Author: Grace Johnson

Gold and silver closed the year with sharp swings following an exceptional rally. Both metals moved toward their biggest annual gains since 1979. Trading stayed unsettled into the final days. Investors reacted to monetary signals, geopolitical strain, and fragile financial markets. Gold prices climbed by more than 60 percent during the year. The metal hit a record high above 4,549 dollars per ounce. Prices pulled back after Christmas. Gold traded around 4,330 dollars per ounce on New Year’s Eve. Silver showed similar volatility. The metal traded near 71 dollars per ounce at year end. Earlier in the week, silver reached…

Meta has finalized the acquisition of the Chinese-founded AI start-up Manus. The company aims to boost its technological capabilities and expand its AI reach. Meta said the deal will strengthen its systems across consumer and business products. Analysts value deal in billions Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal estimated the acquisition above two billion dollars. Meta has not officially confirmed the price. The investment underscores Manus’s strategic importance for the company. AI agents at the heart of Meta’s plan Meta said the acquisition will bring advanced digital agents to more users. These agents can plan trips, create presentations, and complete…

Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow spread false allegations to block peace efforts. He accused Russia of inventing a justification for further military action. Ukrainian officials said Ukraine carried out no such strike. Russia Alleges Coordinated Drone Operation Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones overnight. He claimed the drones targeted Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russian authorities did not say where Putin was during the incident. Moscow said it would reconsider its stance in peace negotiations. Zelensky Calls Accusation…

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky said talks in Florida pushed efforts to end the Ukraine war ahead. Trump said serious obstacles still prevent a final agreement. Both leaders described the meeting as constructive and successful. Trump said territorial disputes remain the main challenge. Russia continues to demand additional Ukrainian land. Land questions dominate negotiations Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Zelensky said negotiators agreed on ninety percent of a twenty point peace plan. Trump said talks nearly finalised security guarantees for Ukraine. He said progress reached roughly ninety five percent. Zelensky said negotiations would continue next week. Ukrainian and American teams will address…

Rich and voiceless, Russia’s billionaires reached a record high during the war against Ukraine. Their wealth grew, but their political influence shrank. Over 25 years, Vladimir Putin stripped the rich of independent power. Once-feared oligarchs now avoid public opposition. This shift benefits the Kremlin. Western sanctions failed to create elite resistance. Pressure and privilege instead ensured loyalty. The Kremlin maintains control through a combination of reward and threat. Loyalty brings access, protection, and profit. Defiance triggers immediate retaliation. Former banking billionaire Oleg Tinkov experienced this firsthand. One day after he called the war “crazy” online, officials contacted his executives. They…

Ruben Amorim has always defended a clear football philosophy. Control, bravery, and possession usually define his Manchester United side. Against Newcastle, realism replaced ideology. United secured a 1-0 Premier League win built on resistance and unity. The performance lacked flair but delivered crucial points at Old Trafford. A tactical line finally crossed Amorim rarely compromises his ideas. Earlier in the season, he joked nobody could force tactical change. After 13 months in charge, he proved himself wrong. For the first time, United started with a back four under his command. The decision marked a significant shift in approach. From the…

India’s solar expansion wins widespread praise. The transition still conceals a growing waste problem. In little more than a decade, India emerged as the world’s third-largest solar power producer. Renewable energy now anchors national climate policy. Solar panels cover vast parks and spread across rooftops nationwide. Large utility parks generate most solar electricity. Millions of rooftop systems also supply power to the grid. Government figures show nearly 2.4 million households joined a subsidised solar programme. Solar growth reduced reliance on coal-fired power. Thermal and other non-renewables still exceed half of installed capacity. Solar energy now delivers more than 20 percent.…

BP has completed a six billion dollar sale. The company sells a majority stake in its Castrol motor oil unit. US investment firm Stonepeak takes control of the holding. The buyer operates from New York. BP sells 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 sharpen strategic focus. BP retains a 35 percent stake in Castrol. The company first acquired the brand in 2000. Executives described the sale as a strategic milestone. BP…

The US economy gathered strong momentum during the three months to September as consumer spending increased and exports rebounded. Economic output expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, well above expectations. Growth rose from 3.8% in the previous quarter and reached its fastest pace in two years. The figures appeared after delays caused by a federal government shutdown. The report portrayed an economy shaped by shifting trade rules, immigration changes, stubborn inflation, and reduced public spending. These factors triggered sharp movements in trade flows. Despite that turbulence, overall economic momentum stayed firm and exceeded many forecasts. Growth confounds pessimistic predictions…

Amazon has blocked more than 1,800 job applications tied to suspected North Korean operatives. Amazon chief security officer Stephen Schmidt revealed the action publicly. He shared the information in a LinkedIn post. The applicants targeted remote IT positions across the company. They relied on stolen or fabricated identities to pass hiring checks. Remote Employment Used to Channel Funds to Pyongyang Schmidt said the applicants followed a clear and deliberate plan. They aimed to secure jobs and receive steady salaries. They then redirected wages to North Korea. The funds supported weapons development and state programs. Schmidt warned the activity likely affects…