New research identifies a brain circuit in the hypothalamus that regulates growth hormone release during deep sleep. This hormone is crucial for muscle repair, bone strength, fat metabolism, and potentially cognitive function, highlighting sleep's active role in bodily rebuilding and metabolic health.
A Guardian investigation reveals that areas voting to leave the EU have experienced faster relative growth in foreign workers since the 2016 referendum, despite expectations. These areas have also become relatively more deprived over the same period, with migration increasing significantly, particularly on health and care visas.
Contrasting diplomatic approaches were highlighted by the G7 summit in France and the Russia-ASEAN partnership anniversary in Kazan. The G7 faced protocol mishaps and internal divisions, while Russia-ASEAN celebrated expanding ties, showcasing ASEAN's intergovernmental model as an alternative to the EU.
India's 2026 economic outlook hinges on monsoon performance, with El Niño posing a significant risk. The NSE report notes a younger, more diverse investor base expanding beyond traditional markets, yet trading activity remains concentrated among a few large investors.
A KPMG report indicates India's housing sector is set for a significant transformation driven by urbanization and policy reforms. Key focus areas include affordable housing and rental housing development, with recommendations for regulatory improvements and increased investment.
India's passport ranks 80th globally, offering visa-free access to 56 countries. Despite economic growth, its passport mobility has lagged behind other major economies due to factors like per-capita income, diplomatic relations, and visa policies, not just GDP.
A Jefferies report indicates China's domestic economy struggles with weak consumer spending, property activity, and credit demand, despite robust export growth, particularly in semiconductors. Retail sales declined in May, and consumer confidence fell, signaling persistent challenges.
Amazon's $8 billion investment in AI startup Anthropic is now worth $74.2 billion on paper, reflecting Anthropic's meteoric rise in valuation. The partnership also includes cloud infrastructure services and AI chip commitments.
Spain's tourism minister, Jordi Hereu, is pushing to diversify the country's appeal beyond traditional "sun and sand" offerings as it anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors. The strategy aims for "calm growth" to manage overtourism concerns and climate impacts, focusing on inland and cultural experiences.
The world's population, projected to reach 8.3 billion by 2026, may be a historical anomaly. Experts suggest that if low fertility rates persist, global population could decline naturally, impacting economic and technological development.
Vietnam and Russia explored ways to enhance their cooperation during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. Discussions focused on strengthening political trust, defense, security, and expanding economic ties, including in energy, mining, and transport.
The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington D.C. has turned green due to an algae bloom, a phenomenon experts attribute to "New Pond Syndrome" and conditions like shallow, stagnant water, sunlight, and a new darker interior surface. The Trump administration is employing hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble technology to combat the algae, a recurring issue for the pool.
The Bank of Russia anticipates a GDP increase of 0.5% by the end of the first six months of 2026, according to Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina. The economy has already entered positive territory in April, with an estimated growth of 0.3% from January to April.
Government analysis suggests a third Heathrow runway could boost GDP by only 0.05%, a 90% reduction from previous estimates. The project's net present value is estimated between -£23.4bn and -£62.5bn, with social and environmental impacts outweighing economic benefits.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani outlined a future focused on AI, satellite connectivity, and clean energy at the 49th AGM. Jio Platforms filed for a potential $4 billion IPO, India's largest ever. Ambani also signaled a nearing completion of leadership transition to his children.
China's Ministry of Commerce introduces 17 measures to integrate AI into consumer goods, retail, and commerce, focusing on smart products, robots, and subsidies to boost consumption growth.
The Bank of Russia has reduced its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 14.25% per annum. The decision comes as economic growth continues at a moderate pace, with underlying price growth edging down, though lending growth has accelerated. The regulator noted that a more accommodative fiscal policy may necessitate a higher key rate path in the future.
Datacenters are driving unprecedented growth in US clean energy, boosting wind and solar, but also leading utilities to build fossil-fuel plants and delay renewable transitions. Tech companies are investing heavily in self-generation due to grid connection delays.
UK retail sales volumes rose 1.2% in May, exceeding analyst forecasts, driven by record hot weather boosting sales of fans and paddling pools, alongside strong online purchases and promotions. Supermarkets saw a slight decline.
Reliance Jio, India's telecom leader, announced five strategic growth commitments at its AGM, focusing on 5G expansion, broadband access, and digital services. The company also revealed plans for a low Earth orbit satellite constellation and a potential $4 billion IPO, solidifying its market dominance.
UK retail sales volume rose 1.2% in May, exceeding analyst forecasts, due to record hot weather boosting sales of fans and pools, strong online performance, and promotions. Supermarkets were the only sector to decline.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a large organic spice plant in Meghalaya, highlighting the state's potential to drive India's growth through premium organic produce and global market trust. She emphasized quality over volume, aligning with India's 2047 developed nation vision.
Zealand Pharma's stock dropped significantly due to high dropout rates for its weight loss drug survodutide. While survodutide's peak sales forecasts were cut, investors are now focusing on the company's amylin-based drug, petrelintide, as a potential future growth driver.
Zealand Pharma's stock dropped significantly due to high dropout rates for its weight loss drug survodutide. Investors are now focusing on its amylin-based drug, petrelintide, as the next potential growth driver, despite competition and previous efficacy concerns.
