Author: OMN AI

Ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than fresh food and need tougher regulation, researchers say.Scientists from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke University say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.They cite design tactics that maximise reward responses and speed of intake.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harm.Researchers compare “health washing” claims to past cigarette marketing tactics.They argue regulation should target industry practices, not individual choice.Experts say lessons from tobacco control could reduce diet-related disease burdens.

SpaceX Surpasses Tesla in Private Valuation Elon Musk’s SpaceX, now merged with his AI venture xAI, has reached a $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn) valuation, closing the gap with Tesla, which currently sits at $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn). This shift means Musk now holds more of his wealth in space and AI ventures than in electric vehicles. Tesla’s value has slipped early in 2026, with shares down about 6% after reporting a 16% drop in January deliveries and a 3% decline in 2025 revenue — marking the company’s first annual decline. Increased competition in China and Europe, along with the end of U.S.…

Netflix faced sharp scrutiny in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during an antitrust hearing. Senators warn deal could weaken competition and raise costs Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee said the merger could reduce competition in entertainment markets. Several senators warned that subscription fees might rise. Others questioned whether cinemas could survive if regulators approve the deal. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed transaction. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television studios.…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints about the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He said competitors should “focus on themselves” after missing a regulatory opportunity.Rivals questioned engine compression methods used by Mercedes and Red Bull Racing.Other manufacturers raised concerns with the FIA.Wolff insisted the engine meets regulations and said the FIA agreed.He did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix.

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles over growing safety concerns. The country becomes the first to prohibit the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face increased scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly accidents prompted the crackdown. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars made by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors. Mechanical Door Access Is Now Mandatory The new rules allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported the full details of the regulations. Authorities want to ensure access during accidents and power failures. Regulators aim…

Researchers recreated cosmic dust in a Sydney lab to study how life’s building blocks reached Earth.Cosmic dust from dying stars contains organic CHON molecules linked to early life.University of Sydney PhD candidate Linda Losurdo produced dust using plasma in vacuum conditions.The method mimics gases and energy found around dying stars.Scientists hope the work explains why meteorites contain organic matter.The findings appear in the Astrophysical Journal.

New Trade Terms Between the U.S. and India President Donald Trump said Monday that tariffs on Indian goods will drop from 25% to 18%, following talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump also announced that India plans to gradually remove import taxes on U.S. products and commit to buying $500 billion worth of American goods. Modi described the tariff reduction as “delightful” and praised Trump’s leadership, though he did not confirm any changes regarding Russian oil imports. The Russia-Ukraine Factor The U.S. has long pressured India to reduce its reliance on discounted Russian oil, which has continued to flow to…

Southwest Airlines saw its shares jump sharply after reporting a major profit boost. Investors reacted positively to news that new fee structures and seating changes could significantly increase earnings. The airline expects these changes to potentially quadruple its profits. This announcement sparked one of the biggest share price gains for Southwest in decades. Analysts say the results show renewed confidence in airline profitability. Revenue growth is being driven by the airline’s revised fee strategy and optimized seating plans. Passengers may notice changes in ticket options, but the adjustments are designed to maximize revenue while maintaining customer satisfaction. Stock markets responded…

Gold and silver prices dropped sharply as investors rushed to exit positions that had pushed metals to record levels. Losses accelerated on Monday after a heavy sell-off on Friday, marking a sudden shift in market sentiment. During Asian trading, spot gold fell more than nine percent to about $4,403 per ounce. Silver slid roughly 15 percent to below $72 per ounce. Both metals had surged earlier this year amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Fed chair nomination eases market worries The rally had reflected investor concerns over geopolitics and uncertainty about US monetary policy. Traders also feared political pressure on the Federal…

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply warned that soaring shipping costs could push up prices for consumer goods in 2026.CIPS said rising transport, energy, and raw material costs are creating cracks in global supply chains.Procurement bosses reported growing disruption risks, the highest level in two years.Shipping and logistics face the steepest increases, with 22% seeing costs rise more than 10%.Prices for computers, transport equipment, and electrical machinery are already climbing.CIPS said volatility now looks permanent, driven by geopolitics, tariffs, and trade tensions.