Author: OMN AI

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that threatens new tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran. The order does not define a fixed tariff rate but uses 25 percent as an example. It says the tariff could apply to goods imported into the United States from any nation that directly or indirectly buys goods or services from Iran. Trump did not comment directly on the order but repeated that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. He spoke from Air Force One while senior US and Iranian officials held talks in Oman after weeks of escalating threats.…

A major review published in The Lancet finds most statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs. Researchers analysed 19 trials involving 124,000 people followed for over four years. Evidence supported only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects. These included liver test changes, mild liver abnormalities, urine changes, and tissue swelling. The study found no strong evidence linking statins to memory loss, depression, sleep problems, or nerve damage. Researchers say benefits in preventing heart attacks and strokes far outweigh the small risks. They call for updated drug labels to help patients and doctors make informed decisions.

The European Union has warned TikTok to change its platform design or face major financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform breached EU online safety laws. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation that began in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s design choices influence user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to user wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and constant content delivery. They said these features can harm users, particularly children. Regulators also said TikTok did not introduce adequate measures to limit those risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The…

Hidden sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram competitions.They offer injectable medicines as prizes to attract users. The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an experimental drug without approval.Posts pressure users with 24-hour entry deadlines. Experts warn these promotions create serious health risks.They apply aggressive marketing tactics to unlicensed medicines. One group offered retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II as prizes.None of these injectable products hold UK approval. UK law bans the sale or promotion of unapproved weight-loss drugs.Telegram and Meta say their rules prohibit such activity.

For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of Epstein-related documents. The records detail years of alleged sex trafficking by financier Jeffrey Epstein. President Donald Trump now urges the country to move forward. Washington shows no sign of leaving the issue behind. Justice department closes its review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has ended. Congress mandated the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no basis for new criminal charges. He said the files include emails, photographs, and extensive correspondence. He said that material alone cannot support prosecutions. The department considers…

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than real food and need stricter regulation.Scientists from Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and Duke University say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harms similar to smoking.Authors warn marketing claims like “low fat” can delay regulation, echoing historic tobacco tactics.They call for measures such as marketing restrictions and stronger industry accountability.Some experts caution comparisons may overreach, urging focus on diet quality and reformulation instead.

The U.S. Commerce Department has unveiled a new national strategy aimed at reenergizing travel and tourism across the country. The plan targets attracting up to 90 million international visitors annually, boosting both jobs and tourism spending. Officials say the strategy focuses on increasing global awareness of U.S. destinations, improving travel access, and promoting regional attractions. The goal is to strengthen the United States’ position as a top international tourism destination. The plan includes initiatives to enhance visa processes, expand marketing campaigns, and support local tourism infrastructure. By simplifying entry and promoting unique travel experiences, officials hope to encourage longer stays and…

Netflix faced sharp scrutiny in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) effort to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during an antitrust hearing. Senators question impact on competition and costs Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee warned the deal could reduce competition across entertainment markets. Several senators said the merger could push subscription prices higher. Others questioned the survival of cinemas if regulators approve the deal. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed transaction. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television studios.…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival claims over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He insisted the design complies with regulations and urged competitors to focus on themselves.The row centres on engine compression ratios and thermal expansion while cars are running.Rivals including Ferrari and Audi raised concerns with the FIA.Wolff said Mercedes communicated transparently with the FIA.He did not rule out protests after the season opener in Melbourne.

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles after safety concerns intensified. The decision makes China the first country to outlaw the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face closer scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly incidents raised alarms among safety authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars built by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors. Emergency Access Takes Priority The new regulations allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media published details of the rules. Authorities want to guarantee access during crashes and power outages. Regulators aim…