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The Svalbard Global Seed Vault will receive over 14,000 new plant species from around the world, adding to its existing collection of seeds stored in a permafrost-protected facility on a remote Norwegian Arctic island. The new deposits represent the knowledge, culture, and resilience of communities that steward these genetic resources, providing hope for food security and sustainability. This latest influx underscores the importance of seed conservation efforts globally.

The Kindle's Download & Transfer via USB feature is being discontinued on February 26, allowing only pre-2024 Kindle owners to download ebook purchases to a computer. This move is likely related to piracy, as the feature was previously used to bypass Digital Rights Management (DRM) protections. Users with older Kindles need to act quickly to backup their ebooks before this option disappears.

Russian NCIRCC warns about a cyber-attack against major IT firmsLANTER and LAN ATMservice seem to have been hit. The culprits or the goals were not disclosed. Two major Russian IT companies have suffered a major cyberattack, putting many financial and credit institutions in the country at risk.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, amid a flurry of diplomatic activity following Moscow's recent discussions with the United States. The visit comes as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, particularly over Ukraine. Meanwhile, Iran is facing increased pressure from the US, with sanctions targeting its oil industry.

The RTX 5080 has officially joined the list of RTX 50 GPUs affected by a production issue, resulting in fewer-than-advertised Render Output Units (ROPs). This issue, which has been affecting several models within the RTX 50 series, will impact the performance of affected GPUs. As a result, gamers with faulty RTX 5080 GPUs may need to contact the board manufacturer for replacement.

Chinese CPU manufacturer Zhaoxin has successfully integrated DeepSeek-R1 Distill AI models into its entire range of processors, enhancing capabilities from desktop PCs to high-performance servers. This rollout allows for various versions of the DeepSeek-R1 models, demonstrating Zhaoxin's commitment to creating versatile and powerful computing solutions that support a wide array of AI tasks. With native support for multiple operating systems and local GPU acceleration, Zhaoxin's processors are positioned to compete effectively in the AI-driven technology landscape.

Scotiabank has announced a dividend of $1.06 per share on its outstanding common shares, payable on April 28, 2025, to shareholders of record as of April 1, 2025. The dividend payment will be made in cash or, for eligible holders, in common shares under the Bank's Shareholder Dividend and Share Purchase Plan. This move is part of Scotiabank's commitment to delivering sustainable growth to its clients.

In December 1975, Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov successfully delivered his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech to a Norwegian diplomat in Moscow, enabling his wife to present his words at the Oslo ceremony he was barred from attending. This clandestine operation highlighted Sakharov's defiance against the Soviet regime, as he utilized diplomatic channels to circumvent restrictions imposed on him due to his activism for human rights and nuclear disarmament. Newly uncovered documents reveal the intricacies of this covert mission, emphasizing the lengths to which Sakharov went to ensure his voice was heard despite the oppressive political climate.

Oil prices were steady on Tuesday, following a bump the previous day when fresh U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran increased concerns that supply might tighten, as global refining margins remained strong. The uncertainty surrounding demand growth and the impact of new sanctions on oil markets continued to influence prices. In the short term, crude oil appears to be looking for a base.

Sales of fully electric cars in Europe saw a 37.3% increase in January, but overall car sales dropped by 2.1% due to declining petrol and diesel vehicle sales. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association reported that Tesla's electric brand experienced a 45.2% drop in the EU, Britain, and EFTA, while its Chinese competitor SAIC Motor saw a 36.8% increase in sales. The decline in combustion engine sales may be attributed to increasing pressure from environmental regulations and rising competition from electric vehicles.

Egypt rejects proposals to displace the Palestinian people in order to not "liquidate" the Palestinian cause and to avoid threatening the national security of countries in the region, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement on Tuesday. The U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to permanently displace over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza has angered the Arab world, leading Egypt to host an emergency Arab League summit on March 4. Egyptian authorities cite national security concerns as the primary reason for rejecting the proposal.

Garmin has issued a free software update for its Venu 3 and vivoactive 5, bringing support for passcodes, HRM 200 pairing, and Body Battery improvements. The update also includes Garmin's latest Connect IQ apps, watch faces, and data fields. Now with a passcode feature, users can protect sensitive data on their watches if they get lost or stolen.

Nasdaq futures slid on Tuesday, pointing to more losses for tech stocks amid worries over President Trump's revived tariff threats and a potential US toughening of China curbs. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell to 4.33% amid growing belief that tariffs will weaken the US economy, which prompted traders to bump up bets on interest-rate cuts. Investors are parsing his brief comment that tariffs on Mexico and Canada will go forward next week.

Former US security officials are urging Congress to increase funding for federal scientific research, warning that China is outpacing the US in critical technology fields and threatening national security. The appeal comes as the National Science Foundation (NSF) faces significant budget cuts and layoffs, with 170 people already let go last week. The former officials argue that increased funding is crucial to transforming research into practical applications vital to US military capabilities and economic strength.

DISA Global Solutions, a U.S.-based provider of employee screening services, has confirmed a data breach that affects more than 3.3 million people, with hackers accessing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and financial account details. The breach occurred on February 9, 2024, but was not discovered until April 22, 2024, suggesting the attackers may have been hiding in plain sight for over two months. DISA is still investigating the incident and has notified affected individuals, although the company's response has raised concerns about its handling of the breach.

Gold prices hovered near an all-time-high on Tuesday, as fears of a trade war and instability amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plans drove safe-haven flows. Spot gold fell 0.4% to $2,940.03 an ounce by 0916 GMT, after reaching $2,956.15 on Monday — its eleventh record high this year. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's trade strategy has sent investors flocking to safe-haven assets like gold.

The 2002 live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo, penned by James Gunn, remains an outrageously fun cult classic despite its poor critical reception and a 32% Rotten Tomatoes score. The movie's faithful portrayal of the animated series, paired with its perfect casting and clever adult humor references, make it an entertaining watch. Its success lies in its ability to balance goofy humor and slapstick comedy with crime-solving capers.

The free version of Microsoft Office for Windows, complete with ads, has begun appearing in select countries, allowing users to access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps without a subscription fee. The ad-supported version includes banners and 15-second video ads that play every few hours, as well as limitations on file storage and app features. Microsoft's spokesperson claims this is limited testing, but the company has engineered its Office apps to work seamlessly with ads.

The Kremlin has announced that Russia possesses a significant amount of rare earth metal deposits, which it is willing to share with the United States in exchange for economic cooperation. This move comes as President Vladimir Putin signaled openness to joint projects with American partners, including government and private sector entities. The rare earth metals are crucial for producing magnets used in various electronic devices.

Thoma Bravo has closed its inaugural European fund at €1.8 billion, with plans to take equity stakes in mid-sized software firms. The firm's regional presence was formalized last year with the launch of its London office, which represents a significant opportunity to deepen its presence in the rapidly digitizing European market. With this new fund, Thoma Bravo aims to accelerate growth strategies for leading software companies across the continent.

Toyota has announced plans to restructure its board in an attempt to bring in more diverse views and give a larger role to auditors. The company's internal controls have come under scrutiny since it admitted to cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models last year, prompting the need for a fresh perspective. By adding experienced outsiders and professionals with expertise in human resources and risk management, Toyota aims to restore confidence in its leadership.

Technical debt represents the extra hours and resources poured into keeping a solution technically current without making real progress toward innovation. It's like a bucket with a hole in its base: no matter how much water you pour in, the water level barely rises, as unnecessary upgrades and patching continue to drain your efforts. This situation is often fueled by quick fixes or stopgap measures made during a moment of urgency.

If high-end TVs don't get all four HDMI 2.1 ports, they might still have other tricks up their sleeves, including improved picture processing power and more advanced features like Dolby Vision or HDR10+. While most top gaming TVs from brands like LG and Samsung come with full support on all four HDMI ports, mid-range models from companies like Hisense and Panasonic often only offer it on two. This is due to differences in the chips powering the TVs.

The Redmi K80 Ultra is set to maintain the design of other Redmi K80 series models and will feature a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPS screen with equal bezels and a metal mid-frame. The phone's unreleased flagship chipset, MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, is expected to launch shortly as an overclocked variant. A high-capacity battery in the region of 7400 mAh will power the device, but charging wattage is likely to decline from last year's model.

Ireland looks set to defend its title as it tops the table with three wins from three, but France and England are closing in. The two teams face each other in a crucial match that will determine the outcome of the tournament. Meanwhile, Scotland, Italy, and Wales struggle to make an impact.

KKR & Co, Fountainvest Partners, and PAG are reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in Starbucks' operations in China as the coffee chain seeks to address declining sales in its second-largest market. This potential stake sale comes amid heightened competition from local brands like Luckin Coffee, which have been capturing market share with lower-priced offerings. Starbucks is exploring various strategic partnerships, including a potential franchisee model, to rejuvenate its presence in the challenging Chinese market.

HSBC Holdings plans to issue a total of US$1.5 billion in perpetual bonds, the third round of fundraising since June, in anticipation of rising demand for loans. The subordinated contingent convertible securities will be issued on Thursday and carry an interest rate of 6.95 per cent a year. HSBC intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes and to maintain or further strengthen its capital base pursuant to requirements under the capital instruments regulations.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra sets a new standard for night shots and portrait photography, thanks to its upgraded Leica optics and advanced camera technology. With its "Leica Super-Low-Reflection-Lens-Glass" and 24 layers of glass, the phone's quad-camera system is capable of reducing unwanted reflections by 1.5%. Impressive sample photos showcase the device's capabilities in low-light conditions.

The estimated cost to rebuild Ukraine's economy after Russia's invasion has risen to $524 billion, nearly three times its expected 2024 economic output. A new study by the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission, and the Ukrainian government found that housing, transport, energy, commerce, and education are the most affected sectors. The estimated damage from Russian attacks has increased by over 70% in the energy sector alone.

Millions of Britons will pay higher energy costs from April after regulator Ofgem said its domestic price cap would rise 6.4% due to soaring wholesale energy prices, taking the annual cap to £1,849 for average use of electricity and gas. Household energy debt nears £4 billion; debt relief mulled, with campaign groups calling on the government to offer more support for vulnerable households. The new cap is higher than expected, with analysts previously forecasting a rise of around 5%.

Nvidia's upcoming financial results are crucial as they hold significant implications for the U.S. stock market, particularly because of the company's dominance in the AI chip sector with its Blackwell product. Analysts are closely monitoring these earnings against the backdrop of competition from a Chinese startup claiming to provide a more efficient alternative for training AI models. Given Nvidia's substantial impact on the S&P 500's performance, any signs of slowing growth may ripple through the broader market, affecting investors nationwide.

U.S. stocks are drifting on Tuesday following a batch of mixed profit reports, with Home Depot rising 2.4% and Keurig Dr Pepper also gaining ground after delivering stronger-than-expected results for the end of 2024. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 201 points, or 0.5%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.2%. Despite the mixed signals, investors are bracing for a more significant test on Wednesday when Nvidia releases its first earnings report since a Chinese upstart challenged the AI industry.

ANA Holdings' acquisition of these aircraft aims to replenish its fleet and meet growing passenger demand. The airline operator expects an increase in tourism to Japan, driven by record-breaking annual visitor numbers. This order reflects the company's efforts to expand its capacity.

ANA Holdings' recent decision to order up to 77 aircraft reflects a growing trend in the aviation industry where airlines are prioritizing expansion and modernization to meet increasing demand for travel. The airline's plan to replenish its fleet and take advantage of growing tourism numbers is also driven by Japan's efforts to promote its domestic regional aircraft industry. By ordering aircraft from multiple manufacturers, ANA aims to flexibly adjust supply to demand in its medium- to long-term operations.

March 2025 will feature the highly anticipated final episodes of Severance season 2 alongside new Apple Originals such as Dope Thief and The Studio. The streaming service aims to maintain its momentum after a successful start to the year, showcasing a variety of content that has resonated with audiences and critics alike. With several returning series and new launches, Apple TV+ is strategically positioning itself to compete in the increasingly crowded streaming landscape.

The interruption by French President Emmanuel Macron during a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump highlights the differences in approach to funding the Ukraine war effort. Macron took issue with Trump's characterization of European funding as "loaning" money, emphasizing instead the various forms of financial support that Europe provides. The meeting came on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a sensitive topic in bilateral relations between France and the US.

Taiwan's coast guard detained a China-linked cargo ship after a nearby undersea cable was disconnected, highlighting the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan over the island's sovereignty. The incident is part of a series of "grey zone" activities by China, including balloon overflights and sand dredging, which have been repeatedly complained about by Taiwan. These actions aim to pressure Taiwan without direct confrontation.

Pope Francis, 88, has double pneumonia in critical condition, despite showing a "slight improvement" in his condition. The Vatican reported that the pope rested well throughout the night on Tuesday, but his health remains uncertain due to the complexity of his infection. Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for his recovery.

Unilever stunned investors on Tuesday by moving to replace chief executive Hein Schumacher with finance chief Fernando Fernandez, who will take on the tough task of reviving the consumer group's performance. The sudden departure of Schumacher after less than two years in the job hit Unilever's shares, which fell 2% early on Tuesday. Despite announcing underwhelming full-year earnings, Unilever maintained that there would be no change to its 2025 outlook or medium-term forecast.

European shares advanced on Tuesday, as gains in defence stocks outweighed technology losses spurred by concerns over U.S. chip curbs on China. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.3% by 0930 GMT, driven largely by a jump in the European aerospace and defence index. German arms makers Hensoldt, Rheinmetall, and Renk jumped 2.9%, 3.1%, and 7.1%, respectively.

Google has lost its fight against an EU court ruling that deemed its refusal to allow Enel's e-mobility app access to its Android Auto platform as an abuse of market power. The European Union's top court sided with Italy's antitrust authority, fining Google 102 million euros in 2021 for blocking the app, which allows drivers to navigate with maps on their car dashboards and send messages while behind the wheel. The decision may have significant implications for dominant companies operating in similar situations, highlighting the need for interoperability between platforms.

Google's refusal to allow an e-mobility app developed by Enel access to its Android Auto platform can be considered an abuse of its market power, Europe's top court said on Tuesday as it sided with Italy's antitrust authority. The decision is a significant setback for Google, which had argued that security concerns and the absence of a specific template for refusing to make the app compatible were valid reasons for blocking access. The ruling could have far-reaching implications for dominant companies in the tech industry.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ended its investigation into Robinhood’s cryptocurrency business without recommending enforcement action. The investigation began in May 2024 when Robinhood received a Wells notice, signaling that the SEC was considering an enforcement action against its crypto unit. Robinhood's chief legal, compliance, and corporate affairs officer, Dan Gallagher, stated that the company has always respected federal securities laws.

Bitcoin has dropped 8% in February and is on track for its first negative monthly return since February 2020. Currently priced at $93,948, the cryptocurrency has struggled to gain steady momentum after surpassing its previous all-time high of $74,000. Since breaking above $92,000 on Nov. 19, 2024, Bitcoin has spent 65 out of the last 97 days fluctuating between $92,000 and $100,000. Despite weak price action, Bitcoin’s realized market capitalization has increased by $160 billion in the past three months, signaling fresh capital inflows, according to Sina G, co-founder of 21st Capital.

Logitech's new Powerplay 2 Wireless Charging System is expected to be cheaper, with a price tag of $100, but it seems like the company made a cost-cutting move by reducing features rather than improving performance. The updated mousepad has a wider charging area and is thinner, but some features have been removed or changed, such as the wireless receiver and programmable RGB light. Despite this, the Powerplay 2 still achieves its core goal of convenient wireless charging.

The One That Got Away is a psychological thriller that follows DI Ffion Lloyd as she returns to her hometown to investigate a nurse's murder, which may be linked to a historic series of killings. Alongside her ex-fiancé, DS Rick Sheldon, the investigation reveals personal and professional tensions as they confront a potential copycat killer. The series, an English adaptation of Cleddau, offers a gripping exploration of crime and the complexities of past relationships.

Tesla made a long-awaited update to its autopilot software in China, but it failed to meet the expectations of Chinese owners who were hoping for more advanced features. Elon Musk has promised to bring Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities to China, but technological restrictions imposed by both US and Chinese governments have hindered progress. The delays have left Tesla lagging behind its Chinese rivals in terms of autonomous driving technology.

The threat of downtime looms over modern businesses, with a single point of failure capable of shutting down entire systems. On average, nearly $50 million in annual sales is lost due to downtime, as research from Splunk reveals. IT teams must act swiftly to restore functionality and safeguard against data loss, revenue loss, and damage to the company's reputation.

Oil prices rose for a second day on Tuesday as fresh U.S. sanctions imposed on Middle Eastern producer Iran increased concerns supply might tighten and as global refining margins remained strong. Oil prices are influenced by factors such as supply disruptions, demand trends, and government policies. Uncertainty surrounding these factors can have a significant impact on oil prices.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to make its official debut on February 27 in China with a "Leica Ultra-Pure Optical System" that aims to offer enhanced clarity and better light capture. The smartphone's camera setup features a new 1-inch primary sensor paired with a 200 MP periscope telephoto, which has a 1/1.4-inch sensor size and f/2.6 aperture. The company has also confirmed that the rear camera setup is covered with "Leica super low-reflection lens glass" with a reflectivity as low as 1.5%.