Big Boss Interview

A Chinese state-sponsored hacker has broken into the US Treasury Department's systems, accessing employee workstations and some unclassified documents, according to American officials.

President Joe Biden makes what is most likely his last multi-billion dollar grant of aid to Ukraine's economy whilst still in office.

We take a look at how US companies are responding to the prospect of a Trump presidency which might be about to impose much higher import duties on goods from around the world.

And we're in Scotland where - to some local dismay - the end of year festival, Hogmanay, has partly at least been cancelled.

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Mexico's government has announced an emergency strategy to protect migrants in the United States, ahead of the inauguration of the president- elect, Donald Trump, next month.

There are “early indications” that Russian air defence systems - that's a ground to air missile in plain English - may have caused the downing of an Azerbaijani plane this week. As a number of airlines suspend flights in the region, what does this say about the long-term future of commercial air travel over Russia?

Also in the show, we recall the impact of this year's Baltimore bridge collapse on local businesses, nine months on.

And how volunteering - a multi-billion dollar industry in the US especially in this holiday season, could be back on the rise in the US.

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

The European Union threatens to impose further sanctions on Russia, as a Moscow-linked cargo ship is blamed for severing an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea. Also, we profile Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister credited with transforming India’s economy. Plus, a controversial anti-LGBT bill in Ghana could put western aid to the country at risk. And why even French winemakers are embracing alcohol-free drinking.

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Joining us live are Fermin Koop, an Argentine freelance journalist specialising in environmental issues and based in Buenos Aires, and Jessica Khine, Head of Asia for Astris Advisory Japan, based in Penang, Malaysia.

We examine Myanmar's faltering economy amidst ongoing unrest, with insights from Professor Sean Turnell, an economic advisor to the imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi. How has the military government’s limited control impacted urban areas?

Boeing has faced a turbulent year with technical problems and costly strikes, yet its shares have risen sharply since November. What’s behind this recovery? Theo Leggett reports.

In Asia, Japan eases visa rules for Chinese visitors, boosting bilateral engagements. Meanwhile, in Argentina, President Millei outlines an ambitious nuclear energy plan to enhance energy security.

We also reflect on the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, exploring the immense rebuilding efforts across affected nations with journalist Shoeb Kagda.

Finally, updates on Australia's fire crisis, India’s booming concert economy, and protests in Panama over U.S. threats to the Panama Canal.

Also, we hear from a health academic, who worked with United Healthcare boss Brian Thompson, shot dead in Manhattan three weeks ago, about healthcare in the US. We'll be talking too with doctors from three continents who each had something in common in 2024: they all went out on strike. What are the challenges facing the health sectors in Kenya, India and the UK?

Honda and Nissan plan to merge as the two Japanese firms seek to fight back against competition from the Chinese car industry.

Joining forces would create one of the world's biggest car producers alongside Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford.

We look at how South Korea's political instability is impacting its economy

And who is France's new finance minister?

US in last ditch shut down vote, unless congress can agree on a spending plan

A government shutdown looms over the US as funding deal is rejected

Amazon workers have gone on strike at the peak of the Christmas rush.

Changes in weather patterns have been causing problems in some ski resorts around the world, including in India where one mountain resort has reported a fall in visitor numbers.

Shares fell on Wall Street after Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced a cut to its key interest rate of 0.25%, but indicated this could be the last rate reduction for a while. The US dollar rose in value on the news. Also Lily Jamali explains how TikTok is pursuing a last-ditch effort in the US Supreme Court to avoid a mandated sale or ban of the app in America the day before Donald Trump is due to take office as president. And the de-facto leader of Syria tells the BBC that sanctions on the country should be lifted immediately.

Canada takes a breath after the resignation of the country’s Finance Minister, with calls growing for Chrystia Freeland to consider challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the country’s Liberal Party.

Also on Business Matters, Andrew Peach hears how 26 tonnes of gold has been found in the vaults of Syria’s National Bank.

Andew hears how the Japanese carmakers Nissan and Honda appear to be edging closer to a merger.

And with Christmas just around the corner,, why do we keep buying presents for each other if it makes so many of us unhappy?