The United Kingdom, Norway and the United States disrupted an alleged Russian GUGI operation near Svalbard in spring 2026. The vessels were monitored and confronted before leaving, and no undersea cables were damaged. The incident raised concerns about potential Russian sabotage of Read More
Iceland plans to introduce legislation in February 2027 to permanently ban commercial whaling, citing political and public support and ethical, legal, and conservation concerns. The proposal could end an industry resumed in 2006 that currently operates under an annual fin whale quota. Read More
Nearly 25 years after the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government is launching a CDC-overseen study of children and fetuses exposed to toxic dust and pollutants near the World Trade Center. Researchers will investigate whether childhood or prenatal exposure is linked to Read More
The Bank for International Settlements warns that rapid growth in AI investment could create risks for global financial stability. Spending by major technology companies, rising debt and private-credit financing, market concentration and high valuations may complicate economic forecasting and monetary policy. AI Read More
Chinese AI chipmakers, including Huawei and Cambricon, are raising prices as a global shortage of high-bandwidth memory increases production costs. Huawei’s Ascend 950DT and Cambricon’s upcoming 690 chip have reportedly seen substantial price increases, with smaller manufacturers making similar adjustments. Tighter U.S. Read More
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Nvidia’s $17 billion agreement with AI chip startup Groq was structured to avoid antitrust scrutiny. Announced as a non-exclusive technology license alongside the hiring of key Groq executives, the arrangement has prompted regulators to Read More
Afghanistan has significant deposits of copper, iron ore, gold, lithium, lead, zinc and precious stones. Resources such as Mes Aynak copper and Hajigak iron ore, along with critical minerals needed for batteries and renewable energy, have attracted regional and international interest. Developing Read More
Kandahar has played a central role in Afghanistan’s political history since Ahmad Shah Durrani established the Durrani Empire there in 1747. Although Kabul is the official capital, Kandahar remains influential because of its historical significance, cultural heritage and continuing importance in Afghan Read More
Three Afghan sisters born in Iran face limited educational opportunities after their family was deported to Afghanistan in 2026. Now living in Herat, they cannot attend formal school under restrictions affecting girls and women, after years of displacement and uncertainty over their Read More
Houthi forces launched attacks on cities and energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 people and causing fires, according to Saudi authorities. The escalation follows continued U.S. and Iranian-linked attacks involving oil tankers and shipping routes. The conflict is increasing concerns Read More