In other news

The article discusses the recent surge in demand for luxury watches, particularly vintage models, and how this has led to a boom in the secondary market. A vintage Omega watch sold for a record-breaking SFr3.1m at auction in 2021, sparking rumors about its authenticity. The article explores the factors driving the demand for luxury watches, including the pandemic, low interest rates, and the rise of cryptocurrency and NFTs. It also touches on the lack of regulation in the industry and the emergence of unscrupulous players. The article features insights from collectors, dealers, and industry experts, who discuss the allure of luxury watches and the changing dynamics of the market.

The United States and India have reached a trade agreement, with the US reducing tariffs on Indian goods and India halting its purchases of Russian oil. The agreement was announced by President Donald Trump on February 2nd, 2026. The US 'reciprocal' tariff on Indian goods will be reduced from 25% to 18%, and an additional 25% levy imposed in August will be lifted. The deal aims to ease months of trade friction between the two countries.

The article discusses the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, led by the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge. The operation has resulted in the deployment of 3,000 federal officers, who have been accused of using excessive force, grabbing immigrants at random, and throwing tear gas grenades. The local community has resisted, with tens of thousands protesting and keeping round-the-clock vigils at the sites where two individuals, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by ICE agents. The article describes the city as being under occupation and highlights the tensions between the federal government and the local community.

The article discusses the recent performance of emerging markets (EMs) and whether their current stellar run can continue. Historically, EMs were expected to offer high returns due to their superior growth rates compared to advanced economies. Despite the IMF confirming that emerging and developing economies have grown faster than advanced ones every year this century, their stock markets had underperformed until recently. The MSCI index of EM shares only regained its 2007 peak in 2021 before crashing again by over 40%. The article sets the stage for an analysis of the factors that could influence the future performance of EMs.

The article discusses whether the United States has reached 'peak tariff' under Donald Trump's presidency, considering the impact of his tariff policies on the global economy and the potential for future changes due to legal challenges and shifting trade agreements. Trump's tariff mania has created uncertainty for firms and governments worldwide, with threats and deals being made and withdrawn. A looming Supreme Court decision on Trump's use of emergency economic powers to impose tariffs could force another policy shift. The article questions the sustainability of Trump's trade policies and their implications for the global economy.

The article discusses Hong Kong's resurgence as a financial hub, citing recent large equity transactions such as Eastroc Beverage's $1.3 billion secondary listing and Muyuan's upcoming $1.4 billion deal. The article highlights Hong Kong's attractiveness to Chinese companies and its ability to facilitate significant financial transactions. It also touches on the increasing presence of Beijing-style politics in the territory's financial sector.

The article discusses how Madagascar's Gen Z revolution, sparked by a popstar and politician named Baba, turned into a military takeover. The protests began in September 2025, with young people demanding change due to the country's corruption, lack of jobs, and poor infrastructure. The movement was inspired by global Gen Z protests and used social media to organize. The protests turned violent, with security forces using tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in at least 22 deaths. The article explores the factors that led to the protests and how they escalated into a military takeover.

The article discusses the crisis at the Kennedy Centre, a renowned arts venue in the United States, under the chairmanship of President Donald Trump. Last year, Trump vowed to make the Kennedy Centre great again and took the stage to present the 48th Kennedy Centre Honours. However, the article hints at a crisis, which became apparent when Trump announced the Centre's 'temporary' closure. The event featured award-winners like Sylvester Stallone and Gloria Gaynor, and Trump's involvement was seen as a significant departure from previous hosts like Stephen Colbert and Queen Latifah. The article suggests that Trump's leadership has led to a crisis at the Kennedy Centre, though the specifics of the crisis are not detailed in the provided content.

The Brazilian government plans to rebuild the BR-319 highway, a 900km road connecting two major cities in the Amazon rainforest. While locals are enthusiastic about the project, environmentalists are concerned that it will lead to further deforestation and push the Amazon closer to its 'tipping point.' The highway was originally built in the 1970s but has since fallen into disrepair. The government faces a dilemma between developing the region and preserving the natural environment. The article highlights the potential consequences of rebuilding the highway, including increased land grabbing, cattle ranching, and soyabean farming, which could lead to the destruction of pristine rainforest areas.

The article discusses the 'Hermès heist', a case where Nicolas Puech, an heir to the Hermès luxury dynasty, was allegedly swindled out of $15 billion worth of shares in the company. Puech held a 6% stake in Hermès through the Isocrates foundation, a philanthropic organization he was associated with. The article hints at a complex financial deception involving the management or manipulation of Puech's stake in Hermès.

In August 1990, a British Airways plane flew into Iraq as the country invaded Kuwait, and its passengers were taken hostage by Saddam Hussein's regime. The article recounts the events surrounding the incident and the long-term impact on those involved. As of January 2026, the passengers may finally learn the reasons behind their ordeal.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's visit to the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts reflects his understanding of the importance of cultural power. It draws a parallel between Trump's actions and the ideas of Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci, who argued that power comes from controlling not just the state, but also culture. The article uses the example of Branson, Missouri, a Christian theatre town that has successfully created a cultural institution that attracts a large audience with anti-woke entertainment. The article suggests that Trump's Kennedy Centre visit is part of a broader effort to commandeer cultural institutions and promote a particular brand of entertainment.

Eight people were killed in a blast at a biotechnology factory in central China's Shanxi province. The explosion occurred at a workshop operated by Jiapeng Biotechnology in Shanyin county. Emergency crews concluded the rescue operation, and the company's legal representative was taken into police custody. Officials are investigating the cause of the incident.

Chinese aviation start-up AutoFlight, backed by CATL, has unveiled the world's largest flying car, Matrix, a five-tonne eVTOL aircraft capable of carrying 10 passengers. This move is part of China's broader push to dominate the low-altitude economy. AutoFlight joins other Chinese companies like Ehang and Geely's Aerofugia in the commercial eVTOL market. The Chinese government is working to establish standards for the industry, with guidelines released to set basic standards by 2027 and over 300 standards by 2030.

China executed 16 members of mafia-like crime syndicates, mostly Myanmar citizens, for crimes including murder, fraud, and human trafficking. The executions demonstrate China's 'merciless resolve' to protect its citizens abroad and show its regional influence. China was able to convince Myanmar authorities to hand over the suspects, indicating the country's significant influence in the region.

A prominent Chinese economist, Zhou Tianyong, warns that China's long-term growth rate may drop to 2.5% unless market reforms are introduced, productivity improves, and consumer spending increases. The warning comes as Beijing prepares to unveil its next five-year plan and economic policy priorities for 2026. Zhou's estimate is lower than China's reported 5% GDP growth last year and the 4.17% average annual growth rate needed to double per capita GDP by 2035. He cites mounting supply-side pressures and demand-side uncertainty as challenges.

As the Year of the Horse approaches, Chinese consumers are prioritizing emotional satisfaction over material possessions and brand prestige when making purchases. Industry observers note that consumers are favoring festival-themed toys, playful designs, and pet items, boosting retail sales for plush toys and gold accessories. Retailers are responding by launching creative holiday-themed products to attract festive shoppers, with e-commerce platforms reporting increased demand. Analysts attribute this trend to waning brand loyalty and a narrowing perceived quality gap between brands, leading product makers to embed emotional value into their offerings.

The Hong Kong government has defended the absence of Hop On Management, the provisional administrator of the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, at the first public hearing of the independent committee investigating the Tai Po fire tragedy that claimed 168 lives. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen stated that Hop On Management attended closed-door meetings and will attend future hearings 'as necessary' to represent the common interests of the owners' corporation. Some displaced residents expressed concern about not being consulted by Hop On Management regarding their need for legal representation in the probe.

Chinese researchers have discovered that a protein secreted by deadly tumour cells could be a powerful weapon against Alzheimer's disease. The protein, cystatin C, has been found to reduce amyloid plaque burden and rescue cognition in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough could open new doors for 'precision-targeted' treatment of the most common form of dementia. The research team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Cell. The study offers significant conceptual advances into cancer neuroscience and new therapeutic avenues aimed at degrading existing amyloid plaques.

A Bangladeshi politician, Shafiqur Rahman, has sparked controversy by suggesting that women with babies should be given the option of fewer working hours after maternity leave and that women's parenting responsibilities limit their ability to lead. The comments have caused an uproar ahead of the general election in Bangladesh, where female workers dominate the garment sector. Critics argue that the proposal would damage the country's vital garment industry. Rahman, the chief of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also ruled out the possibility of a woman assuming the party's top post. The backlash from students and women's groups forced him to delete a social media post referring to the need for curbs on working women.

Four people, including the alleged mastermind, an Afghan national, have been arrested in connection with a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, that killed over 30 people and injured more than 160. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, announced the arrests, stating that one counter-terrorism officer was killed and three were wounded during the raids. The attack was widely condemned by Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Naqvi accused India of funding the attack, which India denied. The blast was the deadliest in Islamabad in over a decade and followed a week of violence in Balochistan province that killed 58 civilians.

Australia's Liberal-National Coalition, the country's main opposition, has reunited after a two-week split over hate speech laws. The coalition split on January 22 after the Nationals refused to back reforms introduced by the government following a terrorist attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach in December. The Liberals sided with the government, while the Nationals abstained from the vote in the lower house and voted against the measure in the senate, citing free speech concerns. The coalition has agreed that neither party can overturn decisions taken by the Coalition's joint 'shadow cabinet'. The reunion comes after the coalition suffered a heavy election loss last year and is facing pressure from populist Senator Pauline Hanson's anti-immigration One Nation party.

The co-owner of a Colorado funeral home, Jon Hallford, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for abusing nearly 200 corpses. Hallford and his ex-wife, Carie Hallford, operated the Return to Nature funeral home in Penrose, Colorado, where they improperly stored bodies, gave fake ashes to grieving relatives, and were driven by greed. Family members of the victims described their trauma and called Hallford a 'monster.' The case has led to calls for tougher legislation in Colorado regarding funeral home regulations.

French financial crime prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lang, 86, is being investigated for suspected 'laundering of tax fraud proceeds'. He denies wrongdoing and has offered to resign as head of the Arab World Institute. Lang's daughter Caroline is also being investigated and has stepped down as head of a French film producers' union. The investigation follows the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which documented links between the Lang family and Epstein.

US civil rights lawyer and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong spoke out after the White House shared a manipulated image of her arrest during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a Minnesota church. The image was edited to show her in tears, which Armstrong said was 'disgusted' her. The White House faced backlash for sharing the fake image.

The article profiles Julie Inman Grant, the head of Australia's eSafety Commission, who is tasked with implementing the country's pioneering social media ban on teenagers under 16. Inman Grant has a background in the tech industry, having worked at Microsoft, Twitter, and Adobe, and has been a vocal advocate for online safety. The ban has been met with both support and criticism, with some arguing that it will unfairly exclude minority groups and others saying that it is a necessary step to protect children online. Inman Grant argues that delaying children's entry into social media and teaching them critical reasoning skills and resilience is worth exploring.

A South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, Bithumb, accidentally paid out over $40 billion worth of bitcoin to its customers due to a technical glitch. The error occurred when the platform intended to give customers a small cash reward of $1.37 but instead gave them 2,000 bitcoins. Bithumb quickly realized its mistake, recovered almost all the missing tokens, and restricted trading and withdrawals for the affected customers. The incident is likely to spark discussion around tighter regulatory controls in finance. Bithumb has apologized for the error, vowed to cooperate with regulators, and plans to improve its verification systems and introduce AI to detect abnormal transactions.

Pakistani security forces arrested four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, behind a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 people and wounded 169. The Islamic State in Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, which was allegedly planned and financed from Afghanistan with backing from India. The incident drew international condemnation, with Pakistan's Prime Minister vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. The attack was the deadliest in Islamabad since 2008 and highlighted concerns about security lapses and militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

Ilia 'Quad God' Malinin, the 21-year-old American figure skater, was stunned by Yuma Kagiyama's near-perfect quads in the Olympic team figure skating short program, but the U.S. team still holds a lead over Japan. Malinin, the two-time reigning world champion, scored 98.00 points, behind Kagiyama's 108.67. The U.S. ended the day with 44 points, five ahead of Japan, with Italy, Canada, and Georgia rounding out the top five. The final day of competition will decide the medals on Sunday.

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn completed a final training run on Saturday ahead of Sunday's downhill event despite rupturing her ACL in a World Cup crash a week ago. Vonn, 41, has vowed to compete despite the severity of her injury, sparking debate about her decision. Fellow US skiers expressed confidence in Vonn's ability to persevere, while a mental performance coach's opinion piece criticized Vonn for competing 'past her prime.' Vonn responded on social media, denying ageism and affirming her love for skiing.

Vice President JD Vance and his family attended a US women's ice hockey match against Finland at the Winter Olympics, where they were joined by influencer and boxer Jake Paul. The US team won 5-0, and Vance was seen cheering with his family. The article highlights the excitement of the event and the presence of other notable figures, including Olympic figure skating gold medalist Evan Lysacek and hockey's twin sisters Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux.

A suspect linked to the 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star Andres Escobar has been killed in Mexico. Santiago Gallon Henao was investigated in the death of Escobar, who was gunned down in Medellin after scoring an own goal in a World Cup match against the United States. The murder shocked the soccer world and Colombia, and Gallon was later blacklisted by the US Treasury Department for drug trafficking. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Gallon's death, stating that he was responsible for Escobar's killing.

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games kicked off with Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen winning the first gold medal in the men's downhill race. Von Allmen finished with a time of 1 minute, 51.61 seconds, edging out Italy's Giovanni Franzoni by 0.2 seconds. In other news, Sweden dominated the women's 10km+10km skiathlon, with Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson taking gold and silver. Meanwhile, American skier Jessie Diggins finished eighth after a fall during the skiathlon. The article also touches on other Olympic events and athletes, including U.S. speedskater Greta Myers and skier Lindsey Vonn.

The article discusses the countries and athletes with the most Olympic medals of all time. The United States leads the overall medal count with 3,103 medals, followed by the Soviet Union and Germany. Norway dominates the Winter Olympics medal count. American swimmer Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals, while Norwegian skier Marit Bjørgen is the most decorated female Winter Olympian. The article provides an overview of the Olympic medal count and highlights the achievements of top athletes.

The article argues that the anti-ICE movement is not a protest, but an insurgency inspired by violent revolutions. It claims that the movement, linked to groups like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Antifa, uses tactics like obstruction, agitprop, and strategic placement of women at the front of confrontations to manufacture outrage and delegitimize deportations. The article cites examples from California and New York, and notes that these tactics have fueled online threats and real-world violence against federal officials. The author, Andy Ngo, suggests that the movement is engineered by hostile interests and domestic seditionists who seek to create chaos as a tool toward revolution.

The article discusses the release of the Epstein Files, a collection of documents related to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and argues that they do not provide substantial evidence of a child-sex ring involving the rich and powerful. The author claims that the files mostly reveal Epstein's connections to influential people, including Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Prince Andrew, but do not prove their involvement in his crimes. The article suggests that Epstein's relationships with these individuals were likely due to his wealth, influence, and services as a money manager, rather than any shared involvement in illicit activities.

Kristin Cavallari has revealed that she follows a strict 6-month dating rule to avoid confusing infatuation with love. She discussed this on her podcast 'Let's Be Honest,' citing past relationship mistakes where she got carried away with infatuation. Cavallari has been in several high-profile relationships, including her marriage to Jay Cutler and a recent relationship with Mark Estes, which ended due to their significant age gap and life experience differences. She believes that the first six months of a relationship are crucial in determining whether it's infatuation or love.

The New York Post has compiled a list of the 60 most interesting people to watch around Super Bowl 2026, featuring players, coaches, and other key figures from the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. The article highlights the stories and achievements of various individuals, including Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. It also touches on the personal lives and off-field issues of some players, such as Stefon Diggs' recent assault allegations.

The article discusses the shift of the Democratic Party in New York towards socialism, driven by Mayor Zohran Mamdani's influence on Governor Kathy Hochul and the party's agenda. The author argues that the party's embrace of socialist ideology is a result of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' and the rise of radical leftists. Hochul's recent actions and statements, such as supporting free child care and tax hikes, demonstrate her conversion to the new agenda. The article also touches on the potential consequences of this shift, including the criticism from some Democratic Socialists of America members and the Republican Party's chances in the upcoming election.

Canada and France have opened consulates in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, amid the Trump administration's efforts to acquire the island. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced the opening of its new consulate on Friday, while the first French Consul General, Jean-Noël Poirier, also arrived in Nuuk. The moves come as President Donald Trump has been insistent on acquiring Greenland, with administration officials claiming Denmark is unable to defend the semi-autonomous island. Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on European countries, including France and Denmark, unless they allowed the U.S. to acquire Greenland, but later dropped the threat after a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

The Iranian regime's execution of wrestlers and other protesters has sparked international outrage, with calls for sports organizations to ban Iran from competitions. Former head coach of Iran's national Greco-Roman wrestling team, Sardar Parshei, and prominent dissident Masih Alinejad are among those urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA to take action. Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, the first American female wrestler to win a medal in world championship competition, also spoke out against the Iranian regime's brutality. The IOC has been criticized for not doing enough to stop the executions, and Parshei is campaigning for the IOC and the United World Wrestling organization to block Iran from competitions.

US Senator Lindsey Graham abruptly ended a meeting with Lebanese Chief of Defense General Rodolphe Haykal after Haykal refused to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization. Graham expressed frustration with Lebanon's stance on Hezbollah, stating that the group's terrorist activities are well-documented and that Lebanon's refusal to acknowledge this undermines their credibility as a partner. Experts warn that Lebanon's failure to disarm Hezbollah threatens regional stability and international aid. The US brokered a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in November 2024, and Lebanon's government accepted a US plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, but the deadline has not been met.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz rejected claims that the US is to blame for the UN's cash crisis in an interview with Fox News. Waltz stated that the US is the largest contributor to the UN and that the organization has drifted from its founding mission. He emphasized the Trump administration's 'America First' doctrine, demanding reform and accountability for taxpayer dollars. Waltz defended the UN's efforts to reform, citing a 15% budget cut and reduction in global peacekeeping forces. He expressed confidence in the UN's potential but criticized its current inefficiencies.

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed his second consecutive game with Al Nassr amid an ongoing strike, reportedly due to feeling that his club is not being financially backed as much as their title rivals Al Hilal. The Portuguese forward, who earns £500,000 a day, has been a key player for Al Nassr since his arrival, but his absence has not hindered the team's success, with Al Nassr recording two successive victories without him. The Saudi Pro League has publicly warned Ronaldo, stating that 'no individual determines decisions beyond their club', and emphasizing the independence of clubs within the league.

Canadian-American singer Neil Young has cancelled his upcoming UK and European tour with his backing band The Chrome Hearts. The 80-year-old musician apologized to fans on his official website, stating that 'it's not the time' to be playing live shows and that he has 'decided to take a break'. The tour was scheduled to begin in June at the Eden Project in Cornwall and end in July in Lucca, Italy, with dates in various locations including Manchester, Glasgow, and Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Young has had a six-decade career, winning multiple awards including two Grammys and nine Juno Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice.

A drone attack in Sudan carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed 24 people, including eight children and two infants, and wounded several others. The attack targeted a vehicle carrying displaced families near the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province. The Sudan Doctors Network reported the incident and urged the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians and hold the RSF leadership accountable. The attack comes amid ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military, which has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths and over 14 million displaced people since 2023. The crisis has also led to disease outbreaks and famine in parts of the country.

Storm Marta is battering Spain and Portugal, forcing over 11,000 people to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding and strong winds. At least two deaths have been reported, with a 70-year-old man dying in Portugal after his car was swept away, and a second body found in Malaga. The storms have caused significant damage to crops, with estimated losses of around £650m (750 million euros) in Portugal. Emergency crews are working to rescue those affected, and volunteers are helping to evacuate residents and provide aid.

The article summarizes the first day of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, highlighting key moments and performances. Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida won gold in the women's 3,000-meter race, setting an Olympic record on her 35th birthday. US figure skater Ilia Malinin, known as 'The Quad God,' impressed with a quad flip but fell short in the team event. Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen took the first gold of the Games in a challenging ski course. The US women's hockey team dominated Finland 5-0, and US skating couple Madison Chock and Evan Bates excelled in ice dance. Other notable performances included Ollie Martin's fourth-place finish in snowboard big air and Lindsey Vonn's third-place training run despite a torn ACL.

The article reveals that Howard Lutnick, US Commerce Secretary, had extensive interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein over 13 years, contradicting Lutnick's previous claims of having minimal contact with Epstein. Records show they invested together, socialized, and discussed neighborhood and philanthropic issues, despite Lutnick's assertion that he was disgusted by Epstein after a 2005 visit to his townhouse.

The article explains the strategy behind sweeping in curling, a sport featured in the Winter Olympics. It delves into the physics behind the action, revealing that sweeping is not just about clearing a path but has a more complex reasoning. The article is written in an engaging tone, making the sport more accessible to readers who may not be familiar with it. The author, Keith McMillan, provides a brief explanation of the game's mechanics and the significance of sweeping.

The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a Catholic traditionalist group with around 600,000 followers worldwide, is planning to ordain new bishops without the Vatican's approval, potentially leading to a fresh schism within the Church. The SSPX has been at odds with the Vatican since the 1970s over issues such as the use of Latin in church and the Tridentine mass. Despite efforts to improve relations under recent popes, the SSPX is proceeding with the ordinations on July 1, which could result in excommunication. The move is seen as a challenge to Pope Leo XIV's authority and the unity of the Catholic Church.

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump's threats to seize Greenland have caused anxiety in the Faeroe Islands, a Danish territory in the North Atlantic, where many have been yearning for independence for decades. The Faeroe Islands are a sensitive geopolitical location, and Trump's actions have sparked concerns about the potential for other territorial disputes in the region.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Chinese minority in Kelantan, Malaysia, under the Islamist rule of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The community is experiencing regulatory encroachment and economic exodus due to the state's tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. Despite this, the Chinese community in Kelantan has a deep historical legacy and has integrated well with the Malay majority, with many speaking the local dialect fluently. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of inter-faith accommodation and its increasingly strict Islamic policies.

China's Luckin Coffee has opened its first high-end store in Shenzhen, marking a significant shift in its business strategy as it competes with Starbucks in the Chinese market. The new store, called Luckin Coffee Origin Flagship, offers premium drinks such as pour-over and cold brew coffee, as well as specialty drinks like a 'tiramisu latte.' This move comes as Starbucks is selling off most of its China business to a local investment firm, and Luckin is proving its recovery from a fraud scandal in 2020. Luckin has expanded rapidly in China and abroad, with over 29,000 stores worldwide and a presence in the US, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The global week ahead is expected to be marked by a tech rotation that puts European stocks back in play. Despite a tech-led rout, the Stoxx 600 is near record highs, with European stocks showing resilience compared to their US counterparts. Key earnings releases from major European companies, including UniCredit, Commerzbank, Philips, AstraZeneca, and L'Oreal, will be closely watched. The earnings season is unfolding against a backdrop of high volatility, with comparisons being drawn to the dot-com bubble of 2000. European banking stocks have had a rollercoaster week, and healthcare stocks are also under scrutiny following a sharp sell-off in Novo Nordisk's shares.

India is poised to become a major supplier of affordable weight-loss drugs as the patent for semaglutide, a key ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, is set to expire in March. Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cipla, and Biocon, are gearing up to produce generic versions of the drug, which could lead to a significant reduction in prices. Analysts predict that the cost of weight-loss drugs could drop by as much as 90% in India and potentially in other countries. The development is expected to have a major impact on the global healthcare industry, particularly in the fight against obesity and diabetes.

The Queensland government has announced plans to ban the pro-Palestine slogan 'from the river to the sea' under new hate speech laws, with penalties of up to two years in prison for distributing or reciting prohibited phrases. The laws, to be introduced to parliament this week, also include new offences for impeding or harassing people attending religious services and increased penalties for assaulting or threatening people officiating religious ceremonies. The government consulted with various agencies when drafting the legislation, which has been welcomed by the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies.