China and Canada have agreed to reduce tariffs following a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola oil, and Canada will adjust taxes on Chinese electric vehicles. This tariff relief aims to improve the strained trade relationship between the two countries.
Key Facts
China will reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March 1.
Canada will tax Chinese electric vehicles at a rate of 6.1%.
The tariff deal marks a positive change after years of trade tensions between Canada and China.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China is the first by a Canadian leader in nearly ten years.
The new agreement could lead to more Chinese investments in Canada.
Carney aims to diversify Canada's trade away from reliance on the United States.
China is Canada's second-largest trading partner, with significant trade activity between the two countries.
Mark Carney emphasized Canada's commitment to maintaining its values, including human rights and election integrity, during talks with Xi Jinping.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado held a news conference after giving her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump. The gesture was symbolic, as the Nobel Institute stated she couldn't officially give away the prize. President Trump has questioned Machado's ability to lead Venezuela but accepted the gift as a sign of mutual respect.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader.
She gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump.
This gesture was symbolic because the Nobel Institute said the prize can't be transferred.
Machado met Trump at the White House and later held a news conference.
President Trump has shown readiness to work with acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela.
Trump has not clarified when democratic elections might occur in Venezuela.
Trump expressed his respect for Machado on social media after their meeting.
There is uncertainty about the leadership situation in Venezuela.
The Liberal Democrats propose using age ratings similar to movies to restrict children’s access to social media apps based on their content. They suggest apps with addictive or harmful content be limited to users over 16, while apps with graphic violence or pornography require an 18+ rating. The approach contrasts with a complete ban for under-16s supported by the Conservatives.
Key Facts
The Liberal Democrats suggest age ratings for social media apps to control access for teens.
Apps with addictive content or unsuitable material would be rated for ages 16+ or 18+.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is open to considering a ban similar to Australia's policy.
Australia mandates social media companies to verify users' ages through various means.
Conservatives propose a total ban on social media for those under 16.
The Liberal Democrats argue a tailored approach is better than a blanket ban.
Ofcom, a UK media regulator, would enforce the age ratings and issue fines for non-compliance.
The NSPCC supports the age rating approach, advocating for online safety without exclusion.
The director of Israel's Mossad, David Barnea, visited the U.S. for discussions about the situation in Iran. He is meeting with U.S. officials, including White House envoy Steve Witkoff, to talk about the protests in Iran and possible U.S. military action. The U.S. is moving military forces to the region, and further meetings and plans are being discussed.
Key Facts
David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad, traveled to the U.S. to discuss Iran.
He is meeting with Steve Witkoff, a White House envoy, about Iran's protests and U.S. military plans.
It's uncertain if Barnea will meet President Trump in Florida.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed delaying U.S. military action for Israel's preparedness.
U.S. military action remains a possibility if Iran increases its crackdown on protesters.
The U.S. is sending additional military assets, including an aircraft carrier, to the Middle East.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed interest in resuming nuclear talks.
Some Israeli officials worry Iran might use these talks to lessen U.S. pressure.
Indonesia's government is suing six companies for over $200 million in damages following deadly floods in Sumatra last year. The government blames deforestation by these companies for making the floods worse. They plan to use the money for fines and recovery efforts.
Key Facts
Indonesia is suing six companies for over $200 million due to harmful environmental practices.
The lawsuits relate to deadly floods in Sumatra that killed more than 1,000 people.
The government says deforestation worsened the floods, washing mud and logs into villages.
The lawsuits were filed in Jakarta and Medan to seek damages and recovery costs.
Indonesia's Environment Minister emphasized the "polluter pays" principle.
Environmental audits are ongoing for more than 100 companies in affected areas.
A special task force has identified 12 companies suspected of causing floods and landslides.
Environmentalists criticize the government for not doing enough and granting land use permits.
President Yoweri Museveni is leading in Uganda's election with over 76% of the votes counted so far. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, received about 20% of the votes and is reportedly under house arrest. Allegations of voting fraud and reports of violence have surfaced during the election process.
Key Facts
President Yoweri Museveni holds 76.25% of the votes from nearly half of the polling stations in Uganda.
Bobi Wine, Museveni's main opponent, has 19.85% of the vote and is allegedly under house arrest.
Museveni has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term.
Wine claims there was significant fraud during the election and that his house is surrounded by military and police.
The United Nations reported that the election took place amid widespread repression and intimidation.
Voting faced delays at polling stations due to "technical challenges."
There were reports of violence in the town of Butambala, including deaths and injuries during clashes involving police.
Uganda has not experienced a peaceful transition of presidential power since gaining independence.
Three pro-Palestine activists in the UK ended a hunger strike due to severe health issues. They started the strike to protest their imprisonment without conviction and to bring attention to their demands. The activists are linked to alleged involvement in actions against an Israeli arms company and face charges such as burglary.
Key Facts
Three activists, Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello, ended their hunger strike after serious health declines.
Heba Muraisi refused food for 73 days, suffering from severe pain and possible organ failure.
Kamran Ahmed lost 25% of his body weight during his 65-day hunger strike.
Lewie Chiaramello, a Type 1 diabetic, participated by fasting every other day for 46 days.
Their group is known as part of the "Filton 24" and is accused of breaking into sites connected with Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer.
Despite their charges, the activists claim they did not commit the alleged crimes.
The activists demanded bail, fair trials, and the closure of Elbit's sites in the UK.
A court in South Korea sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. This was the first of eight trials related to martial law he declared, which led to his ousting. The court found him guilty of rebellion and misuse of power, and further trials will determine additional sentences.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol, former South Korean President, received a five-year prison sentence.
The sentence is linked to his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Yoon was charged with rebellion and abuse of power for his actions.
A special prosecutor sought the death penalty for his martial law declaration.
The final ruling on whether he faces the death penalty is set for February 19.
South Korea rarely uses the death penalty and hasn't executed anyone since 1997.
Yoon plans to appeal the verdict, claiming it was politically motivated.
South Korea has a history of pardoning former presidents jailed for similar offenses.
A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for his actions related to martial law. This was the first of eight trials concerning his short-lived enforcement of martial law in December 2024. Yoon plans to appeal the verdict.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk Yeol, former President of South Korea, was sentenced to five years in prison.
The sentence is linked to his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Yoon's martial law was associated with public protests and calls for his removal.
The main charge is that Yoon's martial law was an act of rebellion.
An independent counsel requested the death penalty, but the court will decide this in February.
Yoon's defense is appealing the decision, arguing the trial was politically motivated.
South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997, and the death penalty is rarely enforced.
There is a history in South Korea of pardoning former presidents for promoting national unity.
Athletes in northern Ukraine continue to train for Olympic sports amid ongoing air attacks. They practice cross-country skiing and biathlon at the Sports Ski Base in Chernihiv, adapting to frequent disruptions due to the conflict. The training center remains a key site for developing future Ukrainian Olympians despite the challenges posed by war.
Key Facts
Athletes in northern Ukraine are practicing cross-country skiing and biathlon.
They train at a sports center in Chernihiv, which is affected by air attacks.
The facility has produced Ukraine’s first Olympic medalist, Valentyna Tserbe-Nesina.
There are about 350 young skiers and biathletes training there.
Coaches and athletes often have to seek shelter due to air raid sirens.
Training conditions are tough, with temporary facilities and damage from attacks.
The area around Chernihiv remains a target for airstrikes, affecting power and infrastructure.
Despite these issues, the training center is crucial for developing Ukraine's athletic talent.
The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer shows a drop in global trust toward national governments and media, while trust increases in personal circles like family and coworkers. People are relying more on these smaller groups for information rather than traditional sources. This lack of shared trust leads to fragmented views and creates challenges in finding common facts and resolving disagreements.
Key Facts
The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed over 37,500 people from 28 countries.
Only 39% of people get information from sources with different political views weekly.
Trust in national government leaders and major news organizations has decreased.
Trust has increased in personal circles, such as family, friends, and coworkers.
Business is perceived as more competent and ethical than government by a large margin.
Information is now often shared through personalized channels and platforms.
The AI technology is increasing the complexity and speed of producing and spreading disinformation.
The article discusses the changes in global politics since President Donald Trump started his second term. It questions the idea of a rules-based international order that many countries claimed to follow after World War II and explores what the future might hold.
Key Facts
The article examines how global politics have shifted since President Trump began his second term.
After World War II, many world powers said they respected certain international rules and agreements.
There are doubts about whether this rules-based order really worked as intended.
With recent changes, there is uncertainty about what will replace this international order.
The content is part of a special series produced by the BBC.
Notable contributors to the program include Jeremy Bowen and producers Cat Farnsworth and Xandra Ellin.
President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing its importance for U.S. national security due to threats from Russia and China. Greenland and Denmark oppose this, stressing Greenland is not for sale and criticizing the move as a threat to sovereignty. Discussions are ongoing, but tensions remain high between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland, saying it is crucial for national security.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated Greenland is not for sale and rejected U.S. ownership.
Denmark's Foreign Minister had discussions with U.S. officials at the White House regarding Greenland.
European allies and Greenland criticize Trump's push as a threat to their sovereignty.
The possibility of using U.S. military force to acquire Greenland is still being considered by the White House.
Trump communicated his views on the issue via a social media platform called Truth Social.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China and met with President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, they discussed improving ties between Canada and China and signed agreements to reduce tariffs and enhance trade. This visit marks a shift in Canada's approach, moving away from aligning strictly with the United States on policies related to China.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Carney described the renewed engagement as a step towards a "new world order."
Canada announced a plan to pursue a trade deal with China.
The visit marks the first by a Canadian prime minister to China in nearly a decade.
Agreements were signed to reduce tariffs, including on Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian canola.
Carney traveled with several Canadian Cabinet members focusing on foreign affairs and trade.
Relations between Canada and the U.S. have become strained since President Trump began his second term.
President Donald Trump plans to create a "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and governance following a ceasefire. This board is part of a larger plan to end conflict in Gaza and includes international figures, although members have not been officially confirmed. The board will work with a Palestinian committee to manage Gaza's day-to-day operations.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan named the "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza's transition after a ceasefire.
The board will handle Gaza's reconstruction and governance with a Palestinian technocratic committee.
Trump will chair the board, with discussions on who else will join, including Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair.
Phase Two of Trump's plan follows a ceasefire that involved Israel and Hamas stopping fighting and allowing aid into Gaza.
The U.N. highlights ongoing humanitarian needs in Gaza, and the board's role is politically significant.
Reports mention potential board members from various countries, but no official lineup is confirmed.
The ceasefire plan includes efforts to disarm Hamas and establish technocratic governance.
A woman named Michelle Smith initially thought she had eczema, but later learned it was Stage IV cancer. She experienced worsening symptoms for years, which were finally diagnosed as peripheral T-cell lymphoma in 2018. After extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she is now in remission and shares her story to raise awareness.
Key Facts
Michelle Smith started experiencing symptoms like itchy rashes and lumps in 2014.
She was initially told she had eczema, but treatments did not help.
Smith noticed swollen lymph nodes two years after her symptoms began.
In 2018, doctors diagnosed her with Stage IV peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
Smith underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
She is currently in remission and shares her journey on social media.
Smith created a body butter to relieve her symptoms, which is now a popular product.
She became a licensed esthetician and runs her own business.
A video of a senior Australian shepherd dog named Guinness went viral on TikTok after he refused to eat his food. The dog was reportedly scared because he had previously eaten a bug that was still alive, which unsettled him. The video, shared by his owner Rachel, has captured the hearts of many viewers.
Key Facts
Guinness is a senior Australian shepherd dog.
A video of him not eating his food went viral on TikTok.
The reason for his refusal to eat was fear from eating a live bug earlier.
The TikTok video has over 151,000 views and 22,000 likes.
Guinness’s owner, Rachel, adopted him when she was a teenager for $35 from a Humane Society.
Guinness serves as a therapy dog at a rural nursing home in New York.
Rachel describes Guinness as smart, fun, and an important part of her life.
Viewers reacted humorously to Guinness’s behavior in the comments section of the video.
Singer Julio Iglesias has denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former employees. The women claim they experienced abuse while working at Iglesias's properties in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic. Spain's judiciary is investigating the claims.
Key Facts
Julio Iglesias is accused of sexual assault by two former employees.
The women say the alleged incidents happened in the Caribbean during 2021.
Iglesias denied the claims, stating they are false and sadden him.
The allegations include sexual harassment and forced labor.
Spain's national court is investigating the case as it involves actions outside the country.
Advocacy groups suggest the allegations might qualify as human trafficking.
Evidence includes phone records, messages, and medical reports.
Iglesias is a famous Latin artist with a long music career.
The U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is heading to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. This move follows President Donald Trump's warnings about Iran's crackdown on protesters. The shift of the carrier aims to deter potential conflicts in the region.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln was previously active in the South China Sea before moving to the Middle East.
President Trump warned Iran about its treatment of protesters, stating "all options remain on the table" for U.S. actions.
Over 2,600 people have died in the Iranian protests that began on December 28, according to U.S.-based reports.
The U.S. and British troops evacuated from a base in Qatar due to fears of a potential attack.
The Pentagon has not officially confirmed the carrier's destination but tracking data shows it is heading west.
The repositioning is to bolster U.S. military presence and deterrence in the region.
It is expected to take 7 to 10 days for the USS Abraham Lincoln to reach the Indian Ocean.
A U.S. envoy stated that President Trump is prepared to act if the situation worsens in Iran.
The Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, has made recent military and political efforts to unify anti-Houthi forces under one command in hopes of reclaiming areas held by the Houthi group. The formation of the Supreme Military Committee aims to consolidate military efforts against the Houthis. This has led to concerns among Houthi supporters about potential renewed conflict in the region.
Key Facts
The Yemeni government has been in conflict with the Houthi rebel group for over a decade.
President Rashad al-Alimi leads the UN-recognized Yemeni authority known as the Presidential Leadership Council.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), previously opposed to the government, has seen division after failed attempts to expand its control.
Saudi Arabia has supported pro-government forces in pushing back the STC in southern Yemen.
The Supreme Military Committee (SMC) was formed to unite anti-Houthi forces under one command.
The SMC's creation has raised hopes among government supporters and concerns among Houthi supporters.
Houthi supporters fear the SMC could lead to renewed warfare in Yemen.
