Trump’s Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Taking Effect Bringing Retaliation and Economic Concerns

Several weeks after President Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico were initially imposed, they officially took effect on Tuesday, heightening tensions between the U.S. and its key trading partners. In response, Canada has moved to impose 25% tariffs on about $100 billion worth of U.S. imports, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing […]

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ADNOC and OMV Merge Polyolefin Assets, Creating $60B Petrochemical Powerhouse

The UAE’s national oil company, ADNOC, has merged its polyolefin assets with Austrian energy giant OMV, forming a formidable new entity in the petrochemical sector. This strategic move, combined with OMV’s recent $13.4 billion acquisition of Nova Chemicals, will create a global petrochemical powerhouse valued at $60 billion. The merger enhances both companies’ capabilities in […]

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Almost 80,000 flee DR Congo amid fighting, sexual violence: UNHCR

“Near the frontlines, sexual violence and human rights abuses remain rampant, as is the looting and destruction of civilian homes and businesses,” said Patrick Eba, Deputy Director of UNHCR’s Division of International Protection. Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Eba told journalists that that North and South Kivu provinces remain unstable, with “hundreds of thousands of people […]

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Polish Space Agency Hit by Cyberattack, Disconnects Network to Contain Breach

The Polish Space Agency (POLSA) has been targeted by a cyberattack, prompting the agency to disconnect its network from the internet over the weekend in an effort to secure its systems. POLSA confirmed the breach on social media, stating that the incident had been reported to authorities, and an investigation was underway. While the agency […]

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EHRC Welcomes Reversal of Suspension on Four Rights Groups, Citing Successful Advocacy

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced the lifting of the suspension on four prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO). Among the organizations reinstated are the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), Lawyers for Human Rights […]

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T-Mobile’s Parent, Deutsche Telekom, Unveils AI-Powered Phone with Perplexity Assistant

At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Deutsche Telekom (the parent company of T-Mobile) announced its plans to launch a new AI-driven smartphone, powered by the Perplexity Assistant. Set for release later this year, the device will run on “Magenta AI,” offering users a suite of AI tools including Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, and […]

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BlackRock Seals $22.8B Deal to Acquire Panama Canal Ports Amid Growing U.S. Concerns

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $11 trillion in assets, has announced a landmark $22.8 billion deal to acquire a 90% stake in Panama Ports Company from CK Hutchison’s subsidiary, Hutchison Port Holdings. The acquisition includes key assets at both ends of the Panama Canal—Cristobal Port on the Atlantic and Balboa Port on the […]

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‘Rapid expansion’ of synthetic drugs reshaping illicit markets, UN anti-narcotics body warns

In its 2024 Annual Report, released on Tuesday, the INCB explains that unlike plant-based drugs, these substances can be made anywhere, without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them easier and cheaper for traffickers to produce and distribute. The rise of powerful opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes – potent enough to cause overdoses in tiny […]

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EU Unveils $840B ‘ReArm Europe’ Defense Plan Due to Growing Security Threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a bold five-part plan aimed at raising approximately 800 billion euros ($840.50 billion) to enhance European defense capabilities and bolster military support for Ukraine. The new initiative, called “ReArm Europe,” is a response to the clear and present danger posed by escalating security threats, especially following […]

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Flight Safety Foundation Visit to EASA on 26 February

On February 26, 2025 the Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Florian Guillermet and other representatives from the Agency met with the President and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, Dr Hasan Shahidi and key members of the foundation’s team in Cologne. The meeting provided the opportunity for EASA to formally […]

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