Iran Enforces Severe Internet Shutdown Amid Protests
Iran is currently experiencing one of the most severe internet shutdowns in history, with 92 million citizens cut off from all internet services since January 8, 2026, as authorities seek to suppress dissent amid ongoing anti-government protests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the shutdown was a response to what he termed externally directed 'terrorist operations.' Reports indicate that the government may be planning to restrict international internet access permanently, with a government spokesperson suggesting that services may not be restored until at least late March.
Russia Intensifies Strikes on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure
Russia is intensifying its strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, targeting substations connected to the country's nuclear plants amid severe winter temperatures that have dropped to minus 20°C. Millions are facing prolonged power outages, with over 6,000 residential buildings lacking heating, as Ukrainian officials warn of a critical shortage of air-defense systems and the risk of more precise attacks. The ongoing assault aims to undermine civilian resilience and force Ukraine into concessions, while the International Atomic Energy Agency plans to assess the impact on nuclear safety.
Labour Plans Bill to Reset EU Relations and Trade
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the Labour government is preparing to introduce a bill aimed at establishing a legal framework for a significant reset of relations with the European Union. This legislation, expected to be introduced in the spring or summer, follows Starmer's efforts to repair ties with the EU after winning the July 2024 election, and aims to boost trade and lower energy costs through closer alignment with EU rules. Despite Labour's majority in parliament, the bill is anticipated to face strong opposition from right-wing parties, including the Conservatives and Reform UK.
China's Population Declines for Fourth Consecutive Year
China's population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by 3.39 million to approximately 1.405 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The birth rate hit a historic low of 5.63 births per 1,000 people, with only 7.92 million births recorded, while deaths rose to 11.31 million. This demographic trend poses significant challenges for the country's economy, which grew by about 5% last year, as Beijing continues to grapple with the long-term effects of its previous birth-control policies.
High-speed train collision in Spain kills at least 39
A high-speed train collision in southern Spain resulted in at least 39 fatalities and numerous injuries, marking the country's deadliest rail disaster since 2013, according to Spain's Civil Guard. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train near Córdoba, with around 400 passengers and staff onboard both trains. Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the crash as 'extremely strange,' as the cause of the derailment remains unclear and an investigation is underway.
