Meta secures nuclear energy in 20-year Illinois plant deal

The investment marks big tech's latest move to meet surging electricity demand from AI, with Microsoft, Google and Amazon also turning to nuclear power as an energy source.

Under the deal, Meta's unspecified investment will replace state government subsidies to keep the Clinton Clean Energy Center operating beginning in 2027.

Airlines less optimistic for 2025, facing ‘headwinds’: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates fewer than five billion air journeys will take place this year, compared with the previously forecast 5.22 billion.

Commercial aviation revenues are expected to remain below the $1 trillion forecast in the previous December projections, with IATA now reporting $979 billion.

Indian airline IndiGo orders 30 Airbus A350 widebody planes

The low-cost carrier, India's biggest by market share, is positioning itself as a significant player in the long-haul market.

The A350 planes, with ranges of up to 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles), will allow it to expand its network further.

Oil under $65 a boon for consumers, but a burden on producers

The fall in oil prices has contributed to a global slowdown for inflation, while also boosting growth in countries reliant on importing crude, such as much of Europe.

Cheaper crude "increases the level of disposable income" consumers have to be spending on "discretionary items" such as leisure and tourism, experts say.

The five biggest-selling gaming consoles

Japanese tech and entertainment giant Sony sparked a global frenzy with the release of PlayStation 2 in 2000.

The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, had a tablet format allowing users to play on a large screen at home or on public transport, helping to turn it into a sensation.

Silicon Valley VCs navigate uncertain AI future

Leading the pack is OpenAI, which raised $40 billion in its latest funding round at a $300 billion valuation -- unprecedented largesse in Silicon Valley's history.

Other AI giants are following suit. Anthropic now commands a $61.5 billion valuation, while Elon Musk's xAI is reportedly in talks to raise $20 billion at a $120 billion price tag.

Saudi Pro League announces long-term partnership with Maaden

The partnership will focus on strengthening Maaden’s position as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia

The collaboration will also explore joint initiatives across community engagement and national talent development

Syria inks $7 bn energy deal with Qatari, Turkish, US firms

Cross-border deals fuel M&A surge in MENA region in Q1 2025

Cross-border deals were the primary engine behind this growth, accounting for 52 percent of the total deal volume (117 deals) and 81% of the total deal value ($37.3bn).

The UAE cemented its position as the top target country for M&A activity in Q1 2025, attracting 63 deals totaling a substantial $20.3 billion.

Musk to exit US government role after rare break with Trump

The South African-born tech tycoon had said Trump's bill would increase the deficit and undermine the work of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Musk, who was a constant presence at Trump's side before returning to his businesses, complained that DOGE had become "whipping boy" for dissatisfaction with the administration