Author: OMN AI

2026 begins amid political and economic turmoilThe year 2026 started under intense uncertainty. President Donald Trump threatened decisive action against Iran. The warning came after US forces captured Venezuela’s leader. His administration launched a criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve chair. Officials also targeted major profit sources at banks and institutional investors. These moves sent shockwaves through global markets. Stock markets remain stable despite chaosInvestors expected a sharp selloff in equities. That decline never materialized. Traders largely ignored the political turmoil. US stock indexes reached record highs early in the week. Prices later dipped only slightly. Despite growing geopolitical and…

Many Americans are optimistic about the impact of robotics and automation on the economy and job growth. Recent surveys indicate that a majority believe these technologies will create new opportunities and improve productivity across industries. Respondents said automation could help businesses operate more efficiently while opening doors for high-tech jobs. Robotics and AI applications in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and other sectors are expected to support economic growth and innovation. Experts note that public optimism is growing as people see the benefits of advanced technology. Automation can reduce repetitive tasks, improve safety, and allow workers to focus on more creative and…

BP has said it expects to write down up to $5bn from its green energy and low-carbon businesses as it refocuses on fossil fuels. The move comes under the company’s new chair, Albert Manifold, and reflects weaker performance in BP’s gas and transition divisions. The company said the writedowns would not affect underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. BP has been scaling back parts of its energy transition strategy, including attempting to sell a stake in its solar arm Lightsource and cancelling hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia. Shares fell after BP also warned of…

The US government has approved Nvidia’s sale of high-performance artificial intelligence chips to China. The Department of Commerce announced the decision on Tuesday. Officials said they reviewed domestic chip supply before acting. The move eases previous export restrictions on sensitive technology. Washington had blocked the sales over national security concerns. Officials warned the chips could strengthen China’s technology sector and military. The new policy lifts some restrictions under strict conditions. Authorities described the change as cautious and controlled. H200 processors allowed for export The approval applies to Nvidia’s H200 processors. The chip ranks as the company’s second-most-advanced AI product. Regulators…

Sanctions and Tariffs Take Center StageEconomic conflict between powerful nations has become the biggest danger to global stability, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026. The report, released ahead of the WEF’s annual Davos summit, identifies geoeconomic confrontation — the use of tools such as sanctions, trade restrictions, and tariffs — as the top global risk for the year ahead. It now ranks above misinformation, political polarization, extreme weather, and even armed conflict. The findings reflect input from more than 1,300 experts and leaders across business, government, academia, and civil society. Survey results paint a worrying picture:…

Silicon Valley’s biggest names continue to ride the artificial intelligence wave, pushing company valuations to record-breaking levels. Despite growing concerns that tech stocks may be overvalued, investor enthusiasm hasn’t slowed. This week, Google’s parent company Alphabet crossed a historic milestone, reaching a $4 trillion market valuation and becoming one of only four companies ever to do so. Only Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple have previously reached this level — and Alphabet now stands just behind Nvidia as the world’s second-most valuable company. AI Momentum Powers Alphabet’s Rise Alphabet’s surge has been fueled largely by confidence in its AI strategy. The company’s…

Diageo is reportedly exploring the sale of its Chinese assets as part of a broader effort to simplify its global portfolio under new chief executive Dave Lewis. According to Bloomberg, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to review its China operations amid declining sales. Diageo’s holdings include a majority stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed producer and distributor of baijiu, whose shares have fallen sharply over the past year. Potential buyers are said to include Chinese strategic investors and private equity firms. Lewis, who took over in January and earned the nickname “Drastic…

Tensions rise in Washington President Trump faces a pivotal decision on Iran. Ten days ago, he warned the United States would protect Iranian protesters if authorities used violence. He said American forces were locked, loaded, and ready to act. At the time, the crackdown had not fully escalated. Now, reports reveal the full scale of repression. The world watches closely for Trump’s next move. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said only the president knows his plans. She added the world can keep guessing. Uncertainty now dominates Washington. Observers question how long patience can last. Military options under review Senior…

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group cohesion during environmental or social stress, researchers suggest. A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution analysed reports across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas, finding the behaviour to be widespread. The research was co-authored by Prof Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London, who said the findings may also have relevance for early human species facing similar pressures. The analysis found same-sex sexual behaviour was more common in species living in harsher, drier environments with scarce resources and higher predation risk. It…

Germany’s chancellor is doubling down on Europe’s push to strengthen global trade alliances, signalling that a long-awaited free trade agreement between the EU and India could be signed within weeks. The announcement comes as Europe presses ahead with controversial new trade deals and faces growing political backlash at home. Merz Signals Momentum on EU-India Agreement Speaking during a visit to India, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa could finalize and sign a free trade agreement with India before the end of the month. He hinted that EU leaders…