Philippine Economy Faces ‘Serious’ Contraction From Gas Emissions Cuts—ADB
Asian Development Bank warns the Philippines could experience a serious GDP contraction as it pursues a 75% greenhouse‑gas emissions cut by 2030. The bank’s March 12 report cites high mitigation costs, price pressures and a lack of productivity measures, which could shave 1.2% of jobs from carbon‑intensive sectors. The Philippines aims for renewable energy to supply 35% of its power mix by 2030, but financing gaps and insufficient NDC ambition risk undermining growth, already slowed to 4.4% in 2025. ADB stresses that targeted green‑technology investments could mitigate or reverse the economic downside.
India Outlines Legal Framework to Protect Children From AI and Online Harm
India’s government announced a comprehensive legal framework to shield children from AI‑driven online harms. Existing statutes such as the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 are being leveraged to mandate rapid removal of illegal...
Standard Bank Delivers Record Earnings as Africa Strategy Pays Off
Standard Bank Group posted record headline earnings of R49.2 billion for 2025, delivering a 19.3% return on equity at the top of its target range. Earnings were driven by strong performance across Africa Regions, which supplied 40% of profit, and robust...
Levi’s Unveils Window Takeover at Selfridges
Levi Strauss & Co. launched a high‑visibility window takeover at Selfridges on Oxford Street, wrapping 16 storefront windows in vinyl as part of its "Behind Every Original" campaign. The activation runs through March 18 and showcases a roster of global...
It Takes a Village – the Pioneering Tourism Project Breathing New Life Into India’s Mountain Communities
Village Ways, a community‑based tourism initiative founded in 2005, now links over 30 villages from Uttarakhand to Kerala, offering low‑impact hiking stays in guesthouses rather than homestays. By distributing earnings equally among cleaners, porters and guides, the model has hosted...
Anya Hindmarch Partners with Tesco for Mini Version of Its Circular Shopping Bag
Anya Hindmarch is releasing a Mini version of its Universal Bag in partnership with Tesco, rolling out in more than 500 UK stores this March. The smaller, navy‑blue bag with red handles is priced at £10 and targets quick‑shop trips,...
Volkmann Collaborates with HP to Offer Contained Metal Powder Handling System
German equipment maker Volkmann GmbH has partnered with HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions to launch the vPort powder handling system for HP’s Metal Jet S100 binder‑jet printers. The semi‑automated solution combines Volkmann’s PowTReX technology with a glove‑box interface, offering sieving, recovery...
PC Price Hikes and a Test for Taiwan
Global PC manufacturers announced price increases of 5%‑10% as semiconductor shortages and higher freight costs persist. The hikes hit both consumer and enterprise segments, squeezing budgets for schools and businesses. Taiwan, home to major chip fabs and motherboard producers, faces...
The Next Cambridge? LA Sets Its Sights Higher
Los Angeles County now hosts more than 3,000 life‑science companies, outpacing peer regions, and generated roughly $58 billion in annual economic output. Venture‑capital inflows surged to $4.4 billion in 2024, a 119 % jump, underscoring growing investor confidence. The ecosystem benefits from a...
Exclusive: Oro Labs, Which Uses AI to Streamline Corporate Procurement, Raises $100 Million
Oro Labs announced a $100 million Series C round, led by Goldman Sachs Growth Equity and Brighton Park Capital, bringing its total funding to $160 million. The Silicon Valley AI startup, which overlays existing ERP and procurement systems with an orchestration platform, reported...
Unilab Center for Health Policy and Naga City Partner to Pioneer Primary Healthcare Innovation
The Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP) and Naga City signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a collaborative research and implementation agenda aimed at strengthening primary health care. The partnership will develop digital tools, conduct a comprehensive health system...
Capital Increase on the Stock Exchange
The article explains how listed companies can repeatedly raise equity through capital increases after an IPO, distinguishing actual and nominal increases. It outlines why firms choose equity financing over debt, citing growth, M&A, balance‑sheet strength, and liquidity benefits. Various Swiss‑law...
Showmax to Be Replaced by Canal+ App
Canal+ will retire Showmax, migrating South African subscribers to its own OTT app after Showmax accumulated roughly R8.7 billion in losses, including R4.9 billion in 2025. The transition will fold Showmax titles into the Canal+ platform and DStv Stream, aiming to retain customers...
Panagiotidis Lines up Another Nasdaq Shipowner with Tanker Spin-Off
Cyprus‑based shipowner Petros Panagiotidis is spinning off Robin Energy's tanker unit into a new Nasdaq‑listed entity called AI Okto. Existing Robin shareholders will receive one AI Okto share for every 6.5 Robin shares, and the new company will launch with...
Macao Strengthens European Engagement with New Tourism Offerings at London Event
At a London showcase, the Macao Government Tourism Office unveiled new multi‑destination travel packages linking Macao, Hong Kong and mainland China, aimed at European tourists. The event brought together UK travel trade, media and cultural partners, highlighting Macao’s blend of...
139,000 Metro Manila Tricycle Drivers First in Line for P5,000 Fuel Aid — DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development will give 139,000 Metro Manila tricycle drivers a ₱5,000 cash subsidy to offset soaring fuel prices. Distribution begins on March 17 at 39 designated payout centers and will be staggered over three days...
Air New Zealand to Cancel Over One Thousand Flights, Rebook Passengers Amid Soaring Fuel Costs, Disrupted Energy Supply Routes, and...
Air New Zealand will cancel over 1,100 flights by early May 2026, affecting roughly 40,000 passengers, as soaring jet‑fuel prices strain its finances. The price surge stems from geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global oil supply...
Joby’s Electric Air Taxis Usher In A New Era For US Tourism
Joby Aviation has begun flight testing its first FAA‑conforming eVTOL, N547JX, marking a critical step toward Type Inspection Authorization and eventual type certification. The aircraft meets FAA‑approved design standards and will undergo final TIA tests at Joby’s Marina, California facility...
Honeywell Chosen by U.S. Air Force to Design Prototype Engine System for CCA
Honeywell Aerospace secured a U.S. Air Force prototype contract to design a propulsion system for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) using its new SkyShot 1600 engine. The SkyShot 1600 can operate as a turbojet or turbofan, delivering 800‑2,800 pounds of...
Lacson: Filipinos Should Be Loyal to Philippines, Not Other Nations
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson warned that Filipino officials should prioritize national interests over foreign agendas, targeting Senator Rodante Marcoleta for echoing China’s positions. Lacson highlighted the diplomatic boost a non‑permanent UN Security Council seat would give the...
Himachal Pradesh Introduces SHE Travel Policy Revolutionizing Solo Travel for Women with Enhanced Safety Support and Empowerment
Himachal Pradesh’s tourism department launched the SHE Travel Policy to make solo female travel safer and more supportive. The initiative introduces safety audits, women‑friendly accommodation certification, a dedicated travel portal, and SheGuard staff at key transport hubs. Targeting popular spots...
Viking Eldir Brings New Luxury To Rhine, Main, And Danube Cruises
Viking has launched the Viking Eldir, a 190‑guest river cruise ship built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft in Germany. The vessel will operate luxury itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube, offering spacious staterooms, panoramic views, and upscale dining. Its addition...
London Travel Disruption This Weekend: Full List of Tube and Train Closures for March 14-15 2026
London will experience extensive weekend transport disruptions on March 14‑15, 2026, with major closures on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, DLR, Elizabeth and several Overground lines. Service gaps include no trains between Hammersmith and Tower Hill, Edgware Road and...
Somerset Valero Makati: A Destination for Luxury and Wellbeing
Somerset Valero Makati, the latest Ascott Limited Philippines launch, offers 182 luxury serviced apartments ranging from 37 to 124 square metres. The development blends upscale living with wellness‑focused features, including a first‑of‑its‑kind WellTech suite equipped with massage chairs and scent...
Jinggoy Estrada Asks Manila RTC’s Permission to Travel Abroad
Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed motions in Manila's regional trial court and the Sandiganbayan to overturn a precautionary hold departure order that bars him from traveling abroad. The PHDO stems from pending plunder, graft and bribery charges linked to alleged flood‑control...
Cairn Surgical Reports the FDA De Novo 510(k) Submission for BCL System to Improve Accuracy of Lumpectomy
Cairn Surgical has filed a De Novo 510(k) application with the U.S. FDA for its Breast Cancer Locator (BCL) System, a device designed to improve the accuracy of breast‑conserving surgery. The company completed a pivotal U.S. trial that demonstrated a...
Venergy Targets Crude Segment with Suezmax Newbuilds in China
Greek shipowner Venergy Maritime has placed firm orders for two suezmax crude tankers with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, adding options for two more vessels. The 158,000 dwt, scrubber‑fitted ships are priced at roughly $82 million each and are scheduled for delivery in 2029...
Why Retailers Can’t Escape Responsibility for AI Chatbots
Australian retailers are rapidly rolling out generative AI chatbots for customer service, pricing and loyalty, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns that under Australian Consumer Law the retailer remains liable for any misleading or unsafe bot responses....
Manufacturing Data Silo Problem Gets a New Approach From Aibuild
London‑based Aibuild has released Aibuild OS, an AI‑driven platform that automates the entire engineering workflow from design to production. The system introduces autonomous "Digital Engineers" that handle data conversion, text‑to‑3D modeling, and toolpath generation without manual hand‑offs. Currently in Public...
Airport Planners Brace for Weeks of Travel Chaos Even After the War
Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) announced it will not penalize airlines for cancellations caused by the Iran‑related war and will provide slot relief for up to six weeks after hostilities cease. The conflict has already forced the cancellation of more than...
NatWest Group to Support Vital Businesses Across UK Economy with New Initiatives
NatWest Group announced a nationwide rollout of Mid‑Market Champions, assigning a dedicated advocate to each of the UK’s 12 nations and regions. The move follows research showing 90% of midsized firms desire regional leadership to accelerate growth and influence policy....
Retail Imports Made Simple: Reducing Risk and Cost
The Retail Solutions UK guide outlines a step‑by‑step framework for UK retailers to simplify imports, reduce customs delays, and cut freight costs. It highlights the importance of correct paperwork, EORI registration, and choosing the right transport mode—road for Europe, sea...
Closed Shop? Not for Long: How New Laws Are Opening Doors for Trade Unions
The Employment Rights Act, introduced last month, revamps UK workers' rights and lowers the union recognition threshold from 10% to as low as 2% of employees, with workplace access rights slated for October. The changes have already spurred a surge...
EXCLUSIVE: NewsGuard Taps Startup Pangram to Identify AI-Generated News and Misinformation
NewsGuard has launched an AI content farm detection tool built with Pangram Labs’ proprietary models to spot sites that mass‑produce AI‑generated news without disclosure. In its first rollout, the system helped flag roughly 3,000 AI farms, more than double the...
Loft Orbital Aims To Launch AI-Processing Satellites Later This Year
Loft Orbital, a San Francisco‑based space startup, announced plans to launch an AI‑processing satellite constellation later this year. The fleet will run a lightweight, low‑power AI model directly on board, sidestepping the energy demands of large terrestrial models. By analyzing...
Wynn Resumes Construction on Ras Al-Khaimah Project
Wynn Resorts announced that construction has resumed on its $5.1 billion integrated resort on Al‑Marjan Island, Ras Al‑Khaimah. The 70‑floor, 283‑metre tower, topped out in December 2025, will feature 1,500 rooms, high‑end retail, MICE facilities and the UAE’s first licensed gaming...
Prices Plateau as Sealed Bids and Gazumping of Two Years Ago Vanish – RICS Agents
UK house prices have plateaued, with agents noting a shift from the sealed‑bid and gazumping frenzy of two years ago to more cautious price negotiations. The latest RICS survey shows buyer confidence eroding amid heightened geopolitical risk, including Gulf tensions...
Campaign Call for Landlord Protections Is Rejected by the Government
The UK Government has dismissed a petition urging stronger landlord protections and faster court processes. The petition, started by Scottish landlord Craig Littlejohn, gathered over 15,000 signatures and called for expedited possession courts, a tenant‑vetting database, and higher deposit caps....
Ground Rent Cap Will Give Landlords £8.7bn Windfall
Labour’s proposed £250 annual ground‑rent cap is projected to generate an £8.7 billion windfall for buy‑to‑let landlords, according to WPI Strategy analysis. While intended to protect over five million leaseholders, the cap could erase up to £18 billion of ground‑rent investment value,...
Egypt Raises Gas Prices by 30% Amid Iran War
Egypt’s Petroleum & Mineral Resources Ministry raised vehicle natural gas prices by 30% to E£13 per cubic metre, with diesel up 17% and 95‑octane petrol up 14.2%, effective 10 March. The hikes follow the US‑Israel strike on Iran, which has sent...
Delays Expected to $3.3bn Kuwait Gas Project Due to Iran War
Kuwait Gulf Oil Company’s $3.3 billion on‑shore gas processing plant, slated to be tendered in late March, faces significant delays after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. The project, designed to handle 632 million cubic feet of gas and...
Banking on the Cloud
Amazon Web Services’ 2026 "Banking on the Cloud" report declares cloud computing a strategic foundation for modern banks. It outlines six trends—agentic AI, hyper‑personalised experiences, unified data platforms, ecosystem banking, resilient infrastructure, and modular architectures—that together reshape operations and product...
Fintechs Expanding Between Kenya and Rwanda May Soon Need One Licence
Kenya’s central bank and Rwanda’s national bank have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a licence‑passporting framework for payment service providers. The arrangement would let fintech firms licensed in one country operate in the other without obtaining a new...
New National Timing Centre to Protect Critical Services
The UK government is allocating £180 million to build a National Timing Centre (NTC) that will safeguard critical services such as mobile networks, banking and emergency response from GNSS disruptions. Led by the National Physical Laboratory, the NTC will employ atomic...
Middle East Flight Disruptions Slow Wellness Travel to India
Escalating US‑Iran tensions have disrupted flight connectivity between the Middle East and India, prompting cancellations and rerouting of wellness travelers. Kairali Ayurvedic Group lost three direct Middle‑East guests and faces uncertainty for five others traveling via the region. While short‑term...
Food Manufacturing Industry to Meet in Melbourne Under Foodpro–AIFST Partnership
Foodpro 2026 will partner with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) for a dual‑track event in Melbourne from 26‑29 July 2026. The four‑day expo will host more than 400 exhibitors alongside the AIFST26 conference, which runs 27‑28...
The Cloud Dies First In A Fight - Distributed Computing's Days At Hand
The article warns that cloud‑based AI systems crumble when communications are contested, as adversaries can jam satellites, cut fiber, or target data centers. It argues that true edge computing—independent, local processing—remains functional without network handshakes, eliminating latency and synchronization gaps....
Ancient Mushroom, Modern Medicine: Paul Stamets Says Agarikon Mycelium May Be Key to Fighting Viral Pandemics
Mushroom mycologist Paul Stamets presented data indicating that Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis) mycelium possesses broad antiviral properties. In two placebo‑controlled trials, a combined Agarikon‑turkey‑tail extract reduced COVID‑19 vaccine side effects, sustained antibody titers, and accelerated recovery in hospitalized patients. The research,...
Singapore Tourism Board, Scoot Unveil Campaign Reimagining the Merlion
The Singapore Tourism Board and low‑cost carrier Scoot have launched the third edition of the Singapore Superfans campaign, positioning the Merlion as an active guide encouraging visitors to explore beyond the city’s iconic landmarks. The campaign, anchored by a rock‑inspired...
Rowboats and Solar Panels: The Reality of Connecting Rural Africa
Satellite provider SES is scaling managed communications sites across sub‑Saharan Africa, using solar‑powered towers linked to LEO, MEO and GEO satellites. The company handles everything from design to long‑term operation, serving remote villages where roads are impassable and diesel generators...