Author: OMN AI

AstraZeneca has reached a deal with Donald Trump’s administration to sell some medicines at discounted prices to Medicaid in exchange for relief from threatened US tariffs. Announced at the White House on Friday, the agreement mirrors a similar deal made last week with Pfizer. Under the terms, AstraZeneca will offer “most-favored-nation” pricing — matching the lowest prices available in other developed countries — for certain drugs sold to Medicaid, the government program for low-income Americans. “For many years, Americans have paid the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs,” Trump said. “This deal could bring prices down to the…

In Sengawacho, a quiet suburb of Tokyo, the Ben Thai restaurant has just four bottles of Asahi Super Dry left. Owner Sakaolath Sugizaki hopes for a delivery soon, but her supplier is keeping stock for bigger customers. Japan’s leading brewer, Asahi, shut down nearly all 30 of its factories after a massive cyber-attack paralysed its systems and halted production. Breweries Reopen, but Computers Stay Silent Asahi has reopened several facilities, including six breweries, but its IT systems remain offline. Workers now process every order and shipment manually — using pens, paper, and fax machines. The result is slower production and…

Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting 1 November — or sooner — accusing Beijing of “very hostile” actions to restrict rare-earth exports vital to US industries. The move reignited fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies, sending Wall Street tumbling. The S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, the Nasdaq fell 3.6%, and tech giant Nvidia lost nearly 5% of its value. Relations between Washington and Beijing had recently improved after both sides eased earlier tariffs, but tensions flared again after China expanded export controls on five additional rare-earth materials. “I never…

“This technology is our future threat,” warns Serhiy Beskrestnov as he examines a newly captured Russian drone. It is unlike anything he has seen. Controlled by artificial intelligence, it can find and strike targets without human intervention. Beskrestnov, a consultant for Ukraine’s defence forces, has analysed countless drones since the conflict began. But this one stands out. It neither sends nor receives signals, making it impossible to jam or trace. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces now test AI in combat. They use it to locate enemies, analyse intelligence, and clear mines faster than ever. Artificial intelligence becomes a battlefield game-changer…

Researchers say they have developed the world’s first accurate blood test to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Currently, ME/CFS is diagnosed only through symptoms, often leaving patients undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. The new test, developed by scientists at the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics, detects distinctive DNA-folding patterns in blood. In trials of 47 ME/CFS patients and 61 healthy adults, the test showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy said the breakthrough could “transform how we diagnose and manage this complex disease.” Dr Charles Shepherd of the ME Association called…

Tech Giant Expands Data Power in Wallonia Google invests €5 billion to expand its Belgian data and AI infrastructure, marking its largest project in the country. The initiative creates 300 new jobs and enhances data capacity in Wallonia, reinforcing Europe’s shift toward sustainable digital growth. The company expands its Saint-Ghislain site to accelerate AI and cloud service access across the continent. “With today’s announcement, Google deepens its Belgian presence and opens new doors for AI-driven transformation,” said Bikash Koley, Vice President for Global Infrastructure at Google. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever welcomed the announcement as a milestone for both…

Elon Musk has agreed to settle a $128 million lawsuit with four of Twitter’s former top executives, now part of his rebranded company X. The dispute centered on claims that Musk refused to pay severance owed after his 2022 takeover of the social media platform. Former executives accuse Musk of wrongful dismissal The group, which included former CEO Parag Agrawal, said Musk fired them without cause and denied them the compensation promised in their contracts. In a court filing, their lawyers said, “The parties have reached a settlement, and the settlement requires certain conditions to be met in the near…

New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US come from wild populations. The study, led by Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, found most fish are caught from reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Globally, around 55 million marine animals are traded each year, feeding a US$2.15bn industry dominated by US demand. Fish sold online included 45 species listed as threatened, such as the Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish. “The supply chain is opaque – from reef to retail,” Lin said, calling for stronger oversight and eco-certification schemes. Experts warn unregulated wild…

Gold has smashed records, soaring above $4,000 (£2,985) an ounce for the first time. Investors are rushing into the precious metal as fears over global politics and economic stability intensify. The surge marks gold’s steepest rally since the 1970s. Prices have leapt by almost one-third since April, when US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs shook international trade and spooked global markets. Shutdown crisis deepens market unease The ongoing US government shutdown, now in its second week, has rattled investors around the world. Analysts say delays in key economic data have clouded the outlook for the global economy. Gold, widely seen…

A 72-year-old Israeli rabbi says he possesses evidence of secret Nazi-era Swiss bank accounts untouched since World War II. His investigation is reviving uncomfortable questions about Swiss secrecy, wartime finance, and the unfulfilled promises of restitution. The Rabbi with the Evidence Rabbi Ephraim Meir, a soft-spoken German-Israeli scholar, carries with him a briefcase filled with what he says are copies of banking records and affidavits linking six numbered Swiss accounts to Nazi affiliates in the late 1930s. As first reported by Riva Pomerantz, an investigative journalist with Ami Magazine, Meir claims that the heirs of one account holder formally transferred…