Author: Andrew Rogers

China tech roadmap took center stage at the opening of the National People’s Congress. Leaders revealed a detailed plan focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), humanoid robotics, and space technology. The blueprint aims to turn recent breakthroughs into industrial momentum and long-term growth. Officials said AI will play a central role in the plan. The government intends to expand smart applications across healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. These efforts aim to improve efficiency and create new commercial opportunities. Experts noted that China is accelerating the practical use of AI in everyday industries. Humanoid robotics is another key area. The roadmap highlights robots…

A new immunotherapy drug has produced striking early results in men with advanced prostate cancer.Researchers say the treatment shrank tumours in several patients and caused mostly mild side effects. Prostate cancer affects about 1.5 million men worldwide each year.Many advanced cases stop responding to existing therapies, creating an urgent need for new options. Scientists tested the experimental drug VIR-5500 in a phase one clinical trial.The study involved 58 men whose disease had progressed despite other treatments.Most participants experienced only minor side effects during therapy. The drug works as a T-cell engager.It links the body’s killer immune cells directly to cancer…

Burger King has introduced an AI assistant in hundreds of US restaurants.The system connects to employee headsets and listens during customer interactions. The company calls the voice chatbot “Patty”.It recognises words such as “welcome”, “please”, and “thank you”.Managers receive insights into overall service patterns. Burger King says the tool does not score individual workers.It aims to support coaching and improve guest experience.Online critics have described the rollout as excessive and intrusive. The platform also tracks product availability in real time.It removes sold-out items from digital menus automatically.The assistant guides staff during food preparation after orders arrive.It can even alert teams…

A new daily pill may offer a more effective oral GLP-1 treatment for weight loss.Researchers tested orforglipron as a non-injection alternative to Wegovy and Mounjaro. Eli Lilly manufactures orforglipron and prescribes it for type 2 diabetes.The drug targets the same GLP-1 receptors as oral semaglutide.It lowers blood sugar, slows digestion, and suppresses appetite.Patients can take it without fasting. Regulators in the UK, US, and Europe have not yet approved the drug.The US Food and Drug Administration currently reviews it.Semaglutide remains the only oral GLP-1 diabetes treatment in the US.Doctors sell it as Rybelsus for diabetes treatment.An oral weight-loss version of…

Aston Martin will cut up to 20% of its workforce as it tries to save about £40m. The move could affect around 500 employees. The luxury carmaker had already removed 170 roles at the start of last year. It said the latest redundancies form part of a wider restructuring plan. The company aims to become leaner and better prepared for future production. The announcement followed new financial results. Aston Martin reported pre-tax losses of £363.9m for 2025, up from £289.1m the previous year. Weak demand and higher US tariffs damaged trading. Chief executive Adrian Hallmark said job cuts alone would…

Hong Kong’s economy is showing a strong recovery, with projections indicating a fiscal surplus after years of deficit. Improved economic growth, rising tourism, and strong stock market gains are key factors supporting this turnaround. Analysts say the rebound is also aided by Hong Kong’s alignment with China’s broader economic strategy. The city’s fiscal surplus reflects higher government revenues, fueled by gains in taxes, tourism spending, and corporate profits. After years of budget deficits, Hong Kong is now expected to record a positive balance, giving policymakers more room to invest in infrastructure and social programs. Tourism has surged as travel restrictions…

Unlicensed gambling companies could lose the right to sponsor Premier League clubs under new government plans. Ministers launched a consultation after a series of controversies involving some overseas operators. Several top-flight teams, including Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently display brands linked to online casinos or bookmakers without British licences. Clubs have already agreed to remove all gambling sponsors from the front of shirts after this season. That voluntary move will not cover sleeve deals or other partnerships. The proposed ban would close that gap. It would stop unlicensed firms from using any commercial tie-ups to promote their brands through…

The UK has paused a clinical trial on puberty blockers for children after the medicines regulator intervened. The regulator warned about unquantified long-term biological risks. It demanded a minimum participant age of 14. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will meet the sponsor, King’s College London, next week. They will address concerns about participant wellbeing. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the delay on Friday. The Pathways trial will not recruit participants until they resolve the issues. The Cass review recommended the study. The review found poor evidence for claimed benefits of puberty blockers in young people.…

China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s biggest trading partner.Trade between Germany and China reached €251bn in 2025, according to official figures. German imports from China totalled about €170.6bn.Exports to China were far lower at €81.3bn.Trade with the US fell to €240bn, partly linked to new tariffs. Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing this week for talks with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang.He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and economic relations. Germany’s car industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rely heavily on Chinese production and sales. The EU is trying…

OpenAI has revealed it debated alerting Canadian authorities about a user months before a deadly school attack.The company said it flagged the account of Jesse Van Rootselaar in June for activity linked to potential violence. After reviewing the case, OpenAI decided the threshold for contacting law enforcement was not met.Its policy requires signs of a credible and imminent threat of serious harm.The company said it found no evidence of active planning at the time. The 18-year-old later killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia before taking their own life.Police said the victims included a teaching assistant and several…