World

[President Trump ordered a U.S. drone strike killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, citing national security threats and protecting American lives after embassy protests and contractor attack in Iraq.]

Crude oil prices jumped 4.5% in Asian markets following Iran's missile attacks on US forces in Iraq. The strikes, launched after the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, heightened tensions and sparked worries about potential disruptions to Middle East oil supplies.

The United States criticized China and Russia for preventing a UN Security Council statement condemning the recent attack on the American Embassy in Baghdad. US officials were angered by the blocking of a condemnation, with two rockets hitting near the compound on December 31.

The new year begins with market uncertainty as US-Iran tensions rise following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Global markets experience sharp stock declines and oil price increases, with fears of potential military escalation and President Trump's warning of "major retaliation" creating investor anxiety.

Ant Financial, the world's highest-valued FinTech company, has applied for a digital wholesale banking license in Singapore. This move follows similar bids by Grab and Razer, as Singapore offers five virtual licenses to promote banking innovation and digital financial services.

Taiwan's Air Force General Shen Yi-ming and seven defense officials were confirmed dead after their UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crashed in poor weather conditions. The Ministry of National Defense reported the incident, noting that five people survived the tragic accident.

Thailand, France, and Mexico are taking significant steps to combat plastic pollution by implementing nationwide bans on single-use plastic bags. These environmental initiatives aim to protect marine ecosystems and reduce waste, with Thailand specifically targeting a complete plastic ban by 2021.

Shannon Lee's Bruce Lee Enterprises is taking legal action against Chinese fast-food chain Real Kungfu for using Bruce Lee's image without permission for 15 years. The lawsuit, filed in a Shanghai court, seeks 210 million yuan in compensation and demands the immediate cessation of unauthorized logo usage.

Turkey's constitutional court has ruled the two-year government ban on Wikipedia unconstitutional, ordering its immediate lift. The block was initially imposed in 2017 over entries alleging government officials' controversial connections with terrorist organizations.

Turkey's constitutional court has ruled the government's two-year ban on Wikipedia unconstitutional. The court's 10-6 vote determined the block violated freedom of expression, ordering the ban be immediately lifted after the site was blocked for publishing content critical of government officials.