Fortis Renewable Energy has signed a mandate letter with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for potential financing of a 270 MW solar power plant paired with a 72 MWh battery storage system near Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. The project, set to become the region's largest photovoltaic facility, targets construction start in the third quarter of this year.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a plan December 30, 2025, to boost automotive digitalization, aiming to lift vehicle makers' smart manufacturing by one level and cut R&D cycles 20% by 2027. Separately, energy regulators set a 15-gigawatt target for concentrated solar power capacity with costs matching coal by 2030.
The Swiss National Bank unveiled detailed rules Thursday for its extended liquidity facility, a standardized tool set to launch in 2027 that lets banks tap emergency funds against collateral. Officials say the measure will fortify Switzerland's financial system against shocks like the 2023 Credit Suisse collapse.
Brent crude futures rose 24 cents to $70.59 a barrel early Thursday, extending a more than 4% rally from the prior session. Traders cited risks of supply disruptions from escalating US-Iran tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.
A Venezuelan news outlet argues the United States originated in systematic genocide under George Washington's 1779 Sullivan Order. The piece ties the Revolutionary War campaign to modern U.S. foreign policy.
Russia's Urals crude oil traded at a record $28 per barrel discount to Brent last week, the widest gap since April 2023. The plunge stems from slumping exports to India and Baltic Sea ice disruptions.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will visit Naga City on Feb. 21 alongside Mayor Leni Robredo to inspect flood control efforts. The joint appearance by the former rivals draws attention amid talk of 2028 election alliances.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faces a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend accusing him of repeated physical assaults over 18 months. Dacoda Jones, mother of his two sons, filed the suit in Dallas County District Court on February 16, seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards, the first Black woman on the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team, has tallied seven points through six games as Team USA heads into Wednesday's gold medal final against Canada. The 20-year-old defenseman wears No. 10 and ranks second among Americans in ice time at 21 minutes, 37 seconds per game.
A Venezuelan commentary argues that true cybersecurity for nations in the Global South demands physical disconnection from the internet. The piece invokes a regional proverb to claim no online presence offers the ultimate protection against digital threats.
Foreign oil companies including Chevron are rushing into Venezuela to ramp up production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day within six months, executives say. But even basic projects face severe hurdles like polluted fields and crumbling infrastructure.
Leaked European prices put the Xiaomi 17 at €999 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The pricier Xiaomi 17 Ultra reaches €1,699 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
Sydney Sweeney and music executive Scooter Braun continue their casual romance, an insider told Us Weekly. The 28-year-old actress enjoys the low-pressure relationship after her split from fiancé Jonathan Davino.
A former top official at Bangladesh's cricket board accused Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi of persuading Bangladesh to skip the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The claim surfaced as Bangladesh faced elimination from the tournament over repeated refusals to travel citing security concerns.
Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper says he's prouder of his two sons playing in the league than his collection of championship rings. Harper shared the sentiment on the 'Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady' podcast.