Reuters World News Swiss fire, Tesla and China’s ‘condom tax’
Jan 2, 2026
Switzerland grapples with the aftermath of a tragic New Year bar fire at a ski resort, where the search for victims poses significant challenges. Tesla faces a dip in Q4 sales, dealing with fierce competition and looking towards a hopeful 2026. In China, a new tax on contraceptives aims to address declining birth rates, sparking discussions about economic pressures. As global tensions rise, the podcast also touches on Russia's diplomatic moves and unrest in Iran due to economic hardships.
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Rapid Blaze At Swiss Ski Resort
- A New Year’s Eve bar fire in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana killed dozens and injured over 100, with severe burns complicating identification.
- Authorities treat it as an accident caused by sparkler candles igniting flammable materials in a crowded indoor space.
Paradoxical Scenes After The Fire
- Witnesses described surreal scenes of shock and normal holiday activity in the resort town after the fire.
- Some people walked glassy-eyed while others continued skiing and carrying on with peak-season routines.
Tesla Faces Short-Term Pain, Big Long-Term Bets
- Tesla struggled in 2025 due to loss of US tax credits, rising competition, and backlash linked to Elon Musk's politics.
- The company's 2026 hopes rest on cheaper Model 3/Y trims and long-term bets on robotaxis and humanoid robots.