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1. Japan suspends world’s largest nuclear plant
Japan has halted operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the largest in the world, just hours after its restart. An alarm was triggered during the reactor’s start-up procedures, although officials from Tokyo Electric Power Company confirmed that the reactor remains stable.
2. Merz urges Europe to boost defense spending
German politician Friedrich Merz has called on European nations to increase their defense budgets and enhance economic competitiveness in light of significant global changes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with the transatlantic alliance and NATO amidst these shifting dynamics.
3. Trump to meet Zelensky in Davos
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Davos today. This meeting follows comments from a US envoy expressing optimism about reaching a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
4. UK upper house approves social media ban for under-16s
The UK’s House of Lords has voted in favor of a ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16. This move increases pressure on the government to implement similar regulations as seen in Australia, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicating that protecting children is a priority.
5. Bezos launches new satellite internet service
Jeff Bezos is intensifying competition in the space sector with his company Blue Origin, which has announced a new satellite internet service called TeraWave. This initiative aims to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink, with plans to deploy 5,400 satellites to provide high-speed internet for businesses.
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6. For the first time in EU history, wind and solar energy have outpaced coal and other fossil fuels in electricity production. This milestone reflects a significant shift towards renewable energy sources, with wind and solar accounting for over 30 percent of the EU’s total electricity generation last year.
7. European nations are distancing themselves from former President Trump’s proposed Board of Peace. The Netherlands has opted out, and Denmark has reportedly not even been invited, highlighting a growing reluctance among EU countries to engage with the initiative.
8. In a tragic incident in Gaza, three journalists, including a contributor from CBS News, were killed by an Israeli airstrike on their vehicle. The Israeli military stated the strike targeted individuals involved in drone operations, raising concerns about the safety of journalists in conflict zones.
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Donald Trump has rowed back on his threat to impose tariffs on the UK and NATO allies who opposed his ambitions to annex Greenland. Following discussions with NATO’s chief, Trump announced they have “formed the framework of a future deal” for the Arctic region, easing tensions that had escalated earlier in the week.
In Russia’s Far East, record snowfall has left cars stuck and people stranded, marking the heaviest snowfall in 60 years. Scientists suggest this winter blast may be linked to climate change affecting Arctic air patterns. In the Kamchatka Peninsula, locals have been seen shovelling snow from the streets, while rescuers are assisting those trapped in their homes. Public transportation has been partially suspended due to the severe weather conditions.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, -7 degrees with partly cloudy riga can expect a bitterly cold day. In London, 6 to 9 degrees with moderate rain. In Paris, 8 to 12 degrees with patchy rain possible a slightly cool ambiance awaits paris on today. In Brussels, 6 to 10 degrees with patchy rain possible. In Berlin, -2 to 1 degrees with sunny. In Stockholm, 0 degrees with light snow stockholm can expect a bitterly cold day. In Madrid, 3 to 9 degrees with patchy rain possible.
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