Business

Illegal trade: short-term profit, long-term economic decline When Pakistan’s government imposes restrictions on imports to reduce the country’s trade deficit in 2022, it doesn’t stop the inflow of goods – it encourages substitution and possibly smuggling, which is growing at 18% annually. In particular, large-scale manufacturing firms and multinationals were negatively affected, while small-scale firms and commercial importers managed to …

From the aisle to the altar: Vendors of T-shirts, shorts, bikinis and boots are now dressing brides Wedding dress shopping may never be the same again. Instead of getting your entire bridal party together to spend a few hours in a boutique trying on a few dresses for the perfect find at a hefty price tag of $1,000 or more, …

Protesters attempt to storm a Tesla factory in Germany Hundreds of climate protesters have clashed with police in Germany after trying to storm a Tesla factory near Berlin. Several people were injured, including three police officers, during Friday’s demonstration against a proposed expansion of the electric car giant’s only European factory. Police made several arrests and prevented activists from gaining …

UK emerges from recession with fastest growth in two years Stronger-than-expected growth at the start of the year saw the UK emerge from recession. The economy grew 0.6% between January and March, the fastest rate for two years, official figures showed. The UK fell into recession at the end of last year after contracting for two consecutive three-month periods. Prime …

Sunak said it will take time for people to feel better Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that it will “take time” for people to “really feel better” as figures reveal the UK has emerged from recession. The economy grew 0.6% between January and March after contracting in the second half of last year. Mr Sunak told the BBC that …

‘I got married on Thursday and saved £3,000’ When Rachael Fletcher-Beaumont got married last year, she was determined that her marriage wouldn’t cost a fortune. “There is a perception that the word ‘marriage’ adds nothing [to the cost of the service],” says the 34-year-old from Bradford. Rachael and her husband Luke’s biggest money saver was choosing to get married on …

Rat residue found in bread triggers Japanese recall and refund One of Japan’s best-known bread brands is recalling thousands of packets and offering refunds after the remains of mice were found in its products. About 104,000 packs of sliced white bread made by Pasco Shikishima Corporation were pulled from the shelves. Some of the black rats have been found in …

Apple apologizes after piano smashes ad response Apple has apologized after a backlash over ads showing objects, including musical instruments and books, being crushed by a hydraulic machine. Apple said the ad failed to achieve its goal of empowering and celebrating creatives, in a statement released to marketing publication Ad Age. The video aims to show how creativity has been …

Hard sell post-Brexit for British food in Asia In Asia, discussing food is like discussing the weather – it can keep people talking for hours. But when the BBC recently visited one of the region’s leading food and drink events, it became clear that there are some dishes that leave foodies speechless. “English food?” asked a Thai woman with a …

Argentina protests spending cuts under Javier Milei A general strike against public spending cuts has affected much of Argentina, with schools, banks and many shops closed. Train and metro services were suspended on Thursday, with limited bus services operating. One of the main union leaders, Hector Daher, said the 24-hour strike was a wake-up call to President Javier Milei. Mr. …