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Norway expects Russian sabotage and spying to increase in the Arctic.
The Norwegian security services expect Russia to increase its spying on Norway in the coming year with an emphasis on the Arctic. Moscow could also 'commit' acts of sabotage that undermine Oslo’s support for Ukraine. Norway, a close ally of Ukraine, and Europe's largest supplier of pipeline natural gas, is increasingly worried that Russian intelligence agencies may target its energy infrastructure either physically or through cyberattacks. In a report on the annual threat assessment published on Friday, Norwegian security services (PST), said that they expect Russian intelligence services will increase their activity in Norway by 2026. They are expected to continue focusing on military targets, allied exercises, Norway’s support for Ukraine and operations in "the High North and Arctic region". Russia has consistently denied any involvement in sabotage plans or attacks and rejects these accusations as Western scaremongering. EXPELLED RUSSIAN INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS Norway has expulsed Russian intelligence officers working under diplomatic cover and closed most of its ports for Russian vessels. This limits Moscow's flexibility. Security services expect Russian agencies to adapt. PST's Head?Beate. Gangaas said that "they will seek to compensate for what they have lost... and find other ways to obtain information." Since the start of the war in Ukraine, officials in Europe are growing more concerned about what they see as a rise in hybrid threats coming from Russia. NATO's top commander warned that the alliance needs to be prepared to deal with these threats in order to defend itself. PST reported that Russia will likely continue to monitor the rugged Norwegian coast and map its critical infrastructure using civilian vessels. ATTEMPTS to RECRUIT UKRAINIAN Refugiees It was also warned that Russian services were increasingly recruiting Ukrainian refugees to Norway for intelligence gathering and sabotage. This is especially true of those who have family or property located in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. The Russian Embassy in Norway was not available to comment. PST said that with around 100,000 Ukrainian refugees living in Norway, this recruitment is "a major challenge". Norway monitors Russian military activity on the North Atlantic coast and in the Kola peninsula, which is home to the Northern Fleet of Russia and its majority of second-strike capability. Vice Admiral Nils Steensoenes of Norway's military intelligence said: "We are NATO's eyes and ears in northern Europe, and we call it rightfully so." He sees China as expanding its Arctic presence, and Beijing laying the groundwork for a future Arctic actor. "Militarily,?that's a long time away," he said. The NIS reported that Beijing operated five research ships in the Arctic Ocean in 2018. This is up from just three in 2024, and only one the year before. "It is still mainly in the eastern part and less in our region." Stensoenes said, "We see very few Chinese activities on the Greenland coastline further west."
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UAE shares rise slightly as investors pay attention to Iran-US talks
Mohd Edrees The stock markets of the United Arab Emirates ended slightly higher on February 6, as investors awaited the latest news from Iran, and the high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program. Dubai's main market has now gained for the fifth consecutive session, with a 0.2% increase to its highest level in early 2006. Oman, as the mediator between Iran and America, began negotiations on Friday. Both sides have shown willingness to negotiate. revive diplomacy Washington wants to extend the talks with Iran to cover its?nuclear dispute?with the West. Ballistic missiles U.S. Secretary Of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that the United States is "supporting armed groups in the region" and they are "treating their own people". Abu Dhabi's benchmark Index rose 0.1%. This was due to a 0.8% rise in Aldar Properties, a 0.5% increase in Adnoc Gas and the expected earnings later that day. Dana Gas, which is based in Sharjah, fell 3.3% as the company reported a 14.5% drop in its full-year profits and a 27.5% decline in revenue. According to LSEG, the Dubai index rose 4% in a week, its biggest increase since last June. Abu Dhabi's weekly gains were 2.7%. Salik Company, a toll operator, grew by 2.2% while Dubai Electricity and?Water Authority?, a state-run utility company??grew by 1.3%. By 1141 GMT, oil prices had risen 0.1% to $67.63 per barrel.
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Germany's CDU considers social media bans for those under 16
The conservatives of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are considering banning children under 16 from using social media. However, there was some hesitation from his centre-left partners in the coalition to impose an outright prohibition. Since Australia was the first country to ban children from using social media last year, many countries in Europe are taking or considering similar measures due to concerns about the perceived negative impact of social media on youth. Dennis Radtke is the head of Merz’s influential CDU labour party. He said that the "dynamic development of social media" was outpacing media literacy. "Social media can be a place where fake news and hate are spread. "I, therefore, welcome the idea that we follow Australia's lead and introduce an age limit," said he. Johannes Schatzl is the Digital Policy Spokesperson for the Social Democrats, Merz’s centre-left coalition partner. He said that he was against an outright prohibition, and called for effective control by the platforms. He stated that social media, while posing risks to young people, also offered opportunities for participation and opinion formation. He said that social media platforms must regulate their business models in order to protect 'young people. This includes clear safeguards, and a ban on algorithmic recommendation systems aggressive for minors. He said: "I do not consider that a blanket ban on the use of social media by under-16s is effective." CDU CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS MINIMUM AGE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA Bild reported that the local CDU from the northern state Schleswig-Holstein filed a motion for discussion at the upcoming party national conference, which will take place on February 20-21. The CDU is Germany's largest party, which includes the SPD and the centre-left. The motion stated that "a statutory minimum of 16 years for open platforms with mandatory age verification sets a clearly defined boundary and considers?the specific developmental needs of youth." The motion did not specify which platforms might be affected, but it named TikTok and Meta's Instagram as well as Facebook. Carsten Linnemann, Secretary General of the CDU, was quoted in the newspaper as supporting strict age restrictions. He told the newspaper that he was in favor of social media as early as age 16. "Children are entitled to childhood. In the digital age, we must also protect our children from hate, violence, crime, and disinformation. He said that on social networks they are "exposed to content they cannot categorize and process". In Germany, there has been a growing concern about the potential negative effects social media could have on children. Last year, the government appointed a special committee to investigate how best to protect young people online. This commission will report its findings later this year. Thorsten Schmiege is the head of an organization that brings together media regulators on a state-level. He said that cyberbullying, sexual harassment online and hate speech are taken very seriously. He said that social media platforms needed to act. He said that if voluntary measures weren't enough to curb the problem, then a complete ban would be considered. Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Additional reporting by JoernPoltz, Writing by James Mackenzie & Joe Bavier
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Aito, backed by Huawei, teams up with a UAE-based dealer to launch exports
Seres, a Chinese automaker, announced on Friday that the electric vehicle brand Aito has signed a contract with Abu Dhabi-based dealer group 'Performance Plus Motors' to enter the Middle East. Aito is the most successful brand in Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance. It has looked beyond China's highly competitive market. The UAE partnership will give it its first export foothold. Performance Plus Motors will be responsible for the sale, delivery and after-sales services of Aito luxury intelligent models in the UAE, Seres stated in a press release. A timeframe wasn't disclosed. Aito SUVs have arrived in Dubai port and the EV brand's flagship SUV has already begun test drives there. Jason Wang, President of Seres overseas business unit, said that the collaboration was "an important milestone" in Aito’s globalization strategy. The statement detailed?plans to expand into adjacent regions by establishing a wider Middle Eastern presence. Aito was previously only sold in China, but presented its global line-up at the Munich auto show?in September. Seres, a Chongqing-based company, began exporting cars under its own brand in 2023. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, as of November, 1,615 Seres branded vehicles were exported in total. Aito's sales will surpass 420,000 vehicles in 2025. This makes it the largest contributor to Seres whose electric vehicle sales have risen 10.6%, to 472,269 cars. Reporting by Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh. Toby Chopra, Mark Potter and Toby Chopra edited the report.
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As China critic Jimmy Lai waits for Monday's sentencing
The city's judiciary announced on Friday that Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has been a democracy activist and a campaigner for national security, will be sentenced in February. Lai, 78 years old, founder of Apple Daily, now closed, which advocated democracy, was found guilty of two counts of conspiring to collude and work with foreign forces, under China's national security law. He also faced a charge for conspiracy to publish seditious materials. Lai has pleaded guilty to all charges, despite suffering from high blood pressure and heart palpitations after spending more than five years in solitary. The case has brought international attention to Hong Kong's judicial independence amid years of crackdowns on rights and liberties in the global financial centre after pro-democracy demonstrations that Beijing perceived as a threat to its rule. Hong Kong, an ex-colony of Britain, was returned to Chinese control in 1997, with guarantees that it would retain its own judicial and freedom system distinct from mainland China. TRUMP HAS PLEDGED TO 'SAVE LAI' Aleksandra?Without? Borders' Asia Manager, Aleksandra Bielakowska said in a statement that "the eyes of the whole world will be upon Hong Kong." She added, "The result will resonate beyond Jimmy Lai and send a decisive message about the future press freedom on the territory." Donald Trump, the U.S. president, raised Lai’s case in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last October. He has promised to "save", Lai who could face a life sentence. Some countries including the U.S., Britain and Canada have claimed that the trial was politically motivated and demanded Lai's release immediately. Beijing however views Lai as the?mastermind of 2019 protests, and a conspiracy advocate advocating U.S. Sanctions against Hong Kong and China. Lai was detained in 2020 but his trial did not begin until December 2023. It lasted 156 days. The Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have defended national security laws for restoring stability in Hong Kong, and claim Lai is receiving a 'fair trial. Lai was found to be guilty of using Apple Daily for a platform. Six former executives conspired with each other Other people to produce seditious materials between April 2019 and June 2021. Collaborate with foreign forces including the U.S. to impose "sanctions, blockades, and other hostile activities" against China. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of Hong Kong, the top judge in the city, said recently that calls for Lai's release prematurely would undermine rule of law. He said that "such?demands" not only circumvent legal procedures to ensure accountability, but also attack the very core of the rule-of-law itself. Keir starmer, British Prime Minister, said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a "respectful conversation" about Lai during a recent visit to Beijing. He declined to give details.
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As demand for aviation reaches record levels, supply chain chaos will become the new norm.
Executives and suppliers claim that even years after the pandemic the aviation industry still struggles to recover from supply disruptions. These have been made worse by the record passenger demand, and geopolitical issues. Airbus and Boeing have had to delay some deliveries because they are juggling the competing demands of new plane assembly, maintenance and repair for existing fleets. Jeffrey Lam, chief operating officer and President of ST Engineering, the largest provider of airframe maintenance and repairs in the world, said that prolonged supply delays and bottlenecks have become "the new norm". "We fear that this new standard will remain, which is totally unacceptable," he said on the sidelines this week of Singapore Airshow. Leslie Thng, CEO of Singapore Airlines, said that the shortages also drive up the costs for airlines like Scoot. He said: "We also proactive, for example, secure additional spare engines on our own expenses to ensure that the impact of engine problems can be minimized." Demand for Records According to the International Air Transport Association's data, the global air passenger traffic in 2025 will be at a record level. It was 9.3% higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This year it is expected to increase by another 4.9%. IATA reported that to keep up with demand, airlines operate older planes for two more years than the average. This will increase fuel, maintenance and engine leasing costs, as well as inventory costs, by approximately $11 billion between 2025. IATA Director-General?Willie Walsh said: "It is very frustrating and you can see that these suppliers are absorbing a massive amount of additional costs. It's time to improve the situation." Gael Meheust of CFM International, CEO, said that the company was able to increase production following the pandemic but the demand had been "incredible". "That is the paradox we find ourselves in." The supply chain...cannot meet the ramp-up demand, but the demand has reached a level we could never have imagined. He said that the company, a joint-venture between GE Aerospace, and Safran, had increased production by 25 percent in 2025. The output is expected to increase by 10 percent every year. ST Engineering, an engine nacelle manufacturer, says it takes six weeks to make a nacelle, but the total lead time for material and component orders has now stretched to one year, as opposed to nine months after post-pandemic disruptions. Lam says that even placing early orders to ensure that the company has enough inventory does not fully solve the problem. He said that because some of the shortages are global, it is not possible to buy components early. GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES The war in Ukraine has also caused a shortage of titanium and nickel tubes, which is exacerbated by the Russians' refusal to allow access to their exports. These Russian exports accounted for half of global titanium supplies, according Paul Wingfield, account manager of Future Metals (a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate) based in the U.S. Wingfield stated that the current lead time for titanium and Nickel tubing is 50-60 weeks. This is down from 60-70 weeks one year ago but still a long way from the 20 week norm before pandemic. Wingfield explained that the mills were unable to make enough material to catch up because they had stopped production for four years. When everyone ramps up, there is a shortage of material on the market. The mills have to play catch-up. While the chaos that followed the pandemic has caused problems for some suppliers, it has also created opportunities for others. Feng Haotian is a sales engineer for the Chinese carbon brake disc manufacturer Shandong Stopart Brake Material. He said that disruptions made it difficult to get parts from Western Original Equipment Manufacturers and it helped to double its international sales in last year. Stopart's four-disc brake set, priced between 200,000 and 300,000 yuan (between $27,400 and $41,100), costs almost half as much as similar products. Some new customers who didn't buy from us before now have no choice but to purchase our products.
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China shows its strength at Singapore Airshow, while US is isolated
China's military and aviation might was on display at the Singapore Airshow this week, attracting the attention of regional delegations. Beijing is stepping up its efforts to gain influence in Southeast Asia. The?U.S. The?U.S. military has shown its power in the past year with the precise extraction of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and a "major" naval buildup around Iran. Trump, however, has been vocal about his criticisms of certain U.S. Allies and imposed tariffs against them. This created an opening for China. While China's commercial and fighter aircraft are still far from being adopted by the international market on a mass scale, their manufacturers appeared more confident and assertive this year and had a greater presence at Asia's biggest air show. The PLA Air Force aerobatic team performed a show featuring its Chengdu J-10C jet fighters. This aircraft's export variant, J-10CE gained prominence in 2025 after Pakistan used it to shoot down a French Rafale of the Indian Air Force. Chinese state media reported that the team used mid-air fuelling to fly straight to Singapore for this high-profile deployment. Tim Robinson, the editor-in chief of Aerospace magazine by the Royal Aeronautical Society said: "That's kind of a message. Our power projection is increasing." It's one of the most important things a modern Air Force should have. It was previously said that this was one of their weaknesses. In the air-conditioned halls of the air show, Chinese state companies occupied a prominent spot with a brightly lit display dominated by a 1:1 scale model of AVIC’s J-35A multirole stealth fighter. Little is known about this latest addition to Chinese Air Power, which will be first seen in the country by 2024. The message was clear, even though no technical data were displayed. Robinson stated that the message was clear: "If you cannot afford an F-35, or are prohibited from purchasing an F-35, we have an alternative." SOUTHEAST ASIAN INTERESTS Southeast Asian defence officials packed Chinese military and aeronautical booths, highlighting Beijing's increasing pull as it aggressively sells hardware throughout the region. Analysts and Western officials say that the show of strength came at a politically sensitive time, as Southeast Asian governments are growing more uneasy with U.S. commitments to security in the face of a Trump-led Washington which is becoming increasingly isolationist. A senior official from a Western weapons company said, "We still see the same delegations but the conversation is different." The industry-watchers are cautious about any sudden change in the arms trade, but they agree that the background reflects new power politics and diversification of supply chain. Bradley Perrett, China defence specialist, said: "The Chinese companies may believe that, if the other countries lose confidence in purchasing American products, then there is an opportunity for China." "But the majority of U.S. customers will, if they wish to look elsewhere, look at European equipment, South Korean or Japanese equipment." Asia's weapons spending is increasing rapidly?as nations respond to an assertive China. Commercial Aviation Push China's efforts in grabbing market share from Airbus or Boeing are slowing down due to the long process of European certification. COMAC, the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, flew again the C919 jet narrowbody and promoted the C929 widebody as a model at the show. This project is moving forward as a Chinese-led design after originally exploring the possibility of a joint development. COMAC, the Chinese delegation said, was giving priority to potential clients from Southeast Asia due to its Singapore location. Indonesian attendees were also among those who inquired about aircraft. China's efforts are a priority to compete with Airbus and Boeing, even though Western analysts claim it will take many years, if not decades, to build the global footprint and marketing assistance that allows the industry leaders to maintain their entrenched positions. Delegates noted that the commercial attack at the show was expanding, including the market for third-party replacement parts. This is a response to airline fears about shortages in a time of tight supplies around the world. (Reporting and editing by Joe Brock, Jamie Freed and Jun Yuan Yong)
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As demand for aviation reaches record levels, supply chain chaos will become the new norm.
Executives and suppliers claim that even years after the pandemic the aviation industry still struggles to recover from supply disruptions. These have been made worse by the record passenger demand, and geopolitical issues. Airbus and Boeing have delayed some deliveries 'because of the competing demands for new plane assembly, maintenance and repair for existing fleets. Jeffrey Lam, chief operating officer and President of ST Engineering, the largest provider of airframe maintenance and repairs in the world, said that prolonged supply delays and bottlenecks have become "the new norm". "We fear that this new standard will remain, which is totally unacceptable," he said on the sidelines this week of Singapore Airshow. Leslie Thng, CEO of Singapore Airlines, said that the shortages also drive up costs for airlines. This is especially true for Scoot, Singapore Airlines' low cost?carrier, during a panel at Asia's largest aviation and defense event. He said: "We also proactive, for example, secure additional spare engines on our own dime to ensure that the impact of engine problems can be minimized." Demand for Records According to the International Air Transport Association's data, global air passenger traffic will reach a new record in 2025. It is forecast to increase by another 4,9% in 2019. IATA reported that to keep up with the demand, airlines have been keeping older planes in service for two more years than the long-term average. This has resulted in fuel, maintenance and engine leasing costs as well as inventory costs increasing by $11 billion between 2025 and 2050. Willie Walsh, IATA Director-General, said: "It is very frustrating. And when you see that these major suppliers are bearing this additional cost, it's time to improve the situation." Gael Meheust said that the demand for engines was "incredible" during a panel. "That is the paradox we find ourselves in." The supply chain...cannot meet the ramp-up demand, but the demand has reached a level we could never have imagined. He said that the company, a joint-venture between GE Aerospace, and Safran?has increased its production by 25 percent in 2025. Suppliers such as ST Engineering, an engine nacelle manufacturer, struggle to meet the demand for outer housings on jet engines. The company said that they took about six weeks for production, but the total lead time for material and component orders has now stretched to over a year. This is compared to nine months before pandemic disruptions. Lam says that even placing early orders to ensure a company's inventory is adequate does not solve the problem. He said that because some of the shortages are global, it is not possible to buy them in advance. GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES The war in Ukraine has also caused a shortage of materials such as titanium and nickel tubing. This was made worse by the Russians' refusal to allow access to their exports which previously provided about half of global titanium supplies, according Paul Wingfield, account manager of U.S. based Future Metals. Wingfield stated that the current lead time for titanium and nickel tubes is 50-60 weeks. This is down from 60-70 weeks a year earlier, but it's still far away from the 20 week norm before pandemic. Wingfield explained that the mills were unable to make enough material in order to catch up, because they had stopped production for four years. When everyone ramps up, there is a shortage of material on the market. The mills have to play catch-up. Reporting by Julie Zhu, Jun Yuan Yong and Tim Hepher. Editing by Jamie Freed.
Uber fined $8.5 Million in a trial for driver sexual assault
Uber was ordered to pay $8.5m by an American jury on Thursday after it found the company liable for a lawsuit filed by a woman alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a driver at age 19. This verdict could have a significant impact on thousands of other cases brought against Uber.
Jaylynn Dean brought the?case. It was the first bellwether trial of over 3,000 similar lawsuits filed against Uber in U.S. Federal court. Bellwether trials test legal theories, and can help determine the value of claims in order to reach a settlement. In federal court in Phoenix Arizona, the jury found that the Uber driver was acting as an agent, and held the company responsible. The jury awarded Dean $8.5 Million in compensatory damages, but did not award punitive damages. Dean's attorneys had asked for more than $140 Million in damages.
Uber shares fell 1.5% after-hours. Shares of?Lyft fell 1.8%, despite the fact that it is also facing similar lawsuits.
Uber's spokesperson announced that it would appeal the verdict and said the jury had rejected Dean's claims of negligence or defective safety systems. The spokesperson stated that "this verdict affirms Uber's responsibility and investment in rider safety."
Sarah London, the attorney for Dean, stated that the verdict "validates thousands of survivors, who have come forward under great risk to demand accountability from Uber for its focus upon profit over passenger safety."
Dean, a resident of Oklahoma, filed a lawsuit against Uber in 2023. This was one month after the alleged assault that took place in Arizona. She claimed Uber was aware that a "wave" of sexual assaults had been committed by their drivers but failed to take the basic steps to improve safety for its riders. These assertions have dogged Uber for years, drawing headlines and congressional attention.
Alexandra Walsh, the attorney for Dean, said during the closing arguments of the trial that Uber had advertised itself as a safer option for women who were traveling late at night, especially if they'd been drinking.
"Women are aware that the world is dangerous." Walsh stated that we are aware of the dangers associated with sexual assault. They made us think that it was a safe place.
UBER SAYS THAT IT IS NOT LIABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF DRIVERS
Uber, which is facing numerous safety concerns, including accusations of lax driver screening and a culture that critics say prioritizes growth over passenger protection has said it shouldn't be held responsible for criminal behavior by drivers using its platform. It says its background checks are sufficient and its disclosures regarding assaults.
The company claims that its drivers are independent contractors and not employees. It also maintains that it cannot be held responsible for any actions outside of what can be reasonably considered their duty.
"He had no criminal history. Kim Bueno said during the closing arguments that the driver had no criminal history. Was this predictable to Uber? The answer is no.
Dean's suit claimed that she was 'intoxicated' when she hired Uber to drive her from the home of her boyfriend to her hotel. Dean claimed in her lawsuit that the driver harassed her during the ride, before stopping the vehicle and raping Dean.
Dean's case was overseen by U.S. district judge Charles Breyer in Phoenix. Breyer is normally seated in San Francisco. Breyer manages all similar federal cases brought against Uber, which are centralized at his San Francisco court. In California, the company also faces more than 500 lawsuits. In September, in the only case that has gone to trial to date, a jury sided with Uber. The jury determined that, while Uber had been negligent in its safety measures and procedures, this negligence did not play a significant role in the woman's injury.
Mark Giarelli, Morningstar analyst, said that while it is difficult to determine the financial impact of the ruling, Uber's background check procedures are likely to improve as a result. Giarelli stated that this highlights the importance of thorough background checks for convenience apps such as Uber and DoorDash, where customers interact with the supply side (drivers and delivery agents). Reporting by Diana Novak Jones and Abhirup in San Francisco. Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Ethan Smith.
(source: Reuters)