World

The United States condemned China and Russia for preventing a UN Security Council statement about the December 31 attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, with US officials expressing frustration over the diplomatic obstruction.

Tensions between the US and Iran have triggered market instability, with stock markets falling and oil prices surging. Following the US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, fears of military escalation have driven investors to react nervously, causing significant market fluctuations and economic concern.

Ant Financial, the world's highest-valued FinTech company, has applied for a digital wholesale banking license in Singapore. Following Grab and Razer, the company seeks to contribute to Singapore's digital banking landscape and expand its corporate client services, supporting the country's goal of promoting financial innovation.

Taiwan's military suffered a significant loss as Air Force General Shen Yi-ming and seven other defense officials were confirmed dead in a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crash. The Ministry of National Defense reported the incident, noting five survivors amid the tragic accident.

Thailand, France, and Mexico have implemented bans on single-use plastic bags as part of their environmental protection efforts. The initiatives aim to reduce ocean waste and protect wildlife, with Thailand leading the charge after incidents of marine animals dying from plastic ingestion.

Shannon Lee, representing Bruce Lee Enterprises, has filed a lawsuit against Chinese fast-food chain Real Kungfu for using her late father's image without proper licensing for 15 years. She demands the chain stop using the logo and seeks compensation of 210 million yuan (US$30 million) for intellectual property rights infringement.

The Turkish constitutional court ruled that the government's ban on Wikipedia is unconstitutional, ordering its immediate lifting. The block, initiated in 2017, was due to entries criticizing government officials' alleged connections to terrorist organizations. The 10-6 vote determined the ban violated freedom of expression.

Turkey's constitutional court has ruled the government's two-year ban on Wikipedia unconstitutional, lifting the block that was imposed in 2017 over entries criticizing government officials' alleged connections to terrorist organizations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin asserts Russia's lead in hypersonic weapons technology, highlighting strategic advancements with Kinzhal missile and Avanguard hypersonic glide vehicle, positioning the country ahead of the United States.

Canada's Foreign Affairs and International Development Ministers condemned Russia and China for vetoing a UN resolution to continue cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria, warning that millions of Syrians will be prevented from receiving urgent assistance.