A US family sold their electrical-equipment company, Fibrebond, for $1.7 billion. The former CEO ensured 15% of the proceeds, totaling $240 million, were distributed among 540 full-time workers, with the average employee receiving approximately $443,000.
Albania's Sazan Island, known for its beauty and history, has become a focal point for protests against a large-scale real estate development planned by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Environmental concerns have escalated into anti-government demonstrations demanding the Prime Minister's resignation.
Hong Kong launches a pilot scheme allowing residents in Ho Sheung Heung and Yin Kong villages to convert their houses into restaurants, guest houses, or shops without prior application, aiming to boost rural tourism and economic activity.
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov stated that the G7 summit's decisions indicate the West's intention to prolong the conflict in Ukraine, citing increased military aid and drone deliveries.
Fusion theorist Xie Huasheng founded VeloAlpha to develop FusionAlpha, a simulation software designed to reduce the cost and trial-and-error cycle in fusion energy development by improving computational accuracy and efficiency.
Thai authorities are investigating 11,426 companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui for foreign ownership, with over 7,000 suspected of using illegal nominee structures, primarily in real estate and tourism. This crackdown follows prosecutions of over 850 companies for financial damages exceeding 15 billion baht.
The New South Wales government is launching a tender for a Modern Methods of Construction Innovation Facility to build prefabricated housing modules. This initiative aims to speed up and reduce the cost of new home delivery through off-site construction, with potential savings of up to 20% in time and 50% in cost.
The NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam is scheduled for Sunday, with 22.8 lakh candidates nationwide. Over 18 lakh will take the exam in English. The event involves 5,440 centres, extensive security, and a police probe into an alleged question paper leak.
Multiple reports detail escalating tensions and diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including statements on biolabs, potential nuclear escalation, and shifts in international alliances. Economic impacts and energy policies are also prominent.
The Zaporozhye nuclear power station has successfully switched to a regular power supply scheme, with all equipment operating normally after external power was restored. The transition adhered to established regulations.
Five men were injured in a series of violent incidents in Edinburgh, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation. A 36-year-old man has been arrested, and police state there is no further public threat. Several injured individuals were Muslim, according to an advocacy group.
India's Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri suggested petrol and diesel prices may decrease as cheaper crude oil arrives. He defended current prices, noting limited increases despite global volatility and government excise duty cuts, while OMCs face daily losses.
German artist Hainbach creates music with lab equipment and vintage gear, calling it the "Dark Souls of synthesis." He's prolific, releasing six albums in 2025, and runs a popular YouTube channel exploring experimental music. His latest album, Gentle Hum, is a collaboration with Ah! Kosmos.
US President Donald Trump has reverted the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) to its former name, Pacific Command (USPACOM). This command, established in 1947, is the oldest and largest of the US military's unified combatant commands, with India falling under its area of responsibility.
The European Union has lifted its negative travel advisory for Assam, excluding three districts under AFSPA. This follows a visit by EU diplomats and is seen as a vote of confidence, encouraging deeper engagement. Efforts are underway to persuade the US and Canada to lift similar restrictions.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has given Belarus one week to dismantle relay equipment on its border, claiming it guides Russian drone attacks. He warned Ukraine will take down the equipment itself if Belarus fails to act, amid ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Russia's Defense Ministry claims its Battlegroup South liberated 94 buildings and destroyed up to 95 Ukrainian servicemen in Konstantinovka. Over the past day, Russian forces also reported advancing in Krasny Liman, capturing strongholds and clearing buildings, while striking energy and transport facilities across 154 areas.
Lloyds Banking Group is hiring 300 tech experts for its AI development, focusing on agentic AI. This move precedes a new strategic plan from CEO Charlie Nunn and comes amid industry-wide AI adoption, with potential future job cuts despite current hiring.
India's government has approved seven new high-speed rail corridors, aiming to significantly reduce travel times between major cities. Projects include routes like Mumbai-Ahmedabad in under 2 hours and Bengaluru-Chennai in 73 minutes, part of a broader railway expansion plan.
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft admit AI startup Anthropic leads in "frontier" AI models, especially for coding. However, executives state they are not concerned, citing specialized foundations and distinct development timelines to close the gap.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a one-week ultimatum to Belarus, demanding the removal of Russian relay equipment used to target Ukraine. Zelenskyy warned that Kyiv would intervene if Minsk fails to comply, also criticizing Belarus's role as a supplier to the Russian army.
A new US-Iran memorandum of understanding allows Tehran to resume oil and fuel exports, potentially boosting the Iranian economy by over $60 billion annually. The deal eases sanctions, enabling wider sales and access to frozen funds, though critics warn of strengthening the regime.
President Murmu and PM Modi launched over Rs 47,600 crore in development projects across Odisha, focusing on energy, infrastructure, and connectivity. Key initiatives include power projects, road upgrades, and railway multi-tracking, alongside new hospitals and educational facilities.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will launch pilot initiatives this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development. The measures aim to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
