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Vespa love affair: Indonesians turn vintage scooters electric
Vespa love affair: Indonesians turn vintage scooters electric
by  AFP

When Indonesian executive Heret Frasthio takes his antique 1957 VL Vespa for a ride, its white paint peeling off, the usual fumes and hum of the free-spirited scooters cannot be seen or heard. Riding an antique Vespa from the 1960s without the pollution and the noise in Jakarta's heavy traffic has also earned him curious looks.

Europe seeks to break its US tech addiction
Europe seeks to break its US tech addiction
by  AFP

With President Donald Trump more unpredictable than ever and transatlantic ties reaching new lows, calls are growing louder for Europe to declare independence from US tech. As Europe faces Trump's tariffs, and threatens to tax US tech unless the two sides clinch a deal averting all-out trade war, there is a growing sense of urgency.

Long-abandoned Welsh mine revived as gold prices soar
Long-abandoned Welsh mine revived as gold prices soar
by  AFP

At the bottom of a long-abandoned mine, 50 metres below the surface, one company searches for rare Welsh gold, attracted by soaring prices and its royal connection. But thanks to its royal connection, the Welsh gold may attract "traditionalists, people who may be strong monarchists" willing to pay more, Reade added.

Stocks struggle again as Nvidia chip curb warning pops calm
Stocks struggle again as Nvidia chip curb warning pops calm
by  AFP

Asian stocks swung Wednesday after Nvidia's announcement of new US licensing rules on shipments of its new chip to China rattled investor confidence already shot by Donald Trump's sweeping trade war. Nvidia's announcement sent its shares tumbling around six percent in after-market trade, and its Asian suppliers were also hit.

Nvidia expects $5.5 bn hit as US targets chips sent to China
Nvidia expects $5.5 bn hit as US targets chips sent to China
by  AFP

Nvidia on Tuesday notified regulators that it expects a $5.5 billion hit this quarter due to a new US licensing requirement on the primary chip it can legally sell in China. "First quarter results are expected to include up to approximately $5.5 billion of charges associated with H20 products for inventory, purchase commitments, and related reserves," Nvidia said in the filing. gc/des

Wine consumption falls heavily into the red
Wine consumption falls heavily into the red
by  AFP

Worldwide consumption of wine fell in 2024 to its lowest level in more than 60 years, the main trade body said Tuesday, raising concerns about new risks from US tariffs. Production is also at its lowest level in more than 60 years, having fallen 4.8 percent in 2024 to 225.8 million hl.

Trump resurrects ghost of US military bases in Panama
Trump resurrects ghost of US military bases in Panama
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump's bid to take back control of the Panama Canal has put his counterpart Jose Raul Mulino in a difficult position and revived fears in the Central American country that US military bases will return. - Will US military bases return?