Energy Markets

Iceland tops global energy resilience rankings

Arnold Pinto 08/05/2025 0

Study analyses 79 nations Iceland is the most energy-resilient country in the world, according to a new global study launched after a catastrophic blackout on April 28, 2025, plunged parts of Spain and Portugal into darkness. The research, conducted by TRG Datacenters, analysed energy systems

Aviation Markets

China and India begin cautious talks to restart direct flights

Arnold Pinto 26/04/2025 0

In changing aviation landscape After a four-year hiatus, China and India have opened discussions on reinstating direct air services between the two Asian powerhouses. This move could mark a turning point for two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets. Direct flights between the countries were suspended in 2020 due to the twin disruptions […]

Aviation Markets

Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports set for $240 billion investment boost

Arnold Pinto 22/04/2025 0

Between 2025 and 2035 Airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are preparing for a major transformation, with a $240 billion investment programme set to reshape air travel infrastructure between 2025 and 2035. According to a new study by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), a strategic blend of […]

Business Markets

UAE and EU forge ahead with free trade agreement negotiations

News Desk 15/04/2025 0

In boost to businesses In a significant move to enhance economic ties, the European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to initiate negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). The decision aims to enhance trade relations, stimulate investment, and foster collaboration across key sectors between the two regions. The proposed […]

Business Markets

Global gold demand rose in 2024, boosted by central banks’ buying

Arnold Pinto 14/04/2025 0

And strong investment demand The World Gold Council’s Gold Demand Trends report for Q4 and the full year 2024 highlights an exceptional surge in global gold demand, marking a new all-time high of 4,974 tonnes. The increase was primarily driven by robust and sustained central bank purchasing activity, alongside strong growth in investment demand. Record-high […]

Markets

Respect defines the Spanish ceramic tile industry in 2025

Arnold Pinto 06/03/2025 0

ASCER continues to lead from the front VALENCIA, SPAIN — In 2025, the Spanish ceramic tiles industry distinguishes itself from the global competition through respect, a profoundly ingrained, unique European trait. This was the overarching message delivered to journalists from more than 24 countries attending a press conference hosted by ASCER – the Spanish Ceramic […]

Markets

Smartphone market recovered in 2024 after 2 years of decline

Arnold Pinto 12/02/2025 0

Led by Samsung and Apple Global smartphone sales increased 4% year over year in 2024, marking a significant recovery after two years of decline. According to Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse, the market bounced back after its weakest performance in a decade in 2023, driven by improving consumer sentiment and stabilising macroeconomic conditions. The recovery was […]

Business Markets

India’s smartphone market posts 9% revenue growth in 2024

Arnold Pinto 31/01/2025 0

Driven by premium segment According to Counterpoint’s Monthly India Smartphone Tracker, the Indian smartphone market saw a significant surge in wholesale revenue in 2024, reaching a record high with a 9% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Despite a modest 1% YoY shipment increase, totalling 153 million units, the market shifted towards more expensive devices, driving up

Markets

US imposes visa restrictions on Colombian government officials

Arnold Pinto 28/01/2025 0

Following repatriation flights dispute US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorised a series of visa restrictions on Colombian government officials and their immediate family members in response to the country’s refusal to accept repatriation flights for its citizens. The move follows a diplomatic dispute in which Colombian President Gustavo Petro withdrew his

Markets

Offline versus online promotional media

News Desk 27/01/2025 0

Which drives better consumer engagement? In an era dominated by digital marketing, businesses increasingly turn to online platforms like mobile apps, social media, and direct email to reach consumers. However, recent research suggests that traditional offline marketing techniques like printed coupons might still have a significant edge in driving consumer behaviour. A team

Markets Travel

UN Tourism and CAF to promote regional tourism in the Americas

News Desk 23/01/2025 0

MoU signed in Madrid The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has entered into a new collaboration with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The partnership promotes Latin America’s rich tourism potential while fostering sustainable development. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and CAF Executive President Sergio

Markets

Donald Trump vows to defend the United States

News Desk 22/01/2025 0

At his inaugural ceremony In his inaugural address on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the United States. He declared that his top priority as commander-in-chief would be protecting the country from external threats and invasions. “As Commander-in-Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from

Automotive Markets

China extends vehicle trade-in policy in 2025

Arnold Pinto 19/01/2025 0

To boost the country’s EV sales China has extended its vehicle trade-in subsidy scheme into 2025, renewing a crucial incentive to further the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The previous policy expired at the end of 2024. The trade-in scheme, which remains the final Chinese government-backed subsidy for EVs, is part of a broader effort […]

Crypto Markets

Chainalysis says organised crime is using crypto for illicit activities

Arnold Pinto 17/01/2025 0

Rise in crypto crime a concern With cryptocurrency adoption rising globally, recent data shows a disturbing surge in crypto crime. According to Chainalysis’ 2024 Crypto Crime Report, illicit addresses received approximately $40.9 billion in 2024. This figure is expected to grow to $51 billion as further criminal activity is uncovered. Despite this alarming statistic,

Business Markets

WEF: Global labour market is poised for a significant change

Arnold Pinto 10/01/2025 0

Mainly driven by tech advancements The latest edition of the Future of Jobs Report, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), shows that the global labour market is poised for significant change. By 2030, 22% of jobs are expected to undergo disruption, with a net gain of 78 million roles set to emerge from the […]

Business Markets

Global VR headset shipments fell in Q3 2024

Arnold Pinto 04/01/2025 0

AR and AI technologies show promise Global shipments of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets fell by 4% year-on-year (YoY) and 16% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) in the third quarter of 2024, marking the market’s third consecutive quarter of declines. This trend reflects a growing challenge within the VR market, as demand for tethered VR headsets dropped by 50% […]

Markets

OTT business messaging revenue to hit $3.7bn in 2025

Arnold Pinto 28/12/2024 0

Infobip, Gupshup, Twilio dominate A new study has revealed that global Over-the-Top (OTT) business messaging revenue is set to surge, growing from $2.4 billion in 2024 to $3.7 billion in 2025. Despite this promising expansion, the market is expected to face significant disruption from emerging technologies that will enhance user experiences. Notably, click-to-chat ads are

Business Markets

World’s top arms makers profit from wars and regional tensions

Arnold Pinto 19/12/2024 0

Earnings top $632bn in 2023 Revenues from the world’s top arms producers surged in 2023, with the 100 largest companies in the sector collectively generating $632 billion, a real-terms increase of 4.2 per cent compared with the previous year. As the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently revealed, this global trend reflects the growing […]

Business Markets

Digital ID verification spend to exceed $26bn globally by 2029

Arnold Pinto 06/12/2024 0

Growing from $15.2bn in 2024 A new study has found that spend on digital identity verification checks will grow by 74% from $15.2 billion in 2024. This substantial growth will be attributable to new solutions that aim to reduce the friction of these checks. Juniper Research’s study identified the rising usage of behavioural biometrics as […]

Business Markets

Airbus unveils C295 Final Assembly Line in India

Arnold Pinto 22/11/2024 0

In partnership with Tata Group entity Airbus officially inaugurated its first-ever Indian final assembly line (FAL) for the C295 medium tactical transport aircraft on October 28, 2024, in Vadodara, Gujarat. This marks a significant milestone in the European company’s history, as it is the first time Airbus has established a complete aircraft production system outside […]