Author: Anna Reynolds

A high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump ended in disarray, leaving US-Ukraine relations strained and a highly anticipated minerals deal unsigned. Zelensky had arrived at the White House hoping to secure a significant economic agreement that would reinforce American support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Instead, the talks quickly deteriorated into a heated confrontation, exposing deep rifts between the two leaders’ visions for ending the war in Ukraine. The unexpected fallout highlighted the fragility of Western support for Ukraine, which has been battling Russian forces for years. With Trump and Vice-President JD Vance…

Microsoft has announced the shutdown of Skype, marking the end of an era for the once-dominant internet-based phone and video service. Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available to users. The company has confirmed that existing Skype log-in information can be used on Microsoft Teams’ free tier in the coming days, offering users an alternative platform to stay connected. The decision to discontinue Skype comes 14 years after Microsoft’s $8.5 billion acquisition of the service in 2011. At the time, this was the company’s largest acquisition, signaling a significant investment in the future of online communication. Microsoft had…

China’s annual National People’s Congress (NPC) has commenced, bringing together the nation’s top leaders and nearly 3,000 delegates to endorse pre-determined decisions by the Chinese Communist Party. While the NPC’s role is largely ceremonial, it serves as a crucial platform to communicate government priorities and policy directions for the coming year. The event, expected to last for about a week, is closely watched for insights into China’s economic strategies, foreign policy stances, and broader political objectives. Economic Growth Targets Face Domestic and Global Challenges Premier Li Qiang is set to announce China’s economic growth target for the year, which analysts…

The GLP-1 weight loss market is poised for explosive growth, with some analysts predicting it could reach a staggering $200 billion by 2031. As weight loss drugs demonstrating over 20% body weight reduction gain traction, investor interest has surged. However, for those hesitant to pay a premium for established players like Eli Lilly, Amgen presents a compelling alternative with its promising GLP-1 drug, MariTide. Amgen’s Monthly Dosage Advantage One of the key differentiators for Amgen’s MariTide is its convenience. While most GLP-1 treatments available today require weekly injections, MariTide needs to be taken only once a month. This less frequent…

In recent months, the aviation industry has experienced multiple incidents that have sparked concerns regarding the safety of air travel. Over the past two months, there were four commercial airplane crashes, three of which were fatal. When private aircraft accidents are included, the number of incidents rises to 113 since the start of 2025, with 15 of these being fatal. This surge in high-profile crashes has sparked fears that plane accidents are becoming more frequent. However, a closer look at the data reveals a different story. As reported by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incidence of aviation…

Pope Francis remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli hospital as he battles double pneumonia, marking his longest hospital stay since the beginning of his papacy in 2013. The Vatican issued a brief nine-word statement, confirming that he spent a peaceful night and continues to rest. The 88-year-old pontiff has now spent two weeks under medical supervision, receiving ongoing treatment for the severe infection affecting both lungs. Despite concerns over his health, Vatican officials indicate that he remains alert, able to eat normally, and capable of moving around his hospital room. While he continues to require supplementary oxygen via a…

Apple has announced that it is rolling out a fix for a technical issue in its voice-to-text system that briefly replaced the word “racist” with “Trump” before automatically correcting itself. The bug, which was reported by some iPhone users, caused Apple’s dictation feature to incorrectly suggest the former U.S. president’s name when users spoke words beginning with the “r” consonant. The company acknowledged the issue on Tuesday and attributed it to a flaw in its speech recognition model. According to Apple, the model occasionally displays incorrect words with phonetic similarities before quickly adjusting to the intended input. However, the company…

Former President Donald Trump has introduced a fresh set of tariffs scheduled to take effect on March 4, impacting key U.S. trade partners. The measures include new import taxes on Canada and Mexico, as well as a doubling of the existing 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The decision is part of a broader economic policy aimed at addressing international trade imbalances and curbing illicit drug trafficking into the United States. Trump has linked the new tariffs to efforts to combat the smuggling of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, which he claims is entering the country at unacceptable levels. He argues that…

Nike, a globally renowned brand, has encountered notable financial difficulties in recent years. Revenue and net income have both declined on a year-over-year basis, signaling difficulties in maintaining growth. Currently, Nike’s stock is trading 57% below its all-time high from November 2021, raising questions about whether this dip presents a long-term investment opportunity. Despite financial setbacks, Nike continues to dominate the global sportswear market. Its brand remains a key strength, especially among younger consumers. The company retains strong pricing power and continues to attract high-profile endorsements and collaborations, reinforcing its market influence. Brand Strength and Competitive Edge Nike’s brand dominance…

The United States has recorded its first measles-related death since 2015, as an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico continues to grow. Health officials confirmed that a child in Texas, who had not been vaccinated, succumbed to the disease after being hospitalized at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock. The outbreak has seen a sharp increase in cases, with 133 confirmed infections reported across both states as of February 25. Just a week earlier, 99 cases had been documented. The DSHS (Texas Department of State Health Services) and the New Mexico Department of Health have been monitoring the situation closely, warning…