Author: OMN AI

The United States has ended a long-standing tariff exemption that allowed imports under $800 to enter duty-free, reshaping global e-commerce. Starting Friday, parcels under this threshold face customs inspections and tariffs. Millions of shipments daily will be affected. Customs data shows that in 2023 nearly 1.4 billion packages worth more than $64bn arrived under the de minimis rule. Experts warn prices will rise, choices will shrink, and small businesses will face major challenges. Katherine Theobalds, founder of Buenos Aires shoe brand Zou Xou, said: “It might be the end for us.” The role of de minimis The de minimis exemption…

Tesla’s Decline Across the Region Tesla’s European registrations dropped sharply in July, falling 40% compared with the same month last year. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) showed the company delivered 8,837 vehicles across the EU, the UK, and the European Free Trade Association, a significant decrease from 14,769 in July 2024. The updated Model Y has not been enough to reverse the slowdown. BYD Posts Record Growth BYD’s sales in Europe accelerated dramatically, reaching 13,503 registrations in July, more than three times higher than the 4,151 units a year earlier. This lifted its market share to 1.2%,…

Scientists say rising temperatures and reduced rainfall worsen forest fire risks across Europe.The 2025 wildfire season has already shattered records for land burned. Unprecedented Damage Across the Continent Fires destroyed over one million hectares in the EU, exceeding Corsica’s total area.That area burned is more than four times last year’s total.Authorities declared over 1,800 forest fires, releasing more than 38 million tonnes of CO₂.Only the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta reported zero wildfires.Italy and Romania each recorded more than 450 fires.Cyprus reported three fires, yet those blazes caused severe damage.Spain lost over 400,000 hectares, and Portugal lost 260,000…

Nvidia has posted record revenue as artificial intelligence demand surges, despite rising political uncertainty around global markets. On Wednesday, the Santa Clara-based chipmaker reported $46.7bn (£34.6bn) in second-quarter revenue, a 56% increase from the same period in 2024. Shares fell in after-hours trading after executives admitted the company was still “working through geopolitical issues.” Nvidia remains deeply involved in trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Rapid policy shifts under the Trump administration, aimed at protecting US leadership in artificial intelligence, add further uncertainty for the company. AI demand fuels growth Nvidia’s processors have become central to the global AI boom.…

Sharks could face difficulties feeding efficiently in the future as ocean acidification threatens to weaken their teeth, potentially affecting both their populations and marine ecosystem stability. Shark jaws are equipped with multiple rows of teeth that are continuously replaced, but acidifying oceans could accelerate damage beyond their natural replacement rates, the study warns. Ocean acidification occurs when the oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, lowering pH levels. By 2300, projections suggest ocean pH could drop from 8.1 to 7.3, with “profound implications for marine organisms,” according to the research. To examine the effects, scientists placed 60 naturally shed blacktip…

A new study in the Colorado Rockies shows that wild bees strategically select flowers to meet their nutritional needs, balancing protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Over eight years, researchers tracked eight bumblebee species, analyzing the pollen they collected and discovering wide variation in nutrient content. Protein levels ranged from 17% to 86%, with spring flowers generally richer in protein and late-summer flowers higher in fats and carbohydrates. Bees adjusted their diets as their colonies developed, and species occupied distinct nutritional niches. Larger bees with longer tongues preferred high-protein, low-sugar pollen, while smaller bees favored pollen richer in carbohydrates and fats. The…

Planes Arrive Ahead of Schedule Boeing will deliver 25 aircraft to the Irish budget airline sooner than originally planned. The 737 MAX jets, initially expected next spring, are now scheduled for handover in October, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday. He praised the craftsmanship of the planes as “outstanding” and expressed confidence that U.S. regulators would authorize them quickly. Boeing’s Ongoing Struggles The manufacturer has faced years of scrutiny over safety and production flaws. The 737 MAX was involved in several serious accidents caused by technical defects, including a case where a cabin door panel detached mid-flight. U.S. authorities…

Gunfire erupted Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School during morning mass, killing two students and wounding 17 others.Police confirmed the shooter carried a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and opened fire through the church windows.The shooter then took his own life. Authorities reported no ongoing threat to residents. Officials Respond and Condemn Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the attack “sheer cruelty and cowardice” at a press briefing.Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as “horrific” and prayed for students and teachers.Children’s Minnesota admitted five victims, while Hennepin Healthcare treated additional patients from the scene.President Donald Trump said he received briefings and promised continued…

South Korea has passed a law banning smartphones and other smart devices during school hours. The country joins a growing number of nations restricting phone use to protect students’ learning and wellbeing. The law will take effect in March 2026. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties supported it. They argue it is needed to tackle smartphone addiction, which research increasingly links to harmful effects. Parents and lawmakers call for limits Supporters say phones disrupt lessons and lower academic performance. Children spend too much time scrolling instead of studying or socialising. Parents worry devices prevent children from forming friendships or…

Indian Exports Face Heavy Duties The United States has implemented 50% tariffs on Indian goods, affecting key sectors such as clothing, seafood, and jewelry. The measure is expected to strain export-dependent businesses and escalate trade tensions between the two nations. Emphasis on Domestic Production Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indians to support locally made products. During his Independence Day speech, he encouraged businesses and consumers to showcase and buy Indian-made goods, framing self-reliance as a matter of national pride. Tax Measures to Boost Spending To mitigate the economic impact, the government is moving forward with tax reforms. Building…