UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a cut in VAT on household electricity bills from 5% to zero, effective October 1, saving typical households £45 annually. Funded by cancelling the digital ID program, the move aims to ease cost-of-living pressures, though opposition parties criticize the funding source.
Tokopedia has laid off over 450 tech roles, reducing its workforce by 90%. Analysts worry this deepens ByteDance's control, shifting tech decisions to China and raising questions about Indonesia's digital future.
Volkswagen plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs globally, including tens of thousands in Germany, and close four factories. This move aims to address its massive workforce, a legacy of its self-sufficiency strategy, and compete with agile Chinese rivals.
Microsoft is eliminating approximately 4,800 jobs, representing 2% of its global workforce, as part of a cost-cutting measure and a significant restructuring of its Xbox gaming division. This includes shedding 3,200 gaming jobs and spinning off or reviewing five game studios.
Chinese startup Zhiyu Aerospace Technology plans to use supercritical carbon dioxide for rocket launches, aiming for low-cost, high-frequency commercial flights. The technology ejects rockets using high-pressure CO2, igniting engines mid-air to avoid ground platform contact.
Caitlin Clark's WNBA entry has drawn millions of new fans, but also fueled culture-war anxieties, with her supporters framing her as a victim of rivals and the league. Controversies, like her absence from a WNBA poster and a collision with Alyssa Thomas, are amplified by fans who ignore broader contexts and league history.
Microsoft is reportedly considering shutting down Arkane Studios and canceling the Blade game as part of broader Xbox layoffs starting July 6. This follows previous reports of potential closures or sales for five Xbox studios.
Oracle has initiated a second wave of layoffs in Romania, impacting approximately 500 employees starting June 25. This follows a similar round in late 2025 and is part of a broader AI-driven restructuring, affecting various departments including OCI, Database Technologies, and Health & Analytics.
A marine biology expedition in international waters off Brazil discovered 31 new species in two weeks, utilizing cutting-edge technology like the "Squid" microscope. The findings contribute to understanding ocean life, though concerns arise over the Trump administration's plans to dismantle a key deep-sea observation system.
Tate Modern's "Frida: The Making of an Icon" exhibition explores Frida Kahlo's enduring global appeal, contrasting her complex reality with her commercialized, sanitized public image. Curators and artists discuss her universal inspiration across diverse communities, while acknowledging the contradictions of "Fridamania" and her posthumous elevation to a secular saint.
Despite AI causing significant layoffs in finance, its overall integration rate in the sector is low. Companies are exploring AI to speed up customer service and financial information delivery within existing budgets.
Oracle reduced its global workforce by 21,000 (13%) in the last year, citing AI-driven restructuring, with $1.8bn in severance and restructuring costs, amid a broader tech industry trend of AI investment and layoffs.
Oracle has reduced its global workforce by approximately 21,000 employees over the past year as it pivots its business strategy towards artificial intelligence (AI). The company reported having around 141,000 employees as of May 31, 2026, down from 162,000 the previous year. These layoffs are attributed to the integration of AI technologies and are part of a broader trend in the tech industry.
Oracle has reduced its global workforce by approximately 21,000 employees over the past year, as revealed in its annual report. The cuts are part of a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) and significant investments in AI infrastructure.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, with Andy Burnham expected to succeed him. Meanwhile, Five Eyes intelligence agencies warn of AI capable of toppling governments, and Australia sees a decline in support for multiculturalism.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister, with Andy Burnham widely expected to succeed him. Meanwhile, Five Eyes intelligence agencies warn of AI capable of destabilizing governments, and Australia sees a decline in support for multiculturalism.
Lucid Motors is laying off approximately 1,500 employees, representing 18% of its workforce, as part of a plan to reach profitability. This follows earlier layoffs in February and includes ending a second shift at its Arizona factory, aiming to save $158 million.
Mainland Chinese tech firms are leveraging Hong Kong as a "strategic adaptation ground" to evolve into multinational corporations. By attracting international capital and talent, and developing global brands and sales networks, these companies are establishing new growth engines and connecting to global markets, governance, and R&D.
Rivian confirmed layoffs affecting less than 2% of its workforce, impacting service and customer teams, just a week after starting R2 SUV deliveries. This is the fourth round of cuts in 2024, aimed at boosting efficiency as the company pushes back its profitability goal.
BBC News is preparing for significant job cuts, potentially hundreds, as part of a £500m cost-saving initiative. The cuts, expected soon, may involve eliminating entire services or programs, with the news operation facing larger reductions than other departments.
The opening ODI between India and Afghanistan in Dharamshala is delayed due to persistent rain. The cut-off time for a 20-over game is 6:32 pm, with forecasts suggesting potential improvement later in the evening. The series is crucial for India's 2027 ODI World Cup preparations.
Formula 1 simulators have evolved significantly, with companies like Dynisma creating multi-million dollar systems focused on ultra-low latency (3-5ms) and high bandwidth to replicate real car dynamics. Sim drivers like Simon Pagenaud test tire wear, car setup, and performance items, correlating data with track performance.
A company has been internally preparing for upcoming layoffs for several weeks.
China develops gallium-based chips for 6G communications and commercial space programs
