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Trump offers data to justify firing of labor stats chief
Trump offers data to justify firing of labor stats chief
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump on Thursday alleged that jobs data had been "purposely" altered by the government's commissioner of labor statistics to bolster his predecessor Joe Biden, presenting different figures in the wake of her firing. The revision infuriated Trump, who sacked commissioner of labor statistics Erika McEntarfer, who was confirmed in that role in January 2024.

OpenAI releases ChatGPT-5 as AI race accelerates
OpenAI releases ChatGPT-5 as AI race accelerates
by  AFP

OpenAI on Thursday released a keenly awaited new generation of its hallmark ChatGPT, touting "significant" advancements in artificial intelligence capabilities, as a global race over the technology accelerates. "It is a significant step toward models that are really capable," he said.

Siemens warns US tariffs causing investment caution
Siemens warns US tariffs causing investment caution
by  AFP

Siemens warned on Thursday that US tariffs were prompting its customers in key sectors to slow investment decisions, even as the German industrial giant reported forecast-beating quarterly profits. CEO Roland Busch added that, in several key industries, "sales cycles have been extended and investment decisions are taking longer".

Influx of Afghan returnees fuels Kabul housing crisis
Influx of Afghan returnees fuels Kabul housing crisis
by  AFP

Weeks after he was forced to return from Iran, Mohammad Mohsen Zaryab was still searching for somewhere to live in Kabul, where rental prices have soared along with an influx of Afghans expelled from neighbouring countries. Multiple Kabul property dealers told AFP that rental prices had skyrocketed with the influx of returnees.