Author: OMN AI

Europe Must Have a Seat at the Table Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the limited role of European leaders in U.S.-led negotiations with Russia. He said leaving Europe mostly absent is a “big mistake” and stressed that any lasting peace must address the security needs of the entire continent, not just Ukraine and Washington. Zelenskyy highlighted upcoming trilateral talks with the U.S. and Russia, noting that progress toward a ceasefire has been slow. He expressed frustration that the parties often seem “to be talking about completely different things” and warned that focusing solely on…

Aluminium prices declined on Friday as other industrial metals also weakened. Investors reacted to reports that US President Donald Trump could ease some tariffs on metal products. Markets assessed the potential policy shift ahead of the November midterm elections. The benchmark three-month aluminium contract on the London Metal Exchange fell more than 2.5% to $2,965.75 per tonne by midday. The most active contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange dropped 1.76% to 23,195 yuan per tonne. Zinc, Nickel, and Lead Also Move Lower Several core industrial metals recorded losses during the session. Zinc traded at $3,316.50 per tonne, down $51.95 or…

US inflation fell to 2.4% in January after last year’s tariff-driven price swings. The consumer price index rose 0.2% for the month. Core inflation increased 0.3%. Economists expected a slightly higher annual rate. Prices fluctuated strongly last year before stabilizing in late autumn. The White House praised the data and rejected tariff-related price spikes. Wall Street watches the report for interest rate signals. The Federal Reserve paused cuts and will decide again in March. Jerome Powell expects a temporary tariff effect on goods prices. Job growth slowed sharply compared with 2024. Polls show weak approval for Trump’s handling of inflation.…

The United Nations has established a 40-member international scientific panel to study the risks and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), despite strong opposition from the United States. The announcement comes as former employees from AI companies raise alarms over the technology’s rapid development and potential dangers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the move a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” emphasizing that the panel will provide independent, rigorous insight to help all member states engage on an equal footing, regardless of technological capacity. Panel Mission and Structure The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will produce annual…

US President Donald Trump reversed a landmark 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as dangerous to public health. The rule had underpinned federal efforts to curb emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industry. The White House described the action as the “largest deregulation in American history,” claiming it will lower vehicle costs by $2,400 and ease pressure on automakers. Environmental groups called it the most significant climate rollback so far and plan legal challenges. Trump condemns Obama-era regulation Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the 2009 finding was “a disastrous policy that hurt the American auto industry and…

The top legal adviser to the European Court of Justice has said the European Commission should not have released billions of euros to Hungary. Advocate general Tamara Ćapeta argued that Hungary failed to carry out the judicial reforms required to unlock the funds. The European Commission froze payments in 2022 over concerns about corruption and rule-of-law backsliding under prime minister Viktor Orbán. In 2023, the commission lifted the suspension, making about €10bn available after concluding reforms were sufficient. The European Parliament challenged that decision, claiming the commission made serious legal errors and acted without transparency. Some lawmakers suggested the move…

US and European defence ministers signaled a shared understanding this week: NATO must evolve, with Europe taking on a greater share of the responsibility for its own defence. While both sides agree on the need for change, their reasons are slightly different—Washington seeks to focus more on other global regions, while Europeans are cautious of the unpredictability of the current US administration. US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby described the vision as “NATO 3.0,” calling for allies to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter and,…

Lawmakers Pass Resolution in Close Vote The US House of Representatives voted to rescind President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports. The chamber approved the resolution with 219 votes in favor and 211 votes against. Six Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to support the measure. The vote remains symbolic because the US Senate must approve the resolution and Trump must sign it. Trump is very unlikely to approve the measure if it reaches his desk. Trump Intensified Tariffs After Winning Re-Election Trump imposed several tariffs on Canada after his re-election. He recently threatened a 100% import tax after Canada proposed a…

Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming and dancing can serve as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A large analysis of 63 published reviews covering nearly 80,000 people found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that heart rate–raising aerobic exercise had the strongest effect on depression. Resistance training and yoga also helped, though to a lesser extent. Group and supervised activities delivered extra benefits, suggesting social connection plays a key role. World Health Organization estimates that hundreds of…

A tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on Tuesday has left at least nine people dead, including the suspected shooter, and several others injured. Authorities say this is one of the deadliest school attacks in Canada in decades. Six victims were discovered inside the school, and another person died while being transported to hospital. The suspected shooter was also found dead on school grounds with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. Multiple Locations Impacted During their initial response, RCMP officers entered the school to neutralize the threat and discovered multiple victims. Police later found two…