Category: Business

Comparing data from 2018 and 2022, UNICEF found that the pandemic worsened existing trends: children are underperforming in school, more likely to be overweight or obese, and generally less satisfied with their lives. This data sets a “worrying benchmark for children’s wellbeing,” said Bo Viktor Nylund, Director of UNICEF’s research office, Innocenti. UNICEF ranked the […]

This week, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee moved forward with a proposal in its budget reconciliation bill to impose a ten-year preemption of state AI regulation—essentially saying only Congress, not state legislatures, can place safeguards on AI for the next decade. We strongly oppose this. We’ve talked before about why federal preemption of […]

Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, has announced plans to invest at least $20 billion in the United States by 2030. The commitment includes a major boost to research and development spending, as well as billions allocated toward expanding U.S.-based manufacturing operations. The move aligns with broader industry trends, following similar investments announced by Roche, Johnson […]

The recent launch of plans to reform the UK’s immigration system reflects the government’s effort to regain the initiative on this issue. But looking at the finer detail of migration to the UK shows restrictions introduced by the previous government, particularly around visas for social care workers and international students, have already led to fewer […]

AviLease, the aircraft leasing arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has placed an order with Boeing for up to 30 737 MAX jets. This includes a firm purchase of 20 737-8 aircraft, with options for an additional 10. The deal underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic push to diversify its economy and enhance its aviation […]

Truong My Lan, a 68-year-old Vietnamese property magnate, has petitioned authorities to reassess the valuation of her 726 assets, currently estimated at approximately 253.5 trillion Vietnamese dong (about $9.7 billion). She claims these assets are undervalued and has requested the inclusion of an additional 440 properties in the assessment. Lan’s goal is to raise the […]

One big talking point to emerge from the UK government’s recently announced plans to reform the immigration system was the proposal to end recruitment of social care workers from overseas. Anyone who has experienced the sector recently will know that it is hugely dependent on workers from abroad. So the move – laid out in […]

After more than three years and 14 rounds of negotiations, the UK and India have finally announced a free trade agreement (FTA). UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will formally sign the deal on a visit to India later this year. This is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has struck […]

In December 2024, Japan launched a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between Japanese companies and African startups. This move underscores Japan’s commitment to fostering economic growth in Africa and expanding its business footprint on the continent. Key Highlights: These efforts reflect Japan’s proactive approach to engaging with Africa’s dynamic markets, aiming to create mutually […]

Gilead Sciences has announced an $11 billion investment to enhance its U.S. manufacturing and research capabilities. This move is in response to anticipated tariffs from the Trump administration, which is currently investigating the pharmaceutical sector. The investment is part of a broader industry trend, with companies like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Novartis collectively pledging […]