Business

High-earning parents will soon be able to pay the high income child benefit charge through their payslip, eliminating the need for filing a tax return, as part of tax changes announced in the Spring Statement. The new digital service will allow employees to report child benefit payments and opt to pay the charge directly through PAYE. The changes aim to simplify the process and ensure that more parents receive child benefit or do not miss out on National Insurance credits. Full Article

President Trump's announcement of tariffs on cars and auto parts will impact automakers differently. Tesla, with its U.S.-based factories, will be less affected, but may face retaliation due to falling sales. General Motors, heavily reliant on imports, could be vulnerable despite strong profits. Ford is less dependent on imports but relies on foreign factories for key parts. Stellantis, struggling post-merger, could face greater risks. Toyota, while heavily dependent on the U.S., is in a better financial position. Volkswagen, with limited U.S. production, may suffer from tariffs. Hyundai and Kia, despite investment in U.S. factories, will still face tariffs on imported...

The Biden administration implemented strict emissions reductions for coal- and oil-burning power plants to protect public health, but the Trump administration is now offering companies the chance to bypass these rules by emailing President Trump for exemptions under an obscure section of the Clean Air Act. Critics fear this process could lead to unchecked pollution levels and undermine public health protections, with exemptions potentially lasting up to two years and affecting various toxic chemicals and carcinogens. The EPA has not disclosed whether any exemptions have been granted yet, but industry groups like the National Association of Manufacturers support the initiative....

Germany has urged the European Union to respond firmly to President Trump's 25 percent tariffs on cars and car parts, which will go into effect on April 3 and impact automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. European officials, including Germany's economy minister and France's finance minister, have criticized the move, warning of negative consequences for global trade. The European auto industry, facing increased competition and transformation, is concerned about the potential for a trade war and its impact on jobs, economic growth, and consumer prices. Full Article

In response to Donald Trump's announcement of 25% tariffs on car imports, Japan's prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has stated that "every option" is being considered to protect Japan's national interest. The tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, have caused shares of Japanese automakers to tumble and raised concerns about the impact on bilateral ties and the global economy. Despite efforts to secure exemptions, Japan is bracing for a significant impact on its economy, with analysts predicting a hit to GDP and potential production adjustments in the automotive industry. Full Article

President Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on imported cars and parts starting on April 3, impacting U.S. and foreign auto manufacturers, causing stock market declines, and potentially leading to higher car prices. The move aims to boost domestic production but could disrupt supply chains and raise inflation. The tariffs may trigger trade disputes and affect U.S. auto industry jobs, prompting mixed reactions from unions and analysts. Full Article

Demis Hassabis's journey in AI began with his early mastery of chess, leading to a fascination with the mental processes behind complex thoughts. Starting his programming journey with an electronic chess computer, he later founded DeepMind and created AlphaZero, an AI algorithm that outperformed human chess masters. Hassabis's groundbreaking work in AI, including the creation of AlphaFold2, has revolutionized protein structure prediction and has the potential to significantly speed up drug development processes. Full Article

The director of Voice of America and journalists at the government-funded international broadcaster filed a lawsuit against Trump administration officials over attempts to shut down the network, citing violations of First Amendment rights and federal law. The lawsuit names Kari Lake and Victor Morales as defendants, arguing that dismantling the broadcaster violates the Administrative Procedure Act and separation of powers. Voice of America, with a budget of $270 million and an estimated weekly audience of 361 million, faces a threat of closure amidst ongoing legal battles, while Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty also fights against funding cuts imposed by the administration....

ISA season is here, with investors in the UK aiming to boost their income through tax-efficient investments. The annual £20,000 allowance can be spread across multiple ISAs, allowing for a diversified portfolio. Top fund picks include the M&G Corporate Bond Fund for fixed income, Fidelity's Global Dividend Fund for dividend stocks, International Public Partnerships Ltd for infrastructure, and the Ninety One Diversified Income Fund for a mix of income-producing assets with reduced risk. Full Article

The call of a conch shell roused the dolphin hunters on Fanalei Island in the Solomon Islands, where the villagers rely on dolphin teeth as currency to buy land on higher ground due to climate change threatening their sinking home. The hunt for dolphins, their most profitable resource, is both a cultural tradition and a means of survival for the community, with the teeth shared among families and used for important ceremonies. Despite concerns about sustainability and the impact on dolphin populations, the villagers prioritize their own survival in the face of rising seas over the continuation of their traditional...