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The article discusses how Arm, a British-based chip designer, is rethinking its business model in light of the growing importance of artificial intelligence. Arm's designs are ubiquitous in smartphones and connected devices, but the company does not manufacture chips itself. Instead, it licenses its designs to customers, who then produce the chips. With over 300 billion chips built on its designs shipped, Arm is looking to capitalize on the AI trend by potentially changing its licensing model.

The article warns that China's car market is expected to shrink again, following a similar trend in 2018. While local carmakers, who now dominate the market due to their strength in electric vehicles, may be hit the hardest, foreign carmakers will also be affected as Chinese rivals expand abroad. The resulting increase in exports will benefit consumers but pose challenges for global carmakers.

Bangladesh held its first competitive election in 18 years, with Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), returning from exile to participate. The election marks a significant step towards democracy, but it remains uncertain whether the old guard can build a new democratic system. The article discusses the implications of the election and the challenges ahead for Bangladesh's democracy.

The article discusses China's advancements in humanoid robotics, highlighting their appearance in the Spring Festival Gala, a state television program. The humanoid robots performed an elaborate martial-arts routine, showcasing China's technological capabilities. The article questions who will be the primary buyers of these robots, given their limited market. It touches upon China's cultural and technological prowess and the potential applications of humanoid robots.

The article discusses the impact of Russia's four-year onslaught on Ukraine, focusing on the experiences of border guards at the Vilcha checkpoint near Kyiv. It describes the initial attack on February 24th, 2022, and how the guards managed to survive against overwhelming odds. The article reflects on how this event and the subsequent war have changed Ukraine and its people.

The article discusses how cricket has become a tool for geopolitical tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in South Asia. The recent T20 World Cup highlighted the significance of cricket in the region, with matches featuring prominent subcontinental teams. The article suggests that sports, particularly cricket, has become an extension of geopolitics in South Asia.

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Sri Lanka, led by a Marxist government, has shown resilience in the face of a severe economic crisis and a devastating cyclone. The country is slowly recovering, with India's growing involvement being a significant factor in its progress. Despite the challenges, Sri Lanka is doing better than expected, with the government working to rebuild and restore the economy.

The article discusses a new model of European integration called the 'European Onion', which is a satirical concept that has emerged as an unexpected alternative to the traditional goal of a United States of Europe. The author argues that European federalists have historically used various lofty banners to push for integration, but the European Onion represents a new and humorous approach to continental togetherness. The article is a commentary on the evolution of European integration and the various attempts to achieve unity among European countries.

The article 'The excruciating quest for a meeting room' humorously highlights the challenges of booking a meeting room in a business setting, touching on themes of territorial ambition and power dynamics. It suggests that despite various resources being scarce in business, the scarcest is often a meeting room when needed. The article is part of the Bartleby column in The Economist and is accompanied by other business-related articles and commentary.

The article 'Welcome to the era of anarchic antitrust' discusses the current state of competition enforcement in America, highlighting its descent into chaos. The case of Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, is used as an example. Unlikely allies from the populist right, such as Kid Rock and Gail Slater, are calling for the company to be broken up. The article suggests that this reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny of large corporations and a shift towards a more aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement.

The article discusses the struggles of companies that have emerged with a MAGA (Make America Great Again) branding, specifically focusing on PublicSquare, an online platform that initially sold conservative-themed products. Despite its initial hype, PublicSquare's shares have lost over 90% of their value since going public in July 2023, leading the company to pivot away from conservative e-commerce towards financial technology. The article suggests that conservatives are better at criticizing businesses than building successful ones.

The Belgian government summoned U.S. Ambassador Bill White for consultations after he accused Belgium of antisemitism in a case involving three Jewish men suspected of performing circumcisions without medical training. White labelled the investigation 'antisemitic harassment' and called for the country's health minister to allow Jewish religious officials to perform their duties. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot called White's allegations 'dangerous disinformation' and demanded that he respect Belgian institutions and the independence of the country's courts. The dispute highlights tensions between the U.S. and Belgium over issues of religious freedom and antisemitism.

A fourth alleged rape victim testified against Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, in an Oslo court. Hoiby faces 38 charges, including raping four women while they were asleep or had passed out. The alleged rape occurred on November 1-2, 2024, after a night of drinking and initial consensual sex. The victim recounted that Hoiby continued having sex with her despite her telling him she wanted to sleep, and that she was woken up by a violent blow to her genital area. Hoiby has pleaded guilty to minor offenses but denies the rapes. He faces up to 16 years in prison if convicted. The case has embarrassed the royal family, with Crown Prince Haakon releasing a statement saying that Hoiby is 'autonomous' and will face the same responsibilities as any other Norwegian citizen.

The French far-left party France Unbowed (LFI) evacuated its Paris headquarters due to a bomb threat after being accused of having some responsibility for the killing of a far-right activist, Quentin Deranque. Deranque was beaten to death on the sidelines of a protest in Lyon, and 11 people have been detained for questioning over the killing. The incident has fueled tension between France's far right and far left ahead of municipal elections in March and the 2027 presidential race. LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has called for calm, while French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the killing and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Lindsey Vonn's crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics has reignited concerns about the design of ski bindings, which have remained largely unchanged for decades. Vonn's skis did not release during her fall, potentially exacerbating her injury. Experts and officials are calling for the development of 'smart bindings' that can automatically release when a skier loses control, similar to the air bag system now mandatory in speed events. However, the implementation of such technology is still in its infancy, with issues of cost, complexity, and safety concerns holding back progress. The incident has highlighted the need for advancements in ski safety, with various stakeholders, including the FIS and binding manufacturers, working together to refine boot and binding standards.

A 17th-century Swedish Navy shipwreck has resurfaced in central Stockholm due to unusually low Baltic Sea levels, revealing a well-preserved hull. The ship is believed to have been sunk around 1640 to serve as a foundation for a new bridge to the island of Kastellholmen. Marine archeologists are working to identify the exact ship, one of five similar wrecks in the area, as part of a research program called 'the Lost Navy' to identify and date Swedish naval shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea. The low water levels, caused by high pressure in the Nordic region, have exposed the wreck to a degree not seen since 2013. The discovery is significant, as the Baltic Sea's low salinity has helped preserve the wooden ship.

Researchers from the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre captured footage of a sleeper shark in Antarctica's waters, a region previously thought to be shark-free. The shark, estimated to be 10-13 feet long, was filmed at a depth of 1,608 feet near the South Shetland Islands. Experts believe climate change could be driving sharks to colder waters, but the sparse population and difficulty in detecting them make it hard to confirm. The discovery is significant, and researchers expect other sharks may be living at similar depths, feeding on carcasses of whales and other marine creatures.

The U.S. and Canada advanced to the semifinals at the Olympics, with both teams requiring overtime to win their quarterfinal matches. The U.S. men's hockey team defeated Sweden 2-1 in overtime, with Quinn Hughes scoring the winning goal. Canada also won in overtime against Czechia, with Mitch Marner scoring the decisive goal. Finland edged Switzerland 3-2 in overtime, while Slovakia dominated Germany 6-2 to reach the semifinals. The U.S. will face Slovakia, and Canada will play Finland in the semifinals.

Team USA curler Korey Dropkin has downplayed the 'double-touching' controversy at the 2026 Winter Olympics, stating it's 'bigger than it needs to be.' The incident involved Canada's Marc Kennedy being accused of cheating by Sweden's Oskar Eriksson during a matchup. Dropkin defended Kennedy, saying he plays by the rules and that accidental grazing of the stone is a common habit among veteran curlers. Other curlers, including Swiss curler Alina Paetz, have also minimized the incident, describing it as a minor infraction.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, despite Ukraine's strong opposition. Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, condemned the decision, stating that Ukrainian officials would not attend the Games. European officials, including European Union Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef and UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, also criticized the decision. The move highlights the challenge of keeping the Olympics free from politics.

American skier Mikaela Shiffrin won the gold medal in the women's slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, breaking her Olympic medal drought. Shiffrin, 30, finished with a combined time of 1:39.10, beating Switzerland's Camille Rast by 1.5 seconds. This was Shiffrin's first gold medal in the slalom event since the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she made her Olympic debut at 18. She had previously failed to medal in eight straight Olympic events, including a disappointing 11th place finish in the women's giant slalom event on Sunday. Shiffrin praised her competitor, Frederica Brigone, who won the gold in the giant slalom event, saying it was 'the greatest show of GS skiing' she'd seen in a long time.

Ski mountaineering, also known as skimo, is making its Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The sport involves a rigorous climb up a mountain on skis fitted with special fabric skins, followed by a high-speed descent down a slalom course. The competition will feature three events: Women's Sprint, Men's Sprint, and Mixed Relay. Cam Smith, a 13-time U.S. Ski Mountaineering national champion, will be the first male to represent the U.S. in the sport at the Olympics. Smith and his partner Anna Gibson will compete in the men's sprint and mixed relay events. The sport requires a unique combination of endurance, strength, and agility, with athletes needing to navigate challenging terrain and make quick transitions between climbing and descending.

The article highlights seven Lifestyle stories from the South China Morning Post's recent reporting, focusing on Lunar New Year customs, traditions, and other lifestyle-related topics. The stories include information on appeasing the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026, Lunar New Year traditions, and a Singapore-based executive's weight loss journey. The article provides a collection of interesting and informative stories that resonated with readers.

China has announced that it will not seek reciprocity from South Africa in its latest trade agreement, allowing South African goods to enter the Chinese market tax-free without requiring Pretoria to lower its import duties on Chinese products. This decision comes as Beijing prepares to implement an expanded zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations starting May 1, a move that is expected to benefit African countries looking to diversify their markets amid higher tariffs imposed by the United States.

Chinese tech companies, including Tencent Holdings and AgiBot, are appointing young talent, including millennials and Gen Z, as chief scientists to lead research in artificial intelligence and robotics. These new appointees, such as Vinces Yao Shunyu, Dong Hao, and Luo Jianlan, bring cutting-edge expertise and fresh perspectives to drive innovation in AI and robotics. They have impressive backgrounds, having worked at top tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Google X, and have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Despite a surge in outbound travel during the Lunar New Year holiday, popular attractions in Hong Kong remained crowded with both locals and visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board reported large crowds at destinations such as The Peak, Sha Tin's Che Kung Temple, and the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir. Waiting times for popular tourist spots like the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and The Peak Tram exceeded an hour. The crowds were managed by police officers, and tourists, including mainland Chinese and overseas visitors, were seen waiting in long queues.

The family behind Mongolyn Alt (MAK), one of Mongolia's largest mining conglomerates, has purchased a detached house in Hong Kong's Southern district for HK$247 million (US$31.5 million) as a retirement residence. Tselmuun Nyamtaishir, MAK's president and CEO, stated that the property is for personal and family use, unrelated to the company's operations. MAK, founded by her father in 1993, is a major coal exporter that has partnered with Chinese firms like Qinghua Group and Huawei Technologies.

The city of Guangzhou in China has seen a significant surge in South Korean tourists, particularly golfers, due to China's visa-free travel policy and the city's warm climate. The number of Korean visitors to Guangzhou-based golf courses has increased by over 300% compared to 2023, with many travel agencies catering specifically to the Korean market. The shift in Korean golf tourists' preferences from Southeast Asia to China is attributed to rising costs and safety concerns in the former, as well as China's visa-free policy.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, around 500 Guangdong motorists visited Hong Kong under the 'Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles' scheme. They drove into Hong Kong's urban areas for sightseeing and shopping, with some visiting popular spots like Kowloon Peak and Shing Mun Country Park. Visitors were drawn to Hong Kong's car culture, with some owners modifying their vehicles. One visitor, Harry Liu, a 29-year-old from Guangzhou, came to Hong Kong to experience the local car culture and chat with local owners about their vehicles.

Chinese scientists have made significant progress on a 300-year-old maths problem known as the 'kissing number' problem using an AI system called PackingStar. The team, comprising researchers from Peking University, Fudan University, and the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science, used reinforcement learning to surpass the limits of human geometric intuition and standard computing. The breakthrough has implications for large-scale data storage and advanced telecommunications. The researchers described their collaboration with AI as a 'romance' between machines and humans exploring science together.

Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in a heated dispute over their shared border, with both countries accusing each other of aggression and spreading false information. The conflict, which has its roots in a colonial-era boundary drawn by the French, has resulted in 149 deaths and significant economic disruption, including the closure of the land border and a decline in cross-border trade. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has taken his grievances to the US, while Thailand has rejected his claims and threatened to build a border wall.

The Kenya Investment Authority reports that Chinese projects in Kenya are being implemented faster than those funded by Western countries. Most of the agreements signed during Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Beijing in 2025 are either operational or under construction, with Chinese deals often moving from signing to construction in less than a year. In contrast, Western investments take longer due to stricter environmental, social, and governance standards and complex regulatory checks. Examples of Chinese projects in Kenya include a US$150 million steel processing plant, a US$300 million hatching facility, and a China Wu Yi Special Economic Zone.

The article argues that Stephen Colbert and James Talarico fabricated a story about being censored by President Trump to gain attention and donations. CBS refused to air their interview due to FCC's equal-time rules, which Colbert and Talarico spun as an attempt by Trump to suppress free speech. The article claims that Colbert has become a 'parasite' living off Trump's thin skin and that his show has devolved into a Democratic propaganda platform.

Czechia's head coach Radim Rulik expressed his frustration and disappointment with the referees after his team's 4-3 overtime loss to Canada in the Olympic men's quarterfinals hockey match. Rulik claimed that the referees were biased towards Canada and failed to call penalties against them, citing specific instances where his team was fouled. He also mentioned that this was not an isolated incident, as his team had similar issues in their previous match against Denmark. Rulik's complaints were met with a backdrop of Canada's victory, which was sealed by Mitch Marner's game-winning goal in overtime. The Czechia coach's remarks highlighted the controversy surrounding the refereeing in the tournament, with Rulik suggesting that the mix of NHL and European referees was not working effectively.

A woman was arrested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for abandoning her 2-year-old goldendoodle at the ticket counter after being told she couldn't bring it on board without service dog documentation. The dog, later renamed 'Jet Blue,' was left tied to the counter while the owner proceeded to the gate. Airport staff cared for the dog until it was taken in by the Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas. The owner was charged with animal abandonment and resisting arrest.

The husband of Rep. Tony Gonzales' aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, has spoken out about her alleged affair with the congressman, which he believes led to her fatal self-immolation. Adrian Aviles claims Gonzales 'abused his power' and should be held accountable for his actions. Gonzales has denied the allegations, stating he will not engage in 'personal smears' and will focus on his work.

Mike Wagner, a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl defensive back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died at the age of 76. Wagner was drafted by the Steelers in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL Draft and quickly became a key player on the team's 'Steel Curtain' defense. He recorded 36 interceptions in his career, including two in back-to-back Super Bowl victories, and was inducted into the Steelers and Pittsburgh Sports Hall of Fames. The Steelers released a statement expressing their condolences to Wagner's family and remembering him as a champion, great teammate, and proud member of the Steelers family.

The article by Miranda Devine discusses the dangers of 'woke AI' and its potential to compromise reality. It highlights Elon Musk's concerns about AI models being morally compromised and spreading leftist ideologies. The Trump administration has taken steps to address this issue, including issuing an executive order to prioritize 'truth-seeking' and 'ideologically neutral' AI models. However, the article argues that more needs to be done to prevent the infiltration of woke ideology into AI systems, citing examples such as Google's Gemini producing images of diverse women as Founding Fathers. The author suggests that Vice President JD Vance is well-placed to lead the White House response to this issue due to his Silicon Valley background and study of human morality.

The son of Robert Dorgan, a trans individual who carried out a deadly shooting rampage at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island, has been jailed for setting fires at a predominantly black church in North Providence. Kevin Colantonio, 37, was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for the arson attack, which occurred a year before his father's killing spree. Colantonio's actions were motivated by racist ideology, with evidence found in disturbing notebooks and texts. The article highlights the connection between Colantonio's actions and his father's extremist views, as well as the broader context of hate and violence.

The article reports on a tragic incident at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where a transgender individual, Robert Dorgan, dressed as a woman, opened fire in the stands, killing his ex-wife, Rhonda, and their son, Aidan, and critically wounding his former in-laws and a family friend. Dorgan's daughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, describes the moment she locked eyes with her father after the shooting began, and how she felt that she and her sons were next. The family members who survived the attack believe that Dorgan intended to wipe out his entire family, but was stopped by bystanders and his own son, Aidan, who died trying to wrestle the gun away from him. The article also includes quotes from Aidan's fiancée, Starr Sroka, who describes Aidan's heroic actions and the family's pain and loss.

The Irish rock band U2 released a new song called 'American Obituary' as part of their 'Days of Ash' EP, which invokes Renee Nicole Good, an anti-ICE agitator who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The song's lyrics reference the circumstances surrounding Good's death and criticize the Trump administration's immigration policies. The release joins a wave of protest songs from other musicians, including Bruce Springsteen and Billie Eilish, against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

US billionaire Les Wexner testified before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee regarding his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner described himself as 'naive, foolish, and gullible' for trusting Epstein, who worked as his financial adviser and allegedly stole 'vast sums' of money from Wexner's family. Lawmakers accused Wexner of knowing about Epstein's crimes but failing to stop them, although Wexner denied any wrongdoing and claimed he cut ties with Epstein after learning of the latter's abuse allegations.

Australian sports presenter Danika Mason apologized for a slurred live report from the Winter Olympics in Italy, attributing her behavior to drinking before the broadcast, altitude, cold, and not eating dinner. The incident sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some defending her and others criticizing her professionalism. Mason appeared again on live TV to apologize, taking full responsibility for her actions. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, expressing support for Mason.

A security official in Iran appears to have fired on a crowd of mourners at a cemetery in Abdanan, west Iran, as they gathered to commemorate those killed during the government's crackdown on protesters last month. The incident was captured on verified video, which shows the official firing two shots into the crowd, causing people to scream and flee. The event was part of a series of commemorations held across the country on the 40th day after the deaths of protesters, with anti-government chants and protests reported in several cities. State-run media claimed the event was peaceful, despite evidence to the contrary.

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of US broadcast journalist Savannah Guthrie, has entered its third week with US investigators reaching out to Mexican authorities for assistance. Nancy was last seen on January 31 at her Tucson, Arizona home. Despite sifting through 40,000 leads and emotional public appeals, a breakthrough has been elusive. The FBI has contacted Mexican authorities, particularly in the state of Sonora, which shares a border with Arizona, to investigate a potential lead involving an alleged 'purchase.' The Guthrie family has also enlisted the help of a Mexican non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing persons. A ransom demand of $6 million in cryptocurrency was recently received by TMZ, which has been forwarded to the FBI. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos remains optimistic about finding Nancy, believing she is being held locally. Investigators are using advanced technology, including a 'signal sniffer' mounted on a helicopter, to detect Bluetooth signals from Nancy's pacemaker.

At least 33 miners died in a suspected carbon-monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine in Nigeria's Plateau state. The incident occurred at a mine run by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd, where toxic gas built up in poorly ventilated tunnels, causing the workers to collapse. The victims, aged between 20 and 40, were buried shortly after the incident. The tragedy has raised concerns over safety standards in Nigeria's mining sector, which has experienced frequent disasters.

The Rio Carnival parade competition continued its tradition of vibrant dance and colour, with samba school Viradouro taking the crown for its tribute to its legendary drum director. However, this year's event was marked by controversy surrounding a float depicting Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by samba school Academicos de Niteroi, which came in last place after receiving political backlash. The float charted Lula's path from poverty to the presidency and featured a display of former far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro as Bozo the Clown sitting behind bars. Despite the controversy, the parade still delighted the crowds with its giant lions, dancing books, and rainbow-coloured plumes.

A 71-year-old ballroom dancer from Wrexham, Denise Sides, was unexpectedly cast in Taylor Swift's music video for 'Opalite'. She auditioned for an 'unknown artist' and was chosen from hundreds of applicants. Sides was surprised to discover that the artist was Taylor Swift just 10 minutes before filming began. She was thrilled to work with Swift, who she described as 'lovely and talented'. The music video is a 90s-inspired rom-com that features a cast from an episode of the Graham Norton show. Sides hopes her experience will inspire others to take up dancing, proving that 'you're never too old'.

Mark Zuckerberg testified in a landmark trial in Los Angeles, defending Meta against claims that its social media platforms, including Instagram, are addictive for children. Zuckerberg faced questioning about internal documents showing Meta's awareness of the potential harm caused by its platforms to young users. The trial is part of a larger wave of lawsuits against social media companies, with families, state prosecutors, and school districts accusing them of functioning in an addictive manner that has harmed many children. Zuckerberg maintained that Meta has taken steps to protect young users and that the company has changed its approach over time.

The article provides a recap of Day 12 of the 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighting Mikaela Shiffrin's historic slalom gold win, the U.S. men's hockey team's overtime victory against Sweden, and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's record-breaking 10th Olympic gold medal. Shiffrin won her third Olympic gold medal, becoming the youngest and oldest skier to win slalom gold. The U.S. men's hockey team survived overtime against Sweden, with Quinn Hughes scoring the winning goal. Klæbo's victory in the men's cross-country team sprint cemented his position as the holder of the most gold medals in Winter Olympics history.

The US Department of Defense and AI company Anthropic are in a dispute over the use of AI on classified systems by the Pentagon. Anthropic has expressed concerns about the potential misuse of its AI technology, such as mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, and has asked for limits on how its tools can be deployed. The Pentagon has pushed back, accusing Anthropic of catering to an elite, liberal workforce and being uncooperative. The disagreement highlights the growing tension between the tech industry and the military over the use of AI in warfare. Anthropic's technology has been used by the Pentagon for over a year as part of a $200 million AI pilot program, but the company's concerns have put its contract with the Pentagon at risk.

Mikaela Shiffrin won the slalom gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, ending an eight-year Olympic medal drought. Shiffrin had been under pressure to perform, having faced criticism for not winning at the previous two Olympics. She revealed that she had struggled with self-doubt and questioning her grit and heart, but ultimately found a way to 'exorcise her Olympic demons' and deliver a strong performance. The article explores Shiffrin's journey, including her thoughts and feelings leading up to the race, and her emotional response to winning.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a crisis after a series of policy U-turns and a scandal involving his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, despite Mandelson's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer's approval ratings have plummeted, and his own party members are calling for him to step aside. The article examines Starmer's struggles to navigate his domestic agenda and his party's discontent with his leadership.

A Russian lieutenant colonel, known as 'Executioner', was celebrated as a hero in Russian propaganda for his actions in Ukraine. However, he has been accused of leading a scheme in which soldiers and medics shot themselves to obtain payouts for battlefield injuries, defrauding the army of $2.6 million. Colonel Frolov, the officer in question, has struck a pretrial deal admitting guilt and faces charges of fraud, bribery, and weapons trafficking. The case highlights corruption within the Russian military and public resentment towards the economic and social privileges given to soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

The article discusses the challenges facing China's electric vehicle (E.V.) market, particularly the struggles of BYD, the world's largest E.V. manufacturer. Despite its success, BYD's stock has fallen 40% from its peak due to intense competition, dwindling government subsidies, and slowing sales growth. The domestic market is saturated, and companies must now focus on converting one-time buyers into repeat customers. The industry is experiencing a period of intense competition, with over 400 E.V. models available in China, leading to a downward spiral in prices. The article also notes that Chinese carmakers pose a threat to American automakers, which are struggling to adapt to the shift towards electric vehicles.

The article discusses athletes who have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, focusing on those who have excelled in track and field and bobsled events. It highlights the stories of Salomé Kora and Ashleigh Nelson, who transitioned from sprinting to bobsledding, and explores the reasons behind their success. The article also touches on the challenges and benefits of participating in both summer and winter sports.

Airbus forecasts 870 aircraft deliveries in 2026, slightly below analyst expectations, as pressure builds from rival Boeing, which is showing signs of recovery after years of crisis. Airbus delivered 793 commercial aircraft in 2025, beating its revised target, but faced engine supply issues from Pratt & Whitney. Boeing received more orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, and outperformed Airbus in January 2026 deliveries and net orders. Airbus reported adjusted EBIT of 2.98 billion euros in Q4, beating estimates, and expects adjusted EBIT of around 7.5 billion euros in 2026.

European stocks opened lower on Thursday as investors weighed earnings from major companies including Airbus, Renault, and Nestle. The Stoxx 600 was trading just below the flatline, with the FTSE 100 down 0.2% and the DAX and CAC 40 down 0.3%. Airbus reported expectations to deliver 870 commercial aircraft in 2026, slightly fewer than expected. Renault's revenue rose 3% to $68 billion, but net income dropped significantly due to a one-off charge from its investment in Nissan. Nestle's sales fell 2% to 89.49 billion Swiss francs, with net profit dropping 17%. The company is in advanced negotiations to sell its ice cream business to Haagen-Dazs owner Froneri. Global market sentiment was also influenced by US stock futures and minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting, which showed a divide among officials on monetary policy. Oil prices rose over 4% after US Vice President JD Vance commented on Iran's nuclear talks.

Microsoft's corporate vice president of Quantum, Zulfi Alam, predicts that quantum computers will have commercial value by the end of the decade and will be integrated into data centers. Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of classical supercomputers. Experts say that quantum computing could lower the energy needs of data centers and reduce workloads for training AI. However, integrating quantum systems into data centers won't be straightforward and will require new infrastructure and talent. Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are investing heavily in quantum computing, and governments are also increasing their investments.

The article discusses the key stock market stories for Thursday, including Walmart's quarterly earnings report, the performance of financial stocks, and the upcoming pending home sales data. Walmart's shares have risen 25% in the past three months, while financial stocks such as Global Payments, Fiserv, and Block have seen significant gains. Kraft Heinz's CEO will appear on 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss the company's decision to pause its proposed split. Cushman & Wakefield is set to report quarterly results, and homebuilders such as Hovnanian, PulteGroup, and Toll Brothers have seen gains in 2026.

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to promote the domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide marketed as Roundup. The order aims to ensure the United States' economic and national security by increasing the supply of these critical chemicals. Glyphosate has been the subject of controversy due to alleged links to cancer, with supporters of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement opposing its use. However, Trump aligned with the MAHA movement after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of glyphosate, dropped out of the 2024 election and became Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary nominee. The order requires the Agriculture Secretary to implement regulations to increase the supply of phosphorus and glyphosate, citing the need to protect critical supply chains and prevent vulnerability to hostile foreign actors.

Walmart is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, with analysts expecting earnings per share of 73 cents and revenue of $190.43 billion. The company's new CEO, John Furner, who took over on February 1, is expected to focus on digital businesses and artificial intelligence. Investors are looking for a recap of the holiday season and the company's expectations for the year ahead. Walmart has been attracting shoppers across incomes and has announced new deals with AI chatbots in Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. The company's stock has climbed 22% over the past year and 14% so far this year, outpacing the S&P 500.

The article profiles Close Your Eyes, a K-pop boy band formed through the 2024 survival show 'Project 7.' Despite being a rookie group, they have achieved significant success, releasing three mini-albums with 1.2 million sales and winning seven industry awards. The band's members attribute their success to their intense practice schedule and creative control. They have evolved their sound and style, collaborating with international artists like Grammy-winning DJ Imanbek. The group's rapid rise to fame has been marked by a strong fanbase and a willingness to experiment with new genres.

Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu has faced intense backlash for competing for China instead of the US, where she was born and raised. Gu, now 22, has been subject to vitriol, online hate, and physical attacks, but has become more vocal in speaking out against the abuse. Critics accuse her of supporting China's human rights abuses, while supporters defend her choice to represent China, citing her partial Chinese heritage and the country's offer of top-dollar compensation for top talent. Gu remains proud of both her Chinese and American backgrounds.

The article discusses how K-pop has broken taboos by embracing inclusion and diversity, and now K-beauty is following suit. Historically, K-beauty has struggled to cater to a broad demographic, with limited shade ranges in makeup products and a focus on light-to-medium skin tones. However, with the global spread of Korean culture, K-beauty is starting to become more inclusive. The article highlights the success of South Korean beauty brand Tirtir, which offers 40 diverse shades in its Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation. It also notes that K-pop idols have challenged traditional beauty standards by expressing diverse forms of masculinity and using makeup and skincare. The article explores the factors that have contributed to K-beauty's lack of inclusivity, including South Korea's ethnic homogeneity and cultural preferences. As K-beauty becomes more global, brands are being forced to rethink their approach to inclusivity and diversity.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony in Pyongyang where he drove a mobile rocket launcher and touted the country's nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers as among the most powerful in the world. The display comes ahead of a key party congress and amid tensions with South Korea and support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kim highlighted the capabilities of the 600mm rockets, stating they are as effective as short-range ballistic missiles and feature advanced artificial intelligence guidance systems.

The article discusses how, despite Donald Trump's criticism of wind power, European countries have agreed to build one of the largest offshore wind farms in the North Sea. The project aims to increase energy security, reduce dependence on US oil and gas, and promote clean energy. Experts say that Trump's actions are actually accelerating Europe's shift towards renewable energy, as the continent seeks to reduce its vulnerability to volatile natural gas prices and US policy. The deal is expected to produce 100 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power around 50 million homes.

Japan is experiencing a sharp rise in ski and snowboard accidents involving foreign tourists, with rescuers warning that they are operating at breaking point and cannot guarantee everyone will be rescued. The article highlights the increasing number of accidents and the strain on rescue services, with CNN's Hanako Montgomery providing more information.

A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran on espionage charges, which they deny. The couple was arrested in January 2025 while on a motorcycle trip and have been held in Tehran's Evin prison. The sentence has been condemned by the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, as 'completely appalling and totally unjustifiable'. The couple's family and human rights groups have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the judicial process and the risk of arrest and detention for UK nationals in Iran.

Former Manchester United player Mikael Silvestre has criticized Jose Mourinho, the manager of Benfica, over his response to Vinicius Junior's allegations of racist abuse during a Champions League match. Silvestre claimed that Mourinho 'failed us' with his comments, which appeared to apportion some blame to Vinicius. Mourinho suggested that Vinicius had provoked the abuse with his celebration after scoring a goal. Silvestre, a member of the FIFA Player's Voice Panel, condemned Mourinho's reaction, stating that it was not the way a top manager should behave. The incident has sparked widespread controversy, with many criticizing Mourinho's response as victim blaming.

Les Wexner, the 88-year-old billionaire behind Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, testified before the US Congress that Jeffrey Epstein stole vast sums from his family. Wexner allowed Epstein to manage his finances but claimed he was unaware of Epstein's crimes. Wexner expressed regret over his friendship with Epstein and stated that he had not spoken to him since learning of his abusive conduct. The testimony comes as part of the ongoing investigation into Epstein's crimes, with several UK police forces also assessing information related to Epstein's activities.

At least 12 people were killed in a fireworks explosion at a shop in Xiangyang, Hubei province, eastern China, during Lunar New Year celebrations. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, and emergency services were able to put out the blaze. This is not an isolated incident, as firework-related blasts are common in China during celebrations. In recent months, similar incidents have occurred in eastern Jiangsu province and neighbouring Hunan province, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The cause of the Xiangyang explosion is currently under investigation.

UEFA has launched an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match against Benfica in Lisbon. The match was halted for 11 minutes after Vinicius complained to the referee about a comment made by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni denied making a racist slur, claiming Vinicius 'misinterpreted' what he heard. UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the allegations. Benfica has expressed its commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion, but regrets the 'defamation campaign' against the club. Vinicius has previously made allegations of racist abuse in La Liga, and the incident has sparked reactions from FIFA's president Gianni Infantino and others.

Ukrainian officials will boycott the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics due to the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. Ukraine's sports minister, Matviy Bidnyi, announced that no Ukrainian official will attend the opening ceremony or any other official event, although Ukrainian athletes will still participate. The IPC's decision has been met with criticism from the UK and other European countries, who expressed 'serious concern' over the move. The decision is seen as a significant step in ending Russia's sporting exile, which was initially imposed due to a state-sponsored doping scheme and later due to the invasion of Ukraine.

An American citizen was sentenced to four years in jail in Russia for attempting to smuggle Kalashnikov rifle stocks out of the country. The individual, a collector of Kalashnikov weapons, failed to declare the items at Moscow's Vnukovo airport and was subsequently found guilty under Russian criminal code relating to weapons smuggling. The State Department has warned Americans against traveling to Russia due to risks of wrongful detention and other safety concerns.

The United Nations Charter Committee has elected Iran as its vice-chair, prompting criticism from Israel and scrutiny of the UN's selection processes. The committee is tasked with examining and strengthening the principles of the UN Charter. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned Iran's appointment, citing its human rights abuses and commitment to annihilating Israel. The UN spokesperson stated that the Secretary-General expects all member states to uphold the Charter and human rights, but would not condemn Iran's election. The move has sparked debate over the UN's balance between representation and human rights concerns.

The US has moved nearly 6,000 ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq amid security concerns, as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces' control collapses in northeast Syria. The operation was a multi-agency effort involving the US military, intelligence officials, and diplomats, who worked to prevent a catastrophic jailbreak. The detainees, described as 'the worst of the worst,' were transported to a facility near Baghdad International Airport under Iraqi authority. The move was prompted by fears that the prisons would collapse in the chaos, allowing the detainees to escape and reconstitute ISIS.

The 2024 Paris Olympics and Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics showcased different approaches to Olympic ceremonies, reflecting the cultural and political paths of their respective countries. The Paris ceremony was seen as 'woke' and provocative, while Milan's was traditional and heritage-driven. Experts say this contrast highlights a broader debate over the role of culture, politics, and identity in the Games.

A wastewater treatment plant collapse in Wellington, New Zealand, has resulted in millions of litres of raw sewage being pumped into the ocean, sparking widespread outrage and concerns over public health and environmental damage. The disaster has led to abandoned beaches, public health warning signs, and fears for the safety of marine ecosystems. A national inquiry has been called to investigate the causes of the disaster, with many calling for accountability and change.

The article discusses the Chinese zodiac sign of the fire horse, which occurs once every 60 years, and its predicted impact on personal and global levels. The fire horse is associated with intense, fast-paced change, energy, and independence. Experts in Chinese astrology and feng shui provide insights into the personality traits of people born in fire horse years, as well as predictions for the year ahead, including potential challenges and opportunities. The article also offers advice on how to navigate the fire horse year, such as staying grounded, balancing the fire element with water-element practices, and being mindful of one's emotions and actions.