(Brands & Consumers)
Microsoft has joined Nvidia in the exclusive $4 trillion valuation club, becoming the second company in history to reach the milestone. The tech giant’s shares surged nearly 4.5% on Thursday, lifting its market value to $4.01 trillion after a strong earnings report the previous evening. The company’s stock has climbed about 28% since January, fueled…
A Florida jury has ruled that Tesla bears partial responsibility for a 2019 crash in which a Model S using the company’s Autopilot system killed a pedestrian and left another person with life-changing injuries. The case was brought by the family of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon, who died after being struck at a T-intersection in…
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims has sparked controversy after releasing a £52 “face wrap” marketed as overnight shapewear to sculpt the jawline. The product, which sold out in under 24 hours, is part of a growing TikTok trend where users showcase elaborate bedtime skincare routines in so-called “morning shed” videos. Skims, valued at around $4bn…
Tata Steel has been fined £1.5 million following the death of contractor Justin Day, who was crushed by a moving steel beam at the company’s Port Talbot site in 2019. Mr Day, 44, from Llansamlet in Swansea, was found slumped in a “hot rolling channel” on 25 September 2019 after returning to an area that…
Switzerland has been hit with a 39% US tariff on its exports, the steepest in Europe and the fourth highest globally, sparking confusion and outrage across the country. The shock decision was announced just hours before the 1 August deadline, despite last-minute talks between Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and US President Donald Trump. Until recently,…
Heathrow Airport has announced a £49bn plan to expand and modernise the UK’s busiest airport, including a third runway and new terminal facilities. Chief executive Thomas Woldbye described the project as “urgent”, saying Heathrow is operating at full capacity “to the detriment of trade and connectivity”. The expansion would be funded entirely through private investment…
Samsung Electronics has reported a sharp 55% drop in second-quarter operating profit, falling to ₩4.7 trillion ($3.4bn) from ₩10.4 trillion ($7.5bn) a year earlier, as the company continues to lose ground in the fast-growing artificial intelligence chip market. The firm’s once-dominant semiconductor division – historically its biggest profit driver – saw operating earnings plunge 94%…
TikTok has taken down a video posted by beauty mogul Huda Kattan, founder of the global cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, after she made a series of conspiracy-laden claims about Israel. In the video, shared with her 1.7 million TikTok followers on Sunday, Kattan alleged that Israel was behind “every world war,” including the First and…
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, reported a sharp rise in profits as it ramps up spending on artificial intelligence projects. The company said revenue for the April–June quarter climbed 22% year-on-year to $47.5 billion, while profits jumped 36% to $18.3 billion. However, expenses also grew by 12% to $27 billion,…
Domino’s Pizza is trialling a robot dog delivery system to bring pizzas to beachgoers in Eastbourne, UK, while also protecting the food from opportunistic seagulls. The pilot uses Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot Spot, rebranded as “Domidog”, and modified to handle sandy terrain. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and autonomous navigation, the robot can carry insulated pizza…
Starbucks has announced plans to phase out its mobile order and pickup-only stores, saying the format fails to deliver the sense of connection that defines the brand. The world’s largest coffee chain operates around 90 such outlets in the US, designed without seating to cater to customers collecting pre-ordered drinks. While the move will not…
Australia has confirmed that YouTube will be included in its upcoming social media ban for children under 16, reversing an earlier plan to exempt the platform. The ban, which will also cover TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat, is scheduled to take effect in December 2025. Under the new rules, teenagers will still be able…
Spirit Airlines has announced plans to furlough around 270 pilots and demote 140 captains as part of efforts to streamline operations and cut costs. The move comes as the low-cost carrier continues to grapple with financial challenges following its recent bankruptcy. According to the company, the captain downgrades will take effect on October 1, while…
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung Electronics to supply chips for the U.S. automaker’s future vehicles. The deal is set to boost Samsung’s struggling contract chip manufacturing business and make use of its new fab in Taylor, Texas. Musk revealed on X that Samsung’s facility will produce Tesla’s next-generation…
China has announced its first nationwide child subsidy, offering 3,600 yuan ($500) annually for each child under the age of three, in an effort to counter the country’s declining birth rate and ageing population. The policy, unveiled on Monday, will support an estimated 20 million families, according to state media. Parents can receive up to…
The global tech sector has seen more than 100,000 job losses in 2025, as major firms slash headcounts while redirecting resources toward artificial intelligence and other strategic shifts. Intel has led the wave of job cuts, recently announcing plans to lay off 24,000 employees as part of a broader restructuring. The US chipmaker, facing declining…
Google has acknowledged that its Android Earthquake Alerts system failed to provide timely warnings to millions of people during the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, which killed more than 55,000 people and injured over 100,000. According to the company, only 469 “Take Action” alerts – its highest-level warning – were sent out ahead of the…
Insurance giant Allianz has disclosed that hackers accessed personal data belonging to a majority of its 1.4 million customers in North America following a cyber-attack on a third-party cloud system. The company said the breach occurred on July 16, 2025, when attackers used a social engineering tactic to infiltrate a cloud-based customer relationship management platform…
Nike has revealed a new women’s-exclusive colorway of its Vomero Premium running shoe, showcasing the “Hyper Pink” design set to release this October. The latest iteration of the Vomero Premium features a towering 55mm midsole at the heel, aligning with the trend of ultra-thick soles in performance footwear. The shoe incorporates ZoomX foam – Nike’s…
Sony is looking to expand the reach of its PlayStation titles beyond its own consoles, according to a new job listing for a senior director of multiplatform and account management. The position, which reports directly to a Sony vice president, will focus on shaping and executing a global strategy to bring PlayStation Studios games to…
Cottage cheese, once considered an outdated diet staple, has become a viral sensation on TikTok – and US producers are struggling to keep up with the surge in demand. According to market research firm Circana, retail sales of cottage cheese jumped 20% in the 52 weeks ending June 15 compared to the previous year, following…
Uber will soon allow women in select US cities to request female drivers, as part of a new feature aimed at improving rider safety and comfort. The company announced on Wednesday that it will roll out the “Women Preferences” feature in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit in the coming weeks. It is the first…
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is pouring billions into building what he hopes will be the world’s first artificial superintelligence (ASI) – a form of AI more capable than humans at nearly all types of knowledge work. The company has been aggressively recruiting some of the AI industry’s top minds, reportedly offering multimillion-dollar pay packages to…
A 50-year-old Arizona woman has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for orchestrating an identity theft operation that enabled North Korean nationals to secure jobs with hundreds of US companies, generating millions of dollars for Pyongyang’s weapons programme. Christina Chapman admitted to stealing the identities of 68 Americans and using them to…
Columbia University has reached a $200 million settlement with the Trump administration following allegations that it failed to adequately protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests on its New York City campus. The settlement, to be paid over three years, was confirmed in a joint statement released by Columbia and acknowledged by President Donald Trump on…
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the $8 billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, clearing the way for one of the most consequential shake-ups in the U.S. media industry in recent years. The green light, announced on Thursday by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, includes the transfer of broadcast licenses for…
Nigeria’s maritime sector has suffered a significant setback as the Dangote Refinery opts for Angola-based vessels to handle the shipment of its crude oil and refined products, citing a lack of suitable local capacity. The development was made public during the 2025 Maritime Law Seminar held in Lagos. Ladi Olubowale, President of the African Shipowners…
Meta has announced a new wave of teen safety initiatives on its platforms, alongside a major crackdown on accounts linked to inappropriate interactions with minors. The tech giant, which owns Instagram and Facebook, revealed that it has taken down more than 635,000 accounts involved in sexualised or predatory behaviour toward children. Of the accounts removed,…
When Coca-Cola revealed plans to roll out a cane sugar version of its classic cola in the US this autumn, Jordan Hayes didn’t expect to find himself aligned with Donald Trump. The 37-year-old Californian, who didn’t vote in the last presidential election and has lukewarm views on Trump, admits: “Cane sugar just tastes better.” He’s…
Tesla says it is moving forward with plans to introduce a more affordable electric vehicle and expand access to its self-driving technology in Europe, as the company grapples with mounting financial and reputational challenges. In a call with investors, the electric carmaker revealed that early builds of a lower-priced model began in June. The development…
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a stark warning about a fast-approaching “fraud crisis,” raising concerns that artificial intelligence could soon make it nearly impossible to tell real people from digital impersonations. Speaking at a Federal Reserve event, Altman said AI has already undermined many identity verification methods and cautioned that the world is ill-prepared…
Coca-Cola has confirmed it will release a new version of its iconic soft drink sweetened with U.S.-grown cane sugar, marking a notable shift in its American product lineup long dominated by high-fructose corn syrup. The announcement came during the company’s latest quarterly update, where executives revealed plans to roll out the cane sugar variant this…
The estate of late tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his former business partner, Sushovan Hussain, have been ordered to pay more than £700 million to Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) by the UK High Court, following a years-long legal battle over the controversial sale of software firm Autonomy. The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, concluded that HPE…
As traditional colas fall out of favour with younger consumers, PepsiCo is taking a bold step to refresh its legacy brand by introducing a gut-friendly twist on its classic soda. The beverage giant on Monday unveiled “Pepsi Prebiotic Cola,” a new, health-forward version of its flagship drink aimed at wellness-minded shoppers. Inspired by the success…
Universal Music Group (UMG), the global powerhouse behind chart-topping artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Lady Gaga, has filed plans to go public in the United States – marking a major move that could reshape the landscape of the global music business. Already listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange with a valuation nearing €50…
Stellantis, the multinational carmaker behind brands like Jeep, Fiat, Vauxhall, and Citroën, has revealed that U.S. import tariffs have cost it €300 million so far, as new trade barriers shake up global automotive supply chains. The company, which operates 14 brands across several continents, cited a 25% tariff on cars entering the U.S. – imposed…
Nike is giving sneaker fans a fizzy dose of nostalgia with a bold new take on the revived Total 90 III silhouette. Nicknamed the “Sprite” for its lemon-lime-inspired colour scheme, the upcoming release blends vibrant design with a tribute to the fast-paced world of indoor football. Following a global resurgence in small-sided footy and a…
Between 2021 and 2024, Google quietly turned more than two billion Android phones into a worldwide earthquake detection system – delivering early warnings to millions of people across 98 countries and offering a bold new approach to public safety. Using the built-in motion sensors in smartphones, the Android Earthquake Alerts System detects tremors in real…
Tourists poured into China’s first Legoland in Shanghai earlier this month, as the country ramps up efforts to position itself as a global travel hotspot and spark life back into its sluggish consumer economy. The newly launched $550 million Legoland Shanghai – now the largest operated by UK-based Merlin Entertainments – marks another major push…
The highly anticipated reveal of Battlefield 6 is officially slated for July 31, according to sources close to the development. In the days leading up to the global unveiling, selected media outlets and content creators will get exclusive hands-on access to the game between July 29 and 31. The reveal format appears to take cues…
Meta has issued a public apology after an auto-translation error on its Instagram platform incorrectly announced the death of Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, India. The tech firm confirmed on Thursday that the glitch has now been fixed. The confusion began when Siddaramaiah posted a tribute in Kannada, the official language of Karnataka, mourning…
Former President Denies Sending “Fake” Birthday Message to Convicted Sex Offender Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal, and its parent company, Dow Jones, alleging that a recently published article falsely claimed he sent a provocative birthday message to convicted sex offender Jeffrey…
French media heavyweight Canal+ has sealed a landmark $3 billion (approximately R55 billion) deal to acquire full ownership of MultiChoice Group, gaining complete control of major African pay-TV platforms DStv and GOtv. The deal received final approval on Wednesday, July 23, from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, which sanctioned the acquisition of the remaining 55% stake…
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other top executives have reached a settlement with shareholders over a high-profile lawsuit linked to Facebook’s repeated privacy breaches, including the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal. The lawsuit, which sought over $8 billion in damages, was settled on Thursday just before the trial was set to resume in a Delaware court….
Japanese toy company Epoch Co. Ltd, the makers of Sylvanian Families, has filed a lawsuit in the United States against Irish TikTok creator Thea Von Engelbrechten, accusing her of copyright infringement over a series of viral videos featuring the beloved children’s toys in dark, adult-themed storylines. The legal action, filed in the Southern District of…
When Italian luxury house Prada sent its models strutting down the Milan runway in June, few anticipated the storm that would follow. On their feet were toe-ring sandals, unmistakably reminiscent of the Kolhapuri chappal – a handcrafted leather footwear design rooted in centuries-old tradition from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Yet, nowhere in Prada’s presentation was India –…
Netflix has confirmed that it used generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create visual effects for the first time in one of its original productions – a milestone that could reshape how films and series are made. The streaming giant’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, revealed that the AI technology was used to generate a collapsing building scene…
When back-to-back droughts struck Gujarat in 2001 and 2002, Jitesh Patel knew his family’s cotton farming days were numbered. Returns were low and water was scarce – a deadly combination for cotton. So, like many others in the region, he turned to potatoes. Not just any kind, though. At first, the Patels tried table potatoes…
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is set to reduce its UK workforce by up to 500 management roles as part of a voluntary redundancy programme, the company confirmed on Monday. The cuts, which represent less than 1.5% of JLR’s British staff, come as the carmaker navigates a decline in sales and rising costs linked to new…
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Coca-Cola will begin using real cane sugar in its American beverages, replacing the high-fructose corn syrup commonly used in its current recipe. Trump made the statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, “I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in…
