Global News Briefing

A powerful winter and ice storm that has battered a broad stretch of North America since 22 January is now moving off the continent around 27 January. The system has produced more than 30 inches of snow in parts of New Mexico, severe icing, and extreme cold with temperatures down to −43°F in Minnesota. Tornadoes, widespread power cuts affecting over a million customers in the U.S. and Canada, and dozens of reported fatalities underscore the storm’s impact.

Source: Wikipedia – January 2026 North American winter storm

EU ministers have approved legislation committing the bloc to phase out Russian gas by late 2027. Russian LNG is to be ended by the end of 2026, with pipeline gas halted by 30 September 2027, or by 1 November if gas storage targets are not met. The law bans new Russian gas contracts and compels termination of existing ones, with fines of up to 3.5% of a company’s global turnover for violations. Russia’s share of EU gas supplies has already fallen from over 40% before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine to about 13% in 2025.

Source: 10things.news – 27 January 2026

India and the European Union have concluded what New Delhi describes as the “mother” of its recent trade deals. The agreement cuts tariffs on more than 90% of Indian goods, seeks to dismantle non-tariff barriers, and aims to reinforce supply chains. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with roughly $135 billion in goods trade in 2023–24. The deal still requires ratification by the European Parliament and approval by India’s cabinet before it can enter into force.

Source: 10things.news – 27 January 2026

Israel has recovered the remains of Ran Gvili, identified as the last remaining hostage in Gaza from the October 2023 attacks. With all 251 hostages now either released or confirmed dead, a key condition in a U.S.-brokered peace plan backed by President Trump has been met. This development is expected to open the way for reopening the Rafah crossing and advancing the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government as part of the plan’s next phase.

Source: Anewz – Morning Brief, 27 January 2026

Rights group HRANA estimates at least 6,126 deaths from Iran’s nationwide protest crackdown, a figure far higher than many earlier public tallies. In response, the UN Human Rights Council has condemned Tehran and ordered an expanded investigation. Iran has warned that any military attack would trigger “all-out war.” The country faces growing diplomatic isolation, highlighted by its foreign minister being disinvited from the recent World Economic Forum in Davos over the crackdown.

Source: Anewz – Morning Brief, 27 January 2026

NATO’s secretary general is warning that Ukraine may face its harshest winter in a decade. Russian attacks have reportedly cut power to about 80% of Kharkiv and damaged infrastructure in Kyiv, including an 11th‑century monastery. The strikes are worsening existing energy shortages just as freezing conditions set in.

Source: The Guardian – 27 January 2026

French MPs have strongly backed a bill that would bar children under 15 from accessing social media platforms and extend mobile phone bans to high schools. Platforms would be required to implement robust age‑verification tools or risk penalties, while educational sites would be exempt. The measure, presented as a child‑protection step, enjoys firm support from President Emmanuel Macron.

Source: Anewz – Morning Brief, 27 January 2026

President Donald Trump has announced higher tariffs on goods from South Korea, accusing Seoul’s parliament of delaying ratification of a trade agreement. The move forms part of a broader set of trade and foreign‑policy actions, including raised tariffs and pressure on allies, that have framed recent discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Source: Anewz – Morning Brief, 27 January 2026

The UN migration agency is probing a series of shipwrecks in the central Mediterranean over the past 10 days. Preliminary information suggests that hundreds of migrants may be missing or dead. At least 104 deaths have been confirmed from several wrecks linked to departures from Tunisia and Libya, while nine other missing boats carrying around 380 people are under investigation. The central Mediterranean remains the world’s deadliest migration route, with at least 1,340 deaths recorded last year.

Source: 10things.news – 27 January 2026

Global markets are mixed: Japan’s Nikkei 225 has fallen nearly 2% amid speculation about a possible currency intervention, while broader equities edge higher ahead of a busy earnings week for major U.S. tech firms. The Federal Reserve begins a policy meeting today, with the ECB meeting next week; both are expected to keep rates unchanged. Gold has extended a week‑long rally to close above $5,000 per ounce for the first time, trading near $5,100, while oil and gas prices have eased.

Source: CaixaBank Research – Financial Markets Daily, 27 January 2026

NHS England is trialling a combination of artificial intelligence and robotic bronchoscopy to accelerate lung cancer diagnosis at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London. The AI system flags lung nodules as small as 6 mm, while a robotic camera steers biopsy tools directly to lesions, with the goal of identifying more cancers earlier and reducing the need for invasive procedures. Cancer Research UK has welcomed the innovation but emphasizes the importance of validating accuracy and patient outcomes in real‑world use.

Source: Bez‑Kabli – Technology News, 27 January 2026

Researchers at the University of Chicago say quantum technology has reached a “transistor moment,” suggesting a tipping point similar to the early days of modern computing. They report that quantum devices are becoming more stable, scalable, and practical, moving closer to real‑world applications in areas such as chemistry, materials science, and secure communications.

Source: ScienceDaily – 27 January 2026