Newsletter Jun 2, 2023

UK government refuses to hand over WhatsApp messages to COVID inquiry

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government on Thursday said it would not hand over internal WhatsApp messages requested by a public inquiry into its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and instead seek a legal challenge against the demand.

Ukraine says Russia again blocking Black Sea grain export deal

Ukraine's ministry of renovation and infrastructure said on Thursday the U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain export deal had been halted again because Russia had blocked registration of ships to all Ukrainian ports.

Labour MP Geraint Davies loses whip over sexual harassment allegations

Davies, who has represented constituency Swansea West since 2010, now facing an investigation after the allegations were made anonymously.

Business confidence dips for the first time in three months

According to the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer, business confidence has experienced an unexpected decline, dropping five points to 28 per cent in May.

European Travel Commission to cut down emissions by 50% by 2030

The detailed Climate Action Plan underlines the ETC's agenda of making the plan fully operational by 2030. Earlier in May 2022, the non-profit organisation committed to such a plan at the Glasgow COP26 conference.

Entertainment industry struggles with 215 bn piracy site visits

Since eliminating piracy is unrealistic, perhaps the most important goal for the industry is ensuring it does not become normalised.

First post-Brexit UK trade deal upholds net zero commitments

From June 1st onwards, businesses in the United Kingdom can sell their products in New Zealand and Australia in a more hassle-free manner as the Australia and New Zealand trade deal comes into force.

UK government evaluates schemes to help families affected by alcohol misuse

A government programme for improving the quality of life for families affected by alcohol misuse has proved successful following an independent evaluation.

LBank breaks down Bitcoin's double-digit price surge

The Bitcoin rally reflects people's loss of confidence in the central banking system, with the cryptocurrency experiencing a 27 per cent rise to just below £22,513 in March.

PwC warns of soaring carbon offsetting costs, raising concerns for Net Zero goals

PwC's recent estimate casts doubt on the achievement of ambitious climate goals, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and proactive measures.

Twitter tests Community Notes for images, videos as company value tumbles

The new Notes on Media functionality will be available only to contributors with Writing Impact 10 or above.

From the worst-selling model in Q1 2023, iPhone 14 Plus becomes the sixth best-selling phone

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was the only Android phone that outperformed the iPhone 14 Plus in terms of sales.

Newly approved US flights by Chinese airlines avoid Russian airspace

Chinese airlines are avoiding flying over Russian airspace in newly approved flights to and from the United States, according to flight tracking website FlightAware and industry officials.

London Design Biennale explores design-led collaboration

Projects from over 40 participants will be on display at Somerset House until June 25.

Lionel Messi's Barcelona comeback on the verge of collapse: Latest updates

Lionel Messi is set to become a free agent on June 30.

Study finds 4,000-year-old evidence of Black Death in Britain

A team of researchers has been able to unearth a strain of bacteria responsible for the infamous Black Death plague that occurred 4,000 years ago.

Djokovic receives warning for 'militant, political' statement at French Open

French Sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera is not happy about the Serbian star's vocal stance on the conflict in Kosovo.