Author: Emily Harper

Japan’s Dai-ichi Life Holdings has taken a significant step in expanding its global reach by purchasing a 15% stake in M&G plc, a leading British financial services firm. The acquisition, valued at just under $1 billion, is one of the largest investments by a Japanese insurer in a UK asset manager and signals growing cross-border cooperation in the sector. Dai-ichi Life’s investment makes it the largest single shareholder in M&G. Under the terms of the deal, M&G will become Dai-ichi’s preferred partner for asset management services across Europe, while Dai-ichi will be M&G’s top insurance client in the Asia-Pacific region.…

Rising Talent in STEM: Aarav Jindal’s Academic Journey Aarav Jindal, a student at Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science (PRISMS), has been named one of the national finalists of the USA Biolympiad (USABO), the nation’s premier biology education and testing program for high school students. Jindal’s academic path is far from traditional. His interests span mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, arts, and even law. His multidisciplinary approach has positioned him as a standout figure in competitive STEM environments. One of his most notable achievements includes leading a CubeSat project designed to detect high-energy particles in space. This satellite is…

A Fragile Truce Under Pressure Trade tensions between the United States and China are back in the spotlight after a recent agreement between the two nations began to show signs of strain. The truce, established after high-level talks in Geneva, aimed to reduce years of tit-for-tat tariff escalations that had disrupted global markets and supply chains. Both countries agreed to ease reciprocal tariffs and suspend others temporarily, offering a much-needed pause in the trade war. The United States lowered its tariffs on Chinese goods from a staggering 145% down to 30%, while China reduced its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to…

A Historic Moment for Wildlife in Hong Kong For the first time in history, Hong Kong celebrates the birth and official naming of its first locally-born giant panda cubs. The two young pandas, a female named Jia Jia and a male named De De, mark a significant milestone for conservation efforts and public engagement in wildlife protection within the city. Their arrival brings pride and excitement, not only for animal lovers but also for residents who see this moment as a symbol of growth in the city’s animal conservation initiatives. The birth of these cubs was met with anticipation, especially…

Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, has been acquired by e.l.f. Beauty in a landmark deal valued at approximately $1 billion. The acquisition marks one of the largest transactions in the celebrity beauty industry in recent years. Bieber, who founded Rhode in 2022, has grown the brand rapidly with a focus on minimalist skincare products and a highly engaged online following. According to industry figures, Rhode achieved $212 million in net sales over the twelve months leading up to March 2025, a significant feat for a startup in a crowded beauty market. The deal consists of $600 million in cash, $200…

Record heat and rising tourist numbers challenge Greece’s capital. Athens is bracing for another scorching summer as the Greek capital balances record-breaking tourism with intensifying climate challenges. With forecasts predicting yet another wave of extreme heat, the city’s iconic landmarks—especially the Acropolis—face growing strain amid soaring temperatures and swelling crowds. Over 10 million tourists are expected to visit Athens in 2025, according to government estimates, with July and August projected as the peak months for both visitors and heatwaves. The Mediterranean region is warming faster than the global average, and Athens, the hottest capital in mainland Europe, continues to experience…

The Blues stun Real Betis with four-goal second half in Poland. Chelsea FC made football history on Wednesday night, becoming the first club to win all three major European competitions after a dramatic 4-1 comeback victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final held in Wroclaw, Poland. Despite a slow start and trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Premier League side returned to the pitch with renewed determination, scoring four unanswered goals to seize the trophy and cap off a remarkable European campaign. A First-Half Scare The match began with Real Betis on the front foot, quickly unsettling Chelsea’s…

Powerful Explosion Rattles Chinese Chemical Factory A deadly explosion erupted at the Gaomi Youdao Chemical Co. plant in Weifang, located in Shandong province, eastern China, on May 27, 2025. The violent blast shook the area in the early evening, instantly drawing emergency services and sending shockwaves through the local community. Authorities confirmed that at least five people lost their lives, 19 more suffered injuries, and six workers remain missing as rescue operations continue. The force of the explosion was so intense that it shattered windows up to three kilometers away, and was felt by residents living as far as seven…

Jefferies has made a bold move to strengthen its West Coast technology investment banking presence by hiring four senior bankers from Guggenheim Partners. In a rare hiring spree, the boutique firm is intensifying its competition with Wall Street heavyweights, adding seasoned talent to a team already filled with key players from rival firms. A High-Profile Talent Raid in Silicon Valley In a significant development for the investment banking world, Jefferies (JEF.N) has successfully recruited four of Guggenheim Partners’ top technology dealmakers. According to sources familiar with the matter, the group includes Senior Managing Director Robert Bartlett and Managing Directors Jalil…

Trump’s tariff threat reignites long-standing manufacturing debate President Donald Trump’s renewed push to bring iPhone manufacturing to the United States has reignited a long-standing debate over Apple’s global production strategy. As Trump threatens a 25% tariff on Apple and other smartphone makers unless they build phones domestically, the company faces increasing political and economic pressure — but experts say relocating iPhone production to the US is highly improbable in the near future. Despite Apple’s growing investment in its American footprint, the company’s reliance on global supply chains, labor specialization abroad, and cost efficiencies in countries like China and India continue…