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Topic: Politics (3210)

Rwanda Seeking £50 Million From UK over Cancelled Asylum Deal Δ1.52

Rwanda is requesting a 50 million-pound payment from the UK following the cancellation of an asylum deal, which was paused due to concerns about human rights in Rwanda. The move comes after London imposed sanctions and paused some bilateral aid to the African country. Kigali's demand for compensation reflects its frustration with Britain's stance on the issue.

Prada Profit Surges, Declines to Comment on Possible Versace Bid Δ1.51

Prada's reported 21% growth in operating profit last year, in line with analysts' forecasts, amid speculation about a potential acquisition of smaller rival Versace. The group's net revenues reached 5.43 billion euros ($5.72 billion) in 2024, exceeding expectations and defying the slowdown in luxury demand. Prada's cautious approach to discussing its interests in Versace suggests that the company is biding its time before making a move.

Trump's Federal Funding Stopped for Colleges Allowing 'Illegal' Protests Δ1.61

President Donald Trump has announced that all federal funding will be halted for colleges and schools that permit "illegal" protests, threatening to cripple the educational sector. This move is part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices and quell free speech on campus. The decision could have far-reaching implications for academic freedom and the role of government in regulating student activism.

US Set to Pause Cyber-Offensive Operations Against Russia - but CISA Says It Won't Stop Δ1.58

Reports of a potential pause in cyber offensives against Russia have sparked concerns about the Trump administration's foreign policy shift. The move, if confirmed, would represent a significant change in the US approach to countering Russian aggression online. However, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has denied any plans to stop monitoring threats from Russia.

Starlink Rival Eutelsat Triples on EU Defense Spending Plan Δ1.55

Shares of Eutelsat Communications SA surged over 300% following the European Union's commitment to increase defense spending amid uncertainties surrounding U.S. military aid to Ukraine. This unprecedented jump in stock value was fueled by concerns over the reliability of Starlink services, which are crucial for Ukrainian military operations, prompting EU officials to explore alternative satellite solutions. Eutelsat, which operates a significant portfolio of low-earth orbit satellites, is positioning itself as a viable alternative to SpaceX's Starlink in the defense sector.

Trump Tariffs Could Be Good for Some Countries, Including the UK Δ1.64

Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are reversing decades of globalization, creating uncertainty for American consumers and businesses while potentially benefiting countries like the UK. The tariffs have raised import costs, leading to higher prices for everyday goods, while economists warn of a possible hit to US growth and consumer spending. In contrast, nations outside of the tariff scope, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, may seize the opportunity to expand their exports to the US, highlighting the complex dynamics of trade wars.

Target Issues Rough First Quarter Profit Warning Due to Trump Tariffs Δ1.58

Target has issued a warning to investors about the impact of Trump tariffs on its first quarter profit, citing ongoing consumer uncertainty and tariff uncertainty as key factors contributing to expected year-over-year profit pressure. The company's sales growth in stores and online lagged behind that of rival Walmart, with Target ramping up price rollbacks and offering expanded grocery assortments. Despite a stronger-than-expected fourth quarter, Target's stock has fallen 9% year-to-date and 21% in the past year.

Semiconductor Sector Plunges as Tariff Fears Rock Industry Δ1.56

The global semiconductor sector has witnessed a significant decline in stock prices following concerns over supply chain bypass activities by China and the increased likelihood of U.S. trade taxes. Investors are increasingly worried about the impact of these factors on the industry's growth, with stocks for Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom plummeting sharply. The situation has led to a shift towards bear market classification for Nvidia, affecting its stock price.

Best Buy Beats Fourth Quarter Earnings as the Chain Braces for Tariff Impact Δ1.57

Best Buy reported fourth quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street's expectations, marking a potential turnaround after a three-year decline in sales growth. The company's same-store sales rose by 0.50%, defying predictions of a decrease, driven by strong performance in computing and other categories. Despite the positive results, uncertainty surrounding tariffs and inflation continues to loom over the company's financial outlook for the upcoming fiscal year.

Meghan's Upscale Home Cooking Wins Hearts on Netflix Δ1.50

The Duchess of Sussex shines as the star of her new Netflix series With Love, Meghan, showcasing her passion for cooking, gardening, and entertaining. The eight-part documentary-style series offers a glimpse into Meghan's lifestyle, from preparing elaborate meals to sharing tips on how to decorate a home for special occasions. With its upbeat tone and focus on optimism, the show is an escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Taxing Social Security Benefits: A Threat to Retirees' Income Δ1.54

Social Security taxes might seem like a good idea, but they could have dire consequences for millions of retired Americans. The thresholds at which taxes on benefits apply are very low, affecting seniors with combined income levels below $25,000 or $32,000. President Trump's plan to end taxes on Social Security benefits may be well-intentioned, but it has the potential to offer limited good and cause harm.

Google Password Manager May Be Set to Introduce a Nuclear Option for Its Android App Δ1.52

Google Password Manager is reportedly preparing to add a 'delete all' option, allowing users to remove all saved credentials in one action, rather than deleting them individually. This feature, which has been identified in a recent teardown, aims to enhance user experience by streamlining the process of managing passwords. Currently, deleting all passwords requires users to clear their entire browsing data, making the upcoming 'delete all' option a significant improvement for those needing to transition between password managers.

Canada Hits Back at US Tariffs After Warning of 'Existential Threat' Δ1.63

Canada has implemented retaliatory tariffs on US goods in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by President Trump, citing an "existential threat" to its economy. The tariffs target approximately C$155 billion worth of American products, raising concerns over job losses and economic repercussions in both countries. Canadian leaders have condemned the US measures as reckless, warning that they could push both economies towards recession and increase prices for consumers.

Poland May Redirect EU Funds Towards Defence, Minister Says Δ1.57

Poland will review its Recovery and Resilience Plan with a view to redirecting funds towards defence and economic resilience, according to Polish Funds Minister Katarzyna Pelczynska-Nalecz. The country has received nearly 60 billion euros in grants and cheap loans from the EU recovery facility, which could be reallocated to support national security efforts. Poland's government is also working on a bill to increase public investments in defence, with the aim of adopting it next week.

Web DDoS Attacks See Major Surge as AI Allows More Powerful Attacks Δ1.50

Layer 7 Web DDoS attacks have surged by 550% in 2024, driven by the increasing accessibility of AI tools that enable even novice hackers to launch complex campaigns. Financial institutions and transportation services reported an almost 400% increase in DDoS attack volume, with the EMEA region bearing the brunt of these incidents. The evolving threat landscape necessitates more dynamic defense strategies as organizations struggle to differentiate between legitimate and malicious traffic.

Russia Agrees to Help Trump Communicate with Iran on Nuclear Issue Δ1.60

Russia has agreed to assist U.S. President Donald Trump's administration in communicating with Iran on various issues, including on Tehran's nuclear programme and its support for regional anti-U.S. proxies. The move reflects the deepening ties between Russia and Iran since the start of the Ukraine war. This development marks a significant shift in the complex geopolitics surrounding Iran's nuclear programme.

Traders See Three Fed Cuts in 2025 as Tariffs Add to Growth Risk Δ1.62

Traders are increasingly betting on interest-rate cuts from the Federal Reserve due to concerns about the impact of US trade tariffs on global economic growth. The imposition of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China has sparked worries that the US economy may be slowing down. Market participants are now pricing in three quarter-point rate cuts by 2025, marking a significant shift in expectations.

Mexican Lawsuit Against US Gunmakers Heads to Supreme Court Δ1.58

The US Supreme Court is set to consider whether to block a lawsuit by Mexico against US gun manufacturers, who are accused of putting vast arsenals of weapons in the hands of drug cartels. The Mexican government argues that the "flood" of illegal guns across the border is a result of "deliberate" practices by US firms. The flow of guns from the US to Mexico has emerged as a bargaining chip in trade talks.

Tesla Offers Stimulus to Model 3 Sales Amid Global Plunge Δ1.57

Tesla has introduced a 0% APR financing rate deal for its Model 3, aiming to boost sales as the company's global demand for the compact sedan has plummeted. The move comes at an inopportune time, with the release of the new Model Y Juniper refresh and Elon Musk's increased engagement on politics, which has also affected the brand's overall performance. With the US average monthly car payment being $737, Tesla's 0% APR offer seems attractive, but it remains to be seen how many buyers will take advantage of it.

Mews Books $75M Round Led by Tiger Global Δ1.51

Mews, a hotel management platform based in Amsterdam, has successfully secured a $75 million funding round led by Tiger Global, reflecting the ongoing demand for travel despite economic uncertainties. The company has seen substantial growth, with its platform now serving over 6,300 hotels and processing $10 billion in payments in 2024, doubling its revenue from the previous year. With plans for expansion and a strong focus on AI innovations, Mews is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the hospitality market, especially in North America.

Best Buy Warns of Potential Price Increases as Fresh US Tariffs Roll In Δ1.56

Best Buy has issued a warning to American shoppers about potential price increases due to the implementation of new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, which took effect on Tuesday. The company, which relies heavily on Chinese goods, expects fiscal year 2026 comparable sales to be in the range of flat to up 2%, largely below analysts' average expectations of a 1.71% rise. Shares of Best Buy reversed earlier gains to be down 1.3% in premarket trading as the pain from tariffs overshadowed a surprise rise in comparable sales during the holiday quarter.

Ukraine Firmly Determined to Continue Cooperation with US, PM Says Δ1.66

Ukraine is "firmly determined" to continue cooperation with the United States, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Tuesday following the news that Washington paused its crucial military aid. Shmyhal said Ukrainian forces could hold the situation on the battlefield as they fight Russian troops despite the pause in U.S. supplies. President Donald Trump stunned Ukrainians by pausing the supply of U.S. military aid that has been critical for Kyiv since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Smart Notifications Issues Δ1.51

The Garmin Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches are receiving a new beta update, version 22.24, which tackles crashes linked to smart notification replies and Connect IQ apps, as well as other bugs. Garmin has addressed issues with scheduled workouts displayed on the wrong day in some time zones and data for completed Daily Suggested Workouts showing as blank. The latest release also fixes crashes that occur when users try to use the keyboard to respond to a smart notification while working out.

Germany's Conservatives, SPD Meet for Talks on Coalition as Major Spending Hike Eyed Δ1.62

Talks between Germany's conservatives and Social Democrats (SPD) focused on forming a coalition amid plans to increase military spending in Europe. A nearly trillion euro borrowing boom is seen as a way to fund infrastructure and defense spending. The proposal includes 400 billion euros for the German military and 500 billion euros for infrastructure.

Trump's Russia Pivot Unlikely to Bring Peace to Ukraine, Says Finland's Foreign Minister Δ1.61

Finland's foreign minister Elina Valtonen said that Washington's pivot towards Russia is unlikely to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, and that President Donald Trump would likely discover this in the end. She expressed concerns about a recent U.S. order to pause offensive cyber operations against Russia during negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine war. In her view, this approach should not work and President Trump's team will eventually notice its limitations.

Waymo Is Now Available Exclusively on Uber in Austin Δ1.51

Waymo has launched its autonomous ride-hailing service exclusively on Uber in Austin, Texas, allowing residents to request fully driverless robotaxis through the Uber app. This partnership marks a significant shift from their previous rivalry, as both companies aim to accelerate the transition to autonomous vehicles while navigating operational limitations in service area and fleet size. The collaboration also highlights the evolving landscape of transportation technology, with Uber managing key aspects of fleet operations and Waymo focusing on vehicle testing and rider support.

The Impact of AI-Powered Invites on Apple's Ecosystem Δ1.50

Apple's new AI-powered Invites app is a siloed application that leans on some Apple Intelligence features but mostly feels like a central point for Apple’s own services. While it has an easy-to-use interface, its limited functionality and lack of must-have features make it feel more like a proof-of-concept rather than a necessity for most users. The app's integration with the Apple ecosystem is seamless, making it a convenient tool for users within that space.

Tesla's Sales in China Plummet Amid Smart EV Price War Δ1.55

Tesla's sales of its China-made electric vehicles dropped 49.2% in February from a year earlier to 30,688 cars, the lowest since August 2022, as the U.S. automaker faces pressure from Chinese rivals in a relentless smart EV price war. Tesla sold 93,926 Chinese-made vehicles worldwide in the first two months, down 28.7% year-on-year. Chinese rival BYD recorded a 90.4% increase in passenger vehicle sales to 614,679 units last month.

Russia Wants Migrants From New Countries to Help Plug Labour Shortage Δ1.54

Russia is looking to expand its migrant worker base beyond traditional ex-Soviet republics to Asian nations, including Myanmar. The country's labor market is facing a shortage, with unemployment at a record low 2.3%. President Vladimir Putin has highlighted this issue and the economy minister is seeking new sources of migrant workers to fill the gap.

Diplomatic Spat Between Iran and Turkey Over Syria Erupts Δ1.57

Iran and Turkey have summoned their envoys after a diplomatic spat over Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's warning of Tehran against undermining Syria's stability. Fidan last week gave an interview to Qatar's al Jazeera in which he said Iran's foreign policy relying on militias was "dangerous" and needed to change. The Iranian foreign ministry published a statement saying that a meeting took place on Monday between ambassador Hicabi Kırlangıç and Mahmoud Heydari, the Iran foreign ministry's Director General for the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.

Mistral Urges Telcos to Get Into the Hyperscaler Game Δ1.52

Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch is urging European telcos to invest in building data center infrastructure and "becoming hyperscalers" to boost the regional AI ecosystem. The company's investment in its own data center in France aims to serve domestic customers, while also moving down the stack to provide services to data centers. Mench emphasizes the need for more actors in the field compared to the current cloud market dominated by a few giants.

The Chinese Government Eyes RISC-V Chips as a Strategic Technology Move Δ1.52

China is reportedly drafting policy guidance to encourage the local use of open-source RISC-V chips, which could be announced before the end of the month. The XiangShan project, initiated by China's Academy of Sciences in 2019, aims to roll out the open-source chip with the same name, and recent updates suggest steady progress. As the lower costs involved make RISC-V chips an attractive option for Chinese companies, the move could also enhance the country's technological sovereignty.

Tariffs Take Toll on Target's Holiday Season Sales and Profits Δ1.58

Target reported strong fourth-quarter profits but warned that tariffs and other costs would put pressure on its earnings in 2025. The retailer beat estimates, however, and shares rose slightly before the opening bell. Despite a decline in sales revenue, comparable sales rose 1.5% during the quarter, higher than the previous quarter's gain.

Pope Francis Battles Pneumonia - and Rumours of Resignation Δ1.50

Pope Francis is battling double pneumonia in hospital for nearly three weeks, sparking talk of the 88-year-old pontiff's death or resignation. Despite speculation about his fate, Pope Francis appears unlikely to resign, with friends and biographers describing him as a "fighter" who doesn't give in under pressure. The Vatican has consistently stated that Francis is still the pope, governing the Church from hospital, despite ongoing concerns about his health.

Target Faces Near-Term Profit Squeeze From Tariffs, Cautious Spending Δ1.58

Target's forecast full-year comparable sales came below estimates after a discount-driven holiday quarter results beat, and said uncertainty around tariffs as well as consumer spending would weigh on first-quarter profits. The company joined Walmart and Best Buy in raising caution about their expectations for the year as sticky inflation and tariffs temper demand. Target expects comparable sales to be flat in the year through January 2026, compared with analysts' average estimate of 1.86% growth.

Cyberattack Rocks Polish Space Agency's Email Systems Δ1.52

The Polish Space Agency (POLSA) has confirmed it suffered a cyberattack that compromised its email systems, forcing it to shut down its IT infrastructure. The attack appears to be an email compromise, with insiders suggesting that relevant authorities have been notified and the agency is analyzing the situation. POLSA's machines were disconnected from the internet as part of the incident.

US Policy Fog Spells Trouble Δ1.65

The recent escalation in US policy uncertainty, marked by trade wars and diplomatic tensions, has cast a pall of doubt over the economic outlook. The market's reaction to these developments has been sharp, with Wall Street recording its deepest loss of the year on Monday, while Treasury yields hit near 5-month lows. The uncertainty is having a direct impact on business decision-making, with firms postponing projects and investments until the coast clears.

Why Local SSDs and Hard Drives Are Still Superior to the Cloud Δ1.51

Cloud storage is better, faster, and more affordable per gigabyte than ever before. However, relying solely on cloud storage can leave users vulnerable to data breaches, loss of access due to internet outages, and slower recovery times. Storing data locally on a physical drive provides greater speed, availability, and control over sensitive information. Local storage also offers security and compliance benefits, such as avoiding foreign laws and regulations that may apply to overseas data.

5 Easy Browser Tweaks That Secure Your Web Surfing Δ1.54

Modern web browsers offer several built-in settings that can significantly enhance data security and privacy while online. Key adjustments, such as enabling two-factor authentication, disabling the saving of sensitive data, and using encrypted DNS requests, can help users safeguard their personal information from potential threats. Additionally, leveraging the Tor network with specific configurations can further anonymize web browsing, although it may come with performance trade-offs.

China Hits U.S. Agricultural Products with New Tariffs Δ1.59

China's recent decision to impose tariffs on $21 billion worth of U.S. agricultural exports is expected to significantly impact American farmers, particularly targeting the soybean trade with a 10% tariff on shipments valued at nearly $13 billion last year. This move affects a wide array of products, including vegetables, aquatic goods, and various meats, reflecting China's strategic approach to trade relations with the U.S. The tariffs highlight the ongoing tensions in U.S.-China trade negotiations and their potential ramifications for the agricultural sector.

Putin Agrees to Help Trump Broker Nuclear Talks With Iran Δ1.63

The US and Russia are collaborating on communication with Iran over nuclear issues, which could potentially facilitate negotiations between the two countries, although no direct talks have yet occurred. This cooperation may signal a broader effort to address geopolitical tensions in the region. The initiative stems from President Trump's efforts to restore relations with Russia after their 2022 conflict.

Smoke Grenades Tossed in Serbian Parliament, Lawmaker Suffers Stroke Δ1.57

Serbian opposition lawmakers caused chaos in parliament by throwing smoke grenades and tear gas to protest government actions and support student demonstrations, resulting in one lawmaker suffering a stroke. This incident highlights the escalating tensions in Serbia as four months of protests against President Aleksandar Vucic's administration have drawn widespread public support, posing a significant challenge to his decade-long rule. The protests have been fueled by widespread discontent over corruption and government incompetence, culminating in calls for a major rally in Belgrade.

Russia Seeks Deeper Ties with Myanmar in Trade and Nuclear Energy Δ1.57

The Russian government has announced plans to expand cooperation with Myanmar in various sectors, including agriculture and nuclear energy, despite the ongoing military junta's authoritarian rule. Moscow sees significant potential for increased trade and investment opportunities with the Southeast Asian nation, which has been plagued by instability since a 2021 coup d'état. The Kremlin's efforts to strengthen ties with Myanmar aim to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region.

Western Allies' Aid to Ukraine Exceeds $200 Billion Since 2014 Δ1.56

The total amount of aid provided by Western allies to Ukraine since the start of the conflict exceeds $200 billion, with Europe contributing significantly more than the United States. This significant influx of funding has enabled Ukraine to maintain its military capabilities and resist Russian aggression. The financial assistance provided by Western countries has also helped to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Ukraine.

Fired US Government Workers with Top Security Clearances Were Not Given Exit Briefings Δ1.63

Recent mass layoffs at Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have resulted in some U.S. government workers with top security clearances not receiving standard exit briefings, raising significant security concerns. Typically, these briefings remind employees of their non-disclosure agreements and provide guidance on handling potential foreign approaches, which is critical given their access to sensitive information. The absence of these debriefings creates vulnerabilities, particularly as foreign adversaries actively seek to exploit gaps in security protocols.

Wall St Set for Lower Open as Trade War Worries Weigh Δ1.62

Investors are increasingly cautious ahead of President Donald Trump's planned announcement of his full-fledged global trade policy, which is expected to deepen the already strained US-China trade relationship and further exacerbate existing tensions with Canada and Mexico. The ongoing trade war is putting pressure on corporate earnings, inflation expectations, and overall market sentiment, with analysts warning of potential cuts in interest rates by the Federal Reserve to mitigate the economic impact. As investors prepare for more uncertainty, many sectors are already experiencing significant losses.

Musk Rallies the Far Right in Europe. Tesla Is Paying the Price Δ1.59

Musk's promotion of Germany's far-right party, Alternative fur Deutschland, had little impact on election results, despite his efforts to amplify its figures through 2 dozen posts on X and an interview with its leader. The AfD's stunning second-place result in the February 23 election suggests that Musk's support may have been more symbolic than substantive. Despite this, Tesla is already feeling the effects of Musk's politics, with European sales tumbling 45% in January from a year earlier.

The Impact of US Trade Tariffs on Global Markets Δ1.62

Stock futures pointed to further declines as investors grew increasingly nervous about how US trade tariffs will erode economic growth. Most Read from BloombergHow Upzoning in Cambridge Broke the YIMBY Mold Remembering the Landscape Architect Who Embraced the City NYC Office Buildings See Resurgence as Investors Pile Into Bonds Hong Kong Joins Global Stadium Race With New $4 Billion Sports Park US Tent Facility is Holding Migrant Families Longer Than Recommended S&P 500 contracts slipped 0.7%. Bonds rose, with yields on two-year Treasuries falling as four basis points. The dollar index weakened for a second day and oil declined.

President Trump Addresses Congress Amid Trade Tensions and Ukraine Aid Pause Δ1.70

The speech by President Donald Trump follows a tumultuous term marked by efforts to stretch presidential limits, slash federal bureaucracy, impose steep tariffs on allies, and pause military aid to Ukraine. Trump is expected to use his speech to laud his rapid-fire efforts to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy, reduce migrant flow over the U.S.-Mexico border, and his use of tariffs to force foreign nations to bow to his demands. The event promises to have a raucous element with Republican lawmakers cheering on Trump and Democrats expressing their opposition to what he lists as his achievements.

Best Tech Deals at MWC 2025: What You Need to Know About the Latest Launches Δ1.52

The latest smartphone releases from Xiaomi, Samsung, Lenovo, and Honor showcased significant advancements in camera technology, battery life, and AI-powered features. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra took top honors as the best phone overall, thanks to its powerful internals, Leica-backed camera array, and professional-grade photography capabilities. In contrast, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro excelled with its unique design, versatile cameras, and fast charging capabilities at an affordable price point.