Anthropic tests point to AI self-replication risk on connected devices
The company says smaller models may soon be capable of replicating across connected devices, but its tests have not demonstrated a reliable real-world AI worm.
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China approves Visa’s preparations for domestic bankcard clearing
China’s central bank has cleared Visa to prepare a local bankcard clearing institution, but the company has not yet been authorised to start domestic operations.
Japan cabinet approves bills to ease costs of alternative oil import routes
The proposed measures would help importers with higher transport costs, provide backup for vessel insurance and fund alternative supply infrastructure. They still need Diet...
IMF cuts Latin America and Caribbean growth forecasts as energy costs rise
The Fund now expects regional growth of 2.3% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027, with a sharp downgrade for Argentina and an improved 2026 forecast for Mexico.
UK van drivers face estimated £2.5bn rise in diesel costs this year
Analysis for the Guardian puts diesel van and pickup owners’ combined 2026 fuel spending near £8.5bn, as trade groups press ministers over scheduled fuel-duty increases.
IFS warns UK Budget needs a credible plan for £35bn in potential spending pressures
The think tank says inflation and a defence spending ambition could force difficult choices over taxes, benefits and public services. Its £35bn figure is a scenario, not a...
AIB survey estimates Irish adults lose €150 a year over shared bills and unclaimed debts
Research commissioned by AIB puts a figure on money left unclaimed or overpaid in social situations, but the published reports do not explain how the annual estimate was...
Irish Takeover Panel rejects Axis Capital complaints over PTSB sale
The regulator found no basis to rule that takeover rules were breached. BAWAG’s proposed acquisition still needs High Court approval, while Axis has yet to make a firm offer.
Milford overtakes Westpac in KiwiSaver asset rankings as ANZ loses members
Provider figures for the year to March 2026 show Milford gaining assets and members, while ANZ and Westpac lost members. The rankings are a March snapshot.
French supermarket refrigeration systems hit by cyberattack, with food losses and fires reported
About 150 Intermarché stores were affected, their owner said. France’s cybersecurity agency has warned of numerous compromises involving Danfoss refrigeration controllers, but...
Sharesies investor confidence falls as customers keep depositing
Sharesies’ confidence index dropped to 38 in the September quarter from 57 in the June quarter, while the platform said deposits continued to exceed withdrawals.
West Auckland butcher says meat-packer opening drew more than 1,000 applications
A New Lynn butcher says applicants for a meat-packer role included people with long careers in other fields. New Zealand’s latest official unemployment figures provide wider...
Irish graduate Ella Flanagan reaches James Dyson Award global Top 20 with Noli wristband
The proposed emergency alert device is designed for mental health nurses, but the published material does not establish how it performs in healthcare settings.
Bumble shares jump as Reuters reports talks on a $1 billion take-private deal
Reuters says Ithaca Holdings is in advanced talks to take the dating-app company private. Bumble’s recent results show falling revenue and paying-user numbers, but no deal has...
Three CAISSI officials may report to White House under administration plan
The Information says the administration began restructuring the AI testing center’s leadership in September, citing coordination problems with the Commerce Department. The move...
PrepayPower says electricity and gas prices will stay unchanged until at least March
The Irish supplier's winter pledge follows price rises in June, while new regulator protections address repayment plans for households in arrears.
Heavy crude builds in the Americas as tanker costs squeeze exports
Higher shipping costs are narrowing the appeal of heavy crude from the Americas for buyers in Asia and Europe, while US refiners have limited room to absorb more barrels.
Cuba says solar expansion is advancing as fuel shortages and blackouts persist
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy says Cuba has installed 144 solar farms, but the reported capacity does not establish how much power they deliver to a strained grid.