Tech
In early February, several major companies announced significant layoffs across various industries. Boeing plans to cut approximately 400 positions from its Space Launch System moon rocket program, citing delays and rising costs associated with NASA’s Artemis missions. Meta is set to reduce its workforce by about 5%, equating to around 3,600 employees, focusing on performance-based cuts to remove underperformers. These moves reflect broader industry trends as companies aim to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in a competitive economic environment.
The AI Action Summit, co-chaired by France and India, convened in Paris on February 10–11, 2025, gathering global leaders, industry experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI). A significant outcome was the refusal of the U.S. and the U.K. to sign a declaration promoting “inclusive and sustainable” AI, citing concerns over regulatory language. The summit underscored the need for balanced AI advancement, addressing both innovation and ethical considerations.
Mistral AI, a French startup, has launched “Le Chat,” an AI assistant designed to enhance productivity across various tasks. Le Chat offers features such as real-time internet search, document analysis, code execution, and advanced image generation. Notably, it boasts a rapid response capability, delivering up to 1,000 words per second, positioning it as one of the fastest AI assistants available.
Huawei has integrated DeepSeek’s AI features into its devices, enhancing its AI assistant, Xiaoyi, within the latest version of its HarmonyOS. This integration utilizes DeepSeek’s R1 model, which is designed to improve intelligent interactions and personalized services. Huawei’s adoption of DeepSeek comes amid a competitive landscape where other Chinese manufacturers, such as Honor and Oppo, are also incorporating DeepSeek into their products. This move not only boosts Huawei’s AI capabilities but also aligns with China’s push for self-reliance in technology.
Apple is partnering with Alibaba to bring AI features to iPhones in China. This move comes as Apple faces declining iPhone sales in China amid stiff competition from domestic rivals like Huawei. Due to Chinese regulations, Apple couldn’t bring its partnership with OpenAI to China and needed a local AI partner. Apple reportedly considered other Chinese AI developers like DeepSeek, Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent, but ultimately chose Alibaba, citing their vast consumer data and AI expertise.
In 2025, major tech companies are set to significantly increase their spending on artificial intelligence (AI), with projections indicating a combined expenditure exceeding $320 billion. This marks a substantial rise from $246 billion in 2024. Amazon leads the charge with plans to allocate over $100 billion, primarily for expanding its AWS services and developing custom AI chips. Microsoft follows closely with an $80 billion budget, while Alphabet and Meta plan to invest $75 billion and $65 billion, respectively.
China is assembling a “planetary defense” team to counter potential threats from near-Earth asteroids, particularly following the discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2.2% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. The State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) is recruiting specialists to develop asteroid monitoring and early warning systems. China is also planning a mission to deflect an asteroid by 2030, with a spacecraft impacting the asteroid while another observes.
Global
The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania officially disconnected from Russia’s electricity grid on February 10, 2025, marking a significant geopolitical shift. The disconnection was part of a long-planned integration into the European Union’s energy system, enhancing regional security amid ongoing tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Baltic states will now rely on connections to Finland, Sweden, and Poland for their energy needs.
The 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) in Harbin concluded on Friday, marking the largest edition in history with over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries. China topped the medal tally with 32 gold medals. The Games saw historic breakthroughs, with Cambodia and Saudi Arabia making their debut. New events included curling mixed doubles and ski mountaineering.
The flu season in the U.S. has surged dramatically, leading to widespread school closures as educational institutions struggle with high rates of illness among students and staff. Schools in at least ten states, including Texas, Ohio, and Tennessee, have temporarily shut down to manage outbreaks and allow for thorough cleaning. The CDC reports over 24 million flu cases this season, with hospitalizations reaching alarming levels.
Over 100 vehicles crashed on Interstate 84 near Portland, Oregon, due to severe “whiteout conditions” on Thursday. The incident led to the closure of a four-mile stretch of the highway. One SUV caught fire, but all occupants escaped safely. Reports of injuries were made, but specific figures were unavailable. The Oregon Department of Transportation attributed the crashes to strong winds blowing snow and drivers exceeding safe speeds.
On February 12, 2025, the USS Harry S. Truman, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. The collision occurred as the Truman approached the Suez Canal. The Besiktas-M, a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, was en route to Romania after exiting the Suez Canal. The incident is under investigation, with officials noting the area’s dense maritime traffic.
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis in February 2025, with over half the island experiencing power outages. Nine thermoelectric plant units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance, and two floating power plants in Havana aren’t operating due to lack of fuel. Daily outages range from 1,362 MW to 1,770 MW, affecting up to 57% of the country. Many Cubans are experiencing blackouts lasting a day or more, disrupting daily life.
Economy & Finance
Chinese tech stocks surged over 20% in the past month, entering a bull market as investors are attracted to internet companies due to DeepSeek’s breakthrough in developing a more affordable AI model. Major gains were seen in companies like Alibaba, Xiaomi, Baidu, BYD, JD.com, and Meituan.
On February 10, 2025, President Trump announced a significant escalation of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, reinstating a 25% tariff on steel and increasing the aluminum tariff from 10% to 25%. Effective March 12, 2025, this decision revokes all previously negotiated country-specific exemptions, impacting major suppliers like Canada and Mexico.This move is expected to raise costs for American manufacturers and consumers, potentially disrupting supply chains across various industries.
Gold prices reached a record high of $2,942.25 per ounce on February 11, 2025, driven by fears of a global trade war following President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. This surge marks the eighth record for gold this year, reflecting its status as a safe-haven asset amid economic uncertainty. Year-to-date, gold has surged approximately 11%, highlighting strong demand amid geopolitical tensions.
In January 2025, the U.S. economy added 143,000 jobs and the unemployment rate dipped to 4%, near historic lows. Key sectors driving job growth included healthcare, retail, and government. Experts noted that while the job market remains resilient, hiring activity has slowed significantly, indicating potential challenges ahead amid ongoing economic uncertainties and the impact of recent tariffs on trade.
Science
January 2025 has been officially recognized as the hottest January on record globally, with average temperatures reaching 1.75°C (3.15°F) above pre-industrial levels. This unexpected spike occurred despite the onset of La Niña, which typically brings cooler conditions. The Copernicus Climate Change Service noted that this marks the 18th month in the past 19 with temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above historical averages, raising alarms about the accelerating pace of climate change.
The Aesculapian snake, a non-venomous species native to central and southern Europe, has established itself in the UK after accidental introductions in north Wales and London. Measuring up to 6.5 feet, these snakes thrive by taking refuge in attics and compost bins, adapting well to the cooler climate. Despite concerns over non-native species, the Aesculapian snake poses no threat to humans or pets.
Nature & Environment
Record-breaking snowfall hit Japan, particularly Hokkaido, in early February 2025. Obihiro recorded an unprecedented 1.29 meters (4 feet) of snow in just 12 hours, setting a new national record. The severe weather disrupted transportation, closed schools, and delayed deliveries. Airports in Obihiro and Kushiro were shut down, and highways and train services were suspended. Residents were urged to avoid non-essential travel, with the heavy snow impacting regions that rarely see such accumulation.
Toronto is recovering from its largest snowstorm in over three years, which dumped 15 to 20 centimeters of snow on February 12, 2025. The city declared a Major Snowstorm Condition, prompting extensive snow-clearing operations that continued around the clock. With total accumulations expected to reach up to 54 centimeters due to additional snowfall forecasted for the weekend, city crews are working diligently to clear roads and sidewalks. Parking restrictions remain in effect on designated snow routes, with over 1,500 tickets issued for violations.
In a devastating landslide in Jinping Village, Sichuan Province, China, one person has died, and 28 remain missing following heavy rainfall. The landslide buried ten homes and a manufacturing building, prompting the evacuation of approximately 360 residents. The debris flow extended over 1.2 kilometers and involved more than 100,000 cubic meters of material.
Recent satellite data analysis has identified the top ten persistent sources of methane emissions globally, highlighting significant contributions from oil and gas operations, landfills, and agricultural practices. The European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P satellite played a crucial role in detecting these emissions, revealing that around 60% of global methane emissions stem from human activities.
This week, news broke that the legendary giant panda Yong Ming, also known as Eimei, passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 32.5. He passed away due to multiple organ failure. Yong Ming was known for his contributions to panda reproduction. Many remember him fondly, with some saying he is now in “Panda Heaven” with other pandas.
Entertainment & Culture
“Ne Zha 2,” an animated film rooted in Chinese mythology, has smashed box office records to become the highest-grossing film in a single market, earning over $1 billion in China. This makes it the first non-Hollywood production to achieve this milestone. It has grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, surpassing animated hits such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Toy Story 4, Shrek 2, and Frozen. The movie is set to debut in North American theaters on Friday.
New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025, held from February 6 to 11, showcased a blend of established brands and emerging designers. Highlights included Calvin Klein’s debut collection under new creative director Veronica Leoni, emphasizing minimalist designs with a modern twist. Brandon Maxwell opened the week with chic everyday staples, while Thom Browne closed with dramatic pieces, including a voluminous plaid ball gown. Other notable shows featured Tory Burch’s “twisted American sportswear” and Khaite’s sleek designs.
BLACKPINK, the South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, is set to make a major comeback with a new album and world tour in 2025. Comprising members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, they debuted on August 8, 2016, and quickly rose to global fame with hits like “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and “How You Like That.” Known for their empowering “girl crush” concept, BLACKPINK has broken numerous records, including being the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella.
Civilization VII launched on February 11, 2025, marking a highly anticipated return for the iconic strategy game series. Developed by Firaxis Games, it introduces innovative gameplay mechanics, allowing players to mix and match civilizations and leaders for unique strategies. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. .
Sports
In Super Bowl LIX, held on February 9, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a decisive score of 40-22, denying the Chiefs a historic three-peat. Jalen Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP, accounting for three touchdowns and showcasing his skills with 221 passing yards and 72 rushing yards. The Eagles’ defense was formidable, sacking Patrick Mahomes six times and intercepting him twice. The game attracted a record average viewership of 126 million, reflecting its immense popularity.
Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League knockout stage playoff on February 12, 2025. Jude Bellingham’s late goal sealed the win for Real Madrid. City took the lead twice, with goals from Erling Haaland. However, Real Madrid responded with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Díaz. Bellingham’s dramatic 92nd-minute winner gave Real Madrid the advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
McLaren has unveiled the MCL39 as its contender for the 2025 Formula 1 season, becoming the first team to reveal its new car. Piloted by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the MCL39 features a refined aerodynamic design and retains a pull-rod front suspension layout. Notable changes include an elliptical air intake and adjustments to the rear suspension for improved performance.
The 2025 Formula 1 season will see significant shifts in driver lineups, with only McLaren and Aston Martin keeping their pairings unchanged. Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari is the biggest change, with teen sensation Kimi Antonelli replacing him at Mercedes. Carlos Sainz is set to join Williams, while veteran Nico Hulkenberg moves to Sauber. Rookie drivers like Oliver Bearman at Haas, Liam Lawson at Red Bull, Jack Doohan at Alpine, and Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber are also set to make their full-time F1 debuts, injecting fresh talent into the grid.
Nikola Jokic delivered an outstanding performance on February 10, 2025, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 146-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The three-time MVP scored 40 points, along with 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, showcasing his all-around skills. This game marked Jokic’s continued dominance in the league, as he averages 29.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game this season. His exceptional play has solidified his status as one of the top players in the NBA.
The Colnago Y1R made its competitive debut at the UAE Tour Women on February 7, 2025, showcasing its radical design and advanced aerodynamics. This innovative bike features an irregular pentagon shape, deviating from traditional frames, and incorporates a unique integrated aero cockpit. Developed over three years, the Y1R aims to be the most aerodynamic UCI-compliant road bike in the WorldTour.
Offbeat
Sri Lanka experienced a nationwide power outage affecting its 22 million residents after a monkey interfered with a grid transformer near Colombo. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody confirmed the incident, stating that the monkey’s contact caused an imbalance in the system. The blackout, which began around 11 am local time on Sunday, left many without power for hours. While power was restored to some areas relatively quickly, others faced extended outages.
For her 104th birthday, Loretta, a resident of Avon Nursing Home in New York, had her unusual wish granted: a visit to the local prison. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office gave Loretta a tour of their facility, including getting fingerprinted, a mugshot, locked in a cell, and meeting deputies, even one of their K-9s. Hurlbut Care Communities, which runs the care home, shared that Loretta thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
In response to rising tensions with the U.S. over tariffs, Canadian flag sales have surged dramatically across the country. Stores like The Flag Shop in Winnipeg report unprecedented demand, with sales more than doubling compared to previous years. This increase is partly fueled by an open letter from five former Canadian Prime Ministers urging citizens to display their flags as a symbol of national pride.
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Last modified on 2025-02-16
