Newsletter Apr 13, 2023

Biden urges N.Ireland leaders to seize 'incredible economic opportunity'

U.S. President Joe Biden urged Northern Irish political leaders to restore their power-sharing government with the promise that scores of major U.S.

G7 finance leaders pledge financial stability, supply chain diversity

Group of Seven (G7) finance leaders pledged on Wednesday to take action to maintain the stability of the global financial system.

Millions of UK businesses at risk of shutting down due to delayed payments

As the tough economic conditions hit SMEs, UK businesses are at an increased risk of facing delayed payments from customers, says debt collection agency.

UK recruiters slow pace of pay growth in March, REC survey shows

Britain's labour market showed signs of a slowing in the sharp pace of pay growth in March and a shortage of candidates eased for the first time in two years, according to a survey of recruiters published on Wednesday.

How is the UK's rising inflation impacting the cost of living crisis?

The Office for National Statistics reported that the "prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose at the fastest rate in more than 45 years in the 12 months to February 2023."

UK, US sanctions target Russian oligarch Usmanov and Cypriot 'fixers'

The US Treasury said Usmanov is close to Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.

Last-ditch protests in France over Macron's pension reform

If the law is approved, it remains to be seen if unions will call more strikes.

Oil eases as investors remain cautious on recession fears

Oil prices eased in early trading on Thursday after rising for the previous two sessions as investors remained cautious due to lingering concerns over a U.S.

Alibaba announces ChatGPT-style AI model to compete with Microsoft, Google, OpenAI

Alibaba has announced a Chinese version of OpenAI's ChatGPT called Tongyi Qianwen, but its exact timeline is still a mystery.

FBI warns against using public phone chargers, here's why

The FBI is urging consumers to avoid using USB outlets in airports and malls and stick to their own charging plugs and USB cables.

Elon Musk says 'many mistakes' made since Twitter takeover

Musk has expressed deep disdain for news media for years and recently installed an automatic response of a poop emoji to emails sent to the site's main media address.

United World Tourism Organisation launch Women in Tech Startup Competition in Riyadh

Announced at Biban 2023, the Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East will help progress UNWTO's goal to enhance tourism for women's empowerment, as well as support tech entrepreneurs and innovators across the region.

Nasdaq Ventures invests £3.5m into UK-based governance platform

Today, Nasdaq Ventures announced the completion of a £3.5m Series A investment into Kuberno. The company's co-founder believes this will help "Kuberno accelerate its international growth and expansion into new markets".

North Korea fires 'medium range or longer' ballistic missile

South Korea's military said it had "detected one ballistic missile with a medium range or longer fired from the Pyongyang area at 0723 (1023 GMT)".

International Day for Street Children is raising much needed awareness

This holiday aims to promote the rights of street children and provide them with access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

The historical significance of Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day

In the year 2021, there were 38.4 million people worldwide living with HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with a staggering 650,000 deaths.

Fyre Festival II is 'finally happening,' says convicted creator Billy McFarland

Fyre Festival, the infamously failed music event, will finally be happening if we are to believe its creator, Billy McFarland.