Scientists created 'Moon cement' using lunar and Martian regolith simulants, testing it for six months outside the ISS. Samples showed no degradation, with one composition exhibiting 35% higher compressive strength than Earth controls, advancing off-world construction.
West Virginia's Ascend program offers remote workers $12,000 and outdoor recreation access to relocate, successfully attracting over 700 participants and contributing an estimated $750 million to the state's economy, despite challenges like population decline and the rise of hybrid work schedules.
Adelaide is set to host MotoGP from 2027 and Superbike World Championship from 2028, inspiring hopes among retailers and enthusiasts for a boost in motorcycle culture and significant economic impact, despite public criticism over track adaptation costs and tree removal.
HSBC has agreed to sell its Singapore life and health insurance business, HSBC Life Singapore, to Germany’s Allianz for S$2.7 billion (US$2.08 billion). The deal, expected to finalize in H1 2027 pending regulatory approval, includes a 15-year bancassurance agreement and is projected to generate a US$1.8 billion pre-tax gain for HSBC.
EU's pro-competition proposals may expose Google Search to hacking risks. OnePlus exits North America and Europe. San Francisco targets 'nudify' apps. Debate on banning social media for kids. China outsmarts Anthropic's geolocation. Europe seeks its own AI, leveraging the Trump factor.
Bangladesh is launching an ambitious five-year plan to plant 250 million trees nationwide, aiming to boost green cover, meet climate goals, and fulfill an election promise. The initiative, involving multiple government bodies and NGOs, prioritizes native species and real-time tracking, but faces challenges in species selection, sapling quality, and post-plantation care.
Sweden announced plans to significantly boost its mining sector, particularly for rare earths, by declaring critical metal extraction a national security interest. This strategy aims to streamline permit processes and attract investment to counter European dependence on China, though it raises concerns for the Sami reindeer-herding indigenous people.
Fampridine, the first drug designed to help people with multiple sclerosis walk, is now available on the NHS in England. This decision, previously rejected for cost, will benefit up to 5,000 people annually by boosting nerve signals for improved mobility.
India's DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) Kusha from APJ Abdul Kalam Island. This marks a significant step in developing an indigenous long-range air defence shield, aiming to rival systems like Russia's S-400 Triumf and the US MIM-104 Patriot.
Tech reporter Joanna Stern, after a year-long AI experiment, highlights AI voice tools like ChatGPT's Voice Mode as a standout for boosting productivity and processing ideas. She uses them for brainstorming and interview prep, finding them convenient and less distracting than screens, while also cautioning against viewing AI as human.
Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian reports existing customers spend 50% more than committed, driving Q2 growth. Despite this, Alphabet's shares fell over 7% after it raised its 2026 capital spending forecast to $195B-$205B, mainly for AI infrastructure, worrying investors.
Shanghai is introducing measures to boost its technology sector, including dedicated funds for "choke point" technologies, new channels for offshore yuan investment via QFLP, and allowing pre-profit AI and nuclear fusion firms to list on its tech board.
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism launched the 'Dubai Invite' scheme, offering residents benefits worth over 3,000 AED to attract friends and family, aiming to revive tourism numbers that plummeted after the city was drawn into the US-Israel war on Iran, leading to hotel vacancies and revenue declines.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Lagos, Nigeria, engaging with youth influencers and a business delegation. The visit aimed to strengthen economic ties, promote German exports, secure energy supplies, and explore investment opportunities in infrastructure and renewable energy, despite market challenges.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg proposes playing an England vs. Australia Test match in India to generate interest in the format, despite traditional Ashes series. This comes as Cricket Australia plans to expand its footprint in India by taking the Big Bash League overseas.
Australia has announced an additional $4.6 billion investment for the Submarine Construction Yard at Adelaide's Osborne shipyards, bringing total AUKUS funding there to $8.5 billion. This aims to develop sovereign capability for nuclear-powered submarines and create thousands of jobs, with the first delivery expected in the early 2040s.
New data from the Metropolitan Police shows a significant drop in neighbourhood crime and homicides in London, with the Mayor attributing success to record police funding and the Violence Reduction Unit. The report aims to counter online disinformation portraying London as a "lawless" city.
Rheinmetall is significantly expanding its Bavarian industrial site, "Project Firepower," to become one of Europe's largest gunpowder plants. This aims to more than double production by 2028, addressing a critical ammunition shortage and bolstering Europe's defense sovereignty amid increased spending after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Shanghai, home to the world's largest container port, has released a five-year plan to enhance its shipping services sector, leveraging AI and automation. The strategy aims to expand value-added industries like financing, insurance, and legal services, intensifying competition with hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and London.
Fampridine, the first drug designed to help people with multiple sclerosis walk, is now available on the NHS in England. This 'signal booster' drug, previously rejected for cost, could benefit up to 5,000 patients annually by improving mobility and independence, a decision welcomed by patients and the MS Society.
India's T20 team, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, faces Zimbabwe in a three-match series in Harare, aiming to regain confidence after consecutive defeats in Ireland and England. The series is crucial for Iyer's captaincy and several players seeking to revive their T20 careers.
India's DRDO signed agreements with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL) for converting six A321 aircraft and developing mission systems for the AEW&C Mk-II program, significantly boosting the nation's air defense capabilities and self-reliance.
The remote Yalata Indigenous community in South Australia, displaced by 1950s British nuclear tests, is opening its restricted fishing and camping spots to the public. To attract visitors, the Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Corporation unveiled a "Mighty Mulloway" bronze sculpture and a roadhouse sign, aiming for stable employment and community-controlled growth.
Fampridine, the first drug to aid walking for people with multiple sclerosis, is now available on the NHS in England. Up to 5,000 patients annually could benefit from the "signal booster" medication, which was previously rejected but is already available in other UK nations.
