Archive: January 2026
102 articles published this month
Oil outlook 2026: oversupply base case, Iran the swing
Oil outlook 2026 is set by oversupply, with a Reuters poll seeing Brent at $61.27 a barrel. But Iran disruption remains the swing risk, as Fitch says any shock may be muted by surplus supply, keeping traders focused on geopolitics.
Trump Europe tariffs jolt markets over Greenland ultimatum
Trump Europe tariffs threats tied to Greenland rattled markets after Trump said 10% duties start Feb 1 on eight European countries, rising to 25% by June 1 without a deal. The EU is preparing retaliation, and the IMF warns of a “spiral of escalation.”
Spain high-speed train crash: toll 39, track fault probe
Spain high-speed train crash investigators are probing a possible faulty rail joint after a derailment and collision near Adamuz killed at least 39. With 12 in intensive care, Spain declared mourning as operators Iryo and Renfe face scrutiny over safety and maintenance.
FIFA betting data deal: Stats Perform wins exclusivity
FIFA betting data will be distributed exclusively by Stats Perform under a new three-year deal that also covers live-streaming to licensed sportsbooks, including the 2026 World Cup, as FIFA tightens integrity control and monetizes regulated betting rails.
Dhaka International Film Festival closes with global slate
Dhaka International Film Festival wrapped its Jan 10–18 edition with awards led by Kyrgyzstan’s “Kurak,” while organizers and local coverage highlighted a 245-film, 91-country slate that positions DIFF as a growing deal and visibility platform. ([The Daily Star][1])
South Africa Venice Biennale pavilion dispute widens
South Africa Venice Biennale pavilion turmoil grew after the culture ministry ended its Art Periodic partnership and vowed to “retake full control,” as reports tied the clash to Gaza references in the selected work. ([Government of South Africa][1])
Adelaide Writers’ Week crisis deepens as letter surfaces
Adelaide Writers’ Week fallout intensified after a Jan 2 letter from South Australia’s premier opposing author Randa Abdel-Fattah was published on Jan 18, reviving questions about political pressure, festival independence, and funding leverage. ([ABC][1])
New Delhi World Book Fair turns into global rights hub
New Delhi World Book Fair is expanding beyond retail into a rights-and-diplomacy marketplace, with 35+ countries participating and Qatar drawing crowds as Guest of Honour during the Jan 10–18 run in Delhi. ([National Book Trust India][1])
Bangladesh Film Certification Board reconstituted
Bangladesh Film Certification Board was reconstituted via a Jan 14 gazette and took effect immediately, resetting the panel that certifies films for public exhibition. The new lineup mixes senior officials with industry representatives, shaping release and investment risk. ([The Daily Star][1])
Sudan looted antiquities: rewards plan to recover
Sudan looted antiquities are the target of a new rewards policy: officials approved financial incentives for citizens who surrender artefacts or provide tips that lead to recovery, after authorities said 570 items were recently recovered. ([Sudan Tribune][1])
Higher-ed censorship: PEN warns campus web of control
Higher-ed censorship is tightening on US campuses, PEN America says, as 2025 brought record state restrictions and sharper federal pressure over teaching, research, and campus operations. ([PEN America][1])
Iran protests crackdown: Trump thanks Tehran, keeps threat
Iran protests crackdown tensions eased slightly after Trump thanked Tehran for halting alleged executions of 800+ prisoners. Reuters says he was told killings were easing, but “all options” rhetoric and Iran’s denials keep markets on edge.
TikTok age detection rolls out across Europe
TikTok age detection is expanding across Europe as regulators push tougher child-safety enforcement. Suspected under-13 accounts will be sent to human review, with appeals via ID, payments, or face-age checks, affecting platform compliance costs and ads.
Bulgaria snap election looms after mandate refusals
Bulgaria snap election prospects rose after President Rumen Radev’s mandates were refused by key parties. A caretaker cabinet and an eighth national vote in four years now look likely, deepening EU funds and investor risk concerns.
U.S. visit seeks calm after Trump Greenland threats
Trump Greenland threats over acquiring Greenland pushed 11 U.S. lawmakers to Copenhagen to reassure Denmark and Greenland on self-determination, NATO unity, and trade risks.
Wikimedia Enterprise: AI firms pay for Wikipedia access
Wikimedia Enterprise is expanding paid access to Wikipedia as AI firms like Microsoft and Meta sign training-related deals. The move aims to curb scraping, fund infrastructure, and set a template for how the open web gets paid in the AI era.
Grok image editing curtailed as regulators press xAI
Grok image editing has been curtailed after global backlash over “undressing” deepfakes. Reuters says xAI restricted the feature as UK and EU probes continue, while Canada and California widened scrutiny. The fight now tests Online Safety Act and DSA enforcement.
Seat-sharing deal: Jamaat 179, NCP 30 ahead of vote
A seat-sharing deal in Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance allocates 253 constituencies ahead of the Feb 12, 2026 election. Jamaat will run in 179 seats and the National Citizen Party (NCP) in 30, while talks with IAB remain unsettled.
Netflix all-cash offer raises stakes for Warner Bros
The Netflix all-cash offer under consideration for Warner Bros. Discovery’s studios and streaming assets would replace a cash-and-stock structure, aiming to speed closing and outflank Paramount’s hostile bid—while unions warn of job and theater impacts.
Oil prices slide as Trump cools Iran risk premium
Oil prices slid more than 2% in early Asian trade on January 15, 2026 after Trump remarks eased fears of imminent U.S. military action against Iran. A surprise U.S. crude inventory build and Venezuela export news added bearish pressure.