The global music industry achieved a record-breaking $29.6 billion in revenues in 2024, driven by the continued dominance of streaming platforms. According to the latest figures from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), streaming now accounts for 69% of global music revenues, totaling $20.4 billion. This marks the tenth consecutive year of growth […]
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Russia and Ukraine have completed a prisoner swap, each side returning 175 detainees, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday. In addition to the prisoners, 22 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers were transferred for urgent medical treatment, described by Russia as a “gesture of goodwill.” The United Arab Emirates (UAE) facilitated the exchange, playing a key […]
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From 1 January to 23 February 2025, a cumulative total of 70 488 cholera cases and 808 deaths were reported from 23 countries across three WHO regions. In February 2025 (epidemiological weeks 5 to 8), a total of 32 613 new cholera and/or acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) cases were reported from 21 countries, territories, and […]
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SoftBank Group has announced the acquisition of U.S.-based chip designer Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion. The deal is aimed at enhancing SoftBank’s presence in the AI and high-performance computing sectors, with Ampere’s energy-efficient, Arm-based chips playing a pivotal role in SoftBank’s vision for the future of computing. SoftBank CEO, Masayoshi Son, highlighted the strategic significance […]
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Snapshot of Air Traffic: Maximum and Minimum Aircraft in the Sky in 2024 In 2024, air traffic reached notable highs and lows, offering a fascinating glimpse into global and European flight patterns. According to data from EUROCONTROL, the highest number of airborne aircraft within a 15-minute interval occurred on 6 September 2024, between 11:30 and […]
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Turkish authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and several opposition figures on Wednesday, just days before the Republican People’s Party (CHP) primary, where İmamoğlu was expected to be named the party’s 2028 presidential candidate. While officially facing charges related to “corruption” and “terrorism,” many view the arrest as politically motivated, as it coincides with a […]
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Europol’s latest report, issued on Tuesday, highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in facilitating organized crime, raising alarms about a new era of sophisticated, tech-driven criminal activity. Criminal networks are increasingly using AI to scale operations, avoid detection, and exploit victims with alarming efficiency. The report outlines how AI is being used to enhance […]
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In a historic move, China has announced plans to issue up to 6 billion yuan ($829 million) in green bonds, marking its first-ever overseas sovereign green bond issuance. London has been chosen as the listing venue, signaling China’s commitment to global investment in its green and low-carbon initiatives. This landmark step follows discussions held during […]
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At the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €4.7 billion investment under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. This ambitious deal focuses on accelerating South Africa’s clean energy transition, enhancing infrastructure, and improving the health sector. The bulk of the investment—€4.4 billion—will go toward clean energy projects […]
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On March 17, 2025, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called on Iran to engage in direct negotiations with the United States and European nations to address concerns over its nuclear program. In a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iwaya expressed Japan’s serious concern about the current situation and emphasized the need […]
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