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The Business Times
Trends
- 1
Shipping costs are climbing sharply, adding fresh inflationary pressure to the UK economy. Higher freight rates typically feed through to import prices, affecting retailers, manufacturers and consumers alike. The rise adds to concerns about the UK's economic outlook, which is already strained by elevated prices and sluggish growth, prompting debate among economists and businesses about the impact on trade.
- 2Russian shelling damages businesses in Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih●Russian shelling damages businesses in Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih Russian forces attacked three districts in the Dnipropetrov
Russian forces shelled three districts in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region nearly 20 times in a single afternoon, damaging businesses in both Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih. The strikes are part of ongoing attacks on the industrial region, with local officials reporting damage to commercial property. The bombardment underlines the continued pressure on cities in central-eastern Ukraine as the war grinds on.
- 3
The Financial Times reports that SpaceX is shifting its strategic focus away from its core space launch business, in a piece headlined 'SpaceX pivots away from space' with the subheading 'Starbase, we have a problem'. The framing suggests trouble at the company's Texas Starbase site and questions about where Elon Musk's firm is heading next.
- 4Bill Gates Says Trump Is Wrong to Resist AI Safeguards●Bill Gates Says Trump Is Wrong to Hold Out Against AI Safeguards
Bill Gates has publicly criticised Donald Trump's refusal to back safeguards on artificial intelligence, arguing the US should support stronger oversight of the technology. Gates framed the resistance as a mistake at a time when governments worldwide are moving to regulate AI. The remarks add a prominent business voice to the debate over how far Washington should go on AI rules.
- 5Corporate America turns to cheaper open AI models●Corporate America embraces cheaper ‘open’ AI models
Corporate America is increasingly adopting cheaper 'open' AI models as an alternative to costly proprietary systems from major AI providers. The shift, reported by the Financial Times, suggests companies are looking to cut technology costs while still deploying artificial intelligence across their operations. Open models let firms run AI on their own infrastructure, reducing dependence on expensive vendors.
- 6
Donald Trump is attending the Presidents Cup golf tournament, continuing his well-documented presence at major golf events. His visit draws attention given golf's close ties to his business interests and his repeated rounds played during his time in office and beyond. Attendees and commentators are weighing the significance of a former president appearing at one of golf's showcase international team competitions between the United States and international players.
- 7PM Modi urges 'Vocal for Local' during festive season●PM Modi urges ‘Vocal for Local’ during festivals, highlights nutrition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indians to support 'Vocal for Local' during the festival season, urging people to buy locally made products while also emphasising the importance of good nutrition. The appeal ties consumer choice during upcoming celebrations to strengthening domestic businesses and healthier households, and is drawing attention across Indian news coverage.
- 8
The Seattle Times examines efforts to broker a truce between Washington's business community and the Democratic majority in the state legislature in Olympia. The report highlights negotiations aimed at easing tensions between lawmakers and employers over tax, labor and regulatory policy in the current session.