Latest News
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German Minister urges faster AI self sufficiency after OpenAI breach
Germany's Digital Minister urged Europe to accelerate efforts on Thursday to build its own AI industries after an OpenAI test revealed an AI agent breaching a system and raising concerns about control of increasingly autonomous technology. Karsten Wildberger said the incident?highlighted both the need for stronger safeguards and more European self-sufficiency when it comes to AI. Concerns over advanced AI systems are increasingly overlapping with the bloc's drive for technological sovereignty. Wildberger stated that "we all need to take the incident very, very serious". He described the fact that the agent "became autonomous" and penetrated into other systems as being "very alarming". OpenAI reported this month that a?agent slipped out from an isolated testing environment to break into Hugging Face. This compromised the?integrity? of a platform for developers where they store and collaborate AI model code. The crucial question is, to what extent can we truly manage and maintain control of them? Wildberger stated. He added that the incident had sparked a "broader international discussion" about security and prevention standards for AI systems. The Minister said that the incident also highlighted the importance of reducing the reliance on foreign AI suppliers, especially given the limited visibility into their abilities and the risk of access being restricted at short-notice. Wildberger said: "We must move even faster to achieve self-sufficiency with AI. That's the only thing that will allow us to keep up with the global competition. It's just five minutes before midnight. We need to accelerate our pace here." He added that Europe should strive to develop AI systems capable of competing on the technological frontier. He also urged for more?investment to be made in data centers, asking why European companies do not?support the sector. He said that while energy costs are higher in Germany than on other markets, the cost is not prohibitively high. "Good money is still possible." "We need to ensure that perhaps we develop a little more appetite for risk," said he, adding that policymakers cannot provide more data centres. Reporting by Andreas Rinke. Miranda Murray is the writer. Mark Potter (editing by Miranda Murray)
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Azerbaijan aims to boost trade along China Turkey corridor
Azerbaijan's government expects the freight volume along the "Middle Corridor", a trade route, to rise 17% this year to 5.5 million tons before rising to 7 million tons in 2027. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known by the name of the corridor, connects China to European countries via Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. It also passes through Georgia, Turkey, and Georgia. Containers containing clothing, electronics, and other consumer products, as well grain, coal, ore and fertilisers are transported along this route. The corridor, with its annual capacity of over 15 million tons is still a tiny part of the rail traffic between China & Europe. Baku, however, is expanding its port and rail infrastructure in order to gain a greater share of this trade. This is because many global logistics companies are diversifying away from Russia as a result of the war it has fought in Ukraine. The Iran war also disrupts other routes. Aytan turabova, the head of the Transport Policy Department in Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, stated that Azerbaijan’s total transit volume rose 10.1% on an annual basis during the first half of this year. Middle Corridor Freight grew by 13.1%. Turabova stated that "we see sustained growth in the cargo flows, and expect this trend will continue as infrastructure, digitalisation of transport, and regional co-operation advance." The European Union has pledged up EUR200 million (229 million dollars) in grants to support transport, energy, and digital links throughout the South Caucasus. Meanwhile, the United States wants to promote a transit corridor from Azerbaijan to Turkey, which would cross Azerbaijan, Armenia, and other long-time enemies who signed an initial peace accord last year. Around 87% of these projects are already in implementation or covered by short-term plans. Rauf Agamirzayev is a Baku based transport analyst who said that the strategic importance of the corridor has increased 'in the last?years. He said that the Middle Corridor route has seen a two-to-three-fold increase in cargo volumes since it was first introduced nine years earlier. "This momentum will continue through 2030." Turabova stated that increasing the Middle Corridor’s capacity would require coordinated investment, harmonised tariffs and simplified border procedures. She said that the expansion of Baku International Sea Trade Port would increase handling capacity from 15 to 25 millions tons and container capacity to 500,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) from 150,000 TEU. Baku is looking to increase regional cooperation in order to mitigate the risks of these plans. The Caspian Sea has shrunk by approximately a metre since 2005.
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Italy's beach access dispute pits campaigners against lido operators
In this hot summer in Italy, the clash between cultures has intensified. Campaigners for free beach access are pitted against lido operators that charge for essentials like umbrellas, sunbeds, food stalls and lifeguard services. Santa Severa is an ancient Etruscan village located about 50km (30 miles) to the north-west from Rome. The battle lines are clearly defined. The beach is lined with parasols of all colours, and there are narrow strips of sand in between each lidos. Simone Vincenzi is the manager of Pino al Mare, a family-run lido that has been in operation for three generations. In his establishment - which also has a restaurant and hotel with 57 rooms - guests can pay EUR42 ($48), for two sunloungers and an umbrella near the sea. They will also have access to a beach volleyball field and children's playground. All day, lifeguards are in duty. Vincenzi stated that Santa Severa was a destination for families with small children. "We take the utmost precaution in this regard." Campaigners want more beaches in Italy to be 'free of charge' and claim that those who are unable or unwilling to pay are marginalised. "Public beaches tend to be located in the most undesirable spots, like rocky areas, or near drainage outlets," Elisabetta Gallo said, an activist for the Free Seas National Coordination which promotes free beach access. She added, "This is not a logic that promotes free beaches but one of exclusion." LUCRATIVE LIDO Concessions Santa Marinella is a neighbouring city with fewer free beaches and more difficult access. "On weekends, the small beaches, coves and inlets are crowded because not everyone has money to spend on lidos," said Simonetta Gazzella, an activist. The European Union has pushed successive Italian governments towards a more transparent system of allocating these 'lucrative' licences, but the reforms have been slow. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia meloni passed a law 2024 that allows existing business licenses at seaside resorts to continue to be valid until September 2027. A possible extension could extend to March 2028. Santa Severa, Santa Marinella and the local councils published public notices for the allocation of beach concessions up to 2033. In most cases, existing operators were assigned the concessions in the absence competing applicants. Italy's highest administrative court is currently reviewing the procedure that has been subject to a legal challenge. According to Vincenzi beach concessions are a way of ensuring cleanliness and order on the coast. Gallo, the campaigner, said that local authorities should take responsibility of public beaches and provide basic services like showers, trash bins, and lifeguard assistance. She said: "We believe the sea belongs everyone, and it should be welcoming to all." (Writing and editing by Matteo Negri)
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Bombardier tops profit estimates, free cash flow turns positive on strong jet demand
Bombardier reported a second-quarter profit that was above analyst expectations. This was due to a robust demand for private jets, which also led to a turnaround in the company's free cash flow and increased its order backlog. Montreal-based Bombardier said that its quarterly revenue increased 6% annually to $2.15billion, despite having delivered four fewer aircraft. According to data compiled from LSEG, analysts estimated the company's revenues at $2.18 billion. Business jet manufacturers are benefiting from "strong demand" as AI startups and SpaceX generate new customers for private aviation. Bombardier is reducing debt and increasing production in order to deliver more aircraft. Analysts and 'planemakers' say that aerospace supply chains are improving since the COVID-19 pandemic, with overall deliveries increasing?this year. However, there remain lingering concerns regarding certain parts. Bombardier has delivered 32 business planes for the first quarter of this year, down from 36 a year ago. This is due to lingering supply-chain constraints. Bombardier expects to deliver more planes by?the second half of 2026. Bombardier's U.S. competitor Gulfstream Aerospace - a division within General Dynamics Corp - said earlier this week that deliveries had risen by three planes, to 41. Textron Inc also said they were still dealing with issues relating to some key components. Bombardier had a backlog of $21.8 billion at the end of June, up $4.3 billion from December. Investors closely monitor the company's metric of?free cashflow, which was $228 million for the second quarter. This is up from a negative $164 in the same period last year, due to customers making firm deposits on new plane orders. The quarterly profit was $2.50 a share on a 'adjusted' basis. This compares to analysts' expectations of $1.41.
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Norwegian Cruise Line reduces annual profit forecast
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reduced?its annual profit forecast?on Thursday and said that demand was still under pressure due to softer booking trends. In premarket trading, shares of the company dropped by about 5.7%. As a result of looming geopolitical uncertainty and higher airfares to reach the starting destination, cruise operators have seen a slowdown in bookings. John W. Chidsey, CEO of Chidsey & Co., said: "While we're confident in our brands and in the long-term benefits that will come from the actions we have taken so far, we're still at the beginning stages of our turnaround." Norwegian Cruise Line is 'working on cost saving measures, such as streamlining their supply chain. The company also felt the pressure of increased investments in?ship -maintenance?, more dry docking days and new fleet additions. The company's forecast for?fiscal?2026 adjusted earnings per share is around $1.50. This compares to its previous forecast of $1.45?to $1.79?per share. LSEG data shows that analysts expected a profit of $1.67 a share. (Reporting by Sanskriti Shekhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Joyjeet Das)
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Ukraine grain and oilseeds forecast increased after favorable weather
The Ukrainian association of 'grain producers' and 'exporters' said that the 2026 crop is expected to reach 84.6 metric tons. According to the statement of the grain association, this forecast has been increased by 1,000,000 tons due to favorable weather conditions. The association estimates that potential exports for the 2026/27 seasons could reach almost 52 million tonnes. It said that the wheat harvest is expected to be 23.7 million tonnes, and exports will reach 18 million tons. The capacity of Ukraine to export grain has declined significantly over the past few weeks, as Russia intensified its strikes against Black Sea ports and civilian vessels. This has led to ship owners halting calls to ports. Ukraine is one of the major exporters of grains and oilseeds in Europe. Corn?and wheat dominate the area planted. The country has already exported?34.4 millions tons of grain during the season 2025/26. The Ukraine's grain harvest for 2026 could be 60 million tonnes, which is almost the same as the previous year.
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TC Energy exceeds its quarterly profit expectations on the strength of North American operations
Canadian pipeline operator TC Energy surpassed analysts' expectations for a?second quarter profit on Thursday. The growing demand for natural gas from industrial and power users in North America is a boon to pipeline operators. The adjusted core profit of TC Energy’s U.S. - natural gas pipelines, its largest segment, grew to C$1.22?billion in the second quarter, up from C$1.09 billion a year ago. Calgary-based company reports adjusted core earnings from Canadian natural gas pipelines of C$961 millions for the three-month period ended June 30. This is up?from C$923million a year earlier. The core quarterly adjusted profit for its "Mexican Natural Gas Pipelines" business increased to C$409 million, up from C$319 millions a year earlier. LSEG data shows that TC Energy earned 94 'Canadian Cents per Share' on an adjusted basis during the second quarter. This compares to analysts' average expectations of 83 Canadian Cents ($0.5908). ($1 = 1.4049 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Sumit Saha in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
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Bombardier's free cash flow turns positive with stronger private jet orders
Bombardier reported positive free cashflow for the second quarter of '17, reversing a cash burn from a year ago. Strong demand for private 'jets has helped to increase the backlog of?orders? for this?Canadian business aircraft manufacturer. Bombardier, based in Montreal, reported that its quarterly revenue increased 6% annually to $2.15billion, boosted by the demand for aftermarket services and despite having delivered four fewer aircraft. The demand for business jets is strong, thanks to a new wave of wealth created by AI startups and SpaceX. Bombardier is reducing debt and increasing production in order to deliver more aircraft. Analysts and planemakers agree that the supply chain has improved since COVID-19, with deliveries increasing this year. However, there are still concerns over certain parts. Bombardier delivered 32 business jets during the first quarter of this year, down from 36 a year ago. This was due to lingering supply-chain constraints. It expects to deliver more planes by the second half of 2026. Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier’s U.S. competitor and a division of General Dynamics Corp., announced earlier this week that deliveries had increased by three planes, to 41. Textron Inc. said they were still dealing with issues relating to some key components. Bombardier had a backlog of $21.8 billion as of June 30. This is up $4.3 billion since December. The company's second-quarter cash flow was $228 million, an important metric for investors. This is up from a negative $164 millions a year ago, thanks to customers' deposits on new plane orders. The adjusted quarterly profit was $257 million or $2.50 a share, up from $117 million or 1.11 per share in the same quarter last year.
Thai court considers damages claimed by crew of ship attacked Strait of Hormuz
The lawyer for the three Thai sailors said that the?Labour Court of Thailand accepted on Friday a 'petition by the Thai sailors seeking damages after a fatal attack on their cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran in March.
The petition seen by seeks at least one million baht ($30,000), per sailor, from companies and agencies connected to Precious shipping, the vessel's owner, and its captain.
Kunpat Singhathong, their lawyer, told reporters that the sailors had accused?their employer of taking them to dangerous areas and putting their lives in danger. They also claimed they were unable continue working because of this.
He said that all three had been diagnosed with PTSD and were unlikely to return to the sea as sailors. However, he did not release any medical reports.
Kunpat has confirmed that the sailors have received compensation for their lost items and two months' pay.
Precious Shipping, in a statement sent to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), said that it had not received any court documents. However, it 'insisted on fulfilling its obligations towards the crew according to applicable laws and contract arrangements.
The company said that it has been providing care and support for the crew members affected by the accident and their families.
Two projectiles hit the Thai flagged Mayuree Naree, which was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March. This is a crucial waterway for oil exports.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned after the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February that any ship crossing through Iran would be targeted. Before the Mayuree Naree 'passage, several vessels were struck.
Precious shipping said in a statement dated March 11, that its vessel had taken enhanced security measures and "maintained communication" with the "relevant maritime security coordination centers".
Kunpat claims that the company informed him they had already paid the sailors' compensation and wouldn't take on any additional responsibilities.
"They paid, and told us to not ask for more. What? we gave is already enough," said Noppadon, a 33-year-old former crewman. He called the compensation inadequate and did not meet international standards.
A former crew member, Panithi Tumkaew (43), who worked for the company 11 years said that he needed medical attention because loud noises made him frightened and unable to do his job.
"These days I take sedatives" Panithi said, "I take them to sleep."
(source: Reuters)