Colombia Announces 23.7% Minimum Wage Increase for 2026

President Gustavo Petro decreed a 23.7% increase in Colombia's minimum wage for 2026, bringing the total monthly payment including a transport subsidy to approximately 2 million pesos. The unilateral decision, made after negotiations with business groups failed, has drawn criticism over potential impacts on inflation and employment.

US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation, an action President Trump declared a triumph. Following the capture, US officials indicated a readiness to use further force, and Russia accused Washington of attempting to push its companies out of the country.

French and UK Authorities Launch Probes into Musk's X and Grok Chatbot

French authorities searched the Paris offices of X (formerly Twitter) as part of an investigation into suspected algorithmic manipulation. Separately, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office opened an investigation into the AI chatbot Grok over its creation of potentially harmful sexual content.

India Shifts Oil Purchases From Russia to US and Venezuela

Following an agreement with the United States, India has reportedly agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil and increase imports from the US and Venezuela. The deal is said to include a reduction in US trade tariffs on Indian goods.

Revelations Follow Release of Jeffrey Epstein Documents

The release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents led to significant fallout, including the inadvertent disclosure of 43 victims' names by the US Department of Justice. The files also prompted the resignation of former UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson from the Labour Party and contained a mention of a Russian modeling agency.

Ukraine and SpaceX Take Measures to Block Russian Military's Use of Starlink

Following reports of the Russian military using Starlink for drone control, SpaceX has implemented measures that have successfully curbed this use. In parallel, Ukraine's government announced it is creating a "white list" to register all official terminals and disconnect unauthorized ones.

France Detains and Prepares to Release Russian Tanker 'GRINCH'

French authorities administratively detained the Russian oil tanker GRINCH in the Mediterranean Sea on January 22, suspecting it of violating international sanctions. However, President Macron later indicated the vessel would likely be released due to national and international legal constraints.

Investigation Launched After Nine Die at Psychiatric Facility in Prokopyevsk

A criminal investigation was launched after nine residents of a psychoneurological boarding facility in Prokopyevsk died during a flu outbreak. Management is accused of failing to implement quarantine measures, and unofficial graves were later discovered in a nearby forest.

Investigations Link Same FSB Unit to Poisonings of Navalny, Bykov, Kara-Murza

A series of joint investigations by The Insider, Bellingcat, and the BBC has identified a specific FSB assassination squad. This unit is implicated in the poisonings of Alexei Navalny, Dmitry Bykov, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, as well as the surveillance of Boris Nemtsov prior to his murder.

Trump Confirms US Attack on Drug Trafficking Facility in Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States destroyed a significant drug trafficking facility in Venezuela, described as a dock area or production plant. The confirmation represents a potential escalation in the U.S. anti-drug campaign targeting the Maduro administration.

General Hugo López Barreto Appointed to Head Colombia's Military Forces

President Gustavo Petro has reshuffled Colombia's military leadership, appointing General Hugo López Barreto to lead the Military Forces. The change, which comes as the government advances its 'total peace' strategy, has drawn criticism from some sectors over its timing and potential impact on national security.