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Geopolitics and industry are realigning at speed. New military calculations in Asia, renewed diplomatic outreach in New Delhi, and a potential consolidation in streaming hint at how nations and companies are positioning for 2026.

Today’s rundown brings clarity to fast-moving developments and what they signal for the year ahead.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss trade, energy, and what they called “peace” efforts as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year. The Putin–Modi summit focused on discounted Russian oil sales, defense cooperation, and India’s role as a key buyer of Russian crude.

New Delhi has maintained ties with Moscow while expanding relations with the West, arguing it needs diverse partners for energy and security. Western governments worry India’s purchases help fund Russia’s war, even as they court India as a counterweight to China. The visit underscores that, despite sanctions, Russia still has influential friends shaping how isolated it really is.

South Korea is moving toward acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, a step that would deepen its military cooperation with the United States and reshape naval power in Northeast Asia. Seoul’s leaders see the nuclear sub gamble as a response to North Korea’s missile advances and a way to patrol far from home for longer periods.

The plan would require complex technology-sharing with Washington and could raise proliferation concerns, since nuclear propulsion blurs lines set by arms-control norms. Neighbors like China are watching closely, wary of an underwater arms race in crowded regional seas. How the U.S. balances deterrence, alliance politics, and nonproliferation will help determine whether this becomes a stabilizing upgrade or a new source of tension.

Federal agents have arrested a man they say is responsible for planting the two pipe bombs discovered near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. The suspect, identified in court filings as a 27-year-old from suburban Virginia, is charged with multiple explosives and weapons offenses after investigators matched DNA and financial records to the purchase of bomb components.

The devices were found just blocks from the U.S. Capitol as rioters stormed the building, and have long been seen by investigators as one of the day’s most serious unresolved threats. Officials say the bombs were viable and could have caused mass casualties had they detonated, but there is no public evidence so far that the suspect coordinated directly with rioters at the Capitol.

Taiwan’s premier said the government was “very moved” by recent comments from Japan’s prime minister backing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan–Japan message comes as Tokyo boosts defense spending and deepens ties with partners wary of Beijing’s military pressure.

For Taipei, vocal backing from a major neighbor strengthens its diplomatic hand despite lacking formal recognition. For Japan, aligning more closely with Taiwan risks angering China but reflects growing concern that any conflict there would quickly draw in the region’s biggest economies.

Russia said a Ukrainian drone attack ignited a fire at the Azov Sea port of Temryuk, a hub used for fuel and grain shipments near Crimea. Moscow reported damage at the Temryuk port facility, while Kyiv did not immediately comment.

The strike underscores Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russia’s logistics far from the front lines to raise costs and disrupt supply chains. Attacks on ports and fuel terminals complicate efforts to keep Russia’s war machine running and add new risks for regional shipping routes already reshaped by conflict.

The UN human rights chief warned of possible new atrocities in Sudan’s Kordofan region as fighting between the army, paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and allied groups intensifies. A UN briefing cited evidence of fresh Sudan abuses, including airstrikes, summary executions, and reported sexual violence.

The war, which erupted in 2023, has already killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Renewed alarm over Kordofan shows how multiple front lines are converging into a prolonged humanitarian disaster, even as the conflict slips from global headlines.

New U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to 191,000 last week, the lowest level since 2022. The jobless claims report suggests employers are still holding on to workers even as the Federal Reserve debates when to cut interest rates.

A leading German economic institute projected only modest growth in 2026, blaming a global trade slowdown and domestic investment shortfalls. The German outlook study highlights Europe’s struggle to regain momentum amid high borrowing costs and geopolitical uncertainty.

Public health experts warn a growing measles outbreak in Texas could jeopardize America’s status as a country where the disease is no longer considered endemic. Officials told the Texas measles briefing that vaccine gaps and delayed detection are making containment harder.

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Asian stocks mostly rose while Japan’s Nikkei slid, as investors positioned ahead of a key U.S. inflation report that could shape next week’s Federal Reserve meeting. A global markets snapshot showed Treasury yields edging higher and futures pointing to mild gains on Wall Street.

Gold prices rose as the dollar weakened, with traders looking to a U.S. inflation reading that could confirm expectations of a rate cut in 2026. The gold price update noted bullion hovering near record territory after a year of strong central-bank buying.

Bankers expect a busy 2026 for Asian equity offerings, especially from Chinese and Indian firms tied to artificial intelligence and consumer tech. But the Asia IPO pipeline could be tested if investors decide AI valuations look frothy after a rapid run-up.

Researchers reported a new design for solid-oxide fuel cells that can run efficiently at lower temperatures, potentially extending lifetimes and expanding use cases. The low-temperature fuel cell could make hydrogen power more practical for homes and vehicles by reducing costly materials and thermal stress.

The World Health Organization warned that global malaria cases and deaths increased last year, reversing some pandemic-era progress. A malaria trend report cited growing drug resistance, climate-related shifts in mosquito habitats, and funding gaps as key challenges.

Delegates at a major wildlife treaty meeting approved new trade restrictions for sharks, rays, and other vulnerable species heavily targeted by the pet and luxury markets. A CITES COP20 update said some measures could significantly cut illegal or unsustainable exports if countries enforce them rigorously.

Rui Hachimura hit a go-ahead three-pointer with seconds left as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 123–120 on the road, ending LeBron James’ record run of consecutive double-digit scoring games. A game recap noted that James finished with single-digit points but contributed key assists and rebounds, while Toronto’s late rally fell just short. The win helps the Lakers keep pace in a crowded Western Conference race.

The Boston Celtics routed the Washington Wizards in what was described as the worst defeat in Wizards franchise history, with Derrick White scoring 30 points in a lopsided contest that was effectively over by halftime. A blowout summary said Boston’s defense stifled Washington’s guards and forced a wave of turnovers, prompting early garbage-time lineups. The result reinforces Boston’s status as an early contender while deepening questions about Washington’s rebuild.

Organizers will stage the draw for the expanded 48-team men’s World Cup on Friday, setting groups that include debut appearances for Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. A tournament preview said the new format will add more knockout-style drama but complicate logistics as matches are spread across multiple North American host cities. The draw will also clarify travel plans for fans and national teams already navigating ticket demand and long-haul flights.

Mattel Studios confirmed that Vin Diesel will not only star in but also write a live-action adaptation of the classic tabletop game Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots. The Diesel film announcement marks his first feature writing credit in years and adds another toy-brand project to Hollywood’s slate.

Early reviews of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” say the horror sequel leans heavily on jump scares without delivering a coherent story or genuine frights. One Freddy’s 2 review described the movie as messy and “un-scary,” suggesting the franchise may be running on fan goodwill more than fresh ideas.

A new survey in the U.K. found that nearly half of adults believe small, manageable moments—like short walks or offline breaks—could meaningfully improve their days. A well-being habits feature highlights research backing the idea that modest routines, rather than life overhauls, can boost mood and reduce stress.

Warner Bros. Discovery has entered exclusive negotiations to sell its film and television studios, along with the HBO Max streaming service, to Netflix in a deal valued at tens of billions of dollars. Reporting on the Netflix–Warner talks says the streamer outbid rival media giants for the assets and agreed to a sizable breakup fee if regulators block the transaction. Other coverage of the exclusive negotiations frames the deal as a potential turning point for how entertainment is produced and delivered.

If completed, the acquisition would combine Netflix’s global subscriber base with Warner’s deep library of franchises, from DC superheroes to prestige series like “Game of Thrones.” Analysts quoted in a streaming merger analysis say the move could streamline costs by bundling services and consolidating marketing and technology spending. For consumers, that might mean fewer separate subscriptions and more bundled offerings, but also less competition among platforms vying for attention.

The deal is already drawing political and creative backlash. A group of anonymous filmmakers urged Congress to scrutinize the merger, warning in an open-letter report that putting so much content under one global streamer could “hold a noose around” theatrical distribution. They argue smaller movies, mid-budget dramas, and experimental projects could be squeezed out if one buyer controls a huge share of studio output and audience data.

Regulators in the U.S. and abroad would have to decide whether the combination threatens competition, raises barriers for independent creators, or unduly concentrates bargaining power over talent and distributors. Questions to watch include how the merged company might treat licensing to other platforms, whether it would prioritize global blockbusters over local content, and how rivals like Disney, Amazon, and Apple respond. However the talks end, the push for scale shows that the streaming wars are evolving into a new phase where fewer, bigger players may shape what audiences see.

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—The Five Minute Daily Team