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Fed Convenes: Rate Cut Hopes, Divisions
Business

Fed Convenes: Rate Cut Hopes, Divisions

The Federal Reserve's policy committee commenced its two-day meeting on December 9, 2025, with widespread anticipation of a third consecutive interest rate cut, expected to lower the benchmark fed funds rate by 25 basis points to its lowest level since 2022. This highly anticipated decision, driven by recent weaker-than-expected economic reports and indicated by an 87-89% probability from the CME Group's FedWatch tool, comes amidst a "muddy economic picture," growing divisions among FOMC members, and incomplete economic data due to a recent government shutdown.

SCOTUS May Boost Presidential Agency Power
Politics

SCOTUS May Boost Presidential Agency Power

The U.S. Supreme Court appears ready to significantly expand presidential authority, signaling a likely ruling that would grant the President greater power to dismiss leaders of independent federal agencies without cause. This potential decision, emerging from oral arguments heard on December 8, 2025, in the case of Trump v. Slaughter, could fundamentally alter the balance of power by overturning a 90-year-old precedent protecting agency heads.

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s
Technology

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

Australia is set to implement a world-first social media ban for children under 16, effective December 10, 2025, requiring major tech companies to deactivate existing accounts and prevent new sign-ups. This groundbreaking legislation, driven by escalating concerns over youth mental health, places the onus on platforms to enforce age restrictions and imposes substantial fines for non-compliance.

Trump OKs Nvidia AI Chips for China Market
Technology

Trump OKs Nvidia AI Chips for China Market

In a significant policy reversal, President Donald Trump announced on December 8, 2025, the approval for Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips to "approved customers" in China, overturning previous Biden administration restrictions. This groundbreaking decision, which includes a 25% cut of the proceeds for the U.S. government and aims to bolster American jobs, has been met with enthusiasm by Nvidia but drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers concerned about national security and China's military capabilities.

Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodia
International

Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodia

A severe escalation in the long-standing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia unfolded on Monday, December 8, 2025, as Thailand reportedly launched airstrikes against its neighbor, shattering a fragile ceasefire agreement. While Thailand claimed self-defense against Cambodian aggression, Cambodia denied initiating hostilities, with the renewed fighting resulting in multiple civilian and military casualties and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Japan Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warnings
Technology

Japan Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warnings

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast late Monday, December 8, 2025, triggering immediate tsunami warnings for several prefectures and prompting tens of thousands to evacuate. While initial tsunami advisories were later lifted, the seismic event caused injuries to dozens, widespread power outages, and significant disruptions to train services across the affected region.

Bennu Asteroid Samples Hold Life's Sugars
Science

Bennu Asteroid Samples Hold Life's Sugars

Scientists analyzing pristine samples from asteroid Bennu have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying sugars crucial for biological processes, including ribose and, for the first time in an extraterrestrial sample, glucose. This pivotal finding significantly advances our understanding of how life's building blocks may have originated and spread throughout the early solar system, strongly supporting the "RNA world" hypothesis.

Environmentalists Demand Data Center Halt
Technology

Environmentalists Demand Data Center Halt

Over 230 environmental organizations, led by Food & Water Watch, have formally called for a national moratorium on new data center construction, urging Congress to halt the rapid expansion driven by the energy-intensive AI industry. This powerful coalition warns that unchecked growth is significantly escalating electricity bills, consuming vast amounts of water, and exacerbating the climate crisis, with data center electricity use projected to more than double by 2030.

Russia Hits Dnipro; Pokrovsk Battle
International

Russia Hits Dnipro; Pokrovsk Battle

A devastating Russian Iskander missile strike on December 1, 2025, tragically killed four and injured over 40 in Dnipro's industrial area, highlighting the persistent threat to Ukrainian cities. Simultaneously, Russia claimed to have captured the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk, a claim immediately disputed by Ukraine, where fierce fighting reportedly continues.

India Hosts UNESCO Heritage Session at Red
International

India Hosts UNESCO Heritage Session at Red

India is currently hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi, a significant first for the nation that has drawn over 1,000 delegates from more than 185 countries. This landmark event, coinciding with India's 20th anniversary of ratifying the 2003 UNESCO Convention, aims to protect and popularize living traditions globally, with India notably proposing Diwali for inscription on the ICH list.

Wireless Brain Device Unveiled by
Technology

Wireless Brain Device Unveiled by

Northwestern University scientists have developed a groundbreaking wireless device that communicates directly with the brain using light, bypassing natural sensory pathways. This innovative implant, detailed in Nature Neuroscience, successfully stimulated neurons in mice to enable decision-making without relying on their natural senses, offering immense potential for restoring lost senses and advancing prosthetic technology.

Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi for UNEA-7
Environment

Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi for UNEA-7

Representatives from over 170 nations have convened in Nairobi, Kenya, for the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the world's highest-level environmental decision-making body, to tackle the urgent "triple planetary crises" of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This five-day conference, themed "Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet," brings together nearly 6,000 participants to forge decisive, science-based actions and shape global environmental policy through deliberations on 15 draft resolutions.

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