Author: Andrew Rogers

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a strategic overhaul under new chief executive Dave Lewis. The owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker is said to be working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to review its China operations, where sales have been weakening. According to Bloomberg, the move could include the sale of Diageo’s majority stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed producer and distributor of baijiu. Shares in Swellfun have fallen sharply over the past year amid slowing demand. Lewis, who took over at the start of January, is known for aggressive cost-cutting and restructuring from…

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group stability during periods of environmental or social stress, according to new research. Scientists analysed documented behaviour across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas, and found it to be widespread rather than exceptional. The study, led by researchers including Prof Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London, was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The analysis found such behaviour was more common in species living in harsher, drier environments with scarce resources and higher predation risk. It was also associated with longer lifespans, greater…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time to secure a rare moment of relief for manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Taken to extra time by spirited Championship opposition, West Ham finally prevailed thanks to a decisive header from new signing Taty Castellanos, offering Nuno his first win since early November. The result did little to disguise ongoing concerns, but it provided a temporary lift amid fears of relegation and supporter unrest. The match was played in a febrile atmosphere, with reduced ticket prices swelling the crowd and protests against the club’s ownership continuing throughout. West Ham struggled…

Flu activity in China continues to decline, according to the latest report from health authorities. The China flu activity update shows that positive virus rates are dropping across both southern and northern provinces, signaling that transmission may be easing nationwide. Surveillance data indicate fewer flu outbreaks compared with recent weeks. Health officials say the downward trend suggests that seasonal influenza may be slowing, providing relief for hospitals and public health systems. Experts emphasize the importance of continued vigilance. While flu rates are declining, vaccination and preventive measures remain essential to prevent new cases and reduce complications. Authorities recommend that vulnerable…

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a convincing 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, but supporter anger towards the club’s owners overshadowed the result. Rosenior’s rotated side controlled the match and progressed comfortably to the fourth round, yet travelling fans continued protests against Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly. The new head coach, appointed after Enzo Maresca’s turbulent exit, rested key players ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Chelsea dominated possession and broke through when teenage defender Jorrel Hato scored just before half-time. Second-half goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu restored control after Charlton briefly pulled…

Bukayo Saka has agreed a new five-year contract with Arsenal that will make him one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history. The deal, which runs until 2031, significantly improves on his current agreement and is expected to take his earnings to around £300,000 a week. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta prioritised securing Saka’s future after extending contracts for several other key players. The England international, a Hale End academy graduate, has been central to Arsenal’s title push this season under Mikel Arteta. His new contract underlines the club’s belief in his long-term importance as Arsenal look to sustain…

People who stop taking weight-loss injections regain all the weight they lost in under two years, according to a major new analysis. The study, led by researchers at the University of Oxford and published in the BMJ, reviewed 37 studies involving more than 9,300 participants using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. On average, patients regained weight at a rate of 0.4kg per month after stopping treatment, returning to their original weight within about 1.7 years. Weight regain occurred almost four times faster than in behavioural weight-loss programmes such as diet and exercise plans. Researchers also found that improvements in blood pressure and…

Nottingham Forest inflicted another damaging blow on West Ham United with a late comeback win at the London Stadium. West Ham led early through a Tomas Soucek goal, but a disallowed strike for Crysencio Summerville early in the second half proved pivotal. Forest responded immediately, Nicolás Domínguez heading in from a corner to level the match. With tensions rising and West Ham struggling to manage the game, a clumsy challenge by Alphonse Areola on Morgan Gibbs-White led to a VAR review and a decisive penalty. Gibbs-White converted calmly in the 89th minute to seal the win. The result left West…

China New Year travel soared to record levels during the holiday period, with domestic tourism seeing a significant surge. Travelers made 142 million trips, generating nearly 84.8 billion yuan in total spending, according to official reports. The spike highlights strong demand for both travel and consumption across the country. Families, friends, and individuals took advantage of the holiday to explore cities, scenic spots, and cultural attractions, fueling the tourism industry. Popular destinations included major urban centers, heritage sites, and scenic rural areas. Many travelers combined sightseeing with shopping and dining, contributing to the robust economic impact. Hotels, transport services, and…

Manchester City will be without Rúben Dias for up to six weeks due to a hamstring injury. The setback deepens a defensive crisis for Pep Guardiola, with Josko Gvardiol also sidelined after surgery. City are considering a move for Marc Guéhi to ease centre-back shortages. The club is close to signing Antoine Semenyo, who is due for a medical after City agreed to trigger his £65m release clause. Injuries and absences leave Guardiola with a reduced squad, though he remains confident his side can cope without major spending.