Global economic growth slashed to 2.8% as Trump’s tariffs create “major negative shock,” with US recession risk rising to 40% and forecasts for both US and China hit hardest
World
Aerospace
Boeing secures critical fasteners to avoid 737 MAX production delays after key factory fire
As dwindling fastener supplies threaten the broader aerospace industry, some producers of the nuts taking on contracts to provide alternate supply are hiking prices to reflect rising costs of materials and labour
Pope Francis
Pope Francis dies at 88: What happens next?
Pope Francis’ death will follow a series of ceremonial events refined over centuries, leading to the election of a new pontiff
Pope Francis dies at 88, one day after Easter appearance
Pointiff’s passing confirmed following recent recovery from pneumonia
China
China warns against side deals with US, vows retaliation if interests are compromised
President Trump this month paused major tariff increases on other countries for 90 days, while hiking duties further on goods from China to 145%
climate action
New study reveals fear for future generations due to climate change
Among 32 nations, an Ipsos study finds citizens of the Philippines (82%) and Indonesia (81%) most fearful about failing future generations
AI governance
Viral ChatGPT social media trends spark legal, ethical AI ‘threat’ as UAE experts warn of data risks
AI-driven Studio Ghibli, action figure images as part of viral trends raise alarms among UAE experts, warning that creatives’ rights and copyright protections are being compromised in the rush for innovation
Artificial intelligence
TSMC results lift gloom for semiconductors industry as Q1 profit surges 60%
The world’s biggest chipmaker’s profit reaches $11.12bn, up from $6.93bn in Q1 2024; Company also give a bullish outlook for the year
aliens
Scientists discover possible evidence of alien life on planet K2-18b
Scientists say planet K2-18b may be ‘teeming with microbial life’
Airlines
World’s most valuable airline brands revealed; Emirates, Qatar Airways and Saudia impress
Emirates tops Gulf in global airline brand value ranking
Donald Trump
Analysis: Will Gulf economies feel the heat from Trump’s tariffs?
Regional analysts predict limited direct effects but warn of broader economic fallout if global slowdown hits oil demand
global economy
Global trade to shrink by 0.2% as Trump tariffs trigger ‘dampening effect,’ WTO warns
Despite world economic growth forecast being slashed to 2.2%, WTO expects least-developed countries to potentially benefit from trade disruption
data breach
Microsoft vulnerabilities hit record high in 2024, says new BeyondTrust report
Critical vulnerabilities across the Microsoft ecosystem declined overall in 2024, the report said
Etihad
Etihad announces summer sale with 30% discounts
Etihad Airways offers up to 30 per cent off flights to destinations this summer
acquisition
Prada Group to acquire Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal
Versace to maintain its creative DNA and cultural authenticity, while benefitting from the full strength of Prada’s consolidated platform
Audemars Piguet
Luxury watch trends 2025: Potential discontinuations from major brands to aid boom in secondary market
Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe investors to potentially experience the best resale value, should discontinuations occur