Author: Grace Johnson

India’s solar growth attracts global attention. Yet the rapid expansion conceals a growing environmental problem. In just over a decade, India became the world’s third-largest solar power producer. Renewable energy now drives national climate policy. Solar panels stretch across massive parks and rooftops in cities, towns, and villages. Large utility-scale projects supply most solar electricity. Millions of rooftop systems also feed power into the grid. Government data show nearly 2.4 million households adopted solar under subsidy programmes. Solar growth reduced reliance on coal-fired power. Thermal and other non-renewables still supply over half of installed capacity. Solar now delivers more than…

BP has completed a six billion dollar deal. The company sells a majority stake in its Castrol motor oil business. US investment firm Stonepeak acquires the holding. The buyer operates from New York. BP transfers 65 percent of Castrol. The brand produces lubricants for cars, motorcycles, and industrial vehicles. The deal values Castrol at 10.1 billion dollars. BP receives six billion dollars in cash. Management plans to reduce debt and concentrate on core operations. BP retains a 35 percent stake in Castrol. The group first took control of the brand in 2000. Executives called the sale a strategic milestone. BP…

More Americans now see religion as a positive force in public life. A new national survey shows that positive views on religion in the U.S. have reached their highest level in 15 years. The findings suggest a clear shift in how people view faith and its place in society. The survey shows that many Americans believe religion helps promote shared values. Respondents say faith can encourage kindness, honesty, and social responsibility. These beliefs appear to be shaping a more favorable view of religion’s public role. For many years, views on religion had declined. Fewer people felt it played a helpful…

The US economy accelerated in the three months to September as consumer spending increased and exports rebounded. Economic output expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, surpassing forecasts. Growth rose from 3.8% in the previous quarter, marking its fastest pace in two years. The figures appeared after delays caused by a federal government shutdown. The report highlighted an economy shaped by shifting trade policies, immigration changes, persistent inflation, and lower public spending. These factors triggered sharp swings in trade activity. Despite the volatility, overall momentum remained strong and exceeded many predictions. Growth defies expectations Aditya Bhave, senior economist at Bank…

Amazon has blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to suspected North Korean operatives. Amazon chief security officer Stephen Schmidt revealed the move publicly. He shared the details in a LinkedIn post. The applicants targeted remote IT roles across the company. They used stolen or fake identities to bypass hiring safeguards. Remote Positions Exploited to Fund the Regime Schmidt said the applicants followed a deliberate and coordinated plan. They sought employment, collected salaries, and funneled wages to North Korea. The funds supported weapons development and other state programs. Schmidt warned the activity likely affects the wider technology sector. He said…

Jim Beam will halt operations at its primary Kentucky distillery for the entire next year. The company confirmed the shutdown will last through 2026. Executives said the move follows a review of demand and production levels. Management said it regularly adjusts output to match consumer demand. Leaders recently met staff to discuss projected production volumes for 2026. That assessment led to the planned pause. Year-long closure allows site upgrades The distillery will remain closed while the company completes major improvements. Executives said the pause allows work without affecting other operations. Management described the decision as a long-term strategic investment. Leaders…

Pension income increasingly determines life after work as Europe’s population ages and public finances tighten. Retirement outcomes differ sharply between countries, shaping financial security and living standards. Some retirees live comfortably, while others face ongoing hardship. Pensions remain the main income source for older Europeans. Public transfers, mainly state pensions and benefits, provide about two thirds of senior income across the EU. This reliance links retirement wellbeing closely to government policy. Even with this support, older people earn less than the wider population. Across 28 European countries, people over 65 receive about 86% of average income. This gap continues to…

Anthony Joshua stopped boxing novice Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. The bout ranked among the most uneven matchups in modern boxing. Paul spent most of the fight retreating and avoiding exchanges. He relied on movement and caution instead of sustained offense. Joshua grew visibly frustrated as Paul refused to engage. The former two-time world champion took full control in the fifth round. Joshua closed the ring and forced action. He dropped Paul twice under relentless pressure. The sequence highlighted the vast gap in skill, size, and experience. Paul went down again early in the sixth round. Joshua…

ByteDance has signed binding agreements with American and international investors to keep TikTok operating in the United States. Chief executive Shou Zi Chew confirmed the deal in a memo to employees on Thursday. The agreement reshapes U.S. ownership and removes the immediate threat of a ban. Investors Take Major Role The deal forms a joint venture giving outside investors 50% control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati firm MGX lead the group. Shou Zi Chew outlined the structure in an internal memo. The transaction is scheduled to close on 22 January. Executives said the arrangement ensures long-term…

The Trump administration announced a major weapons package to Taiwan valued at around $11bn. The deal includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and a variety of missile systems. US officials released the details late Wednesday. Congress must approve the sale before it can move forward. The administration described the package as essential for regional security. This marks the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to strengthen military cooperation with Taipei. Officials said the deal responds to rising security threats in the region. The package significantly boosts Taiwan’s defensive…