Russia to develop national messaging app over WhatsApp, Telegram concerns
Russia will build its own messaging app for public use, citing security risks with WhatsApp and Telegram, and plans to make it mandatory in government institutions.
Switzerland’s economy outperformed expectations in Q1 2025, driven by a surge in exports to the United States and strong growth in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, surpassing initial forecasts, according to final figures released by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The seasonally and calendar-adjusted GDP growth follows a 0.6% expansion in Q4 2024. In May, SECO had forecast 0.7% growth for Q1 based on preliminary estimates.
A key contributor to the stronger-than-expected performance was a surge in Swiss exports to the United States. SECO noted: “Exports to the United States saw a sharp increase in the first quarter, possibly due to frontloading in response to U.S. trade policy.”
Swiss exports to the U.S. jumped by 17.4% from January to March compared to the final quarter of 2024 - far outpacing the 3.6% rise in overall exports. The chemical and pharmaceutical sectors also saw above-average growth during the period.
Tensions have risen in trade relations between Switzerland and the U.S. after the Trump administration imposed a 31% tariff on Swiss imports in April, though that rate was later reduced to 10% temporarily. The looming threat of tariffs led to a sharp appreciation of the Swiss franc and dampened investment activity.
The Swiss government is currently in talks with U.S. officials in an effort to prevent further escalation. With pharmaceuticals representing a cornerstone of the country’s export economy, Switzerland remains vulnerable to trade barriers in that sector.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG), and CNOOC Hong Kong Holding Limited—a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC Limited)—have signed a contract for hydrocarbon exploration and production under the Zhylyoi project.
European markets rallied on Tuesday, with shares climbing more than 1% after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, easing geopolitical tensions and lifting investor confidence.
Oil prices fell sharply for a second day after Israel confirmed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran, easing fears that the conflict would disrupt global energy supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a major interest rate cut before Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress.
Goldman Sachs economists have warned that any significant disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could push Brent crude prices over $100 per barrel, potentially causing a sharp rise in transport costs, inflation, and slowing global growth.
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