Senior UK bank executives will meet this week to begin creating a domestic payments network to rival Visa and Mastercard.The project aims to protect the economy if access to US-owned systems is disrupted. The talks will be chaired by Vim Maru of Barclays and funded by major City institutions.The government supports the plan, while the Bank of England is preparing the technical framework. About 95% of UK card payments currently run through Visa and Mastercard.Executives warn that losing those networks would force a return to a cash-based economy.Sanctions that cut Russia off from the systems highlighted the potential risk. The…
Author: Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Known for his clear reporting and in-depth analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
Volkswagen aims to cut costs by 20% by 2028 as part of a new restructuring plan.Plant closures are reportedly under consideration to secure long-term profitability. Chief executive Oliver Blume and finance chief Arno Antlitz outlined the savings drive to senior managers.The move responds to weak sales, high costs and the rapid expansion of Chinese carmakers in Europe. An earlier overhaul already included 35,000 job cuts by 2030 and a €10bn savings target.The company says previous measures have produced savings in the double-digit billions and helped absorb geopolitical pressures. EU data showing a growing trade deficit with China has intensified concern…
Drugmakers are racing to shift weight-loss treatment from injections to tablets.The change could expand access and push the market toward a projected $200bn value. Novo Nordisk recently launched the first daily oral version of Wegovy in the US.The pill mimics the same GLP-1 hormone targeted by popular injections.Early prescription numbers suggest strong demand.Patients cite convenience, lower cost and no need for refrigeration. Rival Eli Lilly is preparing to release its own pill, orforglipron.Competition between the two companies is intensifying as obesity rates climb globally.Analysts expect broader insurance coverage to further increase uptake. Injections still produce greater weight loss in trials.However,…
Driver unrest dominated Formula One’s second pre-season test in Bahrain.Several top drivers openly criticised the sweeping new regulations. Verstappen called the new Red Bull “anti-racing”.He said complex energy management makes the car “not fun to drive”.He compared it to “Formula E on steroids”.He suggested he could leave the sport if he stops enjoying racing. Lewis Hamilton echoed the concerns.He said the new systems are too complex for fans.He argued drivers need near-expert knowledge to manage the cars properly. The 2026 rules introduce new engines, chassis and tyres.Engines now split power almost evenly between combustion and electric systems.Drivers must carefully control…
US inflation fell to 2.4% in January after last year’s tariff-driven price swings. The consumer price index rose 0.2% for the month, while core inflation increased 0.3%. Economists had expected a slight decline to 2.5%. Inflation reached 2.3% last April, climbed to 3% in September, and ended the year at 2.7%. The White House said its policies continue to control prices and dismissed concerns about tariff-related spikes. Investors now watch the Federal Reserve for signals on interest rates ahead of its March meeting. Fed chair Jerome Powell expects tariff effects to cause a temporary rise in goods prices before stabilizing…
The EU’s top court adviser has said billions of euros were wrongly released to Hungary. Tamara Ćapeta, advocate general at the European Court of Justice, argued that the European Commission should not have unfrozen about €10bn in funds. The commission suspended payments in 2022 over concerns about corruption and judicial independence under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In 2023, it ruled that Hungary had met reform conditions and allowed the money to flow. The European Parliament challenged that decision, claiming serious legal errors. Ćapeta said the commission failed to properly assess whether judicial reforms were fully implemented. She added that EU…
Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming or dancing can serve as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A large analysis of 63 reviews covering nearly 80,000 people found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that heart-rate-raising aerobic exercise had the strongest impact on depression. Resistance training and yoga also helped, though to a lesser degree. Group or supervised activities produced greater benefits, suggesting that social interaction enhances the mental health effects. Neil Munro of James Cook University said…
Doctors say a return to traditional Nepali food could help reverse the country’s rising type 2 diabetes rates. One in five Nepalis over 40 now lives with the condition, driven largely by western junk food. Many families cannot afford diabetes medication, and complications often cause severe disability or early death. Small studies in Kathmandu and nearby communities show promising results. A calorie-controlled diet based on lentils and rice helped about half of participants achieve remission within months. The approach relies on modest weight loss and strong community support rather than drugs. The research is led by University of Glasgow in…
People who drink a couple of teas or coffees a day appear to have a lower risk of dementia and slightly better cognitive performance, researchers say. A US study tracking more than 130,000 people for up to 40 years found that those who drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily had a 15–20% lower dementia risk than non-drinkers. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, also showed slightly less cognitive decline among caffeinated coffee drinkers compared with those who chose decaf. Researchers caution the results do…
BP faces renewed shareholder pressure as it prepares to publish full-year results expected to show weaker profits. Analysts forecast earnings of about $7.5bn, down from nearly $9bn in 2024, after oil prices fell for a third straight year. Crude dipped below $60 a barrel late in 2025, hitting fourth-quarter results. Incoming chief executive Meg O’Neill will be pressed to outline a clearer strategy as investors question BP’s recent shift back toward fossil fuels. Activist shareholders, including groups led by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility and Follow This, want limits on oil and gas spending and plans for a future…