In 2025, China reaffirmed its status as the largest automotive producer globally for the 17th consecutive year, achieving a remarkable production of 34.531 million vehicles, which marks a 10.4% increase compared to the previous year.  The surge was primarily driven by new energy vehicles (NEVs), which surpassed 16 million units and constituted over 50% of domestic sales, while exports exceeded 7 million units. Domestic sales reached 34.4 million units, reflecting a 9.4% increase, as reported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The production and sales of NEVs, which include electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, soared to over 16 million units, solidifying their leading position in the domestic market, as reported by Vanguard News and AutoCango. The total number of vehicle exports reached a record high, exceeding 7 million units, with NEV exports witnessing substantial growth. Top Performers: BYD surpassed its competitors, overtaking Tesla to become the lead...

  A recent investigation published in the journal Environmental Pollution revealed that sharks in the Bahamas are testing positive for various substances, including caffeine, painkillers, and, in one instance, cocaine, which is attributed to human-induced marine pollution. Researchers examined blood samples from 85 sharks belonging to five distinct species (lemon, Atlantic nurse, blacktip, Caribbean reef, and tiger sharks) near Eleuthera Island. Approximately one-third (28) of the sharks exhibited detectable levels of different drugs in their systems.   Substances Detected:   Caffeine emerged as the most frequently identified substance.   Painkillers, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diclofenac (Voltaren), were also found.   One shark tested positive for cocaine. These substances are thought to enter the ocean mainly through human wastewater, sewage discharge, coastal urban development, and tourism activities. In the case of cocaine, researchers hypothes...

As of March 27, 2026, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to unprecedented lows during his second term, now standing at 36% according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.  This decrease is mainly due to insufficient public backing for the current military engagement with Iran and the consequent economic pressures, which include a significant increase in gas prices. Multiple major polls conducted between March 20 and March 24, 2026, show a consistent downward trend: Pollster Approval Rating Disapproval Rating Key Findings Reuters/Ipsos 36% 62% Down from 40% the previous week; record low for his second term. Fox News 41% 59% Highest disapproval recorded across both of his presidential terms. AP-NORC 38% 60% Shows a significant 22-point gap between disapproval and approval. Quinnipiac 38% 56% Majority (54%) oppose the military action against Iran. Emerson College 42% 51% Lowest economic approval (38%) ever received in this poll. Primary Drivers of the Decline The Iran War: ...

  Nigeria's Defence Headquarters has formally refuted claims that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) made statements rejecting the rehabilitation of "repentant terrorists" and opposing appeasement strategies.  The military has characterized these assertions as misinformation, urging the public to disregard the remarks attributed to the CDS. Debunked Claim: The CDS did not make any specific comments concerning "repentant terrorists" or the rejection of appeasement. The Defence Headquarters asserts that the comments attributed to the CDS are inaccurate and do not represent his actual views. The public is encouraged to dismiss these erroneous reports, which may be intended to misrepresent the military's counter-insurgency strategies. The DHQ Nigeria reiterated that the Armed Forces are dedicated to safeguarding all citizens and called upon media organizations to verify information prior to publication to prevent the creation of "undue tension".

  On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the BBC officially named former Google executive Matt Brittin as its 18th director-general. Brittin, the former president of Google’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), will formally assume the role on May 18, 2026.  He replaces Tim Davie, who resigned in November 2025 following a controversy involving a BBC Panorama documentary about U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Davie's departure on April 2, Rhodri Talfan Davies (Director of Nations) will serve as interim director-general until Brittin takes over. Brittin will receive an annual salary of £565,000, matching his predecessor's pay. His appointment is seen as a move to leverage "big tech" expertise to accelerate the BBC's digital transformation, specifically for platforms like BBC iPlayer and digital news. Brittin enters the role during a period described by BBC Chairman Samir Shah as one requiring "radical reform". His immediate priorities in...

By Oluseye Arowolo - Ibadan. Drivers have been told to avoid reckless driving and ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, especially, break to prevent accident that can cause loss of lives and property. The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Oyo State Sector Command, Mrs. Rosemary Alo gave the warning at the accident that occurred in Beere, Ibadan, Oyo State capital this afternoon. Mrs. Alo attributed the crash to loss of control, likely caused by over- speeding and break failure. An eye-witness account explained that two persons were confirmed dead on the spot while three others sustained injuries. The crash involved a commercial DAF tanker belonging to a Petroleum company, BOVAS and five commercial tricycles. The reliable source revealed that the tanker lost control and rammed into the tricycles, thereby causing multiple crash. A total of eleven persons were involved in the accident, out of which three adult males sustained varying degrees of injuries while o...