Standard Chartered has slashed its forecast for the digital asset XRP by about 65%, lowering the anticipated year-end 2026 price to around $2.80 from a previous projection above $8, underscoring deepening stress across broader cryptocurrency markets. That adjustment, communicated in an investor note led by Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, reflects enduring selling pressure and fading liquidity that have weighed on XRP […]
Anthropic has enabled its Claude artificial intelligence system to edit files directly within software development environments, marking a significant escalation in the race to build autonomous coding agents capable of handling complex engineering tasks with limited human intervention. The capability allows Claude to read, modify and write code across structured repositories, moving beyond code suggestions in chat windows to targeted alterations inside live projects. Developers can grant […]
Nigeria has launched a sweeping industrial policy aimed at restarting idle factories, boosting domestic manufacturing and positioning Africa’s largest economy as a competitive production hub in global supply chains. Federal authorities say the framework is designed to tackle long-standing structural weaknesses that have undermined output, including erratic power supply, limited access to long-term finance, foreign exchange volatility and infrastructure gaps. Manufacturing accounts for less than 10 per […]
African Development Bank Group has approved a $200 million loan to support Nigeria’s efforts to expand agricultural production and curb reliance on food imports, reinforcing Abuja’s push to tackle food inflation and strengthen rural incomes. Board members of the AfDB cleared the financing to scale up priority investments across key value chains, targeting improved productivity, better access to inputs and enhanced storage and processing capacity. The funding […]
Harvard Management Company has reduced its exposure to bitcoin-linked holdings by about 20 per cent while initiating a new position tied to ether, signalling a recalibration of its digital asset strategy amid shifting market dynamics and valuation pressures. Regulatory filings show that the endowment’s investment arm pared back its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust during the latest reporting period, cutting the value of its holding from […]
Strategy has said it could withstand a collapse in bitcoin’s price to $8,000 and still service its roughly $6 billion in net debt, outlining contingency plans that include converting portions of its borrowings into equity if market conditions deteriorate sharply. The Virginia-based software company, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has become one of the largest corporate holders of bitcoin under executive chairman Michael Saylor. Its balance sheet is […]
Anthropic has entered a dispute with the United States Department of Defense over the proposed military use of its flagship artificial intelligence system, Claude, underscoring a widening rift between Silicon Valley’s safety-first rhetoric and Washington’s expanding appetite for advanced AI in national security. The San Francisco-based company, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI researchers including chief executive Dario Amodei and president Daniela Amodei, has built its brand […]
Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company has unveiled plans to establish Judan Financial Holding, an artificial intelligence-enabled global financial services platform expected to oversee more than AED 870 billion in assets under management, marking one of the most ambitious consolidation moves in the Gulf’s financial sector. The proposed entity will bring together financial services assets held by IHC, Alpha Dhabi, 2PointZero Group and Sirius International Holding, spanning banking, […]
Nvidia’s chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, will not attend the India AI Impact Summit scheduled to begin in New Delhi on February 16, the company confirmed over the weekend, citing “unforeseen circumstances” that prevent his planned trip. Nvidia said it remains committed to participating in the five-day event and will instead dispatch a senior leadership delegation to represent its interests at the summit, which is positioned as a global forum on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and technology policy.
Huang’s absence removes one of the most high-profile speakers from a programme that is expected to bring together global leaders, technology executives and policymakers. Nvidia has been at the centre of international attention this year as its graphics processing units and specialised chips have powered significant advances in AI model training and deployment worldwide. Despite his cancellation, the company’s executive vice-president Jay Puri is set to lead Nvidia’s delegation in New Delhi.
The India AI Impact Summit has been framed by its organisers as a strategic platform for discussions on AI’s impact on economies, governance, and society. With over 20 heads of government and multiple chief executives from major technology firms slated to take part, the absence of Nvidia’s CEO is unlikely to derail the summit’s broader agenda but does shift attention to the array of other leaders expected on stage. Summit organisers have emphasised that the event will focus on actionable frameworks for AI governance and international cooperation rather than immediate regulatory commitments.
India’s push to host the summit reflects the growing emphasis placed on its AI ecosystem, both domestically and internationally. The event at Bharat Mandapam is intended to spotlight innovation, human capital and collaborative initiatives that leverage artificial intelligence for economic and social development. Heads of state from Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as senior executives from leading technology companies, are planning to contribute to sessions addressing ethical AI, inclusive growth, and public-private partnerships.
Nvidia’s statement confirmed that Huang will not be able to travel to India at this time, but stopped short of elaborating on the specific reasons for the change in plans. The company’s leadership team reiterated its support for the summit’s objectives and expressed confidence in the delegation’s ability to engage constructively with participants across sectors. Nvidia’s central role in the global AI supply chain — particularly through its GPUs, which underpin much of the world’s AI compute infrastructure — has made its presence significant at forums shaping the future of the industry.
For many tech observers, Huang’s decision underscores the intense demands on executives at the helm of firms that are pivotal to AI’s evolution. As Nvidia continues to navigate a landscape marked by rapid technological change, supply chain pressures and geopolitical scrutiny, its leadership choices are closely watched by investors, partners and policymakers alike. The company has maintained that its strategic focus on AI remains undiminished, even as senior personnel adjust their engagement in global events.
The summit is expected to feature a range of high-level engagements, including discussions on AI’s implications for labour markets, national competitiveness, and regulatory cooperation among nations. Organisers have highlighted sessions aimed at bridging gaps between emerging markets and established technology hubs, while also addressing concerns about safety, privacy and equitable access. Participants will include chief executives from major AI and cloud-computing firms, senior government officials from participating countries, and representatives of international organisations.
Despite the absence of Nvidia’s CEO, interest in the India AI Impact Summit remains strong among industry stakeholders. Discussions are slated to explore how public-sector frameworks can align with the dynamic pace of innovation in the private sector, with particular emphasis on fostering trust and transparency in AI systems. The summit’s agenda also places emphasis on skills development, research collaboration, and the role of AI in addressing societal challenges such as healthcare, climate and education.
Executives attending the summit will face intense scrutiny from delegates keen to understand how technology firms plan to balance commercial imperatives with ethical responsibilities. As governments around the world refine their approaches to AI governance, the outcomes of deliberations at gatherings such as the India AI Impact Summit could inform future policy frameworks and cross-border cooperation on technology standards and norms.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr’s starting line-up on Saturday night and marked the occasion with the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh, reinforcing his influence on the Riyadh club’s title ambitions. Back in action after missing the previous fixture, the Portugal captain needed little time to reassert himself. Leading the line with customary authority, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in […]
For 12 days, the Spring Fair transformed VEC into a walkable map of 34 provinces, blending cuisine, culture and commerce inside Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition complex.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2026 – For nearly two weeks, the Spring Fair 2026 turned the Vietnam Exhibition Center into something few destinations manage to become: a condensed, high-definition portrait of an entire country.
As the fair drew to a close, what remains is not simply a tally of booths or sales figures, but the impression of a place that allowed visitors to move ‘through Vietnam’ at remarkable speed. Within a single afternoon, one could travel from the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta without leaving a 90-hectare venue on the outskirts of Hanoi.
Framed as “A Marketplace of 34 Provinces,” the event gathered regional economies, culinary traditions and cultural performances under one monumental roof. For many international visitors in Hanoi this spring, it became a defining stop on the city’s New Year cultural calendar.
A Country in One Afternoon
The scale was unapologetically large. More than 3,000 standard booths. Around 2,500 enterprises. Participation from 34 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Over 12 continuous days, the fair aimed for direct revenue of 1,000 billion VND and operated at a pace that rarely slowed.
Inside, the exhibition floor was organized into thematic zones such as “Vietnamese Cultural Essence” and “Vietnamese Agricultural Products – Connecting Spring”. The layout encouraged visitors to drift geographically. One moment, they stood in the northern region. Minutes later, they were tasting specialties from the south.
In the section representing Bắc Ninh, trays of bánh phu thê (sticky rice cake filled with mung bean paste, traditionally served at weddings) glowed under warm light. Nearby, vendors rolled out bánh cuốn Mao Điền (thin rice sheets wrapped around seasoned minced pork and wood ear mushrooms), the steam rising gently into the air. Nem chua (fermented pork sausage) was sliced into neat portions, while bundles of mì gạo chũ (sun-dried rice noodles from Bắc Giang) were arranged in pale, orderly stacks.
Further along, the scent shifted. At a booth from Sơn La, strips of thịt trâu gác bếp (smoked buffalo meat) were cut from darkened slabs and dipped into a dense sauce flecked with mắc khén (wild mountain pepper with a citrusy heat). The taste was smoky, slightly sweet and sharply spiced. At another stand, mắm tôm chua (fermented shrimp paste with chili and garlic) from Huế was wrapped with boiled pork belly and green banana slices, layered with fresh herbs to soften its tang.
In the southern cluster, bánh pía (flaky pastry filled with mung bean, salted egg yolk and durian) from Sóc Trăng were sliced while still warm, their layered crust collapsing delicately to reveal a rich interior. The aroma of durian lingered in the air, unmistakable and confident.
“I really liked how the space was designed according to each province’s characteristic… not only products, but also culture – music, people, traditional dress. It clearly shows very thoughtful experiential design,” said an American visitor during the event.
For business delegations, the appeal went beyond atmosphere.
“We came here to find Vietnamese partners for cashew nuts, cacao and coffee,” said Mandel V. Panizares, representative of Green Agricultural Products Trading in the Philippines. “Seeing the products directly and discussing at the booth; this ‘see and touch’ approach helps us evaluate quality and production capacity more clearly than just looking at profiles or images.”
Cultural performance threaded through the marketplace. Visitors found themselves mesmerized watching more than 50 performers in restored Nguyễn-era garments entered the main corridor for the “Hundred Flower Parade”. Gold embroidered nhật bình (formal imperial robes) shimmered beneath the hall’s lights. Ceremonial horses stepped carefully across polished floors as shoppers paused mid-conversation to watch.
“The parade is not just a performance, but a living cultural experience, where traditional Vietnamese attire, rituals, aesthetics and people exist together within the flow of daily life and commerce,” said Nguyen Thanh Nam, a member of the project team.
Across the 12 days, more than 40 cultural programs and hundreds of performances unfolded, including shows by the Vietnam Circus Federation and the Vietnam Puppet Theatre. Music, acrobatics and folk art existed in easy proximity to contract discussions and product demonstrations.
By the final weekend, it was clear that the Spring Fair had evolved into something more than an exhibition. It functioned as a temporary indoor festival city, layered with sound, flavor and movement.
The Platform Powering the Experience
The intensity of the experience was made possible by the Vietnam Exhibition Center itself.
Spanning 90 hectares, VEC is the largest exhibition complex in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top ten globally. At its core stands the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, a 130,000 square meter column-free structure that provides uninterrupted interior space on a scale rarely seen in the region.
Built in just 10 months by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, and officially opened on August 19, 2025, the center welcomed 1.2 million visitors within its first three days of operation. Managing that volume required advanced crowd coordination, robust security systems and integrated logistics capable of operating at metropolitan scale.
The infrastructure extends well beyond the main hall. An 18-hectare parking area accommodates more than 10,000 vehicles. Nearly 1,200 electric vehicle charging ports form the largest EV charging station in Vietnam. Integrated storage zones, transport logistics and modern electronic payment systems allowed thousands of booths to operate simultaneously without visible strain.
VEC is also a member of the Bureau International des Expositions and serves as Vietnam’s official representative at global exhibition events, positioning it within the international exhibition circuit.
“We believe that, building upon this foundation, VEC will continue to thrive and evolve into a premier hub for major regional and international events. When operated at its full potential, VEC will emerge as a new symbol of a connected, prosperous, integrated, innovative, and sustainable Vietnam, thereby elevating our national standing in the country’s new era of ascent.”, said Mr. Tran Le Phuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center Joint Stock Company (VEFAC JSC).
During the Spring Fair, that capacity was visible in every operational detail. Corridors remained fluid at peak hours. Multiple stages operated without acoustic conflict. International delegations moved seamlessly between provincial booths.
“I highly appreciate the handicraft products of Hue and high-tech agricultural products of Thanh Hoa and Dong Thap,” said Ozasa Haruhiko, Chief Representative of JETRO Hanoi. “The diversity and quality here strengthen my confidence in Japan-Vietnam trade potential.”
As the 2026 edition concludes, the Spring Fair leaves behind more than transactions and photographs. It has demonstrated that Vietnam can stage large-scale exhibitions with cultural depth and operational precision inside world-class infrastructure.
Hashtag: #VEC #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai DP World has announced a sweeping leadership change at the helm of its global logistics empire, elevating His Excellency Essa Kazim to chairman of the board and naming Yuvraj Narayan as group chief executive officer, following the resignation of long-time executive Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. The appointments signal a strategic reset for the Dubai-based operator amid heightened scrutiny over its governance and reputation […]
Truth Social Funds, the investment arm linked to Trump Media & Technology Group, has filed registration statements with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission for two exchange-traded funds focused on major cryptocurrency assets. The proposed products, if approved, would give investors exposure to Bitcoin and Ether in one fund and to Cronos in a second fund that also seeks to generate yield through network staking rewards. […]
A wave of stress signs emerging across the global private credit market is prompting closer scrutiny from investors and analysts, with covenant defaults climbing, leverage rising and slowing earnings growth among private companies shaping the outlook for direct lenders and credit managers. Recent proprietary data from valuation specialists and market trackers show covenant default rates creeping higher compared with historical averages, while a combination of weaker cash […]
Russia has moved to block WhatsApp across its territory, citing alleged breaches of domestic legislation, in a decision that signals a sharper turn towards state-aligned digital platforms and tighter control over online communications. Telecoms watchdog Roskomnadzor said access to the Meta-owned messaging service had been restricted following what officials described as repeated failures to comply with data localisation and content moderation rules. The regulator argued that foreign […]
Coinbase reported fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of market expectations after transaction revenue dropped below the $1 billion mark, underscoring the pressure on retail trading volumes as digital asset prices cooled towards the end of the year. The largest US-listed cryptocurrency exchange said total revenue declined from the previous quarter as trading activity moderated across its retail and institutional platforms. Transaction revenue, which remains the core driver […]
Coinbase Global’s trading platform is facing widespread disruptions that are preventing a substantial number of users from buying, selling or transferring cryptocurrencies, according to user reports and platform status indicators monitored by independent watchdog sites and the company’s own system dashboard. The outage comes as digital asset markets remain volatile, putting pressure on one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges to maintain reliable service for retail and […]
Amsterdam is set to host one of Europe’s most closely watched digital asset gatherings as Dutch Blockchain Week 2026 returns from 22 to 28 June, with organisers signalling a broader international footprint and stronger corporate backing than previous editions. Event coordinators say leading exchanges, fintech firms, venture capital funds and regulatory specialists have confirmed participation, underscoring the Netherlands’ growing role as a gateway for blockchain innovation within […]
Gold purchases across Hong Kong have gathered pace as households and small investors stock up on bullion and coins ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, with dealers reporting brisk trade while global prices hover close to historic highs.
Retail counters in districts such as Sheung Wan, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay have seen steady queues for small bars and commemorative coins traditionally exchanged as gifts during the festive season. Traders say customers are focusing on one-tael bars and smaller denominations that are easier to present in red packets, reflecting a blend of cultural practice and financial caution.
International gold prices have been supported by expectations of looser monetary policy in major economies, persistent geopolitical tensions and sustained central bank buying. Spot prices have traded near record levels in recent weeks, reinforcing bullion’s appeal as a store of value. Silver has also drawn interest, though gold remains the dominant choice for gift-giving in Hong Kong.
Local jewellers and bullion dealers describe a noticeable shift in purchasing patterns compared with previous years marked by pandemic restrictions and subdued retail activity. Cross-border travel between Hong Kong and mainland cities has normalised, reviving tourist flows that are critical for the territory’s jewellery trade. Shop owners say visitors from across the boundary are contributing to higher volumes, particularly in high-purity investment-grade products.
Industry data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department show that jewellery, watches and clocks sales have rebounded since border controls were lifted, though monthly figures remain sensitive to price swings. Analysts note that high gold prices can dampen jewellery demand, yet investment-led buying often offsets this when households view bullion as a hedge against currency volatility or equity market fluctuations.
The Lunar New Year period is traditionally one of the busiest seasons for precious metals across Chinese communities worldwide. Gold symbolises prosperity and good fortune, and gifting bullion is considered auspicious. Dealers in Hong Kong say that beyond cultural motivations, clients are also reacting to global uncertainties, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and uneven economic growth in major markets.
Bank wealth managers in the city report increased inquiries about gold-backed exchange-traded funds and structured products linked to precious metals. While retail investors still favour physical holdings for gifting, more sophisticated clients are diversifying through financial instruments. Analysts at several global banks have projected that gold could remain supported if the US Federal Reserve begins cutting interest rates later this year, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.
At the same time, some economists caution that demand could moderate if prices extend gains too rapidly. Jewellery manufacturers operate on tight margins, and elevated bullion costs can squeeze profitability or prompt consumers to reduce the weight of items purchased. Silver, which trades at a lower price point, has benefited from substitution among price-sensitive buyers, though its cultural resonance is weaker than gold’s.
Central bank purchases have emerged as a significant structural driver in the global market. Data from the World Gold Council indicate that official sector buying has reached multi-decade highs, led by emerging market institutions seeking to diversify reserves. This trend has added a floor to prices even as speculative positioning fluctuates on futures exchanges in New York and Shanghai.
Hong Kong’s role as a conduit for precious metals into mainland markets remains important, despite structural shifts in trade flows over the past decade. The territory’s free-port status and established refining and logistics infrastructure continue to attract regional trading activity. Market participants say that any sustained premium between onshore and offshore prices can influence cross-border arbitrage and inventory movements.
Currency dynamics also play a role. The Hong Kong dollar’s peg to the US dollar means local bullion prices closely track movements in the greenback. A softer US currency typically supports higher gold prices globally, while a stronger dollar can temper gains. For residents holding savings in local currency, gold’s performance is effectively tied to broader US monetary policy.
Retailers note that beyond bars and coins, demand for lightweight jewellery pieces suitable for gifting children has risen. Designers are incorporating zodiac motifs for the coming year, adding a seasonal dimension to sales. Some shops have introduced limited-edition products to capitalise on festive sentiment, combining craftsmanship with investment appeal.
PocketBook has unveiled the InkPad One, a 10.3-inch e-ink tablet built on an open Linux architecture, positioning it as a direct challenger to Amazon’s Kindle Scribe and signalling a push to loosen the grip of closed digital reading ecosystems. The device combines stylus support with broad file compatibility, underscoring the Swiss-based company’s attempt to appeal to readers and professionals seeking greater control over their digital libraries. The […]
OpenAI has confirmed that its first consumer hardware device will not be shipped to customers before the end of February 2027 and that the company will not use the disputed “io” name for the product, according to court filings related to an ongoing trademark lawsuit. OpenAI’s vice-president and general manager, Peter Welinder, told the court that the company had reassessed its product-naming strategy and decided against any […]
Bitcoin has extended its downturn this week, showing little sign of sustainable recovery as selling pressure dominates trading activity and key technical support levels come under threat. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slid below the pivotal $70,000–$72,000 range and is testing lower thresholds that many traders identify as critical, with some models indicating potential further declines before major support is confirmed. Indicators across daily and weekly charts point […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Aramco has begun selling oil produced from its Jafurah field, marking the first reported export linked to the kingdom’s $100 billion unconventional gas development and signalling a new phase in one of the world’s largest energy projects. The state-controlled energy giant confirmed that condensate and associated liquids from Jafurah have entered commercial channels, underscoring Riyadh’s push to monetise resources from a field […]
Infinix is committed to elevating performance and user experience, beginning with the upcoming NOTE 60 SERIES featuring Snapdragon platforms
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – Today, Infinix announced its plans to integrate the cutting-edge Snapdragon® platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. across select smartphones and broader product categories. Through its work with Qualcomm Technologies on system-level optimizations, Infinix aims to achieve deeper integration of chipset capabilities within Infinix’s product portfolio, delivering an enhanced and more seamless user experience.
Select models in the upcoming NOTE 60 SERIES will mark the first time Infinix smartphones are powered by Snapdragon mobile platforms. This launch represents a significant step in Infinix’s core platform strategy and an important milestone for the brand. By integrating the renowned Snapdragon system-on-a-chip solutions into select models, the NOTE 60 SERIES is poised to unlock extraordinary possibilities and deliver a next-level experience to users worldwide.
Strengthening Research and Development Efforts
By combining Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading technological expertise with Infinix’s strong capabilities in product design and user experience, the NOTE 60 SERIES focuses on delivering elevated, consistent, and stable performance across core areas, including power efficiency, immersive gaming, advanced imaging, and integrated AI experiences.
Over the past year, Infinix has adopted Snapdragon platforms in its tablet lineup, receiving positive market feedback. This success has laid the groundwork to expand into smartphones and broader product categories. As Infinix continues to advance its premiumization strategy, deepening collaboration with leading technology partners remains a key focus in expanding its product ecosystem and strengthening long-term competitiveness.
“We are excited to collaborate with industry leader Qualcomm Technologies. This important step for Infinix advances our mission for a tailored user experience through in-depth hardware-software integration, utilizing Snapdragon platforms and technologies to deliver greater innovation and quality for customers globally,” says Tony Zhao, CEO of Infinix.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Infinix as we work together to bring industry-leading Snapdragon technologies to more mobile users worldwide. Expanding Snapdragon integration into Infinix’s mobile portfolio marks an exciting milestone—one that highlights our shared commitment to delivering breakthrough innovation, elevated performance, and more seamless user experiences,” said Chenwei Yan, SVP of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
With that, Infinix officially announces the upcoming launch of the NOTE 60 SERIES, the brand’s flagship showcase co‑created with leading partners to deliver breakthrough performance, design, imaging, and audio‑visual experiences powered by Snapdragon technology.
Hashtag: #Infinix
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Infinix
Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.