Author: OMN AI

Smuggling through postal channels An investigation by German media has revealed that Russia is bypassing EU sanctions by sending banned goods through a logistics hub in Berlin, exploiting international mail systems that face lighter inspection. Test shipments fitted with GPS trackers reportedly passed through a warehouse near Berlin Brandenburg Airport and were then routed via Poland and Belarus to Moscow without interference. The shipments allegedly used shipping labels from Uzbekistan’s state postal service, despite Germany not authorising the service to operate in the country. International mail faces fewer checks than commercial exports because it moves quickly in large volumes under…

Why the Central Bank Hit Pause The US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged this week, leaving its key rate at around 3.6% after three cuts last year. Officials pointed to a stabilising job market and stronger-than-expected economic growth, which they now describe as “solid” rather than “modest.” With the economy expanding at a steady pace and hiring showing no signs of weakening, the Fed appears comfortable waiting before making any further moves. Inflation Keeps Policymakers Cautious While most Fed officials still expect borrowing costs to come down later this year, many want to see clearer progress on…

Amazon revealed fresh global job cuts after mistakenly emailing staff about planned layoffs.Workers at Amazon Web Services received a cancelled meeting invite containing an unfinished draft message.The email wrongly said affected staff in the US, Canada, and Costa Rica had already been informed.Senior vice-president Colleen Aubrey signed the message, which labelled the layoffs “Project Dawn”.Amazon cut 14,000 corporate roles last October and continues reducing pandemic-era hiring.Chief executive Andy Jassy has warned AI could replace some white-collar roles.The news followed job cut plans from United Parcel Service, which plans to eliminate up to 30,000 roles.

Turning a Scientific Breakthrough into an Energy Strategy European lawmakers are calling on the EU to take nuclear fusion out of the lab and into the real world. In a declaration released on Tuesday, members of the European People’s Party urged the European Commission to unlock fusion’s potential by creating a clear and predictable regulatory framework that would give investors the confidence to back the technology. They argue fusion could play a major role in strengthening Europe’s long-term energy security and competitiveness. The message was delivered during a public hearing at the European Parliament, where MEPs stressed that fusion projects…

Scientists launched DinoTracker, an AI app that identifies dinosaur footprints with about 90% agreement with human experts.Researchers fed the system 2,000 unlabelled footprint silhouettes instead of relying on possibly incorrect classifications.The AI grouped prints by shape features such as toe spread, heel position, and ground contact.Users can upload footprints, compare similar tracks, and test how shape changes affect results.The study appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Researchers from University of Edinburgh and Helmholtz-Zentrum led the work.The system supports earlier findings of birdlike tracks from the Triassic and early Jurassic periods.Scientists caution the prints likely came from birdlike meat-eating…

A major trial over alleged social media addiction begins Tuesday in California. Senior executives from top technology companies are expected to testify. The case could redefine legal accountability for digital platforms. The plaintiff is a 19-year-old woman identified as KGM. She claims platform algorithms caused addiction and harmed her mental health. She says design choices encouraged compulsive use during her teenage years. The defendants include Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, TikTok owner ByteDance, and YouTube parent Google. Snapchat reached a settlement with the plaintiff last week. The remaining companies now face court. The trial will take place at Los…

The US Securities and Exchange Commission dismissed its lawsuit against the Winklevoss twins’ crypto exchange after investors recovered all assets. The decision followed full repayments to Gemini Earn users through the Genesis Global Capital bankruptcy process in mid-2024. The case closure reflects a friendlier crypto stance under President Donald Trump, who pledged to support digital assets. Regulators and the exchange, now called Gemini Space Station, filed a joint dismissal in Manhattan federal court. The SEC stressed the move does not affect other enforcement actions. Gemini later debuted on Nasdaq and is now valued at $1.14bn, according to LSEG.

Eight Countries Cleared for New SAFE Funding The European Commission has approved defence investment plans from eight EU countries under a new €150 billion loan scheme designed to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities. Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Finland will together access €74 billion through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, with Poland alone requesting €43.7 billion. SAFE is a key element of the EU’s Readiness 2030 strategy, which aims to channel up to €800 billion into defence by the end of the decade. The effort comes as European security agencies warn that Russia could pose a…

Gold prices climbed above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time, extending a historic rally. The precious metal has gained more than 60% during 2025, marking an exceptional year. Geopolitical and financial tensions have fueled the surge. Disputes between the United States and Nato over Greenland have unsettled investors. Markets remain highly sensitive to global instability. US President Donald Trump has heightened uncertainty with aggressive trade policies. He recently threatened a 100% tariff on Canada. The warning targets any Canadian trade deal with China. Safe-haven demand lifts precious metals Investors often flock to gold during turbulent periods. Many see…

The World Bank Group has officially launched its first office in Doha, marking a new stage in its partnership with Qatar and highlighting the country’s growing presence in international development and finance. The office was inaugurated on Sunday and is expected to strengthen cooperation between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions, particularly in development financing, private-sector engagement and support for countries affected by fragility and conflict. It is hosted at the headquarters of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. Speaking at the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the…