Baidu and Uber have announced plans to launch Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing services in Dubai’s Jumeirah area. The service will allow passengers to book fully self-driving vehicles through the Uber app, marking a major milestone in AI-powered mobility. The deployment of autonomous vehicles in a major urban area demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to smart transportation and advanced technology. By integrating self-driving cars into daily commuting, the city aims to improve traffic efficiency and reduce reliance on human drivers. Apollo Go uses Baidu’s AI and autonomous driving technology to navigate city streets safely. The vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and…
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“Life is becoming more expensive,” says Alexander, an advertising specialist from Moscow who works for a large corporation. His monthly food budget jumped by more than 22% in one month, rising from 35,000 roubles to 43,000 roubles. Russia’s economy now balances between stagnation and decline, and citizens feel the mounting financial burden of the war in Ukraine as it nears its fourth year. Alexander noticed price increases for almost all essential goods in supermarkets, including eggs, chicken fillets, and seasonal vegetables. Journalists changed all names in this report to protect sources. Even his daily Americano on the way to work…
Brussels Ready to Act Without Full G7 Backing The European Union has made clear it is prepared to press ahead with tougher sanctions on Russia, even if it cannot secure unanimous backing from its G7 partners. Valdis Dombrovskis said a coordinated agreement would be preferable, but stressed that it is not an “absolute precondition” for action. Brussels wants its 20th sanctions package adopted by 24 February, marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If approved, the measures would include a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers — a move that would effectively end the G7…
Senior UK bank executives will meet this week to begin creating a national alternative to Visa and Mastercard.The project aims to protect the economy if US-owned payment systems are disrupted. The meeting will be chaired by Vim Maru of Barclays and funded by major City institutions.The government supports the plan, which has been discussed for years but gained urgency recently. About 95% of UK card payments run through Visa and Mastercard.Executives warn that losing access would severely damage daily commerce in an increasingly cashless economy.Sanctions that shut the networks in Russia showed how quickly consumers can lose access to money.…
US President Donald Trump said he will be indirectly involved in talks between Iran and the United States starting later Tuesday in Geneva. He spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One and said he believes Iran wants to reach a deal on its nuclear programme. The second round of talks in Switzerland follows repeated US military threats against Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests and the ongoing dispute over its nuclear programme. On Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry said it believes the US position has shifted toward a more realistic stance. Iran Seeks Sanctions Relief While US Pushes Broader…
Volkswagen aims to cut costs by 20% by 2028 as it restructures for a tougher market.Plant closures remain possible under the plan presented by chief executive Oliver Blume and finance chief Arno Antlitz. Weak sales, high costs, automation and the rapid growth of Chinese carmakers in Europe are driving the overhaul.The group had already announced 35,000 job cuts by 2030 to save €10bn. The company said earlier measures produced savings in the double-digit billions and helped absorb geopolitical pressures such as US tariffs.New data showing a widening EU trade deficit with China has increased the urgency for change. Volkswagen remains…
A Public Show of Support in Budapest U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio brought a clear political message to Budapest: the Trump administration stands firmly behind Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Speaking after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio praised Orbán’s close personal relationship with Donald Trump, calling it central to the strength of U.S.-Hungarian ties. Rubio said Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, framing Hungary’s prosperity as aligned with American interests. He also pointed to Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on importers of Russian oil, suggesting it was made possible by the leaders’ personal connection. During the…
Big Tech companies are accelerating artificial intelligence investment at unprecedented speed. They plan to spend over 700 billion dollars in 2026, roughly 590 billion euros, a 75 percent increase from 2025. Several firms released earnings reports and detailed their 2026 spending plans. Analysts confirmed these projections and stressed their strategic importance. Wall Street is closely watching the combined capital expenditure figure. More than 700 billion dollars will flow into AI infrastructure this year, exceeding Sweden’s nominal GDP for 2025, according to IMF estimates. Global chip sales are projected to reach one trillion dollars for the first time this year. The…
Competing Visions of the West This year’s Munich Security Conference put transatlantic tensions on full display, as American and European leaders outlined sharply different views about the future of the West. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Europeans to join Washington in what he framed as a mission to rescue a declining civilisation. He warned against simply maintaining what he described as a failing status quo, saying the United States had no interest in overseeing a “managed decline.” While his tone was less confrontational than last year’s remarks by Vice President JD Vance, Rubio’s message was similar: the West,…
Daily GLP-1 tablets are reshaping the race for the obesity market.Drugmakers believe pills will attract new patients who avoid injections.Analysts say the sector could reach $200bn within a decade. Novo Nordisk launched the first oral Wegovy in the US in December.Early demand has been strong, with tens of thousands of weekly prescriptions.The treatment controls appetite in the same way as injectable drugs. Patients are switching for practical and financial reasons.Tablets cost less, need no refrigeration and are easier to take daily.Some users report more stable hunger levels than with weekly shots. Eli Lilly is preparing a rival pill, orforglipron, for…
