Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest chess world champion at 18, defeating China’s Ding Liren in Singapore. A grandmaster at 12, Gukesh’s victory marks the pinnacle of his career. Overcoming nervous moments, he clinched the title after Ding’s blunder in the 14th game. Gukesh’s triumph follows multiple achievements, including team gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
NATO CHIEF URGES DEFENSE BOOST TO PREVENT RUSSIA CONFLICT
NATO chief Mark Rutte urged Europe to “turbo-charge” defense spending, warning of future conflict with Russia. Despite increased budgets, NATO lags behind Moscow’s arms production. Stressing no imminent threat, Rutte called for a wartime mindset to strengthen defenses, citing Russia’s long-term confrontation strategy and devastating losses in Ukraine, with over one million casualties since 2022.
US-CHINA TECH WAR ESCALATES FROM TIKTOK TO NVIDIA
The US-China tech conflict is escalating, pressuring firms like ByteDance and Nvidia. TikTok faces a potential US ban unless ByteDance divests, while Nvidia is targeted by Beijing amid chip sanctions and mineral export bans. ByteDance shifts focus to AI for growth as global tech firms face tough choices, navigating mutual distrust and geopolitical tensions.
ESTONIA’S FM TSAHKNA SAYS INDIA CAN INFLUENCE PUTIN FOR PEACE
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna urged India to influence Russian President Putin towards peace as the Ukraine war continues into 2025. He highlighted India’s balanced diplomacy, citing PM Modi’s visits to Russia and Ukraine. Tsahkna also discussed cybersecurity collaboration, inviting India’s participation in Estonia’s cyber defense exercises and emphasizing Estonia’s leadership in NATO’s cybersecurity initiatives.
XI LIKELY TO DECLINE TRUMP’S JAN 20 INAUGURATION INVITE, CITING RISKS
Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to attend US President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration, citing risks and protocol. Instead, China may send a senior official. Despite extending the invitation, Trump aims for competition with China while valuing his relationship with Xi. Foreign leaders rarely attend US inaugurations, with the last occurrence in 1874.
