Author: Grace Johnson

India’s solar growth draws international praise. Yet the rapid rise masks a serious 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 more than half of installed capacity. Solar now delivers over…

BP has completed a six billion dollar deal. The company sells a majority stake in its Castrol motor oil division. 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 cut debt and focus on core operations. BP retains a 35 percent stake in Castrol. The group first gained control of the brand in 2000. Executives called the sale a strategic milestone. BP…

The US economy surged in the three months to September as consumer spending climbed and exports rebounded. Economic output expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, surpassing expectations. Growth rose from 3.8% in the previous quarter and reached its fastest pace in two years. The data arrived after delays caused by a federal government shutdown. The report showed an economy shaped by changing trade policies, immigration shifts, persistent inflation, and lower public spending. These factors caused sharp swings in trade activity. Despite that volatility, overall momentum remained strong and outperformed many forecasts. Growth defies pessimistic forecasts Aditya Bhave, senior economist…

Amazon has blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to suspected North Korean operatives. Amazon chief security officer Stephen Schmidt revealed the operation publicly. He shared the details in a LinkedIn post. The applicants targeted remote IT positions across the company. They relied on stolen or fake identities to bypass hiring checks. Remote Work Exploited to Fund North Korea Schmidt said the applicants followed a clear and organized strategy. They sought employment, collected salaries, and funneled wages back to North Korea. The funds supported weapons development and other state programs. Schmidt warned the activity likely affects the broader technology sector.…

Jim Beam will halt production at its main Kentucky distillery for the full next year. The company confirmed the shutdown will last through 2026. Executives said the decision followed a review of demand and production capacity. 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. Closure allows upgrades and efficiency improvements The distillery will remain closed while the company carries out major site improvements. Executives said the pause allows work without affecting other operations. Management described the decision as a long-term…

Pension income increasingly shapes life after work as Europe’s population ages and public budgets tighten. Retirement outcomes differ sharply between countries, determining security and quality of life. Some retirees enjoy financial stability, 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 ties 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…

Anthony Joshua stopped boxing novice Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. The bout ranked among the most unbalanced contests 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 seized control in the fifth round. Joshua closed the ring and forced action. He dropped Paul twice under relentless pressure. The sequence exposed the wide gap in skill, size, and experience. Paul went down again early in the sixth round. Joshua landed…

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 restructures the U.S. business and removes the immediate risk of a ban. Investors Take Major Stake The deal establishes a joint venture giving outside investors 50% control of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati firm MGX lead the investor group. Shou Zi Chew outlined the ownership structure in an internal memo. The transaction is set to close on 22 January. Executives said the…

The Trump administration unveiled a major weapons sale to Taiwan valued at about $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple missile systems. US officials released details late Wednesday. Congress must approve the deal before delivery begins. The administration described the sale as crucial 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 expand military cooperation with Taipei. Officials said the package responds to rising regional tensions. The deal significantly strengthens Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. China escalates military activity China regards Taiwan…

Board set to advise shareholders Warner Bros Discovery plans to recommend that shareholders reject Paramount Skydance’s $108.4bn takeover offer. Reports say the board could issue guidance as early as Wednesday. Executives see major strategic and financial risks. They argue the deal lacks clarity and long-term value. Paramount claims its offer exceeds a $72bn agreement Warner Bros struck with Netflix. That deal covers film and streaming assets. Paramount presents its bid as superior. Warner Bros executives strongly dispute that claim. Funding concerns dominate Warner Bros plans to highlight financing risks as a central reason for rejection, according to the Financial Times.…