Newsletter Apr 21, 2023

UK consumer confidence highest since Feb 2022 as 'green shoots' emerge: GfK

British consumers were their most upbeat in more than a year this month, despite the surging cost of living, as they took a more positive view of their finances and the health of the wider economy, market research firm GfK said on Friday.

Eid for Sunni Muslims starts on Friday, Shiites wait another day

The timing of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.

Britain's Cleverly leaves New Zealand early to focus on Sudan response

British Foreign Minister James Cleverly will leave New Zealand Friday and cut his Pacific tour short, a spokesperson for New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs said, as he focuses on coordinating Britain's response to the Sudan crisis.

Oil falls 2% on recession fears, swelling US fuel stocks

Oil prices slid by about $2 a barrel to their lowest level since late March on Thursday, dragged lower by fears a possible recession could dent fuel demand and after a rise in U.S.

Twitter's blue ticks start vanishing

Earlier dates set for the rollback of the ticks -- predominately used by celebrities, journalists and politicians -- have slipped by without noticeable action.

Recent report reveals only one in 40 UK companies adopt net zero targets

Only one in 40 UK companies have fully adopted the most challenging "gold standard" targets for setting a course to net zero, a report by the IPPR has revealed.

Google's AI shocks engineers by learning new language without human assistance

Google engineers are still trying to figure out how the company's AI acquired knowledge of a new language although it wasn't trained to do so.

Cost of living crisis fuelling rise in cybercrimes, new research shows

Over a third of the organisations across the UK's critical national infrastructure (CNI) anticipate a rise in cybercrime as a direct result of the current economic crisis.

Small businesses face high costs from increasing rates of cyber attacks

With cyber-attacks on the increase, small businesses cannot afford to be complacent about their cyber security measures, with high costs to pay in the event of data breaches.

More businesses around the world are prioritising ESG strategies

By leveraging IT as the backbone of ESG transformation, companies can eradicate digital inequality and reduce carbon emissions by understanding their employees.

Drivers are concerned by 'revolutionary' fatigue monitoring AI technology

Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents, but there are concerns about how the new AI technology to monitor fleet drivers will be used in the coming future.

Westminster traffic wardens set to strike during coronation as high inflation fuels pay disputes

Adding to the recent wave of strike action across the UK in recent months, traffic wardens are set to strike during the King's coronation unless a pay dispute can be settled in time.

The next pandemic is coming and the UK is not prepared, warn top scientists

Top scientists believe that the UK is not prepared for another COVID-19-like pandemic.

Pope Francis gifts King Charles III relics from Christ's cross for coronation

King Charles III's coronation takes place on May 6 in London's Westminster Abbey.

Cheap flights under £40 available to Brits for mini vacation over coronation weekend

The UK is set to have three bank holidays in May.

BuzzFeed to close news operation

Shares in BuzzFeed, known for its viral content and journalism, plunged more than 20 percent on Wall Street following the news.

Great news for Arsenal: Manchester City 'exhausted' ahead of title showdown

Manchester City have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2022-23 Champions League.