significantly lower than in 2015, when the One-Child Policy ended.
Key Facts
China reported 9.02 million births in 2025.
This amounts to 6.39 births per 1,000 people.
The birth rate in 2025 is about half of what it was in 2015.
2015 was the year China ended its One-Child Policy.
Government measures to increase births have not been very effective.
The decline continues a seven-year trend of decreasing births.
A slight increase in births the previous year was linked to the Year of the Dragon and post-pandemic changes.
Over the weekend, hundreds of flights at New York airports experienced delays and cancellations due to a winter storm. The storm affected John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Airport with snow expected in two waves.
Key Facts
There were 193 flight delays and 124 cancellations at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
LaGuardia Airport saw 131 flight delays and 112 cancellations.
Newark Airport experienced 251 flight delays and 14 cancellations.
The National Weather Service predicted snowfall in two waves affecting New York City and surrounding areas.
Snow was expected to start in areas north and west of New York City first, increasing late Sunday afternoon and into the night.
The White House responded to the Nobel Foundation after they refused to allow a peace prize transfer from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to President Donald Trump. The foundation stated that Nobel prizes cannot be passed or distributed to others, which the White House criticized. The administration emphasized President Trump's achievements towards peace and accused the foundation of political bias.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was offered a peace prize by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
The Nobel Foundation prohibits the transfer of its prizes to others.
The White House criticized the Nobel Foundation for its stance.
Anna Kelly, a White House deputy secretary, called the foundation's rule "pretentious nonsense."
Steven Cheung, White House communications director, accused the foundation of playing politics.
The Nobel Foundation said its mission includes maintaining the dignity of the Nobel Prizes.
The incident generated a reaction from the White House emphasizing Trump's peace efforts.
A couple in Pennsylvania discovered a box full of valuable silver coins while renovating their home. The coins are worth between $9,000 and $10,000 due to high silver prices driven by demand for clean-energy and AI-related technologies. The couple plans to hold onto the coins as silver prices continue to rise.
Key Facts
A metal toolbox fell from the ceiling during a home renovation.
Inside the toolbox, the couple found silver coins in plastic food bags.
The coins included silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars.
Initially, the couple thought the coins were worth around $2,000.
Research showed the coins' value to be between $9,000 and $10,000.
Silver prices have risen sharply due to demand in clean energy and AI.
Geopolitical uncertainty has led to higher silver demand, similar to gold.
The couple plans to keep the coins as silver prices are at an all-time high.
European leaders have criticized President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on countries that oppose his desire to purchase Greenland. They warned that this could harm relationships between the U.S. and Europe. These leaders have shown their support for Denmark and Greenland, and they plan to discuss actions they might take in response to Trump's tariff threats.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to impose tariffs on countries opposing his bid to buy Greenland, a part of Denmark.
Eight European countries, including Denmark, stand united against Trump's tariff threats.
The European Union is considering measures like imposing tariffs on US goods in response.
President Trump announced a 10% tariff from February 1, increasing to 25% from June 1.
Denmark and Greenland's residents are against the sale of Greenland to the US.
European officials express concerns over the impact on NATO and US-European relations.
Thousands protested in Denmark, opposing Trump's threats over Greenland.
The European Union may activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument to counter Trump's actions.
President Donald Trump warned about the Russian presence in Greenland and urged Denmark and NATO to address it. Trump has expressed interest in the U.S. acquiring Greenland for national security reasons. Denmark's military leader stated there is no current threat from Russia or China in Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump issued a warning about Russia's influence in Greenland.
He stated NATO has urged Denmark to act regarding Russian threats for 20 years.
Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland, citing security concerns.
He mentioned Russian and Chinese military activity near Greenland.
Denmark's military leader disagreed, seeing no current threat from Russia or China.
Trump hinted at tariffs on certain European countries if they opposed U.S. interests in Greenland.
China's economy grew by 5% in 2025, meeting its growth target, largely due to strong export performance. Despite achieving a record trade surplus, China faced challenges such as a property market crisis and rising local government debt, which affected consumer spending and investment.
Key Facts
China's economy grew by 5% in 2025.
The country achieved a record trade surplus of $1.19 trillion, with increased exports.
China's growth rate slowed to 4.5% in the last quarter of 2025.
US tariffs were lower than expected due to a pause agreement between China and the US.
China's domestic economy faced challenges like a property crisis and rising local government debt.
New home prices in China fell by 2.7% in December compared to the previous year.
Retail sales in December increased by just 0.9%, the slowest in three years.
Factory output grew by 5.2% in December from a year earlier.
The UK Prime Minister will address recent tensions after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on several European countries. The conflict arose over the US President's interest in acquiring Greenland, prompting potential new tariffs if European nations oppose the idea. The Prime Minister plans to discuss these issues and the implications for UK businesses and diplomatic relations.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump wants to acquire Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK by February 1.
The UK Prime Minister will speak about these developments and their impact on diplomatic relations.
The Prime Minister spoke with several European leaders and President Trump over the weekend.
European countries are considering their responses to the tariff threat.
Concerns exist that countermeasures might worsen relations with the US.
A future meeting between Trump and European leaders might be considered to address the situation.
A man named Foday Musa has been searching for his children who were recruited under false promises of work abroad but were instead caught in a human trafficking scheme. The traffickers used the name of the legitimate company QNET to lure people with fake job offers, then took them to another country. Musa joined police efforts in Sierra Leone to try to find his children, who remain missing.
Key Facts
Foday Musa's children were recruited from Guinea by people promising jobs abroad.
The recruiters turned out to be human traffickers, taking the children to Sierra Leone.
The scheme used the name of a real company, QNET, as a cover.
Thousands across West Africa have been affected by similar scams.
Musa's family paid $25,000 in hopes of securing jobs and getting the children back.
Interpol's team in Sierra Leone has conducted more than 20 raids to rescue trafficking victims.
Musa helped police in a raid hoping to find his children, but they were not among the people found.
European Union leaders are planning a response to President Trump's threat to impose tariffs as part of his Greenland campaign. The EU might levy tariffs on €93 billion worth of U.S. goods. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is involved in discussions, and this issue is expected to be a major topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened tariffs against the EU over their stance on his Greenland campaign.
The EU is considering imposing tariffs on €93 billion of U.S. goods.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with President Trump, criticizing the tariff threat.
Sir Keir Starmer will make an "emergency speech" about the situation.
European leaders aim to use the threat of tariffs as leverage in meetings with President Trump.
This tariff threat is seen as a significant challenge to NATO and transatlantic relations.
The issue will be discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Some European newspapers criticize Trump's actions as risking NATO's stability.
A large explosion at a factory in northern China killed two people and injured 84 others, with five people still missing. The incident took place at the Baogang United Steel plant in Inner Mongolia, and authorities are currently investigating the cause.
Key Facts
The explosion occurred at the Baogang United Steel plant in Inner Mongolia, China.
Two people died, and 84 others were injured due to the explosion.
Five people are still unaccounted for after the incident.
The explosion caused parts of the factory to collapse.
The blast happened at approximately 3:00 PM local time on Sunday.
The factory is a major state-owned iron and steel enterprise.
Footage showed the explosion created large smoke plumes and debris.
Authorities are investigating to find out the cause of the explosion.
The article suggests simple ways to find joy during January, a month often considered gloomy. Ideas include trying stand-up comedy, spending time with friends, engaging in physical activities, and appreciating small pleasures like colorful socks.
Key Facts
Stand-up comedy can bring joy by making others laugh and provides a social challenge.
Joy is often found in social activities and shared experiences, like laughing with friends.
Spending time with friends, such as having dinner together, can lift spirits, especially in winter.
Physical activities like dancing or walking can improve mood by increasing endorphins.
Small joys, like enjoying colorful socks, can make a day brighter.
This article discusses the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, where world leaders and business executives gather. President Trump is set to attend and speak at the event, focusing on promoting U.S. interests and his economic policies. His controversial views, especially regarding Greenland, are generating discussions among global leaders.
Key Facts
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is taking place in Davos, Switzerland.
President Donald Trump is attending the WEF and will present U.S. policies.
Trump's focus includes promoting U.S. manufacturing and economic interests.
Trump previously mentioned a wish to acquire Greenland, causing controversy.
The event will host many world leaders and top business executives.
The forum is known for discussions on global cooperation and economic issues.
The WEF is happening amid global political tensions, including those related to territories like Greenland.
The United States is buying icebreakers from Finland to strengthen its presence in the Arctic region. Finland is known for its expertise in designing and building icebreakers, which the U.S. plans to use to improve its Arctic security and navigate increasingly accessible trade routes. Finland will build four icebreakers, while seven more will be built in the U.S. using Finnish designs.
Key Facts
Finland is a global leader in designing and building icebreakers.
Finnish companies have designed 80% of the world's operational icebreakers.
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will order four icebreakers from Finland.
An additional seven icebreakers will be built in the U.S. with Finnish designs.
The U.S. aims to boost Arctic security as Russia and China increase their presence in the region.
A decrease in Arctic ice due to climate change has opened new trade routes.
U.S. national security laws usually require domestic shipbuilding, but this was waived for these icebreakers.
The first contracts for these vessels were awarded on December 29.
Prince Harry is set to testify in the London High Court in a lawsuit against the publishers of the Daily Mail. Along with others, including Sir Elton John, he claims Associated Newspapers Limited engaged in illegal activities that invaded their privacy. The publishing company denies these allegations, and the case will begin on Monday, lasting approximately nine weeks.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is part of a legal case against the publishers of the Daily Mail.
He is expected to give evidence in the London High Court.
The case involves claims of unlawful actions by Associated Newspapers Limited.
Sir Elton John is also involved in this lawsuit.
Associated Newspapers Limited have denied all allegations.
On January 19, Russian attacks in Ukraine resulted in multiple casualties in several regions. Talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Miami, Florida, focused on security guarantees. Additionally, discussions about U.S. tariffs on European countries led to tensions, and concerns about a potential U.S. military move on Greenland were addressed.
Key Facts
Russian attacks killed three people and injured 11 in Ukraine's Kharkiv region.
In the Kherson region, two people died and one was injured due to Russian attacks.
Six were injured in Dnipropetrovsk, and five in Sumy, from Russian assaults.
Russian-occupied Zaporizhia's border village Nechaivka saw a drone strike causing one death and one injury.
Ukrainian attack in Russia's Belgorod region killed one woman and injured a man.
Russia claimed to have shot down 140 Ukrainian drones in one day.
The IAEA announced repair works on a nuclear plant line in Zaporizhia under a ceasefire.
Talks between Ukraine and Russia in Miami covered Ukraine's security guarantees, with U.S. officials present.
Tension arose regarding U.S. tariffs on European countries related to sending troops to Greenland, with statements from various international leaders.
CBS's 60 Minutes aired a report on deportations under President Trump's administration, focusing on deportees sent to a harsh prison in El Salvador. The report, initially scheduled for December, was delayed amid internal disagreements at CBS over its content. The broadcast included statements from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
CBS's 60 Minutes aired a report about deportations by President Trump's administration.
The report focused on deportees sent to the CECOT prison in El Salvador.
The report was delayed due to internal disagreements at CBS, with the final version airing without on-camera interviews with Trump officials.
The report included statements from the White House and Department of Homeland Security.
The CECOT prison is considered one of the world's harshest detention facilities.
The segment was originally removed from the December schedule over concerns about balance and administration representation.
The initial segment was accidentally released online by a Canadian network airing 60 Minutes.
At least 21 people died when two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain. The crash happened near Adamuz, causing both trains to derail. Emergency services responded to treat and transport the injured, and train services in the area have been suspended.
Key Facts
Two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain.
At least 21 people have been confirmed dead.
The crash occurred near Adamuz as one train derailed onto the other track.
Both trains derailed in the collision.
Emergency services treated 25 people with serious injuries.
Multiple emergency and critical care units were dispatched to the crash site.
Train services between Andalusian cities and Madrid have been suspended.
A journalist, who was on one of the trains, reported experiencing a sensation like an "earthquake" before the crash.
President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala declared a 30-day state of siege after gang attacks resulted in the deaths of seven police officers. The violence occurred following riots in three prisons where inmates held guards hostage. The measure aims to limit certain constitutional rights to help the government combat powerful gangs in the country.
Key Facts
The state of siege was announced after coordinated gang attacks killed seven police officers.
Prison riots started when inmates protested the loss of privileges and took guards hostage.
Authorities freed 43 hostages and regained control over three prisons.
Ten police officers were wounded, and one gang member died in the clashes.
The declaration allows the government to limit movement, gatherings, and protests.
Congress must approve the state of siege, but it can take effect immediately.
Police have arrested seven gang members and seized weapons and vehicles.
The Ministry of Education postponed school classes on Monday for safety reasons.
At least five people died, and many were injured after two high-speed trains collided and derailed in southern Spain near the town of Adamuz. The accident led to the suspension of all train services between Madrid and Andalusia.
Key Facts
The train collision occurred near the town of Adamuz, close to Cordoba in southern Spain.
A train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crashed onto another track.
A second train from Madrid to Huelva also derailed after the collision.
At least five people died, and about 25 others suffered serious injuries.
The accident took place around 18:40 local time on Sunday.
All train services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended afterward.
The private rail company Iryo confirmed the incident involved around 300 passengers.
Spain's Prime Minister and Andalusian regional president assured government support for victims and their families.
