Microsoft has launched "Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC," making select original Xbox titles like BLiNX: The Time Sweeper and Conker: Live and Reloaded playable and purchasable on Windows PCs. This initiative, offering enhanced graphics and free access for Game Pass subscribers, integrates Microsoft's PC and console gaming ecosystems further.
Netflix is experiencing significant viewership drops for second seasons of its shows, losing an average of 59% of its audience compared to season one. This trend affects popular series like "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "The Four Seasons," contrasting with HBO's success in retaining viewers.
Australia qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a record-breaking chase, defeating India by 6 wickets with an over to spare, despite having already secured their spot. Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner’s century stand sealed the win, overshadowing India’s late batting surge to 170. The result also advanced South Africa to the semi-finals ahead of India.
Greece's tourism sector saw significant growth in the first four months of 2026. Travel receipts increased by 36.9% to €2.79 billion, and arrivals surged by 27.1% to 5.24 million visitors compared to the same period in 2025.
New Zealand swiftly claimed the remaining five England wickets to win the second Test at the Oval. Matt Henry took four wickets on Sunday, including Joe Root for 77, as England collapsed from 182-5 to 192-9. Henry finished with 6-29 in the second innings and 11 wickets for the match.
Hong Kong's ICAC received 1.5 times more corruption complaints about building renovations in early 2026 vs. last year, following public concern after the Wang Fuk Court fire. The ICAC doubled investigators to 100.
Hong Kong's ICAC received 1.5 times more corruption complaints about building renovations in early 2024 vs. last year, following public concern over bid-rigging after a fatal fire. The ICAC has doubled investigators to 100.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan confirmed that the legendary racehorse Shergar was shot and killed within two days of his 1983 kidnapping by an IRA gang. Despite his tragic end, Shergar's legacy as a dominant champion remains, with his 1981 Derby win holding the record for the largest winning margin.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan confirmed that the legendary racehorse Shergar was shot two days after his 1983 kidnapping by the IRA. The horse, a national symbol of Irish breeding, suffered a cruel death and was buried in a bog. Shergar's racing legacy, including his record 10-length Derby win, remains prominent.
Alashankou Port recorded a record-breaking 10.716 million tons of import and export freight in the first four months of the year, an 11% increase year-on-year. Both rail and road channels saw significant growth, with rail handling 6.383 million tons and road handling 517,000 tons. The port processed over 3,000 China-Europe/Central Asia freight trains, leading the nation.
Indonesia welcomed 4.68 million foreign tourists from January to April 2026, the highest figure for the period since 2020. Arrivals in April increased month-on-month and year-on-year, driven by visitors from Malaysia, Australia, and China. Domestic tourism saw a decline after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Hong Kong's retail sales increased by 8.6% year-on-year in April, reaching HK$31.4 billion. This marks the 12th consecutive month of recovery, driven by visitor arrivals and holiday spending. Sales for the first four months of 2026 are up 11.3%.
Moscow has officially launched its first four locally manufactured electric river ferries, named Taganka, Yakimanka, Polyanka, and Marusya, as part of the "Moscow 1.0" project. These eco-friendly vessels, designed for 56 passengers each, feature modern amenities and zero emissions, reinforcing Moscow's position as a global hub for sustainable transport.
China's industrial profits rose 18.2% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, accelerating from Q1. This growth, driven by optimized structures, new energy sectors, and falling costs due to effective macro policies, signals a robust economic recovery.
EU new car market grows 4.2% in first four months of 2026, with electric and hybrid vehicles dominating the market
Russia's rail cargo through/transiting Kazakhstan increased by 20% in the first four months of 2026, reaching over 12 million tons, driven by November 2025 intergovernmental transit agreement.
Georgia's cosmetics exports to Russia from January to April 2026 (382.6 tons) surpassed the total volume supplied over the previous 17 years. This surge follows significant increases starting in May 2025, with Russia accounting for 84.9% of Georgia's total cosmetic exports this year.
Mainland Chinese retail brands are increasingly entering Hong Kong, with a notable shift from food and beverage to non-F&B sectors like fashion, beauty, and jewelry, according to JLL analysts. This trend is helping landlords fill vacant retail spaces.
China saw a 6.8% increase in new foreign-invested enterprises in the first four months of the year, with actual utilized foreign capital reaching 287.69 billion yuan. High-tech industries experienced significant growth, attracting 116.33 billion yuan, a 20.3% rise.
Sakarya ranks fourth in Turkey's automotive exports, generating $1.47 billion from January to April. The city exported 48,007 vehicles out of 80,871 produced, with Toyota leading production and exports.
Russia's oil supplies to China rose 10% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. This follows a total of nearly 100 million tons supplied in 2025.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that Russian oil exports to China increased by 10% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. China is interested in long-term imports, viewing them as a guarantee of energy security.
China's fiscal revenue and expenditure data for the first four months of the year show a positive economic trend. National general public budget revenue reached approximately 8.34 trillion yuan, a 3.5% increase year-on-year. Expenditure also saw a 1.3% rise, with spending progress at its fastest in five years.
China Railway reported a 0.9% year-on-year increase in freight volume from January to April, reaching 1.31 billion tons. Daily average car loadings rose 2% to 183,800, indicating improved quality and quantity of services, supporting economic stability and reducing logistics costs.
