The National Times

Masks in class -- how damaging to child development?

Two years into the pandemic, concerns around the effect of masks on the linguistic, emotional and social development of children are taking center stage.

Macron calls for 14 new reactors in nuclear 'renaissance'

French President Emmanuel Macron called Thursday for a "renaissance" for the country's nuclear industry, saying he wanted up to 14 new reactors to power the country's transition away from fossil fuels.

Stocks slide as US inflation surges

US stock markets slid on Thursday as data showed inflation jumping to a four-decade high, raising concerns that the Federal Reserve may move aggressively with interest rate hikes.

Astra warns on falling Covid treatment sales after record year

British Covid vaccine maker AstraZeneca on Thursday warned that coronavirus product sales and profit margins would drop this year as the pandemic recedes and after record-high group revenue in 2021.

Detained Eritrean Orthodox ex-leader dies at 94

The former head of Eritrea's Orthodox church, who spent more than a decade under house arrest, has died aged 94, church officials and a London-based religious rights group said Thursday.

EU chief unveils 150-bn-euro investment plan for Africa

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday unveiled plans to muster investment of more than 150 billion euros for Africa, proclaiming Europe to be the continent's biggest and "most reliable" partner.

Largest ever cut diamond at auction sells for £3.2 million

The Enigma, the largest cut diamond ever to come to auction, went under the hammer in London on Wednesday for £3.16 million ($4.3 million, 3.8 million euros) having recently gone on display for the first time.

YouTube woos creators to fend off competition

YouTube on Thursday laid out goals for the year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals TikTok.

Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances

Indonesia on Thursday ordered 42 Rafale fighter jets from France and may acquire two French submarines, as Paris and Jakarta seek to strengthen military ties in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific.

TotalEnergies returns to profit after Covid crisis

French energy giant TotalEnergies on Thursday rebounded from the Covid crisis with a huge 2021 profit as oil and gas prices soared -- a performance that raised political hackles in an election year in France.

Honduras president stops eviction of indigenous community

The eviction of a hundred Lenca indigenous families in Honduras was stopped Wednesday at the request of President Xiomara Castro after dozens of police officers tried to remove them.

Nigeria Islamic police destroy nearly 4 mn beers

Religious police in northern Nigeria's city of Kano have destroyed nearly four milllion bottles of beer, on grounds that sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the predominantly Muslim region.

Zeus and free bitcoin: Super Bowl ad frenzy is back

Big brands who in recent years have sat out the TV advertising frenzy around the biggest US sporting event -- the Super Bowl -- are returning in force Sunday and forking out millions for prime spots.

Saudi coffee legacy percolates through the generations

For Farah al-Malki, growing coffee plants in Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Jizan is more than just a profession. It is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.

How thieves manage to steal cryptocurrency

US officials announced on Tuesday they had recovered $3.6 billion of bitcoin stolen in a 2016, throwing a light on the scams that surround cryptocurrency.

Black diamond, largest ever cut, sells for £3.2 million

"The Enigma", the world's largest known cut diamond at 555 carats, went under the hammer in London on Wednesday for £3.16 million ($4.3 million, 3.8 million euros) having recently gone on display for the first time.

Climate hope as scientists in UK set fusion record

Scientists in Britain announced Wednesday they had smashed a previous record for generating fusion energy, hailing it as a "milestone" on the path towards cheap, clean power and a cooler planet.

Stock markets rise on eve of US inflation data

Stock markets climbed Wednesday on the eve of highly anticipated US inflation data, with sentiment buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

UK MPs' report finds Brexit burdening businesses

Britain's trade with the European Union has been dented by Brexit, with businesses facing greater costs, paperwork and border delays since the UK's full withdrawal, a watchdog panel of MPs said Wednesday.

Japan offers gas to Europe over Ukraine fears

Japan is offering Europe part of its liquified natural gas imports over fears supplies will be disrupted by tensions surrounding a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tokyo's trade minister said Wednesday.

Markets rally as traders brace for US inflation data

Equity markets rose Wednesday following a positive performance on Wall Street as traders prepared for the release of highly anticipated US inflation data, while sentiment was also buoyed by signs of easing Russia-Ukraine tensions.

High energy prices put more pressure on Turks

When temperatures plunged well below freezing in Ankara and energy prices soared, Dondu Isler had to make a tough choice to both stay warm and keep her soaring utility bills down.

Asian markets rise again as traders brace for US inflation data

Asian markets rose Wednesday following a positive performance on Wall Street as traders prepared for the release of highly anticipated US inflation data, while sentiment was also buoyed by signs of easing Russia-Ukraine tensions.

Toyota overcomes chip shortage to beat Q3 net profit forecast

Toyota on Wednesday posted a forecast-beating net profit of $6.8 billion for the three months to December, even as a global chip crunch and a pandemic-driven parts shortage forced production cuts.

Citi exit sparks angst for Mexican cultural treasures

Paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are among the cultural jewels whose looming sale has sparked concerns about the future of one of Mexico's most important private art collections.

Toyota quarterly net profit beats estimates despite chip shortage

Toyota on Wednesday logged a forecast-beating net profit of $6.8 billion for the three months to December, even as a global chip crunch and a pandemic-driven parts shortage forced production cuts.

Pandemic sets sales of microwavable popcorn a-pinging

While the closure of cinemas during the pandemic has eaten into popcorn sales, demand for the microwavable form of the popular snack has reached new records, according to Europe's biggest producer.

Peru's president swears in new cabinet, his fourth in six months

Peru's leftist President Pedro Castillo on Tuesday appointed a new cabinet, the fourth since he came to power six months ago, including replacing a prime minister who lasted just three days in office.

Asian markets rise again as traders gird for US inflation data

Asian markets rose Wednesday following a positive performance on Wall Street as traders prepared for the release of highly anticipated US inflation data, while sentiment was also buoyed by signs of easing Russia-Ukraine tensions.

Biden finally mentions 'Tesla' after Elon Musk complains

US President Joe Biden, who has not publicly referred to Tesla when talking about electric vehicles since taking office, finally did so Tuesday after the carmaker's head Elon Musk complained about the lack of attention.

Thousands protest Argentina's debt deal with IMF

Several thousand protesters marched in Buenos Aires on Tuesday to denounce the agreement reached between the government of centre-left President Alberto Fernandez and the IMF on the repayment of a $44 billion loan.

Oil prices fall as tensions ease, stocks mostly advance

Oil prices fell Tuesday on easing geopolitical concerns surrounding major crude producers Iran and Russia while stock markets mostly moved higher.

NGO files complaint over dead fish deluge off French coast

Environmental organisation Sea Shepherd on Tuesday filed a legal complaint against the owners of a large fishing vessel after tens of thousands of dead fish were spotted off France's Atlantic coast.

Europe to cut funds for Poland over unpaid fine

The European Commission said Tuesday it would take the unprecedented step of tapping into EU funding earmarked for Poland to collect a fine Warsaw racked up for refusing to close a coal mine.

Pfizer sees Covid-19 drug sales topping $50 bn in 2022

Pfizer forecast more than $50 billion in 2022 sales for its Covid-19 vaccine and therapeutic on Tuesday as the pharmaceutical giant reported a more than doubling of annual profits on strong sales of its innoculation.

BP swings into profit, accelerates carbon reduction

BP returned to profit in 2021 as oil and gas prices surged, rebounding from a huge loss the prior year when the pandemic struck, the British energy giant revealed Tuesday as it also accelerated plans to cut carbon emissions.

iPhones to work as digital payment points in US

Apple announced Tuesday a new service that will allow US businesses later this year to accept payments on their iPhones from touchless cards or other iPhones, a new challenger in the booming payments business.

Oil prices fall as tensions ease, stocks advance