Urban Planning

World

Pakistan Launches Major Counter-Insurgency Operation After Coordinated Balochistan Attacks Leave Dozens Dead

Pakistani security forces have killed 145 militants in a large-scale, two-day military operation across Balochistan, officials said Sunday. The offensive was launched in response to a wave of coordinated assaults by separatist fighters that killed nearly 50 people, marking one of the deadliest escalations in the restive province in recent years.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Portugal Unveils €2.5 Billion Lifeline for Storm-Battered Communities

The Portuguese government has launched a massive financial aid package, combining loans and direct support, to accelerate recovery from the deadly Storm Kristin which left a trail of destruction across the country last week.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Surviving the Siege: A Doctor's Flight from Darfur's Fallen Stronghold

In a rare firsthand account, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim details his three-day escape from el-Fasher as paramilitary forces overran the city. His testimony paints a harrowing picture of urban warfare, civilian slaughter, and the systematic collapse of Sudan's last army bastion in Darfur.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Mondelez Consolidates Power: CFO Luca Zaramella Takes Helm as COO Amid Scrutiny Over Costs and Growth

Mondelez International merges financial and operational oversight under veteran CFO Luca Zaramella, who assumes the additional role of Chief Operating Officer. The strategic move aims to tighten cost discipline across global commercial units but raises questions about succession planning and cash flow pressures as the snack giant navigates a challenging market.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Skanska Bolsters Nordic Green Portfolio with Major Oslo Redevelopment and New Contracts

Construction giant Skanska has secured a landmark joint venture for a central Oslo redevelopment with Entra, alongside new major contracts in Norway and Finland, reinforcing its strategic pivot towards complex, sustainability-focused projects in the region.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Uber Doubles Down on Autonomous Future with $1B Waabi Bet, Expanding Robotaxi Ambitions

Uber's strategic investment in self-driving startup Waabi, founded by its former AI chief, signals a major push into robotaxis. The $1 billion deal underscores Uber's sprawling portfolio of over 20 AV partnerships, raising questions about its 'bet-on-everything' approach in the high-stakes race for autonomy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates Market Headwinds, Pivots to Circular Economy with Major Recycling Investments

While Q3 earnings reflect challenging market conditions, the chemical giant reports strong North American performance and accelerates its strategic shift, breaking ground on a flagship advanced recycling plant in Germany and planning a larger facility in Houston.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Walmart Accelerates EV Push: Hundreds of Stores to Add Charging Stations in 19 States

Walmart is significantly expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with planned installations at select stores across 19 states, advancing its goal to build a nationwide network by 2030.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Syrians Protest 'Impossible' Power Bills as Tariffs Soar Amid Economic Collapse

Damascus residents face electricity bills exceeding their monthly incomes after a massive government price hike, sparking rare public protests and deepening the crisis for a war-weary population.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Strategic Shift: Australian Laser Weapons Pioneer EOS Poised for European Relocation Amid Defence Spending Surge

Electro Optic Systems (EOS), the Australian firm behind a landmark high-energy laser contract, is planning a strategic move of its headquarters and listing to Europe within the year, its CEO reveals, aiming to embed itself at the heart of the continent's urgent defence modernisation drive.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Newcastle's Castle Leazes Secures £274m Revamp, Doubling Student Capacity

A major redevelopment of Newcastle University's Castle Leazes student village is moving forward, with contractor Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to deliver over 2,000 new affordable rooms, replacing 1960s-era facilities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Apple Reportedly Shifts 2026 iPhone Strategy: Premium Models Take Priority, Standard Edition Faces Delay

Apple is reportedly planning to prioritize the launch of its three highest-tier iPhone models in 2026, while delaying the rollout of a new standard edition, according to a Nikkei Asia report citing sources familiar with the matter. The move signals a strategic pivot towards the premium segment amid ongoing supply chain considerations.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Nevada Auto Insurance: Relief in Sight After Years of Soaring Premiums?

A new analysis reveals auto insurance rate hikes in Nevada are slowing dramatically for 2026, though the state remains the nation's most expensive market. Experts point to stabilizing claim costs and urge drivers to shop around for significant savings.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond Survival: Eight Trends Redefining Small Business Success in 2026

A new report highlights how small and medium-sized businesses are leveraging AI, hyper-personalization, and sustainable practices not just to adapt, but to lead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Africa's Booming Secondhand Car Market Set to Double, Fueling Mobility and Concerns

Africa's used vehicle market is on track to expand at nearly 7% annually, approaching a $200 billion valuation by 2033, as demand for affordable personal transport surges across the continent.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Uber's Valuation Faces Near-Term Pressure Amid Autonomous Vehicle Uncertainty, BofA Says

BofA Securities has trimmed its price target for Uber Technologies, citing near-term uncertainties in the autonomous vehicle sector, even as the company launches a new internal data initiative aimed at accelerating AV development.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fidelity, Broadcom Reach Settlement in Critical Software Access Dispute

Fidelity Investments and Broadcom have settled a legal dispute that threatened Fidelity's access to business-critical software, averting a potential operational crisis. The agreement, reached just before a key court hearing, ensures continued service for a Fidelity subsidiary.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Carlsberg Exits Tibetan Brewery Venture, Ceding Full Control to Local Partner

Danish brewing giant Carlsberg has agreed to sell its 50% stake in the Lhasa Brewery joint venture to its local partner, Tibet Development, for 292 million yuan ($42 million), ending a partnership marked by operational disputes and significant financial impairments.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Parks Power Record Q1 Revenue Amid CEO Search, While Rising Costs Pressure Profits

Disney's theme parks and cruise lines delivered a historic $10 billion quarter, driving overall revenue past expectations. However, surging costs across its media and sports divisions squeezed profits as the entertainment giant nears a decision on its next chief executive.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ryman Hospitality Secures $850M Credit Lifeline, Bolstering Financial Flexibility for Growth

Ryman Hospitality Properties has successfully expanded and extended its revolving credit facility to $850 million, providing the company with enhanced liquidity and revised covenants to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape and fund its long-term, experience-driven strategy.

Feb 2, 2026